The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-01
A Vein of Sorrow Runs Through
New Year Greetings
AT the White House Owing to
Italy's Misfortune.
FOR THE LAST TIME
President Roosevelt Is Recip-
lent of Good Wishes
On the Part of the Governments
of the World.

Washington, Jan. 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 a happy New Year. It was
the last opportunity of the public to
meet their present chief executive and
1t was distinguished by the attendance
of diplomatic representatives of nearly
all the nations of the world, of officials
from every branch of the government
and of citizens in every walk of life.
A shadow of sadness was cast over
the company by the recent terrible
calamity which has fallen upon the
italian people whose ambassador was
present as the dean of the diplomatic
corps and by the absence of the repre-
sentative of the emperor of China, who
is wearing a badge of mourning for the
late emperor and dOwager empress of
his country.
To Mr.. Roosevelt the occasion was
>haS participated since his elevation to
tt e presidency. In the exchanges of
sslutstions there were many refer
eLces tt the events of his career during
the coming year, when he will face
the langSrs of the African wilderness.
As many of those present have come
into Office during his administration
and with him will retire to private life
dant subjects for conversation con-
cerning the uncertainties of the New
Year
Several hours before the formal
reception began at IL O'Clock citizens,
men and women. representing every
social class began to assemble in front
of the beautiful portico of the his
torfc white mansion, waiting an op-
portunity to enter and to be presented
to the president.
The first greetings of the day were
extended to the president and Mrs.
Roosevelt by the vice president.
ladies, without the least show of for
mality These fluctuations were ex-
changed in the private rooms on the
second floor of the mansion.
V iIiIe the presidential party vas
gathering above there was another
sssemblage in the state dining room
on the first floor. There. in the pre-
Scribed attire of their respective
ourts were the diplomatic repre-
ntativeS accredited to this country.
he central figure in this company
IS Baron Edmondo Mayor Des
nchez the Italian ambassador.
he greetings extended to him were
aracterized by manifestations of sor-
over the dire calamity under which
his conntrymen have so recently suf-
fered rather than the usual salutation
attending the first day of the year.
When at the head of the line of di-
President Roosevelt shook his hand and
assured him of the sincere sympathy
of the American people for his stricken
countrymen. Mrs. Roosevelt also ex-
pressed her sympathy. The mourning
which also kept Special Ambassador
Tonk away, prevented Wu Ting Fang,
the Chinese minister from attending the
reception.
The descent of the presidential party
6 ON the private rooms to the blue
= m was one of the most picturesque
turt of the day. /
AS the president and Mrs. Roosevelt |
started down the staircase, followed by
others of the receiving party, a blare
OF trumpets resounded throughout the |
mar sion. The Marine band, in brilliant |
scarlet uniforms was stationed in the |
stately hall. The strains of Hail to |
the Chief greeted the president as he |
reached the main floor and turned tp |
enter the blue room, The reception was |
marked by informa1ity. The announce |
nent of the callers was made to the |
president hy Col. Charles S. Bromwell, |
U & A. and to Mrs. Roosevelt by
CapsstH ). w. Butt military aide to
the s-resi-t mt.
WI = tn. reception of those accorded
suecl-- 1laces in the line was in progress,
many callers. stretching from the portals
Of the White House. through the grounds
and out along Pennsylvania avenue, wait
I'd patiently.
AS the rear of this procession entered
The White House the policemen who had
Struggled for hours to keep the stream
Of humanity in the line were almost COM
Dletely exhausted. the president had q
friendly word of greeting for each visitor,
and seemed to enjoy the time spent at his
arduous task After the public reception
he president led the way to the dining
-oon where refreshments were served. |
Nrs. Roosevelt had left the line before the |
public was admitted to the White House. |
So had most of the cabinet ladies and 9TH
srs who had been invited to step behind |
he line Miss Ethel had mingled with the |
.rowd throughout the morning but she, |
oo disappeared with some OF her young /
'riends early in the day