The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-01-03

Embassy. Following came many for
eign delegations, making a cosmopoli-
tan assemblage Of Turks in fezes,
Cinnamon in gorgeous Oriental silks,
Coreans in tall, sieve-like hats, and
Japanese in modernized diplomatic ',ni
forms which symbolized Japan's -.e..r
forwarded march in civilization.
Promptly at IL o'clock a bugler sta
toned in the central hall blew call
on his instrument, and the Presidential
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 close behind Colo
mel Bingham and Captain Gilmore, the
masters of ceremonies, passed into the
blue parlor and took up their places
in the receiving line, the President 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 specially invited by Mrs. McKin-
ley to assist behind the line.
The Justices of the United States SUI
preme Court, who came directly after
the diplomatic corps, We're the first to
pass before the line and enter the vast
east room.
The east room has heretofore been
the scene of a brilliant assemblage,
where the gorgeousness of the army
and navy uniforms Wed with those Of
the foreign representatives. This year,
however, the members Of the diplomatic
corps did not pass through to the east
room, but left the mansion after paying
mol o1fc to i
The Senate and House of Representa-
tives were well represented, although
two notable absentees from the House
were noted-Speaker Reed, who is at
tending the funeral Of his only sis
ter at Portland, Me-, and Representa-
tive Dingley, who is confined to his
bed with pneumonia.
Four striking military figures head
ed the army and navy callers-Major
General Miles, commanding General of
the army; Major General Lawton, one
Of the heroes of Santiago, who is
about to assume a military command
in the Philippines, and Brigadier Gen
eral' Corbin, Adjutant General of the
army. These officers wore the full uni
forms of their high military rank
Their appearance was the signal for
stir throughout the crowded apart
ments. After the greetings were given
to the President and Mrs. Mckinley and
the receiving party, the President in
vited them back of the line.
Secretary Alger presented the va
rious army officers, comprising the
many hundred of staff bureaus and
those on the retired list. The naval
followed, the officers being presented by
Secretary Long. There We're many in
quiries for Admirals Sampson and
Schley, who were not, however, in the
city. Captain Robley D. Evans was
in the line, being now stationed here.
In rapid succession delegations were
received from the Smithsonian Institu-
ton and from all the Government de-
partments, and the civil war, the
Grand Army, Loyal Legion, oldest in
habitants' association, and, finally, the
general public.
The public reception lasted until 1:15,
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 occur
renee. Mrs. Mckinley remained stand
ing most of the time.
The reception was regarded as a most
happy opening of the new year.