Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1895-01-04
At THE WHITE HOUSE.
The Usual Observance Of New Years
Day in Officials Circles at
Washington.
THE CLEVELAND RECEPTION
Usual Programme Carried Out in all
the Details---Some Smaller
Receptions.

cnllarly American custom OF exchang-
Ing New Years calls continue to -four
ish as in the capital of the nation.
Although in other cities the custom has
come to be regarded more 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 day of the New
Year, for there are congregated the
most distinguished persons of the land
in official life. The ceremonies of the
day began at IL o'clock, but long before
that time
Great Throng of People,
considering the state of the weather,
had gathered at the entrance to the
White House grounds, to peep into
carriages as they rolled through the
gates laden with pretty women and
distinguished statesmen, and gor-
geously attired members of the diplo.
matte corps. Within the grounds po-
lice were properly stationed to guide
the visitors and preserve order. The
old White House had been thoroughly
prepared for the days ceremonies.
Outside a canopy had been erected for
the protection of the guests, who came
in carriages. On the inside, canvass
covers had been laid carefully to pre-
vent the soiling Of the rich carpets by
the trampling OF thousands of feet,
which were to pass over them. As in
past years, the decorations of the rooms
were all floral. The guests entered at
the main door of the mansion and
crossing the lobby, passed into the Red
room, where they had an opportunity
OF divesting 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 enter,
thus shielding the president, the mis-.
tress Of the White House and her SER
wants from the long line of callers.
The Band Played.
The Blue room, always the prettiest
of the White House sui to was beauti-
fully decorated with flowers, star
shaped white blossom prevailing in
such profusion as to charlningly sub
due the all-prevalent blue tint Of the
artificial decorations and furnishings.
In the lobby just within the main
doorway was stetioned the full Marine
band, making gallant show in their
brilliant scarlet uniforms and dis
coursing with splendid effect a spe.
cially arranged programme Of artistic
merit.
First to arrive at the executive man
sion were the ladies of the cabinet. who
were to assist Mrs. Cleveland in re.
ceiving. They were ushered upstairs,
where they removed their wraps. The
reception was to begin at II O. clock, and
at that hour the president and Mrs.
Cleveland, after greeting the cabinet
ladies, came down stairs followed by
the latter and other guests who were
to stand behind the line. The marine
band struck up the inaugural march as
the receiving party proceeded to the
Blue room.
a number of ladies, including the
wives and daughters Of prominent off.
cials and personal friends Of Mrs. Cleve-
land had been invited to positions be-
hind the line with the receiving party,
SO that there was a brilliant array of
handsome costumes in the room
The programme had been arranged,
as is customary, for the admission Of
the different classes Of officials in the
order Of the their rank. Usually the
vice president is the first to pay his
respects to the president, but this year
Mr.. Stevenson is south on account Of
the illness Of his daughter. The
programme arranged for the reception
fixes the members of the cabinet as
the first callers and after them came
the diplomatic corps in the spectacular
array Of varied uniforms and decora-
ations that never fail to appeal to the
Washington populace on these cere-s
monial occasions when a glimpse Of