The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1899-01-07
THE PRESIDENTS RECEPTION
The First New Years Reception Of Pros
ident Mckinley a Bri liant Occasion
Arrangements Complete-An Nations
Represented-Lasted Four Hours.

Arrangements COmplete-All Nations
Represented-Lasted Four Hours.
Washington, Jan. 3.-President McKin-
ley held his first New Years reception at
the White House yesterday. Every ar
rangement had been made for the orderly
handling of the great throng which was
expected. The gates to the grounds Of the
executive mansion were closed and watch
men stood at intervals along the broad
driveways leading up to the great portico.
just within the entrance to the house, in
the conservatory, was posted the United
States marine band. The decorations OF
the interior of the stately edifce were en-
tirely floral.
The reception took place in the blue par
lor. Shortly after 1880 o'clock members
of the cabinet, with their families, began
to arrive and closely following them were
the ladies who had been selected to assist
Mrs. Mckinley in the reception. They
were shown into the private reception
room, where they left their wraps ami
then ascended the stairs to the library,
where they were met by the president and
Mrs. Mckinley.
Following the members Of the cabinet
came the ladies invited to the blue room
behind the receiving line. They were, for
the most part, wives Of senators and con-
gressmen. Then came the diplomatic
corps, ambassadors, ministers and suites
in gorgeous uniforms and decorations
characteristic of the foreign represen-
tation. At their head was British Ambas'
sador Sir Julian Pauncefote with Lady
Pauncefote, the Misses Pauncefote and
the numerous staff of the embassy. Nexl
came the German Ambassador, Dr. VOr
Holleben. With him walked Baron Speci
Won Sternberg, first secretary Of the Ger
man embassy.
In absence of NJ. Cambon, the Frenci
ambassador, the French embassy wa
represented by M. Thiebaut, Mime. THE
baut and Tigny Beaufye. There was ON
very notable feature OF the French part.
in that on the breast of each showed TO
the first time at an official function, tn
superb decorations conferred on them b.
the queen regent of Spain in recognition
of services in re-establishing peace.
The Russian party included Count Cas-
sini the ambassador. General Mortvazo
the Russian military and naval attache
in full uniform and the suite OF the EN-
bassy. Following came many foreign dele
cations, making cosmopolitan assem-
blage of Turks, in fezzes, Chinese in gor
geous oriental silks, Koreans in tall
sieve-like hats and japanese in modern
lied diplomatic uniforms which symbolize'
Japan 8 recent forward march in civiliza
tion.
Promptly at, II o'clock the bugler, sta
toned in the central hall, blew call upol
his instrument and the presidential party
descending the western stairway, entere
the reception room and greeted the diplu
matte body. AS the band struck up "Aai
to the Chief" the president, following
closely behind Colonel Bingham and Cap
tain Gilmore, the masters of ceremonies
passed into the blue parlor and took VI
places in the receiving line, the presiden
at the head, Mrs. Mckinley next and tn
ldUl0S VI Lue CdDlucL Ala tu0 OAuCA Va Va
fetal precedence. In the rear were severu
of the cabinet officers and the ladies es
pecially invited by Mrs. Mckinley to AZ
sist. The justices OF the United State
supreme court, who came directly afte
the diplomatic corps, were the first to pas
before the line and enter the vast eas
room.
Three striking military figures heade
the army and navy callers-General Miles
commanding general Of the army; Majo
General Lawton. one of the heroes G
Santiago, who is about to assume mill
tary command in the Philippines, All
Brigadier General Corbin, adJutant ger
eral of the army. These officers were j
the full uniform Of their high militar
rank.
The public reception lasted until 2:3
o'clock, when the doors were closed an
the president and Mrs. Mckinley led th
receiving party back to the private qua
ters of the mansion. Two hours of COL
tinuous handshaking had passed withou
!. unpleasant occurrence. Altogether til
reception was regarded as most -ausp
; cious and happy opening Of the new yea
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