New-York tribune., 1908-01-02
DIPLOMATS RECEIVED FIRST

So.r,a1r had the President and Mrs. Roosevelt
greeted them and taken their positions in line with
the wives of the Cabinet officers before the door
leading into the Red Parlor was thrown open and
the dean of the diplomatic corns. Baron Mayor
des Planches of Italy. and Baroness mayor oes
PIanches stepped forth 10 greet them
It is an old custom-as old as that of the New
Year reception tself-which first admits the foreign
representatives TO this government to extend the
greetings of their soveregns to the President and
his wife and to receive IT return other good wishes
and to-day there larger representation Of
foreign powers than ever before. 1t was notable
fact that all of the nine embassies, with the ex-
cepion that of Japan, were represented by their
respective ambassadors. while the twentynine
countries represented by ministers each had the
head of its legation present. with the exception
of Siam. Cuba, China. Panama and Norway These
countries were represented by their charges
daffaires.
In marked contrast to the striking uniforms of
the foreigners the dignifed black frock coats
of the chief justice of the Supreme Court and his
associate justices. who the next to be re-
ceived. Closely following them we're the other
judicial bodies of the Distric- and then the men,
bers of the Senate and House.
Major General J. Franklin Bell headed the
officers of the army, who were the next TO be re-
ceived by the President. While Admiral Dewey
waited near the door of the Red Parlor to step TO
the head OF the line of navy officers to be pre-
sented he enthusiastically greeted by Mrs
Cowles. the wife of Rear Admiral Cowles and the
sister Of the President. who had waited to greet
this branch of the service. She shook hands with
a number of the officers before the President
greeted them.
Rear Admiral Brownson was of the first cfH-
of the navy greet President Roosevelt To
this he left his place in the line as soon as he
entered the White House and made his way
through the crowd and into the Red ParIor pass
ing Rear Admiral 'Rixey and taking place closely
following the officers. His hand was grasped
by several of his brother officers he was making
his way ahead of them After his greeting to the
President, which cordial. he remained in the
Fast Room for some time chatting and receiving
greetings.
ALL CLASSES REPRESENTED
Other bodies of the government and societies and
organizations were received usual. but the pre-
vaing epidemic of grip made the line somewhat
shorter than usual, while il also had n decided
effect upon the citizens procession This feature of
the reception is always interesting one and a
diplomat who fingered long enough after the other
foreigners had left survey the civilian legions
said that in no other country in the world had he
ever seen so thoroughly a representative line of
people.
There large number of young mothers and
fathers in line. many of them carrying or leading
by the hand their little children. upon all Of whom
the President beamed with good humor There
were little boys and girls with their roller skates
in hand. women in street and Office attire men in
uniforms, frock coats business suits and there
were the usual number of negro and women
and few children. who joined the waiting line
and shook the Presidents hand
Mr. and Mrs. Longworth, with the Presidents
younger daughter. Miss Ethel Roosevelt and his
sons, Theodore Roosevelt. jr-. and Kermit Roose-
welt. spent some time the East Room during the
reception. Secretary Cortelyou who was outdoors
for the first time yesterday after long attack of
grip received many congratulations on his re-
covery
After the President had shaken the hand OF the
last of the 5.65 visitors he stepped into the RIus
Room TO chat for few moments with those who
had remained. and to invite them to this state
dining room, where luncheon was served
AS he passed into the marble hall a small how
with rosy face looked up at him and in a shrill
treble cried: Hello Mr.. President I see YOU
every day-" This at once caught the ear of the
President. who stopped down. patted him. called
him bright lad and asked him where .sWbar
you 30 out 10th street.. responded the little fellow