The Washington times., 1895-01-11
SOCIAL SAYINGS AND DoINGs.

was, as usual upon such occasions, a brilliant
gathering. The success OF the reception was
entirely without regard to any cooperation
from the weather bureau, for the specimen OF
weather vouchsafed for the occasion was
about the most wretched that can well be i'm
agined. Every atrocity of atmospheric effect
seemed combined to deter full attendance,
but all TO no purpose. If Washington So
ciety limited its ball-going proclivlties to fair
weather. and remainded indoors when any
other conditions prevailed, the whole fabric
OF fashionable life would tumble TO the
ground in igaominious confusion. The resi-
dents are Injured to rain, snow, hail, sleet
east winds, and falling barometer generally
during the winter, and to this state of affairs
strangers within the Capitals gates soon come
to adapt themselves, and plan and carry out
their pleasuring without regard TO atmos-
pberic conditions and disturbances.
1t is altogether a matter of taste as to
whether or not the outside OF the Executive
Mansion presents the most attractive appear
anee on a clear or stormy night. Certainly
last night the picture was pretty as well as
most animated one. Ghe circular driveway
was distinctly outlined by the lamps of the
carriages which. drawn up in order as they
arrived, sparkled, and with the aid of re-
Electors shed their twinkling lights abroad
over the wet asphalted drive and shone
through the gloom on all sides. Beyond the
gates those carriages that could not be ac-
commodated within the grounds were ranged
along the Avenue and drawn up side by side
OF Lafayette Park.
In the immediate vicinity of the White
House there was the usual hurry and con-
fusion Of arriving and departing carriages
though as the diplomatic reception is always
smaller on account OF the invitations TO the
same being far more limited than to any of
the others. this was far less in evidence than
is customary at the evening card receptions.
To the lusty calling of the policemen and
various coachmen the horses added their
quota OF noise by stamping and paving the
ground impatiently. Inside the White House
the usual arrangements for the comfort and
pleasure OF the guests prevailed in the matter
OF cloak rooms.
The decorations in the East Room were of
palms aad potted plants in the window re-
cesses and corners. with smilax twining the
pillars and festooning the chandeliers, while
on the mantes the usual banking Of cut flow
ers was carried out The introduction OF
tiny sparks OF electric lights In color was hap
PLY effected among the dense growth of
greens in the East Room.
In the Blue Room in addition to a massing
OF palms at the rear and draping of the mir
rors with smiiax. the mirror rests were filled
with cut flowers bordered with small growing
plants and grasses that set OF to best ad-
vantage the bright-colored blossoms above.
In the Red room the cutting down of the
tall window 10 the floor and changing it to a
door leading from the circular portico at the
rear was utilized for the first time last night,
as the diplomats always enter from the rear
OF the White House at evening receptions.
The reception to the diplomatic corps is
always the most brilliant of the three card
receptions and that of last night was no ex-
ception 10 the rule. The attendance of the
special guests OF honor in full court costume
could not fail to produce this effect.
Those who arrived early promenaded the
corridor and the East Room, where the smart
gowns we're seen to the best advantage. As
the time approached when the President and
Mrs. Cleveland and the ladies of the receiv-
ing party were about to descend from the
upper corridor. where at the close OF the re-
, cepaon hot supper was served them, the
diplomats gathered in the Red Room and
remained until the receiving party having
taken its place in the Blue Room, after which
the corps passed in and were formally pre-
sented. After the presentations the company
passed back of the line and remained for
some little time talking to the guests gath
cred there in advance OF their coming. As
the space in the Blue Room soon became
somewhat uncomfortably crowded. a move
was made toward the East Room, where the
flashing of jewels, the predominance of gold
lace. the sheen OF silks. satins, and rich bro
cades, mingled with handsome light mater
ials, went to make up gorgeous whole from
as many brilliant integral parts.
At 9 O'Clock the signal was given to the
Marine Band announcing the arrival of the
receiving party. L was with some difficulty
that a way was cleared through the large
crowd OF guests already gathered in the
main corridor. Col. John II. Wilson and
Lieut.. Gilman, U. S. A., who made the intro
ductions of the evening, walked in advance
of the President and Mrs. Cleveland, after
whom the Cabinet came in regular order.
Mrs. Cleyeland's gown was an elegant one
of ivory white satin. the low neck bodice
made with large pufTs, forming short sleeves
over which fell broad piece OF point lace.
Directly in front the lace was caught up with
a large bow of turquoise blue satin. A. soil
taire diamond necklace, and diamond star
on her forehead were the only ornaments
worn.
Mrs. Greshams gown was of fowered
null over gray silk with point lace on the
bodice caught with diamond pins.
Mrs. Carlisle's gown was of heliotrope satin
brocaded in arabesques with trimmings of
deep pansy velvet, and cluster of the same
shade OF pansies among the thread lace of
the bodice on the left shoulder.
Mrs. Lamont wore a gown of rose-pink
satin with single large rose on the right
shoulder, while another fastened the fullness
of crystal-studded satin across the bust 10
waist line at the left side.
Mrs Olney wore blue and gold brocade
trimmed with green velvet and point lace.
Mrs. BisseIl's gown was of light blue satin
spangled in floral design in silver. the low
neck bodice finished with full collar OF the
spangled satin. The edge Of the skirt was
bOrdered in ermine.
Miss Herbert was attired in sky-blue satin
with girdle and shoulder-knots of cerise vel
vet
Miss Morton's gown was of old rose silk
trimmed with a deeper shade of velvet and
point lace on the bodice.
The first presentation made was that OF the
British Ambassador and Lady Pauncefote
who were followed by the Misses Pauncefote
and Lady Georgiana Cough.
Among the other diplomats in attendance
at the reception were the French. German, and
Italian ambassadors. Baroness Won Saurma,
Baroness Fava, the Mexican and Turkish Min
listers, the Austrian Minister and Baroness
Hengenmueller, the Chilian Minister and
Madam Cana. the Nicaraguan Minister, the
japanese Minister, the Chinese Minister and
Madam Yang Yu, and the Belgian Minister.
In addition to the diplomats there was
quite large contingent of the Army and
Navy present in full uniform, thus adding to
the brilliancy of the reception.
Among the notable costumes were those of
Lady Pauncefote. in gray satin brocade with
point lace and diamonds: Miss Pauncefote,
in blue brocade; Miss Audrey Pauncefote. in
white silk and chiffon; Lady Georgiana
Cough, black velvet and lace; Madame de
Mendonea, pink silk spangied in gold;
Madame Zeballos, black broeade and lace;
Miss Marie Zeballos, blue brocade; Mrs. At
well, white silk and point lace; Madame
NorrhigaE, red satin with black lace;
Baroness Hengenmufler, white silk
with old rose =. velvet. MadamA Sapra-