The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-05-23
Washington News and Gossip.
THE WHITE HOUSE WEDDING.

The following account Of the White House
wedding is taken from the Boston Herald S
efaporate speciaI: -''Tne executive MANSION
had been extensively decorated for the occa-
sion Flowers adorned the doorways and hang
ing baskets were pendant from the centre of
each. The east room was resplendeDt with its
many mirrors, lace draperies at the seven large
windows, three crystal C handeliers, each con-
tanning forty burners, which sparkled like dia-
monds. All the mantels and woodwork were
of white and gold. The double window mid
way down the room (Which is one hundred by
forty feet in dimensions and has ceiling
twenty three feet in height) was entirely con-
cealed by the bank of blooming plants. just
in front of this was slightly raised dais, which
was handsomely carpeted. Above this dais
hung marriage bell of white flowers The
number of guests present was very small, only
about 160 invitations having been accepted of
the 300 issued. Among those present were Sir
Edward Thornton and the members of the
British legation, General Sherman, the justices
of the Supreme Court, Vice President Wilson,
Speaker Blaine, about dozen Senators and
Representatives, officers of the army and navy
and marine corps A few minutes before II
o'clock there was perceptible movement
an opg those gathered in the room. The Rev.
DIR. Tiffany of the Metropolitan Methodist
Episcopal Church entered and stood at the
foot of the dais. Mr.. Sartoris in full evening
dress, accompanied by his best man, Colonel
Frederick Grant, in full uniform, now appear
ed, passing through the suit of parlors, while
the bridal party entered the large folding doors
which are opposite the dais The first in the
procession were the bridesmaids, Miss Conk-
ling and Miss Frelinghuysen being in the adj
vance. They paused as they passed just be.
You'd the central chandelier. Miss Porter and
Miss Sherman came next, and advanced be-
You'd the first two Then followed Miss Drexel
and Miss Dent, then Miss Barnes and Miss
Fish, and lastly the bride with her father. As
she passed between her bridesmaids and
reached the dais, Mr.. Sartoris stepped for
ward and received her from her father.
They mounted the dais, and the bridesmaids
formed a circle. The bride and groom knelt
during the exhortation. The service was per-
formed after the form of the Methodist church
The VOWS we've exchanged, the ring was given
as pledge, and the words were uttered which
made the two man and wife. Then came the
solemn injunction: 'Those whom God has
Joined together, let no man put asunder." The
President gave his daughter ferv:d embrace,
and the mothers emotion almost overcame her.
The bridal robe was of rich white satin, with
train three yards long. The skirt was entirely
covered with round point lace flounces, so foe
and exquisite that they might be taken for
wreathes of mist These flounces We're headed
by sprays of orangesblossoms, that at intervals
became clusters of flowers, with tiny orange
in the centre. The sleeves were trimmed with
point lace and flowers to match the skirt. The
trail was CT illusion, which was fastened with
a wreath The ornaments consisted of neck
earrings Of the same. The bride carried su-
perb white bouquet, and pearl fan which was
covered with white point lace. The brides
maids were all dressed alike in white silk, over
which was illusion ruffled with narrow plisses
The sashes were or white silk, lined and ar
istia I1v fact of fha
the pouf at the back, and the fringed ends fall
ing on the train, where they were kept in place
by spray of flowers. Flowers trimmed both
sides of the skirts and were worn on the bosom
and sleeves. The waists of these. dresses were
low neck, white silk with the illusion high, and
finished with ruff of the tulle. All these
waists were open in front and fastened by the
bouquet de corSdge. Four of the bridesmaids
wore pink flowers and four blue. After the
ceremony the company adjourned to the state
dining room, where the usual breakfast was
in readiness.
Senator HaMlin recently received letter
from Mr. Chase of Fairfield, Me-, requesting
him to ascertain if there was not small sum
of money in the Treasury RENTED about fifty
years ago by the Consul at Cronstadt, as the
balance on the settlement of the estate of
sailor, who was Mr.. Chase s:brother and who
had died of small pox. Mr. Hamlin, who al
ways looks after the interests of his consttu-
ents, had search made, and it was ascertain
ed that the Consul had deposited for the heirs
of deceased $92.03 in the year 1928.
PENSIONS.
The Commissioner of Pensions states that
the House amendment to the Pension bill,
which reduces the fee for pension vouch-
ers from 30 to 20 cents, will work injustice.
The reduction will be felt chiefly by the small
offices, while the large offices will continue to
receive extravagant fees.