The New York herald., 1871-02-01
TIE REPUBLICAN COURT.
Democratic Masses at the White
House.
MRS. GRANTS THIRD RECEPTION.
Magnificent. Costumes Of Wash.
ingtOn FashiOnables.

WASHINGTON, JAM 81. 1871.
Mrs. Grant was "at homer to-day to her host OF
friends and the public generally. Her receptions
differ In some respects from those OF the satellites
who revolve around her, and which are attended by
the same select crowd or fashionables week after
week, whose faces wear the same studied smile as
they rattle or one Of the pretty little speeches that
they have learned BY heart the substance Of which,
with few slight variations, will sufce for the whole
glddy round Of fashionable resorts during the season.
The receptions held by Mrs. Grant, although fre-
quented BY those who move In the cultivated INTEL
lectual and fashionable circles OF the capital are
also very democratic. The mOdiste who comes up
to the White House to study the effect
OF fashions OF which she reads In the HERALD and
the fashion papers, brushes against the moneyed
aristocrats whose toilets are the successful results
OF her Initiative Abilities inventive brain and corps
OF well trained sewing girls. Mrs. Grants receptions
are not intended exclusively for ladies' though 1t is
convenient for the ladies to be able to attend them
without life protector IN the form OF man; but
curiosity and love Of the fair sex induces many
representatives OF the masculine gender to con,
tribute their presence to the scene.
FULL DRESS IS NOT REQUIRED,
and one can 60 in o plain walking suit and feel a.
home. Nowhere DO you more forcibly realize the
freedom Of republic than at these social gatherings
voluntarily you contrast their lack Of unnecessary
ceremony with the solemn grandeur the freezing for
mality OF drawing room, and In your heart thank
God that 1t is not our doom be compelled to bow
the knee to royalty. The White House never pre-
sented an appearance OF greater elegance combined
with genuine comfort, than 1t do es now. rea
home.like air pervades the handsome suit
OF rooms that are opened to the public.
1t Is cheerful, unassuming, yet elegant
American home, with hallowed associations
clingng around it Of bygone days, Of ancient
grandeur, Of noble looking men ana beautiful,
queenly women. The unceasing tide Of humanity
has swept steadily onward. All things are changed:
progress has been and Is the watchword. Stately
old aristocrats with their powdered hair, cooked
hats, lace ruffies and diamond shoebuckles, have
given place to dashing young America In nobby lit
tie Chesterdelds, tight, cream-coored pantaloons
and gorgeous, rainbow-hued neckties, their per-
fumed locks surmounted by SLEEK looking beavers
and their hands encased in dainty Kid gloves. So
cia positions, which were once yielded to the claims
OF blood alone are now purchased with dollars and
cents. These thoughts ore apt to drift across your
mind as you sit in cosey Of the Blue Room,
watching the incoming throng as they file by Mrs.
Grant most OF them pausing long enough to touch
the tips Of her goved fingers and jerk out her name
perhaps Then they pass on to seek the best stand
point from which to peer at the group who per.
forming for Mrs. Grant the important duty Of enter
tanning people. The ladies upon whom this honor
has been conferred are Mrs Governor Morgan, Of
New York; Mrs. Creamer, President Grants sister,
and Miss Felt, OF Galena Illinois. Now and then
acquaintances and friends Of the family are ushered
into the room. OF course, they exchange greetings
with Mrs. Grant and the President, whose Cabinet
duties being discharged has kindly appeared to
sustain Mrs. Grant during the trying ordeal Of
receiving. Mrs. Grant volunteers very little con-
versaon, but like most Of her sex, she keep the
ball rolling II 1t Is set In motion. We read that Mrs.
President Madison had pleasant word for every
one whose hand she clasped similar tradition
when she does speak, her words are Kind and her
manner pleasant. She is
PLAIN, GoOD-HEARTED WOMAN
q devoted mother and a faithful friend. Her dress
Is OF course OF minor Importance In the estimation
Mrs Is svden II not s 1ans
giant III the selection OF her wardrobe. Dia-
monds Esna,s are not not always flashing in her bosom
she has learned the beautiful art OF combining sim
pliciiy with elegance To-day her dress Of rich,
made with round waist Marie Antoinette sleeves
and large bow at the waist behind edged with white
point lace blg corsage finished at the throat. by
deep point lace collar, and hair In heavy crimped
braids, among which jeweed aigrettS sparkled
which would have pleased the most critical eye.
THE GRAND TOILET OF THE OCCASION
was worn by Mrs. Governor Morgan 1t was unique,
costly and beautIfuI and was composed Of the rich
width almost covered 10 the waist by
richly embroidered vine OF varegated pansies each
thread lace bows. From this swept court tram,
which was trimmed on the bottom with deep
embroidery above IT, heart-shaped corsage was
finished with white lace; from flowing sleeves hung
and the same costly gems bazed among the wnita
lace, lilac velvet and white ostrich tips Of her head
dress: A handsome costume OF the shades known
as c0fiee and cream, with an lnexplicable mass OF
black lace and ruchtngs enhanced the gentle lowell
ness ss,s Of Mrs: creamers picture face coral pin
brsids. Of her hair. MISS Felt chatted
she was presented. She was stylishlY dressed in
black silk, with coral ornaments. Mrs. Fish looked
vet carriage costume. Noticeable among the hand.
some toilets was black gros grain, elaborately
handsome form Of Mrs. Commander MOTIFS '''' ''"t
Standing in the hall. looking into the Blue Room.
moving, bewderlng mass Of beauty meets your
faces-giris Perhaps just emancipated roS SOdtns ts
thraldom Of boarding schools, who are buoyana
ing along in velvet, laces and feathers are rheif
haggard looking werld- worn mothers, who, having
an opportunity TO dispose OF them at the 6ighesa
market value: Your glance next fingers on group
" Win
beaux, have come to the reception to catch
GLIMPSE OF GAY LIEE IN " WASHINGTON.
dresses and they will 20 back to the hundrum rou-
tine Of their country lives with no sting Of envy IN
PEELED 10 go the treadmill round OF city gayety.
Next comes set OF wiry-lookin0, sharp.fea-
tured. eagle eyed-polittcians, and II the
question arises how they can waste their
valuable time at Mrs. Grants reception, the answer
is that they wish tO press some Of their constituents
upon the notice OF the President before long. Now
dgnifed party OF foreigners pass by, and here and
there you catch the glitter OF army and navy bnt-
tons. Although the Blue Room was tho centre Of
attraction many wandered on TO the Green and East
Rooms. paused to admire their tasteful sdomments
trpho nf
ful flowers. AS five strokes rang out from gilt and
bronze clock the gay crowd had dispersed and soon
after the loiteres who Always remain 70 see the last
OF everything followed their example, ana the Presl-
dents family were left In peaceful possession Of the
mansion until Its doors are again thrown open to
the public for grand levee on next Friday evening.
Among those present were Secretary Roheson, Mrs.
General Logan, Mrs. General Babcock Mrs. Judge
Pratt, Commander and Mrs. Morris, Commander
Winslow, Mrs. Postmaster General Creswell, Misc