Evening star., 1932-02-05
-HE cotton fields of the sunny
South, the approaching depar-
ture of one of Wash1ngton'S

most popular figures and the
reminiSCenCe of a little lady in
the golden years of her life walked
hand-in hand in giving untold interest
and enthusiasm to the brilliant recep-
ton last evening by the President and
Mrs. Hoover.
It was a tribute to the product Of the
picturesque fields of the Southland that
the First Lady wore gown made OF
cotton material and a charming in
Cident was the unfolding of a story by
Mrs. Emerson LiScum Of her flrSt
reception when Mr.. Lincoln was host,
when she wore gown made and de-
signed similar to the one worn by the
hostess last night.
With the First Lady of the Land
leading the cotton parade there Is no
doubt that fabrics made Of cotton Will
be worn not only for evening attire, but
for the Smartly gOWned woman Tor al
most every occasion. This Is perhaps
one of the most outstanding lnnoVa-
tions the present mistress Of the White
House has made, and it is indeed
worthy one for ii will in a measure
help to bring back prosperity to the
section of the country which for many
wears depended on its field OF snowy
white" Cotton has long been forced
to bow to other materials, but 1t mas
now been predicted that it will vie with
other fabrics for first place with the
women of the United States.
Mrs. HooverS gown last night was a
modern production Of the famous dlml-
tv with the sprays Of flowers over II
printed in china blue. The design was
taken from an old picture OF Mrs.
Hooyer's mother in a style worn in the
late 7O's. The bodice was close Se-f1tting,
and the skirt was made with tiny rut-
f7es and fell into a train scalloped IN
design. Mrs Hoover wore her SlIVery
hair in a coil low on her neck. ana,
carving out the detail Of the period,
fat bow of black velvet was caught in
the coil and about her throat she wore
narrow black velvet band Stuooeo
in jet.
The jovial Secretary of the Treasury
Mr.. Andrew w. Mellon, now AmoaSSaoor-
designate to Great Britain, held con-
tinuous reception throughout the eve
nIng. Regrets and congratulations min
gled in the conversation about Mr.. Mel
lon. for Washington has long considered
him their own" and it was perhaps the
last state reception the Secretary, who
has served under three President in this
office. will be in the stately march OF
the presidential party from the Presl-
dents suite to the state rooms OF the
mansion.
The reception last night was one OF
the largest given this Winter, and In
addition to the honor guests OF the eve
ming. the officials Of the six Federal de-
partments, Treasury, Post once, In
terror. Agriculture. Commerce and
Labor. there was a large contingent
from the Army and Navy circles as well
ag residential society.
Cabinet Line Imposing.
Many guests were waiting in the
state dining room, the blue room and
the east room, when the fanfare of
trumpets gave the signal Of the ap-
proach of the hosts and their othclaI
family, in the CeremOniOuS march down
the state stairway to the blue room, al
ways an impressive scene. President
and Mrs. Hoover were followed by the
Vice President, Mr.. Curtis, who had
beside him the retiring Secretary OF the
Treasury, Mr. Mellon who has been
appointed Ambassador to London. Then
followed Secretary of State and Mrs
StimSCn, Secretary Of War and MIS-
Hurley. Attorney General and Mrs
Mitchell Mrs Brown, wife of Post
master General escorted by Lieut.. Col.
James UliO. White House aide; then
Secretary of the Navy and Mrs Adams,
Secretary of the Interior and Mrs.
Wilbur. Secretary of Agriculture and
Mrs. HYDE. Secretary of Commerce and
Mrs. Lamont and Secretary Of Labor
and Mrs. Doak At the close Of the
reception. several minutes before 10
o'clock. the line was the same with
the exception of Secretary Lamont and
Secretary and Mrs. Doak, who MADE
their way to the floor above by means
of the elevator.
The administrative assistant to the
President, Mr.. George Aubrey Hastings,
and Mrs Hastings were accompanied
by Miss Virginia Rand.
L was some minutes past O'Clock
when the hosts took their place in the
blue room and received Assistant Secre-
tarv of the Treasury and Mrs. Bal
lantine and their daughter, Mrs. John
Cross. until her recent marriage Miss
Barbara Ballantine. The UnderSecre-
tarv of the Treasury, Mr.. Ogden l..
Mills. who has been appointed to sue
reed his chief as Secretary, was absent,
aDd Mrs. Mills is in New York Tor a
short visit.
The State reception rooms were gay
with flowers, carnations and roses IN
Various hueS filling the great vases Wlth
ruantities of palms and ferns. In the
hong. red corridor red carnations with
"a very few white ones were In the vases
where graceful pussy willows gave q
hint Of Spring. The east room had REQ
carnations on the mantels, the green
room pale pink roses and few snap
dragons the blue room lVOry-coIor
roses. the red room red carnations and
IN the state dining room deep-plnk