The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-01-02
NEW YEARS DAY At
THE WHITE HOUSE
Brilliant Reception Marks This
Memorable Occasion
A LARGE NUMBER PRESENT
Slight Shadow of Sadness Is Cast Over
the Assemblage BY the Calamity In
ltaIy--NearIy All Diplo-
mats Are Present.
A LARGE NUMBER PRESENT

Washington, January 1.-Seldom has
there been a gathering at the White
House so fraught with elements of in
terest as that which assembled today to
extend to President Roosevelt wishes for
happy new year. 1t was the last OPP
portunity of the public to visit the present
chief executive. and it was distinguished
by the attendance of diplomatic repre-
sentatives of nearly all the nations of
the world of officials from every branch
of government and of citizens in every
walk of life. shadow of sadness was
cast over the company by the recent ter
rible calamity which has befallen the Ital-
ian people, whose ambassador was pres
ent as the dean of the diplomatic corps,
and by the absence of the representative
of the Emperor of China, who is wear
ing a badge of mourning for the late
Emperor and Dowager Empress of his
country
To Mr.. Roosevelt the occasion was MEM
orable. In the exchanges of salutations
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 A. next, there
were abundant subjects for conversation
concerning the uncertainties of the new
year. Several hours before the formal re-
ception began, citizens, men and women,
IN
assemble in front of the beautiful portico
of the historic white mansion.
First Greetings.
The first greetings of the day were ex-
tended to the President and Mrs Roose-
welt by the Vice President, members of
the cabinet and their ladies. without the
least show of formality These felcta-
tons were exchanged in the private
rooms on the second floor of the man
sion.
While the presidential party was gath
ering above, there was another assem-
blage in the state dining room on the
first floor. There. in the prescribed attire
of their respective countries were the
diplomatic representatives attributed to
this country. The conspicuous figure of
this company was Baron Edmondo Mayor
Des Planches, the Italian ambassador
The greetings extended to him were char
acterized by manifestations of sorrow
over the dire calamity under which his
country has recently suffered, rather than
the usual salutations attending the first
day of the year. When at the head OF
the line of diplomats he passed into the
blue room, President Roosevelt shook his
hand and assured him of the the sincere
sympathy of the American people for his
stricken countrymen Mrs. Roosevelt also
expressed her sympathy. The mourning
which also kept Special Ambassador Tong
away prevened WI Ting Fang. the
Chinese minister, from attending the re-
ception
In the Blue Room.
The descent of the presidential party
from the private rooms to the blue
room was one of the most picturesque
features of the day. As the President
and Mrs Roosevelt started down the
staircase followed by others of the re-
ceiving party, a fare of trumpets re-
sounded throughout the mansion. The ma
rine band, in brilliant scarlet uniform,
was stationed in the stately hall. The
strains of Hail the Chief" greeted the
President as he reached the main floor
and turned to enter the blue room. The
reception was marked by informality. The
announcement of the callers was made
to the President by Col Charles S.
Bromwell, United States army, and to
Mrs Roosevelt by Capt A. w. Butte,
military aide to the President.
Chief Justice Fuller and the associate
~ nf fhn
United Safes led the entire judiciary pres
ent, after which came senators and rep
resentaives in Congress.
Brig. Gen j. Franklin Bell chief of
staff led the army, which was very fully
represented. The navy also was well
represented
After the public reception the President
led the way to the dining room, where
refreshments were served.
Mrs Roosevelt left the line before the
public was admitted to the White House.
Miss Ethel mingled with the crowd
throughout the morning. but she, too,
disappeared with some of her young
friends early in the day.
Mrs. Fairbanks and ladies of the cab
met circle assisted Mrs. Roosevelt. A
large number of ladies' were invited to
the blue room, including wives of many
officials.
Attendance Is Large.
The general public was admitted to the
White House this afternoon and with the
marine band playing rag time the Pres
ident began his handshaking, greeting
his callers at the rate OF nearly 30 a
minute
Owing to the ideal weather conditions
remarkably large Scattered among them
remarkably large. Scattered among them
were few dozen negroes. The Presi-
dent enthusiastically greeted the public
and not a single New Year wish was
extended him that was not returned.
He especially welcomed a group of
Quakeresses who appeared in their tidy
caps and gowns. Mrs. Roosevelt took an
unusual interest in the public feature Of
the reception, remaining at the side OF
the President longer than at any previ-
Gus reception.
The reception closed when President
Roosevelt shook hands with Chief Usher
Thomas Stone. The number ATTENDING
the reception was announced by the au.
tomato counter to have been 6053 which
IL about 700 more than last year.
BROWN MARX-ANNEX