Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-15
Equals in Magni6oence Memorable Fetes o.
Victorian Days,
SCENE BALLROOM OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE
King and Queen Are Reoei Loud
Demonstrations. ~,
DRIVE THROUGH STREETS IN HEAVYUAII
in Diplomatic Circles Are the Ameri-
can Ambassador, Secretary of
Embassy and Their
wives.

LONDON, March liking Edward and
Queen Alexandra tonight held the first even
ing court of the new reign. This function
peplaced the drawing rooms and was natur-
ally very brilliant The court was held In
The ballroom Of Buckingham palace.
The beautiful spring weather of the past
few days changed this afternoon to heavy
downpour, which continued throughout the
evening and quite spoiled, as far as the
general public was concerned, the spectacle
Of the kings court.
In spite of the binding rain the constant
stream of carriages was watched by a large
crowd, which cheered most loyalty when
their majesties in a state coach and escorted
by officers of the Life Guards, came along
Abe Mall and passed into the palace, the
guard Of honor giving the royal salutes and
the Grenadier band stationed In the court
playing the national anthem. Their majes-
ties were bowing all along the route, but
In common with the occupants Of the other
carriages, they could scarcely be recog-
nized through the rain.
Recalls Early Days of victoria.
Once inside the palace the contrast was
most striking. Nothing so brilliant has
been seen since the early days of the reign
of Queen Victoria The blaze OF new cleo
trio lights, the scent OF flowers heaped along
the corridors, the glitter Of ladies' jewels
and dresses and the court uniforms made
o memorable and magnificent scene.
King Edwards private band played in a
gallery of the ballroom, where the court
was held. Their majesties stood simply and
without dais at one end OF the room and
q few PAGES in front Of the royal circle.
which included the Prince and Princess of
Wales. while further back were ranged
other royal personages.
The breast OF King Edward was blazing
with orders and stars and he appeared to
be In the best. Of health and spirits. Queen
Alexandra wore a golden yellow dress, en-
broidered with irises. Rows of pearls hung
from her neck and she wore a dainty dia-
hond crown.
Queen stands ThrouGhout.
The queen stood throushont the fatiguing
ceremony, graclously smiling.
The Princess of Wales was attired In
white and silver and the other princesses
were robed In white. On one side OF their
majesties stood brilliant group of ann
bassadors and diplomats and ladies display
ing gorgeous dresses and jewels, on the
other side stood the members of the royal
household.
King Edward received the guests accord
Ing to precedence and afterwards moved
freely among the brilliant company.
An informal supper was served after the
reception and the court continued until
midnight Among the striking beauties
were Lady Cynthia Graham and viscountess
Castlereagh Lady Arthur Butler, daughter
Df General Anson Stager of the United
States army, was also noticeably pretty.
with the exception OF those presented
there were fet- young girls present, Lady
6trathcona presented Miss Twining of Can
ada
Dining Room Dedicated.
The newly decorated dining room. which
is most beautiful was opened for the first
time this evening horseshoe table was
laden with gold plate and pyramids OF flow
ers and fruit. All the arrangements were
most successful.
Following the termination of the kings
court q most unusual scene was witnessed
early this morning. All the fashionable
photographers OF London were busy taking
pictures, with the aid of electric light OF
the ladies In their presentation dresses.
The diplomatic circle included Joseph H.
Choate, the American ambassador. and Mrs
Choate, Henry White, secretary of the
American embassy at London and Mrs
White, John r. Carter, second secretary
Of khe embassy, william Corcoran Eustis
third secretary OF the embassy and Mrs
Eustis. and Commander Richardson Glover
the naval attache.
Among the American presentations were
Mrs. and Miss Padet Ford. The list OF in
Vitations included $50. but a number did
not attend the court.
Mrs. Choate wore a Worth dress Of pinh
satin with a train OF black velvet trimmed
with mink roses