Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-01-12
BElSHAZZAa BEATEN.
A Surprisingly swCu Dinner at the
White House.


White House.
WASHINGTON, January ll.-President Ar
thur gave large dinner party at the White
House yesterday evening in honor of Gen.
and Mrs. Grant. Tie State apartments
with the lower floor were brilliantly
lighted and decorated throughout with
plants and flowers. In the East Room groups
of tall palm trees and giant ferns were
placed in the corners and window recesses,
bedGed in mounds of moss set with ferns.
The mantelpieces were banked with hne
foliage plants and mosaics of cut flowers.
The Bed and Blue Parlors and the main
corridor were similarly beautifed with
palms aud asalea trees in full bloom and
groups of rare plants The Green Parlor
was converted into temporary dressing
room for the ladies and beautifully
mounted toilet table, with stands OF wax
lights was placed at the centre OF the
apartment. The Marine Band was stationed
in the vestibule and played at intervals
through the evening.
A Bower o. Beauty.
The table was laid sn the State dining
room, which was desorated with palm
trees aud towering plants in all the cor
ners and recesses against the walls. Be-
sues the Two bhC
room was lighted by four silyer-framed
sconces against the wslls. that have been
added TO the place within few days.
covers were laid for 81. and the table was
set with flower pieces in low form OF dec
Grafton. 4 large mirror was laid down
the centre of the table with its edges
wreathed in smilaX. IN the m.ddle was
placed long oval piece Of Marshal Mel
roses and lilies OF the valley. At either
side of this were tall, gilt candelabras bear
ing II wax lights each and thanking these
were gilt epergnes filled with large Mar
shal Mel roses that fel, over the edges OF
the bank almost 10 the mirror beneath.
Pairs of silver cande' 'abras stood at the
ends of the mirror, with oval cushions OF
white cameliaS, Bon Silene roses and or.
Chids between them and at the extreme
ends Of were two rcInd pieces OF Bon
Silene roses and lilies Il the valley.
Seven wInes-This teen Courses.
Cou.potes of fruit and decanters OF wine
surround this elaborate centre decoration.
The famous Theodore 9avis dinner set OF
china was used, and eat,h plate was laid
heavy gilt-edged cards bharing the National
COat-of.arms embossed in gold with the
the guests name written beneath 1t. At
each lady's plate there Tas a large fiat cor.
ssge bouquet OF roses or lilies of the valley
tied with satin ribbons, and for each gen.
tleman a small boutonniere OF asingle rose
bud. Seven wineglasses, a goblet and
carrie were placed for each guest. Thirteen
courses and seven wines were served.
The guests entered the dining room lit
tie before s O'Clock and remained at the
table until 10. The President sat at the
middle of the table on the north side, with
Mrs. Grant at his right, and on his left
Mrs Freliughuysen, who was escorted to
the table by General Grant. Facing the
President, on the opposite side OF the
table, was Secretary FrelinghuySen, with
Mrs. Lincoln OH his right and Mrs. Teller
on his left.
There were present the members OF the
cabinet and their wives, General and Mrs.
Beale and Miss Beale, Miss Frelinghuysen,
Mrs. +. ID. Kinsley, senator and Mrs.
Logan, Senator and Mrs. Cameron, OF Penn.
sylyania; Senator and Mrs. Miller, OF
California: Senator and Mrs. Jones, OF
Nevada: Senator Anthony, Gen. sherman
Admiral Porter Miss Coleman, Miss Totten,
Mrs. John Davis aud Miss Cults.
The dinner was pronounced great sue
cess and President Arthur was warmly con-
graduated by his guests on his abilities as
3 host. The State dinning room IN Its new
dress presents very esthetic appearance.