The National tribune., 1892-01-07
CHAT OF THE CORRIDORS.

* NAaAANh4A
CHAT OF THE CORRIDORS.
New-Year's day dawned bright and cold in
Washington, the Weather Bureau furnishing
an ideal day for the festivities which take
place in official circles every year. Long be-
fore the appointed time the crowd began to
gather in front Of the White House TO watch
the members Of the Cabinet, Justices OF the
Supreme Court, Members of Congress- Diplo-
matte Corps, aud officers Of the Army and Navy
going in TO pay their respects TO the Chief
Magistrate Of " the greatest Nation on earth"
Within the White House the scene was, as
usual brilliant one All the rooms which
are used in receptions were handsomely decor
ated with growing flowers and potted plants,
palms, and eyergreens. When the Marine
Band, stationed in the outer corridor, played
| the opening number the receiving party de-
scendcd the private stairway, and in the order
they were TO receive entered the Blue Room,
where the ladies invited 20 be present as
back line had already assembled. The Presi-
dent aud Mrs. Harrison were followed by Vice.
President aud Mrs. Morton, Secretary Blaine
and Mrs. Mckee, Secretary and Mrs Foster,
Secretary and Mrs. Elkins, Attorney General
and Mrs. Miller. Postmaster-General and Mrs.
Wanamaker Secretary Tracy and his daughter
/ Mrs. Wilmerdingl, Secretary aud Mrs Noble,
and Secretary and Mrs. Rusk. The ladies of
the party were all elegantly gowned, while the
gentlemen were attired in the conventional
dress-suits.
The Diplomatic Corps were presented to the
receiving party by Secretary Blaine. They
were all attired in their handsome court cos
tunes, some Of these being very picturesque,
the Chinese legation attracting the greatest
attention on account Of their queer dresses.
The Supreme Court was led by Chief Justice
Fuller, who was followed by Justice and Mrs.
Harlan Justice Lamar, Justice and Miss
Bradley, Justice Field, Justice and Mrs Gray,
and Justice aud Mrs. Brewer. The Army and
Navy officers, led by Gen. SchoGeld, followed
the Justices, and they were presented by Secre-
tary Of War EIkins.
The Grand Army veterans followed next,
and when they began 20 march in at the east
gate the crush inside the mansion was at its
hight, for the old soldiers were not able 10 pass
the President and receiving party as fast as
they were admitted at the gate, which resulted
in curve Of the line extending out on the
grass Of the park. They all wore their GAR.
badges and most Of them we're in uniform.
Armess sleeves and crutches and wooden legs
were numerous in this part OF the procession.
They all gave the Presidents hand a warm
grasp and most Of them had some pleasant
greeting for Comrade Harrison. The Old
Guard, which escorted the Grand Army fol-
lowed the veterans, they being in full uniform.
| When they entered the mansion. the Marine
/ Band struck MP " Marching through Georgia"
On the heels Of the veterans the public were
admitted. The line extended for two or three
blocks, in double file. and they were a long
time IN passing and greeting the President
Gen. Harrison became so tired before two
O'Clock came (the hour for closing that he
merely presented his hand aud allowed the
visitor to do his or her own shaking.
-.
Vice-President and Mrs. Morton left the
White House early and repaired TO their resi-
doncc on Scoit Circle where guests soon began
to arrive, and they shortly came ia such num-
bers that the coachmen and the detail Of police
had % use considerable skill 10 prevent block
ado Of carriages. A number Of the wives Of
Senators aud Representatives assisted Mrs.
Morton in receiving the guests.
-
The Diplomatic break fast al Secretary Blaine 8
house took place according 90 established Gus.
tom at - o'clock. by which time the Secretary
had made his adieu at the White House. Mrs.
Blaine being uuwell, his daughter assisted the
Secretary Of State in receiving his guests and
doing the hOHors Of the occasion. After all
were assembled the Secretary led the way 70
the dining room with Madam Romero, the
Mexican Minister and Miss Blaine walking
last. The menu was elaborate, aud everybody
bad pleasant time. The other members oi
the Cabinet all held receptions which were
largely attended.
Senator Washburn has already received
enough offers Of breadstuhs 10 make his reliei
expedition TO Russia great success Hebraska
alone offers 10000 pounds OF bTcadstuIs, aud
D Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, and the DakOtai
will not be far behind her, IL at all. il is pro
posed 10 ship this 20 st. Petersburg in the his
toric old friRste Constellation, which will b,
! manned by sailors from our navy.
I -
Minister Mont is very cordial and placatory
but unfortunately he is not the Chilean Gov
eminent.
80
? The free coinage men have no right 10 com
9 plain Of the Coinage Committee. A strong ma
: jority Of the Committee, both Republicans ant
Democrats, are radical advocates Of free silver
aud they all able men, most Of them witt
: | experience in the House. IL they do no
4 promptly prepare and push through a silve
D bin, IL will be because the Speaker and Kim
Caucus prevent.
' 80
q Maj. Schwan, Of the Inspector General
Office, has found something encouraging in Ia
enlistment Of Indians into the infantry Whic
: was declared 10 be a failure some months age
L Al Camp Poplar River there are 46 Indians IN G,
10 j, 20th u. s.. Of whom four were mixed bloodi
: and the remainder full Indians. They hav
! been ia the service all the way from six month
J. 10 as many weeks, aud all show great aptitud
o for the calling, aud the rapdity with whic
y they change from dirty, long haired, unkemI
!, sayages 20 tidy, well-gotten-up soldiers is rt
= markable. They also seem quite amenable {
:. discipline, are careful in exchanging militar
sr courtcses, and are free from thiovish propens