Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1902-01-03
HIS FIRST RECEPTION.
President Roosevelt Receives High
officials and General Public.
GREATCROWD THERE
The White House Was Gorgeously Dee.
GRATED aud the Beginning Of the
New Year Celebrated In an
Elaborate style.

Roosevelt held his first New Years re-
oeption at the White House yesterday
and. surrounded by the presidential
and cabinet circle. he greeted officials
Ia every branch Of public life. as well
as a great concourse Of people from
private life. The scene within the bis-
toric mansion was one Of extraordl-
nary beauty and brilliancy. and there
was an added touch of interest on the
occasion this year from the fact this
was The first Of the functions Of mag.
nitude with Mr. Roosevelt and his
family as the central figures
The day was ideal for the observ-
auce Of the timo-honored custom Of
making New Years calls The sun
shone from a cloudless sky. the air
was cool and hracIng and a westerly
wind made the white house flags stand
wind made the White House hagestand
out proudly. Early In the day an
army OF decorators and florists took
possession OF the fansion and trans
formed the stately corridors and par
lors into bowers OF palms. potted
plants and sweet-smelllng flowers The
Official program OF the day fixed II
o'clock as the time FOR opening the re-
ception with the calls OF the members
Of the cabinet and the foreign repre-
sentatives. but some time before that
hour the approaches leading up 20 the
marble portlco were filled with car
riagos. while long lines of people took
position AZ the outer gates in order 70
have points OF vantage when the pub
lie reception began
The interior Of the mansion was
aglow with a myriad of electric lights.
and to this was added the beauty OF a
proiusion OF flowers. plants and vines.
banked about the mantels and draped
from chandeliers and walls.
In the outer corridor. just within the
entrance. the band OF the engineer
corps. United States army. 60 strong.
In their brilliant uniforms. were ranged
IN tiers. while further along in the
conservatory was the fun membership
OF the Marine band In bright red uni
forms
Shortly before II o'clock the througs
Of distinguished callers began 10 as
sCmhle in the main corridor First
came the members OF che diplomatic
corps in their rich court uniforms. re-
splendeut iu medals and decorations
To was a most cosmopolitan throng
with the oriental silks OF the chinese
minister and his suite. the red fez ol
the Turkish minister and the more
modern but equally gorgeous attire OF
the japanese and C0reans conspicuous .
amid the groups OF diplomatlsts The
members OF the corps gathered In the
red parlor preparatory 10 being pre-
sented 10 the president and those
about him.
Exactly az II o'clock fanfare from
three trumpeters stationed at the FUR
ther end OF the main corridor. an
nounced the approach OF the president
and the receiving party AZ the same
moment President and Mrs Roosevelt
appeared 40 the upper landing OF the
corridor and arm In arm descended
the stairway. while the marine band
broke into Hall % the Chief" The
president bowed as ne passed along.
frequently giving a CHEEKY response 20
the New Years greetings extended %
him from those In the line.
Mrs Roosevelt held In her hand a
superb boquet OF pink orchids. She
wore gown OF white satin. heavily
pleated. with lace yoke and diamond
ornaments and In her hair sparkled
a diamond tlra. The president was In
the conventional black frock coat. He
had no boutonnier and the gray striped
neck scarf was the only bit OF color
IN his attire Following the presiden:
and wife came the members OF the
cabinet and their wives.
Then followed the reception.
President RoOsevelt's manner of re.
ceiving bis callers was exceedingly
gracious and happy. A. each guest
was announced by Col Bingham. the
president grasped the hand OF the visi.
tor and wished him q hearty New
Year often accom- pauy.uE this with
some feligitiOus expression 90 anyone
recognized as a close friend There
was no hurrying along OF the callers
aud often there was considerable de-.
lay while plo8far'ries were exchanged.
Mrs Roosevelt proved 90 lc most
charming Nrw Years hostoas and the
'ordiality ~ her greetings reminded
many of the callers OF ttn DAYS vhcu
Mrs. Cleveland was mistress of tha
White house
At 1880 the reception 90 the public
began and great crowds accepted this
irst opportunity 20 grasp The hand of
he president At that hour the crowd
n the outer gate stretched away in
10Th directions Tor several blocks All
stations. colors. creeds. sexes and ages
we're represented In the motley throug
shIrh .IIswrraN tfrt 80 the ru.-fHawf