The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-05-08
Presentation at Baltimore
Deferred at His
Request.
SIMPSONS DEATH THE CAUSE
Reports That MaTylander Would Not Be
Present and RumoTed POstponement of
Reception in Consequence Reduce the
Number of Guests Present.

BALTIMORE, May S.-Rear Admiral
Winfield Scott Schley was the guest of
honor last night at a brilliant reception
given by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Marburg
at their residence, Il West Mount Vernon
Place
The purpose OF the affair, originally,
was to present to Admiral Schley the
magnificent silver service purchased by
the admiraFs friends in this city and else
where, and made from the silver coin re-
covered from the Spanish cruiser Girls
tobal Colon, which was destroyed b. the
American feet off Santiago. But at the
request Of the prospective recipient the
presentation was deferred on account of
the death Of Rear Admiral Sampson. Ad-
miraI Schley viewed the silver service,
however, and expressed his admiration Of
it and gratitude 10 the donors.
Some Of the silver left over from the
Spanish coins viii be made into a dozen
extra dinner plates, which will later be
added to the service, the chief feature of
which is the large center piece, designed
by Mr.. Charles J. Pike. the Baltimore
sculptor, now in New York. The entire
service is what is known as French gray
finish, being perfectly lusterless. The pur-
chase Of the silver was made in October,
1899, for $500. The total cost of the ser
vice was $4,000
Curious Air of Mystery.
An air OF mystery was thrown about
the coming Of the admiral, and an effort
made to conceal the fact that ne was in
the city, OF present at the reception,
which prevented a number Of the invited
guests from attending The impression
was created that the reception was of,
and while nearly geo invitations were sent
cut there were considerably less than 100
persons present.
Though these deniaIs were continued,
when S o'clock came detective was sta
toned in front Of the house while an
other was inside guarding the silver ser
vice, which was displayed in the center of
one OF the large upstairs rooms.
Admiral's Presence a Secret.
Two footmen were also stationed on the
pavement to receive the carriages as they
drove up. and it developed that orders had
a little after $50 O'Clock the carriage
bearing Admiral and Mrs SchIey, with
Mr.. Parks Fisher. jr., rolled up TO the
house and the party was ushered inside.
From that time until 10 o'clock the guests
arrived Inside an orchestra, partly con-
cealed by huge palms and pottel; plants,
discoursed music Mrs. Marburg received.
assisted by Mrs Henry Pratt James ana
her two cousins
Silver Service Admired.
Mrs. Schiey wore a handsome gown Of
light gray silk, trimmed with lace. The
guests admired the service, which was in
full view. The admiral also viewed it and
expressed admiration, but there was, It is
stated, no presentation.
Some Of the guests stated later that
Admiral SchIey appeared Ill at ease, and
that so far as possible the silver service
was kept in the background. It is said
that the service VIII be sent 10 the ad-
miral in Washington and with it Judge
Schmucker s written address Of presenta-
ton.
a collation. was served at 10 clock and
Admiral Schley left about half an hour
later He was driven directly to the
home Of his sister. Mrs. Fisher, 1929 St
Paul Street It was Stalad at the house
last night that the admiral would leave
Baltimore this morning, but whether for
Washington or New York vas not known