The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-01-26

was painful, and necessitated judicious reduc-
lion upon the part of the management We can
conceive of more gorgeous appoint
ments than those of last night. They reflect credit
not only upon Mr.. Abel and the Messrs. Risley,
but also upon Mr.. Charles Higbee, the master ma
chinist of the Academy, under whose superin-
tendence the whole decoration was adjusted.
Besides the beauties which saluted the eye, the 1
sense of smell was ravished with the aroma that
rose from innumerable bouquets, and the more
subtitle essences of musk and mignonette, that
Aoated upon the air. We do not recollect of ever
having been at a scene when 1t would have beep
so easy ito die of rose in aromatic pain" It
was an evening long to be remembered by all
who were present.
At 7lo'clock the doors were opened and at
o'clock the throng crushed in, past the door
attendants and policemen, and scrambled for
the choice of seats. The audience portion en-
tered upon Locust street, and the balcony
family circle, and amphitheatre we're thrown
open to them. The other guests having ''door
tickets" although admitted on Broad street,
were compelled TO skirmish around the lobby to
the sole "entree,n at the north door of the
parquet circle, adjacent to the proscenium boxes.
No oth6r means of ingress was provided, and
the exit door like wise single, was at the oppo-
site side of the stage. Consequently each person
entering was compelled to promenade across
the entire stage, in the frutless search for seat
in the psrquet circle; and whether in fancy
dress or not, he became at once the "cynosure"
of thousands of critical eyes, and curious lorg-
nettes. If there is anything that will make
sensitive man more sensitive, it is the conscious
NJ ho 20 ha,p 40 nf In
spite of himself.
The musical arrangements we're on the most
extended scale, three full bands, among the best
in the city, having been secured, and posted in
eligible positions. The Satterlee Band made the
lobbies resonant with selections from ''the old
masters" and Beck's celebrated Band discoursed
sweet strains from the family circle until nine
O'Clock, when it descended, changing its base to
the lett of the parquete circle, for the benefit of
the dancers. Just opposite was Birg6eld's Band,
which played very well. To our taste, the gem
of the evening was the "Girarda che Blanca
Luna" as performed by the Philadelphia Bands.
AT nine o'clock precisely the curtain was to
roll up, and the grand entree of the mas4uers
was arranged to take place. But long before
that time all the seats in the parquet circle
WGlC SudppSu up, anu luuucuJldl CltlleuS' duu
"heads of families" we're meandering round the
stage, with countenances sore perplexed, seeking
abiding-places for the fair charges on their arms.
At the appointed time the orchestras burst
forth with grand sonorous crash, the curtain
curled itself up, and the procession of the mas.
qupraders entered in the following order:-NIr.
Peter G. Abel, grand usher; directors of the
Coterie, in red satin suits; reception commit
tee. floor managers, and then the characters
en- costume. OF these latter we shall have the
most to say. The promenading and evolutions
of the masqueraders were beautiful, and 80 per-
fectly timed that one might imagine they had
been reheaTsed. They came in three abreast, filed
around the stage, crossed each other, were
intertwined, and apparently tied up in mex
tricable confusion; but their organization was
maintained, and the knot presently united ITSELF
There were some characters that lowered so
far above the generality of heads, that they are
worthy of first mention. AS, for instance,
"Gideon's Bard"-a most grotesque collection of
individuals "robed in spotless white" like
Prairie Flower, and wearing immense white
funnel-shaped hats, the brim being supported by
a cord fastened to the peak. As a burlesque of
the prevalent fashion among the fair sex, the
front of each hat was transfxed with tin spear
or sword, or Cupid's arrow The Gideonites
were, generally, woe-begone looking set with
sanctmonious expression of mask, and consti-
tuted one OF the features of the evening.
Another towering feature was "Paul Pry,'
with big umbrella, admirably sustained by Mr..
R-h N. I'd. An immense nasal appendage,
and an unsecmly protuberance behind, gave
interest to the role. ..t.
Mrs. S-n appeared as one of the "Old Folks, :
in a white satin dress, with imposing length .o
trail, short, tight fitting sleeves, and lace arm
lets.
Mrs. VII appeared also as one of the solo
Folks" wearing dress which was worn at the
first leyee given by General Washington. L
was an imported blue silk, over hundred year.
old.
The graceful and gifted Miss Viola On ap
peared as living, breathing personlfcation o
| Byron's "Maid OF Athens" She looked thu
charming Greek to perfection, with her darl
| eyes, that made you forget their brightness b.
the brighter intellect shining through them.
| Miss Mary Ida Nh, in all the splendor o
her beauty, and cher auburn hair flowing II
| graceful waves) appeared as the Empires
Eugenie, whom she is said to greatly resemble
Her costume was exquisite, composed OF al
ashes of rose moire-antique dress, with peasant
| waist OF diamonds.
Mr.. is S. LIN, who represented Judge, per
formed his part admirably throughout the who'll
affair, and drew considerable attention, as dl
the fascinating Miss H-n F. XXX, of Wea
Philadelphia, who was leaning on hi; arm
greater part of the evening.
|