St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1904-01-06
Mortimer Durand, and family, recently |

Mortimer Durand, and family, recently
arrived here, who were cordially wei
coined by the President and wife. 1t
was noticed that the Column ian charge,
Dr. Herrap, was absent, and Spain had
but one representative, for the minister
had gone home. The wife of the Cuban
minister put aside her mourning as
mark of courtesy on this occasion. The
Chinese minister, Sir Slang Cheng. wore
most magnificent costume, dark blue
brilliant with gold braid and lace. The
decorationso OF the Japanese minister were
of unusual bri1iiancy. Mrs. Roosevelt
wore white panne velvet and she and
many ladies of the cabinet, who accom-
panied her, carried lilies of the valley.
Delegations of senator's, representatives.,
judges OF the supreme court, Ofhcers OF
the army, navy and from the depart
ments followed. when the general public
who had been waiting so patiently, were
admitted The Marine Band played
national airs. Unusual precautions had
been taken to guard the entrance to the
White House and the President, for
many cranks have vainly tried to gain adj
mittan there during the past year. It
was variously estimated that there were
between 6OOO and 1000 callers at the
White House. Some came too late for
admittance. Two men with tight-fitt1ng
crimson suits, with advertisements all
over them, walked in with the crowd
and were politely received by the Pres
ident, as well as colored people. 1t ght
be called a democratic reception by a
republican president.
AS Secretary Hay has been i'll with a
bronchial trouble, Mrs. Hay and Assist
ant Secretary LOOMS received the diplo-
matte corps at the usual state breakfast.
The members of the cabinet held large
receptions. Admiral and Mrs. Dewey
at - 80 received the officers of the navy.
Miss Alice Roosevelt was there part of
the time. Speaker Cannon and daugh-
tiers held a large reception at his home.
A very large reception was held at the
Y. M. c. A. rooms.
A great effort has been made to raise
the 100000 building fund by Jan. 1.
John D. Rockefeller had promised $50, 900
which was one-siXth of the amount to
be raised, leaving $3.50, 900 for them to
get outside, and strenuous efforts had
been made, leaving $3S. 900 to be OBJ
tanned, when letter was received by
Com. Mcfarland, say ing he will extend
the time to July 1, so they feel assured
the amount can be raised in six months.
The ladies of the Christian Temperance
Union held delightful reception in their
home on Sixth street. Mrs. Clinton B..
Smith, the president, Vermonter, was
assisted in receiving the guests by Miss
Clara Barton and other prominent ladies.
An ivy leaf with white ribbon bow
was given as a New Years favor by the
older union and an ivy leaf and an oak
the younger unions. The ivy denotes
tenacity of purpose and the oak forti-
tude and strength. The Loya1.@Legion
and many OF the patriotic organizations
held interesting social reunions; also
many churches, among them the First
Congregational OF 10th and streets had
large gathering. q
The snow predicted for New Years
came in the night and the ground was
white with snow this morning and sleet
has made the walking slippery.
The Chicago fire shocked everyone and
all of the theatres and public buildings
have been examined and arrests been
made where the laws have not been
observed; and parties have been called to
a strict account.
The death of the wife of Senator Hoar
was sudden and unexpected.
An exciting session of congress is ex-
pected this winter. A. M. c.
Washington, D. c., Jan. 2, 1904.