The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-01-07
THE NEW YEAR.

Washington-A Gay Time at the White
House.
WASHINGTON, January 2-For the first
time in several years New Years day
dawned clear and beautiful. The hoar
frost was soon dissipated by the rising sun,
and long before noon the temperature was
like that of spring day. The occasion
was observed here as in former years by
general calling. Business was suspended
to u considerable extent and all the execu-
tive departments were closed. AT the en-
trance to the White House grounds two
policemen kept back a crowd of curious
idlers who gazed with interest at the hand
some equipages of the diplomatic corps.
high officials of the Government and other
distinguished persons.
At eleven o'clock, to the accompaniment
of "Eail to the Chief by the marine
band, the Presidential party ap-
peared in the reception room and
took their station in the blue parlor.
Mrs. Bayard leaned upon the arm of the
President; Secretary Bayard escorted Miss
Cleveland. and the remaining members of
the Cabinet followed with their ladies,
Secretary Lamar being the only absentee.
Colonel Wilson preceded them and Lieu
tenant Duyall, with Miss Bayard brought
up the rear. The ladies stood in this order
on the Presidents right: Miss Cleveland,
Mrs. Bayard. Mrs. Manning, Mrs. Whitney
and Mrs. Villas. Owing TO a severe cold
Mrs. Endieott was not present
During the diplomatic reception the Sec
retary of State stood at the left of the Presl-
;,,Nr .h.r -0E ho
eign LEGATIONS. Colonel Wilson. Commits
siGner of Public Buildings and Grounds,
stOod between the President and Miss
cleveland and introduced the diplomats
and their families to her. The following
countries were represented: Portugal,
Great Britain, Belgium, China, Austria,
Mexico, Russia, France, Switzerland, Tur-
key, Spain, Peru, Costa Rica and Salvador,
the Netherlands, Ecuador. Germany, the
United States of Colombia, Japan, Norway
and Sweden, the Argentine Republic,
Brazil, Denmark and Venezuela All the
members of the diplomatic corps, except
those who represent republics on this con-
tinent, were in their court uniforms. When
all of them mad been presented, Colonel
Wilson took Secretary BayardS place and
introduced ali the other official classes as
the members of each arrived before the
army, made the introductiOns to Miss Cleve-
land
The reception of the members of the Su-
preme Court and the Court OF Claims fol-
lowed. OF the former there were present
Chief Justice Waite and Justices Batch
ford, Harlan, Bradley, Gray, Woods, Mill
er Fields and Strong, accompanied by the
ladies of their families. Accompanying
the Justices were Judge Bancroft Davis
and Mr.. and Mrs. j. ii. McKenney.
The Senators and Representatives began
TO arrive early. Most Congressman had their
wives or other ladies with them. Mr.. Kas-
son represented the ex-Ministers. Senator
Sherman was the only eX-Cabinet officer no.
ticed.
At few minutes to twelve o'clock, a
long line of army officers wended their way
from the War Department across the way
The line numbered nearly three hundred.
Although only forty officers are stationed
in this city, between seventy and eighty re-
tired officers reside in Washington and all
who were able to be present were in
line. Besides those from the different
bureaus of the War Department, the bar
racks and Fort Myer, number came over
from Fort McHenry 10 pay their respects.
and the force was largely increased by the
number on leave, who are stopping here
temporarily. General Sheridan, of course,
headed the line, accompanied by his
personal staff. Adjutant General Drum
followed with the officers of the Adjutant
Generals department. Then in order came
the officers of the corps of engineers,
headed by Colonel McCOmb, retired; the
signal corps, headed by General Hazen,
cavalry, artllery, infantry, medical corps and
pay corps. There was no intermissiOn be-
line of naval officers followed IN tine foot
steps of army officers. 1t was headed by
Admiral Porter, and by his side walked Ad
mral Warden. Following came the differ
ent Chiefs of Bureaus of the Navy De-
partmeut and many other naval officers of
prominence. In fact, like the army, the
navy was represented by nearly every offi-
Ger who is at present in Washington.
The new officials from the various de-
partments were nearly all present. The
Civil Service Commissioners, Edgerton,
Trenholm and Eaton, and Commissioner of
Education Eaton and Prof. Baird, followed
by Prof. Powell and all the heads of the
specific departments led in this procession.
Then followed all the heads of bureaus in
the departments who are Presidential ap-
pointees. Assistant Secretary Fairchild led
the Treasury officials.
The Mexican Veterans Association was
we'll represented, the members Numbering
about sixty, flied in and paid their respects
to the President. Following them came the
oldest inhabitants, numbering about fifty.
Their appearance was venerable and im-
pressive. The 6. A. X. delegation fol-
lowed. The pleasant weather served TO
bring out one OF the largest New Years
representations for many years. Members
were in lire according to their posts and
numbered about 1000 in all.
The gates were not opened TO the general
public until after the Grand Army reception
was completed. The crowd of waiting citi-
Zens was immense. It extended from the
eastern gaze in a solid mass far down the
avenue, occupying the middle of the street
When the time arrived for the general re-
ception the gates were opened and the line
passed through the White House.
Notwithstanding the immense crowd
the best of order prevailed
and everything passed off in the
SmoOthest possible manner. During the
reception al the parlors except the east
rUom were daTkeled and when the dip!O-
mats, the army and navy and other officials
entered the beautiful room the effect was
most brilliant The sun shoae brightly
through the southern windows and the
splendid landscape viewed from them
added no little to the charming
scene. 1. is estimated that over
5000 people shook hands with the
President. The President lowered the
record of handshaKing considerably. In
eight minutes he shook the hands of 274
persons, or about thirty-four minute.
Lee InauEur4ted.
Prf-rroNp Va Ianuarv 0--Governor