Evening star., 1938-12-16


seniority in the corps, to await the
the evening. For weeks much ha!
might occur at this reception last
moments for diplomats from nation
without even the slightest facial dis.
play of displeasure. And the scene
was all the more interesting as tn.
state parlors became more crowded
and diplomats from estranged coun.
tries were forced almost to rut
shoulders as they made their way
through the reception rooms.
One of Smallest State
Receptions in Several Years.
The function was one of the small.
est state receptions given at the
White House for several years, with
slightly more than 1000 guests at
tending. This was due in a measure
to the absence from the country OF
illnesses of members of the corps as
well as to the recent revision and
cutting down of the official guest
list.
The women of the diplomatic
circle are among the dressed
women IN the Capital and for the
function last night they donned
their most beautiful gowns, acces-
sories and costly jewels. Every
type of evening gown decreed by
Dame Fashion to lead the style
throughout this winter was in evi-
dence last night. The graceful
straight-line models with beguil-
ing trains We'd with the popular
hoopskirt styles, and quite notice.
able was the absence of hair orna-
ments. There were some who added
the only touch of color to a smart
white or black dress by a gay
colored flower in their hair or car
ried out the color scheme of their
dress with corsage of flowers.
The lovely gowns worn were all
the more enhanced by the many
colorful dress uniforms worn by
the diplomats and as the long line
representative of all corners of the
globe passed through the state
suite, the scene was one of mag
nif1cence.
Because of mourning by several of
the European countries for the late
Queen Maud of Norway members
of the stats of these particular
countries wore black arm bands on
their colorful dress uniforms while
the wives of these diplomats were
In black evening dress. Lady Lind
say was in black, with her huge and
handsome diamond ornaments and
several decora tions relieving the all
black effect of her attire.
Rivaling in color were the uni
forms Of the British, Danish and
French diplomats, all brilliant red
and sparkling with gold braid. while
the more somber, yet all the more
striking court dress of the Hungar-
ian Minister was commented on on
all sides. Minister Pelenyis uniform
was all black, the short jacket
braided in black and the cape thrown
over one shoulder, edged with black
fur. The Minister wore black knee
breeches with hugh black leather
boots, and on his kept, which he
carried under his arm, there was
snow white aigrette.
Imposing Setting
Enhanced by Flowers.
No more fitting a setting could
be found for such a function as
that of last night than the imposing
state suite at the mansion. Last
night a profusion of flowers added
to the lavishness of the picture.
There were poinsettias in the long
red corridor, white chrysanthemums
and red carnations in the east
room, and green parlor boasted
pink carnations, the red parlor red
carnations, and rich red roses were
used on the long buffet table in
the state dining room In the blue
room, where the hosts received
before a screen of palms and ferns
sprayed with yellow snapdragons,
there were white flowers on the
mantel and before the great window
there were palms and ferns dotted
with yellow snapdragons.
The smooth running of the large
state affairs is ever one over which
to marvel. The lines are handled
with somewhat of a military preci-
sion and last night the 1,050 guests
were received within so minutes.
Much of the credit for the efficient
arrangements and the carrying out
of the traditional ceremonies which
mark all state parties is due to the
Chief Of Protocol Mr.. George T.
summerlin, and Mr.. Harold Spurks,
ceremonial officer, who are assisted
In carrying out the plans carefully
made before hand by Mr.. Howell
Grim, chief usher, and his assist