Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-01-05
Our Washington Letter.
NEW YEARS AT the CAPITAL.


in Washington than upon Saturday last During
tho past eight or nine years, socia leuds and po-
iitical differences, growing out OF the rebellion,
and the bitter antagOnism existing between the
President and Congress, interrupted ana IN
great measure suspended both olhcml ana social
intercourse and made New Year day almost as
much the occasion of sights, as the interchange
ol rcspects and compliments In addition to these
inharmonious elements in the official and social
oImosnhere. some banelul influence has for many
veors controlled the trCafher on New Year day
md snow. sleet, rain, mud, cold and wind have
combined on every recurrence OF the festival TO
make calling unpleasant or impossible.
The opening Of the present year oil grace, now
ever. constituted remarkable exception, and it
tingiy innugurated an era of peace and good will.
The differences and asperitcs Of the past had been
forpottcn or soltened and the weather yielded its
softest and qontlest influences 10 encourage the
celebration Of the day, Winter has rs yet for
gotten to visit Us, save by an occasional snow
flake. sent 10 remind us that ho still rcigns 90 the
northward and half openct-rose-buds still peep
ont from the shrubbcry in the public grounds.
The last DAYS VI Christmas were as bright and
beautiful. and MS mild as June, and New Years
day, though cloudy, was ms soft and halmy as
spring. The streets were dry so that the feet Of
pedestrians were not detiled with mud 10 be de-
posted upon parlor carpets. The air was 81
mild that oyercoats were an incumbrance, and
cloaks or wwppings.
Early in the day the streets were filled with
people hurrying 10 get through with private calls
Ia season 10 attend the public receptions. As
propose 20 invite our readers TO attend o few Of
the latter, we will commence our round by stroll
ing near the White House to witness the arrival
and departure of the more houored guests, for
whose reception special hours had been assigned
It had been announced that the President
would receive the members of the Cabinet and
Foreign Ministers ut II O'Clock at 80 the
Judges of the Supreme Court of the United
states, senator's and Representatives IN Congress,
the Judges of the supreme Court Of the District
Of Columbia and the Court of Claims at ~ the
officers Of the army and navy and the Marine
Corps at l2.l5 the associated soldiers OF the war
Of isl2, aud the Oldest Inhabitants As.oca-
ton and citizens generally, from hall-past
twelve TO two 70 clock, Z. NJ.
Precisely at eleven O'Clock the gates at the en-
trance to the Executive Mansion were thrown
open, and the modest carriages OF the Cabinet Of
hcers passed in, followed by the splendid turn
outs Of the foreign minister's attended hv driver,
hours Of eleven and twelve the scene present.
ed in the parl0rs and east room was magnificent
beyond any former precedent The r0ums Them
selves have been newly carpcted furnished and
decorated. The wallsand ceilings have been new
b painted and gilded, and from the panels there
Of lul-lcngth, ilc-size paintings OF former Prcsi-
dents looked down upon the gitterng thr1nr be-
low. The Diplomatic Corps were dressed la cls-
tunes that would have graced the Court oil an
Eastern Prince. The Court dress consists Of q
full dress suit of black, heavily embroidered with
gold thread, with stripe Of gold lace fully two
inches wide running down the outer scam of the
pants. The head ]. covered with the French mill
itary chapcau, while suspended from or pinned
10 the breast, the cmblems and decorations Of
ancient and honorable orders n ala and .n,rlsl.
The officers OF the army and navy were nearly
as gorgeously appareled with belt and sash and
sword. No shoulder straps, with modest bars
or leal or eagle, was deemed sufficient evidence OF
rank; but massive epauletts, heavily iringcd
with gold bullion rested proudly upon the shout
ders OF the sons Of Mars.
Al these gorgeous elupages were fifty match
ed by the elegant dresses Of the ladies, and one
who looked out from corner upon all this dis
play, might truthiully eXclnim, Verify " Solo
mon in all his glory was not arInycd like one OF
these.
But IN eager throug is behind them, and al.
ready steady stream OF unad0rned citizens !.
pouring INTO the rooms, and these brilliant but
ierilics make their exit by temporary bridge
leading from one Of the windows Of the East
room, and retire. Joining the procession that exc
tends lar back towards the road. we patiently
shuttle our way with 1t towards the front door
In half an hour perhnps we have nossed tho nor
tai, and in another minute we are IN the ianion.
Blue Room, where the President is standing bow
ing 10 and pleasantly greeting each member of HI,
passing thrOng Between the President and tho
door stands DR.. Sharpe the | 5 Marshal of Oh,
District, who acts as master of ceremonies A.
he leans towards you, YOU whisper YOUR name In
his ear, when he Immediately turns and present.
you by name to the President. While he extend.
his hand for you to shake, and acknowledge
your Salutation by repeating your name. DR..
Sharpe has turned and IS ready with Tho J next
gentleman, ~ while YOU salute the ladies and mas.
on into the East ROOM and out at the window.
And so for hour after hour the stream flows by
without break or interruption. and the weary
process of hand shaking goes on. But this Is
penalties of greatness
The President was dressed in plain suit of
black, with white kid gloves. and without n sin.
gle article Of ornament upon his person.
Mrs. Grant, who was attired in n rich back
Lyons silk velvet, stood at the right and n lite
in the rear Of the President. and was supD,rted
by Mrs. Secretary Beknap. Mrs. DR. Sburro
Mrs Gen Porter and several other ladies. Ms.
Nellie Grant stood near by. leaning ON the arm OF
her brother, Ulysses, Dr., evidently am interested
spectator of the novel scene
The fall Marine Band were in attendance in
the large antf-raom. and enlivenai tho occasion
ny the performance Of patriotic and popular
Mrs.
Nplh lclNlnB tue W nlte ilOusa. most of the
people repaired 70 the residence OF Vice President
O1ilaA' on sixteen and half street, where the
s1lne scene o. introduction and hand-shakng was
IePca'eu' WIN perhaps a trlile more Of freedom
uiu uih' ie,a oil ceremony. Prom here, the
next nearest place Is the residence Of the new
secretary OF ar Gen Belknap, at the old Sew
lIu'lsion on .he ste side OF the square.
a Noa'ly e'eiy uo'y Salled mere, because few had
ever seen tue nc" Secretary, and the ladies ospec-
i .aIiy W'shcu % east eyes upon the " handsome
linli VI tlle Nunlnet' Secretary Belknap fully
merits ms reputation Tor beauty Of features and
OF person. Livery h1dJ who called here
t GeIe uslisuted win him and his lady, and their
.ree, on-hahd' western style OF greeting and en-
NF ral
III he teeeBtl9n o. secretary and Mrs. Fish was
Ven Ven attended ana equally popular. Secretary
p0utWell, assisted by his wife and daughter.
peIeees3an5ly greeted seemingly neyerending line
VI i IIieiu ~ d" =, nv rooms on twelfth street
iloh' " ~ hooeson' the secretary of the Navy,
uau.eior, received his friends at his rooms
on street, III true bachelor style. There was no
olinuIl.S Or ceremony, out somewhat rough