The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-01-05
AT THE WHITE HOUSE AN UNUSUALLY
BRILLIANT AFFAIR.
BEAUTIFUL DECORATIONS
Form Appropriate Settings for the
Handsome Dresses and SNOWY Uni
forms OF Foreign Diplomats and
Army and Naval Oficers-The Gen.
eral Reception Not Is Large as Usual.
A state breakfast to the Diplomats.
Other Oficial Receptions.

Washington, January Beneath a
sky as bright as Cuba and in a wind as
cold as the Arctic, over 1000 citizens
stood in line at the White house gates
today, waiting TO pay their respects TO
the president OF the United States after
the brilliant official reception which
ushered in the new Year and marked
the opening Of the social season in
Washington
past at the White house New Year
gatherings, but few functions Of the
sort have been more brilliant and in
none nave the crowds been better
handled, with less confusion or less OF
femenine heart aches n resentment
for dainty toilets disarranged in the
crush.
Beginning promptly at IL O'Clock a.
m, thee ceremony was concluded at lis
O'Clock, at which time 1884 guests had
passed down the line. Mrs Mckinley
was present despite her feeble health.
She remained in the Blue parfor only
through the strictly official section OF
the programme, retiring then as mad
been previously arranged. With the
flush of excitement on her usually pale
face, she looked bright and happy as
she led the cabinet procession down
the corridor with the president to the
Blue room
The brilliant lights reflected from the
crystal chandeliers over head, the
twinkle of tiny electric globes through
the heavy draperies of sT1ilax and the
jungle Of palms and foliage plants that
walled the red carpeted corridor made
an excellent stage setting for the Off
cial procession as it moved down the
staircase and through to the Blue par
Tor where the receiving party was to
a X its stand Mrs. Mckinley bowed
and smiled to the little crowds of IA
vored spectators who filled the end of
h corridor to witness this opening act
of the days ceremonies. AS she turn
ed into the Blue room she kissed the
tips Of her white glove fingers to some
Of the children who waved their hands
to her from a point of vantage near the
door.
THE ARMY AND NAVY.
The troublesome question of preced-
ence between the army and navy was
settled in favor of the former, General
Miles leading the military contingent
with Adjutant General Corbin at his
left side. After the army had passed
in review Admiral Dewey with the VEN
cradle Admiral Melville ON his arm,
led the naval line. Mrs. Dewey, how
ever, was with the receiving party n
was escorted in ON the arm of Secre-
tary Long.
THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS.
The diplomatic corps, which headed
h list of guests was, as always, the
show feature of the reception Lord
Paunceforte, the British ambassador
and dear of the diplomatic corps, led
h way. The display of uniforms vas
brilliant Turkish fez, gilded orders
of continental powers, the fur trimmed
tunics and high, polished boots of the
Russians, the queer, sage green, gold
encrusted uniforms OF h japanese and
the ermine trimmed silken robes of the
Koreans and Chinese, am combined to
form a picture OF usual brilliancy.
Special interest centered in the APP
pearance of the Duke d'Arcos, the
Spanish minister n his beautiful
American wife. It was the first White
house reception at which Spain has
been represented since the close of
hoStilitieS and the greetings accorded
them were especially cordial.
Following the diplomats, h Ameri-
can officials, judges OF he supreme
court, senators and Representatives,
department chiefs and the like, made
The reception to the general public
concluded the function.
A SLATE BREAKFAST.
The secretary OF state and Mrs. Hay
entertained the members of the diplo-
matte corps al breakfast at noon, at
their handsome residence on Lafayette
square. 1t was a repetition OF the bril-
liancy attending the presence Of the
diplomatic representatives at the White
house.
OTHER RECEPTIONS.
Most Of the wives and near relatives
of the several cabinet officers received
during the day.
The admiral Of the navy and Mrs.
Dewey received a large number Of call
ers.