The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-02
NEW YEAR AT
 WHITE HOUSE The lO2nd Occasion Of
 the Kind. .. EVERYBODY HAD A CHANGE Improvements in Mansion Subject of Comment. Ehe President Had a Happy Greet ing for Every One Who Passed
 the Portals of the
 Rulers Residence.
EVERYBODY HAD A CHANCE


 Washington, Jan. 1.-President Roose- velt's New Years reception was one oi the most brilliant events in Washington recent social history. All callers were af- fofded the opportunity of greeting the President and Mrs. Roosevelt and ex- changing with them the compliments oi The new year. No distinctions were made excent as such were rendered necessary in preservation of order, and the greet ings extended to all, high and low, rich and poor, were alike cordial and sincere Today the general public for the first time had an opportunity to see the widely heralded Improvements in the White House-impr 6vements which, when com- pleted, will have cost about $6O0.OOO. In addition to a desire personally to wish the President and Mrs. Roosevelt happy new year, hundreds of persons were at- tracted to the reception by a wish to see the White House in Its new and hanC' some interior finish and furnishings. To many who were familiar with the nte- rior of the mansion, as 1t was year ago, the changes made were revelation. While, in a general way, the form Of the interior has been retained in beauty and effectiveness, it is wholly different. Just lOs years ago today President John Adams and his wife opened the White House with 6 New Years reception to their friends and the public generally.
 The dawn of the first fete day within Ihe walls since they became historic, was accompanied by the noise of saw and hammer as was this day. On account of the unfinished condition of the lower floor, President and Mrs. Adams received their guests in the room on the second floor. now occupied by President Roose- welt as a library. While the improve- ments now are more nearly completed than was the mansion itself at that time 1t will be several months before the workmen will have finished their task.
 Floral Decorations Superb.
 An hour before the time of the formal reception to begin, the mansion was aglow with myriads of electric lights. To the brilliance of the great crystal chan deIIers and the splendor of the new fur nishings was added the beauty of the floral decorations which, although few as compared with those of previous New Years receptions at the White House were arranged with consummate art and ChSCNNCACSos LO"CIlu6 pdliHS Ol rare varieties weer placed in inches above the vestibule, main corridor and staircases Two great square masses of American md English holly were arranged between lhe vestibule and main corridor, afford Ing a brilliant and effective background Tor the handsome scarlet uniforms of the marine band. sixty pieces strong, which occupied tiers of seats in the vestibule. In the Red, Blue and Green rooms and L.. sn <IAwa1 UH
 taining cut-howers, principally large white lilies and lilies of the>valley. Here and there poinsetta blossoms showed Splashes of flaming red. It was notice pble. however, that the floral decorations had been subordinated to the new fur pishings and finishing of the rooms.
 Merry Day for the Children.
 It was merry day for the Roosevelt children. Prior to the reception they had } jolly time in the lower part of the house. They manifested the liveliest in lerest in all the arrangements.
 Shortly before Il o'clock, the hour at which the reception began. the diplomatic corps began to assemble in the Red room. The members of the corps entered the mansion from the south side. as usual. In order to avoid the crush of the throug already gathered about the main entrance Dn the north side Under the glare of the electric candelabra the spectacle present ed by this cosmopolitan gathering. at tired in magnificent court uniforms. Iparkling epauletts and glistening swords moving resplendent against the red vel ret walls and in ivory woodwork was gorgeous.
 The Trumpets Sound.
 Promptly at Il o'clock the trumpeters of he marine band sounded a fanfare. an bouncing the approach of the President md Mrs. Roosevelt and the immediate receiving party President Roosevelt, with Mrs. Roosevelt on his arm. descended tha main staircase and passing across the main corridor and through the Green room. entered the Blue room where the quests were received. Following them tame the members of the cabinet and their accompanying ladies. The receiving party was arranged in the arc of a circle In the bow window of the Blue room. Pacing them were the ladies invited to assist at the reception. Between the two sections of the receiving party a lane was formed by cordons of old gold velvet
 Through this lane the callers passed from the Red room, proceeding through the Green room into the East room and thence down the staircase into the east terrace and passing into the street oppo- site the west entrance of the treasury.
 President Buoyant-She Gracious.
 The President was in excellent spirits and Mrs. Roosevelt never seemed hap pier or more gracious. The President was attired in a frock suit and the only dast of color about his attire was tie of a greyish tint.
 shortly after the receiving party assem- hled in the Blue room, the reception proper began. The introductions were made by Colonel Theodore A. Bingham the Presidents military aid. assisted by Major Charles McCawley, Captain Johr R. Proctor. Jr.. and Lieutenant Frank Mccoy. The officers were in full dress uniform.
 The members of the diplomatic corps were received first. As dean of the corps Herr won Hollenben. the German Am bassador. occupied the post of honor al the head of the linc.
 Blazing With Decorations.
 All of the ambassadors and ministers were accompanied by their entire suites their uniforms weighted with wealth of EnSd lace and rich ornamentation and