The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-02-05

one, this season. took place last night and
was the largest SO far this year. II was
given IN honor Of the Congress OF the
United States, and was an occasion OF
much rejoicing in some cases. and in 9th
ers It took the form Of a sort Of leave
taking by those who viii not return here
next year, and who may not meet again
in the next month This is a feature Of
Washington life which Is sure 70 see
vast changes every two years, and some
times oftsner.
The Vice President and Mrs. Fairbanks.
and the members Of the Cabinet and
their wives we're in their accustomed
Placs in the receiving line. with the ex-
ception OF Mrs. CorteIyou. wife Of the
Secretary OF the Treasury, and Miss VII
son. daughter OF the Secretary Of Agri-
culture. The place next the Vice Presi-
dent and Mrs. Fairbanks was occupied
Tor the first time this season BY secre-
tary OF State and Mrs. Robert Bacon
HeFztded the PRESIDENT.
The Marine Band. stationed in the cor
ridor. heralded the approach OF the
President and Mrs Roosevelt and the
Vice President and Mrs Fairbanks, fol-
lowed By the Cabinet officers and their
wives. and the procession was a stately
and imposing one. with an unprecedented
number Of handsome women with stun
ming gowns. and the usual imposing es-
eort OF military and naval aids
Mrs. BonapaTte. wife OF the Attorney
General. came over from her Baltimore
home yesterday. and brought with her
some house guests. Mr. and Mrs. Clevs-
land P. Manning and Mr. James Russell
Manning. OF Baltimore. who went to the
reception with them saG were smoas he
distinguished gl'ests il the Blue RooIn
during the function
Mrs. CortelyoU had expected to be in
her plsce next TO Mrs Bacon, wife Of the
Secretary Of State, but al the last mo-
mezt was obliged to send her regrets be-
cause OF the illness Of her oldest daugh-
ter. who has q serious case ef grip.
Miss Wilson. daughter OF the Secretary
OF Agriculture, had also expected 10 be
present. but was called 70 New York on
business with regard TO her future career
as a concert singer
The rooms OF the old mansion were
especially effective in their simple decora-
tons OF blossoms IN the vases ana banks
Of greens IN the deep window recesses.
The guests embraced the members Of
both Houses % Congress and their fsni-
lies and guests. and many others in Off
ciaI life. with scores Of schoolgirls from
different States
Mrs. RoOzeveIt's Gown
Mrs. Roosevelt wore a modish gown Of
heavy white satin trimmed richly with lace
and made on simple lines. as are all her
gowns. She wore her hair simply dressed
and IN the natural style OF everyday Ife-
Mrs Fairbanks wore a charming gown
OF pale blue messaline. with trimmings of
rich lace. with diamond ornaments and a
soft scarf OF white-spangled chiffon about
her shoulders. Mrs Bacon wore white
satin and diamonds Mrs. Wright wore
white satin. Mrs. Bonaparte was in
medium blue 0rOcaded satin. with trim
raings Of point lace and diamond oTna-
ments. and the famous embroidered scarf
belonging to the American wife OF Ma
poleon's brother Jerome
Mrs. Meyer wore distinctive gown OF
black lace and tUll. with effective en-
broidery OF silver over the front OF the
bodice Mrs NeEberry wore an exquisite
gown Of lavender tulle embroidered over
white satin. Mrs Garfield was in pink
messaline. and Mrs Straus. at the end OF
the line. wore heavy black satin made
in directolre fashion and handsomely
trimmed with lace and diamonds and
pearls
There were two great disappointmenJs
10 the large thrOng OF people. The first
was the failure Of Mrs. Longworth- elder
daughter Of the President TO appear in
the East Room. and the absence Of Miss
Wilson. daughter OF the Secretary Of
Agriculture. Miss Ethel Roosevelt. de-
butante daughter Of the President and
Mrs Roosevelt. was a most attractive
figure about the Blue Room and the
Green Room. where she held little courts
OF her own She wore an extremely
pretty gown Of embroidered net over
white satin. with girlish short sleeves
and round neck A wide blue chiffon veI
vet girdle. and some handsome lace about
the bodice. with a bunch Of white hya-
cinths IN her girdie- The slight train Of
the gown made Miss Roosevelt look more
grown-up than she has ever looked be-
fore.
A frequent companion Of Miss Roosevelt
was Miss Martha Bacon. daughter Of the
Secretary Of State, and Mrs. Robert
Bacon. also a debutante Of this season
She wore gown OF white satin in sheath
style. with trimmings and tasseis OF
crystal beads and a single large pink
rose al her corsage. Miss Julia Meyer,
daughter Of the Postmaster General,
wore a blue net over white satin.
with large white feather boa about her
shoulders. Mrs. Cowies, sister of the
President. wore golden yellow satin with
trimmings OF gold embroidery, some hand
some diamonds. and a yellow rose in her
hair. Mrs Douglas Robinson. of New
York. another sister OF the President,
who. with Mr.. Robinson. is a guest OF
Rear Admiral and Mrs. Cowles. wore
white brocaded satin with a superb bertha
OF duchesse point and short sleeves Of
the Same. and Diamonds.
One OF the most gorgeous gowns seen
al the White House this season was that