The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-01-02
.NEy{YEAR AT WHITE HOUSE stinguished Assem- s blaze on Occasion. GREETINGS TO ROOSEVELT Sumptuous Dinner Served in Elue Room. A Shadow of Sadness. Was Cast over the Company by Terrible Ca-
 iamIty Which Has Fallen
 Upon Italy.

Washington, Jan. 1.--Se1dom has there been d gathering at the White House SO fraught with elements of interest 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 the present Chief Executive, and 1t was distinguished by the at tendance of diplomatic representatives of nearly ali the nations of the world, of officials from every branch of Gov arnment and of citizens in every walk of lifo.
 A shadow of sadness was cast over the company by the terrible calamity which has fallen upon the Italian peo- pie. whose Ambassador was present as the dcan of the diplomatic corps, and by the absence of the representatives of the Emperor Of China. who is wear ing badge of mourning for the late Emperor and Dowager Empress of his country.
 To MT. Roosevelt, the occasion was memorable. In the exchanges of sa- lutations there were many references to the events of his career during the coming year, when he will face the dangers of the African wilderness. As many of those present have come into office during his administration and with him will retire to private life after March (. next. there were abund- ant subjects for conversation concern ing the uncertainties of the new year. Several hours before the formal recep- ton began. citizens, men and women, Representing every social class, began to assemble in front of the beautiful portico of the historic white mansion.
 The first greetings of the day were extended to the, President and Mrs. Roosevelt by. the e-President. mem |. ANv,a& nR ln without the least show of formality. These Fluctuations were exchanged in the private rooms on the second floor of the mansion. s
 While the presidential party was gathering above, there was another ae- semblage in the State dining room on the flrst floor. There tn tue pre- |scrfbed attire of their respective coun- tries. where the diplomatic represents tive accredited to this country. The conspicuous figure Of this company was Baron Mayor des Planches. the Italian Ambassador. The greetings extended to- him were characterized by manifestations, of sorrow over the dire calamity under which his country has recently suffered, rather than the usual salutatfons attending the first day of the year. When at the head of the line of diplomats, he passed into the blue room. President Roosevelt shook hands and assured him of the sincere sympathy of the American people for his stricken countrymen. Mrs. Roose- welt also expressed her sympathy. The mourning which also kept Special Am bassador Tong away, prevented Wu Ting Fang, the Chinese Minister, from attending the reception.
 The descent of the Presidential party from the private rooms to the blue rooms, was one of the most picturesque features of the day. As the President and Mrs. Roosevelt started down the stair cease, followed by others of the reception party, Q fare of trumpets resounded throughout the mansion. The marine band, in brilliant scarlet uniforms, were stationed in the state- fly hall. The strains of Hall to the Chief" greeted the President as he reached the main floor and turned to enter the blue room. The reception was marked by informality. The an- nouncement of the callers was made to the President by Col. Charles s. Brom- well. U. S. A.. and to Mrs. Roosevelt by Capt. A. w. Butte. military aide to the President.
 Chief Justice Fuller and the Asso- ciate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States led the entire Judiciary present, after which came Senators and Representatives in Con- gress.
 Gen. J. Franklin Bell, Chief of staff. led the army. which was very fully Represented. The navy also was well represented.
 After the public reception. the Presi- dent led the. way to the dining room, where refreshments were served.
 Mrs Roosevelt left the line before the public was admitted to the white house Miss Ethel mingled with the crowd throughout the morning, bur she, too, disappeared with some of her young friends early In the day.
 Mrs. Fairbanks and ladies of tho cabinet circle assisted Mrs Roosevelt. A large number of ladies were invited to the blue room, including wives of many officials. .F
 The general public was admitted to the White House this afternoon ard with the marine band playLig rag :llpe the President began his haIi- shskins, greeting his callers at the rate of nearly fifty a minute.
 owing to the ideal weath.r condi- tions the attenlahce If the gerei; public was remark li'iy large. Scat tered among them were few toDcn negroes The Proi;denc enthusiasm caily greeted tue public and not q single new year w;sl wss ext .nded to him that was not returned.
 He especially Welconed group or ouakeresses who appeared in their tidy caps and gowns. Mrs. Roosevelt, too, took an unusual interest In the public feature of the reception, remaining at the side of the President longer than at any previous reception.
 The reception closed when President Roosevelt shook hands with Chief fisher Thomas Stone. The, number at- tending the reception was announced bv the automatic counter to have been 6'Ob3. which Is about zoo more than last year,