Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1899-01-07

Washington, Jan. 3.--President McKin-
Rev held his first New Years reception at
the " hite House yesterday. Every ar
Tangement 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 Poruco'
just within the entrance to the house, III
abe conservatory, vas posted the United
States marine band. The decorations OF
the interior of the stately edihee were EN-
tirely floral.
The reception took place in the blue par
lor. Shortly after 1890 o'clock members
of the cabinet, with their families, began
40 arrive and closely following them we're
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 assembled the stairs to the library,
where they we're 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 we're, 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. Next
came the German Ambassador, DIR. Won
Holleben. With him walked Baron Speck
Won Sternberg, first secretary OF the Ger
man embassy.
In absence of NJ Cambon, the French
ambassador, the French embassy Was
represented by NJ. Thiebaut, Mime. The
Aaut and Tigny Beaufye. There was one
very notable feature of the French party
in that on the breast OF each showed for
the first time at an official function, the
superb decorations conferred on them by
the queen regent of Spain IN recognition
of services in re establishing peace.
The Russian party included Count Cas-
sim the ambassador, General Mortvazo,
the Russian military and naval attaches
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 ia tall,
sieve-like hats and japanese in modern
lied diplomatic uniforms which symbohAed
japan s recent forward march IN clvll1a-
ton.
Promptly at IL o'clock the bugler, sta
Aioned in the central hall, blew call upon
his instrument and the presidential party,
descending the western stairway, entered
the reception room and greeted the dlplo-
matte body. As the band struck up Hail
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 up
places in the receiving line, the president
at the head, Mrs. Mckinley next and the
ladies of the cabinet in the order OF OF.
ficial precedence In the rear were several
of the cabinet officers and the ladies es-
pecially invited by Mrs. Mckinley to as
sist. The justices OF the United States
supreme court, who came directly after
the diplomatic corps, were the first to pass
before the line and enter the vast east
room.
Three striking military figures headed
the army and navy callers-General Miles
commanding general of the army; Major
General Lawton, one of the heroes OF
Santiago, who is about to assume mill
tary command in the Philippines, and
Brigadier General Corbin, adjutant gen
eral of the army. These officers were in
the full uniform of their high military
rank.
The public reception lasted until 2;3O
o'clock, when the doors were closed and
the president and Mrs. Mckinley led the
receiving party back to the private quar-
tiers of the mansion. Two hours OF con.
tinuous handshaking had passed without
unpleasant occurrence. Altogether the
reception was regarded as a most auspi'
sious and happy opening of the new year