Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-01-07
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, JAN. 2,

To-day are inaugurated in Wash
ington the social festivities OF It's Of
fetal world. Tue semi official retire
ment in which the cabinet circle was
plunged through respect to the mem
ory of Elk Secretary Manning was OF
less than a weeks duration, and
therefore has not lnterfered with the
time honored custom of New Years
Day.
AS on former similar occasions,
the White House was fragrant with
floral decorations, dazzling with gas,
and brilliant with gold lace, epau-
let's and rich costumes. The New
Years Day reception at the Execu-
tive Mansion was instituted in the
early days of the Republic, and
Washington himself, after consulta-
ton with Adams, the first Vice Pre-
sident. established some OF the eti-
quette which still prevails.
This ceremony, more than any
other in the United States, resem
bIes what is called Court. In the
early days the people rushed to a
public reception in such numbers
that tue representatives of foreign
nations here complained of being
crowded out, and declined to attend.
An arrangement was then made to
receive the Diplomatic Corps separa
tely, and shortly after it was deemed
necessary to determine the relative
rank and precedence among the
foreign functionaries and our own
high officers of State. Washington
consulted his entire Cabinet and a
system of precedence was arranged
which became the foundation OF all
the official etiquette of the Capital.
While the order of approach to
the Presidential presence observed
at one of these receptions is well
known to many, ! will mention for
the benefit of others who are curious
to learn, that the officers of the Cab
met and their families are first re-
ceived by the President and hostess
of the White House, and then fol-
low the Diplomatic Corps in the or
der of seniority OF residence in Wash
Ington, so that il is possible the plen
ipotentlary from st. Domingo may
have precedence of the Minister
from the Court of st. James. After
the Diplomatists come the Judges OF
the Supreme Court and then the
Senators, officers of the Army and
Navy, and number of Government
officials too varied in name to men.
| ton.
The parade in the East room to-
day was worthy of comparison for
glitter and lace with that of many
real courts. The Diplomats are al
ways in Court dress. the Judges OF
the Supreme Court sometimes wear
their gowns, aud the Army and
Navy officers always wear full uni
form. After the official crowd have
passed out and those who have con-
tIived to accompany it to see the
sight, of which there is always a
goodly number, the democracy is
admitted, and hod carriers and
washer women can he seen under
the chandeliers were the representa-
tives of Kings and Queens have just
aired their royal decorations.
The opposition to the confirma.
ton of Mr.. Lamar is being so well
organized and of such a deter mined
character, that it is quite likely final
action upon the case will be delayed
for several weeks. 1t is understood
that Senators Sherman, Edmunds
and Hoar will make speeches against
his confirmation, aud as the Demo
Gratis will reply, there will doubtless
be a prolonged debate. Mr.. Lamar
would seem to realize his jeopardy.
At wedding reception few days
since a guest who wished to congrat-
ulate the Secretary upon his new
honors, accosted him with a bow,
and "Ah, Mr.. Secretary, allow me''
-" No, not yet. / am not con-
firmed " interposed the possible new
Supreme Court Justice. "Oh, but
you will be, and then perhaps, l
shall not have the chance To-"
"Let US wait until we are sure, at
any rate" he again interrupted.
1t appears from letter of the At
torney General to the Secretary
of the Treasury, that there is no
money to pay United States bailiffs,
witnesses and jurors, and that the
U. S. Courts in several districts have
adjourned on that account, and the
Secretery is asked to press immedi-
ately the passage of an urgent def
cheney BILL" "Here is another evi-
dence of Democratic economy" so
much boosted of at the last session,