, 1888-01-03
How the Day Was Observed
at the White House.
The Reception a Brilliant and
Successful Affair.
Some of the Dresses Worn By
the Ladies.

Une carly mOTllnp, WHICH MADE waking
a little difficult, the day was all that could
be desired. The white house was the
main point OF interest to the official world
and thel public to-day, and long be-
fore the beginning of the presidents
annual reception the great iron gates clos
ing the entrance to the grounds were sur
rounded by people, who gazed with curl
osity at the brilliantly costumed throng of
diplomats and officers as it filed through
into the executive mansion.
The interior was tastefully but not Law
ishly decorated with potted plants, flowers
and vines. All of the shades were drawn
and the gas burned brightly in the crystal
chandeliers, which were teslooned with
smilaX and other graceful vines. The
vestibule was almost filled by the scarlet
coated Marine band, which under direc-
ton Of Prot. Soussa discoursed pleasing
music as the ceremonies progressed.
4 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 were
accompanied by Miss Bayard, Mrs. Fair
chNd and Mrs. Whitney. The space in
the rear of the reception party was filled
with persons prominent in Washington
oihcIal society, among them being Miss
Endlcott, Mrs. Lamont, Miss Villas, Miss
Garland, Mrs. Sheridan, Mrs. a. Il. Ste
Thompson, Mrs. Pruyn, Mrs. Col. Will
son, Mrs. A. A. Wilson, Miss Wilson.
Mrs. George Bancroft ard Mrs. Steb-
bins.
When the party had taken up its posi-
tInn and mol pr,at,,rr ,,,,t .,.r.
bcrs of the cabinet, diplomatic corps, a
party followed by the president and Miss
Bayard, Secretary Bayard and Mrs.
Cleveland, Secretary Fairchild and Mrs.
Whitney, Secretary Endicott and Mrs.
Fairchilj, Postmaster General Villas and
Col. Lamont, entered the apartment.
Secretary Whitney came later and Joined
the party in the blue parlor. Marshal
Wilson took IL position at the west door
of the room aud introduced the officials
and public to the president, who stood at
his right hand. Lieut.. Duval performed
a like service for the officers Of the army
and navy. Mrs. Cleveland stood near to
the president and received.
Mrs. Cleveland wore a Princess dress
of olive green plush, trained and cut
pompadour at the neck. The skirt was
gathered full at the. waist, and a rich
train of plush without Il single break. On
either side and TO the front were up and
down stripes of ccru ctruscan silk lace,
the only trimming upon the skirt. The
same kind of lace was used to edge the
square neck, for cpaulcttcS upon the
shoulders, and down the elbow sleeves
aud for cuffs turned back at the elbow,
and down the front of the bodice on
either side Of the lastenings. Her right
hand was barred and on her arms she wore
gold bracelets. In the lace on the side of
her corsage was 4 coil of gold wire; in her
left hand was Il gray-white glove and a
closed fan, and in her hair, which was in
a Clytie knot, was arranged a necklace
caught with two diamond stars. Her
neck was without ornament and outlining
the waist line was Il white silk cord
knotted in front and falling almost to her
feet, ending in two ~tassels. Her slippers
were OF bronze leather, embroidered with
bronze beads.
Miss Bayard wore u high neckcd dress
of black dotted tulle, short skirted and
trimmed with black lace and open V
shaped at the neck, yelled with black
tulle. There were rows of white pearls
about her throat, and a great bunch of
American beauty roses III her corsage.
She held a black fan and wore black
gloves.
Mrs. Fairchlld wore a white toilet Of
white satin. 1t was half high in the
neck, had a train of ivory white brocade
and the front fGst0oacd with white gauze
ovcr small frills Of plated Gauzc and lace.
She wore n large pearl pendant from a
white ribbon that cncircled her throat.
Mrs. Whitney wore n French dress of
antique blue brOcadc with rows of silver
embroidery upon folding panels. The
train was full and plain. Her corsage was
V shaped, drapcd with silver spangled
tuilc, and Mt the point she wore an i'm
mcnse diamond star. In her ears she
wore s]oIitaircs.
All of the foreign ministers were pres
cnt except the representatives FROM Por-
tugal and Italy. Senior Preston of IIayti,
dean of the corps, led the party, which
made u brilliant picture in lavishly m
hroidercd diplomatic costumes. The
Chinese minister and his suite, clad in
richly decorated silk Oriental garB, at
tracted much attention. The supreme
court mex paid its respects to the prcsl
dent. all the members being present. It
was followed by the Judges of the court Of
NiN'h'' NV ihNhI'ItIS VI NV bAohiiSb JNN'
ciary.
Then came senator's and representatives
in congress with thQir ladies, rather more
in number than is usual upon New Years
day. Speaker Carlisle did not enter with
the members ofthcj house but came near
ly half an hour Hatcr. Officers of the
army and navy/who had assembled at
their rcspcctpTe departments reached the
doorway just as the last of the representa-
tives ppssed through the blue room.
LicutNen. p. II. Sheridan headed the
army officers, while Rear Admiral Jouett
ley the naval contingent. All OF the off
Gers in Washington, active and retired.
Were in line, making a pretty picture with
their dark blue uniforms, guilt cpaulettes
and side arms.
Next came the regents and secretary of
the Smithsonian institute, commissioner
OF agriculture, civil service commissioners,
Interstate commission, assis-
tant secretaries Of the departments, assis-
tant postmas,crs general, solicitor general.