The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-01-02

was represented for the first time in the
line OF diplomats. Last year 1t was
Cuba; this. the Republic of Panama.
At II clock u fanfare Of truupets an
rounced the opening of the reception,
and the approach of tho President and
Mrs. Roosevelt. President Roosevelt, es-
cortinE Mrs. Roosevelt, descended the
main staircase and passed to the blue
.pnrlor. where the guests We're received.
The members of yhe receiving party
we're arranged In the arc of a circle in
the bow window Of the blue room, the
guests invited to assist in the reception
facing them behind the line. Both the
President and Mrs. Roosevelt were par
ttcniarly gracious in the greeting of their.
callers. The President frequently joked
with n friend, and Mrs. Roosevelt en-
tered into tho affair with evident enjoy
me,lt. President Roosevelt was attired
Il. Il conventional frock suit. .
First to be received were the members
Of the diplomatic corps. All Of the am
bassadors aid ministers were accom-
r,anied by their entire suites. AS dean Of
the corps, Count Cassini. tho Russian am
bassacor and master of the Imperial
lie head Of the line. NJ. Jusserand. Baron
sternbergA and Sir Henry Durand made
their first new years calls at the White
House as ambassadors, In all thrty-fiVe
countries of tho world were represented
at the reception.
Following the diplomatic CORPS, the
members of tho United States Supreme
Court, headed by Chief Justice Fuller,
were received. The reception OF members
Of Congress began at 1850 o'clock Com
paratively few were In attendance, rs
many of the senators and representatives
have not returned.
Military Contingent.
Respondent in full dress uniforms, the
military contingent followed the congress
men, This line was made up Of officers
active and retired. Of the army navy and
marine corps, and the District of Column
bla National Guard, For the first time at
a reception, the army was led by officers
OF the general staff. Northumberland
Young. who last year as major-general
and In the absence Of General Miles. who
was on tour Of duty In the Far East,
was the senior officer In Washington
led the line, to-day again occupied thai
position, wearing tho three stars and the
title of chief Of staff, For the first time
the new uniform OF officers Of the army
was seen to its best effect
Following the army, were officers Of the
navy. headed by Admiral Dewey, who
was absent from WASHINGTON last New
years Day, conducting the winter
manoeuvres OF tho navy In the Caribbean.
The officers OF the marine corps followed
tn enayy, Following the military was tn.
civilian contingent Of the government SER
vice and members OF various patrlotls
orders,
Then began the reception OF citizens,
hundreds Of whom had been waiting In
line for several hours. Tho line OF people
entered the north door Of the White
House, passed across the yestibule and
main corridor, through the red room s
the blue room. where the guests OF the
President and Mrs, Roosevelt were re-,
ceiyed,
Precautions for Safety,
several precautions were taken to insure
! tho personal safety Of the President. M
person was permitted TO approach the
president with his hands In his pockets
OF otherw,se concealed. An extra force q