The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-01-02

crosses of the order of Isabella Cato1ca,
suspended from wide tri-colored ribbons
showing the colorS of Spain. The Rus
sian party included Count CaSSini, the
tall and distinguished ambassador, who
presented his New Years respects for
the first time at the White House; Gen.
Mortvazo, the Russian military and
naval attache, in full uniform, and the
large staff of the embassy. Following
these came the many other foreign dele
cations. making a cosmopolitan assem-
blage of Turk in fez, Cinnamon in gor-
geouS oriental silks, Corean in tall sieve
like hats. and Japanese in the modern
lied diplomatic uniforms which Symbol
Hzed Japan'S recent forward march in
civilization.
Promptly at II o'clock a bugler sta
toned in the central hall blew a call
upon his instrument, and the presiden-
tia1 party descending the western stair
way entered the reception room and
greeted the diplomatic body as the band
struck up '+Hail to the Chief" and the
president following closely behind Col.
Bingham and Captain Gilmore, the
master of ceremonies, passed into the
blue parlor and took up his place in
the receiving line, the president at the
head, Mrs. Mckinley next and the la
dies of the cabinet in the order of Off
cial precedence. In the rear were sew
eral of the cabinet officers and the la
dies specially invited by Mrs. Mckinley
to assist behind the line. The justices
of the United States supreme court who
came directly after the diplomatic corps
were the first to pass before the line and
Kiss Mrs. McKinIey's Hand.
The East room has heretofore been
the scene of a brilliant asemblage,
where the gorgeousness of the army and
navy uniforms, WED with those Of the
foreign representatives. This year how
ever, the members of the diplomatic
corps did not pass through to the East
room, but left the mansion, there pay
ing their respects to the presidential
party.
The senate and house of representa-
tives was well represented although two
notable absentees from the house were
noted-Speaker Reed, who is attending
the funeral of his only daughter at
Portland and Representative Dingley
who is confined to his bed with pneu-
nonia.
Four striking military figures headed
the army and navy callers-Major Cen
era1 Miles, commanding general of the
army; Major General Shafter, in COM
mand of the Santiago expedition; Ma
jor General Lawton, one of the heroes
of Santiago, who is about to assume a
military command in the Philippines;
and Brigadier General Corbin, adjutant
general of the army. These officers
were in the full uniform of their high
military rank. Their appearance was
the signal for stir throughout the
crowded apartments. After the greet
Ings We're given to the president and
Mrs. Mckinley and the receiving party,
the president invited them back of the
line
Secretary A1ger presented the various
army officers, comprising the many
hundreds of staff bureaus and those on
the retired list. The navy followed, the
officers being presented by Secretary
Long. There were many inquiries for
Admirals Sampson and Schley who
were not however in the city. Captain
Rob1ey Evans was in the line, being now
stationed here.
In rapid succession, delegations were
received from the Smithsonian and from
all the government departments; vet
Grams of the Mexican and the civil war;
the Grand ARMY, Loyal Legion, Oldest
inhabitants association and finally the
general public.
The public reception lasted until lis
when the doors were closed and the
President and Mrs. Mckinley led the
receiving party back to the private
quarters of the mansion. The two hours
of continuous handshaking had passed
without an unpleasant occurrence. Mrs.
Mckinley remained seated most of the
time. The greetings extended to her
were particularly heartfelt. some of the
callers bending to kiss her hand as they
passed Altogether the reception was
regarded as a most auspicious and hap
nv Opening of the new year.