Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-03-18
SOCIETY,".

The first formal reception OF President Cleve-
land last evening was a brilliant and successful
affair in every way. At no time in the history
of the Executive Mansion has 1t presented q
more attractive appearance with its brightly
Illuminated and flower-decked parlors, and
handsomely dressed legion Of ladies who moved
gracefully about among the palms and floral
exotlcs that adorned the corridors and filled
every nook and corner of the parlors The east
room never looked prettier, and the floral decor
ator must have designed his best work of orna-
mentation there. The chandeliers all ablaze
with light, were pretti!y draped and festooned
with garlands and cords of smilax, and tall,
graceful palms and other large leaf plants
greeted the eye on all sides, while the mantels
ana windows were richly terraced with exQuis-
also to have been taken to make the blue parlor
unusually attractive, and banks of flowers
with varied array of gilded basket-pots
fui background to the picture of the re-
eeriiiags eeiying party, who had taken the usual usual
passed through the blue room Marshal Nc
Michael, Col. Rockwell and Lieut.. Mason stood
together on the Presidents left and made the
dents right stood Miss Cleveland, attired most
oecomingly In white silk dress, square-necked
bodice ana front drapery of white lace, holding
IN her hand magnificent bouquet of choice
roses. Next In order, to the left of Miss Cleve-
land, stood the assisting ladies of the cabinet,
Miss Bayard taking place first to the right look
ing very charming in a trained dress of pink
satin, low corsage and drapery of pink tuile and
rose leaves. Mrs. Manning was dressed in
magn1ncent pearl embroidered dress of heavy
white satin with point lace trimmings, and Mrs.
Endicott, who was next in line, wore a trained
gold. Mrs. Whitney was dressed in black tulle
and satin with front of jetted lace, low corsage
and diamond ornaments and carrying an
exquisite bouquet of violets, and Mrs Villas
was attired in an attractive toilet of heavy
crimson satin with front brocaded in lighter
coiors and trimmings of lace. Back OF the re-
<,f
guished ladies, including the Presidents sister,
Mrs. Hoyt; the wives of justices of the Supreme
Court, wives of Senators and many Others
whose positions seemed to entitie them to
speclal notice. Subsequently the ladies there
were Joined by the members of the cabinet,
Secretaries Bayard and Lamar appearing most
conspicuous, and when the latter happened to
approach the line of receiving lr1ieS many of
the guests after being presented to Miss Cleve-
land pushed forward to shake hands with
him.
The program of the evening was similar If not
exactly the same, as usual on other such occa-
SlOnS, ana the arrangements OF rooms for guests
above, and in fact all the other details of ar.
rangements were the same as heretofore. The
diplomats were all in full dress court regalia
and the officers of the army and navy were
likewise i'll full dress uniform. The Marine
band discoursed pleasing airs as usual, and
guests seemed to delight more than ever in the
attractive walks through the conservatory,
where the atmosphere was baimy and the air
filled with the scent of eXOtics that extended
also throughout the entire lower floor. 1t would
be useless TO enumerate all the guests Suffice
II to say that those present comprised all OF the
01nclais OF the classes specified in the Presi'
dents invitation who found ii possible to at
tend.
1t was rather interesting to see eX-President
Arthur passing in with other guests to do hom.
age to the office which he held only a few weeks
ago. President Cleveland, as soon as he saw
the eX-Presdent, stepped forward and greeted
him heartily, and Miss Cleveland was no less
brothers predecessor. Wherever he went Mr.
Arthur was followed by the glances of the
crowd of guests, and all seemed to vie with each
other In most pleasing evidences Of regard.
Last evening at o'clock Mr.. William S
Crawford and Miss Ellie Smelling of this city
were married at the parsonage of the Metro
politan Baptist church, on q street, Rev. Wm
IL. Young performing the ceremony. The bridal
couple Immediately went to their new home
on X street, where q pleasant reception was
held till late hour.
The first grand ball of the Emmett Guard
took place at the National Rides hall las,
evening, and a very large gathering Of theii
friends participated in the program arranged
by the thoughtful and energetic committee
prise was given the Guards by the presentation
TO the organization Of handsome silk Ameri
can flag by Miss Jessie McGown on behalf Of
the large circle of friends of the Guards The
present was received by Captain Murphy In q
most felicitous manner, and the incident
tended to make the occasion all the more en-
joyable, everybody present entering fully into
spirit of good cheer, and the evening passed de.
| lightfully with all.
This afternoon promises to be a very busy one
for the Cabinet ladies, rs, Judging from talk
there seems to be u general purpose on the part
of society people to make a round Of calls on the
wives and daughters of the Presidents official
advisers, all of whom, 1t is understood, will be
at home.
Mrs. Senator Hawley has discontinued her
Thursday receptions, as she is soon to leave the
city.
Mrs. Williams, wife of ex-senator Williams.
of Kentucky, who was compelled to return
home during the winter on account of indSpo-
sition, has so far improved as to be able to re-
join her husband in this city, and will stay
several days.