The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1909-12-24
| I
|ESl'l)

,cial obligations rather than business
Moreover, the responsibilities of this bus.
rest equally heavy upon the ENJOYS OF the
GUS foreign powers-that is, the ambass
and ministers-and upon the secretaries,
sellers and attaches who make up the
stats of these dignitaries. Even the W
of the official foreign colony-the
wives and daughters of the diplomats
of high and low degree-share in the
feverish activity of the dawning year.
Indeed, their participation begins
weeks in advance with frequent visits
to the dressmakers. for, one and all,
these fair foreigners must have stri-
king new gowns for the momentous
occasion.
The explanation of this display Of
energy on the part of class of people
who ordinarily lead the most leisurely
existence imaginable is found In the
fact that New Years day of each year
marks the opening of the official social
season at Washington 1t is a day OF
receiving and calling and dining (all
in the most formal way), for every
body in national official circles from
the president down to the least impor-
ry-go-'round. spins at a more lively
gait for the diplomats than for any of
the other participants in Uncle Sans
great annual dress parade. Not
only do they have to go more differ.
ent places In carrying out the days
program, but they have to do more
dressing than any of the other celebri.
ties, not even excepting the high off.
GERS of the United States army and
navy, who don their full dress uni
forms for this occasion.
Indeed, 1t is the chore of getting
logged out in their gaudiest raiment
that compels the diplomats to arise
somewhat earlier than usual on New
Year morning. Official etiquette pre-
scribes that each foreign representa-.
tive shall appear in full diplomatic
uniform or court dress 1 this signi.
ficant occasion. Now be 1t known. II
is no slight undertaking to put on
such garb. The average diplomat, &C.
customed as he is to fastidious dress
ing, finds It pretty nearly as formid.
able job as the average American worl
or farmer regards the donning of a dress
The diplomats viewpoint will be the bette
preciated when 1t is explained that not a
of these costly broadcloth uniforms are
heavily encrusted with gold lace and otht
naments that they are well nigh stiff enou
stand alone. It is a twentieth century co
armor, so to speak. In many instances
boots are an item OF the court dress and I
ly heavy helmet or fur turban and a
cloak that reaches to the feet are includ,
the costume. Finally, the diplomat, of
standing. covers the entire front of his
with the glittering insignia of royal orders
1eweled decorations-each several times
large as the ordinary badge and adding ii
aggregate, considerable weight to the trap
of state.
With the time-consuming prelude of DIRE
out OF the way, the diplomats, more gorge'
CARRIED than any operate chorus, are read
the first formal function of the day. Tn
the presidents reception at the White H
The foreigners, all of whom have carriag
automobiles (rented for this busy day, If
do not already possess them). must leave
for the presidential mansion about
O'Clock, for they are to have the honor o
ing the first persons received by the pres
after ne has greeted his cabinet, and they
he in their duly assigned places in the wa
line ere the presidential party at IL Of
harp. descends the grand stairway and I
station in the Blue parlor for the receT
Hard and fast rules must be observed 6
the order in which the diplomats file pas
president. There are two divisions. FRS
ambassadors. each accompanied by all
members of his stan and their wives. and
the ministers. each similarly attended.
in each division are assigned in accord
with the length of time each envoy has T
scented his government at Washington. Tn
statesmen who have been here for years
precedence over the newcomers.
At the head Of the line walks the amb
dor who by virtue of the most lengthy sc
in Washington is the dean of the diploI
corps. This post OF prestige is now bel
Baron Mayor des Planches OF Italy. The
eigners are introduced TO the president b.
secretary Of state. who has the best of his
met colleagues in that he is thus temper
IN the limelight
After the White House reception the