The Daily clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1866-1888, 1867-03-09

New ORLEANS, March 5, 1867.
Dear Clarion The prospect of
military rule does not appear to have
a very depressing effect upon the good
people Of the Crescent City. Like
philosophers that they are, they are
determined to enjoy themselves,
however cloudy and threatening may
be the political horizon. They are
not given to looking upon the dark
side of any question, but when evils
come they make the best of them.
This, however, happens to be the
gay week Of the year; and as ! came
down here expressly to "see sights"
have more "notes" on hand than
time or space will enable or warrant
me in celebrating. Yesterday was
the grand annual Firemen's Parade,
and when / state that it took a full
hour for the procession to pass any
given point an idea may be formed of
its extent. The companies were all
out in their full strength, and the en-
gines and other apparatus were deco
rated with unusual elegance. / noticed
a few steam engines. Among the hand
machines, saw none with which our
little "Gem" at Jackson would not
compare favorably. There was quite
a large delegation of firemen-invited
guests-from Mobile; and in the pro-
cession, there was one solitary repre-
sentative from Mississippi-Mr. Wing
field, Foreman of Summit Fire Com
pany, and Mayor of that enterprising
town. During the march, an alarm of
fire was sounded, when several of the
companies were detailed for special
duty, and repairing to the spot,
promptly extinguished the flames.
The festivities of the day were sue
ceeded by balls and parties at night
in different parts of the city. 1t was
my privilege to be one of the invited
guests at the Hop given by the pro-
prietors of the St James, and although
l did not tip the slight fantastic toe"
| saw the thing done in the most APP
proved style of the Terpsichorean art.
A more pleasant party never assem-
bled in ball room, and as the very
brilliant gathering of ladies were
mostly from our own State, it was
indeed gratifying to see so much of
native growth SO lovely and so ad-
mired. The Picayune of this morn
ing is pleased to remark that "many
of them outshone in their radient beau
ty, the city bellies who who were in at
tendance. Our sister city of Canton
was especially well represented; but
as ladies seldom like to see their
names in print, unless in hymenial
connection / forbear more than general
mention. The supper was indeed su-
perb, and to me was altogether the
most interesting feature of the occasion
The whole affair was highly creditable
to the proprietors of the st. James,
who were complimented by all for
this costly and considerable compliment
to their guests.
Very few Mississippians go else
where than to the St. James when they
come to New Orleans. The proprie-
tors are all from our own State, and
besides their many other good quail
lies, seem to understand the science Of
Keeping hotel. 1t is to be regretted
hat their house is not about four
lines as large, for it's patronage is
certainly fully up to its capacity. At
present the house is densely packed,
md among the multitude of guests, /
meet with quite large number from
Tackson-all down here intent on
making the most of the holidays, and
II in the very best humor-pleased
nth themselves and seemingly with
else. Indeed there is some
hing genial and home-like about the
t. James, that reconciles one to hotel
fe; and the remark made by lady
onight in getting into the omnibus
'r the train, illustrates the popularity
f this house. Said she, II always
islike leaving the st. James-it seems l
} much like leaving home" Successto
[essrs. Hickle & Co., and their corps
f gentlemanly clerks and attentive
nployees.
This is Mardi Gras day, and all the r
,incipal streets are crowded with .
,ectators who are ready to admire :,
Id laugh at all the fanciful and ridic-
GUS costumes being worn by per- i,
ms of both sexes. The balconies il
ong Canal and st. Charles streets, S
e Clay Statue, and every elevated a
lint, is crowded with spec '
tors. The Mystic Krew will make ;,
cir appearance tonight, and ex- M
citation runs high. Their turnout V
Ii surpass in splendor that OF any
rmer year. ~
Ristori is yet in the city, and of :,
urse draws large audiences. She is
rforms at the Opera, and on last
uday night, at the st. Charles st
eatre, where she represented Eliza di
th, Queen of England. Her several ~ ~
stumes in that character, are esti- Al
ted to have cost one hundred thou W,
Id dollars. I have not yet had the Re
asure of seeing her, but discrimi-
ing friend at my elbow, says she is ito
h old and ugly. She will next nt'
form in Mobile.