The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-07-09

by Cadet c. n Edgar nrst class and the cou.errnr Of
degrtes by Governor Wise. t..,a
PArt. Inc Governor conferred thirty three diplomas,
closing the agreeable task with most appropriate aud
sophie advice and patriotic exnortation He Appeared
considerably harrsssed by the labors Of his mission
There WAS fnasnhcen display Of fireworks at the In
sttute to night at which thousands present The
scene was one OF unusual spendor. The charming d.
vsrsty made up Of thousands Of the Girest sons and
daughters Of Virginia decksd in their ball cosune-the
gushing streams OF whzsg through the air Ia quick
SUCCESSFUL minging their terrific tones with the soul
stirring airs Of he band gave an enchanting interest 10
the scene All this transpired in nsaediate proximity 70
the beautiful statue Of Washington which gttered with
respondent lustre the vivid flashes Of IRE ascend in
the early part Of the night ut early stage
Of the display, giving way It to tho more novel,
and for the time more attractive but far less illuminating
agents OF the occasion That circumstance gave add
uona splendor TO the display but produced counter and
rather serious disadvantages for the little darnss who
ence OF gay moonlight found themselves at the close or
the display enyeloped in darkness compelled TO grope
their way along the intricate pathway which leads the
town, in company with some fashionable gallant. OBJ
serving some one or two of them somewhat embarrass
ed offered them my services but recognizing me as the
individual who "belonged 10 the press" they begged
leave 10 be excused. Good return for kind offer !
THE BALL.
day. aCou. 10 o'clock p ei Hundreds re-
paired to spacious in a building ad
J s.s, to the Institute Here scene Of unusual
gaety and splendor was presented. The room
which is intended as the of the Institute
neatly decorated with evergreens and series OF appro
pirate devices. II lit up with magnificent effect,
sdering that there gas; and lacked anything
In this respect was fully supplied by the beamng and
flashing countenances Of the fair throng which mingled in
the scene.
was magnificent spectacle-one not easily realized
by those familiar merely with the forms and etiquette
and supcrfcalites Of similar displays in cities. Here
there was no superciousness-no sticking for etiquette
no embarrassing, rksone formule-no hoops TO mar
the pleasures Of the dance they exceedingly incon
venient in wazng)-no extravagances the shape OF
dress-no moustaches save a few-but every thing
PLAIN substantial agreeable the ladies the very
Of health and beauty, and the gentlemen the very types
Of gallantry, gaiety and dignihed department.
For any true admirer Of unaffected grace there
inspiration in the scene there Of cheerfulness
and simplicity in the display calculated to tempt the dull
est nature to engage in It, There Of that cool
reserve which imparts ddence and timdity but in
ving warmth and frankness which the most rigid nature
could hardly resist Not less than hundred at time
engaged in the dance and they dropped of their places
were quickly taken by fresh batch and thus was the
amusement kept with but brief intermissons until
early hour Of the morning was altogether gay and
interesting occasion, and one which, no doubt, will be
long remembered by the happy and daughters Of
the beautiful valley Of the g Old Dominion"