Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-12-21

1901, in the upstairs oval room of the then IN
finished structure. This room later became
the library and is now the Presidents office.
The ceremonial receptions to the diplomatic
corps, Congress, the Judiciary. army and navy
' ana pubic began later. In the earlier admin
lstratlons they were more in honor OF events.
Inc reception in commemoration OF the treaty
OF Ghent. December. lol4, settling tie differ
ences between the United States and Great
Britain was characterized by the appearance
OF the chief and associate justices of the Su-
preme Court of the United States in their
judicial robes. the peace commissioners TO
| Ghent, the diplomatic corps in court uniform.
Sir Charles Bagot. her maieSty's special am
| bassador and the heroes of the war of 1872
with their aids in full uniform.
GEN. HARRISON oBEYED THE ORDER.
AT reception pending the war of 1872 an in
terestng incident occurred. The question
arose as to the presence Of Gen. Harrison the
grandfather of the present executive. A lady
high in official and social life remarked 10 the
President that Gen. Harrison would be present.
President Madison took Issue with her stating
that Gen. Harrison had left him that morning
Tor the west TO take command OF his troops,
and that he was at least 30 miles on his jour
ney. The lady replied: Gen. Harrison has
my commands to be here tonight" That is
impossible" said the President. las l parted
with Gen. Harrison at the door of this very
mansion and saw him depart surrounded by has
attendants" Il insist that the general will be
here, said the proud dame, las Gen. Harrison
is too gallant to disobey me-" I'VE will soon
see" sand the President, whose orders Gen.
Harrison obeys." A few minutes after Gen.
Harrison, in full military uniform and sur
rounded by his aids, appeared in the execu-
tive presence. The high-spirited matron stood
by to enjoy her triumph over the sedate and
confused commander in-chief of the military
forces Of the United States.
THE LAST OF THE COOKED HATS.
During President Monroe's time at the
Wednesday receptions the guests appeared in
top boots and spurs or the civil attire Of the
continental period. 1t was during this regime
that the cooked hat short clothes and sword
OF the revolutionary fathers were abandoned
as the court costume. which gave President
Monroe the designation OF 1.-THE last OF the
cooked hats" The receptions were then held
every fortnight
In the beginning the levees held on national
tete days were announced by the frin, Of ma
nonal salute in the executive mansion grounds,
all officers of the revolution wearing their uni
forms. These leveas on July were continued
IN form somewhat modified for many years
after
In the early receptions the wife of the Presi-
DENT was seated, the guests standing in SEMI
circle III front, while the President passed
among them. paying compliments to each Of
the ladies and exchanging cordial Balutatlons
with the gentlemen.
The enormous increase in the personnel Of
those entitled to recognition has rendered this
form impracticabe. and has gradually led to
the whiriwind and pump-handle forms Of state
etiquette OF late years.
THE DRAWING ROOMS"
The wife of the President since the DAYS of
Mrs. Washington has held drawing rooms for
the entertainment of her own friends. Mrs.
Washington adopted Friday evenings of each
week, closing at 10 pm. 1t is said that upon
one OF these occasions that illus rious dame. not
entering fully into the spiri: of the moment
and the hour growing late, suggested that Gen.
Washington was in the habit OF retiring pune
tually at 10 o'clock, and she followed her hus-
band soon AFTER
The drawing rooms, which are without card
and open TO the public during late administra-
tons have been held by the lady OF the eXecu-
tive mansion OH Saturdays of alternate weeks,
from to p. m. during the fashionable season.
1t has not been unusual for the President 20 APP
pear toward the close and mnglc among the
guests invited behind the line of receiving
ladies. During the season at hand Mrs. Harri-
son will not appear at drawing rooms although
it is not impossible that her daughter, Mrs.
Mckee, may hold one or two before the close
OF the fashionable period. DEB. r. K