New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-02
AT TILE WHITE HOUSE.
AN UNUSUALLY BRILLIANT GATHERING OF I'M
FORMED OFFICIALS AND OTHER CALLERS.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO IHE TRIBUNE

lBY TELEGRAPH TO tribune
WAsUINGTON, JAN mo New Years Day IN
Washington for five years has equalIed TINS Tor me
brightness of the skies and the cleanliness oil the
streets. The rains of the past few days dsposed OF
every particle of dust without leaving any mud on
the smooth pavements, and the air was JUST crisp
enough. with the brilliancy of the sun. to i'm
part to every one who observed the uaS "'
all an unusual exhllaration.
The reception at the Executive Mansion was the
social event of the day 1t surpassed III brlliancy
any similar one of late years The diplomatic rep
rcsentatlves of foreign countries, accompanied by
the attaches of the Legations and the ladies OF their
families were all there, the gentlemen III their
gayly col0rcd court dresses, prOfusely oraIneht'd
with gold lace and the ladies' atlred In costumes oil
marvellous richness The officers OF the army ara
navy, whose uniforms have been made so m"ch
more snowy since the visit of General sherman 10
Europe. n few years ago: the dignihed Judges
of the Supreme and other courts winch
SIT in this city. and Government officials OF every
grade in the Civil Service throngcd the WHITE
Honse and made the scene one long to be remem-
bered for its gaycty.
The Marine Band was stationed in the ante-chani-
Der and as the foreign Ambassadors in full costume
with the ladies of their respective households ana
the Cabinet officers with their wives entered the
Prominently noted III the diplomatic throng were
Sir Edward Thornton and Lady Thornton, the Jap
anese Ambassador and his wife, and the German
Russian and Turkish Ministers. Senior Mainea, from
the Samoan Islands was also present. Among the
prominent army officers present were AdJutant-
General Townsend General Whippe, of General
SherInans staff; Assistant Acknowledgement VIM
cent who will soon leave for his new STATION IN
Texas: General feOnZe, General Marcy, 6cileIal
ff,,va .lttf AZ
Navy was represented hy Admirals Howell and Am
men: CommodOres Jciicrs and fchiger; captain
Budger, Lieutenaut-C Commanders ToWnlnshIeid anu
Kellogg sMcdical Director Gunncll, and others.
The parors were lighted with gas, and the floral
decorations prepared for the silver wedding re-
manned as they We're arranged last night. The
President and Mrs. Hayes received their callers
with that grace which has become Proyerbal of
them. They were assisted By Mr.. ilaycs'S ncces
Mrs Mitchell and Miss Piatt. Mrs. Breckinridge,
Mrs llayess cousin, and Judge and Mrs. Force
of Cincinnati. MIR. Rodgers, the Presidents private
secretary stood at his lett, aud presented the callers
After the Official receptions over The doors were
thrown open to the thousands of people Nho had
gathered about the White House tor the purpose OF
paving their respects 10 the President ana OF eAe
tending to HIM and Ina family the compliments oi
the season. and they crow dcd around IA" Executive
Mansion for an hour, RAISING the President ana
those who received with him as rapidly ~ they couid
Ice introduced. -,
The members of the Cabinet were at home to all
callers from o'clock to- 3 TINS afternoon. Ihclf VS.
itors were counted by the hundreds
The private receptions were not rs largely n
tended usual, to-day, owing, probably l" Inc
fact that the long recess OF Congress has taken o
Of the city many Of those who customaTlly made
the grand rounds" The custom OF emitting wines
and liquors from the New Years tables. established
by a few leaders ~ Washington society three pr
four wears ago, has been becoming more hnd moro
general every year. and was more extensively OBJ
served to-day than ever.