Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-01
Diplomats, Officials and Citi-
zens Call at White House.
GUESTS ASSEMBLE EARLY
Last Function of the Kind for Presl-
dent Roosevelt.
SADNESS SHADOWS OCCASION
SADNESS SHADOWS OCCASION
Ambassador From Italy Receives
Many Expressions of Sympathy.
China's Representative Absent.

President ami Mrs Roosevelt exchanged
New Year greetings today with the rep
resentatves of ;hirty-nine foreign conn
tries and of every branch OF the national
and local governments. aud with thou
sands of private citizens. 1t was the
eighth time they have enjoyed this pleas
urc. each occasion in this long period
having had some special reference 10 its
time adding to its popular Interest and
the entire series without a break in its
continuity. being in itself remarkable
one. Inside Of two months and a few
days the head OF the nation Will have re
tired from his great position. and many
of those who are now closest in his coun-
sells and much to the front in the public
mind will have been succeeded by other
tavorites of political fortune. Today was
seen and felt the first significance of the
changes which March will bring TO the
White House and its most frequent
guests.
Shadow of Sadness.
SHADOW of sadness was cast over the
company b. the recent terrible calamity
which has fallen upon the Italian people.
whose ambassador was present the
dean of the diplomatic corps, and by the
absence of the representative of the En-
peror OF China. who is wearing a badge
Of mourning for the late emperor and
dowager empress of his country.
To Mr.. Roosevelt the occasion was
memorable beyond any in which he has
participated since his elevation to the
presidency. In the exchange of saluta-
lions there were many references TO the
events of his career during the coming
year when he will face the dangers OF
the African wilderness. As many of those
present have come into office during his
administration and with him will retire to
private life after March next there
were abundant subjects for conversation
concerning the uncertainties of the New
Year.
Several hours before the formal recep-
tion began at IL O'Clock. citizens, men
and women, representing every social
class, began to assemble in front OF the
beautiful portico OF the historic white
mansion. waiting opportunity To enter
and he presented to the President
Most Ceremonious Function.
The New Year reception. which is quite
the most ccremonous function which our
national simplicity permits, is always
conducted with such regard to precedence
and order that to Che inexperienced locker
it would seem but the regular process
sion of we'll bred men and women But
times, entrances and exits are all care
FULLY planned, quite the same as if roy
atty and not the representa- of the
sovereign people were expected Those
who were 10 assist in the blue parloI.
received tickets with their invitations by
which their carriages entered by the.
southwest gate. The diplomats had the
same comfortable means of entrance TO
their cloak ooms on tie lower floor. The
rendezvous for the latte was the state
dining room and III the few moments they
spent there before II O clock they had
time to place themselves in the order of
Ambassadors, ministers and
charges d affaires-each chief Of mission
being surrounded by the members of his
embassy or legation.
When AL had assembled ;ne Inc formed
4 procession which extended along the
west and south sides of the spacious
room and also across the red room witt
the Italian ambassador and the members
of MS embassy at the door nearest the
blue room.
Assisting in the Reception.
The glorious sunshine and The wintry
air prevailing had an exhilarating infiu-
ence on everybody The President spent
An hour or two in his office and came
over the terrace bareheaded TO the cor
''oVI' Il'iS ne TOOK OCCASION tU begin his
New Year greetings shaking hands with
every person he met. His Good MORN
ing and happy New Year could ~ heard
throughout the big. empty rooms ol the
White House
Later on 1T was matter of general
comment that the President and Mrs
Roosevelt looked happy as they feel
over the near approach OF their release
rom public duty and. observation. Both
east friendlz smiles broadcast as tlcx.
crossed the corridor To the blue room and
responded to every bow made them. Mrs
Roosevelt chose Tor lIer last appearance
q New Year day hostess in the White
House a princess dress OF black satin
The skirt opened at the left side To show
panel OF white lace, and both sides of
the opening bad design in steel bead
ing. The square neck bodice was out
lined with steel beading. The guimpe
and half sleeves were % fine white lace
Sine wore short white gloves and only 4
few ornaments.
Walking behind the President ard Mrs
Roosevelt in the procession 10 the blue
room were the Vice President and Mrs.
Fairbanks, Secretary Root and Secretary
COrtelYOu. whose wives did not attend
the reception tie first because of mourn
ing and the second because OF her health:
Secretary and Mrs. Wright, the Postmas-
ter General and Mrs. Meyer, Secretarv
and Mrs Newberry, Attorney General
and Mrs. Bonaparte. Secretary and Mrs.
Straus Secretary and Mrs. Garfield. Sec
retary Wilson. eScortinS Mrs. Loeb. and
Secretary Loeb.
All The ladies enumerated except Mrs
Loeb stood in line 20 receive.
Representative and MIS-. IoHSWnrth eS-
corted Miss Ethel Roosevelt and heY
guest. Miss Alexander, TO the blue room
Continued on Thirteenth Page