Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-03-24
The Heyt.Chase Wedding Reception

The wedding rece ption given by Mrs. Sprague
to her sister, yesterday afternoon, was one o.
the most beautiful and elegant affairs ever
given in this city. 1t might well be styled a
''fete champetre;'' for, in the midst OF a great
city, it partook OF q rural character. The in
side OF the house was perfect garden of fow-
ers, and outside, on the lawn Of grass were
large and small pavilions with tables spread
with the most tempting refreshments. The
soft, bsimy weather added to the many other
advantages, and it seemed that the bride was
favored by the elements as we'll as WORTHY
friends.
Mrs. Sprague's superior tastes and advantage
enable her to surpsss almost very one whenever
she entertains. Her house is iled with rare
and beautiful works of art, collected during he
several trips to Europe; she herself il the EN-
bodiment OF beauty, refinement and grace. Sh (.
mas the patrician air of one born to royalty, an
right regally does she dress and act. There
was no flaw or mistake in the God taste an I
elegance OF yesterdays entertainment Ms.
Sprague and her HI ST Ind stood near the ii rst
door OF the grand syicon, snd q servant an
no incec 1ch person by name.
One OF the ushers stood conveniently by to
conduct each one to the bride. who, with her
rsband and bridesmaids, formed a gronp in
front of a large bay window, which was filled
with blooming plants, and between the parted
lace curtains hung, over the he ad of the bride
q marriage bell, composed of white flowers,
Inc NANTES and hearths were covered with
MOWERS, and there were stands of trem scat
tered through the room, with baskets and bon
quets IN great proiusion. The gr and mirrors
superb paintings, statuary, and the svaying
tnrong of elegantly dressed ladies and GENT =
men, together formed gorgeous spectacle, and
one to be remembered for a long time.
Quite a number OF friends from New York
snd other cities we're present, and the ladies
were all in full dress. Many wLo attended the
from two to three O'Clock in making q more
elaborate toilette. The English morning dress
worn by the gentlemen, consisted OF light-col-
ored pants and frock coat.
The Joint High Commission adjourned All
hour earlier to attend, and the Judges or the
supreme Court were present. Jay Cooke, the
great banker, and ex-Attorney General Evarts
and wife were among the guests, and all the
orelgn ministers and their wives, together with
a tost Of others distinguished PROFESSIONAL and
'oG Gn evlneed their interest by attendance:
played. Silver for the table in almost endless
variety had been presented. 1t is impossible TO
give an idea OF the many different articles
which were seen wrought in silver and gold
There were waiter, tureen, and two large
vegetable dishes given by Senator and Mrs
Sprague; 9 full set OF spoons and forks
from one friend; a dessert ladle and spoons
from another; on very large silver waiter
was tea service consisting Of tea kettle, tea
pot, sugar bowl and slop bowl, all of soiii
silver, heavily frosted and ornamented with
figures in relief. In brOnzss there we're a hand
some clock and elegant vases. A set of mantel
ornaments were clock Of Glue enamel and gilt
Win vases 10 match, ali under glass shades.
Two articles In silver must have been ANTIQUES
One was handglass set in silver. Another a
very heavy nask; the silver mountings of these
were very curious to examine. A portfolio ami
upright paper case OF fire gilt were among tine
most exquisite gif1.
One admirable feature of the reception was
the admitting of fresh air and daylight to all The
rooms Instead OF excluding them as is too efrsn
the case on such occasions, and lighting the
mouse with gas. The effect of artificial iiIuu,i-
nation on q bright sunshiny day is never
agreeable, and the heat from il is ALWAYS in
tolerable in crowd. AT Mrs. Sprague's yes
terday there was no inconvenience or discon-
fort arising from so large q company attending
a. the parlor was kept cool BY admitting the air
freely, and the piazza and garden 20 enticingIy
near.constantly drew the guests from the house.
thus relieving the pressure In the pariors. The
Marine Band, on the piazza, played during the
reception.
The crowd outside the house was marvellous
to behold, but was kept in perfect order by the
ve-inspiring presence of policemen. Ali ages
and conditions gathered, curious to behold the
wedding guests - they entered or left the house
AT every window Of the houses around. numer-
GUS heads we're seen eagerly overlooking the
asssmblage below. Indeed curiosity appeared
to be wrought to the highest pitch on every side
until the reception came to an end, which was
shortly after i've O'Clock.
The newly-wedded pair propose, we under
stand, European tour, to last through several
months The good wishes Of a wide circle or
friends will 60 with them.