The Yale expositor., 1909-12-24

Cial obligations rather than business Il
Moreover, the responsibilities Of this busy
rest equally heavy upon the ENJOYS OF the
GUS foreign powers-that is, the ambassa
and ministers-and upon the secretaries, c
sellers and attaches who make up the of
STATS of these dignitaries. Even the wo
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 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-
tant public official, but the social mer-
~
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
uh b0i full
forms for this occasion.
Indeed, 1t is the chore of getting
logged out in their gaudiest raiment
that compels the diplomats to arise T
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 on this signi.
ficant occasion. Now be 1t known, 1t
is no slight undertaking to put on
such garb. The average diplomat, ac-
customed as he Is to fastidious dress
ing, finds 1t pretty nearly as formid-
able a job as the average American work
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 othe
lnaments that they are well nigh stiff enoue
tstand alone 1t is a twentieth century col
iarmor, so to speak. In many instances
boots are an item of the court dress and Il
fIy a heavy helmet or fur turban and a
fcloak that reaches to the feet are include
the costume Finally, the diplomat, of
kstanding. covers the entire front of his
with the glittering insignia of royal orders
keweled decorations-each several times
barge az the ordinary badge and adding II
aggregate, considerable weight to the trap
tof state.
; with the time-consuming prelude of Dire:
out Of the way, the diplomats. more gorgeC
CARRIED than any operate chorus, are read
tbe first formal function of the day Tn
the presidents reception at the White HI
-rhe foreigners, all of whom have carriage
automobiles (rented for this busy day, II
40 not already possess them). must leave
Cor the presidential mansion about
,o,c,ock. for they are to have the honor o
src the first persons received by the pres
after ne has greeted his cabinet, and they
~ an their duly assigned places In the wa
Inc ere the presidential party at IL o.
.barn descends the grand stairway and
,-tation in the Blue parlor for the receT
Iard and fast rules must be observed
a. order in which the diplomats file pas
Incident There are two divisions. FRS
aubassadors. each accompanied by all
members of bis staff and their wives, and
the ministers. each similarly attended. I
An each division are assigned In accord
WITH the length of time each envoy has
sented his government at Washington Tn
statesmen who have been here for years
orecedepce over the newcomers.
AT the head of the line walks the amh
dor who by virtue Of the most lengthy Sc
in washington is the dean Of the diplo1
norns This post of prestige is now bel
Baron Mayor des Planches OF Italy. Tbs
eigners are introduced to the president D.
secretary OF state VINO mas .ne o.ss :. ~.
An the limelight.
After the white House reception the