Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1914-02-03
RECEPTION IN RICHMOND.
One of the Most Brilliant Affairs
/ Ever Witnessed in State Capitol.

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historic grandeur were worn by the
ladies who graced the reception given
ar the executive mansion last night
Inv Governor and Mrs. H. C. Stuart.
Quaint and gorgeous jewels that are
nrecious heirlooms were mingled
with the smartest present day impor-
;atjons. Not since the days of the
old aristocracy had social Richmond
witnessed such an impressive scene.
Until the hour Of midnight the
oraat blue room in which stood the
Receiving party was thronged by
haantiful women in handsome toilets.
This was purely democratic func-
! ton. however, and the man or woman
whose apparel contrasted sharply be-
, cause of its simplicity with the
French models was greeted with the
same cordiality rs ne or she VINO
needed fashions latest dictate.
Never before in its history was the
capacity of the governors mansion
so taxed. The entire lower floor
,yare soon crowded, and patient cal
lers were content to take their place
If the end of the line that extended
to the gateway. While the conses-
ton caused slight Inconvenience, the
members of the governors staff ana
others who were helping greet the
/ p,ests handled the great throng IN
such a way as to preclude the acci-
dents that so frequently occur IN
such brushes.
, Mrs. Stuart, ever vivacious was
particularly attractive on this occa-
sion, and by her cordially made each
ore of the thousands whom she
erected feel repaid for their patience.
Miss Stuart though she has never
formally taken part in society," play
ed the part of hostess with grace
and ease beyond her years.
The historic executive mansion,
which has stood for more than loo
wears. is exceptionally well arranged
for entertaining, and probably never
before was it more tastefully decora-
tod With the entire lower floor
thrown open to guests Mrs. Stuart
and her party stood in the large re-
ception hall at the right OF the en-
trance This room was banked with
American beauties and palms. Be-
vond il stretched the ballroom en-
powered with pink roses, while about
=. wHite columns wired smi!aA and
bronze-tinted olive leaves.
Scarcely more beautiful scene
could be pictured than that lent oyI
the whole effect--the Handsomely
powned women; the floral decora-
lions. and the gilded Louis XIV turn !
iture amidst which were arranged
unique cabinets and oriental vases
| and pottery.
The beautiful reception demonstra-
ted equally as clearly that as the
"frst lady of Virginia" Mrs. Stuart
is going to take the Old Domino"
back to the past when its capital was
the center Of social gayety that re-
sembled courtly splendor
Already she has arranged a pro,
gram of functions which Is calcula'e"
to make the executive mansion 81
cial center. Tomorrow afternoon
she will receive in compliment to inc
,;s;tore from the southwestern sec
tion Of the State. On February 2ooh
she will hold large reception anu
dance The hours for the older IONS
will be from 9 to II, at which tune
the debutantes will be given preeeI
ence and permission to tango III
certain Of the new dances Mrs. o'u-
art sees grace and beauty ana nav
ing daughter who enjoys Vne'"' s',e
proposes to give the young pe0p.e
MANY opportunities to indulge IN
such pleasure. o,d
Nrs Stuart. who is a lovely and
fascinating woman, wore an import
cd cow, of white brocaded VeI'e''
med With rose pink chiffon ana maze
with a long court train. Inc over
dress of crystal and silver net was
finished in the back with butterfly
arranpement of silver and lace al"
odgad at the bottom with white 1o$
fur. The bodice was formed Of SOFT
est white tulle and silver embroidery
and she wore diamond pin to hasten
the white aigret in her couture het
bououet was an exquisite aha'r %
oar,ie, as, and her ornaments were
old family pearls that nave Deei'
worn by many generations OF oeau''-
ful Carter women.
l.,,rr1,+ar nf the l1ON-