Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-02
A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE
When the Diplomatic Corps Marched
Into the Blue Parlor.
SOME OTHER NEW YEAR EVENTS.
A Reception by Blaine and Blaze at Bis
House.
SOCIAL CALLS CUT A SMALL FIGURE
rrrou A STAFF CORRESPONDENT

rFRoM A STAFF CORRESPONDENT
WASHIN GToN, Jan. IA very worthy
young man accidentally shot through the
heart while the midnight bells and whistles
were ringing and blowing in the new year;
lively prize fight between Slugger Brooks,
Of New York, and Slugger Holcomb, of
Washington. as twilight dawned on the
new year; the burning of Secretary Biaine's
house, occupied by Millionaire Letter, of
Chicago; fog so thick that one could not
see across the street; official receptions and
miscellaneous New Year calls in rain, fog
and slush, such as are rarely seen in combi-
nation in Washington. made a somewhat
notable advent of 1891 in the Capital City.
Not for long years have Ne Year recep-
tons been so sparsely attended and society
calls so small, and not within the memory
OF the Oldest society dude have the fashion
ables and others looked so bedraggied and
forlorn on gala day. All sorts of vehicles
were in demand at the highest prices, and
50 far as is known the cabbIes are the only
fellows who are ahead of the game. The
Canitol was deserted. a member now and
then struggled into one chamber or the
other only to seek assistance, or to get the
fog out of his throat.
The Presidents Brilliant Reception.
The Presidents reception was of course
the social feature of the day. The his
torlc White House, which has been the
scene OF so many brilliant spectacles, never
looked prettier than it did to-day. Special
pains were taken with the decorations, and
everything was done to make the mansion
Is attractive as possible. The Government
Conservatives and hothouses were taxed to
their utmost capacity for flowers and plants,
and the supply being inadequate TO meet
the President s desire recourse was had to
private dealers.
In fact, it was found necessary to 60 to
New York and Philadelphia for some Of the
flowers used in the devices. These were all
of i patriotic character, being fac SMILES of
the Gag ofthe Union and the national coat
Of arms both of which were prominently dis
played in the different parts OF the house.
The reception began at IL O'Clock, the re-
ceIylng party taking their places in the
Blue Parlor at that hour to thes familiar
STAINS of Hail to the Chief" played by
the full Marine Band, which was stationed
in the vestibule just inside the main entrance.
Receiving the Gorgeous Foreign Ministers.
Vice President Morton and Mrs. Morton
and all the members of the Cabinet with
the ladies Of their families, with the excep-
tion of Mrs. Blaine, had previously Joined
the President and Mrs. Harrison, and followed
them downstairs to the reception room. Here
all the gentlemen, with the exception of the
President retired to the rear of the blue
parlor, where large number OF invited guests
had already gathered.
The receiving party tQen formed a line be-
tween the entrance and exit doors. The men,
hers OF the diplomatic corps were first received
They were nearly all present. AL wore full
court costume which, in many cases, notably
Russian German
Chinese Ministers, was of the most gorgeous
description. They were presented by Secretary
Blame and Assistant Secretary Wharton, and
made brilliant spectacle. with their gllttering
jewels, gold bralds and clanking swords.
Very Distinguished Procession.
Baron Favia, of Icaly. who is dean of the
corps, by virtue of seniority of service. led the
procession and was followed by Senor Romero,
OF Mexico. Nearly all the diplomats were ac-
Comparied by ladies. Accompanying the corps
were the members of the International None
tary Conference and the members of the Amer
jcan International Railway Conference. They
were followed soon after by the Chief Jnstlce
and the Associated Jusuces of the United
states supreme Court. the Judges OF the
Uni'ed States Court of Claims and the Judic
laTy of the District of Columbia.
The other official receptions were largely at
tended, most of the people who visited the
White House calling on the Vice President and
the members of the Cabinet, ali the latter, ex-
cept Secretary Tracy, keeping open house.
Some Other Notable Events
Secretary Blaine gave the Diplomatic Corps a
breakfast Immediately after the reception of
the corps at the White House and afterwarG
received the public Miss Blaine assisted him.
Senator Hoar was only visible at the Presi-
dents reception, where be shook MIR, Harri.
sous hand. each looking the other in the eve in
a melancholy way, and both evidently thinking
Of the elections bill. The burning of the
Blaine house WAS the gossip of the day and
very exaggerated reports were circulated in re-
gard TO the costly house and furnishings.
The truth is the house was built for about
s5l.0Ua instead of $50, 600 as gossip had it aud
whatever the value of the furniture and decora-
tion. they were for the most part taHdry and
commonplace
The best feature of New Years Day here is
thai 1t marks the end of the idle season of the
Eatinonal Legislators, though nothing will be
done before the 5th, except TO pull themselves
together as best they can. The House will
meet tomorrow. but Will adjourn to Monday
The Senate S7ill meet Saturday but will also
adjourn TO Monday, when the Republicans will
pcrpeSrate another caucus and endeavor to
force everybody into line to do something or
othcr besides wasting time on the elections bill.
IIGHTNER