Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-02-18
NEWS AND GOSSIP.


tire new dress of type, manufactured with all
the improvements that have marked the pro
grcss of the art Of type casting in the course Of
the last year. The expense OF this improve
ment to u.s. is heavy. Nevertheless, being re-
auired by the increasing business Of the paper,
We meet it cheerfully; for We are determined
that its advertising patrons shall find that on
resorting to its columns, their various matters
between themselves and the public are as hand
somely set forth a. in those of any other ponny
paper in the United States of even half it, cir
culatiOn. These changes Of its dress are being
made more frequent Of late by the increase of
its circulation, and will. in turn, also neeessa-
rily tend further to increase its circulation.
Many friends, who complain Of failing eyes not
unfrequently appeal to US to enlarge the Stars
dimensions, and thus obtain space for the use
OF larger type than are now almost exclusively
used by papers Of large circulation. We would
gladly accommodate them il that could DO done
without too heavy pecuniary sacrifice But as
in the Stars case, it is far more economical to
sxpend $1,000 annually for new typo than to
put twenty i've cents per ream upon the cost
OF the paper on which it is printed, we prefer
the former expedient. The Star contains much
more reading matter than any other penny
paper published in the world in Q city of the
population Of Washington and the style in
which it Is printed is in all respects better than
that of any o;hor penny paper in the Union. Its
great and steadily increasing circulation affords
Us substantial evidence that the public appre-
ciate those facts. 1t has fairly earned its rep
utation as tire Washington newspaper; having
worked its way gradually into the confidence
Of all at a distance who take interest in affairs
transporting here az we'll as in that of those
whose prosperity is Immediately identified with
that of the Federal Metropolis 1t has steadily
sought to earn the kind regard Of all in tho
District of Columbia by steadily standing by
their interests without thought of party, or of
aught else but its duty of sustaining Washing
ton city enterprise i'm every department of bust
ness, and the interests Of the city and those of
Georgetown and Alexandria and the surround
ing country. against the assaults of all. whether
ac'uated by purposes malicious or otherwise
sinister The Star has succeeded without stOop-
Ing TO ask favors by thus satisfying all through
their experience Of years with it, that while its
presence is indispensable as an afternoon Wis
itor, 1t IL as quick to apprehend its duty hero
the Interests of it, patrons i. concerned az it il
fearless IN dl-charging that duty and scrupu-
ious In not seeking to injuro any for the sake of
appearing savage piquant, or immaculate
But we may not longer discourse of the Star.
II has sought to gain the kind regard Of all
whose good opinion is attainable by pursuing
a straightforward course and that it has
achieved that regard to IN extraordinary de-
gree, IL evident in its remarkable success, rs a
business enterprise-never excelled in the same
length OF time in the career of any other daily
paper. 1t will strive to retain the favor of its
patrons in the same way; because we know well
that the only substantial basis Of permanent
newspaper prosperity, il substantial utility to
the community for whom it is published
The NAPIER BALL, last night, was the largest
such entertainment ever given in Washington
city, except on the occasion of the Inauguration
of a President Of the United States. some
eighteen hundred ladies and gentlemen being
present. Thsarrangements for the entrance of
participants in the festival were most capitally
conceived and carried out, half dozen suites
Of elegant parlors and chambers imm edately
adjoining the door at which they entered the
building, having been set apart for that pur-
pose. All entered the ball room-to which use
half the vast new dining hall of the establish
was dedicated-by descending tho grand north
staircase leading to it. Shortly after Q p. IN,
the crowd in and around the reception rooms
became so dense, az that for relief from the
pressure, many descended and prOmsnaded the
ball room for threc-quarters Of an hour before
a. "a
ments were greatly admired by almost all who
entered early enough to permit them to obtain
full view Of them from various standing point1
At the head Of tho room, upon a raised plat
form, were full length paintings Of George
Washington and Victoria, fsnking a very
grand mirror Tho walls were gracefully
draped with na:ioral flags. and the floor WAS
richly Ornamented (pain:sd) with beautiful de-
vices, among which were the English and
American coats Of arms, tina. Of the family OF
Lord Napier, &c, &c.
At 10 o'clock. As tho distinguished gentle
man and lady in compliment to whom the ball
was given, wero seen descending the staircase.
the band struck up strain Of delicious music
by which some five or six hundred ladies and
gentlemen entered tho ball room in few min
utes First, of this large train, came Lady
Napier escorted by Secretary Cass; next Mrs.
Judge Wayne escorted by Lord Napier; next
again. Senator Seward with beautiful lady,
unknown to W, upon his arm; next, Ser
ator Mallory escorting Mrs. Bishop; Senators,
Judges of the Supreme Court, Foreign Minis
ters and members Of their respective Legations,
Representatives, distinguished soj0urners, viz
itors of Washington To participate in the ball
and eitiEens-nearly all of them accompanied
by ladies'. In few moments the room became
so densely crowded that it required great exer-
tons on the part Of the floor committee to ar
range for the dancing to commence. When
that was accomplished however, nearly all
seemed to be anxious to join in the dance,
which was kept up with very short intermis-
sion until n few minutes past four a. NJ Lady
Napier danced first with Mr.. Burlingame, of
sachusctts and Lord Napier with the 20