Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-01-02
THE GOVERNORS RECEPTION.

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10 all the history Of inaugural recep.
lions 10 the historic Governors Man
sion at Richmond not one OF them has
been more brilliant than that OF last
night, were in Governor and Mrs. Mon
tsgue received the greetings Of the peo-
pie of the city and State. Last Dight
marked o new era 10 receptions. Never
was the younger generation 80 conspio-
Gus in this function, marking the inau-
guration of new mistress OF the Man.
sion, over which 30 many of the stately
danes of Old Virginia have presided
with such courtly grace. There were
many OF the old school among the
guests and 10 the receiving party, but
It was pre-eminently the inauguration
of the social rule OF younger genera
ton of fair women, albeit one OF no less
grace, charm, and brliiiancy than the
Grave DAYS of old.
The reception was conspicuous In 9TH
or respects, also, but 10 none more than
10 the democracy that characterized 1t.
II was notably q popular function.
Without any sacrifice OF the dignity
that properly appertains { , such recap
tons, and without any approximation
of informality, it was devoid OF that rigid
adherence to intentionally 10 apparel
that too often adds primDess and
GOODNESS to executive functions. Ii
had been annouced that callers would
be welcomed VINO came 10 their street
attire, aud scores availed themselves
Of the invitation. While evening dress
Was the rule, there were many ladies
and as many gentlemen in other attire,
and DO one need have felt embarrassed
on that score. Even among the re.
ceiying party all the ladies did not
wear evening dress. II is estimated
that within wo hours of receiving fully
1900 or 5000 people greeted the Gov
ernor and Mrs. Montague, and those
associated with them In the receiving
party.
The military feature OF the reception
was noteworthy. The members Of the
historic Richmond Light Infantry Blues
10 their brilliant full.dress uniform, the
officers OF the local companies Of the
SEVENTEEN Regiment, Major Simons,
and others representing the artillery
branch of the service, members of the
staff of the retiring governor In the state
~ uniform of their rank, and the vlsitip 3
officers of the Seventy.first Il giment
mingled among those clad in the sober
gsrb of ths civilian, or bowed with
oourlly grace to the fair daughters oil
Virginia, respondent 10 haoiso me
gowns and charming 10 their own IN.
conscious beauty. The decorations
and all the other accessories were In
elegant taste. and the function was
complete in all its appointments.
Tue guests began arriving at 8 o'clock
and found the large parlors beautifully
but simply decorated with flags aDo
palms, roses and ferns being banked on
the mantels. An orchestra 10 the IL"
brary at the. entrance rendered lively
music az hundreds aud hundreds OF Vir-
ginisns passed within to extend greet.
ings to the new occupants. Governor
Montague stood at the he I'd OF the line
and next to him Mrs. Montague, a
charming hostess, Her gown that
evening was an imported one, the
skirt being Of white net with an
applique OF ribbon, silk, and lace, to
form a design of rose. This was worn
over an accordIan-pleated chiffon and
satin skirt. The bodice was DE- collete and
was of hand.tucked white chiffon, sp-
piqued with real lace. The girdle Was
Of white, finely pleated satin, and the
bodice was fiOished off at the neck with
dainty ruchipgs OF chiffon, Her jewels
we're diamonds.
The ladies assisting her in IeosiviDg we're
Mrs. Joseph E. Willard, who wore al exquis-
ito toilet Of imported white lace with band
painted applique Mts. William A. Anderson,
who was beautifully gowned in black velvet,
trimmed with lace. Miss Mary Gusts Lse,
back satin applique IN jet sequins. she wore
~ Indian necklace, composed OF many col
ored precious stones, which was bought from
toe "Mr. Issacs" made famous By Marion
Crawford. number Of other ladies were in
the reception party. The reception was
very eajoysbl one, among the guests being
many beautiful women and prominent men
Ex-Governor Tyler was present, although his
fsmily have gone to their home in Bedford.
An elaborate supper was served, the table
being decorated In Testout roses. Thilow's
orchestra played popular selections.
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