The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-13
WHITE HOUSE RECEPTIONS.
The Impressive Event at the New
Century's Opening.

| From the New York Commercial Advertiser)
The most impress We feature Of the New
Years reception '.eld by President Nc
Kinley in WashiJ gton was the splendid
array of diploma tic personages who paid
their respects in person to the Chief
| Executive of this Nation. For the first
time in the history of these affairs all of
the six Ambassadors now accredited to
the United States were present. England,
France. Germany, Russia, Italy and Spain
| send men of international fame and high
social rank to the greatest and most re-
publican court in the world. In addition
| to these six, twenty-five other nations
were represented by ministers plenipoten-
tiary, and all of these are men who rank
| among the most experienced diplomats and
| influential personages of their several
countries.
At this first reception of the new CEN
fury more countries were represented
than ever before, and the representatives
were possessed of more weight in the
councils OF their Governments than has
been deemed necessary in years gene by
No more significant tribute could be paid
to the increasing influence Of the United
States in the worlds affairs than this
With 4 majority of the thirty-fiye coun-
tries represented treaties are now in
force or pending, and other diplomatic ex-
foreigners stationed at Washington in Of
fetal capacity are there not only for the
purpose of maintaining advantageous re-
lations with the United States, but also
for the purpose of watching each other
Favors from the United States are no
longer SO lightly regarded as they were
half century ago, and this country can
not bestow upon one without bestowing
upon others.
While many of the foreign Ambassadors
and Ministers stationed at Washington re-
tain the court dress and ceremonies of
their own countries. 1t is noticeable that
republican simplicity soon has a marked
effect upon barbarous eXtravagances of
dress and colors. Strikingly attractive as
this dress may be, it is not retained for
long after association with Americans
II would almost seem as well that the
adaptability shown in this direction we're
in direct ratio to the adaptability of the
nations represented in assuming the ways
OF civilization, religious. political, social
and commercial. The Japanese, for in
stance. have long abandoned their pic
turesque native costume, while the Chi
nese still cling to theirs as part OF their
immutable individuality.
The reception Itself, as held in the Ex-
ecutive Mansion OF this country, must
make deep impression upon those whose
eGuuCdltuH anu pTeJuGlCeS all incline TO-
ward class distinctions, resulting from
birth rather than from talent or industry.
They are received by a President who
came from the ranks of the people and
will shortly return to honorable obscurity.
Grouped about the President are his Cab
met advisers. men who have temporarily
laid aside their private business interests
of various kinds to assist in guiding the
great modern ship of state, with its Won
derfully complex mechanism. These men
receive a greeting from the Chief Execu-
tive before he turns to welcome the for
eigners of power and influence. They are
his tried and trusty friends. upon vbOm
he depends in dealing with the willy Dip
IOmats to come.
Then the line moves On. Military and
civic garb mingle in the crowd. neither
being given preference. Some call for
reasons Of official courtesy. some in self
seeking spirit and others simply to pay
their respects as citizens of a nation
which honors Its political leader The
strangely attired ard much decorated
diplomat or the brilliantly uniformed
general receives no more nor less atten-
ton than does the black nanny with
her pickaninny without a vote or a pull |
who comes to shower her blessing upon
"Marse President" 1t is a great sight
for n citizen of monarchy and a still
greater one for a good American who |
loves his country and believes in the |
eternal verify Of its foundations.