The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1898-02-11
BLISS TAKES THE PALM
Amazes Washington With His
Magnificent Cabinet Dinner.
COST EIGHTY DOLLARS A PLATE.
No Such Lavishness Ever Before Seen Mt
the Cspital-Other Costly Entertain
ments-A Brilliant Social Seasonal

WAohlNuioSt req. li.-lSpeclhl. $50
cial entertaining Is becoming more ant
more expensive In Washington. Som,
years ago we thought high water mari
had been touched In the lavish entertain
ments given by the then secretary OF tn,
navy, Mr.. Whitney, and his most popular
wife. Later their splendid dinners and re-
captions were riyaled by those given by the
postmaster general in the Harrison ad.
ministration, Mr.. Wanamaker. But this
winter has seen every record eclipsed. The
palm for expensive and luxurious enter
tanning now belongs TO Mr.. Bliss, the rich
merchant of New York who is secretary of
the interior in the Mckinley cabinet. AS
rule Mr.. Bliss cares little for society.
Mrs. Bliss is of the same mind, and they
| do not concern themselves very much
about the ordinary run of receptions and
| teas. But we have in this capital GER
tain established social institution, known
as the cabinet dinners TO the president and
his wife. Each member of the cabinet, in
turn, and always according TO the order of
precedence as fixed by the presidential sue
tession act entertains the president and
his wife, the other members of the cabinet
and their wives and such outside guests as
he may wish to invite.
When 1t came Secretary Bliss turn to
give the cabinet dinner, he concluded to
make IL a memorable affair He gave carte
blanche to the proprietor of the largest ho-
tel here. Expense was not to be consider
ed, but the most beautiful dinner ever seen
In Washington was to be provided, no
matter at what cost. The result was equal
to the expectations and ambitions of the
secretary. When the guests arrived, they
found great ballroom converted into
perfect forest of green trees and shrubbery
and flowers. 1t was as If one had stepped
In moment from the rigors of our north
ern winter-and cold season added to the
height of the contrast-to the balmy air of
southern Florida or Cuba, with its palms
roses and singing birds. Interspersed
among the fountains and the foliage were
innumerable electric lights, and in the
hooks and crannies of this artificial forest
the guests could wander and easily imagine
themselves In fairy land. At the edge of
the improvised and most fragrant woods
the table was spread and heaped with flow
ers and beautiful decorations, to say moth
ing OF menu rs elaborate as art could
provide. have heard that this dinner. at
which 90 persons sat down, cost the secre-
tary of the interior about "a ZOO, or $50
per plate.
Some people may say that such luxuri- |
business is shameful waste of money, |
but there is difference of opinion on this |
score. Most of the expense was for labor |
the work of men cutting shrubs and |
terms in the forest, the work of florists |
growing flowers, the work of decorators |
putting all in order, the walters, cooks |
and caterers. The thousands Of dollars
spent by Mr. Bliss found their way into |
many pockets, and no doubt into the pock-
Its OF not few persons who sadly needed |
hem.
Other Expensive Entertainments.
There have been many other expensive
md beautiful entertainments here this
than ever before in the his
DRY of the city. Other cabinet officers
lave given splendid dinners to the presi-
lent and Mrs. Mckinley. The balls given
~ Mrs. Letter and by the British embas-
ador were affairs to be remembered for
many days. President Dole of Hawaii has
eft Washington after round of dinners
ma receptions given in honor of himself
ma his wife which must have opened the
yes OF those simple, good, missionary peo-
lie from the PARKWAY Pacific islands
Among the really fashionable people in
Washington the tendency is more and
more TO dinners as the most satisfactory
orm OF social entertainment Receptions
nd teas are said to be too scattery. No
ne gets to talk with anyone more than a
ouple of minutes, and the harum scarum
'ature OF such affairs appears to wind ev-
ry one up In sort of maze of excitement
Which wearies and does not please. The
INNER, on the other hand, admits of some-
hing handsome in the way of decoration.
enables one to limit his guests. 1t af-
ords repose and gives real pleasure. There
re so many dinners here now that busy
ublic men like Vice President Hobart
nd Senators Allison and Elkins and
speaker Reed and others who are popular
inner guests on account of their wit and
lyaclty are compelled to limit the mum.
er OF invitations which they accept.
why, II / were to attend all the din
ers TO which am invited" says Senator
.lkins, II wouldn't have bit of time
ut to do anything else. / have made it
ironclad rule to go out only twice a
'eek. want to keep up my acquaintance
'lth my family, and also want to do q |
title work. Speaker Reed is a much |
ought mau at dinners, because his bright
- '"So e'io III Sicao ueiuduu. I'cOplo ike |
be able to say to their friends, cat a
inner last night sat near Mr.. Reed, and |
Ills Is one OF the good things he said be-
veen courses" But Mr.. Reed does not
luch care for dinners and accepts very
wv invitations.
Late Hours.
In these dispatches have already 70.
fred to the late hour tendency of Wash.
lgton society. The most strikingly odd
hing In the line of late hours have heard
was the notice which appeared in the
'ciety columns of a morning paper few ,
avs ago. 1t read:
Mrs. Blank of 41144 X street will not ,
at home Saturday night till after 10
clock"
Thls lady belongs to the ultra fashion,
Die circle and lives In one of the finest ,
buses In Washington. She meant that
ter ~ O'Clock Saturday night she would
pleased to sec her friends, and as a mat
r OF fact her drawing rooms were .
lronged that night till about O'Clock in
10 morning. 1t Is not easy for those of
who have the old fashioned country ,
cas- to get accustomed to this London
yle OF converting day into night.
This Is the harvest season for coachmen