Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-01

number OF other ladies who came in as the day ad-
vanced. The hostess wore q heavy black silk, with
bright brocaded front and Spanish lace border.
Mrs Admiral Porter was assisted in receiving
by Miss Shurby. The callers were very numerous,
the diplomatic and army and navy officers CON-
mencing TO call as soon as they LETT the White
House.
The wife and daughter OF Senator Miller, of Cali
fornia, after returning from the White House, held
brilliant reception at home. assisted by Mrs and
Miss Decker, OF California. Mis- Decker wore
black velvet and chantlly lace, high medics COL
lar Miss Decker wore Turkish gauze, purchased
In Constantinople and made up In Paris. The en-
broidery was exquisite. the color white.
New Year Callers.
IN SPITE OF THE BAD WEATHER GREAT MANY
OBSERVE TIE CUSTOM.
The city to-day was given up to the business OF
calling, as is customary on New Year day, and
while the sky was overcast and the rain fell at
Intervals the calling seemed to be very general.
Those who were going the rounds commented upon
the fact that while the weather was dlsagreeable
1t was not so bad as that Of last year, when rain
fell nearly all day. In consequence or the uncer-
tain weather carriages We're very generally used,
and as they dashed along the streets glimpseS OF
brilliant uniforms and black coats Indicated the
business OF the occupants. One feature OF the
observance OF the day, as noticed by callers, was
the large number OF people who received "infor1n-
ally" which meant that they We're at home and
glad to see any friends who might call, but they
had made no announcement OF regular reception.
lt was thought by some that this was more general
were about the Same yet many familiar names
We're found wanting. The hospitality dispensed,
while 1t may not have had the show and display
OF former years. was hearty aud genial. and those
who made calls found warm reception and en-
joyed the pleasant sociabillty OF home life. The
young man with the long list OF first experience
in making New Year calls and the necessarily
abruyt and disointed form OF conversation was. OF
course, not wanting, and as the old stagerS Wit
messed their meteorc arrival ana departure, they
felt that the custom Of New Year calls still eX-
listed in its full vgor
The liverymen found that carriages and cabs
were In good demand but there was not such
rush Of business as to warrant the usual charge
the weight of the carriages and horses in gold Tor
The use during the day. A great many persons
found ii more desirable to walk. as they argued
that the exercise was conducive TO digestion, and
enabled them to enjoy the hospitality extended TO
them with greater frequency and more Zest.
Economy never had q more plausible excuse.
AS has recently become the custom here, there
We're but few places where visitors were offered
anything to drink stronger than coffee tea; and
those who are unable to stand such tax upon
their strength without some stimulant furnished
themselves with a private flask and went merrily
on their rounds. Still. in some houses thirsty souls
found what they considered genuine hospitality,
and there they fingered, and when they left they
informed their confidential friends