The Washington herald., 1908-05-16
CROWD WHITE HOUSE
Governors and Wives Attend
Brilliant Reception,
MORE THAN THOUSAND GUESTS
and Mrs. Roosevelt Greet
Visitors in the Blue Room-AII
Branches of Official Life Repre-
sented-Cabinet Members Have e
Rather Novel Experience.

The President and Mrs Roosevelt were
hosts at one of the largest and prettiest
receptions yesterday afternoon ever held
In the White House, It was an indoor
garden party. for which 1900 invitations
were issued. and all apparently were re-
sponded to in person.
Because OF the inclement weather, the
entire lower floor was thrown open, In
cluding the south portieo.
The President and Mrs. Roosevelt re-
ceived alone, and the absence of the IA
miliar line of Cabinet hostesses gave an
air of charming simplicity 10 the whole
affah.
The guests approached the Blue Room
through the East Room. an arrange
ment quite contrary TO the usual one
for large receptions. but which was
simpler and more comfortable TO the
long line of invited guests This line
was unique in that the members of the
Cabinet circle were scattered through
Il, an experience for them which is not
frequent.
AAA&AN1A EaA@0As
The rooms were embellished with ef-
fective bunches OF spring blossoms and
rare ex0tics here and there in vases.
The huge maps upon the east wall of the
East Room on either side of the raised
dais, which is upholstered in artistic
green, erected for the meetings OF the
governors this week. attracted general
toned, as usual, IN the corridor, and
played steadily throughout the reeep-
ton.
The President and Mrs. Roosevelt stood
in the Blue Room. facing the windows,
with the naval and military aids of the
White House facing them, and forming
an aisle through which the guests passed.
Col Bromwell, military aid TO the Presi-
dent. made the introductions. and the
President and Mrs Roosevelt both had
something TO say 10 each guest. owing TO
their personal acquaintance with almost
every one who passed.
Old Custom Hr0ken.
Mrs, Roosevelt wore a gown OF sap
phire blue. trimmed with bands Of satin
IN conventional design, with a blouse and
sleeves OF lace
Contrary to her usual fashion, Mrs.
Roosevelt shook the hand of each guest.
After passing through the Blue Room
and stopping for greetings with each
other in the Rec Room, the guests passed
on to the State dining room. where Miss
Hagner poured tea AT a beautifully ar
ranged table. and where light refresh
ments were served.
The private dining room adjoining was
also open. and the table laid with all
manner Of good things. The reception
was given for the visiting governors and
their wives and daughters. and Il was a
matter OF great disappointment TO every
one that the arrangements for the gar
den party could not be carried out It
is the favOTite form OF entertaining with
Mrs. Roosevelt. and she has made those
she has given In the White House grounds
functions long 70 be remembered.
Scene Pretty One.
The scene within the mansion was one
of the prettiest of the season, for al
though the environments OF a garden
party were missing. the women guests
were arrayed as though for one. and ex-
qulsite gowns with picture hats were the
rule. and not the exception.
Mrs. Root wore lavender, with much
white lace about the bodice and laven-
der and purple hat: Mrs. Cortelyou was
in white lace and satin. with large white
hat and white feather boa: Mrs Bona
parte wore a striking gray satin coat
suit, with charming white hat with soft
feather trimmings; Mrs Straus wore
London smoke satin. severely plain. and
made in jumper fashion, with long train
and wide bands for trimming; Mrs Car
field had a beautiful gown of soft pale
gray chiffon, with insertions of embroid-
cred lace. with lace yoke and sleeves;
Mrs. Stephen B. Elkins wore one OF the
most superb gowns of the afteEnoon. a
white Irish lace robe over white chiffon
and white satin. with a three-quarter
coat. fitted closely the waist marked with
a tiny silk cord, and baby Irish lace upon
the neck and sleeves. Her hat was a
black chip, with long black plumes piled
high. and the brim having a becoming
roll at one side Miss Kean also had a
stril0ingy beautiful gown OF fine white
net, embroidered with pearls, over which
she had directoire coat OF white satin
with pompadour pattern hand-painted,
with which she wore q tall hat of pale
blue. with pale blue willow plumes Mrs
Cowles wore brown chiffon over white
satin.
Mrs, Claude A. Swanson. wife Of the
governor of Virginia was another who
was strikingly well gowned. in a robe OF
white Irish lace over white satin, with
touches Of tiny black. velvet ribbons held
with tiny buckles Of brilliants, and with
which she wore d black picture hat and
some handsome diamonds anu pearls.
Mrs. Richardson Clover was In white
chiffon, embroidered in Iengthwise vines
In black, and worn over white silk with
Ions train. the bodice trimmed with deli
cate lace. and a large black hat and some
superb diamonds.
Mrs. Johnson. wife OF Gov. Johnson, of
Minnesota, was In pale blue silk, with
lace yoke and sleeves, with blue hat,
trimmed with pink rosebuds Mrs Smith,
with Mrs. Johnson, pink silk. with black
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