New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-02
PRESIDENT SHAKES
NEARLY 5000 HANDS
Mr.. Taft's Last New Years Re-
Ception in the White House
Draws a Great ThrOng.
INDIAN CHIEFS A FEATURE
Diplomats, Judges, Army and
Navy officers and Citizens
Extend Greetings-Beau-
tiful Costumes Worn.
From The Tribune Bureau.

Washington. Jan. 1.-President Taft
shook hands with nearly eight thousand
norsons at his New Years reception in
tho White House to-day. While there
we're fewer officials than usual, there were
DISTINGUISHED citizens by hundreds who
had waited long in the street before the
State. War and Navy department build
ing that they might extend their greet
ines. The reception was larger than that
~ last year and one of the largest ever
held in the White House
President Taft and his Cabinet went
down the state stairway for their last
New Years reception. the four red coated
buelers Of the Marine Band announcing
them with the fanfare, and after quickly
receiving the list of invited guests in the
Blue Room they received the greeting OF
Ambassador Jusserand, now dean of the
Diplomatic corps, who extended the felici-
,atons Of the President Of France. After
him came the go members of the corps,
the men wearing their splendid uniforms
and decorations and the women their
beautiful gowns and furs.
Mrs. Taft wore a long trained gown Of
black charmeu2e with soft draperies, the
entire upper portion Of the bodice beins
composed Of folds Of white lace under
black thread lace.
Postmaster General Hitchcock, the only
bachelor Of the Cabinet, walked with
Mrs. Hilles, wife Of the Presidents secre-
tary. while Secretary Wilson awaited the
party in the Blue Room.
More Time to Citizens.
The time for receiving officials was
shortened by a half hour that more time
might be given to the reception of citi-
yens Mrs. Taft remained with the
President and women OF the Cabinet far
beyond the usual time. 1t was almost
o'clock before she retired TO the state
dining room. where. according to an Old
custom, breakfast was served for those
invited to the Blue Room.
With all the display of New Year
reception there were several interesting
features which robbed it of its monotony.
one Of the happenings was the arrival OF
two tall Indian chiefs of the Klickitat
tribe of Oregon-Skookemwarahee ana
Koochema-who. arrayed In fun native
costume. called to extend their congra'u-
lations to the Great Father" and car
,ied between them a bag filled with gifts
for him.
The head usher met them in the East
Room after they greeted the President
and prevailed on them to wait for the
presentation until tomorrow. when emeV
will visit the President in his office For
time they occupied seats on the Roman
reception OF their own.
I'm the Blue Room were Mr.. and Mrs.
Henry W. Taft. brother and sister-in-law
of the President; Mr.. and Mrs. William
Collins Heron. brother and sister-in-law
Of Mrs. Taft: Miss Taft and Robert Taft.
with PARTIES of friends; the Misses Never
and their house guests. and the house
guests of other members of the Cabinet
and Supreme Court; Mrs. Hugh Wallace,
Mrs Nathaniel Francis. Mrs. =. Garrison
McClintock. Mrs. Charles Rae and others.
Carlos. the great white Italian poodle
az Miss Taft. attended the reception and
WAS greatly admired. making friends
with every one.
Mrs. Knox. who in the absence of the
wife OF a Vice-President stood next to
Mrs. Taft. wore gown of blue velvet
embroidered i'm silver. with cream white
lace almost entirely forming the bodice.
Mrs. MacVeagh wore a gown of smoke
brown satin, embroidered heavily in sill
ver. with falls Of rare old cream white
lace on the bodice.
Mrs. Wickersham's gown was of black
charmeuse. with an overdress OF black
net, heavily embroidered, and finished
with narrow band of dark fur. Bands
OF fur and lace on the bodice were re-
lieved with gold embroidery and touches
of blue.
Mrs. Meyer wore a gown of white satin
With an overdrapery of black chiffon and
a graceful arrangement OF white lace on
the bodice.
Mrs. Fishers gown was of purple MORE
with velvet Of the same hue. and almost
the entire bodice formed of cream white
lace.
Mrs. Stmsons gown was a model or
long graceful lines carried out in gray
brocade and gray chiffon. with point lace
forming much Of the upper part.
Other Charming Costumes.
Mrs Nagel wore a gown of gold colored
MORE silk with bands of brown fur on
skirt and bodice. cream lace forming a
relief for the upper part of the bodice
and sleeves.
Nine. Jusserand. wife of the French
Ambassador, wore a gown of amethyst
satin. with velvet hat of the same hue
trimmed with long plumes, and an ermine
stole anu muff.
Sonora de Calvo. wife Of the Minister
OF Costa Rica, wore taupe charmeuse.
with hat OF the same shade trimmed
With blue. Her daughter Senorita Marta
Va'vo, wore black chiffon gown trmDed
with touches Of blue Her hat was of
pack trimmed with blue.
Sehora de Calderon, wife of the Min
N'ef e Bolivia wore a gown of black
ss'in with touches OF fur. Her hat was OF
'ack ard white velvet trimmed with fur
Nme. Chang. wife Of the Chinese Minis
"r and their daughters. the Misses Chang,
APPEARED in picturesque native costumes.
sonora de Riano. wife of the Spanish
"ihisier wore black and white chiffon
"'or black satin, with trimmings of white
'aee. Her hat was of black and white
'ehet trimmed with black fur.
Nine. Bryn, wife OF the Minister from
norway, wore a gown of black char
"euse, with cream lace on the bodice,
ana q black velvet hat. trimmed with
black feathers
Ars. Catrillo wife OF the Minister from
nicaragua, wore black velvet. with white
es.I Al. L.. f,t,-