Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-07-01
VTRCfTNTA T7RIEFC PFESe-TIIE OLD JOURNAL.

| panied by the mayor and reception committee,
proceeded in body to the hall. The scene
upon entering was strikingy beautiful. Six
parallel tables, splendidly freighted, and hay-
ing in all six hundred and sixty covers, ex-
tended from the entrance to the stage. Over
the stage, in evergreen, were the words, Well
come to the Monumental City," and the stage
itself was converted into perfect conservatory
Of rare plants. The collection of plants was
clustered in tasteful combination, and formed
4 beautiful contrast to the tables, shining with
chaste service and pyramids of flowers among
the rare plants. In the mass upon the stage
were two century plants, over forty years Of
age and Of remarkable beauty, and number
of dracenas, variegated yucca, cameiia japoni-
cas-, eleanders, acacias, specimens of the Tex
as chapparel, &c. The floral ornamentation
of the tables was superb, consisting of centre
pieces composed Of tube roses, fuschias, hello
tropes, carnations and slips of evergreens-
Towering at intervals along the tables were
pyramids Of ice embellished with flowers and
trailing vines of ivy, Variegsted myrtle Japan
honeysuckles, ferns, &c. There were also
vases Of flowers and other floral contrivances,
! all giving a most attractive effect. The cut
flowers arranged in various shapes on the sew
eral tables, numbered about one thousand bou-
quets. The windows of the hall were filed
with the choicest growing exotics, in vases
and pots. Among the green foliage almost
hidden away from view large aquarium, filed
with gold fish. Three rustic seats aud rus
tic table complete the decorations of the stage,
which are Of the most elaborateand unequalied
character imaginable. The tables are beauti-
fully adorned with fourteen floral pyramids
and six centre pieces of flowers five feet in
height. Sixty table bouquets and nine hun
dred smaller bouquets for the guests, are also
placed on the boards. A novel feature of the
table ornaments are two monuments of crystal
ice, formed Of solid blocks, rising to height
Of five feet, covered with creeping vines and
choice flowers. The decorations of confection-
cry are both unique and gorgeous. Among
others, are large structures of confectionery
representing gothic buildings, on which are
sildcd the coat Of arms of Maryland and Penn
sylyauia; national pyramids, with patriotic
emblems, and the inscription Baltimore and
Pittsburgh" The ice creams and ices are in
various shapes, representing animals ard fruits
| of all kinds. At the entrance to the hall, over
Market street, is the inscription, " Welcome to
Our City" Over the stage is perched the
American eagle, beneath which is inscribed, in
large letters of green, Welcome, Monumental
City" Over the gallery, occupied by two
brass bands, are the words, " Iron City," beau-
tifully ornamented with eyergreens, and the
walls on all sides decorated with festoons and
flags. The chandeliers are ornamented with
colored hangings, in perfect harmony with the
splendid style Of tho general arrangement of
the hall.
The procession entered the hall in two diyi-
sions, the Baltimore city council at the head,
preceded by the Fifth Regiment Band; the
second division by the Cathedral Band Of Pitts
bursh. The latter band took position in the
gallery opposite the proscenium, and perform
ed during the evening. The mayor of Pitts
burgh presided, occupying seat at trans
verse table on 4 dais in front of the stage, and
commanding the entire hall. Presidents
Hughart and Garrett were on his right,
and Hon. Reverdy johnson, j II. B. Latrobe
and Benjamin Price on his left. An introduc-
tory reception speech was made by the mayor,
and the welcoming address was delivered by
DR.. Gross, Of the select council Blessing
was then asked by the Rev. DR.. Pershing, of
the Methodist Female College The banquet
which followed was one of the most profuse
and rich in its appointments ever given in
Pittsburgh.
Nothing could possibly exceed the co1rte-
sizes and attention to the members of the excur-
sion party by the hospitable citizens,
officials and others Of Pittsburgh. Tuesday,
September 9Th, is the time fixed for the return
visit of the officials of Pittsburgh. Baltimore
will prove herself equal to the occasion, we
haven't doubt.
number of the cxcursionists accepted an
invitation from the authorities of Wheeling and
extended their trip to that city, crossed the
great railroad bridge at Belare, and express
ed themselves well pleased with the structure.
We haven't space for full list of the ex-
cursionists. Among the prominent gentlemen
Of the party we may mention, Governors Swan
and Bradford, Hon. Reverdy johnson, Hon.
Montgomery Blair, L. S. Senators II. G.. Da-
Wis, of West Virginia and Hamilton of Mary
land Presidents Garrett aud Hughart, j. II.
B. Latrobe, w. Prescott Smith, J. L. Wilson,
q. r. Blanchard, Edward Potts, some well
known journalists of Baltimore, Washington,
Frederick and other towns upon the route en-
GLIDING the Senior of the Free Press and
strong infusion of the business element Of all
those places.
No paper bottom Shoes or Wooden Nutmegs at