The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-03-17
From the N. Y. Herald, 9Th.

From the N. Y. Herald. 9Th.
WASHINGTON, March T. 1866.
The last act in the celebration oS the second
Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln was con-
cluded last night The professions have end
ed, the Oaths of Office have been administered,
and the dance in honor of those events con-
cluded.
The President and Mrs. Lincoln drove down
from the White House during the afternoon in
an open barouche, and called at Willard's for
Mrs. Orm, of Philadelphia, and took ride
through Pennsylvania avenue. The President
was plainly but tastiy dressed, his face BEAM
ing with smiles, evidently enjoying his new ad-
ministratiOn. Mrs. Lincoln was elegantly
dressed, and wore rich velvet cloak, adorned
with set of ermine furs.
THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE BALL.
The management and preparations for the
ball were exclusively under the auspices of the
Loyal League of this city. Immense COL
umns OF names were published for several
days in the local papers of the city, containing
the names of several Senators, members of the
House, generals engaged hundreds of miles
from here fighting the rebels in arms, admi-
rails. commodOres and other officers of the
navy, as well as prominent politicians through
out the country.
THE TICKETS.
The tickets of admittance, for which the
purchaser was compelled to pay ten dollars in
greenbacks, was without pretensiOn 1t simply
announced " National Inauguration Ball. Ad.
NIT the bearer and two ladies'" Signed by B.
B. French, Chairman, and w. B. Irwin, Secre.
tary.
THE BALLROOM AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS.
The new hall in the north wing of the Patent
Office was, after considerable discussion, Sc
lected by the committee as the place for this
national terpsichorean display. Besides the
numerous gas lamps, the entrance to the south
end of the building was Illuminated by ten
calcium lamps. 1t was anticipated that every
portion of the building to be occupied or used
on this occasion would be thoroughly cleansed
and renovated but events proved that, like
the cleaning of Pennsylvania avenue, it was
only commenced, but never finished.
The managers, gayly bedecked with rosettes,
seemed to be excessively busy in doing every
sorts of queer places except where they could
be useful. 1t required the energetic efforts of
the police to keep clear passage from the
landing place for carriages to the main entrance
as the sidewalks were completely blocked by
dense masses of Andy johnson plebei.ns.
straining their eyes to get glimpse of the
brilliantly arranged butterflies and immaculate
crayated and gloved Sons of Shoddy and Pc
troleum who were tiocking to the ball. To-
wards the breaking up the calling for carriages
and hoarse answers of a hundred sturdy dri-
vers at once. the rushing and smashing togeth-
er of innumerable vehicles, from the stately
private carriage to the unpretending one horse
chaise, made o confusion worse confounded
than any conception of Babel.
ON WITH THE DANCE.
By 10 o'clock the ball room was comfortably
filled, and the cry was ''still they come" At
that hour dancing was commenced, after q
grand promenade of all present. The scene
was now very charming. The room was Lit up
with thousands of gas jets, and the decorations
showed to great advantage. Small pictures of
General and Mrs. Washington looked down
solemply from the east end of the hall, and
these were the only pictures in the room.
ARRIVAL OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY.
At half past ten the Presidential party was
announced and as they entered the bands
struck up Hail to the Chief" and the CON-
many formed in lines. leading to the Presiden-
fjal platform. The President and Speaker Col
fav led the party. Mrs. Lincoln was escorted
hv Senator Sumner. Secretary Seward and
Mrs Fred. Seward Mrs. Wilson, and other
notables followed. The party proceeded at
once to the dais, and bowed to the assemblage
Wien thew were seated dancing was resumed
Immediately an immense crowd of curious
neonIe gathered in front OF the platform, and
ptred to stare the Presidential party out of coun-
tanance. This crowd was constantly reinforc-
aJ nntil it was almost impossible TO get past
the middle of the room.
THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY.
Tho President occupied his chair but mo-
n,ent, calamity relinquishing 1t to Mrs. Sena-
tor Harris. and falling back against the wall
eth the rest of the gentlemen on the platform.