Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-01-03
grip, and moved about with some

lOmatlc UNIFORM Oh uiSHeSI fdAh, " III
it's abundance of gold lace and medals
of distinction. With him walked Bar
on Won S,ternberg, first secretary of the
German embassy, in the brilliant blue
uniform of the imperial guard, with
high top boots, cossacks, fur cap and
silver pompom. The German military,
naval and civil attaches in their var
ious uniforms added to the brilliancy
of the party.
In the absence of M. Cambon, the
French ambassador, the French en-
bassy was represented by trio OF rich
ly decorated officials-MM. Thiebaut,
Taigny and Boeufve. There was one
very notable feature of the French par
ty, 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 for
their services in re-establishing peace.
The decorations consisted of jeWeled
crosses of the order of Isabella Catolica,
suspended from wide tri-colored rib
pons showing the colors of Spain.
The Russian party included Count
Cassini, the tall and distinguished am
bassador, who presented his New
Years respects for the first time at the
White House; General Martvazo, the
Russian military and naval attache,
III full uniform, and the large staff of
the embassy. Following these came the
many other foreign delegations, MAX
ing a cosmopolitan assemblage OF Turk
in feZ, Chinaman in gorgeous oriental
silks, Korean in tall, sieve-like hats and
Japanese in the modern diplomatic uni
forms which symbolic Japan's recent
forward march in civilization.
Promptly at II o'clock the bugler
stationed at the Central Hall blew a
call upon his instrument and the presi-
Dental party, descending the western
stairway entered the reception room
and greeted the diplomatic body. The
band struck up Hail to the Chief"
and the President. following closely be-
hind Colonel Bingham and Captain Gill
more, the master OF ceremonies, passed
into the blue parlor and took up their
places in the receiving line the Presi
dent at the head, Mrs. Mckinley next
and the ladies of the cabinet in the
order of official precedence. In the
rear were several of the cabinet officers
and the ladies invited specially by Mrs.
Mckinley to assist behind the line.
The justices of the United States Su-
preme Court, who came directly after
the diplomatic corps, were the first to
pass before the line and enter the vast
east room.
The east room has heretofore been
the scene of brilliant assemblage
where the gorgeousness of the army
and navy uniforms We'd with those of
the foreign representatives. This year,
however, the members of the diplo-
matte corps did not pass through to the
east room, but left the mansion after
paying their respects to the presi-
Dental party.
The Senate and House of Representa-
tives were we'll represented, although
two notable absentees from the house
were noted-Speaker Reed, who is at
tending the funeral of his only sister
at Portland, and Representative Ding
ley, who is confined to his bed with a
dangerous attack of pneumonia.
Four striking military figures headed
the army and navy callers-Major Gen
eral Miles, commanding general of the
army; Major General Shafter, in COM
mand of the Santiago expedition;
Major General Lawton, one of the
heroes of Santiago, who is about to
assume military command in the Phil
ippines, and Brigadier General Corbin,
adjutant general of the army. These
off ..ors were in the full uniform of
tn high military rank, with chapeau
in hand and clanking sword at the side.
Their appearance was the signal for
stir throughout the crowded apart
ments. After their greetings were
given to the President and Mrs. Nc
Kinley and the receiving party the
President invited them back of the line.
Secretary Alger presented the various
army officers, comprising the many
heads 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
Robley Evans, Fighting Bob" was in
the line, being now stationed here.
In rapid succession delegations were
received from the Smithsonian and
from all the government departments,
veterans of the Mexican and the civil
wars, 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