The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-01-03
NEW YEAR.
Another Brilliant Annual Fete at
the White House-The Presi-
dents Reception.
Magnificent Toilets of the Ladies.
The Usual Array of Notables,
Civic and Military.

House has seldom, if ever, presented
more brilliant spectacle than it did to-day
on the occasion of the presidents New
Years reception. Special pains were
taken with the decorations, and the beau
tiful suite of parlors where the reception
was held never appeared to better advan-
tage. There was a profusion of flowers
and plants, and they we're distributed with
charming effect. The choicest flowers
were placed in the blue parlor, where the
receiving party stood, but the most elab
crate floral decorations were in
the east room, where visitors spent
! few moments in conversation after
having paid their respects. The walls
were banked with bright hued flowers, and
festoons of grass were suspended from
large chandeliers. Tall palms were placed
and tropical plants of all kinds lined the
corridor running through the center of the
house. The large divan in the east room
was ornamented with beautiful vase con-
tanning large palm.
Part of the lower floor was illuminated
by gas,but the sunlight was given full play
sUashiny and cool, in fact everything was
most suspicious.
The reception began at IL O'Clock, at
which hour the receiving party descended
the stairs and took their places in the
blue parlor. AS they appeared in sight
the marine band, which was stationed in
the main hall, started "Hail to the Chief"
and continued playing it until the party
had taken their positions. A passage was
made for them through the crowd that
had already gathered in the house. They
came in the following order:
Colonel Wilson ard Lieutenat Duval, of
the army.
The president and Miss Bayard.
Secretary Bayard and Mrs. Cleveland.
Secretary Fairchild and Mrs. Whitney.
Mrs. Dickinson and Secretary Villas and
Don M. Dickinson.
They took their places with the presi-
dent and Mrs. Cleveland, and then Miss
Bayard, Mrs. Fairchild, Mrs. Whitney and
Mr.. Dickinson in the order named.
Grouped behind them were number of
invited guests, including Mrs. Folsom,
Miss Mary Hastings, Miss Carrie Hastings,
Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Chief Justice Fuller,
Mrs. Speaker Carlisle, Miss Florence Bay
ard, Miss Villas, Misc Pauline Whitney,
Mrs. Lamont, Mrs. Lincken, Mrs. George
Bancroft, Hon. Hugh Mccullough and
Mrs. Mccullough, Mrs. Colonel Wilson,
Miss Wilson, Mrs. Marshall Wilson,
Miss Mary Wilson, Mrs. Senator
Butler, Mrs. Senator Call, Mrs. Cockrel!,
Mrs. Daniel, Mrs. Hearst, Mrs. Pugh, Miss
Voorhees,, Mrs. WolthaIl, Mrs. A. Leo Knott,
Mrs Lucius Tuckerhuan, Mr.. Samuel G.
Ward, Mrs. John Rogers, Mrs.. W. @. p.
breckenridge, Mrs. McAdoo, Mrs. John E.
Russell, Miss Randall, Mrs. Springer, Miss
S. N. Townsend, Miss Letter, Mrs. How
ard, Miss Thorn, Mrs. Governor Morris,
of New York, Mr.. and Mrs. franklin, Mrs.
Veaghe, Mr. and Mrs. Glenny, of Buff
falo; Judge DAILY, of New York.
THE COSTUMES.
The president wore black Prince
Albert suit, with black tie.
Mrs. Cleveland wore a beautiful robe of
pale pink faille made with round train
eorsage, rounded at top and short sleeves.
The front of the skirt was draped in
silver embroidered net fringe of bugles. At
the foot on either side were panels of soft
French gray silk embroidered in pattern
of rosebuds in silver. The back of the
panels were edged with heavy Russian fur
that commenced at the waist line and
continued around the pink train. The
back of the dress was princess
shaped, with pink folds on
the waist fastened with pear
embroidery. The front was jacket-shaped,
rounded, and fell over the full vest of pink
silk draped with white net. The sleeves
of pinH we're short puffs, edged on the
arm with pearl beads. The low body was
edged with heavy fur. She wore diamond
necklace, and diamond star in her hair
that was dressed in loops on top of her
head. Her gloves were soft pearl color.
Miss Bayard, who stood near, wore
short dress of blue brocade
with point body, back and
front, upon which was laid
folds of gauze; sprays of white lace
adorned the body and kirtle of gauze
was draped about the upper part of the
skirt. The sleeves were out to the elbow
and the hair was dressed high with blue
feather.
Mrs. Fairchild wore a dress of plain
c0l0red Six. Inc front was draped with
frills of lace and the pettiooat was of dull
white satin. Across the front of the body
was tied fichu of lace netted aside.
Mrs. Whitney wore a superb gown of
white brocade made with high bodice and
train. Down the front of the bodice and
skirt were folds of yellow satin and
gold embroidery. The high collar was
fastened with three diamond pins. She
wore great diamond stone in the gold
embroidery of the bodice and diamond
spray in her hair. On the shoulder ives
largo ruby set with diamonds.
Mrs. Dickinson's dress was pale green
silk, embroidered in silver with train of
same material. The front was draped in
tulle. She wore black ribbon about her
throat.
The usual cabinet receptions were held
this afternoon. The British legation was
represented by M. Michael Herbert, charge
d. affairs, and M. George Barclay.
THE RECEPTION PROPER
began with the presentation of members
of the diplomatic corps. They were all in
full court dress, many of which we're re-
splendent with rich jewels and gold lace.
The most striking costumes were those