The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-01-02
New Years Day Generally Observed
by Society at the National
Capital.
President and Mrs. Harrison ana
Cabinet Ladies' Greet Many
Callers.
Receptions Hold at the Residences of ON.
ciais Later In the Day--IslaInc's
Diplomatic Breakfast.

WASHINGTON, Jan. Although the GUS
tom has fallen into disuse elsewhere, here
in Washington the social and official OBJ
servauce Of New Years calling Ia main
tained. The weather was favorable. being
cold and clear. The chief events Of the
forenoon were the breakfast to the diplo-
matte corps by Secretary Blaine, and the
reception by President and Mrs. Harrison,
and tho wives of members of the cabinet.
The interior of the White house Was elabo-
rately decorated for the reception, and the
darkened room shone with the glare OF nu-
merous electric lights. President and Mrs.
Harrison we're assisted in receiving by Mrs.
Morton, Mrs. Llkins. Mrs. Foster Mrs.
Wilmerding Mrs. Noble, Mrs. Rusk, Mrs.
Miller and Mrs. Wanamaker. Mrs. Blaine
was unable to be present because OF ill
health. A large number of ladeis were es-
pecially invited to assist in entertaining
auch guests as were asked behind the line.
The arrival Of the presidential party WAS
announced by the familiar air, Hail to
the Chief" Vice President and Mrs Nor
ton and all members Of the cabinet, with
the ladies of their families, were the earli
est arrivals. Secretary Elkina met with
the cabinet for the first time, and he and
Secretary Foster, who was just out from
severe illness, were greeted with special cor
diality. The diplomatie corps turned ont
in full force to ray their respects.
The members were resplendent in court
dress. Senor Romero, of Mexico, dean
OF the corps was at the head of the line
with Nine. Romero. They we're accom-
anied by seven members of the Mexican
legation. Italy was represented BY Mar
quis Imperiale di Francayilla. charge
d'affairs ad interim. Pedro Montt, min
lister, Mrs. Montt, Senor Aribal Cruza and
Senor GuilIermo Amunalgui, of the lega-
tion. were Chili's representatives. Min
lister Tsin, KwoYin and number of pic-
turesquely attired members of the Chinese
legation attracted considerable attention
from those to whom receptions were new.
Many other countries were also represented
either through their ministers or other
members of their legation. heicostnmes
Of the ladies were very rich and elegant.
The diplomatic corps was invited in
body to place behind the line with the re-
csiving PARTY, and spent quarter of an
hour or longer conversing with the ladies
there. Senators Cullom, Carlisle, Gibson
and Allen. with the members of their fam
lilies, were introduced to the receiving party
Immediately after the diplomats. Chief
Justice Fuller and all members Of the su-
preme court. except Justice Bradley, were
presented. The justices of the court Of
claims and the district supreme court also
paid their respects. Az 10 o'clock the con-
Rress Of the United States was received.
Gen. John Foster, special representative Of
the state department, came next. The
American Historical society also had
several members i'll line. The army. navy
and marine corps were represented by all
the officers of those services stationed at
or near the capital. Gen. Miles. of Chi
cago, and Gen. Wheaton, of Omaha, were
from distance Gen. Schofield was at the
head of the army line, and Commodore
Ramsay led the naval contingent. The
officers were all in full dress uniform. The
regulars were followed by Gen. Ordway and
staff, of the National Guard Of the Dis
O'clock, and the following half hour was
devoted to the reception Of different federal
commissioners and officers of the execu
tive departments, and Grand Army of tho
Republic.
A great crowd of people were in line wait
ing to pay their respects, and it was not
until nearly two O'clock that the reception
came to a close. Vice-President and Mrs.
Morton received at their residence from IL
to two O'clock. They were assisted by a
number of Indies, and the list of callers in
cluded nearly all officials who had ptovi-
ously visited the White house.
In accordance with the usual custom the
secretary Of state gave a breakfast in honor
of the members OF the diplomatic corps
Immediately after they had paid their re-
spects to the president. The breakfast was
followed by n reception. which was largely
attended. Large receptions were also held
by tho ladies OF the families of other men,
bers of the cabinet
Mrs. Crisp. wife OF the speaker, and Mrs.
Elkins, did not receive.