The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-04-01
THE FIRST RECEPTION.
President Cleveland Formally Re-
CeiYes at the White House.
Ex-President Arthur and Other No.
table People Present.

President Cleveland's first reception to
Congress and the high official circles Of the
national capital was given on the evening of
the 18th from 0 to II. The executive man
sion was prepared for the event with all the
brilliancy incident to similar receptions
by President Arthur, and several
new effects in floral decoration
we're introduced in tho blue
rarlor, where the reception was held. The
President wore plain evening dress, without
gloves, the army and navy officers their full
uniforms. with swords, and the diplomatic
corps their court costumes. Miss Cleveland
and the ladies Of the cabinet stood in line
with the President, the former wearing q
cream white Ottoman silk, exquisite
ly made, with apron front of point
lace, and the moderately low corsage finished
row satin ribbon. A black velvet band en-
circled her neck and long, light gloves
reached nearly to the end Of the short sleeve.
She carried q bouquet of Cornelia Cook roses
and a white ostrich feather fan. Miss Bay
ard stood next, representing the social side
of the state department, and wearing q deli.
cate pink satin yelled with pink tulle. Mrs.
Manning, a bride, wore her dainty bridal
dress of rich white satin, with front OF point
lace. and superb diamonds.
Mrs. Endicott, wife Of the secretary OF war,
was attired in ruby satin, with front cloth Of
gold, and carried an immense bouquet OF
jacqueminots and lilies Of the valley. Mrs.
Whitney, whose first appearance it was IN
Washington official life, wore black silk
overlaid with black tulle. She carried a large
cluster Of English violets. Mrs. Villas wore
dark red satin.
The attorney. generalship and tho secretary
ship Of the interior had no feminine repre-
sentatives, but Secretary Lamar and At
torney-General Garland were in the group of
cabinet officers at the rear. the Vice-Presi-
dent and Mrs. Hoyt, Colonel and Mrs. Lamont,
and Miss Mamie Bayard were also among the
representatives Of the new administration
circle in the blue parlor, the ladies all ele'
gantly attired.
The diplomatic corps came first, preceded
by the Portuguese minister, who is dean in the
absence Of the Haytien envoy. All those
presented stopped to chat q few minutes with
the President, and consequently the column
was somewhat delayed. The judges OF the
supreme court, headed by Chief-Justlce
Waite, came next, and were succeeded by the
army and navy officials, at the head Of whom
we're Admiral Worden, Of Monitor fame, and
General Schofe.d. Senators and Representa-
tives and Representatives and heads OF
bureaus were the last received.
E1-President Arthur and Mrs. John Davis
called about 10 o'clock, and after being pre-
sented were asked to join the prominent
group in the rear of the receiving party. All
present awaited themselves OF the opportunity
thus presented, and soon tho crowd was
surging In two lines to be able to grasp the
hands Of the President and his predecessor.
Secretary Bayard and Mr.. Arthur drew
away from tho party in a few minute and
engaged in conversation, which appeared
very animated.
The leading diplomats were all present, a
number going first to the dinner given by
the German minister. General and Mrs.
Sheridan, General, Schofeld, Terry, Wright,
Meigs, Holabird, and Rochester were eminent
amcng army officers present, and Admlrals
Worden, Franklin, Temple, and Quacken.
bush, with many Of the grades next these,
represented tho navy.
Senators Warner Miller and J. +. Miller,
Blackburn, Cockrell, Jones, OF Florida; Tel
Ter, Secretary Of the Senat, McCook, ex-Sen.
ator Pendlcton, Representatives Belmont,
Curtin, Butterworth, Randall, Cox, Spriggs,
Hopkins, Lefevre, Seney, and Ermentrout
were a few Of the large congressional circle
present. Nearly all the above were
accompanied BY their wives and
daughters in handsome evening dress. 1t
was as brilliant a scene as the White House
has known in years. The marine band played
a fine selection of music throughout the re-
ception. The east room at l0:jO O'Clock was
q picture of gorgeous color and movement.
The corridors md conservatory also were
fbropoad