The Press., 1886-01-07
WASHINGTON LETTER,
Washington D. .Lnn-

Washington D. C., Jan. l, 1SS5.
 This was great day to the social world of the capital. It inaugurated the festivl- ties of the season, and the leaders of fash- ion have waited for it anxiously. The of nclal reception at the executive mansion was well attended and the program was the same tha It has been for years. The president demonstrated the fact that he hasa strong right arm, at least. He made about sixteen haudshakes a minute for three hours, and confessed, after it was all over, that he had had an easy time. The members of the cabinet were re- ceived first by the president. Then came the diplomatic corps in all the grandeur of their court attire, gold lace, bright vel. vets, sashes, stars, and other shining iu- l slgnia of office. The supreme court came next, followed by the various courts of the District of Columbia, and commission CTS of the district. Then there was a re- ceptlon of senators and members of con- gress, officers of the army and navy, vari- ous department officials and civic organ Izatlons, and lastly, but not lCast in num- bers, the people.
 Among the other official receptions, was the usual breakfast given by the secretary ot state to the diplomatic corps. The for elgn representatives went from the white house to this entertainment in full dress. but later, when they started out for gen. eral calls, they wore citizens morning at. tire, frock coats and silk hats.
 On leaving the white house many of the officials, and nearly all the officers of the army and navy began round of calls through the city. General Sheridan and his staff had greeted the president in the full regimental dress of their rank. The general, accompanied by some of his aids, made all the calls of the day in full uni form. Other officers, especially those who went around on foot, assumed citi- zens' dress on leaving the official recep- tlon, preferring not to be conspicuous on the streets.
 Ladies, in evening dress, received their New Years callers in gas lighted parlors. Lunch tables were in order, but no llquor For several years the leaders of society here have favored the disuse of spirituous liquors as feature of New Years hospi- tallty. The change may be said to have been instituted by Mrs. Hayes when she determined to exclude wine from the state dinners at the white house.
 In Washington the venerable custom of New Years calling will not dIe out, though 1t may become obsolete everywhere else. The peculiar formation of society here will tend to preserve it. In no other city O, the country can the ladies hold an annual review of diplomats, warrlors and states men in their official splendor. As these gentlemen are obliged to don their gor- geous vestments in the line of duty at the white house and other places on New Years day, it is pleasant for them to sup plement their officIal calls by making round among thelr circle of lady acqualnt- ances. It IS an easy way of paying social debts and everybody seems to like it.
 The observance of the New Year began here with the closing of the departments at noon on the day before Services were held In many of the churches and the old year was watched out while the new was welcomed with services of prayer and song. At midnight the Metropolitan church chimes rang out the old and rang Tn the new. The midnight hour was toll ed on the large bell, and then an elaborate program of joyful music was played on the bells.