Evening star., 1946-11-27

No Dimonf at Mansion
The state rooms were at their best
The exquisite crystal chandeliers
blazeo with light-there was no dim
out on this colorful international
scene. Flowers arranged artistically
about made charming setting for
the strikingly lovely gowns worn by
the women from many parts OF the
world.
Black gowns were popular with
many of the ladies-the hostess her
self chose one of velvet. 1t was de-
signed on severely simple lines with
q suggestion of train.
The handsome gold-mirrored plaque
with its matching candelabra. COM
potes and epergnes was used for the
first time since before the war.
These gorgeous table ornaments
were purchased by President Mon
roe when he visited France. There
was much unfavorable comment
then about the amount he paid for
them. Now they are undoubtedly
the most priced pieces in the White
House cupboards. They are always
used for state dinners and they call
forth much praise.
Last night the vases on the plaque
were filled with white pompons,
deep pink Ward carnations and
mauve pink chrysanthemums. The
four graceful candelabras held tall
white tapers and the compotes lus-
cious looking fruit and candies.
The china service selected by
President Franklin Delano Roose-
welt, bearing his coat of arms, was
used with the fiat silver that Mrs.
Harding had dipped in gold to
match the Monroe pieces.
American crystal and glass COB
lets were at each place along with
three wine glasses for the serving
of sherry, sauterne and champagne.
Feathery ferns and palms filled In
the center of the Tablet was U
in shape. And looking down from
the mantle was the oil painting OF
President Lincoln with ferns form
ing a frame about it and indirect
lighting bringing out the strong and
fine features of the great man.
After dessert was served the
ladies went to the red parlor for
coffee, while the gentlemen went
with the President to the green
parlor.
Later they all met in the blue
parlor to await the beginning OF the
short program of music. No addi-
tional guests were asked to join the
dinner guests for this, as has been
the custom in years gone by.
iOf course there is always much
pomp and splendor at all state
functions at the Mansion. But there
was something honey and pleasing
about the last minute preparations
being made when I went by to see
the table-a privilege society writ
ers have enjoyed for years. The
orchestra was tuning up in the
marble foyer-White House aides
and ushers were giving final instruc-
tions.
In the dining room last-minute
touches were being made to the
beautiful table = carpet sweepers
were being run over the rugs. In
oniv 80 minutes the party was to
begin. 1t was like a party in any
American home with every one in
terested-every one helping to make
it perfection.
Dean First Received
First to be received by President
and Mrs. Truman were the dean OF
the diplomatic corps, the Brazilian
Ambassador, and Senhora de Mar
tins. Later the President escorted
Senhora de Martins to the state din
ing room, where she was seated on
his right. Mrs. Truman was escort
ed by the Ambassador, who was
placed on her right.
Other members of the corps pres
ent were the Ambassador OF the
Netherlands and Nine. Loudon, tne
Ambassador of Greece and Mime.
Diamahtopoulos, the Ambassador OF
Nicaragua, Senior DR.. Don Gulllermo
Sevilla Sacasa; the Ambassador OF
the Dominican Republic and sonora
de Garcia Godoy, the French Am
hassador and Mime. Bonnet, the Bel
gian Ambassador, Baron Silver
cruvs. the Ambassador of Ell Saliva
dor and Sonora de Castro, the Am
bassador of Guatemala and Sonora
de Garcia Granados, the Amoas-
sador of Mexico and Sonora oe
Esninosa de los Monteros, the AM
bassador of Poland and Nine. Lange,
the chinese Ambassador and Nine
Koo. the Ambassador OF the Pnllip-
mines. Mr.. Joaquin M. Elizalde; the
Ambassador of Peru and Sonora oe
Prado, and the Canadian Ambas-
sador and Mrs. Hume Wrong.
Other honor guests were the
Minister of Lithuania and Mrs.
Zadeikis, the Minister OF Ireland
Mr. Robert Brennan; the Swiss
Minister and Nine. Bruggmann, the
Minister of Iceland and Mime. Thor
Thors. the Minister of Afghanlstan
Mr.. Abdol Hosayn Aziz; the Minis
ter of Lebanon and Mrs. Mallk, the
Minister of Finland and Nine,
Jutila, the Syrian Minister, DR..
Nazen al-Koudsi and the newly ap-
pointed Syrian Minister and Nine.
Zurayk.
Also from the diplomatic circle
present were the Charge d'Affaires
of Ecuador, Senior DR.. l.. Neftali
Ponce; the Charge d'Affaires of
Paraguay and Sonora de Acosta, the
Charge d'Affaires of Chile and
Sonora de Rodriguez, the Charge
dAffaires of Portugal and Nine.
Rocheta, the Charge dAffaires of