The Indianapolis journal., 1886-01-02
A Marked Scarcity of Prominent States
men at the White House Reception.
The President Finds the Affair Trife Dull
and Tiresome, and Makes No Special Eff
fort to Conceal His Annoyance.
The Mansion Literally Supplied with
Regular and Special Detectives.
Who Were Present, What They Wore and How
They Looked-Indiana People Who Re-
ceiyed and Entertained Their Friends.
AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
Six Thousand People CALI on the President
Absence of Prominent 1Ien.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Jan. Evidently President
Cleveland was much bored to-day He seemed
out of place in the midst of a large circle of
ladies gaily dressed, and in the glitter Of uni
forms and the roar of music. His embarrass-
ment was obvious to any one, and he didn't seem
to try to conceal it. Then, when it was all over,
he sighed to some one beside him, 'Well, let's
go up stairs"
1t was remarked on every hand that sofew
prominent men have not been seen at the White
House on New Years day for many years, and
especially was this true Of senator's
and representatives. But things were
in good order and the crowd was
handled admirably. There was no jam inside
or outside the executive mansion, and not an
incident occurred to mar the proceedings There
was but small attendance from the army and
navy and only about ten senators and fifteen or
twenty representatives, against more than one
hundred of these two classes at previous recep-
tions. Among the earliest senators to arrive
was Cookrell, of Missouri. He hurried right
into the Blue Room, where the reception was
held and was soon deeply engrossed with the
ladies and gentlemen assistants. Mr.. Cockrell
chews tobacco, and he carried a very large quid
in his mouth. After he had worked his maxilary
organs pretty rapidly for few minutes
he found his mouth was too full
for utterance Excusing himself, he slipped out
and elected good sized section of Missouri cut
and-twist. and then returnedito the Blue Room.
Mr. Cockrell wore very large black soft hat.
which he pulled well down on his head when he
went out, and he forgot to remove it until he re-
entered the Blue Room. A good many people
Uttered, but Mr.. Cockrell is old-fashioned, and
he didn't care for little thing like that. al
though the Blue Room was pretty nearly full of
the Presidents assistants.
Matters Jagged for the first hour there was
chill over everybody. and the President was fire.
quently observed looking around as if to inquire
why the people were so formal anc-9uiet-
Finally, Senator Sherman entered the ROOM On
his arm was the handsome and yivacious Miss
Parsons, of Cleveland. Mr. Clevelands face
frightened up instantly, and showed the first
symptoms of real pleasure. Senator Sherman
was very cordially received. and fingered in the
room longer than any other caller Shortly, ex-
Speaker Randall made his appearance. and the
Presidents dropping spirits revived. People re-
marked the similarity of the general style of the
two men, and when they laughed together they
looked enough alike to be brothers.
1t was evident from Mr.. Cleveland's actions
during the early part of the day that he feared
the prominent men in both political parties were
going to pass him by, and it is said he noticed
and felt keenly the absence of so many congress
men. 1t was late, some time after the appointed
hour. when General Logan entered the room.
He was accompanied by three or four
other senator's and half q dozen or more
representatives, among whom were Senators
Conger, Hawley, Coke and Sabin, and Repre-
sentatives Steele, Payson, Ward and Matson.
Senator Cullom had been regaling himself in
very enjoyable manner in the room for good
while. The newcomers could not be held. how
ever and within few minutes not one of them
was in sight.
Very often President Cleveland and his sister,
who stood together, were found alone. The
President looked lonesome. and leaned against
the high back of a lounge. At times he held his
chin in one hand and gazed soberly and thought
fully at the carpet on which he stood, as if max
ing mental calculation of the people who had
neglected TO call upon him and the causes which
brought about the neglect.
Secretary Bayard seemed most at home in his
role, and chatted Justify. Secretary Whitney
was graceful, and entertained the people around
the edges of the crowd. Secretary Man
ming was not so completely at ease
as his handsome and accomplished wife.
HIS tall, burly form loomed up above
everyone, and the blossom" he is of late culti-
waiting on his nose was more scarlet than ever.
The Postmaster general was like a fish out OF
water. In fact, the characteristics of the novice
were everywhere seen. So many detectives.
policemen and body guards were never seen
about the White House before. and the nervous
ness and vigilance were the subject of much
comment Besides heavy cordons Of these per-
sons on the outside. there must have been at
least fifty, including the regular force, on the
inside. Pinkertons men were on hand. two or
three at every door leading to the Blue Room.
and were rugged up as ushers. They looked out
of place, and doubtless felt so.
Besides the Indiana representatives mem
toned above there were also present Colonel
Mclean, Deputy Commissioner of Pensions. and
Judge Buskirk, of Indianapolis
The only sensation Of the day was when SeDa-
tor Payne, of Ohio, arrived He had hearty
grasp of the hand from the President, who did
not mention the subject of Colonel Donavin's,
open letter. published to-day, and the Senator
then passed on to speak to Miss Cleveland and
IN Mrc Nav Whar ha raaahad Mro Whit
ney he stopped down and gave her most loving
kiss. There was buzz of surprise at the action.
when the Senator passed on and spoke to Mrs. i,
Villas, and then little Miss Whitney came up and
kissed the old man twice, once on each cheek.
The surprise at the Senator'S action died away
when it became known that Mrs. Whitney 10