Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-06-07
An Account of President Folks Last
Public Reception.
ROOMS AND CROWDS MUCH THE SAME
Mrs. Polk Sternly Suppressed Cards
and Other F rivoIities.
G E L E B r A TED OMEN

was picked up the other day from pile of
old papers and was about to be consigned
to the waste paper basket when the head
ing Of an article, "A Trip to Washington"
caught the eye. 1t was found to be de-
scription of reception at the White
House and was printed in September. 1879.
The account is the third in a series of arti-
cles by Jonathan" and is as follows:
A levee was held by President Polk at
the presidential mansion on "Wednesday
evening of the last week of his administra-
ton. We had never witnessed one of these
occasions in our own country and were
somewhat eager to attend for the pur-
pose Of paying our respects to the retiring
President. as well as observing the display
OF republican court life at the metropolis
Before the hour of reception we went to
see the exterior of the mansion and its
adjacent grounds. The white House. is
one OF the metropolitan lions" Every
visitor must, of course, glance at It, and
1t is really well worth visit, for netwIth-
standing some croaking critics, its position
is beautiful and the structure itself not a
| little Imposing.
The mansion is constructed Of white free
stone. 1t consists of two stories-is 10 feet
In front and eighty-sx deep. Its northern
'front.' presents an imposing portico of Ionic
columns, beneath which the carriages of
visitors drive. Spread out before the portico
| Is an ample inclosed arena well planned
with gravel walks; but the chief attraction
OF which is spirited bronze statue of JEFF
| ferson that stands in the center. 1t is con-
sidered one of the best specimens of art in
| the country. The figure is defined with
minutest exactness and skill, the likeness is
said to be quite accurate, and the attitude
and expression are remarkably appropriate.
The great democrat stands on a pedestal
holding in his right hand a pen while from
his left depends the Declaration of indie
pendence." The moment represented by the
artist is that in which the document was
| finished; and the expression of the face
and whole figure is true to the time There
is on the countenance a spirited yet serious
and determined air. such as we may justly
suppose to have sat upon the brow of the
statesman at the moment when he COM
pleted the renowned paper, which was des-
tined to influence so much the history of the
world The whole declaration is legibly en-
graved on the bronze scroll, with a fac
simile of his autograph appended. This
nne work was executed in Paris and pre-
scented to the country by Capt Levy, who
is now owner OF the house Of Jefferson at
Monticello.
Late Hours Even Then.
|
&C nds prospect which comprehends
the gardens of the mansion, with their
meandering gravel walks. and a near view
| Of the Potomac, that widens and curves
here in grand and graceful beauty There
Is, In fine. mixed air of roominess and
grace OF solidity and lightness. about the
whole mansion, which cannot fail of pleas
Ing effect. The levee began at S o'clock
In the evening. though the fashionable hour
| or arrival at the mansion is 10 o'clock. We
went early, that we might have full oppor-
tunity for our observations. We entered
large hall from the portico on the northern
front, and were directed by the servants
the ladies to the right and gentlemen to the
lett-into small apartments, where our
| cloaks. hats, &c, were to be deposited, not
without risk OF extensive exchanges before
midnight. Meeting again in the hall we
fell into the current which had already be-
come dense and strong, and were borne by
II into the reception room, so called, though
the President and his lady were receiving
the throng in the next apartment
We passed out of the procession here to
look around us a few minutes The paper
OF the apartment attracted attention by its
peculiar beauty. 1t is pearl white with a
delicate gilt figure. The whole garniture of
the apartment is in fine taste. The carpet is
wrought with figures of baskets of flowers
on fawn-colored ground The center table
is of white marble The frame of the pier
table is richly gilt, and covered with a
White marble tCp. The chairs and sofas
with blue and white damask and the cur
tains are of the same material. lined with
red SILK. The mirrors and a grand chan
delier give beautiful effect to the whole
at night
Not n Great Change.
Stepping again into the procession we
were carried along into the next apartment.
known as the green room" 1t is square
some thirty by twenty-five feet. Gilt again
| nre atas in ha
and green damask in the curtains and
cushions. The floor is covered by a dark
Wilton carpet. Mirrors and a brilliant
chandelier enhance its beauty. This was
the reception room for the evening Presi-
dent Polk and his lady stood a line with
the doors of entrance and exit, shaking
hands with or bowling cordially to all that
passed. They entered heartily into the
task, and most onerous one 1t was; for 1t
Is estimated that at least five thousand per-
sons passed through the apartments during
the evening-the largest number, probably,
that ever visited the house on one night.
The President looked remarka bly, well, and
overfiowed with spirits and cordially. He
| is advancing down the vale of years" His
hair, sleekly combed behind his ears is quite
gray, though it was black when he entered
| the Executive residence. There is a certain
| staid, If not stern, expression about his fea-
| lures which resembles much the aspect of
| the old orthodox divines of New England
| as seen in their portraits. He would pass
well for a sound, SteadfaSt, orthodox clergy
| man. Mrs. Polk has earned a distinguished
| reputation by the propriety and grace with
| which she has presided at the presidential
ma nsion. None of her predecessors have
eXcelled her. She is lady of high accom-
| plishments; and these are enhanced by
| strictly Christian sentiments and habits.
| Though, from her religious scruples, she
| banished dancing, cards, and similar amuse-
| ments from the Executive residence, yet
| has she really rendered it more attractive
| than ever by the perfect amenity and social
ease which she has introduced into 1t. She
| was richly dressed on the present oc ,asion-
| too much So we thought, for her dignified
position, which, certainly, needs not an
aristocratic display of finery and wealth to
secure 1t respect. Her manners were mark
| ed by the utmost ease and heartiness, and
! the crowd pressed about her with such af-
lection and eagerness that 1t had to be bar
ricaded off by stout chair. The apart nent
rang with the warm compliments and adieus
! which were poured forth upon her from the
passing multitude.
Glory of the East Room.
Falling again into the promenade, we were
| carried along into the East room, a mag
nificent apartment, eighty feet long, forty
wide and twenty-five high. The carpet
manufactured expressly for the room, is
| figured with the American eagle and woven
of orange, crimson and brown colors. The
| chairs and sofas are of mahogany, covered
/ ~, 49, s.ll a t-