The Washington herald., 1908-01-10

The most brilliant state function OF
the official season was held last night.
when the President and Mrs. Roosevelt
received the members OF the diplo-
matte corps.
The night was clear and cold, and
the moon and stars were hardly less
brilliant than the lights that cleaned
from the esplanade torches and threw
long tracks Of light from the windows
on drtveWays ana lawn surrounding
the historic mansion which has wit
messed SO many such events.
A line Of carriages extending far
down Pennsylvania avenue took up
their stand for their patient wait some
hours before the doors of the mansion
were thrown open, and a crowd Of
pedestrians were also blocking the
pavement surrounding the grounds.
Within the stately structure all was
brilHancy and cheer Flowers and palms
added an air OF festivity. The inches
within the inner corridor were filed with
tropical plants.
In the entresol was stationed the Ma
Fine Band the red coats Of the men max
ing a brilliant bit Of color against the
white limestone walls. the long mirrors
on either side rejecting the brHHancy Of
the scene Roses and carnations. mingled
with maidenhatr ferns and hyacinths.
formed the decorations for the mantels in
the East Room and the three drawing
rooms.
Signal from Marine Band.
A few minutes after O'Clock the leader
Of the band, Lieut.. Santelmann. gave the
signal to his musicians. and the fanfare
Of trumpets proclaimed the approach of
/ the Presidential party. VINO, descending
1 the main stairway, proceeded 10 the IN
+ spring strains of The Star Spangied
! Banner"
/ With a smile and bow for all the
/ President and Mrs. Roosevelt, followed
/ by the officers Of the Cabinet and their
wives, uaversed the corridor, and passing
I through the line Of guests already assem-
/ bled in the Blue Room. took their stand
in the south bay window. The reception
was on
! Of course, the diplomats were the first
to be received, the night being particular
/ ly theirs, they being the guests Of honor.
as well as the guests of the nation,
which position always gives them prece-
! dence over ali others.
! Baron Mayor, as doyen Of the corps,
was the first 10 be greeted by the Presi-
/ dent, and he was accompanied by his
/ wife, the Baroness, and the gentlemen OF
/ his staff.
All Countries Represented.
/ Baron HengeImulIer and the Baroness
and the personnel of their embassy fol-
lowed. they in turn being followed by
! the chiefs Of the other embassies. and
/ they by the ministers Of the other thirty
| eight countries represented here. each
and every chief being accompanied by
/ from TWO TO seven secretaries and at
/ taches.
| The gorgeous uniforms Of the diplomats
/ were hardly less respondent than the su-
/ perb gowns of the women.
! Last nights reception fs the one par ex-
/ celIance of the season. and for that rea-
son every one wished to attend and all
/ who 60 being sure to meet their friends
and rivals. each and every woman dons
| her most handsome gown.
/ The diplomats wore full court uniform,
or, in the case OF the military and naval
attaches, the uniforms OF their rank.
( Their breasts were glittering with orders
/ and decorations.
Baron Hengelmuller, the Austro-aun-
garian Ambassador. always courtly
! figure, wore a Hungarian costume Of
Iwine-coiored velvet, brocaded with threads
of silver He also wore high boots and
jeweled ornaments.
! The counselor Of the embassy, Baron
Ambrozy. also wore the picturesque
Hungarian costume. and N. Szent-Ivany,
/ of the same embassy. was hardly less
I picturesque in his uniform.
/ The Persian Minister, as usual, wore,
among other brilliant orders. the minia-
/ ture picture OF his Shah, set in jewels.
/ The Chinese Minister and his staff all
wore the picturesque embroidered Oriental
robes of their country, and the Ministers 5
you1E daughter was a quaint little figure
/ in her Chinese blouse and trousers.
/ The. costumes of the women were par
ticulariy pretty last night. the empire
mode predOminating, the trimming being
most elaborate, silver being a favorite
establishment
Mrs. Roosevelt in White.
Mrs Roosevelt was charmingIy gowned
in white and yellow striped brocade with
trimming Of lace and diamqnd ornaments.
Mrs. Fairbanks gown was of Irish lace,
made princess. with which she wore dia-
mond and pearl ornaments
Mrs Root was in pale blue satin en-
beIHshed with silver
Mrs. Cortelyou was handsomely gowned
in white and gold brocade with trimming
Of duchess lace.
Mrs Meyer gown was Of black satin.
the decollete bodice filed in round the
neck with tulle and lace.
Mrs BonapaTte wore lavender chiffon
over darker shade, a floral design print
ed on the chiffon in shades Of lavender.
Mrs. Metcalf wore a charming gown OF
pale blue appliqued with velvet roses,
and trimmed with motifs Of lavender
Mrs. Garfield was in white satin with
embellishments Of silver and lace. Mrs
Straus wore white satin, with trimming
Of gold
Mrs. Longeorth whose gowns are al
ways individual, wore a beautiful cos
tune of raspberry tulle made empire, and