Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1892-01-13
Mrs. Jerry Simpson.
OUR vAsHrsoros CORRESPONDENT

Mrs. Jerry Simpson.
Jour WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT
/ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, q ST.
WASHINGTON. d. G. Jan. 4. 1892.
DEAR INDEX: The reception at the
White House on New Years day was
SO much an event out of the line of or
binary occurrences, as to merit little
space III the general newspaper, that is
read by the people in the rural districts.
who by their hard-earned toll, make
such displays possible.
January ], 1892, at Washington, was.
indeed, a most lovely day: 1t seemed
more like balmy Indian summer. au-
tumnal splendor, or the glorly of early
spring time, than day of so-called
'dreary winter" 1t is said that at least
eight thousand people came up the con-
crete driveway to the presidentialma
slon, shook hands with President Har-
rison and his better half" and then
walked away. The atmosphere was SO
delicious that many felt tempted to
defy the grip, pneumonia. and other
winter complaints. in order that they
might have the privilege of shaking the
hand of President Harrison. The
White House was indeed in gala dress.
The historic East Room. - famous ever
In song and story, and literally full of
traditions, was brilliant with the cleo
trio lights that have recently been sub,
stltuted for the dim yellow gas lights.
"A new velvet carpet covered the floor.
and the furniture of the room, if not
| gaudy, certainly possessed luster. Flow
ers were in abundance, and the White
House florist arranged on one of the
mantels in the blue ROOM the fig
ures "I692'' in bright red carnations. on
a cushion of white carnelias.
AS the little chime clock in the Blue
Room parlor struck eleven, the strains
OF Hail to the Chief" burst forth from
the musicians, gathered in the vestibule.
OF the celebrated Marine band, of which
Professor John Philip Sousa was the
leader.
The president and Mrs. Harrison led
the way, followed by the vice president
and Mrs. Morton; after whom came
Secretary Blaine. who escorted Mrs. Nc
Kee, Mrs. Blaine being absent by rea-
son of i'll health. The Cabinet was
further represented by the following
named persons: Secretary and Mrs. Fos-
ter, Secretary and Mrs. Elkins, the
Attorney General and Mrs. Miller, Sec
rotary Tracy and Mrs. Wilmerding, the
Postmaster General and Mrs Wana-
maker, Secretary and Mrs. Noble, and
Secretary and Mrs. Rusk, in the order
as above named. The wardrobes of the
wives Of these officials were elaborate
and, OF course, so expensive that it
would be idle to speculate as to their
value. Zone behind the scenesn has
given the following description:
Mrs. Harrisons gown was of pomegranate-
colored satin with brocaded border in different
colored flowers. The front of the skirt was
yellow satin draped in lace, which was beaded
in amber. The bodice was open at the neck
She wore a diamond necklace and ear-drops,
and carried q pointlace fan and bouquet of
orchids.
Mrs. Mckee wore white satin brocaded in
pink rose petals; across the hem deep fiounce
| of pink chiffon. The waist was low and finish
| ed with frils of chiffon. and had high pulled
sleeves OF the latter. A sash of pale blue MORE
ribbon was worn. Her ornaments were die
monds and pearls.
Mrs. Morton wore a superb costume of old
rose satin. brocaded ia waved lines. 1t had q
plain skirt and high-necked waist. 1t was
richly trimmed with passementerie and bead
ed fringe of the same color.
Mrs. Foster wore d wine-colored velvet
gown, made il princesse style, combined with
heliotrope brocade. 1t was trimmed with pas
sementerie.
Mrs. Elkins had light yellow satin, very
richly trimmed with yellow passementerie and
lace. 1t was slightly open at the neck and had
elbow sleeves. Her jewels were pearls.
Mrs Miller wore heliotrope velvet combined
with manve brocade. The long train was
made Of heliotrope silk. Real lace trimmed
the bodice.
Mrs. Wilmerding, who Is still wearing mourn
Ing, mad on plain white peau de sole. The
bodice was slightly open at the neck and pref
tily finished with chiffron frills.
Mrs. Wanamaker wore a French toilet of
deep heliotrope satin brocaded in white wavy
lines. 1t had panels formed of ecru lace down
the neck, trimmed with ecru lace.
Mrs NOZZLE had on trained gown of yellow
brocade. high-necked and handsomely trim
med with real lace and jet pendants.
Mrs. Rusk had on gray satin, brocaded in
tiny lines of pink. 1t had jacket bodice with
a vest of pink erepe.
Of all these ladies who stand related
to men in high official life, Mrs. EIkins.
the wife of the new secretary of war,
seemed the most attractive and charm
ing in her appearance.
The diplomatic corps and representa-.
tives of higher or lower grade. from
Austria Hungary, Brazil, China, Chilli,
Corca, Costa Rica, United States of Col
ombia, Denmark, France, Germany,
Hayti, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Mic
araugua. Peru. Portugal, Russia, Sand
witch Islands, Salvador, Spain, Switzer-
land. Turkey, etc.. and their looks and
manners made them objects of interest.
The justices of the supreme court. sena-
tors and representatives in congress
came in their order. the last of which
made very goodly number.
The army officers were numerous and
they were led by General Schofield and
Lieutenants Bliss and Schofield, of his
personal staff, and their martial precis-
ion was prominent feature. In the
procession of naval officers, the ranking
commodores at the navy department
headed the procession. The represen-
tatives of the district militia were next
in order, and then cameIhe long line of
department officials.
President Harrison went through so
much OF hand-shaking, his arm must
have been numb, but he stood nobly at
lis post until the last of the r,rncaesinn