Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1907-01-12
"REMINISCENCES OF WASH.
iNoToN LIFE.
BY
: JULIA RANDOLPH spoFFoRp

1t has long been an established GUS
tom for the presidents of the United
States and the mistresses Of the White
house to give series of receptions
each winter, three Of which are ex-
clusively card receptions: these are
given in honor Of the judiciary, the
army and navy and the diplomatic
| corps, while fourth function is given
to the general public. when anyone
may be admitted without card.
A very beautiful reception was that
given by President Cleveland and his
charming young bride in honor of the
! army and navy, though at this gath
ering there were many persons from
all walks of life. The number of invi-
tations must necessarily be limited to
| the capacity of the White House, and
long before the appointed time the
cards were exhausted, so that many
| people in political and social life from
all over the country had to be refused
! cards of admission or deferred to
some later period.
| At the time to which 1 refer there
was early assembled long line Of
carriages which slowly wended their
way to the White House. The wealth
er was most disagreeable. but once
inside the famous portals all was
xx-o,,
through the vestibule we turned to the
left to the cloak room, and then en-
tered a long room or corridor which
is, separated from the outer vestibule
by most gorgeous stained glass win
dows. where the picked members of
the Marine Band AMI thor talented
leader, Sousa, were stationed, all
dressed in their scar..t uniforms.
Soon after we entered this long
Chief" and slowly descending the
stairs the receiving party made their
appearance.
| Leaning on President Cleveland's
arm was his young and beautiful
bride, and they were followed by the
members of the presidents cabinet
and their wives.
They took their places near the en-
trance to one of the suite of parlors,
the president and his wife and the
ladies of the cabinet only in the re-
ceiving line and soon the reception
commenced. General Wilson, in full
army uniform introduced each guest
, to the president. who in turn presen-
| ted each TO Mrs. Cleveland. and their
| warm clasp of the hand bespoke gen.
uine hospitality.
After having been introduced to the
president and wife we passed on
| through the green room" into the ia
nous least room," where soon assem-
-. bled members of the diplomatic corps
! i'm their gorgeous native costumes.
army officers in brilliant uniforms, dis
tinguished men in evening dress, and
nearly all accompanied with their
ladies. who were bedecked and be-
jeweled as I thought. to surpass even
the splendors of the appearance of the
! Queen of Sheba. The large mantle
mirrors reflected the brilliant scene
which must be long remembered.
After passing through the east room
we returned to the long corridor where
the Marine band charmed us with most
beautiful selections from the bes'
operas and occasionally varied the
performance by playing some melody
or old sweet song. which touched th'
heart and united the present with the
rast. and :hen we slowly edged oul
way 10 an orening, where we couit
. again get a glimpse of Mrs. Cleveland
The young bride was dressed in
l gown of rich material. though 1t wa
| made simply, with neck cut deeollette
.,isrs-- "a s--s y ?.
| and She word no Jewels. Perhaps NJ