Middletown transcript., 1904-01-09
WASHINGTON LETTER

WARRINGTON, D. c., Jan. I'd, 1904.
WITH all the popularity and OPEN
W handed hospitality for which Pres
ident Roosevelt is justly celebrated. the
social season in Washington was inau-
guarated at the White House on New
Years day, with as large and as brilliant
a reception as has ever been seen within
its walls. All the officials OF the govern
ment, and the general public by the
thousands, crowded to pay their respects
to the first gentleman of the land, who
received each one graciously. Even the
weather was fanltless; cloudess sky,
with the mercury making rs degrees,
thus ignoring the official prediction of
Grain or snow" The Army and Navy
officers formed at the War Office and
marched in long columns from the build
ing. Among the new diplomats present,
for tile first time were the British Ambas
sador and the new minister from the in
FAINT Republic of Panama. Mrs. Roose-
welt stood by her husbands side while
the public filed past. as glad to see and
greet the common people as the officials.
She was robed in a rich white satin
dress, the front breadths richly orna-
mented with seed pearl embroidery. The
waist, cut square in the neck, was also
embroidered, as were the wide shoulder
bands from which fell fluffy chiffon
angel sleeves parting at the elbow. Pearls
for ornaments. Miss Alice Roosevelt,
also in white, stood behind her mother.
The President looked anxious and weary,
but greeted each visitor with smile and
shake Of the hands. The White House
was decked in Christmas greens, and i'm
pressed one with its atmosphere of ele-
gance, refinement and home-like quality. |
The President and Mrs. Roosevelt are SO
frank and hearty in their welcome to all |
visitors that the public is charmed with
the simplicity and sincerity OF the Re-
publican court. This example has had
its influence upon Washington society,
and in no other city can be found more
Democratic or hospitable hosts. After
the official reception the people hurried
away to attend the other receptions given
by cabinet ministers. Admiral Dewey,
and other high officials. The happy Ad-
miral surrounded himself with thirty
young ladies from naval households, and
his parlors were thronged with men in
uniform, reminding one of battle ship
clearing for action. On the same day
Mrs. Root gave her last reception; Mrs.
Cortelou gave her first, and Mr.. Moody
Secretary of Navy being bachelor, gave
none.
Nv
During January each member of the
cabinet will give dinner to the Presi-
dent, and afterwards he returns the COM
pliment, having also for his guests the
Supreme Court judges, the Senators, the
foreign ambassadors, officers of the army
and navy, and various other notable
folks. The old custom of keeping open
house has been renewed in Washington
and now society, clubs, and churches
give receptions. The brief days of the
winter season are made long and cheerful
by the numerous entertainments. Stran- /
gers are superbly received, and they {
come from all quarters and are of all
degrees. No less than one thousand
were in Washington
from New York and New jersey dur
ing the holidays. College boys, young
society ladies of prominence, foreign
ers of distinction, leading politi-
clans, authors, artists, all find their ele-
ment in the Federal city. Gov. Taft of
the Philippines is to be dined by Secre.
tary Root, whom he succeeds, on the
10Th inst. Mrs. John R. Mclean has
given dinner dance to the daughters OF
Hamilton Fish of New York and Ex-Gov.
Walcott Of Mass. The ball room was
lined with rare old tapestries from the
Barberini Palace, Rome. Mrs. Thomas
F. Walsh who has the happiness Of liv-
ing in the largest, newest and most
costly residence in Washington, has
given a ball in compliment to Alice
and Miss Walsh. Dancing at
10 o'clock in the great ball room on the
Top floor, followed by supper and cotii-
lion at which costly favors were distri-
buted lace fans for the women and gold
pencils for the men. The peace and
which has come to the ma
tion with expansion and Panama is re-
aected in the merry life of the national
capital. While the favored children OF
welI-to-do parents were being entertained
by the President, thousand others, off
spring OF the working people, babes of
those employed on the city railways,
were taken to the Masonic Temple and
treated to a program of tricks, songs.
marionettes, and real Santa Claus, who
loaded their hands with toys, candies,
and all kinds of fruits. The president of
the railway company did this graceful
deed. At all times the warm-h hearted
southern people in Washington are So
cial and hospitable, but it takes cold
weather to unite them in good cheer.
The Mt. Vernon Place church, which
boasts members from every southern
state, sent out thousand invitations for
New Years and heidi. large reception.
A special booth was erected for each
southern state, decorated with greens
and the state flags. The Texas booth
was covered with cotton and the one for
South Carolina displayed palmetto hats
in row. Justice and Mrs. Oliver Wen
1ell Holmes have given housewarming.
rhe new British Ambassador and Lady
Durand have extended their hospitali-
lies to the diplomatic corps.
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The Chicago holocaust has compelled
IN overhauling Of all the theaters in this
,ity, and a vigorous inspection.
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