New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-02
THE WHITE HOUSE RECEPTION.
[FRoN re TRIBrNE BUaEAu.l

THE WHITE HOUSE RECEPTION.
GrRoM THE TRIBUNE BUaEAu.l
Washington, Jan L-TD President and Mrs
Roosevelt were at home to all nations to-day. Ac-
eording TO time honored custom. the dlgnitaries
who represent in Washington the monarchies an6.
republics Of the world called at the White House
this morning to wish Happy New Year TO the
President Of the United States. When these cour-
teous foreigners had paid their respects the band
struck up the Star Spanged Banner" and the way
was cleared for Americans. For over two hours the
President received the greetings of the season from
men representing every phase OF American life
statesmen who make our laws and turists who con-
strue them; warriors. old and young. wearing the
blue OF the army and navy; departmental officials
and civic organizations; time battered veterans who
heIped 20 make history time, and last OF
al! those citizens whe forego ther privilege or
getting word and a handshake from the Presi-
dent on the first day of the year.
The interior of the White House never was more
beautiful than to-day. The mansion slowed with
electric lights. and floral decora tons disposed
about the corridors and parlors Rare palms potted
plants and exquisite cut flowers arranged
effectively I'm Y available space. Great rectangu-
lar urns. banke the edges with dwarf palms and
holly. We're placed between the main corridor and
the vestibule, forming fitting background for the
gorgeous new uniforms of the Marine Band. which.
sixty pieces strong was seated the vestibGle. The
Da.Nd furnished music throughout the reception
Hnd> T the baton OF the conductor. Lieutenant w.
Ii, SaHto!nann In the Ped, Blue and Green parlors
tlo QeCUrdUOnS were vases OF ClA Hp"-
ers. chiefly hlies-of-the-valley. roses and flaming
poinsettia blossoms
For the children Of the President and Mrs. Roose
welt 1T was a memorable occasion. They were here.
there and everywhere about the mansion. having
always n merry word for their friends and deep
interest in all the arrangements. Eleven O'Clock
was the hour fixed for the beginning OF the re-
ception. For half hour before that time car
riages containing members OF the diplomatic corps
rolled up to the southern entrance of the White
nr0I7 GOrS min iafe nd d
the embassies and legations assembling. usual.
In the state dining
COLOMBIA THE ONLY ABSENTEE:
All were attired In magnificent court costumes
or handsome military naval uniforms and. with
sparkling epauets and glistenI1S swords. pre-
sented gorgeous spectacle Among the repre-
sentatives OF the nations OF the world. IT was no.
ticed that there was one absentee-Co'ombia Cen
erai Rafael Reyes. the minister OF Colombia In
this country on a special mission. did not attend
the reception lest. It Is understood. his presence
at the White House might be misconstrued by his
people. He, therefore had begged 70 be excused.
Dr. Herran the Colombian Charge d'Araires. was
detained at his home By a bronchial affection
To-day. year ago, a republic was repre-
sented for the first time In the line Of diplomats
Laste year IT Cuba; this. the Republic OF
Panama. NJ. Bunau-yarilla being the accredited
minister OF the infant State. who exchanged greet
ings with the President.
At II o'clock fanfare OF trumpets announced
the opening OF the reception, and the approach
OF the President and Mrs. Roosevelt President
Roosevelt escortlng Mrs. Roosevelt descended the
main staircase and passed TO the Blue Parlor.
wnere the guests received. They were fol-
lowed by members OF the Cabinet and women and
members OF the immediate receiving party.
notable absentee from the receiving line was
Secretary Of State Hay. who is confined TO his
home by Illness. Mrs Hay. however. was in the
line. She remained only short time. leaving
early in order receive at her home the
members OF the diplomatic corps who were guests
of the Secretary OF State and Mrs. Hay at break
fast
Tho members OF the receiving party were
ranged in the Of a circle IN the bow window
of the Blue Room. the guests invited to assist IN
the reception facing them behind the line. The two
sections OF the receiving party were separated by
lane made OF cordons OF twisted velve, touched
with old gold Those received passed through this
lane into the Green Room and thence into the East
Room.
The guests left tbs mansion by the east terrace
PRESIDENT FREQUENTLY JoKED.
Both the President and Mrs Roosevelt were par
ticularIy gracious In greeting their callers. The
President frequently toked with friend. and Mrs
Roosevelt entered into the affair with evident
joyment President Roosevelt was dressed in a
conventional frock coat
In the Blue ParlOr the President and Mrs Rooss-
welt extended cordial greetings to the members OF
the Cabinet and the women accompanying them
the receiving party. When the reception began the
ntrOductions were made by Colonel Thomas W.
Symons. the Presidents military aid. assisted BY
Commander Winslow. the Presidents naval aid:
Major Charles McCawley, Captain J. W. Glidden
Lieutenant Roscoe c. Bulmer Lieutenant c. r
Fortescue. Lieutenant Clarence o. Sheriff. Lieu
tenant George Il. spalding and Lieutenant David
F. Sellers.
First TO received were the members OF the
diplomatic corps All OF the ambassadors and min
NC r,Fo = b NoFr
dean OF the corps. Count Cassini the Russian AM
bassador and master OF the imperial court. occu-
pied the place OF honor at the head OF the line.
He was accompanied by his daughter Countess
Marguerite Cassni. and attended by his entire
staff. The brilliant uniform worn by the am
bassador adorned by decorations which have
been bestowed on him during mis- diplomatic career.
Following the representative OF the Gar In order,
were Senior Don Manuel de Azpiroz. the Mexican
Ambassador. and staff; Baron HengemuIler the
ambassador OF Austria Hungary. Baroness HengeI-
muller and the embassy staff: NJ Jusserand. the
Baron Speck Sternburg. the German Ambassa-
der. Baroness Sternburg and the embassy STAFF.
and Sir Henry Durand. the British Ambassador
Lady Durand and the embassy staff.
In the absence Of the Italian Ambassador, Count
de Ceerl the charge d'afraires Of the embassy ac-
companied by his staff. represented the Italian
government
NJ Jusserand Baron Sternburg and Sir Henry
Durand made their first New Years calls at the
White House ambassadors. Baron Sternburg
did not appear in court costume. but wore the uni
form OF a colonel OF the I'd Saxon Hussar Regiment
1t is of sky blue. with silver braid and with it
were worn the Tartar cap and Tartar boots. All
members of the embassy staff. with exception.
were attired in military rather than In Diplomatic