Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-06-20
Delightful Evening Reception
On White House Lawn.
Affair Just as Informal as The
President Gould Make II.
Pres. Taft VIII Open Law 0iiIss In
Cincinnati on Retiring.

Washington. June 19.--The eelebra-
tion of the silver wedding anniver-
sary of President and Mrs. Taft came
TO an end tonight with reception
on the White House lawn Invitations
had been sent to close $4,000 persons
and while the official count of those
who shook hands with the President
was not given out, 1t is estimated
that at least 1000 persons We're there.
Never in the history of the nation.
probably has such function been
held in Washington. The diplomatic
corps the United States supreme
court. the Senate and the House of
Representatives, the departments of
the government. the men who are
high in political affairs of the coun-
try, the army. nayy-every walk In
life almost-was represented.
The cool. clear night which made
reception in the open air possible.
prevented the crush which the White
House for days had been afraid of
and made the reception not only bril-
liant and unusual. but delightful in
every respect. The guests would
have filled the White House to over
flowing. but the White House grounds
are ample and there was no crush
and no confusion.
Probably 1900 persons crowded against
the iron fence that surrounds the
grounds.
The cards said that the reception would
begin and O'Clock and promptly on the
hour. TO the strains of wedding march.
the President and Mrs. Taft came slowly
down the staircase of the White House,
preceded by the six Presidential aides
and followed by the cabinet.
Out through the Red room to the rear
portico of the mansion. down the broad
steps and out onto the lawn, the process.
sion marched, while hundreds of guests
already in the grounds watched their pro-
gress. They took their stand beneath
two trees just about the center of the
lawn, where branches were Joined by an
electric sign flashing "1se6-19i1''
The guests entered from the east
front. passed through the corridors
beneath the White House and out TO
the lawn. Down the winding walk
they passed in two lines to where
the President, his face wreathed in
smiles. was awaiting to meet them
all. Above the walks the electricians
had touched the trees with magic
and they blazed in red. white and
blue bulbs. From the top of the
treasury monster search light play
ed on a new American fog on the
summit of the mansion. Over the
rear portico another flag OF electric
light shimmered and waved.
Down near tho fountain the Ma
rine Band in scarlet coats played
with vigor and In the White House
itself the Army Engineer Band Wed
with them.
The reception was just as informal
as the President could make it, Those
who could waited in line for hours
to shake his hand. but many slipped
out of the line and sought the shad-
ed walks. The presents, which num-
bered hundreds and cost thousands.
attracted many to the White House.
Preparation had been made for 5000
guests and the refreshment' tables in tbs
state dining room came as near to groari-
ing as a table can come. The President.
the members of his cabinet, and the aides
were served on the east terrace. bit the
guests found their refreshments in tbs
state dining room.
Mrs. Taft surprised those who were ia
miliar with the improvement in health
that she has shown by remaining by the
Presidents side In tn receiving line all
the evening. She wore gown OF white
satin. brocaded with silver flowers with. .
court train. Miss Helen Taft. who was
near at hand. wore gown OF pink satin
with tunic OF pink chiffon.
Despite the unusual crowd. every de-
tail worked out smoothly. More than 100
uniformed policemen We're on guard
around the fence and within the grounds
were the usual plain clothes men and Sc
cret Service guards. Nine o'clock had
been set for the reception to begin but
no time had been fixed for the end Of the
festivities. 1t was, therefore. after mid
| night when the Engineer Band struck up
"Home Sweet Home the last dancers
Continued on Page Twelve.)