The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-01-03
The President and Mrs. Cleveland
Welcomed All Who Called
on Them.
Assisted by Members OF the Cab
met ana Ladies' OF Their
Families.
Mrs. Cleveland Never Looked Hand.
somer-Never Was More Graoious-
Large Number OF Callers.

WASHINGTON. Jun. New Yehr's opened
bright and crisp and the day vas more gen.
orally observed hsre than in most cities.
While the custom Of receiving New Year.
calls Is falling into neglect among the NOR,
fashionable set, the official society contin
ues 10 observe IL. These receptions. how.
ever, did not begin till afternoon. and th,
event OF the morning aud early afternoon
uas the reception at the White house. The
executive mansion was tRatefully. not elab
orately. decorated for the occasion with
wreaths Of smilax twined about the chan
deliers ani pottod foliage and Towering
plants suitably disrosed abou. the rooms
from which daylight was sIcluoed and q
blaze Of light from the great crystal chan
deliers took its place. The blue room wAl
more elaborately deco iAted than the rest OF
tho house. being frightened wiih palms
tropical plants, Chinese primroses. lilaes,
carnations. tulips and white hJsoinths.
As the hour to begin the reception drew
near there was tangle Of handsome car
riages drawing up TO tho marble DO tico
many Of them belonging to foreign diplo-
mats, having hera!dio insignia on the
boxes.
Promptly at II the Marine band struck
mp Hail 10 the Chief'' and the receiving
party came down the main stairway TO the
blue room. The president led with Mrs
Cleveland on his arm. This was her hrat
public appearances since the birth of little
Esther, and she was the center OF all eyes
as she came down. bowing and smiling.
The president was attired In conventional
black, with Prince Albert coat. Mrs.
Cleveiand's hair was brushed up and back,
as usual. Her high neck gown was almost
entirely free Of jewels. and ieweled comb
in her hair was the only noticeable orna-
msni. Following the presidential couple
came Vice President and Mrs. Stevenson.
Secretary and Mrs. Gresham, Sec etary an
Mrs. Carlisle, Secretary and Mrs. Lamont.
Attorney General and Mrs. Olney, Post
master General and Mrs. Bissell. Secretary
and Mrs, Herbert, Secretary and Miss
Smith, and Secretary and Mrs. Morton.
Inside the blue room. the president stood
at the head Of the receiving line, giving
each n bea ~ hAndshAks and Happy New
Year" Next 50 him stood Kirs Cleveland,
end then the ladies' of the cabinet Back
line, but taking no direct part In the
ion beyond furnishing an effective
ana fetching" background, stood two o.
threo score OF ladies and Young girls, ON
cial and personal friends of Mrs Gle Velnnd
and the ladies OF the cabinet, whose gowns
were exceedingly handsome. Mrs. Cleve-
land never looked handsomer than in her
dress OF vivid magenta MORE. with bodice
of Irish point. finished with a. artistic
mass OF chiffon At the 'front.' Ths skirt
was entirely without Trimmings. Her hair
was done in simple knot At the back of
the head. She carried no flowers.
ia q. Stevenson and the ladieR of the cnbi-
net generally held receptions at their homes
during tho afternoon. at which greetings
we're exchanged with many callers. Mrs.
Stevenson's parlors Mt the Normandie we're
prettily decorated with pa ms and flowers.
Those assisting included Mrs. Crisp. Ms.
Blackburn, Mrs. Cullom. Nus Palmer, Mrs
Lindsay. Mrs. Springer. Mrs. Funk. Mrs.
Lawrencs Weldon. Mrs. John G. Black,
Mira. Frank Il. Nrooman. Mrs. George
MOudlinR. Mira. Winston. Miss Carr, OF
Durham. n. c. the Misses Scott and
Stevenson.