The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-02-28
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Very Cool White House Social Eti.
quette.
Brilliant Reception at Commodore Nichol
son's-rhe Ladies' OF the Cabinet
cat Home"


White House is several degrees more formal
than during the period when Mrs. Hayes
enacted the role of first lady" Her Satur-
day afternoon receptions were delightful
features in the social whirl, and every caller
felt personally welcome when gazing into
her bright, sparkling face. The presenta-
tiors to Mrs. McElroy are not followed as
heretofore by introductions to the several
members OF the receiving party. and one
wanders rather helplessly along the long
line of beautifully dressed women, unless
perchance some familiar face causes a mo-
mentary stop and snatch of conversation.
The women of social standing has hitherto
stepped in the rear of the receiving party, il
she so desired, in order TO witness the incom.
ing human stream or TO meet the friends
sure to be gathered there, but the man who
is stationed at the end of the receiving line.
guards the entrance to this desired haven as
effectually as the angel with the flaming
sword protected paradise, unless perforce the
person DESTROYS of entrance is on intimate
terms with some member of the party as
sisting in the entertainment of callers. Ii
may be perfectly correct to enforce such
petty laws, but the effect is felt in the stiff.
and the small numbers in attendance One
of the principal features of last Saturday
reception was the presence of DIR. Mary
Walker, who so closely identified herself
with the receiving party, and stood in line
SO long that many strangers thought this
queer-looking little gentleman was a part OF
the pageant Upon making her adieus the
slender doctor, tall hat in hand, put one foot
behind her and made a most elaborate
l.
have hardly left their houses since Shrove
Tuesday, which Overtaxed them so heavily.
They have neither made nor received calls.
but have INDUCED themselves in the luxury
of doing nothing until last nights recep-
ton at the White House called many out In
full dress, if not in full force.
On Tuesday afternoon Commodore and
Mrs. Nicholson held large and brilliant re-
ceptiOn at their pretty house on Stoddart
street, West Washington. The occasion was
in honor of their sons bride, pretty Young
creature whom the dashing Lieutenant met
and wooed liz the far West, where he is
stationed. All of Georgetown
AND ITS PRETTY GIRLS,
of whom it may well be proud. and all
Washington society people, poured in from
4 to o'clock. During those hours there
was hardly room to turn around with ease
The Navy was fully represented. Admiral
Almy and his twin sons, ss much alike as
the twoDromlos, handsome Admiral Rogers
Mr.. w. w. Corcoran, the fortunate groOms'
rich uncle Judge and Mrs. Macarthur. Sen
ator and Mrs. Jonas, with their niece, Miss
Rosebud" General Sherman and Miss
Rachael, General Sturgis and Miss Ella, DR..
and Mrs. Goldsboro, Mrs. Drum and Miss
Blossom, Paymaster General Rochester
Colonel and Mrs. Rockwell, Miss Watt and
Miss Moore, Marshal and Mrs. McMichael,
Senator and Mrs. Sherman, Mrs. Pollock,
Mrs. Brewster, Mrs. Don Cameron, Mrs.
Chandler and Mrs. Kinsley and hosts of
others were present and especially the flock
of pretty debutantes. The supper room was
packed, and a mans GOODNESS and nerve
were put to the test in guiding plate filled
with terrapin salad or ices to some lady in
waiting. The Commodore's eldest daugh-
ter, Mrs. Pitt Cooke, was present with her
bright little girl; also Lieutenant Nicholson,
U. s. N, with his pretty wife, the tiny
mother of two children. 1t was literally a
family reunion on their part
Tuesday evening the President received
the members of the upper and lower Houses
of Congress and the Diplomatic Corps. The
attendance was not as full as on similar
occasions heretofore, probably owing to the
overtaxed condition of many of the ladies.
Can anyone tell what is gained by such
social revelations? An aching back, swollen
g
bill are the only outcome thereof. A woman
rebels at household duties, and yet she sell
dom hesitates in making herself slave to
fashion or society.
Wednesday the ladies of the Cabinet were
at home to visitors, excepting Mrs. Brews-
ter, who WILL however receive on the
coming Wednesday. Among the many call
ers. perhaps, the German Minister and his
bride attracted the most general attention.
10 hid 70 Exa a. L.
speaks English as fiuently as does her hus-
band. The Minister himself is a splendid
specimen of manhood, and is a man of many
personal attractions. There are so few ladies
in the Diplomatic Corps that any addition
therein
is GLADLY WELCOMED.
IL was prophesied that, when Mr.. Rous-
tan, the French Minister, came here, he
would not remain a bachelor the year out,
but he has held to his single state with
much tenacity so far, notwithstanding the
array of beauty, youth and wealth constant
ly before his eyes. Mrs. Hugh McCulloch
issued cards for Tuesday evening, and last
Wednesday evening General and Mrs. Nc
Clellan resumed their evenings, omitted
only once out of respect to Ash Wednesday.
Secretary of State and Mrs. Frelinghuysen
will continue their Thursday evening recep-
tons, as will Mrs. Hornsby her delightful
Saturday evenings. Miss Florence Spofford,
daughter of the Librarian of Congress, gave
st. Valentines lunch to thirty-two young
ladies on Wednesday, among whom were
Miss Wsite, the Misses Ranney, Miss Nor
cross, Miss Ida Miller, Miss Wood, the
Misses Neal, the Misses Matthews, Miss
Nordhotf, Miss Alley, the Misses Strong and
Miss Davidson. Each plate was graced with
flowers, tiny bows and arrows, and verses on
the pretty cards written by the talented
hostess. A conversations on art occurred at
the residence of Hon. Joseph A. Scranton,
M. c., Wednesday evening.
We are going to have fine bench show
here during the latter part of February, and
some of the dogs entered are claimed TO be
the most valuable of their kind in the
country. There is lady from the far West
who spends most of her winters here who |
has entered huge Russian stag hound, for |
which she entertains the most violent affec- |
ton. Last winter she, with her husband |
boarded at Wormley's, where q room was |
obtained for the idolized canine, whose |
meals were served him in his room and |
who accompanied his mistress on all her |
walks and rides. The position became |
rather embarrassing when the lady rode in |
a coupe, as the dog took up much more |
room than his mistress. Another lady has |
entered valuable pug and five puppies |
Almost all our society ladies own dogs or |
high degree, and we are anticipating quite |
an exhibit.
Colonel and Mrs. Ingersoll gave q card re- |
cepton Tuesday evening at their house on |
Lafayette Square. 1t was miDgling of rep |
of all nations and peoples, party |
leaders and the ayant cOuriers of enfran- |