Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-01-02
new YEARS FESTIVITIES
HEADED BY THE PRESIDENTS BRIL-
LIANT DECEPTION.
Mrs. Cleveland Wore n High Necked Dress
Mrs. Yang Yu the Central Attraction
in tho Distinguished Party-A
Wonderful Attire.

Washington, Jan. 1.-The White House
presented Il brilliant scene this morning
when the presidents New Years recep-
ton was held all the state apartments be-
ing Drofusely decorated in the highest skill
OF the florists art. At II o'clock the prcsi-
dent and Mrs. Cleveland. Vice-Presldent
stevenson, the cabinet officers and their
wives took up their positions in the Blue
Room. They were assisted in receiving by
the wives and daughters of many high Of
flcials of the government
According to custom the members of the
diplomatic corps were first received. They
were headed by Sir Julian Pauncefote, the
British ambassador,
Mrs. Clevelands gown was of lavender
and white striped satin, trimmed with
point lace and high in the neck. Nearly all
the members of the diplomatic body were
accompanied by the ladies of their fam
lilies. One Of these women attracted more
attention from the spectators than any of
the male members of the foreign contin-
gent. despite the gorgeous official dress
she smiled sweetly on Mrs. Cleveland and
then went smiling and bowling down tho
line, apparently wholly unconscious of the
great interest she created. She was Mrs.
Yang Yu. the wife OF the Chinese minister.
Wherever she went her progress was
greeted with whispers OF isn't she pretty?
What beautiful silk" What an odd
head dress" Mrs. Yang Iu was truly
wonderfully attired from an American
standpoint, ana the most wonderful thing
OF all about her attire was the head dress
referred to. IL sparkled with gems, and
shimmered in the soft light that came
through the electric globes in the rooms.
SIX OF II most beautiful texture formed
the gown, and Mrs. Yang Yu could GER
tainly have had the satisfaction of know
Ing her dress, ii not the envy of all women
at the reception. attracted the lions share
/ or attention and praise.
All the diplomatic officers and the ladies
accompanying them left the White House
shortly before noon in order to partake
of the annual diplomatic breakfast at Sec
rotary Olncy's.
Plain black coats succeeded the kacd-
oscopic array of diplomatic attire The
chief justice, and the associate JUS
ticcs of the Supreme Court OF
the United States headed tho DEM
ocratic coctlngent which included the
justices Of the United States Court OF APP
peals for the District of Columbia, other
district Judges, assistant secretaries, many
OF whom had their wives and daughters
with them.
Then came the army officers. Maj.-Gen.
Miles headed the line of his subordinates.
making his first official social appearance
as the major general commanding the
army, gorgeous in yellow cash and all tho
appurtenances of the commanding cen
erals costume.
The army men turned out in 9ull force.
Then came Commodore Mathews, chief
of yards and docks, Admiral Ramsay, head
of the navigation bureau; Surgeon Gem
eral Tryon, Captain Sampson. chief Of
ordnance. and many others bowed along
} past the receiving party.
The associated veterans OF the war of
1876. carrying the battle Tags members
: of the Grand Army of the Republic, the
Loyal Legion, the Union Veteran Legion,
the Oldest Inh: bi,ants' association OF tie
District OF Columbia.
Between ha,f past twelve and one
O'Clock the public reception 10 citizens be-
gan. All the morning those who fell within
this category had been assembling out
side the White House until at the time
stated they numbered many hundreds and
stretched in Il long line, two deep. down
the driveway to one of the main gates and
out into Pennsylvania avenue. Sew, raj
: cabinet ladies and large number OF those
behind the line had left the White House
by this time to attend receptions of their
own, but the president and Mrs. Cleve-
: land stuck bravely TO their fatiguing task
and had hand shake and smile for all
who came.
At 9 o'clock the doors were closed and
the annual ofilcialreception was over