Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-01-03
THE PRESIDENTS LUCK
GIVES HIM BRIGHT SKIES FOR THE
 NEW YEARS RECEPTION.

A Gorgeous Scene Made More Dazzling
 by the Brilliant Uniforms of the Dip
 lomatic Co<ps-The Veterans of 1S12
 Not Represented.
 WASHINGTON, Jan. 3-The principal feature of the New Years day festivities in Washington was, as usual, the presidents reception, which, as is customary, began with the reception of the cabinet at II a. m., and concluded by the doors being shut to the public at 9 D. m. Remarks about "Cleve- lands luck" were made when two days of snow, rain and slush gave place to cold, clear, beautiful weather, and New Years day became almost ideal in climatic conditions
 At the White House the customary prepa- rations had been made. The entrances were approached b> long awnings as protection from the cold, and in the entrance corridor the marine band was stationed, brilliantly uniformed, surrounded by palms, and ready to play "Hai to the Chief" when the presi- dential party descended the stairway. the patriotic airs of various nations when the diplomatic corps arrived, martial music to the military representatives, and operatic ''chestnuts" to the people. The state parlors had been beautifully and brilliantly deco rated with palms, ferns and flowers, wherever available space was offered. The chandeliers were entwined with smilax. The corners of every room, the window recesses and the mantels had been converted into bowers; in fact, the skill of the florist and decorator. was visible in every nook and corner. The blue parlor, in which the reception proper was held, had never been more beautifully deco rated, with the possible exception of that night in June when Miss Folsom became Mrs. Cleveland.
 Shortly before Il o'clock the cabinet as sembled, the members being accompanied by their wives, and proceeded to the rivate portion of the house to join and exchange New Year greetings with the president and Mrs Cleveland. Soon after the diplomatic corps began to arrive, in their resplendent uniforms and accompanied by their wives in brilliant full dress toilets
 The diplomatic corps converted the red parlor into congress of nations, where gold lace and furnished helmets, gaudy fabrics, jeweled decorations and polished swords helped to make up scene which the spectac- ular drama could not rival
 At II o'clock the presidents and cabinet receiving party descended the stairway and took positions in the blue parlor, to which the diplomatic norps was admitted, led by Minister Preston, dean of the corps and presented by Secretary Bayard. The supreme
  the judiciary cams next in order, followed by senators and representatives, army and navy officers, department officials, organize tions of veterans and the public.
 The president came down stairs escorting Mis- Bayard, Secretary Bayard was with Mrs Cleveland, Secretary Fairchild fol lowed with Mrs. Whitney, Secretary Endi- cGtr accompanied Ms. Fairchild, and Sec re arie, Whitney and Villas. with Col. La Il , broush sht up the rear. A number of ....,.r specially invited guests were in the .ua parlor. Among them were George D croft, the historian; Miss Villas, Miss E;r.icott, Miss Garland, and number of . hr ladies. The diplomatic corps was i.,.ln diately admitted from the red parlor |, joining, followed by the supreme court Alt,ieuyh the presiding officers of both bodies were present. were also dozen senators al Il thirty or forty representatives.
 Ex-cabinet ministers were represented only by Messrs. Tyner and Creswell.
 The army and navy officers, led by Gems. Sheridan and Sherman, and by Admiral Porter, were present ill full force.
 The bureau officers, interstate and civil service commissioners and other prominent officials were nearly all present.
 For the first time tho veterans of the war of 1872 were without a representative. The number has steadily declined year by year. and yesterday none of the veterans were in line. The Mexican war veterans present were only four in number.
 Tine Grand Army of the Republic was next in orIer, ana 1,2O0 men were present.
 At l2:30 the doors were opened to the gen. ersa puDlic, and about 5000 persons were admitted. The receiving party this time had diminished down to the president and Mrs. Cleveland.
 The reception was admirably managed, and passed off without an accident or unfor- tunate incident.