Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va) 1886-1890, 1890-01-02

ever return to Washington. The col
umn was headed by Baron Fava, 1tal
ian minister, who Is dean Of the corps
by the virtue of his length Of service
at tho capital with the diplomatic
corps, were delegates to the Maritime
and Pan-American conferencei
In many instances resident minister
are delegates to these conferences, but
only to q limited extent, an large
majority Of the delegates are not reg
ular members Of the legations ct this
capital. The president showed a
special pleasure In the reception OF
the delegates, congrstulating those OF
the maritime conference upon the
successful issue of their deliberations.
The only other diplomatic visitors
were members OF the Venezuelan
claims commission. The judiciary
was next received, including Chief
Justice Fuller and his associates, OF
the supreme court; Chief Justice
Richardson and his associates, OF the
court Of claims, and Chief Justice
Bingham and his associates, of the
supreme court Of the district. Nearly
all were accompanied by ladies OF
OF their families. The congressional
contingent followed and consisted OF
nearly all the senators and representa-
tives now In the city being, however,
only small portion OF the total
number in Congress. Among those
present we're Senators Cullom, Cock
rell and Allen, Speaker Reed and Re-
representatives. Burrows, Cutchen and
Cultivate, with them were the COM
miseioners and other officials Of the
District of Columbia and eI- Minist or
Foster.
The reception OF the officers OF the
armyand navy and marine corpswhich
followed was probably the showiest
feature Of the day, they being in full
dress uniform, and resplandent wit h
brass buttons, bright epaulettes,
gaudy sashes, gold lace, etc.
Major-Gensral Schofield headed the
army and Rear-Admiral Jouitt, the
navy. Admiral Porter did not attend
on account OF bad weather.
1t was now twelve O'Clock and the
reception became all the more general
in ite character.
Indeed, callers became 20 numer-
GUS and followed each other so close
ly that the president was compelled
to restrict his welcome to a single
shake Of the hand, and a simple "Glad
to see you" Those received in this
manner included the officers Of the
Smithsonian institution, Civil Service
commissioners, Interstate Commerce
commissioners. assistant secretaries
and the chief officers OF the various
departments, and the faculty OF the
Columbian institute for the deaf and
dumb. The next section OF callers
was headed by few survivors of the
war OF 1916, closely followed by large
representation OF the Grand army
mon and small body OF gray haired,
venerable looking men, known as the
oldest inhabitants Of tho District Of
Columbia. The reception OF the pub.
lie generally was the next in order
and the gates to the grounds, which
had been closed up to this time sI-
cept to q privileged few, were thrown
open, and the crowd thronged rapid
ly into the mansion.
The attendance was naturally
smaller than usual on account Of the
inelement weather, but Thousands Of
people braved the rain and kept their
places in line, which moved slowly in
to the mansion, the interior OF which,
was more cheerful and brighter by
contrast with the gloom and moisture
of the outside. The callers protected
themselves as best they could with
umbrellas, and formed a line two
abreast extending up Pennsylvania
avenue to Seventeenth street. The
reception lasted until o'clock. and it
is estimated that during that time the
president shook hands with nearly
5000 people. When it was over, the
president invited the ladies who es.
sisted him, and number Of others to
Join him in lunch, which had been
prepared expressly for them in the
hallway up stairs.
AS is well known, Mrs. Harrison's
absence was due to the recent death
of her sister, and it was at her request
that her daughter, Mrs. Mckee. as
sumed the responsibility Of hostess on
this occasion.
Mrs. Blaine was unable to assist by
reason Of the recent death Of her sis
ter. Mrs. Proctor is in bad health
and was also unable to be present.