Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1904-01-02
Magnificent New Year Recep-
tier Given BY President
and Mrs. Roosevelt.
SCENE IN BLUE ROOM
Thousands Of People Beginning
With Famous Diplmats,
Shake Hands With
Roosevelt.

WASHINGTON, D. c.. Jan. e.
The people Of Washington seem
never to tire OF White House recep-
tions. Yesterday, as on every New
Year day for decades past. thousands
formed themselves In a line and stood
for hours in the White House grounds
ct the risk Of catching pneumonia for
the privilege Of shaking the hand Of
the president. There was little to
distinguish the days function from
those Of former years. The recent
change Of British ambassadors caused
q Encouragement In order Of the diplo-
matte line and there were several new
faces among the judiciary and depart
ment officials and, Of course, among
the members Of congress. For the
most part, however, the reception
was attended by the same officials,
who were presented in virtually the
same order and looking very much the
same as last year, AS for the presi-
dent, the central figure Of the days
doings, he looked just the same as he
did a year ago, was dressed the same
and in all probability was as glad when
the affair was over as he was a year
ago. There was the same crush Of
people about the doors Of the execu,
tive mansion and the same long line
Of shivering citizens who had to wait
until the privileged guests had been
presented.
The guests were received in the
Blue3room. Promptly at II O'clock, the
hour set for the beginning Of the func-
ton, the trumpeters of the Marine
band stationed in the vestibule sound
Ia fanfare, announcing the approach
The receiving party, consisting Of
the President and Mrs. Roosevelt and
Miss Alice Roosevelt, who were join
ed by the cabinet ladies. Meanwhile
the diplomats, whose bright and gor-
geous uniforms give the color and bril-
lance to the reception were as
sembling in the Bedroom. Other
privileged guests were likewise arriy-
ing in rapid succession and soon the
state dinning-room and the parlors and
reception rooms were thronged. Be
tween two sections Of the receiving
party a lane was formed by cords Of
old-gold velvet. Through this lane the
callers passed from the Red-room, pro-
ceeding through the Green.room into
the East-room, and thence down the
staircase to the East Terrace. passing
into the street opposite the west en-
trance Of the treasury.
Count Cassini, the Russian ambassa-
dor and new dean Of the diplomatic
corps, led the line today and was the
first man to shake hands with the
president, a privilege held for many
years by the late Lord Pauneefote.
Count Cassini wore his court uniform,
a magnificent creation OF brilliant
color with a wealth Of gold lace. He
was followed by his niece. secretaries
and attaches Of the Russian embassy,
all in order, according to their rank.
Count Cassini and the members Of the
embassy were presented to the presi-
dent by Secretary Hay, after having
been presented to Secretary Hay by
the assistant secretary Of state. This
is a mere matter Of form followed
with all ambassadors and ministers,
which permits them to approach the
executive by easy stages.
The Mexican ambassador, Senior de
Azpiroz, stands next to Count Cassini
on the diplomatic list, and he was the