The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-01-02
he gave Tue annual rcceptions betxeen 1850 ana

he gave the annual receptions between 1880 ana
1887. He gave something to eat to all, and It was
on one OF tho said New Years Days that the vast
cheese which had been made for him In Jefferson
county, New York, was distributed In quarter
upon the carpets, so that the smell assembled to
heaven. Van Buren, stopped the refreshments ON
New Years. and the same have never been re-
stored. After Van Bnrens time political reyOiu-
ti0n followed by the detection OF Mr.. Tyler to his
party, shortened the feast at New YEARS., and Mr.
Folks term was consumed with the Mexican war
so that. when we add to these untoward facts the
death of General Taylor, we must look to
Pn.Lm0RBs ADMINISTRATION
for hearty revival OF New Years. His first recep-
ton was splendid reconnaissance OF good manners
and good cheer, and his own handsome c0unte-
nance and p0rtly body graced the occasion. Frank
Pierce would have also made a kindier time OF his
new Years receptions but for the loss OF son,
which removed Mrs. Pierce from the public circle.
Harriet Lane gave social excellence to Blu.
chanan's term, her manners being frank and sin.
o oere; ana Mr.: Lincoln who was always beloved.
ceremonial of the day, while Andrew Johnson, dcs-
pl.s @ MS fight with Congress and despite the
the last by the multitude whenever he kept open
cheer.
GENERAL GRANT
has Kept up the full spirit OF New Years, for his
family have an abundance of sparkle and YOUTH
and there is something very agreeable in his own
distinct iteration OF every callers name accompa-
MED by genial look which ia sufficient for any
strangers ssesteem washington city shows in
which 1t Is customary to deplore 1t is the best
paved city IN this country, asphatum and wood
other times, when the carriages OF the big bugs
would sometimes stall before the Presidents own
door, Above ninety miles OF new foot pavement
has been put down here Within the past year, aud
do not show the extent OF the new work laid down
in Washington more wildly than the miserable
nature of the former city, wherein so much Is
claimed In favor OF their New Years ceremonies TO
the depreciation OF our own times. When Mrs.
Madison came to the White House the population
Of Washington was less than that OF Georgetown,
our suburb. Greenleaf Law, Morris and the
"bulls" In Washington real estate were all ruined,
and even in 1910 Mr.. Rush, OF Philadelphia, wrote
q common opinion when he said that he had "lOst
all confidence in Washington property" II was
the Capitol extension, begun In 1851, which gave
THE CITY BY THE POTOMAC
some renewed hope; but the turning days OF the
war, when freedom appropriated this city Tor all
the future, showed Washington to have become
Northern city, with institutions, projects, cOntem
spirit. About five hundred first class houses have
been built here since the war, In almost all OF
which general hospitality was rendered to-day,
and while there are few persons here OF overbear-
ing wealth, there Is general life-sOcial and
material, and, strange as 1t may seem, even
than was ever known before, even when q few per-
sons splashed their way through o struggling viii
lage without pavements, street lamps or curbings
when oil the dismal reservations were unenclosed
and common post and rail fence such as now
shuts up q pasture fed surrounded
THE PRESIDENTS MANSION.
Those were the squalid days OF proud penury and
wretched prontgacy. Everything was magnifed,
from the beauty OF the hostess to the size Of the
savory cheese which she set out for lunch with
Madeira. Many years will still ensue before WASH
ington city will I'LL the measure of public expecta-
tiOn but there is no question that Its New Years
ceremonies make II on that day one OF the lveliest
towns in America.