The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1877-02-02
| DIPLOMATIC CELEBRATION.
An Entertainment by the spanish
Minister The Guests. the iOi.
lets, Etc., Etc.

(Correspondence of the Courier-J ournal.)
1t is not probable that any entertain
ment to be given in Washington for
some time to come will equal that at the
Spanish legation on Tuesday evening,
the 23d instant. 1t was grand diplo-
matte celebration of the second ami
versary of the accession of Alfonzo to
the throne OF Spain, and was honored by
the presence ola majority OF the men
and women in Washington distinguished
in the social, political or diplomatic
world. Every branch of our govern
ment sent honored members to repre-.
sent it, and thus officially congratulate
the king of Spain on the peaceful con-
clusion of the second year OF his reign.
Due preparations for the comfort and
pleasure of the guests were made at the
residence of Senior Moretilla, the minis
ter of Spain and his wife, of whose
beauty of person and grace OF manner SO
much has been deservedly said and writ
ten. AS the weather had not been fay
orable for more than few hours at the
time for many weeks, it was judged pru-
dent to secure the guests against any
possible changes, SO passage-way
rooted and walled in with awnings, and
carpeted throughout, was arranged,
reaching from the front door of the lega-
ton to the outer edge of the carriage
step in the street. Entering this from
their carriages, guests passed directly
into the house, where the Odor OF tlow-
ers, brilliant lights and pleasant sense
of warmth and luxury were their first
greeting. There is deep recess under
| second door OF the long rarlor. This re-
cess was converted into tropical bower
hedged On three sides with tall orange
and lemon trees, in tubs. The trees
were covered with fruit. Wax-lght
in bronze candelabra lighted this sylvan
retreat. There are two wide and deep
| recess windows in the drawing-room,
and these were by the art of the florist
converted into exquisite grottos, where
large mirrors in heavy gilt frames were
set in walls of living green. From floor
to ceiling these recessss were covered
| with box, with the bright. fresh verdure
of which the large, red and white came
las with which it was closely studded
formed beautiful contrast. These grot.
tos were each lighted with three bronze
gas burners directly in front OF the mir.
rOrs. The crimson satin curtains which
draped the windows were drawn back to
disclose these floral bowers, and in the
chrystal mirrors were reelected the bril-
liant scene presented in the salon and
hall beyond. The brilliantly-lighted
apartment, with its walls covered with
mirrors and paintings. and fitting set
ting for the illnstriouS company which
thus presented taJleau pirant of no or.
binary splendor appropriately framed.
The minister and Nine. Moretilla stood
just within the second door OF the salon
and extended a courteous welcome TO
their guests, following our American
habit OF shaking hands with each. Among
those whom they welcomed were the two
sons OF the president, and Mrs. Fred
Grant, the chief justice and several Of the
associate justices of the supreme court,
all accompanying ladies'; many senators
and representatives, who also accompa.
MED ladies, all the ladies and gentlemen
OF the diplomatic corps, with very few
exceptions, and number OF our most
respected citizens. The guests numbered
near a thousand persons. That number
OF invitations was issued, and II is be-
iieved no one invited failed to appear,
ana consequently the crowd was very
great. The toiletes of the ladies were
magnificent. The hostess surpassed all
others in beauty of person and faultless
dressing. Madame Moretilla is of the
medium height, with full, rounded figure:
her complexion is a clear, rosy bru-
nette, with lustrous, expressive ewes,
mobile features and abundant tresses
glossy and dark as the ravens wing. She
wears her hair well OF her face and fore
mead, and no short curls or frizzes
Braids and puffs on the top OF the head
give height and majesty. A cluster of
three diamond pins sparkle amid her
dark tresses. At her fete she wore tea.
rose silk covered with crepe lisse of the
same shade; this was but the tounda.
ton for superb flounces and draperjes
OF point lace garlanded with exquisite
flowers. Her dress was low, displaying
the perfect neck and arms. Around her
throat she wore a string of pearls, the
pendant OF which was large flower Of
diamonds. with long sprays branching
on and resting upon the corsage. each
of these sprays glitterIng with diamonds.
Mrs. Chandler was the next best dressed
lady. She wore white silk, trimmed
with point lace aud embroidered Ia seed
pearls. Her necklace ami ornaments of
diamonds were magnificent.