National Republican., 1883-02-07

drapod with long sweeping fronds Of smlax,
and around the pillars on each side and from
the top of the tall mirrors depended tho same
graceful plant, twincd in graceful profusion.
Tho broad mantes were banked with
delicate exotics and profuson of
bright-hued foliage plants, and in the re-
cesses of the window were grouped tall palms
and a mass of shrubbery That made the scene
tropical in its luxuriance. The green, blue,
and red parlors were also proluscly decorated,
and the whole of the main floor was blaze
of light from every available jet and candela-
bra. Tho state dining room was converted
into q cloak room for the ladies, while tho
private dining room, just across tho broad
hall, was devoted to the accommodation of
the gentlemen. In the main vcstibule the
full Marine band was stationed, aud during
the course Of the evening, undcr the direc-
ton of Mr.. John Philip SOusa, rendered the
following programme:
l. Overture, Pique Dame" "................Su .Suppe
2. Collocation, Madumc Fayart "..,.. .:Ohcnbach
/. Fantasia, Flying Butchman," "."".... Wagner
D. Gavotte "StCphanie,' '............... Czeshulka
g. ballad, Forever aud F9rSvcr ''.'''''' sLmsi
8. Potpouri, Merry War; strauss
Some time before the hour fixed for the re-
ception tho guests began to arrive, and by .
o'clock the cloak rooms and corridor were
crowded. Among the first arrivals were OK
Secretary Blaine and family. Promptly at o
the reception began. Tho guests passed from
the cloak rooms by the main corridor into the
rcd parlor. The president stood in the blue
parlor near the west door. On his right was
Mrs. McElroy. Mrs Frclnghuysen, Mrs.
Secretary Chandler, Mrs Secretary Teller,
Miss McElroy, Mrs. John Davis, and
the wives of Senators Cameron,
Hill, and Hale Tho officers of the
army, navy, and marine corps were presented
Al, To- al MpM al,
the members of the diplomatic corps by
Assistant Secretary Davis, of the department
of State In the rear of the President were
grouped tho various members of his cabinet
with the ladies of their respective house,
holds. There was n steady stream of guests
passing the presidential party and moving
forward TO the east room. Each was
greeted with " pleasant smile and kindly
shake of the hand from the executive head of
the nation. There was no effort to marshal
the guests according to rank or service, but
each TOOK place in the line as he emerged
from the cloak room. Thus, Gen, Sherman
aud staff were preceded by bracoof merry
yound midshipmcn, who were evidently inn
pressed with the kindly greeting they re-
ccivcd from the President
As tho line moved there wero many faces
observed that have fonnd place in the his
tory of the country! Gen. sheridan, with
that peculiar cosc-eut style In which his hair
is worn, thao enables the locker ON TO pick
out Little Phil" in the crush, even without
seeing his face. Gen. Geo. B. Mcclellan, the
justices ofthe supreme court, grave diplomatcs
and jaWhty soldiers and sailors, and n throng
of fairiwomen, whose lovely and artistic toilets
gave a rich coloring TO the dark blue of the
regulation uniforms and the glitter of the
mappings. In the east room, which was soon
filled to Overllowing, the scene was strikingly
beautiful. For nearly two hours and half
the steady stream flowed on, many COM
ing direct from other receptions, and
not few leaving early to avail themselves of
the last few hours left to the votares Of fash
ion ut route, party, and ball. The crowd was
probably the largest that has been gathered
at a presidential reception for years. The en-
tire semi-CrCle Of the drive within the grounds
was solid mass of carriages, closely packed,
and along the entire avenue front there was
perfect jam of vehicles. While the police
arrangements were perfect, so great was the
throng that it was not until after midnight
that the last carriage passed out of the lodge
gates. A striking feature of the occasion was
the many beautiful dresses worn by the ladies.
Mrs. McElrOy was attired in black velvet
trimmed with a network of jet and jetted lace,
and wore Il white rose in her hair.
Miss McElroy wore white satin, trimmed
with oriental lace.
Mrs Frclinghuysen wore black satin, with
front ofsilvcr brocade, and head dress ofwhitc
ostrich plumes.
Mrs Chandler wore pale blue satin and bro
cade, with point lace trimmings and diamond
ornaments.
Mrs Teller, black velvet and duchesse lace
Mrs. Cameron, rose colOred satin covered
with point lace. Mrs. Hill, white satin and
velvet. Other ladies were attircd with equal
richness. Tho diplomatcs who attended all
Wore court costumes, and the officers of the
army and navy the full uniform of their
rank. Tho asscmbago was a most brilliant
one, and appropriately terminated a social
season of unusual distinction.