Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Many New Diplomats.

ton, new TO their place in line. and the
absence of other well known figures, gave
an unfamiliar look to the part that the
foreigners took in the pageant at the
White House today.
Ten embassies and twenty-eight lega-
tons were represented in the diplomatic
procession. The only ambassador new To
the group was the japanese. Baron
chida who was. however, not stranger
to the scene, since he was attached 10 the
Japanese legation here years ago.
Nicaragua was for the first time In
many years not represented at the re-
ception. following the severinS Of dlplo-
matte relations some time ago.
Neither was Persia represented. the tall
ngure of the last minister. Gen. Mortezd,
being among the missing.
The Belgian. Cugan. Swiss. haitian.
Greek. Spanish. Venezuelan. Dominican
and Chinese ministers were all new
figures in the mornings pageant. as were
many of the secretaries and attaches OF
legation accompanying them.
Past and Present Represented.
In the men and women who passed be-
fore the President the past touched
shoulders with the present. There were
ex-grandees who had their place in line
on whom this New Year custom has the
strongest hold, and there were scores of
oil hers to whom official distinctions and
honors have just come, and to whom the
Seamy side of their responsibilities has
not Vet been disclosed. Heroes of many
wars uniformed officers who have as vet
seen none. young men with the spring of
youth and energy in every step. and Old
men who have seen the Washington OF
war times replaced by the capital of
Alexander Shepherd mOlGing. and again
heautified by the sumptuous homes of
milionaireS on its broad avenues. and
the green slopes and flower gardens of
the river drives and parks. Men watched
the scene who have heard about ii and
read a bout it since first their minds turned
10 the capital of their country. Some
looked on with the wonderment which
marked their full content. while others
considered il rather tame in this age of
mighty things in the air and below the
earth, when all they thought they saw
large and smiling individual saying
pleasant things in pleasant way 10
some who had hand in his election. or
10 scores of others who did not care
which way the wind blew that day or
since or to long line of diplomats.
smiling grave. but always suave and
complimentary. as they exchanged cour-
teous phrases rejecting the international
amenities-for which they stand
Led Receiving Party.
The President and Mrs. Taft led the re-
ceiving party down stairs 10 the blue
room few minutes past IL by the tall
clock in the corridor. They were preceded
lv the military attaches, walking in cou-
pies a bugle call announced their de-
scent. according TO the old custom, and
The Star SpanSled Banner" rang out
through the house for the first number
On the musical program OF the day. The
Marine Band had its accustomed place
in the corridor. and allowed itself breath
ing spells of only minute or two be-
tween each selection
The President and his wife went at
once to- their station in the blue room
behind the cord barrier.
The Vice President and Mrs. Sherman
followed them Mrs. Sherman taking her
place next to Mrs. Taft when the recep-
ton began. Secretary and Mrs. Mac
cabinet were in the procession, Postmas-
ter General Hitchcock escorting Mrs. Dick
inson in the absence of her husband. who
is cruising in southern waters, and Secre-
tary Wilson escorting the daughter of the
President. Miss Helen Taft. who was
prettily gowned in geranium pink chiffon.
Ladies Carried Bouquets.
Mrs. Taft. Mrs Sherman and the others
in line carried large bouquets, though the
floral burden did not keep them from
shaking hands with old friends.
Mrs. Taft, whose long illness has
oh: 3ged her figure to the slenderness of
ing appearance and had one of the hap
piest faces in the blue room. Her dress
was extremely dainty and becoming. 1t
was of soft white liberty satin, made on
new lines with considerable fullness in
the overskirt. which was plated about
the waist and draped- on the sides. 1t
had tunic of gold beaded net and gold
lace outlined the vest which the net
formed In front of the bodice A string
of diamonds and o,her diamond orna-
ments were finishing touches about her
high lace collar. Her hair was smooth
ly dressed. something In the new tur-
ban style and only a diamond comb in
the way II ornament show Il IN 1t at the
back.
She carried lovely cluster IF lilies Of
the valley.
Mrs. Taft was able to enjoy the first
half hour of the reception. She stayed
downstairs till ha!f-past IL. and before
she left the blue room made a complete
circuit OF 1t and shook hands with the
company assembled there. Then, escorted
by one of the military attaches, bowling
and smiling 10 every one in her path
went upstairs. Miss Taft, TO wnom the
scene was extremely interesting. remained
IN the blue room till the end of the formal
part of the reception.
After Mrs. Taft left Mrs. Sherman stood
next the President. the cabinet ladies re-
manning also TO continue their part In the
pageant.
The Blue Room Party.
In the blue room there were two or
three dozen personal friends OF the Presi-
dent and Mrs. Taft and there was no of
fetal list made up of their names A list
was not necessary. however, for the com
pany consisted largely OF we'll known per
sons. daughters an dguests from cabinet
houses. wives and daughters of Supreme
court justices, etc. and the Young people
staying In the White House Miss Parsons
and Miss Rocker of New York Every
body was prettily dressed, light colors
prevailing. all ready for the events OF the
afternoon In which they were to partici-
pate also There was some indecision as
10 whether hats were to be worn by those
expected in the blue room, so a few wore
them. though the majority did not These
guests and. in fact. all others came and
went as they pleased from room to room.
A Very Small Guest.
! Very small lady. the baby grand
daughter OF Secretary Dickinson whose
home is now with her grandparents re-
c-ived as much attention a. a roval prin-
cess from the President and the rest q,
those IN the line She was lovely enoueh
70 lain II without considera ton or her
Junction with official life at nresent
She was with her nurse and ner his
''r eyes looked wonder.ngly out of a
fur bonnet Wreathed in pink roses All
the rest of her wee person was covered
with white fur.
There was change in the decoration
~ The rooms noticeable from recent years