The Washington herald., 1910-12-25

time 70 attend the New Years Day re-
ception at the White House
The French Ambassador and Nine. JUS
serand VIII entertain the members Of the
Embassy staff at dinner this evening.
The streets on Friday presented a
pretty spectacle, as there was probably
more picturesque and interesting lot
Of shoppers on the downtown streets
than could be found IN any other city
in this country. In addition 10 the Presi-
dent and Mrs. Taft who made the rounds
Of the shops in the most cosmopolitan way
there was the Chinese Minister and Nine
Chang and their picturesque daughters
and daughter-in-law and the latter's sis
tiers, the Misses Tong. They were much
interested in the sights Of the busy shop
ping districts, and in their turn made
purchases right and left
The young sons of the Minister from
/ Belgium and Countess de Buisseret were
also in the throng. They knew just what
they wanted, and did not stop until they
found it, II was not a figure of Santa
Claus, but the figure of a bishop. who. in
the earliest years in the European coun-
tries, was supposed TO have originated
St Nicholas Day. The little people look
up 10 this bishop as American children
do 10 Santa Claus. and the de Buisseret
children felt they could not have their
tree lighted without the figure OF the
good bishop who was the children
friend in Belgium, Austria, Hungary and
some other sections Of the Continent t.
set off the top of the tree. They went
far before they found just the figure they
wanted, but they finally succeeded.
This is "a dancing Christmas in Wash
ingtOn. There are dances for the very
young girls and boys. for the buds of
this season and their friends, for the buds
OF "A few seasons back and their little
.coterie, and then for the married people
.of the dancing contingent Miss Taft. the
most conspicuous bud Of this season, be-
gan her dancing in washington this year
with Mrs Henderson's cotnlion on We'd
nesday evening in her honor at the Hen
dersOn home. Boundary Castle" one of
the best known residences Of Washington
for 10, these many years. Mrs. Hender-
sons was an old fashioned couuion, be
ginning at 2 o'clock. instead of at mid
night The figures, too. were original and
~A-A'teA's anu ilUA GINutuluS 10 the dictates
or fashion Of this twentieth century. The
Viscount and ViscOuntess day were 10
have led, but because Of the recent tragic
death in France Of the formers brother
in-laW and sister. they are observing a
period of mourning The viscount is one
Of the best dancers and skaters in society.
and Is in demand at such functions
for the very young unmarried people, as
well as for the older ones.
Tomorrow evening Miss Taft will he the
guest of honor at a masquerade dance given
by Col. and Mrs. Archibald Oracle. for
merly Of New York, now winter residents
or this city. This is the first masked ball
this season. and. in fact the only one
thus far announced. Tuesday evening
Miss Taft viii be the guest of honor at a
dance given by Mrs. William Haywood
and her daughter, Miss Doris Haywood. a
bud OF few weeks ago. and previous to
the dance Miss Taft Will be entertained at
a dinner by Mr.. and Mrs. James Marion
Johnston and their daughter Miss Sophy
Johnston. q bud of last season, and one
of Miss Taft's closest friends.
Next Friday evening Mrs Taft will give
small dance at the White House for her
daughter and the house party of young
friends Of Miss Taft and her brother Rob
ert There viii be a company OF about 800
at this dance. which will be very lovely in
the great East Room, where the inlaid
floor is perfect for the purpose. This great
apartment has not had its carpet down
for two seasons now, as il has been in
demand for dancing after many Of the
functions, both public and private. given
by the President and Mrs. Taft. The
New Years Eve dance viii be given at
the Chevy Chase Club by the Sixty Cou-
pies, who have given New Years and
Easter dance for many seasons past.
IL has been many years since the
married people, both young and other
wise, have been so conspicuous among
the dancers as they are this year A
mania for dancing seems TO have attacked
Washington along with the hobble skirt.
There is an element OF opposition to
the hobble skirt in the smartest circles.
and some Of the most prominent young
people seorn it. One Of last seasons
buds. Miss Sophy Johnston, who Is also
one Of The most attractive girls. has
appeared at several dances in a costume
OF exquisite silk, so far as texture. color.
and pattern are concerned, and has been
almost conspicuous in her short. grace
full, gathered skirt, without any trim
ming and gathered into the belt of a
modish bodice One gown Of this sort
was OF pale pink pompadour silk, and
gave her the most charming Dresden