White House gossip

by Edna M. Colman

Mrs. McKinley, his aged mother, sat close beside him, and her evident pride and gratification were noted with pleasure, as was also his affectionate greeting to her and his wife at the conclusion of the ceremonies.

The presidential party took luncheon at the Capitol after the official exercises on the inaugural stand and before starting to the White House. It is said that Mr. McKinley ate sparingly, ordering only a roll, a cup of coffee, and a piece of ham.

As he and ex-President Cleveland later emerged from the Capitol, the cavalry buglers sounded a salute, the troopers came to present arms, and the great throngs pressed forward to catch a glimpse of the new President. Cheer on cheer went up, frightening the horses and making some confusion in bringing forward the handsome turnout which was to bear the party to the White House. The President bowed and smiled.

In his triumphal progress from the Capitol to the White House, President McKinley had for his escort a famous volunteer cavalry organization, Troop A of Cleveland. They preceded the carriage, while behind came the Twenty-third Ohio, the regiment which the new President had led in the days of the Civil War. Following in the wake was one of the greatest military and civic cortèges ever assembled. It was late in the day before the last of them had passed in review before the President. The number of political clubs in the parade was greater than at other inaugurations, and formed an interesting feature of the festivities. Observing that the salutes were continuous, Mr. McKinley at last sat bareheaded, hat in hand, waving acknowledgment to the multitude.

Enthusiastic praise was given veterans in the parade. When General Cecil Clay, who had charge of the District militia, passed the reviewing stand he raised the remnant of his right arm in salute, and the spectators rose and cheered with all their might. General Howard, who had but his left arm remaining, was similarly greeted when he put his reins between his teeth and saluted with his left arm.

When, at the conclusion of the parade, the President stepped on the portico of the White House, he was met by Mrs. Grant, the widow of the illustrious warrior and ex-President, who, in company with Bishop Newman, had been patiently waiting for this opportunity of meeting him. He greeted them so cordially that both felt fully repaid for their long wait. The President then entered the White House, and a great crowd that had followed his footsteps closed up against the doors. Failing to secure admission, they took their station at the windows and eagerly struggled to get at least a glimpse of the interior.

The President received a few intimate friends, including Senator Hanna; then dinner was served. The guests were Abner McKinley, brother of the President, Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Barber and daughter Mary, and Mrs. Maria Saxton. The initial dinner at the White House was entirely informal. Although no callers were received after dinner, thousands of curious people crowded the portico and demanded admittance. It was only by the vigorous efforts of a cordon of police that the doorway was kept clear.

Again the Pension Building was the magnet, drawing youth, beauty, and fashion, as well as the curious, to tread the stately measure of the march and dance. This time the magnificent ballroom was a symphony of white and gold, which made a glowing background for the rainbow tints of the gowns.

Mrs. McKinley’s ball gown of her favourite shade of blue silk had a long train, high neck, and long sleeves. It was a lovely combination of brocade and point lace, diamond pins fastening the lace at the corsage. Diamond-studded side combs held her hair in soft puffs in front in accordance with the prevailing fashion.

The President’s aged mother, very stately in her rich black satin, seemed to get as much enjoyment out of the ball as she had got out of the proceedings at the Capitol.