Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-02-28

CorrsspoadeDee Of the Baltimore Sun.
The fourth and final reception OF the
diplomatic corps was given at the Elk
ecutive Mansion BY the President and
Mrs. Hayes on Thursday evening. As
was anticipated, it was largely attended,
the number being estimated at three
thousand. There were in all twelve
hundred invitations issued, each
being for four persons The
diplomatic receptions given dur
ing the administration of President
Hayes have all been great successes in a
social way, and that of this evening was
no exception to the rule. Much of this
is due to the charming agreeableness Of
the esteemed lady who has presided over
the internal affairs Of the White House,
and many who have in previous years
made it a point to absent themselves
from formal receptions have felt pleas
ure in participating in those which Mrs.
Hayes has presided over.
Though in name q diplomatic recep-
ton, the diplomats and their ladies
formed quite small portion Of the i'm
night. The diplomats were, as
usual on such occasions, attired
in the dress of their courts, and
presented brilliant appearance as they
moved about the grand rooms of the
TEsN sa1, Anr
of so many notable and brilliant gather
ings. To meet them nearly all the off,
GERS of the army and navy in the city
were invited to be present, and the most
Of them accepted the invitation. They
too were attired in snowy uniforms, re-
splendent in gilt and glitter, the whole,
as brought out by the hundreds of gas
jets burning overhead, forming scene
that was extremely pleasing TO the eye.
Added to this was great concourse of
handsomely dressed ladies, which gave
richness and animation that perfected
the whole The majority of the ladies
wore full dress, and almost every con-
ceivable color of material was brought
into use. Rare ornaments, regal jewels
and flowers were to be seen every
where.
To accommodate the vast number the
arrangements were perfect. The bed
chambers, the waiting rooms and the
halls up stairs were turned into cloak
rooms for the ladies, while the state and
private dining rooms and several of the
halls down stars were occupied as sup
per rooms. The hundred additional ex-
perienced walters who were employed
for the evening made the task of serving
the supper an easy one, notwithstanding
the large number. There was no regu-
lar set meal, though the supper was an
extra prepared and very substantial
one. The dishes were elaborate and the
CONNECTIONS were especially beautiful.
In accordance with the well known
views of Mrs. Hayes there was no wine
served, and indeed none has ever been
asked for or expected at the White
House since she declared against wine at
state dinners. In this declaration Mrs.
Hayes has received the cordial support
of all the leading members of the diplo-
matte corps and their ladies, notwith-
standing what has been said to the con
trsIy.
The United States Marine Band, which
was stationed in the main hall, furnished
music during the evening, the selections
being from the popular operas of the
day, and one or two from "The
Smugglers," an opera written by Prof.
Sioussa, the new leader of the band,
which is soon to be produced in New
York. The east room, the blue, green
and red parlOrs were used for promena-
ding The guests were received in the
central parlor by the President and Mrs.
Hayes, the members of the diplo.
matte corps and their ladies be-
ing introduced by Secretary Evarts
and Sir Edward Thornton, the
English minister, who is, on account of
time of service, now the dean of the
corps. The army and navy officers
and their ladies were presented
afterwards and then in turn intro
duced generally. The Justices of
the Supreme Court and their Ia
dies were likewise special guests,
though all the others present except
those named were general guests The
leading members of both branches of
Congress we're present in numbers larger
than usual. The reception did not get
fairly started until o'clock.
Mrs. Hayes never looked brighter or
happier than she did during the evening,
and as usual impressed all her guests
favorably. She was becomingly dressed
in a reception dress of silver. colored and
white satin. The corsage, draperies and
train were of silvered satin. The dress
was cut square in the neck, and was
handsomely finished with bands of crys-
tai passementerie. The upper part of
the elbow sleeves were of crystal en-
broidered crepe lisse, garnitures of the
same material being mingled in the dra-
peries. The petticoat was likewise of
white satin. She wore neither flowers
or jewels.
An incident of the evening was the
capture of several members of the House
of Representatives by deputies of the
Sergeant-at.Arms, who were armed with
warrants issued by Speaker Randall.
The House having ordered a call of the
House, their presence was needed at the
capitol. They went reluctantly, though
they had imagined they were safe for
the evening. Other members were
similarly treated as they were leaving
the White House. The reception lasted
until nearly midnight, and will long be
remembered as an occasion of rare social
YoIooo1tra