The times., 1899-01-11

Party-BcnutifuI Interior Decora-
tions-i Very Notable Gathering.
The diplomatic reception. the most i'm
portant social function of the season in
Washington. was held at the White House
last night. and it is probable that a more
brilliant gathering was never seen within
the walls of the historic old mansion.
The President and Mrs. Mckinley re-
ceivcd, assisted by the ladies Of the Cabi-
net, and in the long line OF beautiful wom-
en- and distinguished men which passed
before them were the representatives of
foreign courts, in the splendid costumes
whose heroism has. during the past half
dozen months. added to the luster- of the
nations name; statesmen, writer's. and
men and women in many walks oil life,
whose graciousness and intelects have
won them recognition everywhere.
In the East Room
The event was memorable and the en-
vironment made IL all the more so. The
Executive Mansion is never seen TO a bet
ter advantage than at night, when Ii e
brought out so clearly by the lights which
surround it. and last night all that the
art Of the floral decorator could contribute
added TO its beauty. The great East Room,
beautiful on all occasions, was a dream of
interior loyelineSs.
The ceiling was studded with electric
lights. cleaning through opalescent puiLs.
and festooned with smilax that swung
in graceful loops from the prisms of the
crystal chandeliers. The mantels were
banked with bride roses, white hyacinths
and pink carnations. surrounded by row
of viyidly scarlet poinsetta blossoms AMI
a contrasting row Of snowy aZalias De
fore the mirrors. yelled with smilax, were
suspended immense plaques of pink and
white carnations. and vines and palms
hung over the portraits and were banked
along the walls and in the corners, clear
to the ceiling.
The other rooms and corridors were as
lavishly decorated most OF the palms and
vines having been left from the dinner
OF the previous night, while masses of cut
flowers. which made the air heavy with
their perfume. had been added. The stairs
and halls were banked with magnificent
palms.
Nearly all of the main corridor vas
taken up with stalls for the accommoda-
tion of the wraps and coats of the guests.
Ample preparation had been made in the
rooms beyond, however, for the reception
of those who arrived early. The whole
lower floor was thrown open and the early
arrivals enjoyed the pleasure of an in
spection of the various apartments and
the conservatories without experiencing
the discomforts of the crush which en-
sued later
Picturesque Scene.
The arrangements which had been made
by Secretary Porter and Captain Dubois
were admirable and the numerous small
discomforts of previous White House re-
ceptions were to 4 great extent done away
with. The gates were thrown open at $50
O'Clock, and from then on until after 10
the carriages continued TO roll under the
big portico and the guests poured into the
mansion in steady stream.
There are few events, perhaps. which
offer a scene of more varied and pictur-
esque attractiyeness. In all parts of the
building open during the reception there
was much that was beautiful TO be OBJ
served, but especially in the main corri-
dor was the scene yiyidly interesting.
Handsome women in evening gowns, slis-
tening with jewels; diplomats with their
court decorations; officers of the army in
blue and gold and everywhere the stately
black and white OF the evening dress Ot
the men. presented an ever changing
! series OF contrasts.
Some Early Arrivals.
Among the early arrivals who strollet
through the East Room before the corridor
| doors were thrown open was Gen 10,
| Wheeler in the full dress uniform OF {
major general Of volunteers. His yellow
! sash and gorgeous flash OF breast buttons
| epaulets and stripes made him a striking
figure in the centre Of circle which grew
! steadily larger until the reception began
There were other striking military fig
ures and everywhere were groups of dis
= tinguished people. These iittie group
grew continually until the great door
leading from the East Room into the cor
ridor of the Blue Room were thrown opel
and trumpet salute proclaimed that tn
President and his party were about to de
scend the stair
Then the Marine Band burst into a me
lodious crash and to the strain OF Hail t
the Chief" the receiving group came dow
the crimson carpeted steps. led by Colone
Bingham and Captain Gilmore. PTesiden
and Mrs Mckinley followed by the mem
bers OF the Cabinet and their ladies', gasse
down the corridor and through the gOide
gate into the Blue Room which VAS al
ready occupied b. a score OF maJrons an
maids who had been invited by the gra
cious mistress OF the White House 10 stan
behind the line.
The Receiving Party.
AS usual. Mrs. Mckinley remained seate
throughout the reception and shook hand
with cordial yivaciousncs5 With all wh
passed before her. Her gown was OF whit
satin in striped and Powered design. tn
bodice trimmed with black letted lace He
jewels were diamonds. and white ostric
tips were fastened in her hair
Mrs. Hobart. looking sp.endidly well, i
spite of the bad cold that prevented he
from taking her place in the receiving lin
on New Years Day. wore rich white sill
brocaded in yiolets that formed singl
OF violets ornamented each shoulder, an
across the cOrsage were strands of dia
monds that WED in briilancy with the sol
taires around her throat
Mrs. Hay was regaiiy handsome in whit
satin veiled with black lace embroidere
in jet. An aigTctte o. blue feathers cor
trasted artlstically With her black hal
and her ornaments were diamonds
Mrs. Gage, white brocaded satin, opeT
ing over d panel of white spangied tuiee.
Mrs. Alger. blue satin arabesqued riChl
with silver spangles. the low corsal
draped with rare lace, from which gleamt
magnificent diamonds.
Mrs Griggs. white satin and lace, vii
corsage bouquet of pink roses.
Mrs. Smith. white silk lace and pearls
Miss Long. gray silk brocaded with erin
son and a giriishly dainty gold orname