New-York tribune., 1909-05-15
MRS. TAFT GIVES PARTY
Washington Society Largely Repre-
Sented on White House La1Cn.
tFrom The Tribune Bureau


Washington. May 14-The President and Mrs
Tart received about three hundred invited guests
on the south lawn of the White House this after
noon. proDitious weather. assisting Mrs. Taft in
carrying out her plan TO give series of lawn
parties in May. The first glimpse of the great
natural garden as the guest entered alluring.
and Mrs Taft chose receive little 10 the west
side OF the grounds while the Marine Band. in
scarlet uniforms. occupied place to the east and
In what was formerly part Of Mrs. Roosevelt's
Colonial flower garden. With shrubbery and for
est trees as background. Mrs. Taft's costume OF
rose pink chiffon satin made charming bit of
color. 1t in Empire style with broad bands of
a soft green and pink effect over the shoulders
and about the top OF the skirt. A square of hand
some lace relieved the bodice She wore hat OF
fine white horsehair braid with a wreath OF big
tea roses surrounding the large crown
The President, who stood her. and to whom
she presented her guests wore his usual afternoon
costume-a frock coat and white waistcoat, instead
OF the short coat worn at the reception last week
He has recovered from the accident to his eye
and was hearty in his hospitality that every
one was Immediately at Just back of Mrs
Taft stood her sister, Mrs. Moore. OF Cincinnati
who wore white mousseline princess gown with
French embroidery and lace. and white straw hat
with white roses Judge HerrOn Mrs Tafts
father. who is her guest at the White House. oc-
cupied chair the lawn to the west Of the re-
ceiving party. and met number Of his old friends
long tea table laid under the trees on the
west side and the old fashioned bouquets of Grim
son roses WnlCn decorated II made anOtHeF
bit Of color. From this table the White House ser
wants served punch. ices. sandwiches and confec-
tions.
After receiving all the visitors the President
strolled among the groups. stopping first with the
French Ambassador for a word then with the
British Ambassador and the Japanese Ambassador
He chatted with Lieutenant General Corbin. Post
master General Hitchcock and others, while Mrs
Taft strolled through some of the pleasant paths
with CaptSin Archibald Butt and few friends.
80 ,rfa
the beautiful and gayly colored toilets Of the
women. while the officers in their white uniforms
added TO the picturesqueness OF the scene
Among the guests the Italian Ambassador
and Baroness Mayor des P1anches the latter wear
ing a severely tailored suit OF white cloth and a
large black hat; the French Ambassador in a
gray frock suit. and Nine. Jusserand in little
Paris gown of black and white silk, with white
hat. trimmed with soft folds Of lace and crimson
roses; the British Ambassador and Mrs. Bryce, the
latter wearing gown Of white embroidered null
with lace Insertions and white hat with pink roses
The japanese Ambassador had with him Baroness
Takahira- in a gown OF pastel blue. with lace
trimmings and a black hat. Nine. WI furnished
of the charming effects of the afternoon as
she and the Chinese Minister stood side Of
the avn and held little reception OF their own.
The minister flowing robes OF dark blue silk
richly embroidered while Nine. WI wore light
blue and brilliant jewels in her hair.
Others present were the Belgian Minister and
Minister, the Mexican Charge d'Anaires- the
French Counsellor and Nine. Lefevre-POntalis,
Count and Countess de Chambrun. the Portuguese
Minister, Justice and Mrs. Holmes, Justice and
the Misses Harlan. Senator and Mrs Elkins. Sen
ator and Mrs. Depew, Senator and Mrs Root
Representative and Mrs Herbert Parsons, Judge
Hagner, Miss Hagner Mrs. Phoebe Hearst. Mrs L.
u. Letter Mr.. and Mrs Jack Biddle, Brigadler
General and Mrs Clarence r. Edwards Mrs Hope
Slater and a number OF army and navy people as
well as many members Of the House
Mrs Sherman wife OF the Vice-President, wore
gown Of dark blue and white striped silk. with
three-luarter coat. and a white hat with long
plumes; Baroness MonCheur. a gown Of white en-
broidered mousseline; Mrs. Elkins costume OF
white Irish lace and embroidery and a large white
hat with pale lemon coored plumes; Mrs DepeW'
white embroidered batste and lace. with pale
blue empire sash and large white hat with PINK
roses; Mrs. PhCRbe Hearst. a gown OF soft french
gray with a tOque Of purple and lavender shades
and a large brooch Of amethysts: Mrs Root black
crepe de chine and black hat, Mrs Clarence X
Edwards white lace and black hat; Mrs l. H.
Letter black lace with long lace wrap ana
black hat, and Mrs. Hope Slater. princess gown
of royal purple velvet with embossed pattern