Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-06-17
THE FIRST oFFrorAnRnoBPTIoN.
one of she Largest Ever Given at
the White House = 1900 Guests
Preseuus

One of she Largest Ever Given at
the White House = 1900 Guests
Present.
WASHINGTON, June 1.-THE White
House never presented more brilliant
spectacle than tonight, on the occasion
OF the first official reception given by
President and Mrs. Cleveland. The deco
rations were on the same grand scale as at
the President's wedding, with the excep-
ton that there were more tropical plants
and ferns and less flowers. The scene
when the reception was at its hight, with
the rich toilets of the ladies', the splendor
of the costumes worn by some of the
diplomats and the bright uniforms of the
officers, was most brilliant.
The guests began to arrive shortly be-
/ fore Q o'clock and soon the house was
crowded with ladies and gentlemen await
ing the coming of the receiving party.
The signal that the President and Mrs.
Cleveland were ready was given by the
Marine Band, which was stationed in the
main vestibule, striking up the air ''iail
to the Chief.n The receiving party then
descended from the upper portion of the
house to the Blue Parlor in the following
order: The President and Mrs. Cleveland,
Secretary and Mrs. Endicott, Secretary
and Mrs. Whitney, Postmaster General
and Mrs. Vilss and Colonel and Mrs.
Lamont. They ranged themselves in
semi circle in the Blue Parlor, with the
President first, then Mrs. Cleveland and
Mrs. Endicott, Mrs. Whitney and Mrs.
Villas in the order named.
Mrs. Cleveland was attired in her we'd
ding dress, an ivory satin the waist,
however, was slightly changed, being
pointed back and front, and without
sleeves. She wore white silk gauntlet
mifts. Her only ornaments were u
diamond necklace, the wedding gift of the
President, and a magnificent bouquet of
white roses worn at the corsage Mrs.
Cleveland's hair was dressed in Grecian
coils, and the charming simplicity of her
whole attire only served to show to greater
advantage the dignity of her carriage and
the graceful poise of her figure. She had
q smile for every one and aword formany,
and her winsome manners captiVated all.
As Senator Salisbury passed the bride
he said in his suavest manner: lyon are
very, very welcome, and be assured you
did not come day too soon. l am n
bachelor and have a right to speak in
disinterested manner"
Mrs. Lore was present, and wore dress
of black satin and lace.
The President and Mrs. Cleveland were
assisted by Mrs. Endicott, Mrs. Whitney
and Mrs. Villas.
The reception began with the presenta-
tion ct the diplomatic corps, followed by
the Brazilian prince and the officers of
the Brazilian frigate. A general recep-
ton then ensued of all the other invited
guests without any particular order of
precedence, including Supreme Courtand
other judges and their LADIES, senators,
representatives, officers Of the army and
navy. ministers and ex-ministers. Mr..
and Mrs. Frederick Douglass were among
those present.
The reception was one of the largest
ever given at the White House, there be-
ing not less than 1000 guests present
The reception closed about 10.45 p. M,
and the President and Mrs. Cleveland,
after promenade through the various
rooms, retired, accompanied by the cabi-
net officers and their wives, TO partake of
a collation. spread in one of the private
apartments of the mansion.