The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1879-01-20
(From our regular Correspondent }

From our regular Correspondent
Last evening was the first presidential
reception of the season, and thinking you
might care to hear it described betook
myself thither at half past eight o'clock. |
The gas'lit oarriage-way semi-circe 10 front
Of the White House was full of vehicles of
various sizes, styles, and heraldc iDcrip-
tions, but all confined to one or two horse
power. There was less display Of livery
than you would see on half that number of
carriages in Europe, but still there was
enough. Some ofthe drivers made 90 further
otentstiOn than Gloss buttoned Uvercoat
and silk hat A majority of the callers
male aud female come aioOt. 10 the bril-
liantly lighted anti-chamber the relocated
Marine Band were playing such enchaut
ing dance music that some bellies seemed
unable to walk straight, and entered the
cloak room in a half waltz. In the cloak
room we removed our hats and overcoats
which were placed in large numbered pig
con hoe aud a check bearing the
corresponding number handed US. After
carefully aduiriDg large mirror, we were
ready TO swarm up and be presented
Through large open door we could see
the President and Mrs. Hayes industri-
Ousiy smiling and shaking hands. Pro
nounclng our names to Mr.. Webb Hayes,
who stands On the left of his father and
nearest the door, he conveys the sound to
the President who shakes hands in an
urbale, bus .ness-like way, calling the name
of each visitor, The presentations to
Mrs Hayes, who was standing two steps
70 the right, we're made by Colonel Casey,
IN the same manner.
The next step was to move on and join
the great throng that had already shaken
and passed into the East Room Here
everybody was prOmenadlng, talking with
their acquaintance, flirting in diQniGed
way, or admiring the dresses of the dressy,
the styles Of the stylish, and the airs #
the airish. When you consider with your
eyes the visible woman, what do you look
tori The woman invisible, The words
which enter your ears, the gestures, the
motions OF her head, the clothes she
wears, visible acts and deeds of every
kind, are expressions merely, somewhat is
revealed beneath them. An inner woman
is concealed beneath the outer woman;
the latter does but reveal the former.
You look at her dress, and that in order TO
discover her habits and tastes, tie
degree Of her refinement or
Iustcity, her extravagance or
her economy. You listen to her conversa-
ton. and you note the infections of her
voice, the changes OF her attitudes; and
that 10 order to judge of her intensity, her
self iorge,fulpess or her coDstrain OF
course all this cool bravery Of criticism lie
on the suppOsition that you are not 10 love
with her, But let US resume"
On this occasion group of Ute Indian
chiefs who had come to the reception in
their mOccaslns, beads, and many colored
blankets, were the chief attraction. and
their immobile, smileless, melancholy
faces presented strange contrast with the
gay and brilliant throng that surrounded
them. The general of the army was present
IN uniform, as usual attentive TO the
ladies', some of whom he introduced 10 the
Indians. Among the distinguished Der.
sons present were the chief Justice of the
supreme court, the speaker of the house,
and senator Edmunds. Of the. undistiu-
guished persons present were members OF
congress, foreign ministers, reporters, ar
my aud navy officers, government clerks,
ready-made clothes merchants and UDitod
States senator's. / will not attempt to tell
what all the gentlemen had on. There
were TOO many OF them, and too great va
riety OF costume. / observed that n tailor
from 9TH street wore an elegant frock.
coat cut dem-train with extended, padded
and precipitous shoulders. Pantaloons
hared at the bottom, and dark dollar kid
gloves. Mr.. "A tall elegant beau from
tha L y. department, salary $1,000 a year
was much admired in short greyish habit
cut straight IN tergRn, pantaloons fitting
closely over the hips, and couture arranged
la Tom Allen. The Judge of the notice
court pronounced blonde, appeared in
white gloves and cravat, black swollow tai
coat, aud pantaloOBs to match, with hi.
metallic ornaments. / mention these three
NOT mat they were more elegantly dressed
IMAM most members of congress and Mt.
tachtS OF legation, but because their cos
TUNES may he taken as types of styles anc
inrnish a guide to the brother of Mis-,
rOra McthmsJ, who NAV come I,
asn'ng'On not quite knowing what tC
year when ne presents himself at thu
american court. While the white neck.
tie aud swallow tail coat, with black trow
sers, IS the costume de ri1eur far recen
uon' no one will feel conspicuouslv ont =
place 10 trOek coat. Some lad,es yvor,
IN tull dress while others annaarad !,
street costume with eloaks and hats On
say some were In tull dress, but this mus