Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-02
BABEL OF TONGUES GREETS NEW YEAR
British Election Much Mixed All Washington Celebrates
Affair. Advent of 1910.
HARD TO GUESS RESULTS White HOUSE RECEPTION
But Signs Point Government Vic President Shakes Hands
tory by Close Margin. Visitors
MUCH FUN WITH LORDS MRS TAFT STANDS ORDEAL
Eectionee Prove Anus Brilliant Throng
- IF Not Convincing, sion-cabinet and IA
Electors cias Keep Open House.
White HOUSE RECEPTION
President Shakes Hands With 5.575
Visitors.
MRS. TAFT STANDS ORDEAL
Brilliant Assemblage Throngs Man
sion-Cabinet and Other on
cials Keep Open House.

The opening OF the year 1910 was cele-
brated In lively fashion in the National
Capital yesterday. and the festivities con-
tinued from the instant when the bells
and cannons rang out the old and
banged In the new" until the late hours
last night. Watch meetings in churches
and watch parties In clubs and private
homes observed the closing hours OF the
old year. and the rejoicing was general
when the new year was born.
The great event OF the day was the
first New Year reception held by Presi-
dent and Mrs. Taft at the White House.
Mrs. Taft Stands Ordeal.
Although Mrs. Taft has not vet re-
gained her full strength and looked rather
pale in gown of white silk, she car
ried out her original intention Of remain
ing In the receiving line until all OF the
members Of the cabinet circle, the foreign
ambassadors. ministers and members of
their households and the justices OF the
Supreme Court had paid their respects.
At the end OF twenty minutes Mrs. Taft
retired. The Vice President and all OF
the members OF the cabiret, with the
exception OF Secretary OF State Knox and
Secretary Of War Dickinson, remained I'm
the receiving party until the last of the
general public had passed
Shakes 5,575 Hands.
the reception began promptly at IL
and ended at 1:55 o'clock, when the
White House doors were closed. In the
two hours and flfty-five minutes that he
held his position at the portal Of the
famed blue room President Taft shook
hands with exactly 5.575 people. This
number fell considerably short of the
figures during the last years OF the
Roosevelt administration The day over
head was well-nigh ideal The line OF
citizens began to form at 1890 O'Clock,
although they were not scheduled to enter
the White House grounds until 1 o'clock
President Taft began and ended the re-
ception with smile. For his personal
friends among the diplomats. the gov
ernment officials and members Of the
-aFmy and navy cont;ngents Mr.. Taft had
hearty words OF greeting. Occasionally a
citizen had word to say to the Presi-
dent and the latter listened attentfvely
until his aid hurried the visitor along to
make room for the crowds In the rear.
Felt No Fatigue.
The President stood the ordeal splen-
didly. The average time Of passing was
forty people to the minute. Although
he gave each a strong clasp. the Presi-
dent declared he felt no fatigue. The
standing in one position so long, how
ever. made him declare that he felt al
most as though he would have to learn to
walk all over again.
Although the usual precautions were
taken the reception passed of without in
cident. A tourist or two were relieved
temporarily OF their cameras at the en-
trance to the blue room.
The diplomatic display this year rivaled
any in the past. Practically every MEM
ber of the corps was in the city. Each
ambassador and minister was attended
by brilliantly uniformed staff OF aids
and secretaries. The new Chinese min
lister and his staff. in heavily embroidered
robes and hats attracted attention
The Marine Band played during the re-
ception. The band was divided into two
sections. and when an air was finished
by one section q new tune was begun
by the other section.
The Oldest Inhabitants Association
the G. A. R. and many other social and
patriotic organizations OF the city at
tended the reception.
Immediately after the Presidents re-
ception there began a round of New Year
calling in the cabinet. diplomatic and
army and navy circles. which lasted
throughout the remainder of the after
noon.