Evening star., 1902-01-01

the hands of the mantel clock had passed
II by a few minutes the music of the band
announced the coming of the President and
party. No need for the Marine Band to
stir the ina agination nor to excite the pulses
of those who were waiting to see President
Roosevelt take his place at this ceremon-
ious function for the first time. Every face
gave trace of suppressed eXcit tement ana
reflected something of the Presidents hap
piness The President acknowledged the
bows made him he passed down the
corridor to the blue room door, as did his
wife.
The gathering which the distinguished
couple met there had fond faces in it. The
Presidents daughter, Miss Roosevelt and
the young children of the household, his
sister, Mrs Cowles; his closest friends, SEN
ator and Mrs. Lodge, were in the front row,
and very naturally were the first to pay
him honor as the head of the nation. This
impromptu exchange of greetings broke
up all the stiffness or formality that might
have followed If the regular program had
been followed to the letter. Mrs. Cowles
led the receiving party by convenient
break in the phalanx at the Presidents left
hand, passed him and Mrs. Roosevelt down
the line, shaking hands most energetically
and heartily with each person in it. 1t was
a happy gathering and the incident most
felicitous one. But it took just fifteen pre-
cious minutes by the gilt. clock on the
mantel, and gave the diplomatic corps an
other quarter of an hour in which to say
Standing with the President and his wife
were Mrs. Root, Mrs Charles Emory Smith,
Mrs. Hitchcock, Mrs. Knox and Miss Will
son. Secretary Gage, wearing a red carna-
ton in the buttonhole of his frock coat;
Secretary Root, Secretary Long, Secretary
Hitchcock, Attorney General Knox and
Secretary Wilson were conspicuous figures
in the crowded blue room.
Commander CoWles and DR.. Rixey, both
in uniform, were also present.
The presentations were made to the Pres
ident by Col. Bingham, whose duties were
repeated for Mrs. Roosevelt by Maj. Gil
more. Maj. McCaWley was also In attend
ance
The Presidents greetings were thorough
ly cordial and in more than one instance
SO far removed from the current idea of
formality that might obtain where his
charact eristics were not well known as to
give surprising delight to it's recipient
He shook hands so heartily that the ups
and downs of high right shoulder showed
the vigor he was putting into the exercise.
Mrs. Roosevelt carried bouquet In her
| left hand and gave the prettiest of hand
shakes, coupled with the sweetest of smiles
to every caller.
Mrs. ROosevelt's Toilet.
| Mrs. Roosevelt looked exceedingly pretty
and youthful in white dress. The ma
| terial was a very heavy white silk, corded
about an inch apart square of Irish
lace, with revers of lace, trimmed the
l
was finished at the back with rosette of
white tulie A few jewels we're worn In
| the corsage and diamond topped combs
held back the smoothly dressed nalr. An
ornament of white leaves, in which dia-
mond drops glstened, was also worn IN the
hair Mrs Roosevelt's right glove, which
was snowy white at the start, was far from
| that color an hour later, but the tired little
hand within it gave no evidence that lts
owner felt any fatigue. The bouquet she
| carried was of pink and purple orchlds.
Gowns of the Receiving Party.
| Mrs. Root wore pale blue satin striped
| crepe and a deep collarette of Irish point
Mrs. Knox was in white brocade and crys-
| tai passementeries. Mrs. Smith wore light
| gray satin; Mrs Hitchcock, in mauve bro
| cade and lace, and Miss Wilson. in white
| satin that had appliques Of leaves and roses
| in natural colors. !
| Miss Roosevelt was in pure white mousse
| line de sole, and wore the pearls and dia-
| mond ornaments that were her father
| Christmas gifts.
Mrs. George B. Cortelyou wore black vel
/ vet, with broad bands of duchess point.
Her sister, Miss Kinds, also wore black
satin striped grenadine. The two young
sons Of the secretary to the President were
/ interested spectators in the blue room.
| Mrs. Harriet Lane Johnston wore black
velvet and point lace: Mrs. Bingham, su-
perb white silk; Mrs. Cowles. white silk
trimmed with black lace; Mrs. Lodge, steel
satin and black lace; Mrs. Letter., royal
purple velvet; Mrs. Cullom. black velvet;
Mrs Ridgely, white silk; Miss Paulding,
pearl crepe de chine; Mrs. Fairbanks, black
and white silk; Mrs. Foraker, black lace
and turquoise velvet; Mrs Eugene Hale,
black velvet; Mrs. j. X. Jones, black vel
lvet; Mrs. George Cabot Lodge, tan cloth;
Mrs. Teller, brocaded velvet; Mrs. Dalzell,
! white silk; Mrs. Miles, blue silk with fur