The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-12-05


on Jan. I. Before that, in President
Cleveland's administration, the recep-
ton was called off on New Years
morning because of the death of the
daughter of the secretary of state,
Thomas F. Bayard.
Thousands of Hands to Shake.
The New Years reception was par
ticipated in by the entire diplomatic
corps, supreme court, both houses Of
congress, all the high officials of the
national government and all army.
navy and marine officers in or near
Washington. 1t also was the occasion
on which thousands of American citi-
zens from the private walks of life
stood in line for hours for the chance
of entering the White House and shak-
ing hands with the president
There are many indications that the
reception will not be revived during
the present administration. For many
years officials at the White House have
protested mildly against the traditional
W hlNh lilCJ lCiJ INV Wv Su SCl-
tain discomfort to the president and
his family, besides considerable respon-
sibility for the secret service men
controlling the enormous crowds.
Many presidents have suffered great
pain as a result of having their hands
wrung so often in one day. President
Roosevelt is said to have shaken the
hands nf q 000 nnnn1n Vnor,c
day, and even his powerful physique
felt the strain. Other presidents have
had to have their arms wrapped in
bandages and rubbed with ointment for
several days following the public re-
ception.
These are not the only reasons, how
ever, that are thought to influence
President Wilson in abandoning the re-
ception. Just before he took Office he
let it be known that he was opposed
to the inaugural ball. Then a recep-
tion was suggested, and he opposed
that. 1t was said at the time that If
the. managers of the Inauguration in
sisted on a ball he would attend, but
the members of his family would not
accompany him. 1t is believed that
the decision regarding the New Years
reception is a logical sequel of his at
titude toward the ball.
The secretary of state and Mrs. Bry-
an will give the annual breakfast to
the diplomatic corps regardless of the
change of plan at the White House.
This attention from the secretary Of
state to the diplomats has come to be
only little less important than the
White House reception.
Feels Need of Rest.
According to the announcement made
from the White House, President Will
son feels the need of a complete rest,
which he can take more conveniently
at Christmas than at any other time.
He is contemplating a short out of
town trip and does not wish to be
obliged to return to Washington before
the reassembling of congress early in
the new year. The authoritative an
nouncement on the subject is as fol-
lows:
"The usual New Year reception OF
the president will not be held Jan. L,
1914. The departure from custom on
this occasion is due to the fact that
the president will not be in Washing
ton at that time. Owing to the long
session of congress, the president has
had no vacation since his Inaugural
tion. AS the approaching session Of
congress will be the long session, the
only opportunity for the president to
secure a rest will be during the usual
holiday recess of congress"
1t is possible that President and Mrs.
Wilson may pass New Years day in
the canal zone, as the secretary OF war
has urged the president to make Pana-
ma the objective point of his vacation
trip. The president and Mrs. Wilson
are, however, reported as not being
anxious to make the Panama trip at
this time, because they expect TO at
tend the formal celebration in 1919