Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-31

/ had laid on with an unsparing hand and
| which. assimilating with the pearl pow'
der. dust and perspiration. made them
altogether unlovely to soul and to eye.
| Her majesty's appearance was truly
! regal, dressed i'll robe OF pink satlh
trimmed deliberately with ermine. and
| white velvet and satin turban with NOD
ding ostrich plumes and crescent IN
| front Gold chains and clasps were
around her waist and wrists.
| Tis here the woman that adorns the
dress. and not the dress that beauties
| the woman
rich and loved by the poor. You are
aware she snuffs. but i'm her hands the
snuff box seems only a gracious instru-
ment with which to charm.
| Her feeling of cordially to all guests
is in contrast to- the manner of the Presi-
dent. who is very formal. reserved and
precise, yet not wanting in certain dis
tinction. Being little in stature, he
fused with the plebeian crowd. and was
pushed and jostled about like a common
| citizen.
But not SO with her ladyship. The
towering feathers and excessive throng
distinctly pointed out her situation wher-
| ever she moved.
After partaking of some ice cream
and glass of madeira. shaking hands
with the President and rendering our
good wishes. We departed.
War Ends Receptions.
The destruction of the White House by
the British put an end to the large re-
ceptions during Mr.. Madisons terms.
| Mr. Monroe was accompanied to the
White House by his family. During his
two terms the New Year receptions were
kept up and hospitality extended to all
| callers. these functions being brilliant In
| the surroundings Of newly restored
White House.
John Quincy Adams came in 1925. Mrs.
| Adams presided over the White House.
| New Year day 1t was the custom to re-
| ceive pc, sons Of all classes. who walked
up and presented themselves. then stalked
through the apartments, while walters
were passing around refreshments. A
visitor says:
"At one Of these levees Mr.. Adams was
pushed about for more than two hours.
He stood in the center of the center room
and most pathetically shook hands the
whole time.
I'm the ladies' corner it was all chat.
fiutter and graceful bowling. In the hall
| a band was planted to keep the nerves
of the company in the proper degree Of
| agitation.
THE court diplOmatique appeared. each
In his own national costume. At the
Presidents there was talking. squealing,
promenading. bowling, drinking coffee and
slipping liquors.
Upon Gen. Jacksons entry was brought
here large contingent from the south.
his receptions We're exceedingly demo-
cratic and immensely crowded. Foreign
ministers. consuls and charges, and the
army and navy officers in full uniform
attended by ladies in the height of fashion
made brilliant scene. The President
was attended by Webster and Van Buren,.
1t was said that one of the receptions
of Van Buren, was the finest that ever
took place in Washington. The people
were introduced to him by the marshal
of the District; the visitors after paying
their respects partook of refreshments
and attempted to promenade in the east
room. Mr.. Clay and other prominent
men of the day were called on by many
At subsequent reception there stood
behind him the young Mr.. and Mrs. Van
Buren,. Recently welded they received
much attention. After this the serving of
refreshments ceased.
As Seen by Mrs. Tyler.
Mr.. Harrison's term cut short by his
death in 1871. the next reception was
that of John Tyler. January 1, 1912 Mrs
Robert Tyler writes:
1.-THE LIST of January, 1912, is passed,
never to return, and am nearly to going
off with it. I never felt so tired in ali
my life as 1 am this evening, standing
up for two hours and shaking hands with
don't know how many thousands Of
people.
Such big fists as some of the people
had, and such hard shakes as they gave
my poor little hand, too. One great
nearly countryman gave me clutch
But l couldn't help laughing when
| Fletcher Webster whispered to me. When
taken to be well shaken
| AT half-past IL we ladies took our STA
ton at the end of the blue ROOM while
father stood in the center we being the
lesser lights to receive the foreign min
listers and the cabinet, who made their
appearance half an hour before the crowd
Inc hrst half hour was very pleasant
one. and passed rapidly away =
AT II O'Clock the crowd rushed in.
men. women and children, a very orderly
crowd. though, and nicely dressed. After
the hrst rush of the sovereign people
came the ladies and their respective es-
cOrtS.'
In 1S43 there was a large attendance.
1t Is said to have numbered about
| seven thousand. The arrangements
were an improvement.
the President. Nearly all of the celeb
| rites of the day were present.
During this administration Mr. Tyler
was instrumental in having an auxil-
sequently it was mostly relied on to
| regulate the crowds at the receptions.
At the same time was inaugurated the
custom of the Marine Band giving con-
1913 Doti at TIC Wultc t1OuSc ana
Capitol.
Mr.. Folks first reception. January /,
1916 was well attended. 1t was eclipsed
by that of the year after. although at
that time there was dearth of military
and naval officers here.
"Maj. Brooches" at Levee.
1t goes without saying that in such
crowds there were episodes which ex-
cited comment and experienceS which
bOrdered on the ludicrous. 1t was at one
of President Folks levees that one of
Washington's merchant tailors became
known as Mai. Brooches.
1t so happened that when lie reached
| the President the latter did not catch his
name. and asked 1t. The tailor replied:
II made your breeches.'
Glad to see you. major said the Pres-
dent. What regiment and where from?''
You do not understand. ] am not of
the army. l made your breeches." vo-
ciferated the caller.
But in fhe confusion the President con-
tinued to fail to understand. Not until
the caller, with some vehenience cried
out: My name is -, and l am the
tailor who made your breeches:" did he
| recognize the knight of the goose and
scissors.
The joke was soon known, the name of
Maj. Brooches attached, and it stuck for
| many years.
Gen. Zachary Taylor had one New
Year reception, that OF january l.
1850. This was attended by many who