Evening star., 1935-12-18

the diplomatic reception at
the White House is the most
II brilliant and interesting OF all
was perpetuated last evening when the
President and Mrs. Roosevelt greeted
representatives from 54 nations. Not
often does oue see as many costly and
sparkling Jewels as worn by the beau
tifully gowned women from all sec
tions of the globe, to the first state
reception Of this season. Adding
pomp and color to the Kaleidoscope
picture of splendor and interest were
the dress uniforms lavishly braided in
gold or silver, worn by many Of the
diplomats. Glistening decorations
we're much in evidence last night and
while in recent years, with the talllng
of kingdoms, there are few diplomats
who wear court costume, the colorful
uniforms of the military and naval
attaches of some of the foreign repub-
lies lent additional color to the scene.
The imposing state suite OF the
presidents house gave fitting set
ting for the handsomely dressed men
and women, with a profuslon OF
flowers from the White House con-
servatory used throughout the formal
rooms, blazing in lights from the ex-
ouisite crystal chandeliers,
The 1900 or more guests included
IN addition to the diplomats, officials,
members of the Senate Foreign Rela-
tions Committee, the House Commit
tee on Foreign Affairs and many from
residential circles of the Capital.
Dean of Diplomatic Corps and
LADY Lindsay Received First.
The dean of the corps, Sir Ronald
Lindsay, his Britannia majesty's Am
bassador, with Lady Lindsay, were
the first to be received, the former
In the elaborate court costume Of
dark blue. the coat almost entirely
covered with gold braid. Lady Lind
saw, with the wives of members OF
the embassy staff, was in black in
observance of the court mourning de-
creed for the late Princess Victoria,
sister of King George. The Minister
of the Union of South Africa and the
charge d'affaires Of Canada, with the
members of the legations staffs, also
attended the reception, the ladies ac-
companying them wearing black.
Lady Lindsay was in her place as
doyenne of the corps for the first
time. Sir Ronald being elevated to
the position of dean of the corps after
Mr.. Ahmet Muhtar, then Ambassador
Of Turkey, left this post in April,
1884. Lady Lindsay was unable to
attend the reception to the diplomatic
corps a year ago because Of her own
Ill health.
While court mourning is often
waived in the case of state func-
ton. Belgium, in mourning for the
late Queen Astrid, was not represent
ed at the function.
ARRANGEMENTS were much the same
as at former state receptions, the
changes, so slight as scarcely to be
noticed, yet adding materially to the
comfort of the large company. The
green room being too small for the
entire diplomatic corps, a portion of
the east room was reserved for them,
that Ambassadors and Ministers, with
the members Of their stats might
meet in proper order. After they
were received, those from the unoffl-
cial circles formed several lines the
length of the east room, thus relieving
the usual crush of so large a COM
pany. The ushers, under the direc-
ton Of Mr.. Raymond Muir, passed
the word to inveterate smokers that
there would be no smoking on the
first floor of the White House. The
fire hazard from lighted cigarettes
and cigars in so large a company is