Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1888-01-05
and voices of the best and bright
est patriots Of the Nation, and sue
cess seems all but assured.
WASHING TON LETTER.
From our regular correspondent.
WAsnlNGTON. Jan. 2nd, i

"dS pidHENu thiNh2H iCVPCNb " JiN
memory Of ex-Secretary Manning
Was of less than weeks duration,
and therefore has not interfered
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
ashington himself, after consul
tation with Adams, the first Vice
President, established some of the
etiquette which still prevails.
TINS ceremony, more than any
other in the United States, resembles
what il called a Court. In the early
days the people rushed to public
reception In such numbers that the
representative of foreign nations
have complained of being crowded
out, and declined to attend. Au
arrangement was then made to re-
ceiye the Diplomatic Corps separate
ly, 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 curl.
Gus To learn, that the officers Of the
Cabinet and their families are first
received by the President and host
ess of the White House, aud then
follow the Diplomatic Corps in the
order of their seniority of residence
in Washington, 80 that it is possible
the plenipotentiary from St Domin-
90 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 and Repre-
spntatiyes. officers of the Army and
! Navy, and a number of Government
officials too varied in name to men
ton.
The parade in the East room to
day WAS worthy of comparison fol
glitter and lace with that of many
real courts. The Diplomats ar,
always in Court dress, the Judges
of the Supreme Court sometimes
weqr their gowns, and the Army
and Navy officers always wear full
uniform. After the official GROVE
have passed out and those who hav,
contrived 10 accompany 1t 10 see the
sight, of which there is always &
goodly number, the democracy 1t
admitted, and hod-carriers and
washer women can be seen under
the chandeliers where the represent
atives Of Kings and Queens have
just aired their royal decorations.
The opposition to the confirm.
alton of MIR. Lamar is beng SO well
organized and of such a determined
/ character, that it is quite likely tinaI
action upon the case will be delayed
for several weeks. 1t is understood
that Senators Sherman, Edmuuds
and Hoar will make speeche,
against his confirmation, and rs the
Democrats will reply, there will
doubtless be a prolonged debate
! Mr. Lamar would seem to realize
his jeopardy. At a wedding recep
ton a few days since guest who
wished to congratulate the Secretary
upon his new honors, accostcd him
With bow, and "Ah, Mr. Secretary,
ALLOW memo, not yet. am not
confirmed" iutrrposed the possible
new Supreme Court Justice. ooh,
but you will be, apd then, perhaps,
( / shall not have the chance to-
LET us wait until we are sure, at