The critic., 1891-01-29
IN THE SWIM.

Mrs. Gray Foster held ono of her very
agreeable rSeoeptions RECEIPT in her coy and
yesterday. Miss Ashford and Miss Davis
were the presiding diyinities at the tea
table, which was vision of aesthetic and
floral taste. The affair was rendered
doubly enjoyable TO those present by the
artistic and beautiful performance on the
violin of Miss Knox Of New York and other
noted amateurs. Count Won Arco Valley,
the German Minister, who is a connoisseiir
applaudcd warmly the lovely and gifted
girl who was the observed OF all observers
and created a taro,e. Among the guests
were: Mr.. Biddlc, Mr. Anderson, Com
mander Bainbridge-IIoff, Mr.. Mendonca
of the Brazilian Legation, Mr.. Cropper,
Miss Westcott, Mrs. Lay, Mrs. II. Sidney
Everett, Mrs. Ray, the Misses Routh, the
Misses Roy, Miss Evarts and Mrs. T. b.
NJ. Mason. Mrs Fosteri is one of the most
agreeable women in society and her house
is one of the particularly delightful ones
and famous for the ease and hospitality
that should be an ever present element in
receptions.
W.
Several of the most distinguished people
in society have quietly solved the prob
lem of how to square their social circle by
not having a reception day. In this way
they are enabled to see their friends and
avoid being intrudcd upon as they hereto.
fore have been when 500 people thronged
in, and many of them unaskel and I'M
known. There seems TO be n determina-
ton to secure privacy if the reception day
has to be abolished to effect the much-de-
sired boon. Those occupying flats or
hotels have this remedy in requiring cards
to be first brought up for inspection before
being descended upon and keeping a list
of friends and those "in the swim"
vs.
Six of the ladies of the Cabinet received
yesterday and their receptions were fully
attended. All of them had number
of friends invited to assist them. The
social duties of the wives OF the members
of the Cabinet are enough to break down
the strongest. The labor and fatigue incl
dent to a Cabinet reception day are in
credible to those not familiar with the
ordeal. If they could only see the people
they want to there would be great relief,
but as it Is they are simply overrun by
strangers, tourists and the curious.
~.
Among the nice people who have re-
Mrs. John j. Stoddard and Miss Stod-
dard of 1905 Nineteenth street. Yes
terday they gave reception in their new
home, and were assisted in receiving by
Mrs. General w. W. Mackall, Mrs. James
Taylor, Miss Dyer, Miss Maggie Darneille
and Miss Payne. Among the many guests
were Mr.. and Mrs. Forbes Beale, Lieu
tenant and Mrs, Baker Mr.. and Mrs.
Leonard Chew, Miss Gammack, Mrs;
Joseph Il. Johnston, Mrs. Langhorne,
Miss Strong, Mrs. Admiral Walker, the
Misses Davidge, Mrs. Benjamin and Mrs.
Philip Darneillc, Mrs. Charles II. Hagner,
General and Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Senator
Vance, Commander and Mrs. Davis, Mrs
Frank Gordon and Mrs. Aspinwall.
~*x
Mrs. Senator Warren and Mrs. Senator
Carey of Wyoming will not receive to-
day, but will be at home at the Arlington
February o.
Mrs. Justice Field will not receive again
this season. Her many friends will re-
gret to learn that she contemplates leav-
ing the city for the benefit of her health.
w
Mrs. Senator German and the Misses
German, assisted by Miss Gambrill, will
receive this afternoon.
s"~
The Misses Strong have issued cards for
~
General and Mrs. John w. Foster will
give dinner party on Friday (to-mor-
row): They propose going to Florida for
a visit shortly.
Justice and Mrs. Gray have issued cards
to dinner February4.
**x
The beautiful dinner gwen by that
charming hostess, Mrs. Senator McPher..
son, to her friend, Miss May Pratt of
Boston, was attended by Miss Van Vech-
ten, the Albany beauty; Miss Knox, an
other New York belle; Miss Everett, Miss
Williams, Mr.. and Mrs. Soley, Baron Won
Sternburg Mrs. r. B. NJ. Mason, Count de
| Chambrun, Mr.. Hansen, secretary of the
| Russian Legation; Lieutenants Cowles and
Mulligan of the Navy and Mr.. Lowery.
x*#
The two principal social events of this
| day and night will be Mrs. Senator Stan
ford's last reception and Miss Parke's
dinner party.
The ladies residing on ] street and the
wives OF Senators receive to-day.
Nv
Mrs. Senator Cullom will not receive
| to-day, but will receive her friends
next Thursday, February 8, from to G
| =. m.
| %*x
Mrs. Tyler of 1907 street will receive her
| friends this afternoon.
w.
Mrs. Burritt and Miss Efile Burritt, No
| 1924 | street, will hold their usual Thurs
| day reception this afternoon.