The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-01-30
The Gesangvcrein Masquerade ,Bail.

The scene presented at the Theatre last
evening at the annual masquerade of the
Gcsangycrein Virginia Virginia Singing
Society was brilliant and enlivening beyond
description. The expression g crowded
from pit to dome" !" has often been used Of on
assemblagc in this building when there were
not half so many people in it as there We're
last night. Balcony chairs and tier after tier
of the dress and familyicircles were thronged
with ladies and gentlemen in gay colors and
fashionable attire. Hundreds strolcd about
on promenade tickets, and many privileged
persons were accommodated with impro-
vised seats in the aises or on the floor re-
served for the maskers. Every class and
grade Of society was represented, but the
good-humorcd faces Of the German element
were particularly observable, and these, ne
companed by the mellifiuous language of
Faderland, made it easy for one to fancy him
self at Berlin OF some other gay capital of
Europe.
The Theatre was well fittcd-up for the pur-
pose. Across the parquet and on level
with the stage was spring floor, which, to-
gcther with the stage (the scenery having
been rcmoved), constituted most delightful
place for promenading and dancing. The
dress circle was decorated with crcrgreens
and flowers, and from the ceiling were slls-
pended appropriate devices Of the same ma
terials. The stage also was. tastefulIy deco
rated.
Ata few minutes after O'clock the cur
tain rose, aud The gay throns Of nas1ue-
radcrs--sccmingly an army in numbers
marched forth amid the delighted plaudits
of the audience. The following order was
observed: Herald and standartl-bcarcrs;
committeeman in Yoeger costume; sun and
moon drifting on clouds; Undinc in she'll
formed chariot drawn by fishes miscclla-
neorls masks; Virginia on 4 rock-formed
chariot, surrounded with appropriate bas
rclcfs: comic masks Prince Carnival Oh an
elephant.
There were so many striking features i'll
this grand promenade that it would be m-
possible to notice them in detail, however de-
serving The exclamatioDs and outbursts of
laughter on all sides gave evidence OF the au-
dicncc's high appreciation Of the entertain
mcnt. The elephant was most ingeniously
produced, and his rider, Prince Carnival,
caused quite q sensation by pelting the dress
circle with bon-bons. Not quite so pleasing
to those who were hit was the peltihg with
loayes and twists of brown bread, but
it created good deal of amuse-
meIlt. An Italian with bogus Inoll-
key, which ran around the balcony chails
on 4 collecting tour, was quite as funny as The
real Italian and the real monkeys Which aI-
peared on the scene later in the evening.
Great originality was manifested in the get
ting up of the costumes, and in this respect
rs we'll us in the large number Of masks this
ball has never been cxcelIcd in this city. At
midnight the masks were removed, and soon
aftcrward supper was announced. Dancing
| was then resumed. and kept up until quite
late this morning. i surprisingly large num-
Der Of spectators remained until the very
last. We arc glad to say, in conclusion, that
pecuniarly as well rs otherwise, the ball was
complete and most gratifying success.
| Hcnceiorwarl the recurrence OF the occasion
will belooked for with pleasure by all classes
Of citizens as one Of the most joyous Of the
year. <.... .