The herald., 1896-02-19
OUR FIFTH PRESIDENT

At the December meeting of the Oneida
Historical Society Robert j. Hubbard read
an essay on Political and Social Life In
Washington During tile Administration OF
President Monroe. In the beginning he
stated that his paper was composed largely
of extracts from private letters written by
Thomas H. Hubbard. In the years 1Sl7
TO 1924 he was representative at Washing
ton from the congressional district em-
bracing Madison and Herkimer counties of
this state, during the administration OF
President Monroe.
Mr.. Hub bard had been presented to
President James Monroe, who occupied
the 'palace," as the presidents house
was called, in 1917. and spoke of him as
a plain, unassuming man, who acted
as any other well-bred man wouli do.
The president received callers. on the
lst Of january, 1878. At 2 o'clock the
doors were opened and the crowd
poured in. A corps of marines was
drawn up in front of the house, bright
in all the trappings OF military dress.
The president received with Mrs. Mon
roe. One followed in the current which
bore him to his distinguished hosts, who
bowed gracefully to each guest m lch
more digntied certainly, than the more
democratic custom OF handslaking
which prevails in our own time. Himple
refreshments were passed by the serv-
ants, consisting OF sweetneats, ice
cream, hot punch, and lemonade. The
preside t was dressed on this occasion in a
blue coat and buff waistcoat, and small
| clothes, and white silk stockings. Mrs.
Monroe had on silk or sa in gown of
light color, almost white, close around the
neck, and a large bunch of artificial flowers
| at tue bosom. Her hat Or bonnet was OF
the same material, surmounted with three
nodding plumes. She was about 80 years
of age, rather handsome. and very gracious
I and polite in her IN mtnners. This COOL
couple stood on their feet. no 'fling, bow
ing, smiling, and talking with about 1000
| persons.
On February II, ISIS, Mr.. Fl bb ,rd
dined with tine president, in compan. with
| Messrs. Gu ,huian, Palmer and Drase.
They went ct $50. The presidents
brother and private secretary received
them in a most awkward manner. and
us'erah them in Indian file into the draw
ing room, VIII. re there were soma twenty
geul.s,i en- sittiag in row in solemn state,
| mute as fishes, hey having undergone the
grand state ceremony. "Mrs. Monroe
he writes, twas seated at the farther end
OF the room with other ladies. On our APP
pro ,ch she aross and received us hand
somoly. After being myself presented
introduced the other gentlemen. | now ex-
| pected to be led to the president, but my
| pilot, the private secretary, had vanished
1--WE beat a retreat, each to his respec-
tive chair. Obser wig the president sitting
very detnureiy by rhe chimney corner, l
arose and advanced to him. He got up
and shook me by the hand, as he did the
O her gentlemen. The second ceremony
over,.all again was silence, and each once
more moved to his eeat. II was period
| of great solemnity. Not whisper broke
| upon the ear to interrupt the silence of the
place, and everyone looked as if the next
moment would be his last. After while
| the president, in a grave manner, began
conversation with some one who sat near
! him, aud directly the secretary ushered in
| some more victims, who submitted to the
same ordeal we had experienced. This
continued for fully half an hour, when din
! ner was announced.
''Ihe dinner was good and the table most
richly furnished. There were about thirty
guests in all. 1t became more lively as the
dishes ratified The plateau in the center
of the table was very elegant. 1t was fully
twelve feet long and two feet wide, oval at
the ends, and figures, eight inches high,
with extended arms, composed of a mirror
| surrounded by gold females holding cam
dlesticks. The table was garnished with
artificial flowers. The plate was very
handsome, china highly gilt, and the des-
sert knives, forks and spoons were OF
beaten gold. The dinner was ended at
about half-past o'clock" Mr.. Hubbard
attended another dinner at the ''palace'
! and spoke of it as a grave and serious
| affair.
The French minister, M. de Neuville,
| gave elegant entertainments. In Decem-
Der, 1877, Mr.. Hubbard atte n led one in
honor of the birthday of the Duchess
| d. Angouleme.
At s o'clock they were ushered into the
presence of the hospitable host, with a very
profound bow from the master andsthree
/ low courtesies from Mime. de Melville.
They were shaken BY the hand and had a
| cordial welcome. The ladies were many
| of them. richly dressed, If such decoIlette
| exposure can be called dressed. Nine.
I de Nsuville was dressed not only with
great propriety, but in the 'piainest
| manner, and altogether without orna.
| ment. The lady of the British
minister, Mr.. Bagot, was most su.
perbly attired, and decorum was an
ornament not forgotten. The foreign
ministers, with the exception of M. de
| Neuville. wore the court costumes of their
countries, that of the Spanish minister ex-
ceiling in richness. Decatur graced the
| feast with his attendants in full uniform.
Neither the president nor his lady were
present. Soon after their arrival dancing
commenced. Two rooms were fitted for
the purpose, and there were many eager
participants. Coffee, jellies and ice cream
were sent around early in the evening, and
after 10 all moved upstairs to the supper
table, which occupied three rooms. They
| were decorated with taste and elegance.
At the company broke up.-Utica, N.
| Y, Herald.