The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-01-03
THE NEW YEAR.
Diplomats, Lawmakers, Warriors
and the Public at the White House.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 2.-The second day of
the New Year came in with bright and
beautiful day in Washington. The White
House was the main Loint of interest to the
official world and the public today, and long
before the beginning of the Presidents an
nual reception the great iron gates closing
the Pennsylvania avenue entrances to the
grounds were surrounded by people who
gazed with curiosity at the brilliantly
costumed throng of diplomats and officers as
it filed through into the Executive Mansion
The interior was tastefully but not lavishly
decorated with potted plants, flowers and
vines. The vestibule was almost filled with
the scarlet-coated Marine Band, under the
direction of Professor Soussa, which dis
coursed pleasing music as the ceremonies
progressed. A few minutes after IL o'clock
the band began to play ''Hail to the Chief"
and the reception party descended the
staircase and entered the blue parlor.
Marshal Wilson and Lieut.. Duval, U. S. N,
led the party, followed by the President and
Miss Bayard, Secretary Bayard and Mrs.
Cleveland, Secretary Fairchild and Mrs.
Whitney, Secretary Endicott and Mrs. Fair
child, Postmaster General Villas and Col. La
mont. Secretary Whitney came later and
joined the party in the blue parlor. Marshal
Wilson took a position at the west door Of
the room and introduced the officials and
public to the President, who stood at his
right hand Lieut.. Duval performed like
service for the officers of the army and navy:
Mrs. Cleveland stood near to the President
and was assisted by Miss Bayard Mrs. Fair
child and Mrs Whitney. The space in the
rear OF the reception party was filled with
persons prominent in Washington official So
ciety, among them being Miss Endicott Mrs.
Sheridan, Mrs. George Bancroft and Mrs.
Stebbins. When the party had taken up its
position and exchanged greetings with
the members of the Cabinet, the di-
plomatic corps was received. All of the
foreign ministers were present except the
representatives from Portugal and Italy.
Senior Preston of Hayti, the dean of the
corps. led the party, which made brilliant
picture in the layishly embroidered diploma
tic costumes. The Chinese Minister and his
suite, clad in richly decorated silk, oriental
garD. attracted much attention. The Supreme
Court next paid its respect to the president,
all the members being present. 1t was fol-
lowed by Judges of the Court of Claims and
the members of the District Judiciary. Then
came the Senators and Representatives in
Congress. with their ladies, rather more in
number than is usual upon New Years Day.
Speaker Carlisle did not enter with the
members of the House, but came nearly half
an hour late. The officers of the army and
navy, who had assembled at their respective
departments reached the doorway just as
the last of the Representatives passed
through the Blue Room. Lieutenant
General z. IL. Sheridan headed the
Jouett led the naval contingent. All Of the
officers ia Washington, active and retired,
were in line, making pretty picture with
their dark blue uniforms. The Grand Army
NE
bers, and the Oldest Inhabitants Associa-
tion of the District of Columbia were the
last organized bodies to exchange greetings
with the Presidential party, and it was half
past twelve before the western gate
was thrown open and the general pub
lie admitted Although the people were
present in large numbers, the crowd was
hardly equal to those of previous years, pre-
sumably for the reason that most of the citi-
zens have been able to crafty. their desire to
meet the President at his weekly receptions
during the fall and winter. The reception
terminated at two O'Clock, having passed eff
successfully in every particulay, and without
incident.
Five of the seven Cabinet officers kept
open house today. AT noon the diplomatic
corps was entertained at breakfast at the
residence of the Secretary of State. In the
dining room the table was adorned with
smilax, and a substantial hot and cold
luncheon, with wines. punches and ices, was
SCI AltCl " ClOCh, ScucIdl IcCtpbiOH
was held, lasting until late in the afternoon.
Secretary and Mrs. Fairchild's reception
began upon their return from the Presidents
reception. Mrs. Fairchild was assisted by a
number of lady friends. Mrs. Endicott was
unable to go to the White House with Secre.
tary and Miss Endicott on account of re-
cent sprain, which prevents her standing for
any length of time. She received, however,
at her home after O'Clock. assisted by Sec
retary and Miss Endicott, and Miss Gardner
of Boston.
Secretary and Mrs. Whitney were at home
at 1.30 p. m, when they received the Navy
Department officials, who breakfasted with
them by special Invitation. Mrs. Whitney
was assisted by the wives and daughters of
the Navy Department bureau chiefs and
other ladies. Postmaster General and Miss
Villas received informally for an hour upon
returning from the White House. There
was also no reception at the residence of
Attorney General Garland. Mrs. Carlisle
received her friends in the Riggs parlors
from o'clock.