Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1868-01-18
THE EVENING STAR.


SpKAKKR CoLFAx's RBcKPrIoN.-The COM
modious parlors Of Speaker Colfax's elegant
residence, on 16k street, facing Lafayette
Square, were thronged last evening with dis
ting guished citizens and strangers, the occasion
being his first reception this season. Visitors
commenced to arrive shortly after 2 seclock, and
from that hour until after n. Were constantly
arriving and departing, the reception rooms
being crowded during the whole time. Mr..
Oelfax, whose frank expression, agreeable
manners, and dignified bearing, make a fayor;,-
bic impression upon all who meet him, either
socially or on business, received his guests in
the most cordial manner 1t is not much to say
pleasant word TO those who visit us, but when
they come by hundreds, each one differing from
the others in habits, thoughte, sentiments, and
feelings, it is not so easy to vary the phrases OF
greeting, and say to each one Iust the thing
he or she most likes to hear, and send them
away well pleased with their entertainer
and with themselves. This seemingly
easy, but rare and difficult art Mr. Col
fax seems to possess in an eminent degree
After pleasant word to each Of his guests last
night, be introduced them severally to his
mother and sister, Mrs. and Miss Matthew'S
who stood upon his left, and who, by their
engaging manners, at once removed all restraint
from their visitors, except that imposed by the
recognized laws of social intercourse, and made
them feel at home. Altogether, the reception
was as agreeable as il was brilliant and irn-
posing.
The elegance of the ladies toilettes was q
marked feature of the occasion. The gentler
sex in our country, who have always dressed
expensively, have not always displayed good
taste; but the violations of the laws of har-
mony. or Of pleasing contrasts in color, and of
proportion in form, are not so frequent and
glaring in former years. Mrs. and Miss
Matthews were, Is usual, elegantly attired last
evening-the former in a plain drab silk, with
black lace shawl; the latter in a white corded
silk, elaborately fringed, and her hair most
beautifully arranged. 1t would be well if
those recognized as leaders in society always
showed such good taste.
In the early part Of the evening, next to
Speaker Coliax and the LADIES' of hls family
General Phil. Sheridan, who Was in uniform.
attracted most attention. He was cordially
greeted wherever he made his appearance, and
although the ladies did not kiss him as in some
other cities he has visited recently. some OF
them looked as il they would like TO- il they
dared.
Later in the evening General Grant made hi.
appearance, looking very tranquil considering
the agitation of which ne is the center Many
other distinguished persons We're present. among
them Hon. Edwin NJ. Stanton, Secretary OF
War: Major General o. o. Howard, whose
"empfy sleeve" is a reminder that religious
fervor and personal courage are not incom-
patible; Vice President Wade, whose successor
in the Senate is already elected; Hon. w. f.
Robinson, OF New York, formerly well known
as "Richelieu," OF the New York Tribune Sena-
tor Morrill,, of Maine; ex-Postmaster General
Horatio King; Don Colonel Domingo f. Sar-
miento Minister from the Argentine Republic;
Senators Drake. Harlan, Brown, Wilson; Rep
resentaties Kelly, Williams, Shanks, Hunter,
Latin, Orth, Ingersoll, Ames, Julian. Miller
Pike, Washburn, of Indiana, Elliot, Bout
well; Generals Ord, Thomas, and Vincent;
Governor Hunt, of Colorado; Prof Pierce,
Superintendent Coast Survey; Prof Hiigard
Coast Survey: Hon. Freeman Clarke, formerly
Comptroller of the Currency; Hon. Hamilton
Fish, Of New York; Surgeon Edwards and
Lieut.. Morris of the Navy; NJ ID. ST. Ferriol,
Secretary of the French Legation: Senior
Goni, Spanish Minister; and Hon Joseph
A. Ware, Solicitor Sixth Auditors Office.
besides great number of prominent citizens
of Washington with their families. Newspa-
perdom was present in force-Speaxer Col
fax's former connection with journalism may
account in part for his popularity with the
knights of the pen and pencil-most of the CITY
papers being represented, while of the Wash
ington correspondents we noticed half a dozen
or more. magnificent boquet of exotics on
the piano in the main reception room, was
greatly admired by the lady visitors. This re-
eeption was one OF the most delightful given
this season.
PoLITIcAL.-The greatest activity exists in
hnr mol fie.tl artta i'm,