Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1864-01-16
RECEPTION OF SPEAKER coLFAx.

RECEPTION OF SPEAKER COLFAX.
The reception of Speaker Colfax, last night,
at his residence, No. 8 Four-and-a-halfs street,
was the first OF series Of weekly " Evenings"
10 be given by him during the present session
Of Congress. While 1t was fashionable, and,
in many respects brillrant, 1t was also demo
cratic, intellectual, and social.
II was unlike the grand reception at secre-
tary Stewards the evening previous, which
was necessarily more diplomatic and State
affair. The Speaker is not limited to the same
strict rules which govern the Secretary Of
State. Tho latter issues cards OF invitation,
and must limit them, while the former issues
no cards, but announces a public reception.
Each acts In accordance with an established
custom.
The Secretary Of State has a large Diplomatic
family, so to speak, and those who are honored
with cards of invitation to one of his "recep-
tions always expect to meet the members of
this family-the official representatives Of the
Courts Of Europe and the word-and none are
more precise than they about observing rules
Of etiquette, especially in regard to dress; hence
the Secretary'sreceptions arenecesSarily 'dress
receptions" so-called-a particular style gov
orning.
Not go with the Speakers receptions, or
Presidents public receptions. These two OIL
GERS derive their power more directly from the
people, hence their receptions are not limited
but are for the benefit OF the whole people, who
choose to attend. No particular fashion Of
dress rules the hour. The Speakers receptions,
like the Presldents, are democratic, hence
moro social.
The reception at Speaker COlfaI's last night
was purely for the people. 1t was grand ova-
tIon TO . most worthy officer OF the Govern
msnt. II was an earnest confirmation that the
House of Representatives put the right man in
the right place when 1t elected the Hon. Schuy-
Ter Collar Speaker.
II did us good to see the successor OF Faust
and Franklin-the Understanding as the
third highest officer in this great Government
in the midst OF so many friends, representing
all tho different branches of the Government
Executive, Judiciary, Senatorial, Representa-
tive, Military and Naval, and last, not least,
beautiful woman-who had gathered to do him
honor.
Tho number in attendance was very large,
half-past eight until twelve O'Clock. Among
the ladies present was Miss ANNA E. DIcKIN.
son, the eloquent lecturer, escorted by Judge
Kelley, member of the House from Phil
delphia. She was the target for all eyes.
Her acquaintance was much sought. Her
manners are graceful and her converse.
tional powers seem easy and unaffected.
She does not possess pretty face but highly
intellectual one, which at times assumes the
highest order of beauty, especially when her
large speaking blue eyes express more than
her lips reveal, and when she does speak or
smile, she reveals another charm, precious to
every one, the pride of woman, and the ad-
miration Of men the world over-a most
perfect and beautiful set Of teeth. Her hair is
jet black, cut short, and slightly curled.
She dresses rich and neat with few ornaments,
She is little under the medium height of women.
OF excellent form, and seemingly as strong and
healthy In her physical constitution as she has
shown herself TO be intellectually.
Those who arc not satisfied with our descrln-
ton Of Miss DICKINSON, can go TO the Hall of
the House of Representatives tonight and sec
her for themselves, and listen to her eloquent
"Words for the hour"
II would be unfair to attempt to allude to the
belle Of the evening for there was lively COM
petition between the beautiful daughters of
Massachusetts and Missouri, New Hampshire
and Iowa, and under the circumstances we
have no idea Of incurring the wrath of any one
Of them. 30 we leave the subject just where
II is.