The National tribune., 1882-04-22
SOCIETY At THE CAPITAL.
BRILLIANT RECEPTION BY THE PRESl-
DENT AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
The DISTINGUISHED Guests Prescnt-Supcrb Floral
DecOratiOns-Other Notable Society Events
DErin- the Week.

White House on Tuesday evening last, ten
dered to the members of the diplomatic corps,
Justices Of the Supreme Court and members Of
Congress, oclipsed in bIilliancy any social event
of the season at the National Capital. The
Executive Mansion was decorated in a lavish
style with flowers, arranged in novel ways to
add their attractiycucss 20 the surroundings,
but even their dainty cooriug and effective
grouping paled cortsastcd with the brilliancy
of the toilottes, the flashing of gems and array
Of feminine charms. The conservatories were
lighted, thrown open, and freely used for prom
enading, relieving in this manner the almost
crowded rooms. The long promenade from the
east room through the main corridor, with It's
pyramid, masses Of tropical grandeur past the
private stairway 10 the conSarvatolleS, was one
of the most interesting pictures of the evening.
All the guests, even among the first arrivals,
remained the entire evening, and distinguished
groups kept forming at every angle, nook and
corner, until all the foremost men and women
who now lead the political and social life at
the capital seemed to be present.
There were any number of new faces pres
ent, including the last two additions to the
Cabinet-secretaries Chandler and Teller
and the new Austrian and Russian ministers,
Baron Schoefcr and Baron Sturve. Miss Fol
ger, the daughter Of the Secretary of the
Treasury. stood next to the President, and
wore white silk, with paners and front of
chene silk, prettily trimmed with lace, and
wore a corsage bouquet of pink rosebuds.
Mrs. Acknowledgement Brewster wore pale
blue satin and silver-tinted brocade, garnished
with point lace. high Mary Stuart collar, edged
,-,c+1 +1,o
Secretary, made her first appearance among
the ladies of the Cabinet, and wore lavender
brocade, combined with plain satin Of the same
shade. She is already favora5ly known in
society. Mrs. Hunt stood next in line and
wore mourning. Mrs. Bancroft Davis, the
wife of the Assistant Secretary of State, also
received, and wore white corded silk, with
sleeves of Spanish lace and crystal bead en-
broidcries with crimson flower garniture.
The only esthetic dress was worn by Mrs Gov.
Pound, OF Wisconsin, and the only antique by
Miss Sherley, young lady new in Washing
ton society. The latter was of thick white
satin, tight fitting waist, sleeves made of
crossed cords and straight plain skirt. a girdle
of pearls and strands of the same about the
high collar completed one of the most striking
dresses seen.
The President, with the wife Of the Attor
ney-Gcncral, followed by the rest of the re-
ceiving party, prOmenaded the parlors at the
close Of the reception, holding imprOmptu
levees at stages Of their progress through the
rooms. Another reception will soon follow
for the general public, and the full series will
have been among the most enjoyable events of
the spring season.
OTTER RECEPTIONS
The reception by the Secretary of State and
Mrs. Frelnghuysen last week was one of the
most pleasant of the series given by them.
Mrs Frelinshuysen was assisted by Miss Ere
lirshuy.en. Miss Lucy Frelinghuysen, and
Mrs John Davis The leading names in dip
Iomstic circles were mostly present, excepting
those in whose families bereavement has Of
late occurred. Mr.. George Bancroft, Minister
Sargent and Secretary Teller were notable
figures il the company of guests the last two
ef when received fitting congratulations on
their new honors. Mrs. Teller accompanied
her husband. Chief Justice Waite, Justice
Cox, of the Supreme Court Of the District,
with EIs. Cox, an elegant woman, who wore
very eA-ctive black toilet, with sleeves of
Spanish l.ce; Senator Jones of Nevada, Con-
Cressmcn Gambler, Mclean, and Kasson, Pri-
vate Secretary Phillips Of the Executive Man
sion. Hon bancroft Davis, cx-Governor Jewell,
Commissioner, Mrs. and Miss Loring, were a
few among the prominent guests. There was
delicate collation. served through the even
ming. the dining room being at no time
crowded to excess.
A concert by the Princeton Glee Club at
Lincoln Hall attracted a fashionable and sym
pathetic audience, embracing several eminent
Princeton alumni resident at the Capital, who
greatly enjoyed the old college songs so finely
rendered. The eleven gentlemen who sung,
and whose voices are admirably well trained,
all participated in every song. These gentle
men generously contributed their services to
the good cause 5or which they sung, defraying
their own travelling expenses. Two sons of
Justice Harlan arc OF the number. Several Of
the club were entertained by Chief Justice
and Mrs Waite. They were evidently social
favoritics here from the attentions conferred
upon them during the recess in the concert.
In accordance with Chinese social regula-
tions the wife OF the Chinese minister in
Washington receives no company at all-hcr
husband being the only man upon whom she
is privileged to look. She has several female
Chinese attendants 1t i. stated that she is
the fourth wife OF the minister the other three
being in China and is said to be young and
quite pretty.
President Arthur receives 80 many glove
boxes, worked slipper., dainty dressing gowns,
and other souvenirs from the fair sex SAYS an
exchange; that sometimes he thinks he is i
popular clergyman, and sits down to write q
sermon for tho following Sunday, and gets rs
far rs Fourteenthly" before he discovers his
error. All, it is a great responsibility to be
President Of the United States; but we don't
suppose Tildcn would suffer from such an
annoyance.
A handsome dinner party was given on Sat
urday evening at the Arlington by Senator
Fair, at which Speaker Keifer and several
justices of the Supreme Court and their wives
were guests.
General Wallen's daughter, who was married
to Mr.. Kirkland in New York last week, viii
visit Washington with her husband before the
conclusion Of their wedding trip.
Victor Arthur Wellington Drummond, late
secretary of British legation at Washington,
was married in New York Saturday to Miss
Elizabeth L.mson, Of that city.
EMANCIPATION DAYIN THE DISTRICT.