Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1909-01-01
TOday's Telegraphic News
The Presidents Reception.

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"Hsppy New Year."
Many distinguished people, including
what is recognized as the "Four Hun
died." in these parts-ihe diplomatic
crps-wers among the specially invitsd
guts,s, IS we're also these fortunate
enough to move in the select social and
| official circles of the host and hostess.
The town people we're there in over
whelming numbers.
All We'd TO make the occasion men,
orable one, from the distinguished rep.
resentaiiyes Of crowned heads, in vari-
colored uniforms heavy with gold braid,
to the quietly clad "plain people"
Those who didn't 90 in carriages and
automobiles held back until after the
foreign notsbles had departed and only
few of them saw Mistress Roosevelt
and her intimates who had been standing
by her 10 the receiving line, or 10 the
much sought after position of ''behind
the line.'
The president stood throughout the
ordeal of over three hours, aud shook
hands with each and every guest regard
less of race, color, or previous condition
OF ser7itude. The fxings added much
to the success ofthe event-music by the
Marine Band, floral decorations aud
palms of tropical luxuriance.
On the stroke of ii o'clock, four
buglers from the baud stepped from their
scarlet-coated fellows stationed in the
main entrance hall and sounded the call,
1.-THE President" as they reached the
foot of the staircase leading TO the family
apartments on the second floor.
10 q moment Mr.. Roosevelt and bis
wife started the descent of the staircase,
to the strains of "The Star Spsngled
Banner" and made their way to the
south side Of the Bue Room, followed
by the vice-president and Mrs. Fair
banks and the members OF the Cabinet.
The ladies' took their position at the
right and formed part Of the receiving
line for more than an hour.
The presentation of foreign smbssss-
doris and ministers was real swell. They
entered by the south entrance.
Count JohsDa Heinrich Won Bsrust0rff,
the personal representative of the Ger
man emperor, Was accompanied by the
countess, an American who has not seen
tie land OF her nativity before for
twenty-five years. Having arrived but
recently, the count came a! the foot Of
the line oil ambassadors, just before the
Haitian minister, instead of ranking
fourth, as did his predecessor, and fol-
lowing the richly gowned ambassadorial
party of Prince Tang Shao vi aud his
distinguished suite. The full dress OF
the princes party was of gorgeousness
that bad never before been seen in this
town, and it paled almost into significance
the dress of DR.. WI, the resppointed
Chinese minister, who appeared for the
first time in several years.
When the courtly Dss Plsnches, of
Italy, at the head of the line of diplo.
mats reached the blue room, President
Roosevelt gave him hand clasp of un-
usual warmth snd halted the procession
long enough to express deep sympathy
for his stricken countrymtn. In this,
the president was joined by Mrs. Roose-
welt, who was attired in a magnificent
gown of black satin.
Following the glittering diplomatic
procession came the chiefjustice and the
associate justices of the Supreme Court,
other members of the judiciary, former
members OF the cabinet aud United
States ambassadors and ministers. The
senators and representatives came next,
although the holiday season had left but
few in the city.
Immediately after came the officers of
the army and navy aud other military or
CARNATIONS all wearing the regulation
special full dress.
At 1915 the procession Of well-wish-
ers took on a more sOmbre color. 1t was
made up Of the civilian officers and or.
CARNATIONS.
Then came the simple life. The long
line of "plain people" that bad been
waiting out of doors for two hours, from
the head resting on the front pOrtico IN
sight and hearing of the gaiety, to the
rear many squares away, moved forward
a! l p. m, when the big door was
thrown open. The gay uniforms aud
fine gowns were absent but the flowers
and plants aud music were there.
The great band which bad been dis
coursiDg classical airs burst forth in a
blare Of "Sse, The OOngueriug Hero
Comes" as the column fairly lesped in
side. Slowly at first but faster moved
the thrOng, and more joyous became the
band, skipping from one lively air to an
other.
1t was a cosmopolitan gathering, from
FIRST to last, and not less 30 after the dis
appearance of the royal trappings, the
frock coats aud the handsome gowns, for
in the peoples column" we're old age
and youth white aud black.
Through it stood Mr. Roosevelt hsv.
ing CHEEKY salutation for all. pat On
the shoulder for an acquaintance here
and there in the line snd with nobody
missing a hearty gra'p of his hand, no
indication OF tremoi-Of weakness 10 the
energy behind it.
Thus came to close the last New
Years reception of q seven years ad-
Weather conditions were ideal. The
sun was shining brightly and the tenn
perature was consid srsbIy above the nor.
NAL for New Years day. Thers was
added interest in this years function on
account Of the presence of Miss Ethel
Roosevelt among the ladies "behind the
line," she having formally entered &C.
oiety last week al a coming out" ball.
in the East room. She was becomingly |
gowned 10 gray chiffon.
Contrary TO the usual custom Mrs.