The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1894-01-02
AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
Gorgeous Diplomats, Grave Judges, the
People and a Crank Among Those
Who Went to the Reception.

Washington, January 1.-The official
social season in Washington began today
with the regular New Years reception at
the White House, the first held in two
years. A year ago today, the presiden-
tial household was in mourning for the
death of Mrs. Harrison, and official social
functions were. generally suspended.
There was nothing in today's reception
that differed materially from those of
former years. There was the same pro-
fusion of flowers and growing plants, the
same wreaths of smilax twined in chan
deliers, and the same banks of potted
foliage plants in the fireplace and win
dows of the reception rooms. The men,
bers of the diplomatic corps were there
in coats of divers colors, but all trimmed
with gold lace. The officers of the army
and navy also lent brightness to the
scene by their uniforms, simpler and
palmer than those of the diplomatic dig
nitaries, but nevertheless imposing.
Just before the reception began, and
while members of the diplomatic corps
were arriving at the entrance to the man
sion, an old woman appeared and created
ascene. The President, she said, owed
her bill, and she wanted the money
right away. She would take possession
of the White House and stay there until
MI. Cleveland opened his purse. 1t was
of the fact that today was legal holi-
day in the District of Columbia, and that
no debt could be legally collected until
tomorrow, had no effect on the old wom-
an, but physical force and some strong
moral persuasion induced her to go to
police station.
The diplomatic corps, members of the
Supreme court and the District courts,
congressman and their wives, and at
taches iof the departments were among
those first received. The army and navy
were well represented. So great was the
throng comprising the general public
that it became necessary to double form
the two lines, one extending to 18th
street and the other to the treasury. The
Associated Veterans of the Mexican war
carrying their battered battle flags led
this line. Behind them were the Grand
Army posts, members of the Loyal Le-
gion and of the Oldest Inhabitants As
ISOLATION of the District of Columbia
The veteran contingent was small and
passed through quickly. 1t was after l
p. m. when the general public reached
Gu6 uOOE Ol Tic luduSlOu. All Iltc re-
ceiving party, with sthe exception of the
President and Mrs. Cleveland, withdrew
from the Blue Room after the official
contingent had passed, and left these
two to greet the hundreds formed in dou-
BILE file outside the mansion. A hand
shake from the President and hand
shake and smile from Mrs. Cleveland
were given every man, woman and child
who passed 1t was nearly 3 o'clock
when the reception ended.
Vice President and Mrs Stevenson had
perfect ovation in their reception,
which began at o'clock. They received
in suite of parlors ON the first floor Of
the Normandie. Mrs. Stevenson had
with her Mrs. Crisp, wife of the Speaker,
Mrs. Culiom, wife of the Illinois Sena-
tor, Mrs. Blackburn, wife of Senator
Blackburn, Mrs. J. c. Black, wife of the
Illinois member, and Mrs. Springer, wife
of Representative Springer, and other la
dies.
The Secretary of State entertained the
diplomatic corps at a breakfast immedi-
ately after their departure from the
White House today. A few minutes past
II the brilliant scene, Of which they
formed the principal figures, was repro
duced at the Arlington. The large par
lor suite and the Vermont avenue en-
trance were tastefuily decorated with
palms and plants. Mrs. Gresham re-
ceiyed the guests After half an hour
spent in exchanging the compliments of
the day, breakfast was announced. The
Secretary of State with Lady Pauncefote
led the way to the dining room, and Sir
Julian Pauncefote followed with Mrs.
Gresham