The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-01-02

4 BRFEITfNT RECEPTION no 1876
IT rHE wHITE H0USE.
The Mansion Beautifully Decoratcd-Ihe
rasi Room - Fcrita6le fropicai
Forest Those who Attended.

was taxed 90 the utmost to-day by the
crowds that passed ia and out of what
may De tcrmcd thc state Departments
Blue Room. where the forcien ambassa-
dors and ministers have their first for
mai interviews with tine President. The
Red Room and Green Room and the spa
cious East Room. the scene Of 80 many
Incidents thar have become historical,
and the generous proporuonea coii luc.'
extending nearly the entire length OF the
mansion. With which ai these apartments
commuulcate
The force of decorators. under the o.
TccHon OF Gardner Foister The veteran
superintendent OF the White House con-
servatory and grounds, had worked hard
last night and early this mofplns IN max
iug the mansion LOOK beautiful for the
great show of the New Year.
FLORAL DECORATIONS.
Tho conscrlatories have been robbed of
their choicest possessions but 90 such
an extent that those whose observation
extended 90 their tropical precincts were
not Impressed by amy sense or depeuon.
Wherever the eye wandered tn the Blue
Room. corridor East Room, or other
chambers. it was met by groups OF
spreading palms and tal, dropping rub
deepest OF crimson pOinsetta blooms 10
most delicate of white roscbuds.
Manteis nre-placcs. and window en-
brasures were banked with floral beau
ties The chandeliers were almost hid
den in wrcaths of green smilaN. Ferns
waved their delicate branches from all
hooks and corners. while stately and
graceful specimens of screw pine stood
alone in alcovcs. more impressive IN their
solitude TO the ovel-shaped Blue Room
had been given preference of blooming
plants and cut flowers. whose perfume
hung heavily on The air. the west manteL
brilliant with color. with its proiusion
OF red roses. red Camciias. and red poin-
settas. standing in marked contrast TO the
decorations of the east mantel which
was all in white roses and white came
las. From the chandelier was suspended
q large basket Of roses hanging above the
heads of the receiving party while smi-
lax was entwined with iingling crystals
and draped in chains above the door
WAYS
Banked ON the mantels and one great
window were palms dozen feet IN
height. azala. and poinsetta plants.
THE EAST ROOM.
The East Room. where most Of the
guests assembled after they had paid
their respects 10 the President Mrs.
Cleveland. and other members Of the re-
cciviuc party. looked like q tropical for
est Palms. ranging in size from the
tallest domestic variety TO the diminutve
kind so frequently seen I'm the window
gardens. were principal decorations OF the
east window. and these were surrounded
by red poiusefta or Christmas flower
and great variety OF foliage plants. Every
Fireplace and window had it's prOfusion
81 these varieties and the prevailing
t4iimgcior decoration OF smilaN Wreaths
We're also noticeable.
FlOweriug plants were everywhere I'm
the Green Room. while Boz each corner
was a tan rubber tree. The decoration of
the Red Room was much iu keeping with
that in tho olner apartments. except that
one mantHl was entirely in pink beeonias.
In anticipation of the large crowd, ana
ia order 10 give it free movement, rev
screw-pine trees and some plants, bank
ed on pedestals. were only displayed IN
the corridor.
The reception was set for II O'Clock. and
just at that time the members of The
receiving party, comprising President and
Mrs Cleveland and Cabinet officers and
their wives came down the private stair
ease. lcadng TO the corridor headed by
Colonel John M Wilson. Supennten-
dent of Public Buildings and Grounos' ln
fun uniform.
Mrs SMITH ABSENT
The only absentee from the Cabinet
party was Mrs smith, wife Of Secretary
Coke Smith. of the Interior Department.
Reaching the Hiue-Ho9m. the President
and Mrs Cleveland placed themselves at
the right Of The lne. and the others
were ranged in accordance with official
precedence.
THE march from the private apart
mcuts above stairs had been accompanied
by music hy tho United States Marine
Band. under Professor Fauciulh. which |
was stationed lu tho public lobby.
The ladies of the families of members
Of the Cabinet in the receiving line were |
Mrs Olney. Mrs. .Cariislo. Mrs. Harmon. |
Mrs Lamont. Mrs. Wilson, Miss Herbert, !
and Miss Morton.
The numerous array OF mafrons and |
young ladies had been invited by Mrs.
cleveland 10 "siand behind The line, !
as the term is.
These comprised wives and daughters OF !
senators. representatives,, Justices of the !
Federal Supreme Court assistant score |
tares of executive departments. bureau |
officers high officers of the army and |
navy, ana other prominent official friends |
Of Mrs Cleveland. not directly connected /
with official life.
According Go custom members of the |
corps were first received. ana /
they came in force. headed by their dean, |
Sir Julian paunccfOtc. the iall and hear !
~ looking British Ambassador attired |
in his court uniform, who shook hands /
warmly and exchanged smiles with the |
President ass though there had never been 4
such thing as a Venezuelan note on
messaee to Congress ON the Monroe doc |
tiine
Mrs Clcyeiands gown was of lavender
and whito-strped satin trimmed with !
point lace and high 30 the neck, as were
an the gowns OF the members Of the re-
,eivng party.
IL was matter Of particular note that
nearly an the members of the diplomatic
BODY were accompanied by the ladies' OF
heir families, il they had any. or by the
ladies' of somebody else's family. ~ thOy
had not.
MRS NANG-YU.
And 81 SO happened that one of these
women attracted more attention OF the
spectators than ery male members OF the
foreign contingent despite their red ana
blue. yellow and white coats and braid
side arms She smiled sWectly on Mr.
Cleveland and then went smiling and
bowling down the linc and continued TO
smile during her passage TO the East
Room, apparently wholly unconscious Of
ne great interest She created
She was Mrs Yang-Yu. the wife OF the
Chinese Minister. who found herself the
1er passage was greeted with whispers
f..saHf aaNI