The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-01-02
BY TELEGR RAPH.
BY the Western Union Line.
WASHIN TON.
WASHINGTON, January l.

The day, though cloudy, is BY no
means unsuited for New Years celebra'
tions which, in Washington, are so uni
versally observed, and this day prom-
ices to be the gayest Washington has
known for years.
The reception at the Presidential
mansion was one OF the most brilliant
on record. Complete arrangements tor
receiving and accommodating guests
had been made by General Babcock
and the affair passed of brilliantly
The ushers were attired in black suits.
white gloves and white crayats. and
were unusually attentive and efficient
in the discharge of their duties. The
outside arrangements were all complete
and reflected credit upon the police
who were entrusted with this duty.
The interior of the presidential man
sion was completely placed in order for
the event. From the main entrance to
the door of the red room crash had
been laid, while the costly carpets in
all the main apartments were protected
in a similar manner. The blue room
was tsstefully decorated with flowers,
and on the table in the centre was q
magnificent boquet of tube roses and
presents, while the large table beneath
the mirror was laden with flowers in
vases and in the form of boquets. The
mantle aud table in the blue room
| were resplendent with floral ornaments,
the fragrance OF which added delicious
odors to the room. The last east room,
which has recently been reftted and
reiurnished, wse the admiration OF all
the visitors.
Itwas not yet hall past ten when the
people began to gather in front OF the
Presidents residence. A force o' police
ct the entrance, excluded all but those
wEo were entitled to enter, only the
carriages OF diplomatic corps being al
lowed 10 enter the grounds. These, as
soon as they deposited their occupants,
took up their position in front OF the
White House, with their horses heads
turned one way, and when the line was
complete, the scene was not unlike
that of regiment OF cavalry drawn up
Tor inspection.
As usual, however. members OF the
press with their usual promptitude,
were the first visitors, and were assign.
ed to positions from which they could
observe the proceedings. Closely fol-
lowing them came the foreign ministers
and members of the cabinet. AS the
hour OF eleven approached carriages
began to arrive and the scene within
wa, animated. The brilliant court
dresses OF the foreign ministers, added
to the elegant costumes Of the beautiful
and distinguished ladies who accom-
panied them, made up an impressive
scene.
Sir Edward Thornton, being Dean ot
the Diplomatic corps, headed the court
" assemblage. The party OF visitors
was composed, besides the President, oI
General Babcock. Marshal Sharpe
Mrs. Grant, Nellie Grant, Mrs. Fish,
Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Richardson, Mrs.
Robeson, Mrs. Bellknap, Mrs General
Creswell, Mrs. Senator Conkling, Mis-.
Porter, and Miss Barne.
The President was attired iu plain
black with white gloves. Mrs Gran,
wore q dress Of rich pearl grey silk, with
trimmings OF darker shade. Der
movements were brilliant and her mans
ner dignifed. Miss Nellie Grant
wore a pretty and becoming costume o.
light green silk iastefully and neatly
trimmed. Mrs. Frsh's dress was Of
green silk, with plain butries trim
ming. This lady was the personihcs-
ton OF dignity and elegance. The 9th.
er ladies' were alec handsomely and
becomiDgly attired. :,
The reception took place in the blue
room. Near the entrance door stood
General Dent and next to him the
President. General Bsbcock was al
the right of the latter. and ne6t in o.
der of rotation was Mrs. Grant, the
other ladies named above supporting
her on her right.
The guests we're introduced to the Pres'
ideut by Marshal Sharpe, and were In
turn presented to Mrs. Grant by Gener'
al Babcock. To simplify the ceremony
OF prese tation the heads OF the army
and navy and OF the departments were
introduced to the President by Mar
shall Sharpe, when the introduction va.
taken by the PARTY then presented.
The President was in very happy
mood and received his guests with hi'
usual cordiality. The ladies were like
wise in happy and chatty mood, thus
rendering the reception one OF pleasure
to the participants.
After the departure Of the diplomatic
CORPS and the Cabinet, came the reoep'
ton of the Judges Of the Suprem'
Court and the United States Senators
and Representatives in Congress, ane
1.-THE Governor OF the District OF Colum
bjs. Next camo the officers OF the ar
nv and navy. The latter entered frst
The officers OF the army were present
ed by General Sherman, supported b,
the idiutaut General. Immedistel,
behind them followed a long line OF OF
ficers, some OF whom had grown greJ
il the service. -,
From this time until p. M, tn
foreign ministers and the heads OF de
nartnents, chiefs of bureaus and organ
izations OF the District oil Columol'
who have called for many years, conn
/; bowed, shook hands aud departed; At
.. m. the gates leading to the Whit
House, which had been guarded by
strong detail of police, were throw
open and until 2 p. m. all the cih.eI
were admitted, each being presented, 3
' name, to the President by Asfsh'
e Sharpe. Among the members OF Con
oress were Senators Morton, Thurma
Conkling. Hitchcock. Finton and fr'
.nd Rsnyeaantatiyes Bee