Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-11-23
EVENING STAR.
ALEXIS IN WASHINGTON,
MS RECEPTION At MINISTER cATacllrs.
THE SUPPER
His Fascination to the President TO-DAY.

About O'Clock last evening an open carri-
age, containing four gentlemen IN plain travelling
costume, stopped at the door OF the house of the
Russian Minister. These were Minister de Cata-
cay, His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke
Alexis, Admiral Possett, and the Secretary
Upon entering the house the party was received
by M adame de Catacazy, regslly dressed, and
according to the custom inR ussia when receiv-
ing member Of the imperial family, holding in
her hand silver salver, ur On which resteda
LOAF OF BROWN BREAD,
The center scooped out, and a silver salt cellar
inserted, containing salt. This she offered with
few gracious words OF welcome, saying, in the
Russian language, 81 offer you bread and salt -
Iris ceremony was soon over, and the gentle
men were conducted to their rooms to make a
change of toilette. No doubt the heart of the
Grand Duke warmed as he looked upon his
BEAUTIFUL HOSTESS,
whose beauty was enhanced by a dress which
was elegant in all its details. 1t was a pale buff
crepe de Paris, train, with a fiounce around
the bottom, bound with satin of the same color
and headed with pipings of the same and
pelisse OF the Grape. The Oyerskirt was long
skirt; it was looped high. The belt was
of satin, and on each side, falling from
IL, were loops and ends of satin finished with
white Spanish blonde lace. Over a low-neck
white waist was q corsage of white striped
gauze, the front of which and the open sleeves
were embroidered in gold. Around the throat
was broad black velvet, with ends falling at the
back far below the waist. Besides this velvet, a
gold necklace was worn, with q diamond drop
and a lOcket with half masked face in enamel
Her ar-rings were large hoops Of gold set with
turquOises. Her lovely blonde hair was ar
ranged in curls, falling over the shoulders and
neck, with braid across the front. On the left
OF the coronet were few choice natural flowers
THE HOUSE
presented a brilliant appearance, the large
chandelier Of glass in the saloon having triple
row OF wax candles. There were also two
antique lamps on each of the ormolu cabinets
and a pot of plants in bloom between the lamps
Above the lamps were brackets with candles
On the mantle were gilt candelabras filled with
wax candles. Vases Of flowers were between
these, besides a beautiful gilt clock in the cen
ter. A lamp, with q reflector was on the side
Of the Emperors portrait, the light being turned
full upon the face, giving it life-like appear
exquisite flowers. The back parlor was no less
brilliant than the front, for cheerful wood fire
burned on the hearth, and there was the same
profuslon OF lights and flowers.
IN THE DINING-RooN
the table was set for twelve, and, without osten-
tafion, there was an air of luxury, combined
with good taste and refinement A lamp hung
from the center of the room, its light shedding
brillancy upon the table. In the center of the
table was large silver epergne filed with flowers;
ON either side OF that smaller epergnes filed
with bca bons, then silver candelabras with
candles, and at each end Of the table epergnes
again, with choice fruits, and rising above these
vase filled with the most exquisite flowers
All down both sides of the table were glass
dishes OF every variety Of preserves and confec-
tons. The plates were white china, with a
border of green, and in the center a monogram
with a corOnet above. Each napkin had the
same in red. Both knives and forks were of
silver, and four different wine glasses stood AZ
each plate. Every glass has the monogram
and cOrOnet in gilt, the glass being white
There were two side tables, upon which were
the plates, knives, forks and spoons for the
different courses. The dessert service is white
with pink and gold border and monogram
There was handsome display of massive silver
walters, wine coolers, and baskets. Madame de
CatacaZy entered the room upon the arm of the
Grand Duke, Mr.. de Catacazy with the Admit
raj, and the others in the order of their rank
Only one hour did they linger 1t the table, for
the Minister never allows a repast to exceed one
hour and a half in duration. They never sit
long over their wine, for they leave the dining
room, and coffee, liquors, (Which assist dige3-
ton,) cigars and cigarettes are furnished in one
or the sitting-rO Still later tea OF a rare
flavor is handed.
THE MENU
was on white paper printed in gilt. The coat of
arms Of the Russian legation in the United
States headed it. 1t was as follows: Potsqe-
Consommie de volatile; Petites bouchies a la
refine. Releves-C0telette de mouton aux petits
pois Entrees-Chaux froid tde perdreaux
Mayonnaise de chapous. Salade russo Com
pOte de peches. Entremets-Punch an Cham
payne. Vino Zucco, PichOn Longueville, Cham
payne ROederer.