The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-01-02
Foreign DipIomates and All the Ce-
Iebrfties in Washington on Parade
for Three Hours Yesterday.
SCENES In THE BLUE ROOM
WHERE PRETTY FROCKS AND COR
GEOUs UNIFORMS WE'RE MANY.
The Irrepressible YOungster and
Long-Haired Crank NOt Wanting
Mrs. Cleveland Gracious as Usual.

derfoot, and crisp clear wintery air, official
Washington was favored with all the con-
ditions necessary to the complete enjoyment
of such New Years day as only Washing
ton knows
According to the time-honored custom,
which was observed to the letter to-day, all
the officials called at the White House,
where they are received in the order of
their rank, to pay their respects to the Presi-
dent; all the Cabinet secretaries, generals
and admirals in turn receive the officials of
lesser rank, and many congressman and
others keep open houses for their constitu-
ents and friends. Society in general has in
past time given itself over TO the making
and receiving Of formal cats, but in Wash
ngton, as in other cities, tie observance of
the 1st of January as o. social DAY has come
to be disregarded, and there were probably
fewer open houses to-day tIan ever before.
The people who did not ta.;e part in the old
fashioned observance to Gay Lad fine oppor-
tunities however, to observe those who did.
When a Washingtonian d,s,I es to make
unpleasant comparison in the matter of
weather. he customarily speaks of New
Years day, but the year of 1895 violated the
tradition utterly and furnished the finest
sport of a show day.
All the brilliancy and interest cf the day
were for three hours sheltered under the
roof of the executive mansion, where the
gaslight in the ceremonial IaIlors fell on
banks of palms and troops of richly attired
ladies and many rotable men. Apart from
the interest which always attaches to the
President and his family, Mrs. Cleveland
has personal popularity which draws many
to her receptions. To-day she shook hands
with every man, WOMAN ana child who filed
past in the long procession cf three hours
length and gave to the greeting Of each one
a warmth which gained for her the friend
ship of the recipient. The President also
grasped every caller by the hand ei.d had
a word for every one when tn ere vas time
The irrepressible youngster was in line as
usual and one of them to-day voiced his
enthusiasm appropriately, as he thought. by
shouting shri1ly: "Hurrah for Grover" as
he walked into the Blue room.
One old man, walking on crutches, seemed
tired when he came in, and Mrs. Cleveland,
noticing him, led him to cnair among the
Cabinet ladies, urged him to rest, and so he
set in the state parlor for half an hour,
watching the procession
THE CRANK ON HAND.
The man with wheels in his head" who
has been personally commissioned by the
Lord to do something ridiculous or danger
Gus, is the terror of these occasions. He
hand to-day. Very appropriately he
wore long hair, and after he had passed
the police, he drew from his pocket a docu-
ment bearing weird, symbolic designs in
red and blue, but the appearance of the re-
ceiving party seemed to dazzle him that
he merely shuffied past without putting it
into any USE The policemen who endeavor
to do their duty in compelling the observ-
ance of regulations, and apprehends some
misguided zeal, is always in evidence.
To-day he endeavored to bar Secretary La
mont from the Blue Room, but readily yield
ed his point when the Secretary revealed
his identity. There were no accidents, how
ever and no unpleasant incidents, and the
reception was a success. although not so
many people attended as came last year.
The old White House had been thorough
ly prepared for the days ceremonies Out
side canopy had been erected for the pro-
lection of the guests who came In carriages;
On the inside canvass covers had been laid
carefully to prevent the destruction of the
rich carpets by the trampling of the thou
sands of feet which were to pass over them.
AS in past years, the decorations of the
rooms were all floral but there was a no.
ticeable d. difference from the plan Of last
Bas BanRs of " cut owers Which 'fe Formerly 9gIs
something lacking in color, but from an
tistic point of view. this was more than
Ing plants neatly y arranged m In I pure ire White
jardinieres of basket-work design. The
guests entered at the main door of the
mansion and, crossing the lobby, passed into
the Red Room, where they had oppor-
tunity to dlvest themselves of their wraps
and coats before entering the Blue Room.
where the receiving party was stationed.
Two heavy couches had been so arranged
across this room as to leave small open
space In the center, thus shielding the Pres
ident, the mistress of the White House and
her servants from the long line of callers.
e oHse Suit aas be f tae
ated with flowers, star-shaped white BIOS
som 50 preySang eva in such sue Rrofns99n as to
tint of the artificial decorations and fur
nishings. In the lobby, just within the main
band, making gallant showing in their
brilliant scarlet uniforms and discoursing
with splendid effect specially arranged
programme of artistic merit. The music be-
gan with grand inaugural march by Fan
culli, the leader Of the band, and in order
during the ceremonies followed and closed
with the National anthem, Hail, Column
bia.''
THE LADIES' FRocKs.
The first to arrive at the executive man.
sion were the ladies of the Cabinet who
were to assist Mrs Cleveland in receiving.
They were ushered up stairs where they
removed their wraps and were greeted by
Mrs. Cleveland.
Promptly at II o'clock the Marine Band
struck up the inaugural march and the re-
ceiving party descended the western stair
case. First came Col. Wilson with Lieut. A.
Gilmore. then the President and Mrs
Cleveland and the members of the Cabinet
with their ladies'. They entered the blue
room and for a few moments there was a
general exchange of compliments of the
season.
Mrs. Cleveland was attired in white
moire antique, heavily embroidered with
silver and with full sleeves. Her mother
Mrs. Perrine, wore a helitrope velvet gown
ornamented with silver passamenterie
Mrs. Gresham wore a gown of black and
white satin. Black formed the most of the
skirt, which embroidered with white
satin and this material also formed the
sleeves
Mrs. Carlisle wore a gray moire antique.
trimmed with sable and passameEtrie
Mrs. Lamont was in buttercup satin ele-
gantly brocaded in white with lace pat
tern. Brown velvet and lace formed a be-
coming collarette finish.
Mrs. Bissell wore white satin brocade
with a waist in a fluffy effect of white
chiffon. trimmed with pearl and silver
passamentrie.
Miss Herbert was in a light blue satin,
richly brocaded in pink and finely. plated
chiffon frills the bodice
Mrs. Olney wore purple bengaline, richly
embroidered and trimmed with lace.
Miss Morton wore gown of black and
white striped moire and frocade, with
pearl lace.