The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-01-01
Happy New Year at the Ma
tion's Capital.
Presidents Reception at the White
House a Brilliant Gathering.
Fine Music by the Marine Band-Mrs.
Cleveland as Hostess.

WASHINGTON, Jan L-Probably in no
no other city of the country does that
peculiarly American custom of exchang-
ing New Years calls continue to flourish
with the same vigor as in the Capital OF
the Nation.
Although in other cities the custom has
come to be more regarded in the breach
than in the observance, in Washington
everybody in official life either receives or
pays calls. The President himself sets the
fashion in this matter, and naturally the
White House is the focus of interest on
the first dsy Of the new year, for there
are congregated the most distinguished
persons in the land In official life, under
the most attractive conditions.
The ceremonies of the day began
at II O'Clock, but long before
that hour great throng OF people had
gathered at the entrance to the White
House grounds to peep into the carriages
as they rolled through the gates laden
with pretty women and distinguished
statesmen and jurists, and gorgeously-
attired members of the diplomatic corps.
Within the grounds policemen were
stationed to guide the visitors and pre-
serve order. The old White House
had been thoroughly prepared for
the days ceremonies. Outside
canopy had been erected for
the protection OF the guests, who
came in their carriages and inside canvas
covers had been spread to prevent the
destruction of the rich carpets by the
trampling OF the thousands of feet which
were to pass over them. As in
the past years the decorations of
the rooms were all floral, but there
was noticeable difference from the plan
OF last year, in the free use of potted plants
and palms, in place OF the great banks Of cut
flowers which formerly graced the room.
Consequently there was something lacking
in color, but from an artistic point OF view
this was more than compensated for by
the beauty of the growing plants neatly
arranged in pure white jardiAieres 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 have an
opportunity to divest themselves OF their
wraps and coats before entering the Blue
Room, where the receiving party was sta
toned. Two heavy couches had
been so arranged across d this room
as to leave small open space
in the center, thus shielding the
President, the mistress OF the White
House and her assistants from tho long
line of callers. The Blue Room, always
the prettiest of the White House suite,
was beautifully decorated with flowers, .
star shaped white blossom prodominating.
In the lobby, just within the main
doorway, was stationed the full Marine
Band, making a gallant show In their
brilliant scarlet uniforms and discoursing
with splendid effect specially arranged
program of artistic merit. The music be-
gan with grand inaugural march by Fam
cuilli, the leader OF the band, and an
elaborate program followed.
First to arrive at the Executive Mansion
were the ladies of tho cabinet who were to
assist Mrs. Cleveland in receiving.
They were escorted upstairs where they
removed their wraps and were greeted by
Mrs. Cleveland. The reception was to
begin at IL o'clock and at this hour
Mr.. and Mrs. Cleveland came down
stairs followed by the cabinet
ladies and other guests who were
to stand behind the line. The Marine
Band struck mp the inaugural march and
proceeded to the Blue Room. Mrs. Cleve-
land was attired in white moire antique
heavily embroidered with silver and with
full sleeves. Her mother, Mrs. Perrine,
wore a heliotrope velvet gown, ,ornamented
with silver passementarie.
Mrs. Gresham wore a gown of black and
white satin; black formed most OF the
skirt which was bordered with white
satin, and this material also formed the
sleeves.
Mrs. Carlisle wore French grny moire
antique trimmed with sable and passe-
mentarie.
Mrs. lamont was In buttercup satin