Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1872-02-22
THE RUTLAND HERALD.
Editorial correspondence.
WAsH1NeToy. Feb. 16. 1872

the corner of Vermont and Massachu-
sets avenues. We We're most courteous
ly made welcome by our distinguished
host and his pleasant family, which in
cludes, also, Miss Swan, sister of Mrs.
Morrill,. After an agreeable interchange
of a few hours, we took leave with
high appreciation of the courtesy, grace
and dignity which characterizes our hon
ored Senator, who Is a fit and true rep
resen@tive of the people and interests of
Vermont
THE PRESIDENTS RECEPTION.
We had the pleasure of attending the
same evening, the last public reception
of the season, of President Grant.
Thr6dgh the courtesy of two ladies of
our acquaintance we had rare oppor-
tunity for observing all the surround
ings and customs observable on these oc-
-oasions. A description of this occasion,
watch y established for the purpose of
giving the people an opportunity to pay
t~sir respects to the Chief Magistrate,
may be of interest to our readers. The
reception took place from 8 to 10 p. m.
Taking a carriage, we arrive at the pres
idential mansion little past o'clock,
SanS find that notwithstanding the keen,
crisp air, and penetrating cold, it had
proved no impeachment to those who de-
sired to attend, and judging from the
immense concourse of the people, en-
bracing, as it did, those in the ranks of
honor and distinction, it seemed as if
all the city, residents and temporary So
iournersrhad turued out en- nlaSSe to pay
their homage to the President. Taking
position in line with the surging crowd,
WI made our way by a slow and tedious
process between line of policemen, to
the reception room, and we stood before
the President and his familyand friends,
and were presented in due form by
Marshal Sharp and General BabcOck. In
the line with the host and hostess, and
assisting in the herculean task of re-
ceiving were Mrs. ViCe-Presipent Col
fax and Mrs. Marshal Sharp; while
back of them stood Miss Nellie Grant
who during the evening was surrounded
by many friends, seeming to have i'm
provised leyee of her own. Marshal
Sharp stood on the left of the President,
performing the Introductory hOnOrs, with
ease and amiability, while to Gen. Bah
cock was assigned the enyiable task of
waiting upon Mrs. Grant. Gen. Bah
cock, "a genuine Vermonter) seems to
possess and agreeable way of introduce
ing people of which few can boast.
We pass on with the throng gto the
Grand East or reception room. During
the formal hours for holding the recep-
ton, no idle moments were allowed
those receiving, and there seemed to be
no end TO the long line of people that
came through the Red room, but by per
severance and dint of considerable pres
sing the guests get through the range OF
the crowded rooms.
Among the immense gathering we no
ticed Vice-President ColfaX, Secretary
Boutwell, and lady, Miss Boutwell,, Sec
rotary Delano and lady, Attorney Gencr
aland Mrs. Williams, Secretary Belknap
Senator Trumbull, General Banks anC
ladies, Gen. Butler and lady, Rev. DR.
J. P. Newman and lady, Senator Cor
bett and lady, Mrs. Brewer, Mrs. Gen
Ricketts,, Mrs. Hazard, Mrs Albert Hun
otoon, Mrs WOrthington c. Smith, anC
daughter, Mrs. c. W. Willard and Mis-
Underwood of Burlington.
o Having given this general description
it remains only to take a view Of tn
general appearance of the White Iious
on such occasions. Upon entering tn
grand reception room one finds it St
lighted as to cause a reflection of bril-
liancy from almost every object therein
EVERYTHING in and about the room, tn
great chandeliers themselves seem to da2
ole in the merry gas light. In tn
q "Green Parlor, adjoining the Red"
a large number of boquets had been al
ranged in conspicuous places, thus form
ing groups of the choicest products Q
the hot house.
The President stood in a central pos
ton with Mrs Grant standing on hi
right. The guests came in large crowd,
many attired in the court dress. TIL
ladies were Of course gorgeOusly attire
while the gentlemen patronized the COZ
ventional swallow-tailed coat. Clos
upon the heels Of this class came Il
motley gathering of plebians. The PEI
pie were very demonstrative in their r
spect for the Executive. 1t was Obser
able that a good many well dressed ger
tlemen took especial delight, in tn
class as they presentedthcmselves, muC
to their comfort and to the anus
ment of themselves, noSdoubt but
the disgrace and utter rout of all decor
n cy. The heart that speaks its feeling
in.awkward gestures and absurd mods,
rough exterior and plain clothes is off
truer in its impulses than the one so pC
ished in polite buffoonery, and shou
be at least entitled TO protection fro
ridicule.
Early In the evening the heavy ire
o of a squad of policemen, suddenly ma
ing their appearance in the rooms a
take various positions therein One
them is assigned to the special charge
a window curtain, and for the purpC
of giving the visitors 80 to understar
holds his baton in his hand and win
the heavy lace around him. Anotl
assumed the custody OF a spittoon in
way that was in no way calculated
invite eXpectoration Again line of
fcers take charge of the door Thus t
officers of the law like the Roman 5
dery, guard the portals to the arch-ur
ed chamber.
During the entire reception very bct
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