Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-04-03
A WHITE HOUSE DINNER.

Description of One of Mrs. Harrison's Stat,
Functions by a Correspondent who Wa.
Present-Costumes, Flowers, China ant
Service-Mrs. Palmer's Personality.
WRITTEN FOR THE DISPATCH,
Each winter the President gives number
of state dinners, besides the public re
ceptions. The number of dinners given il
as the President wishes 1t has been Gus
tomary, however, for him to entertain q
his table, at least once during his admins
tration, all prominent office-holders ane
their wives. The Cabinet state dinner
come first, always and oftenest The Am
bassadors and wives are entertained next,
then the Senators and wives. The mem
bers of the House are left until the last
Often the season is too short and engage
ments too numerous to permit the numbe,
of dinners necessary for inviting all. Mr.
| Cleveland did not succeed in getting around
the circle.
One of these state dinners was given re.
Gently by President and Mrs. Harrison in
honor of their guests, Mr. and Mrs. Potter
Palmer Shortly after the arrival of the
| guests, who were received in the East Room,
the President offered his arm to Mrs. Pal
mer, Mr.. Palmer escorting Mrs. Harrison.
Each gentleman had given him before enter
| ing the room a card with the name of the
lady whom he was to escort to dinner. The
dining room was blaze of light. The table
extended lengthwise of the room and seated
thIrty-three. The majority of the gentle
men were Congressman, only two Senators
being present..
Mrs. Harrison's Table Decorations.
The floral decorations were white and
green and very handsome. At each end of
the long table stood an immense bowl of
white tulips and delicate ferns The center
piece was a mass of white rosebuds with
the green leaves. The mirrors were banked
up with white lilies, white roses, palms and
ferns. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison sat opposite
each other at the center of the table, while
Mrs. Mckee was at one end and Mrs. Rus
sell Harrison at the other. ALI the ladies
were in full dress.
Mrs. Potter Palmer, who was at the Presi-
dents right, wore gown Of black velvet
over pink silk, the black velvet being cut
in Vandyke points, allowing the pink silk
to show from beneath. Around her neck
were five strands of pearl beads. each bead
being as large as thumb nail. Hanging
from this necklace was an immense pearl,
and attached to this was a large, beautiful
diamond. 1t is not her jewels, however,
that make her the charming woman she is.
Her sweet cordiality Of manner, her lady
like bearing, her pure, womanly instincts,
together with her beautiful face, make her
one of the most attractive women Of Amer
ice. She has great executive ability and a
clear business head, as has been shown in
her management of the woman's depart
ment of the Columbian Exposition. Beauty,
when combined with brains and ability,
carry all before it
The Presidents Dignity Never Relaxes.
Mrs Harrison was dressed In most be-
coming gown Of pure white silk, with low,
square neck and no sleeves whatever, white
kid gloves coming to the shoulder. She
presided at the table with dignity and ease,
being chatty and pleasant to all. She un-
bends more than the President He ap-
pears always the same, in Office or at home.
Mrs. Mckee is vivacious and most
charming appearing woman, pretty, full of
life and good spirits, and general favorite,
of course Mrs. Russell Harrison, who was
dressed in gown of delicate green tulle, is
a more stately type of beauty, and is con-
sidered very handsome.
ure among the guests. She has a fresh, |
bright complexion, attractive face and |
sweet, simple manner. With her was Gail |
Hamilton-Abigail Dodge-who makes her |
home with the Blaines. Time is begin
anes the face - of Miss Dodge, who who was as
never what might be called pretty, but
always clever, and that makes face inter- |
estlng.
The dinner was not an elaborate one, but |
beautifully served. The china was hand
some, being Mrs Harrison's own. Fine /
china and good serving are studied points |
with Mrs Harrison. The courses were few
and simple, being blue points on the half
course with dressing and sauce, then small
birds served with radishes, cucumbers and |
tomatoes artistically arranged. These were
Ill the meat courses. Then followed a
salad, after which cream was served. Large
nolds of it, in the shape of a muskmelon,
we're passed, each guest helping himself.
Fancy cakes and connections were served
With the cream.
The Lanciers in the East Room.
The guests were at the table about two
lours. Upon going back into the East
Room the coffee was brought in and served
here. The time was then spent chatting,
Fhile most of the gentlemen had retired
With the President to the smoking room.
All this time the Marine Band played from
is place in the hallway. During this even
ng it happened to play few measures
q dance tune, whereupon Mrs Mckee,
urning to one of the Congressman near her,
aughingly said: ''Come, let us have the
aneiers." Straightway set was formed in
he large square hall, with its inlaid marble
oor, most admirably fitted for dancing and
mid much merriment the younger guests
anced away.
About 10 o'clock the guests began to
ske leave. CARABELL.