The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-09-27

A dispatch from Washington says. The
birth OF baby In the White House, few
days ago, was an event in which more than
usual interest was felt. In an Incredibly
short space OF time the news that daugh.
ter had been born to President Cleveland
was known in Congress, and was spread
through all the departments. Doctor Bry-
ant, who accompanied the President and Mrs.
Cleveland back from Gray Gables and took
up his quarters in the White House, was the
attending physician.
Just before the occurrence the gates lead
ing through the rear part Of the Executive
Park were closed to insure absolute quiet
about the mansion. Earlier in the day Or
ders had been issued suspending the regular
afternoon concert Of the Marine band for that
day and the rest Of the seas0c.
The President during the morning at
tended as closely as usual to his official du-
ties. He signed two bills passed by Congress
In connection with the celebration Of the
Tooth anniversary OF the founding OF the
Capitol, and gave an informal reception to
Prince Yorinito Komatsu, grandnephew or
the Mikado Of japan, who is travelling in
cognito in this country The Prince was ac-
companied to the White Hodse by Secretary
Gresham, the Japanese Minister, some at
taches OF the Japanese Legation and by his
travelling companion, Prince NJ. 8. Nagasiki;' :
Minister Of Ceremonies OF the Mikados
household.
The President absented himself from his
office shortly before IL o'clock, and remained
anxiously awaiting message. When in
formed BY Doctor Bryant and the professional
nurse OF Mrs. Cleveland's safety, he at once
went to his wife's chamber, and two hours
afterward quietly re-entered his of1cs and
NJ Thrr IN
which by this time was all over the city.
TIE closest reticenc9 Vas maintained at
f6e White House as to The eiHeht. Tho first
statement given out was that it occurred at
2p. %. Later it Was permitted to re knoYo
that the event occurred exactly at noon Tho
President was informed by Doctor Bryant,
but it is said did not mention it to Private
Secretary Thurber until Up. m. In the mean
time the news had become known outside,
the first public mention being made of it IN
the War Department
Immediately after the news had been con-
frmed, members Of the Cabinet and their
wives called to congratulate the President
and to leave their cards for Mrs. Cleveland.
Mr.. Olney happened to be at the White House
when the President came back to bis Oftice
from the sick room shortly after Q o'clock,
and was the first member otthe official family
to tender his good wishes. '.,
Bunches OF roses from intimate friends
poured into the White House, and there
was general air OF suppressed excitement
about the employees of the mansion. Tele-
grams of congratulation we're received from
all parts Of the country. The baby is bright
eyed and healthy looking. It has not yet
been weighed, but is said to be OF good size.
This is the first child born to President
IN the White Honse, though there have been
other births in the Executive Mansion. OF
the babies who first saw the light OF day
in the old house, probably only two were
living, until this happy event added IN
other. One is Mrs. Mary Donelson-Wilcox,
a daughter Of Andrew Donelson, nephew
Of President Jackson and the private
secretary and confidential adviser 81
"Old Hickory during his entire official
life, and the other Is Julia Dent Grant, the
first child born to Colonel and Mrs. Fred
Grant, and now young lady Just past sweet
sixteen Mr.. and Mrs. Donelson had two
other children born in the White House,
which, with grandchild Of president Jeffer.
son and another Of President Tylcr. COM
plete the list.
OF christening fetes in the old mansion
Mrs. Wilcox has said OF the event In which
she took the most important part:
'!Both Houses were invited, and for few
minutes was Of more importance than any
Of the great diplomats, jur1sts or Statesmen
at the capital. Over near the big window OF
the Ea n.oom the ceremony was performed,
Uncle Jackson holding, me in his arms, and
Martin Van Buren, standing as godfather,
while Miss Cora Livingston, daughter Of the
Secretary of State, and the reign1ng belleand
beauty of that Administration, took upon
herself the responsibilities Of godmother. l
was said to have behaved very we'll during
the ceremony"
When Miss Julia Dent Grant was christ.
Iened tho company invited by President and
Mrs. Grant assembled In tho Blue Room,
where the ceremony occurred. The last
christening to take place in tho Blue
Room was during the first part OF
President HHrrison's term, when his
granddaughter, Mary Lodge Mckee, was
baptized with water from the river Jordan,
and the clergyman officiating was the baby's
grandfather, the. venerable Doctor Scott.
The presence Of four generations OF the TAM
lily made notable gathering, and one prop
ably never before seen at the White House..