The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-02-08

the Academy OF MUSIC la3b evening. VI COlTSe,
being ball night the weather hain'G the heart
to be otherwi than ugly and bearish, ike a
rich old uncle from India; and why it is that
on.these festive occasions the streets are inva-
riably shocking, and the walking perilou5 to the
most practised pedestrians, is a subject every
way worthy the grave consideration of our
scientific bodies, not excepting the Cabmens
Literary Union.
But, at all events, the ball passed off most hap
pily-went Off in fact, like a meteor, leaving in
its wake a luminous trail of glory; and if it
didn't sing itself to death, like swan, 1t at all
all events gave up the ghost to operate music,
and died exhaling fragrant perfumes and the
songs OF many birds. Practically, it was the
wind up, the iag end Of the fancy dress ball sea-
son, but was far from beng least, though last.
Without exception, it was the most brilliant and
recherche affair of the kind ever witnessed in
Philadelphia.
In the employment OF these complimentary
adiechves we are justified by the class of people
who were there, by the novel and picturesque
decorations of the building, by the new features
of attraction presented, by the excellence of the
music, by the rigid scrutiny which excluded all
persons of questionable character, and by the
general management of the affair, whereby the
number of admissions was limited, and comfort
for all thereby secured. If it mad been mere
speculation, these details would not have been so
carefully attended to-.
The Academy of Music presented a neatly
brilliant appearance. About seven o'clock the
carriages began to arrive at the Broai street
entrance and as it was raining at the time, and
the sidewalks we're covered with sleet mating
was laid from the lobby doors of the Academy to
the curb, The Subscribers arrived very gra.
dually, and at no time Gid we observe a rush
sufficiently heavy to create confusion. The
dresslngrooms were managed pretty satisfac.
torily, although there were rather too few atten-
dants for the accommodation OF the ladies.
In consequence of the gradual and orderly
assemblage of the guests, there was little or no
difficulty in obtaining seats either in the parou Ute
circle or balcony, Gba aaudence.o we must con-
fess was not half so large, or so brilliant in dress
or plumage, as that which broke through all re-
strant to attend the Coterie Carnival.
The grand ballroom was neatly upholstered
in every part with bunting. Armorial bearings,
pictures, oval mirrors, and plaster casts.w were
arranged around the balcony balustrade in
relief. From numerous pendants hung beautiful
bird cages, each containing a silver-throated
warbler, and the din of joyous carols from these
could be heard above the orchestral music far
into the morning. and until, one by one, the
little captives, overcome by heat or light fell
dead in their prisons.
Just above the foot of the stage gas Jets were
hung, between appropriate coats of arms, and
burned in letters of flame all night the signif-
cant legend:-
CoTERH BLANCHE.
On the right of the parquette circle was placed
the immense terpsichorean orchestra, consisting
OF one hundred musicians, many of them dis
tingushed and wellknown performers. Mr..
Charles R. Dodworth, the accomplished chef
Grorchestre, welded the baton faithfully dur
ing the entire festive season, aud we
can only compliment him here upon his
general good selection. The admirable time and
precision of the orchestration was really re.
markable, when we consider that the leader
had but single rehearsal The promenade and
concert orchestra composed of twenty silver
pieces, Becks Philadelphia Band, occupied the
left of the parquette circle. Les Vespres Sici-
Hennes, the selections from EAtricajne, Don
Gioudnni, and NdcM zunl Granada, were espe-
cially well played.
The immense dancing floor was covered with
beautiful unglazed paper, in imitation ofmosaic.
The design was really creditable and had every
appearance of steel-colored marble tile. This
feature alone cost two hundred and fifty dollars.
1t was universally admired as novelty and
tasteful design. At halfpast o'clock the mas
sive curtain was rolled up, and the orchestra
gave grand march. The scene disclosed upon
the stage was one of rare brilliancy.
This paper tilng was laid by Davis & Co.,
and is an entire novelty in this city, having
been first introduced in this country on the oc-
at the Academy of Music and Irving Hall, New
York city.
The perfumery was furnished, and the fount-
aims arranged and managed by Mr.. Asa Powell
The stage was draped in every part with vari-
colored bunting at the rear of the stage, and
in relief to the grand entrance staircase,
splendid drop" was set representing Labyrinth,
Illuminated in continuation OF the gorgeous hail
in front. This "drop" was painted expressly for
the occasion, at a cost with the concomitants,
of over two hundred and fifty dollars.
From the rear of the stage, and over
the grand staircase, entered the mem-
bers of La CoTERIE BLANCHE, attired in court
suits of white trimmed with lace, silver bullion,
and cording, as follows: Harmanus Nef, Presf
dent; Edward Morley, Vice-President; w. H.
Bellows, Secretary; G. G.. Evans, Treasurer
William S. Turner, Floor Director; Walter STAN
ton, N. II. Mccoy, II. r. Edmunds, j. r. Eyre
and Cyrus Lukens.
Returning to the staircase, Mr.. Turner led off