The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-02-04

THE GRAND MASK BALL.-Thc Hibernlan
Hall was the grand centre OF attraction last
night, around which, lining the street and Keep
ing as far as possible out OF the reach OF the po-
liceman's baton, were crowds OF idlcrs, who
anxiousy scanned the masqueraders and ex-
pressed their opinions OF the different costumes
without any conventional restraints. At an early
hour the rolling OF carriages announced TO the
expectant outsiders that their part Of the show
had commenced, and it required the presence of
several policemen, and the positive assertion OF
their authority, to keep the passage way clear
and the curious crowd in order. The weather,
which threatened about dinner time to put
dampcr on the enjoyment, cleared up beautifully,
and was as charming as If made to order.
mask ball is generally the merrest collection
of grotcsque mysteries that could be possibly im-
agined, and that given last hight by the Frcund-
schaftsbund was no exception to the rule. For
nearly three months this ball had been in prcpa-
ration, and no pains were spared to make the
costumes richer, better and more striking IN their
originality than those of any fancy or mask ball
given in Charleston before. Those who had
friends at court were enabled to draw from the
theatrical wardrobe and were bedecked ir the
costumes which kings had worn; but others less
favored relied on their ingenuity, and the result
was an incongruous collection Of kings, priRces,
peasants, clowns, and hosts OF fancy characters,
both male and female.
On entering the Hall attentive ushers took
charge Of all encuubrances, and the jewellers
mingled at once with the throng that like some
brilliant phantasmagora, was ever passing, ever
changing. The costumes were admirably select
ed and the wearers displayed great taste In adapt
ing themselves to their assumed characters. The
attendance Of ladies' was quite large, and their
incognitoes were almost impenetrablc. In fact
the fair sex never led poor man by the nose, or
had him more completely under their sway than
at last nights ball. The female costumes were
generally very fancy, but some were admirable
representations, and perfect marvel of woman's
handiwork. The gentlemen concealed their sex
in but few instances, and these dlsguises were
soon penetrated. The majority wore dominocs
and demi.masks. or simply Tie latter, and their
citizens dress often betrayed them.
Tile characters that were assumelwere, for the
most part, extremely grotesque, but were all al
mirable and some deserve more than passing
notice. 'Brother Jonathan" the "Origlnal Car
pet-bagger" "a Crusader" 1.-TWO Fat Boys" "a
Colorcd Drum Corps" and an innumerable guam
tity OF "Old Men," "Cowed Monks, :" 'k. h. KS
&c. 1.-TWO Buotbacks' were the observed Of all
observers; while "Koopmanschaap," the "Coo-
lies." and "Mrs. Partngton,n formed group
that caused even age to anbend Its gravity. Seve-
raj Confederate uniforms mingled with the
masks, and brought up memories Of the boys in
gray and the lost cause. 1t would be impossible
to partcularze any one DRESS as the hall was
crowded and the masks passed and repassed be-
fore the bewildered eyes with such rapidity as to
prevent any close inspection.
The stage was occupied by Muller's band, and
seats were arranged along the walls for those
persons who were disposed to test each others
dsguises BY a quiet chat. The body OF the hall
was used by tn. menaders, and, at - o'closf'
when the signal for unmasking was given,|it be-
came a spacious ballroom. and the m"zy dance
usurped the saider promenade. The ball was con-
tlnued until the new day had far advanced toward
morning, and the general comment was that the
FIRST masked ball OF the season could never be
eclipsed.