Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-05-15
mr.. Childs' Reception.

MIR. Childs, the proprietor OF the Phlladel'
pbis Ledger, gave grand reception at his
handsome residence on the evening OF the 10th
inst. The New York Times says:
|, was known that President Grant aud bis
charming wife were guests of Mr.. Childs; and
indeed, the invitations were to meet the Presi-
dent and his Cabinet. They were oil present
the new Secretary of War, Secretary Robe
son, Secretary Chandler, Secretary Fish, Post.
master General Jewell and Attorney General
Edwards Pierrepont There was also another.
guest, only second 10 Importance to the Presl-
dent himseIf-Dom Pedro of Brazil, who was
accompanied by the Empress; for that lady.
although lame, was rendered the least tired by
her experience 10 the Centennial Grounds,
where she had formally opened the Woman 8
Work Pavilion. The meeting between the
President and the Emperor was exceedingly
cordial, aud the latter chatted freely With
everybody, and appeared to be enjoying him
self 10 solid imperial fashion. Besides these
important persoDages, there were many others
only second 10 position to them.
The host and hostess received their guests 10
the beautiful parors, aud Mr.. Chids presented
oil gentlemen to the President The Emperor
roamed through the exquisite rooms. speaking
sometimes broken Engllsb and sometimes hu.
eul French, and before an hour had passed
6ne, full flow of general conversation had set
10, to which thc witty and eloquent gentlemen
Of the New York bar contributed ia Al emf.
uent degree. The sparkle and vivacity of the
talk were fully 10 accord with the splendor of
the ladies jewels aod the brightness Of the
regulations gathering 10 the rooms.
The toilets were handsome, but scarcely bril-
liant but the display of jewels WAS something
unparalleled, though no one could vie with the
Empress Of Brazil. She wore robe OF mauve
moire silk and egregrine trimmed with lace, but
her necklace and parure Of diamonds were most
superb. Many other ladies wore foe diamonds
and other precious stones, and one lady in par
ticular had upon her white neck a most exqul-
site emerald What with the flashing of bright
eyes and bright gems, the rustling of silken
trains. The witty bursts Of conversation. the
glamour of famous names, aud the splendid set
tiog Of magnificent parlors, the scene was one
we'll worthy to be r, corded, aad not likely tn be
forgotten. After two hours of the most enjoy
able kind the guests repaired to the parlors 10
the rear, where the supper was spread.
band of msny pieces discoursed sweet music
from bower in the corner formed principally
of orange trees, rhododeudrons, calla lilies and
japonlcas. The ceiling was hung with silken
folds OF red, white and blue, and below, the ia
bles groaucd with regal luxury and lavishness
of dalu,es. Champagne both still and spark
ling, sweet and dry. abouudsd, and for those
who preferred Johannesberger and Hockheim-
er, both were provided. The list Of dainties
Was long, aud it was supplemented by gor-
geous variety Of fruits and cream. The fair sex
mingled with the ruier me Land took their petit
soupers standing, With zest and with grace.
There was no speech making, but the popping
OF corks aud the clatter of busy spoons and forks
we're eloqueuce enough. Shortly after supper
the Emperor left, but the President remained
to the last The lingering visitors departed
finally about midnight, after season ofexqul.
site enjoyment, and one rich in pleasursble
"reminiscences