Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-01
A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
How the Day is Being Observed in
Washington.
THE PRESIDENTS RECEPTION.
The White House the Scene of a
Brilliant Gathering
WHO PAY THEIR RESPECTS
To the Chief Executive of the
United States.
The PRESIDENTS RECEPTION
WHO PAY THEIR RESPECTS
CABINET AND OTHER RECEPTIONS.

white had brown lines of muddy slush in il
this morning and brought out the clear white
ness Of the Presidents mansion as it loomed
up through the fog in clearer contrast. For
the White House. as well as all the rest OF
Washington, 1891 presented combination OF
weather that has not been approached on our
great festive occasions for years back. Last
year it rained pretty heavy and that cut short
many hospitable notions of the day. Today there
were other pitfalls in the way of slippery streets
with oceans of slush to wade through besides.
But all these petty considerations counted for
naught at the home of President Harrison and
the sun might have been dancing high in the
heavens for all the difference made there.
THE FINAL PREPARATIONS.
All the employees of the house went about
their duties with single idea of having the
mansion in spick-span condition for the fated
hour of IL. Upstairs the family were equally
absorbed in the important matters of their
toilettes and all over the house that air of ex-
pectation which always ushers in some great
ceremonions function had full play. The last
touches to the very tasteful decorations of the
parlor suite were given this morning. and that
Is the reason that the delicate fragrance of
bright-hned blossoms, just fresh from the green
houses. gave a welcome to the earlier visitors.
THE GREAT EAST ROOM.
The east room showed up to great advantage
with its new illumination of electric lights
The fine new curtains which are to hang at its
windows are vet in the looms and it looked
just trife bare in consequence. The White
House fioris. made mp the deficiency. however.
by extra decorations. The east window was
massed with palms and its derse growth dotted
by the flaming blossoms of the ponsetta. On
the mirror mantels at each side was an effect
I've arrangement OF potted plants. On the
north and south mantels glistening South Sea
Island pines were enthroned between tall rub
Der plants. At top of the central divan was q
vase full Of growing nuns flowers. The splen-
did new portieres of golden brown plush at the
east room doors and those of yellow yelours at
the end of the red corridor near the private
stairway came III for much admiration.
THE RED, GREEN AND Blue PARLoRs
In the red and green parlors there were
many handsome plants arranged i the mantels
and as corner effecta The flowers were gem
orally lctted primroses and lady slipper
orchids. There was no attempt to decorate the
blue parlor. which Mrs. Harrison desired
should be left in all its own harmonious and
dainty coloring for all to see and admire Mr.
Phister. however. could not resist adding Just
fragant touch Of color here and there. The
tall mirrors were draped gracefully in ropes of
smihx and the hearths were filed in with a
massing Of cool. dark greens. One of the blue
plush-draped mantels had a pretty burden of
poinsetta blossoms peeping out from their own
foiage. The other had a mosaic of cut flowers
in light tinting. A pyramidaI bouquet topped
off the divan in the center.
How THE VISITORS ENTERED
Ali the visitors of the day entered the man.
sion by the front door. The ladies of the re-
ceiving party went upstairs to Law aside their
wraps, and the foreigners founl attentive
maids to answer their bidding in the state
dining room. where they left their heavy
wraps. The long awning outside the porte
cochere effectually sheltered the guests as they
descended from their carriages.
An EARLY coNER.
One of the earliest comers was Private Secre-
tary Halford. who carried much of the burden
of the event on his shoulders. Mr. Halford.
before he went upstairs to see the chief of the
nation. ran critical eye all over the lower
floor and found everything in just the first
class order he expected. Capt. Dinsmore. who
had his force well in hand. kept them rnovir q
about in the liveliest way until everybody wore
an expression Of good humor as apparent
as his own. Uncle Jerry. who is an
indispensable factotum in fathering anv
program in which the ,.diplomatics'
peoples carpets in day like this. and he was
awfnily glad that Mrs. Harrison had crash
strftched over her mice new Administers and
Whtons." Mrs. Harrison had her own footman
to open carriage doors at the front entrance
GATHERING OF THE DIPLOMATS.
The prevailing gloom outside made the in
terror oil the red parlor, of which the foreigners
had the first glimpse, IA very attractive sight.
A wood fire burned and spluttcred on the
hearth. the new electric chandeliers threw a
bright light on a gathering of men whose uni
forms flashed with gilt ard crimson.
THE RECEIVING PARTY.
Ul,a,x IL Al.
of Hail to the Chief" the graceful form of Col.
Ernst could be seen jlst turning the landing
of the west stairway. Behind him came the
President and Mrs. Morton, Secretary
Blaine and Mrs. Russell Harrison. Secre-
tary and Mrs. Window, Secretary and
Mrs. Proctor. the Postmaster General and Mrs.
Dimmick. Secretary Tracy and Mrs. Mckee,
Secretary and Mrs. Noble, Secretary and Mrs.
Rusk. Mr.. Halford and Mrs. Geo. W. Boyd the
latters husband bringing up the rear of the
fine procession Of notables. The first few
minutes Of the assembling in the blue parlor
was given up to n very informal exchange of
good wishes between the President, his family.
the cabinet and the receiving party already
grouped in the beautiful blue room Then the
serious business of the day began in the pre-
sentation by Secretary Blaine of the gentlemen
and ladies Of the diplomatic corps.
A BRILLIANT SCENE.
The scene in the blue parlor became brilliant
in the extreme with the flashing of jewels and
the great richness and beauty of the gowns
Both the President and Mrs. Harrison were in
the happiest frame of mind. The Presidents s
hand clasp sent each one of smiling to his wife,
to whom such pleasure is denied. Her grace
fni bow and few words of greeting left moth
ing to be desired. ii the line with Mrs. Harri-
son stood Mrs. Norton, Mrs. Window, Mrs.
Miller, Mrs. Proctor, Mrs. Noble and Mrs Rusk.
Mr.. and Mrs. Russell Harrison, Mr.. and Mrs.
Mckee and Mrs. Dimmick were each the GEN.
ters Of chatting groups just back of the line.
Mr. Mckee made rather an unusual entrance to
scene Of such ceremony. He left indianapolis
yesterday afternoon and arrived at the White
House Just in time to see his wife descending
the grand staircase on the arm of Secretary
Tracy, not having broken his fast since he left
his home. He was remarkably cheerful under
the circumstances and received many warm
welcomes home.
Secretary Tracy. after escorting Mrs Mckee
to the blue parlor, at once left the scene Mr..
Frank Tracy was also present.
The Vice President and Mrs. Morton left Mt
once after the reception Of the diplomats and
the court.
TEE LADIES IN THE BLUE ROOM.
The following ladies were invited by the
President to be present in the blue room
durin0 the roropf;op. A. N.Ux.