The national Republican., 1867-01-18
THE PRESIDENTS RECEPTION.

THE PREsIDENT's RECEPTION.
The reception at the Executive Mansion
last night-the first regular Presidential
levee Of the season-was, considering that
the thermometer stood 20 degrees below
freezing point, the grandest popular ovation
that any President has ever received. Al
most any citizen Of the Republic who was
fortunate enough to have comfortable quar-
ters to remain in, would have been excusa-
BILE for not venturing out into the cold upon
any errand whatever. To attend Presi-
Dental reception, under such circumstances,
means something. It exhibited determi-
nation on the part Of those who turned out
not only to resist the unusually severe
weather, for this climate, but also to repel the
clamor, which the Radicals are trying to pop.
ularize, that "THE President has no friends"
Last night the people, without regard to sex
or nationality, gave the lie to the declara-
ton. Every Department Of the National
Government, tOithout regard to party polities,
was represented. Every one Of the thirty
siI States of the Union was represented
Great Britain, France, Russia, Prussia, Italy,
Austria, Spain, and nearly all the other for
eign Powers were represented by their Min
listers or members Of their Legations. To
enter more into detail, nearly every member
Of the Cabinet was present, and the family
Of each was represented by one or more
ladies. The States Of New Hampshire, Yer.
mont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio,
Maryland, Wisconsin, Kansas, California,
Oregon, Indiana, Nevada, West Virginia,
md other States were represented by one or
more Of their Senators or members Of their
families. The House Of Representatives and
Territories contributed proportionate quota
TO the grand ovation. ASHLEY, the lin
peached impeacher," should have been there
to sec
The Supreme Court came to the rescue OF
TIE President again. The Chief Justice
was not present, but majority Of the mem,
bers were, and q majority constitute THE
Court" so that the levee last night was not
only grand free-will offering of the Amer
lean people, joined in by the representa-
tiyes Of nearly all Of the foreign governments
Of the earth, but it was legal majority
Of the highest judicial tribunal in the land
being in its favor. The ladies turned out in
large numbers and with zeal unconquera-
BILE by the severity Of the weather. A
hner array Of beauty has seldom graced
the drawingrooms Of the Presidential man
sion. The President appeared to be in ex-
cellent health, and greeted his guests with
great cheerfulness and cordiallty. He had a
right to feel proud OF the demonstration Of
last night, and truly to appreciate it as an
honest tribute OF the American people to
true patriotism.
The graceful bearing Of Mrs. PATTERSON
and Mrs Slower during the three hours Of
continuous hand-shaking, bowing, and kindly
words OF meeting, greeting, and adieu, was
the subject Of general remark by the "lookers-
on" IN the Blue Room. Mrs. PATTERSON wore
an elegant silk dress of the color Of ashes Of
roses and . rich white lace shawl. Mrs
SrovER was attired in rich lilac silk dress
and white lace shawl Their headdresses
were without unnecessary display, but very
becoming.
The great East Room, with its new ar
tistic decorations, presented very brilliant
picture. The crowd during the whole even
ing was large. The gay, rich and variegated
dresses Of the ladies, the brilliant uniforms
Of the army and navy officers mingling with
the reigning fashions Of the ciVilians-all
joining in the grand promenade, assisted by
the brilliancy Of the chandeliers, and the
wonderful effect OF the numerous mirrors,
formed scene Of beauty rarely equalled.
The Marine Band executed several most ex-
quisite popular airs during the evening, and
at IL o'clock the last Of the guests left the
White House.