The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-03-31
For the National Era.
COPYRIGHT sEcuDr IN ACCORDING TO LAW.
GREENWOOD LEAvES FROM OVEN -rrv ora -

ICoPYRIGur sRcnDrn .nnnRpINa TO LAw.l
GREENWOOD LEAvES FROM Own -rrv =.
No. 81.
ROME, february Is, 1853.
Ny DEAR A. C. L: On one of the Car
nival nights we attended, at the old Braschi
Palace large charity ball, under the patron
age Of the Princess Doria. There was an i'm
mense assemblage of Italians, French, English,
and Americans but as there was a large suite
Of apartments thrown open, and the ballroom
was lofty and spacious, we were not rendered
uncomfortable by the crowd.
The staircase of this palace, which is very
fne, with the entrance hall above, were lined
with shrubs and flowers and wreathed vines,
producing charming effect.
We arrived about 10 O'Clock, and found the
rooms we'll filled Strolling through them, one
after another, | came to the conclusion that
this ball was conducted on o far moro pleasant
and sensible plan than any have attended in
America. In one apartment large tah)Awas
set Out, where refreshments of ell kinds were
served throughout the evening, instead Of one
grand supper, as with "a with it gpcom&brt-
able crowding and fesooieue pushing And
Natching. In other salons, removed - far a.
Fslbe from the stirring music and the must
cal footballs of the ballroom, gathered those
Who, from dsinclination or disability, eschewed
the danCe-dowagers and staid- looking elderly
gentlemen consoling themselves over whist and
sfdrfs or chatting in corners, or strolling up
and down. with free, careless, enjoyable, at.
home manner, most pleasantly peculiar. There
we're there and in the ballroom, not alone
sores Of young ladies with their mammss and
Papas, but mere children, and venerable people
who might years ago have arrived at the dig
nhed estate Of grandpapas and grandmsmmas
IKE this pleasant, social mingling OF youth
and age-it gives q solidity to society, and a
noble dignity to pleasure and hope that a
custom 50 just and beautiful may become more
generally adopted in our own country, where
tne young are too much disposed 70 thrust not
alone the old but the middle aged TO the wall
and beautiful girls who have JUS broken board.
ng-schoo too often lord itA1d queen il over
society with an absolute and insolent power
also noticed several whom took to be cler
gmen, and this liked. With u.s. where never
member of any religious organization may
move to music without a fearful looking-for Of
clnrch'disciplinc and clerical indignation
where cergymen are hedged round with an
awful aspect which must become in time ex
cesS'vely uncomfortable-tho sight of one, al
even small dancing party, would be start
"Sng, apparition. Indeed, with us, the member,
81 that venerable body are felt to be more OF
,S ae'rop at all large gatherings, except it be
wyapusms or burials, weddings or hangings
would 1t not be infinitely better If they min.
g,ed more socially and Familiarity with the
poople. In their everyday feelings and occupa.
N0IS interest and pleasures! But 10 return.
ne ballroom presented q most brilliant ap-
rsnl and contained many people Of high
Ron1.O VI various nations, though principally
inc s' ihe Princess Doria being in mourn
was ~ ner iather, the late Earl Of Shrewsbury,
me ,LO ~" present but there were pointed out to
stnr su' rnncess Spada, a handsome, stout, and
,sy ~ nr Jam, anane, Of thirty and upwards dsugh-
rro',a 'nc present Prince of Canine, plump,
tbs gri OF a striking Bonapartean face
non! youthful Princess Piombino, beautiful but
mt MT ana slight to fragility, in whom was
I'D by being told that this romantic and
and L thnness resulted from an unhappy
b"1. II" ,oPeless attachment So these noble ladies
~, hearts, after all--hearts that sometimes
sra;I" ! should say after watching the forced
na. a: ana ianguid movements Of this Princess,
On, :; nPaie' The King Of Bavaria WAS pres.
f. :, "a the character Of . private gentleman
tail man OF about thirty five, should say
rE slender, rather good looking, but seems
a1ai an u formal in his manner. He danced the
" 'r' hat in hand, coldly and mechanical
n0o ne rnnce Masignano eldest son Of Ca
Ma was also present. He has face slightly
,h npns bat rather on the gross order, and,
grana5 NOT yet thirty is as stout ss was his
s ea"uunele when in his last estate he grew in
and J 20; as he decreased in imperial greatness,
To.,i Increased in good condition. in spite Of
Gs,s sh insults, petty prosecutions, and Lowe
tho phost Industrious example of the truth Of
sud aa's.ainan theory "A plague on signing