The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-01-01
NEW YEARS AT THE
WHITE HOUSE

7====s5,-FON, D. c., Jan. l.
Neighbor Roosevelt, surrounded by
his family and a few invited
friends, kept open house today, and
there wasn't one of the thousands
who paid their respects and wished
the host Happy New Year" who
didn't say it was the most success
full at home given by the Roose-
velts since they moved into the
white house with their belongings
seven years come last September. !
Many distinguished folks, includ-
ing what is recognized as the -four
hundred" in these parts--the diplo-l
matte corps--were among the spe-i
cially invited guests, as were also
all those fortunate enough to move
in the select social and official
circles of the manly host and
charming hostess. The townspeO-
pie we're there in overwhelming
numbers.
All Wed to make the occasion a
memorable one, fro mthe distin-
guished representatives Of crowned
heads, In vari-colored uniforms
heavy with gold braid-and with
courtly bow and a near touch OF the
finger tips in greeting--to' the
quietly clad plain people," with
CHEEKY we'll wishes and hand clasp
like wise.
Those who didn't go in carriages
and automobiles held back until
after the foreign notables had de-
parted and only few of them saw
Mrs. Roosevelt and her intimates,
who had been standing by her in
the receiving line, or in the much,
sought after position of behind the
line" This was because Of the
custom which has grown up of the
good woman of the white house
serving light refreshments to the
ladies of the cabient, before they
leave for their respective homes to
receive New Year calls themselves.
The genial host, enured to great
physical strain. firmly stood his
ground throughout the trying or
deal of over three hours. and gen
erously pumphandled each and
every guest without fear or favor.
and regardless of race. color. pre-
vious condition Of servitude or sect.
The filings added much to the sue
cess of the event-music by the
Marine band, floral decorations and
palms of tropuical luxuriance.
On the stroke of II o'clock, four
buglers from the band stepped from
their scarlet coated fellows sta
toned in the main entrance hall
and sounded the call The Presi-
dent" as they reached the foot of
the staircase leading to the family
apartments on the second floor.
In moment Neighbor Roosevelt
and his wifeF SaSted the descent of
the staircase gHe strains of THE
Star Spanglk fNenner," and made
their way to the south side of the
blue ROOM. followed by the vice
president and Mrs Fairbanks and
the members of the cabinet, The
ladies took their position at the
right and formed part Of the re-
ceiving lipe for more than an hour.
The presentation of foreign am
bassadors and ministers was real
swell They entered by the, south
entrance, exclusively reserved for
them, and slowly made their way to
the host and hostess with their
wives and members of their suites.
Each diplomat was attired in the
court costume BEATING his rank.
The dean of the corps. the Italian
ambassador, Baron Edmondo Mayor
des Planches, led the line as he
has for several years, but there
were many changes in the repre-
sentation of the other governments
which followed.
Baron Won Sternburg, the presi-
dents close friend, removed by
death, was greatly missed. His
place was taken by Count John
Heinrich Won Bernstorff, as the per
sonal representative of the German
emperor, and who was accompan-
led by the countess. an American.
who has not seen the land of her
nativity before for 20 years. Hav-
Ing arrived but recently, the count
came at the foot of the lime OF am
bassadors, just before the Haitian
minister. instead of ranking fourth.
as did his predecessor and follow
ing the richly gowned ambassador
ial party OF Prince Tang Shao vi
aud hie diSfin puiShnd suite The full