The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1873-06-26
MIDDLETOwN SPRINGS.
Opening Hall at the Montver,.

1t was once said in al epigram of Sir
George Cornwall Lewis that life would be
tolerably agreeable if it were not for its
pleasures. This saying we cannot ratify
and would not if we could. And one of
the special reasons for our unwillingness
to do so is from the fact that we attended
the ball at MiddletOwn Springs on Tuesday
night, and have as yet but partly recovered
from its bewildering effects. 1t is we'll
known fact that Jenkins has but infrcqucnt
opportunities to mingle with the gayest of
the gay, or ride to the scenes of mirth and
festivity in ''bloated aristocrat' style.
Consequently all defects must be over
looked and all mistakes perdoned.
You must know, then, at the outset,
dear reader, that the grand opening and
ball above referred to, was arranged, de-
signed and fulfilled in honor of His Excel
lency, Governor Converse, who in return
was to honor the occasion with his pre-
sence. So that II was not the simple
fact alone of ball to he given
or supper to he laid that brought
out the gathering, but genuine
bona .tide reception, not as stiff and for
NAL as other Chief Magistrates arc wont to
give, but an informal and social assembl-
ing of the many warm and personal friends
throughout this portion of the state that
had delighted oftimes to do honor to his
name. The Governor and his wife were
at the Montvert on Tuesday throughout
the day, enjoying its hospitalities drink
ing of the waters and admiring the splcn-
did scenery that surrounds the spot. A
large number embraced the opportunity to
call upon them, and all were made vel
come and at once at home by the social
powers and genial affability that is so
characteristic of the Governor. The car
riages conveying the arriving guests began
to deposit their loads at the door of the
Montvert early in the afternoon and did
not cease to come until nine or ten o'clock
in the evening. Meanwhile the Poultney
Cornet Band, after tea, had arrived, and
stationing themselves outside the hotel and
within the spacious grounds dscoursed the
fine old airs and serenades, that brass bands
alone can render well, and nothing sounded
more beautiful or appropriate than this
outdoor concert. The night was balmy
and cool the Montvert threw open its
doors and windows and all enjoyed the de-
lightful scene for an hour or two as hap
py precursor of the joys that were to fol-
low. At nine o'clock the fine reception
rooms and parlors began TO swarm with
life and activity and the new arrivals came
thick and fast. Here the Governor was
introduced to the ladies and gentlemen, one
by one, and wit and sociabiity became
! general.
Soon the large dining hall was thrown
open and the Interpretation of the pro-
gramme was commenced by the Grand
March, Hail to the Chief" played in a
spirited manner by the brass band. This
brought the assembled company on to the
floor with promenade, led by
the Governor and wife. The hall
was decorated with beautiful boquets
of flowers, their sweet incense mingling
with the balmy air that came floating in
through the open windows in the most deli,
clous enchantment After the march tho
brass band were relieved from duty and the
Rutland Quadrille Band, under the skillful
leadership of Reille, who were stationed in
the balcony overlooking the hall, tuned
their instruments for quadrille by Strauss
and the dance was formally begun, Mr.. ].
8. Wells acting as call-master. All balls
that are attended largely by people of re,
finement and culture are very much the
same, differing mainly in their accessories
This was not wanting in the varied expires
sion of the bright and opalescent phase Of