The Washington times., 1913-01-04
Tafts Are Hosts to Bril-
liant Array of Society
Folk.

or the many brilliant entertainments
held at the White House under the
present regime, the reception given by
the President and Mrs. Taft last night
in honor of the members of the Diplo-
matte Corps. stands out as incompar-
able. In point of number 1t was prob
ably no larger than in other years, but
the combining of the court dress of the
diplomats and their wonderful decora-
tions. and the more than usually large
display of jewels, with the remarkable
gathering Of distinguished and interest
Ing guests. marked it as such.
Mrs. John Jacob Astor, Mrs. Henry
Clews, and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt
came from New York for the occasion
and the interest in them was only d.
vided with that taken in Lady Aoer-
deem, of Ireland, and Miss Violet AS
quith. Of England. who also were among
the guests. The newly appointed Con-
Rressman from New York and Mrs
Peter Goelet Gerry, the latter formerly
Miss Nathilde Townsend, also came In
for large share of attention.
Decorations Wonderful.
Quantities of palms. ferns. and roses,
carnations, and orchids adorned the
White House for the occasion. AmeTi-
can Beauty roses in tall silver jars were
used In the Red Room, where the honor
guests assembled; orchids. pink bios
SONS. and white roses In the Blue
Room. where the President and Mrs.
Taft received the guests. and In the
Green Parlor and East Room delicate
pink carnations formed the chief deco
ration.
The Marine Band was stationed in the
famous red corridor. lending touch
of brilliant color. A program of inspir-
ing music was given during the recep,
tion, and at IL O'Clock the band moved
into the East Room. where 1t played a
dance program until midnight, when
the majority of the guests departed
Miss Taft and Charlie TAFT asked
few young persons to remain for IN
formal dancing.
The reception began promptly at $3.50
o'clock. The buglers of the Marine
Band opened II, as usual, with their
herald of the coming of the President
As the President and Mrs. Taft started
down the marble stairway from the
second floor where the receiving party
gather, preceded by the White House
aides and followed by the Cabinet Of
ficers and their wives, the band played
the National Anthem.
Cabinet In Line.
The President and Mrs. Taft had in
line with them all of the wives OF the
Cabinet members, Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Mac
veagh, Mrs. Stimson. Mrs Wickersham,
Mrs. Fisher. and Mrs. Nagel.
Col. Spencer Cosby, U. 8. A, made
the introductions to the President, the
French Ambassador and Mime. Jesser-
and being the first to fireet him. Then
followed the other members Of the
corps. according to their rank
gun the state dining room was opened
and a buffet supper Of salads, ices, etc.,
was served throughout the evening.
Mrs. Taft In Black.
Mrs. Taft's gown was OF black lace
and charmeuse.
Mrs. Knox, wife of the Secretary OF
State, who stood beside Mrs. Taft wore
a gown Of pale green satin with an
overdress Of green net embroidered and
trimmed with silver lace.
Mrs. MacVeagh, wife of the Secre-
tary of the Treasury, wore a gown Of
yellow and white chiffon made with
long square train of yellow velvet en-
bossed in flowers in the natural shades
The bodice was adorned with rare
point lace and was richly embroidered
in pearls She wore pearls
Mrs Stimson, wife of the Secretary
of War who was next in the receiving
party wore a handsome silver and white
brocade gown.
ney General, wore a beautiful gown OF
silver and gold brocade, the bodice OF
which was trimmed with handsome
cream lace embroidered In rhinestones.
The gown was made with full court
train of brocade fastened with rhine
stone ornaments.
Gown OF Mrs. Meyer.
Mrs. Meyer. wife of the Secretary of
the Navy wore stunning gown Of
black chiffon and embossed velvet over
white lace foundation. She wore a
diamond tiara, necklace and corsage
ornament.
Mrs Nasel, wife Of the Secretary Of
Commerce and Labor wore pink brocade
and rhinestones.
Miss Helen Taft wore pale green char
meuse with green tulle drapery.
Mime. Jusserand, wife of the French
ambassador, mauve satin brocaded in
gold
Mrs. Bryce. wife Of the British am
bassador, white brocade and lace.
Nine. Bakhmetef. wife of the Rus
sian ambassador, dull black crepe with
diamonds.
Miss Calvo, pale blue satin.
Nine; Calderon, wife of the minister
of Bolivia, pink satin with an over
drapery OF gold brocaded chiffon.
Miss Elena Calderon. white brocaded
WIN
Mime. Rieno, wife OF the Spanish min
lister, white satin draped in violet chif-
fon.
Mrs. Castrillo, wife of the minister
of Nicaragua, white satin.
Nine. de Pena, wife of the minister
of Uruguay, black and white chiffon
over satin.
Miss de Pena, Paquin model Of rose
colored satin with touches OF black
chiffon.
Miss Carlota de Pena, apricot bro
cade and lace.
Mrs. Havenith In Black.
Mrs. Havenith, wife Of the Belgian
minister, black chiffon.
Princess Traidos Prabandh, wife OF
the Siamese minister, pale blue char
meuse with tunIc of blue chiffon trim
med in rhinesstones and purple satin
girdle caught at the side with a large
pink rose inset with brilliants.
Nine. Pezet, wife OF the minister OF
Peru. silver blue silk with drapery OF
tulle embroidered in a design Of flowers