Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-12-29
PRESIDENTIAL HOSPITALITY.
A New Year Reception when Jefferson
Was I'm the White House.

If President Mckinley had to practice real.
sfmon-pure "Jeffersonian'' simplicity in the
conduct of his social functions at the White
House It is quite probable that he would
resign. as not even Rockefeller pocket
book could endure the strain. while the
presidential salary for year would melt in n
single night. The ideal reception a century
ago rounded ND with a feed Feed In
cluded liquid refreshments. and these in
sured some remarkable scenes at times, In
cfdents of which annotate, If they do not
enrich, the history of those early days,
Just now uniforms and gold lace. sahers
and sashes. decorations. medals and badges
are being furnished UP for the annual New
Year reception at the White House.
century ago the same thing was being
done for the stately 'levees' of the Presi-
dent and his domestic wife. OF these cum
berSome and ceremonious affairs only the
incidents come down to us in many in
stances and detail is left to the magma
ton, but in one of those remarkable letters
which the men and women of the early
years of the century knew so well how to
write A senator from New York has left a
clear picture of New Year reception given
by Thomas Jefferson. This letter is dated
January 81, 1907 and its writer, Samuel
Latham Mitchell, was a physician-states-
man. man of eminent learning and
termed by many the "Nestor of American
science After several terms in the House
he was elected to the United States Senate.
In letter to Mrs. Smith, the wife of his
colleague in the Senate, he sketched tho
following word picture of New Year
day at the Executive Mansion:
The grea test exhibition in Washington
is the levee of Mr.. Jefferson on New Year
Gay A large number of the fashionable
and respectable persons here make ii a
point to visit the President on January l.
and that gentleman is always civil enough
TO be at home and receive them. 1t is the
only great levee day that there is at our
court. and on this occasion the company
assemblies voluntarily and without invita-
ton.
or the personages present I observed
uie KING and queen OF the Mendanese tribe
or Indians, living about LOGO miles tIp tha
MISSOURI river. His majesty was dress ID in a
sort or reglmental coat given him by the
government since his arrival and her mai
eStS' wrapped in blanket sat on one Of
the SOFAS In the great audience chamber
anu received the visits of the ladies' and
people OF quality. When | had the honor
ol oelns introduced to her she did not rise
no. dlu she quit her seat during any part
OF the ceremony P'
another person of distinction was the
french minister. This great military char
aclsr is distinguished by the uncommon sizs
and extent of his whiskers which cover ths
greater part of his cheeks. and by the pro.
fusion or lace that covers his fuIl-dresa
coat. His lady was not with him ON ac.
count or a rupture which happened little
peIore the commencement of the session Of
congress between Gen. I. and the consort
OF the FRENCH minister she had Withdrawn
from ms mouse and society. and passes her
TIME at present IN a humble and solitary
way In the neghboring village of George
Town; In consequence of tbs misunder-
tempted to ship off his lady to France
She refused to submit to this made an out
cry. alarmed the neighborhood and brought
a mob to her house. and finally made Ter
escape from her gallant spouse and has
ever since been deprived of the pleasure OF
ms company. Under these circumstance
TINS distinguished lady did not make her
appearance. The British minister and his
lady were both there. They have lately
succeeded Mr.. and Mrs. Merry in their
diplomatic capacity. Being newly arrived,
they attracted a good deal of notice par
delphian.
The greater part of the senators were
there. and the few whose wives We're in
town brought them thither to partake of
this great exhibition So it was with the
principal heads of the executive depart
ments OF the government and their help
meets. They came forth on this grand oc-
caslon to pay the homage of Their respects
to the chief magistrate of the nation. The
members of the House of Representatives.
the respectable resident inha bitants the
officers of the army and navy, the strangers
OF consideration who happened to be in the
city and the Usage Indians. men and wo-
men, little and big, crowded to the Presi-
dents house to partake In the festivity OF
the morning. Tie day was very favorable
and the assemblage brilliant, as you may
suppose.
Great mirth and good humor prevailed
and you may easily conceive wherefore
when it Is computed that besides the smiles
of cordiality and welcome which the COM
pany received from their generous enter
tainer they consumed for him a quarter
cask OF wine. a barrel of punch and a hun
dredwe!ght of cake, besides other knick-
knackS to a considerable amount. While
the refreshments were passing around and
the company helping themselves band OF
music entertained them with martial and
enl;vening airs. Before the hour of dining
the assemblage of people dispersed well
pleased with their manner of spend ng the
morning and in high hope that Mr. JEFFERSON
might long continue in the presidential
chair
Only Confirmed Him.
From the Smart Set.
Wife-"l made you what you are, John"