The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-02
HE WISHES ALL
 4 HAPPY YEAR Brilliant Scene st the Annual
 White House Reception HUNDREDS AT WHITE HOUSE
MT. Roosevelt Appeared In His Hap piest Mood and Wished All Sue cess and Happness-Army of-
 ficers in New Uniforms.

Washington, January 1. President Roosevelt's New Years reception was one of the most brilliant events in Wash ington's recent social history All callers were afforded the opportunity of greet ing the President and Mrs. Roosevelt ana exchanging with them the compliments of the new year. No distinctions were made except as such were rendered necessary in preservation of order, and the greetings 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 vide ly heralded improvements in the White House-improveme which, when com pleted, will cost about $60o,ooO. In addi- ton to a desire personally to wish the President and Mrs. Roosevelt happy new year, hundreds of persons were at tracted to the reception by wish to see the White House in its new and hand some interior finish and furnishings. To many who were familiar with the in- terior of the mansion, as 1t was year ago, the changes made were revela- ton. While. In a general way, the form of the interior has been retained in beauty and effectiy eness, 1t is wholly different. Jutt 102 years ago today Presi- dent John Adams and his wife opened the White House with a New Years re- ception to their friends and the public generally.
 The dawn of the first fete day within the walls sincs they became historic was accompanied by the noise of saw and hammer as was this day. On ac- count 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 and Mrs. Roosevelt as library. While the improvements now are more nearly completed than was the mansion itsei1 at that time, 1t will be. several months before the workmen will have finished their tas9,
 Beautiful Decorations.
 An hour before the time of the formal reception to begin the mansion was aglow with myriads of electric lights. To the briliance of the great crystal chan deliers and the splendor of the new fur nishings was added the beauty or the floral decorations which, although few as compared with those of previous New Years receptions at the White House,
  effectiveness. Towering palms of rare va rieties were placed in niches above the vestibule main corridor and staircasos. Two great square masses of American and English holly were arranged between the vestibule and main corridor affording a brilliant and effective background for the handsome scarlet uniforms Of the ma rine band, sixty pieces strong which oc- cupied tiers of seats in the vestbule. In nd n the splendid east room were vases con- taining cut flowers. principally large white lilies and lilies of the valley. Here and there poinsetta blossoms showed splashes of flaming red. It was noticeable, however, that the floral decorations had been subor- dinated to the new furnishings and fin- ishing of the rooms.
 Merry Day for the Children.
 It was a merry day for the Roosevelt children. Prior to the reception they had a jolly time in the lower part of the house. They manifested the liveliest in- terests 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 throng
 
 on the north side. Under the glare of the electric candelabra the spectacle pre- sented by this cosmopolitan gathering, at tired in magnificent court uniforms, sparkling epauletts and glistening swords showing resplendent against the red vel vet walls an in ivory woodwork was gorgeous
 Promptly at Il o'clock the trumpeters or the marine band sounded fanfare. an nouncing the approach of the President and Mrs. Roosevelt, and the immediate receiving party. President Roosevelt, with Mrs Roosevelt on his arm descend- ed the main starcase and passing across the main corridor and through the Green room, entered the Blue room where the guests were received. Following them came the members of the cabinet and their accompanying ladies. The receiving party was arranged in the arc of circle in the bow window of the Blue room. acing them were the ladies invited to assist at the reception. Between the two sections of the receiving party a lane VI formed by cordons of old gold velvet.
 Callers Pass Through Lane.
 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.
 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 dash of color about his attire was tie of greyish tint.
 Shortly after the receiving party as- sembled in the blue room. the reception proper began. The intoductions were made by Col. Theodore A. Bingham, the Presidents military aid, assisted by Maj. Charles McCawley. Capt. John R. Proc tor, Jr., and Lieut.. Frank Mccoy. The officers were in full dress uniform.
 The members of the diplomatic corps were received first. As dean of the corps. Herr on Hollenben, the German ambassa- dor. occupied the post of honor at the head of the line.
 All of the ambassadors and ministers were accompanied by their entire suites. their uniforms weighted with wealth of gold lace and rich ornamentation and decorations.
 chInese Costumes Gorgeous.
 The Chinese legation was represented by Mr. shen Tung. the charge d'afaires. and his suite. all attending in gorgeous Oriental silks and satins