Evening star., 1870-01-28


and lady, in honor of Prince Arthur, was mag
nifcent affair. The guests were seated at half
past six o'clock in the following order :-Secre-
tary Fish at the head Of the table, Secretary
Boutwell, on his right, Chief Justice Chase on
his left. Mrs. Fish occupied the other end of
the table, Prince Arthur on her right, Minister
Thornton on her left. To the right of the Prince
were Speaker Blaine, Baron Won Gerolt, En-
sign Fitzroy, Senator Sumner, Attorney Gen.
eral Hoar. Secretary Robson and Admiral Por-
ter. To the left of Minister Thornton were
Gen. Sherman, Postmaster General CressweIi.
Lieut.. Pickard, Secretary Cox, Hon. N. P.
Banks, Secretary Belknap and Colonel Elphin-
stone. After dinner the guests retired to the
library, where some time was passed in pleasant
conversation, and the company withdrew about
the ball at Masonic Hall.
THE GRAND BALL.
The Grand Ball IN honor Of Prince Arthur,
given by the British Minister at Masonic Hall,
last evening, was one of the most brilliant and
enjoyable affairs which have ever enlivened
Washington society. About seven hundred in
vitation cards were issued. and, judging from
the appearance OF the assem6lage at the height
of the festivities, there were few, if any. who
failed to avail themselves of the opportunity to
take part in an occasion which promised so much
pleasure. We have not space to give the names
Of all who were present; suffice it to saw that
nearly every prominent citizen and distin-
guished sojourner in Washington was there and
that the assemblage embraced the elite of society
in the Federal Metropolis.
The arrangements at the Hall we're admirable
and the decorations in exquisite taste. The
dancing hall is about 40 feet deep by 40 wide.
and is in all respects well fitted for its purpose
The floor was newly waxed and was in excel
lent condition for dancing. At the east or upper
end of the hall platform, its entire width and
about IL feet deep and feet high, had been
erected, and was neatly carpeted and furnished
with sofas, karm chairs, &c. The centre sofas
and chairs we're upholstered In solferino rep,
with gilt stripes. The remainder of the furni-
ture was in purple and gold rep. Over the plat
form and on either side Of the walls were flags
of the United States and Great Britain, neatly
interwined and festooned and fastened with
small American flags, formed into q rosette.
Wreaths Of laurel ard natural flowers were inter-
twined with the hags. Over each side gas-light
was beautiful wreath of fragrant flowers
AT the west end Of the hall, and between the
doorways, two splendid American flags we're
displayed, shaped like shield. At the same
end Of the hall, and over the gallery in which
archway of flags was formed. The hall was
lighted by eighteen three-pronged side gas
brackets, in enamel and gilt, and on each prong
"crown" shed forth light from three burners
In front OF the music gallery was a design, the
centre piece being six-pOint star formed of gas
jets, and on either side of the star shone ten
brilliant gaslights. On the side platforms and
the floor were ranged cane-seat chairs sufficient
to seat over two hundred persons. The stairway
leading from the street was carpeted with scar
let drugget, while the banisters were wrapped
with laurel wreaths and flowers. The dressing
rooms for ladies and gentlemen were on the
second floor, as well as the banqueting hall.
Mrs. Thornton, attended by several members
of the foreign legation, arrived at half-past 9
O'Clock. She stood at the door, and was intro
duced to each guest as they entered, together
with the British Minister, who was dressed in
full court suit, heavily trimmed with gold lace
The Minister and his lady received their guests
with such grace and cordiality that most favor
able impression was created from the first, and
at once made all feel at ease.
ARRIVAL OF THE PRINCE.
Prince Arthur reached the hall at twenty
minutes to 10 o'clock, accompanied by Colonel
Elphinstone, Lieutenant Pickard, Ensign Fitz-
roy, and Mr.. LeStrange. The Prince was at
tired in the uniform of his regiment; a dark
blue, or nearly black, tight-fthng sack coat
closely fitting, dOuble-breasted, and buttoned t.
the throat, trimmed with heavy black braid and
frogs; pantaloons tightly cut, OF the same color,
with broad braid stripes on the side and patent
leather boots. Across his breast he wore tn,
Order of the Garter. studded with Jewels,
the insignia Of his rank and station.
miniature cartridge-box was slung across hi.
shoulder, and in his hand he carried little can
closely resembling that worn BY the Union
sOldiery during the rebellion. He also wore a
plain steel-sheathed sword. He was very unos-
tentatious in his appearance, and presented a
marked contrast TO the brilliant uniforms and
elaborate display Of gold lace and embroidery
by which he was surrounded, worn by the
foreign Ministers and Secretaries of Legations.
Mr.. Thornton went to the entrance ofthe hall
upon the Princes arrival, and escorted him to
the raised platform, where he was introduced
to several ladies and gentlemen. The Prince
seemed highly delighted with his reception,
which was rendered the more agreeable by
WebeI's Band stationed in the gallery, playing
the familiar anthem, "God Save the Queen"
OPENING OF THE BALL.
After ten O'Clock the crowd increased very
rapidly. The Prince descended from the plat
form, and accompanied by his suite promenaded
through the hall, and took his position near the
British Minister and Mrs. Thornton.
The President and Mrs. Grant, and several
members of the Cabinet and their ladies, reached
the hall at twenty minutes to eleven o'clock.
The President entered the hall, and accom-
panied by Mrs. Thornton, proceeded to the
platform, followed by the Prince, who escorted
Mrs. Grant, the band meantime playing " Hail
Columbia" The company remained seated on
the platform for few minutes, when dancing
was announced.
About eleven O'Clock the dancing commenced
with plain cotillon, the PRINCE leading off with
Mrs. Grant, their pis-a-ris being Mrs. Thornton
and Mr.. Fish. The set was further composed Of
Mrs. Fish and Mr.. Thornton, Mrs. Boutwell, and
General Belknap, Mrs. Sherman and Admiral
Porter, Madame Garcia and Blacque Bey,
Madame Catscazy and Secretary Robeson, and
Madame Blacque Bey and General Sherman.
The following is the terpsichorean programme.
In the valse the Prince selected Mrs. lie Estrange
for his partner. He is q capital dancer, and
seemed to enjoy himself exceedingly, Quad
rille; q yalse; 8, Quadrille; 4, Galop; 8, valse;
s, Lancers; Z, valse; 8, Galop; 9, Quadrille; 10,
yalse; II, Polka Mazourka; II, Lancers; 13,
Valse; IA, GalOp; Is, Quadrille; 16. Valse; II,
Lancers; IS, Valse: 10, Cotillion; 20, Sir Roger
de Coverly.
At the seventh dance the signal was given
for supper, and Prince Arthur, escOrting Mrs.