The Feliciana Democrat., 1858-02-27
SOCIAL ETIQUETTE OF WASHING
TON LIFE.

vlSlt tne CapllOl, SOlllc vi Whohi, u'e"o"E" WI
ycrscd in the general usages OF private life,
may yet be unacquainted with the forms and
ceremonies peculiar to Washington. The Pre-
sidcnt of the United States and his official
friends and advisers, though not hcdgcd around
with the formal and unmcaning etiquette that
prevails in most foreign countries. are yet
compelled to resort to certain convcntonali-
ties and customs, whose significance must ne
yer be neglected by those who aspire TO posi-
ton in society.
OF course the President, to avoid being per
fectlv overwhelmed with visitors, dlers and
excitement seekers, is Obliged to deny himself
10 the public, except on certain days and hours.
If gentleman desires to see him on reall :
important business, he applies to the man in
waiting at the White House door, and if in
formed that "thc President is in his Office, his
card is sent in hy the private messenger, and
he himself conducted TO an ante-rooni, where
he waits until notified that the President is in
readiness for his visit, which must be made as
brief as possible.
Those who merely wish to pay their re-
spccts. call during the stated reception hours,
leaving their cards with the porter before en-
tering Of course, it is not supposed that he
can return any of these visits. Neither must
your call be prolonged after exchanging a
few polite sentences, you are expected to re-
tire.
1t is a universal rule that all strangers in
town must make the first call on the resident
functonaries, ambassadors, ETC.; the necessity
for this course Of proceeding is obvious. None
of our lady friends need be prevented from at
tending the alternate Tucsday-evening lcvces
through timidity or fear Of displaying igno-
rance in the social forms and ceremonies there
observed The etiquette Of II leyec is extreme
ly simple. Yon enter the dressing-room, where
your wrappers are taken charge Of by n wait
ing woman, who gives yon check for them
von then rejoiu your escort at the door, who
conducts you through the "crimson parlor'
into the Blue Room where the President re-
cc yes Your name is asked by the U >
Marshal, who introduces you to the chief ma
gistrate. A smile, a shake of the hand, and {
pleasant word are all yonr due, and You ar,
then presented to Miss Lane, whose corda
smile and welcoming manner go far to reassnr'
the tmid novice. But it would be preSump
tion for you to enter into lengthy conversa
tion or expect more than a passing motto,
from the President or his niece so you pas
through the green parlo." into the E,rfame,
East Room, where you are at liberty either t.
enact the part Of ''wall.1ower," or to join il
the promenade.
1t is not customary to go before eight, or tt
remain u moment after ten o'clock at these lie
vces !; neither do you make any adieu to thu
President or Miss Lane all that is nccessar,
is to withdraw as quietly as possible when 20,
are weary Of the festive scene.
Miss Lane also receives" Oh Saturday be
tween the hours Of twelve and three. Yo,
are introduced by the master of ceremonies
aud after few remarks, ladies generally pas
through the suite of reception rooms, visit th
conservatories, and when ready to take leave
return to the Blue Room, bid adeu to Mis-
Lane, and take their departure.
The ladies Of all the Senators also throw
open their reception rooms to company on ST,
turday, during the same hours and all wh'
choose may call to pay their respects. In nj
these visits, however, it is Indispensable tha
your card Clearing your Washington address
should be given to the attendant at the door
as these cards are afterwards referred to b,
your hostess in making out lists for balls, pal
ties, dinners, etc.
Thursday morning, between twelve ant
three, are devoted to the reception OF the Ii
dies of the cabinet officers. Refreshment ia
bles, loaded with wines, liquors. and cake, ar
generally set in one of the apartments. and ii
ny cups of Sevres china, containing coffee O
chocolate, are offered to guests by the atte'
dants 1t is unnecessary for you to wait a
invitation to partake Of these dantics as yo
are expected to "hep yourself"
Reception" ceremonies are brief and sin
pie. After the salutations are exchanged wit
f your hostess, and the weather duly discussed
, you walk through the apartments, chat wit
any friends you may happen to encounter, and
; on leaving, bow good byc' to the ladies c
the house
9 If ladies are accompanied by a gentleman
! he, of course introduces himself and them
, but if not, they may introduce themselves,
strangers, without embarrassment In som
places your name is requested by the footmar
and announced rs you enter, Your visit ma
prolonged from five to fifteen minutes, bu
not longer It must not be supposed tbs