National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-01-08
SOCIAL MATTERS.
Receptions at fI,e White House, and PEI
e0naI y5ouffom

Receptions
| sonaI Mention.
1t will be remembered that this afternoon occurs
the first of Mrs. Hayes weekly receptions for the
season. These became increasingly interesting
last winter from their beginning to their close.
They served as brilliant social exchange where,
without the formality or crowded discomfort OF an
| evening party, ladies in great numbers could
meet and casually talk over matters OF
current interest. To-day, when visiting toilets
are at their freshest, and no one Is otdse
from a wearisome whirl of amusementS,
is the very time to enjoy such mild dissipation.
Here, for the first time this winter, many OF the
newly married wives of Senators and members
will have the opportunity of greeting each other.
The Blue and East Parlors will, no doubt be scene
of lively interest from three o'clock till five. A
consideration paramount to all others in many
thoughtful minds will be the desire topay an carly
tribute of respect to the lady whose exertOns for
nearly four years have been unremitting 10 pro-
mote good feeling and high standards i'll Washing
ton social life, and who will soon be but name
and memory among us.
| The young ladies who received with Mrs. Hayes
On New Years WILL for the most part, remain two
weeks from the date of their coming, Miss Russell
alone being obliged to leave earlier, account Of
a marriage in her family.
/ Mr.. Whitelaw Reid is expected in Washington
next week, and has been invited by the President
and Mrs. Hayes 10 be guest at the State dinner of
| January Is.
Representative George B. Loring gave dinner
| last evening to a select number of gentlemen.
The leading hotels are rapidly filing UP for the
winter, and their reception and dining rooms pre-
sent such brilliant variety as is known only TO
the Capital of the Nation. The Ebbitt House has
more than its usual quota of Congressman and
their families. Representatives Ferdon, Bragg,
and Whitthorne are there with their wives and
daughtess. Representatives Hammer, G. X. Davis,
Bouck, Voorhis Sparks Newberry, Belford, and
various others also guests; and Senator Jones,
of Florida and Justice Woods of the Supreme
Bench, is there, and temporarily Judge
Jere. s. Black, who is attending TO certain
matters before the Supreme Court. These
are but a few of many distinguished names.
Nearly twenty young ladies, several OF
them acknowledged bellies, are there as guests for
the season. There is music every evening, and usu-
ally dancing. Tonight there will be an informal
hop.
Mrs Scidmore and Miss Lily ScidmOre, the lat
ter the talented correspondent of the ST. Louis
Globe Democrat and San Francisco Post are at the
Ebbitt as table boarders having parlors at the resi-
dence Of DR.. Bliss.
Ex-Governor ROutt, of Colorado, who is urged for
the Postmaster-Generalship of the new Cabinet, is
said (among other good traits topossess an income
VI Sl,JVO udy
The many admirers and friends of Bishop Simp-
son will be glad TO know that he is announced TO
preach at the Metropolitan Church tomorrow
morning, and Bishop Andrews is also TO be there
Thomas Wilson, esq, of No. 121S Connecticut
avenue gave his second dinner party of the season
on Thursday evening. The following-named gen.
tlemen gathered around his hOspitable board:
Justices ofthe Supreme Court Swayne and Strong,
ChiefJustice Drake, ofthe Court of Claims; Baron
de Arinos, of Brazil and Judge Adds, both of the
French and American Claims Commission: SOlici-
tor-General Phillips, General Harry II. Bingham,
NJ. c., of Philadelphia; Judges Shellabarger and
Wilson, Colonel Irish, Major Morgan, Commodore
Carter, Assistant Acknowledgement McCanmOn,
Mr. Hopkins, of the Court of Claims, and DR.. W. T.
Robinson, of Philadelphia.
l. The festival of the Epiphany was celebrated
Thursday, the 9th instant, in EpiScOpaland Roman
Catholic churches. The word means appear
ance," and the festival commentaries the appear
of Jesus Christ to the magi, orwise men, who
came from the East bringing gifts. The Greek
Church calls it the theophany or appearance of
Cod The Eastern Christians also named it " the
feast of light" in Germany it is known as the
festival of the three holy kings, and some of the
early fathers supposed it the day of the saviOur's
baptism. The day is popularity termed Little
Christmas.