The times., 1899-11-17

The reception rendered last night by the
President and Mrs. Mckinley TO the Bish-
ops OF the Methodist Episcopal Church and
the members OF the general missionary
committee was largely attended and very
pleasing affair Five hundred invitations
were issued. and. judging from the size of
the crowd. few, if any, were declined. The
reception was from $50 to 1O:3O o'clock,
and the parlors Of the Executive Mansion
were thronged with the eminent divines,
members OF the Cabinet officers Of the
Army and Navy. and other persons promi-
nent in official life, and who were accom-
panied by the ladies of their families.
The guests began to arrive early, and con-
tinued coming until $3.50 o'clock, when the
early arrivals began to leave, and shortly
after 1890 the last guests had departed.
Among those present, in addition to the
clergy. were Secretary Hay. Secretary Root
Secretary Gage. Attorney General Griggs,
Secretary Hitchcock, and Secretary Wilson,
Colonel and Mrs Bingham, Paymaster
Wrann. OF the Navy. and Mrs. Wrann. DR..
Rixey and Mrs Rixey, Surgeon General
Sternberg and Mrs. Sternberg, accompanied
by their two nieces. Mrs. Edward Nefier
and Miss Pattison, of Pierre, 5. D.; Gen
eraI Wilson. OF the Engineer Corps of the
Army; Captain Beach, Engineer Commis-
sioner Of the District of Columbia, and Mrs.
Beach. Comptroller Dawes, of the Treasury
Adjutant General Corbin and Miss Corbin,
Mr.. Justice McKenna, Mrs and Miss Nc
Kenna; Mr Justice Harlan, Col. John K.
Proctor, of The Civil Service Commission;
Surgeon General Van Reypen, of the Navy,
and Mrs. Van Reypen, and H. Clay Evans,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Promptly at $3.50 o'clock three trum-
peters of the Marine Band stationed in the
corridor near the East Room heralded the
approach Of the President by bugle sa-
lutte to the Commander-in- Chief OF the
Army As the last note gave way 10 the
stirring strains of Hail to the Chief the
Presidential party, preceded by Colonel
Bingham. descended the private stairway
and crossed the corridor into the Blue Par
Ior. where the reception was held.
As usual. Mrs. Mckinley seated herself
in one of the blue and gold chairs that
defined the receiving line, and with but few
exceptions did not shake hands with the
guests, but gave to each a cordial smile and
bow. She wore a handsome toilette Of white
satin its surface Tippled with waves of
orchid color, and the hugh bodice showing
soft touches of lace Her ornaments were
diamonds and a white aigrette was fas-
tened in her hair For almost the first
time in the social history of the present
Administration, Mrs. Hobart was absent
from her post 10 the right Of Mrs. McKin-
leys chair Her place was taken last night
I by Mrs. Cage, who was g0wned in a superb
combination of white satin and black
thread lace Diamonds flashed on her neck
and a soft white ostrich tip was worn in
her hair. Mrs. Root, wife of the Secretary
of War. occupied for the first time her
place in the receiving line, wearing
/ decollete toilette of rich black silk and lace
( with a corsage cluster of crimson roses.
Mrs Hitchcock. who made her official
debut al the reception given earlier in the
autumn 10 the PanPresbyterian Alliance.
wore a becoming costume OF silver grey
silk artistically trimmed with embroidered
bands of cut steel; the low bodice was
draped with rich white lace. and her or
naments were diamonds Miss Wilson was
attired in a girIshly simple reception
I dress OF convent grey silk with bodice ef-
fects in lace and white satin.
The sensation of the evening was created
by Admiral ami Mrs. Dewey, who arrived
about O'Clock. There was an untercur-
rent Of excited comment and general
rush from all quarters TO the CoOrWays and
the golden gatz" to watch the victor Of
Manila and his bride pass. bowling and
smiling down the line. When they had paid
their respects 10 the President Mrs. Nc
Kiulay and the other members Of the re-
! c5iving party. each of whom greeted them
/ with hand clasps and congratulations they
/ joined the guests who had been invited
/ behind the line and Immediately began TO
/ hold a reception of their own. Mrs. Dewey s
/ gown, which. of course. was Of vital interest
10 the several hundred ladies present was
! Of misty white lace that veiled an under
! dress of silver white satin. The bodice
was low. and around her throat she wore
a white ribbon band and a necklace OF dia-
monds. from which was suspended large
/ Iocket diamond ornament fastened a
soft white plume and aigrette to her hair.
! The Admiral wore the fun uniform OF his
rank The first 10 greet him was Mrs
4 L. :. Grant who chatted afterward for some
I length of time with Mrs Dewey.
The Blue Room. with It's hangiHgs Of del
! ic8;e blue and furnishings OF gold and bro,
/ cade, made an ideal setting for the beauti-
! fully goWned women and distinguished
men. number Of whom wore the uniforms
! Of the Army and Navy Pink chrysanthe-
/ NUNS gave a blush Of color 10 the room
/ though the decorations Of the East Room
/ and corridor were entirely OF palms and
/ gOrge eOusIy- -cclored leaves
a buffet collation. was served liz the pri-
/ yate diniug-room. which was abloom with
autumn blossoms and gracefully grouped
! palm foliage
! SOCIAL AND PERSONAL