Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-03-03


Inauguration Ball to morrow evening by their
presence, might perhaps, on this, the eve Of the
grand event, like to know something about
previous affairs of the same kind, q reporter
Of The STAR called this morning upon one OF
our leading citizens who played q conspicuous
part in the ceremonial Of nearly all the balls
which attended the inaugurations Of Presidents
since tho year 1851 when Martin Van Buren,
entered into office. most pleasant converse
ton was the result, giving complete retrospect
Of those pleasing and memorable events, and
painting in vivid colors the scenes and incidents
of bygone days. We regret that the crowded
condition of our columns to-day forbids Our
giving, in detail, the interesting sketches and
anecdotes which accompanied the recital of
these events, and that We have in the fol-
lowing to cOnfine ourselves to q short resume Of
what was cleaned during the morning visit.
There are still in this city a great many
people who well remember the ecldt which
attended the Inauguration Of President Martin
ball in the evening, came of at
CARUsI's SALOON,
on Eleventh street; now known as the Washing
ton Iheater Comique. 1t was found, however,
that the hall, though spacious, was rather
cramped for an occasion Of this character; and
at the next Inauguration, that of President
Harrison, the managers having that in charge
determined to make change, and the
OLD THEATER ON LOUISIANA AVENUE
was secured for this occasion. Ii was purchased
by a committee consisting of four public-spir-
Quilted and remOdeled inside; a suitable dancing
floor was laid; supper, dressing and retiring
rooms were arranged, and no expense was saved
possible. The ball proved a grand success, both
socially and pecuniarily; for, after paying all
expenses Of purchasing and refitting the build
ing, and all other incidental expenses a surplus
Of about two thousand dollars was left, which
was divided between the Protestant and Catho-
lie orphan asylums of the District. The build
ing in which the ball took place was subse-
Quenfly somewhat m Re
fragments, when, as the Washington Assem-
bly, Rooms" it became famous the scene OF
some OF the most pleasant sociables and reunions
which grace the annals OF our city. Still later,
during the war, it was again turned into the
alter, and as such terminated Its career as a vic
tim to the flames.
The Inauguration ball of
PRESIDENT POLK
took place in Carusi's saloon, and, though the
extreme crOwding was an annoyance, it was, on
the whole, very pleasant affair. Ii was con-
spicuous for the gorgeous toilets of the ladies
and the number of uniforms; the corps diplo-
naatique and army and navy being represented
success, financially; that is, there was no loss
which cannot be said of all the Inauguration
balls that come within our scope, as we shall
presently see.
1t having become evident that there was no
hall or building in Washington which could
give entire satisfaction as a ball room on such
great public occasions as presidential Inaugural
tons, il was determined, when
GENERAL TAYLOR
was inaugurated, to construct temporary
building for the accommodation Of the guest
and dancers After some elaboration, judiciary
square was chosen as the site, and a wooden
building erected in the rear of the City Hall
with which it communicated through covered
passages. This structure was splendidly deco
rated and furnished with all the comforts ana
conveniences Of the period; and, to add still
further splendor to the event, the celebrated
Austrian band Of Prof. Gungl was engaged, t.
furnish the dancing music, it having then jus;
arrived in this country. The expense attending
this feature was very considerable, but il proved
successful speculation, for, after settling all
bills, there was a very handsome balance on
hand, which was divided between the two or
phan asylums, which had already been bene
fciaries upon previous occasion.
The ball which followed the InauguratiOnof
FRANKLIN PIERCE
took place in building similarly constructed,
on the same site. The rooms in the City Hall
were temporarily vacated, and were occupied as
dressing, reception and cloak rooms, communi-
eating with the hall building through covered
ure-seekers assembled to do honor to the occa-
ration balls so far on record.
BUcHANAN's INAUGURATION
was also splendidly gotten up affair-in fact
too splendid, perhaps, under the circumstances:
Tor when the accounts came to be squared there
was small deficit, which was made up by the
gentlemen composing the committee having the
matter in charge. A temporary building, in
Judiciary square, had been erected and fitted
up in splendid style. The dancing and prone
brated "Germania Band, I" and socially. though
not financially, the affair was a decided sue
cess.
AS yet, comparatively, of a recent date. the
ball which attended the first Inauguration Of
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
is still remembered by many of our young
people. For msny days before it came off, the
late Mr. Seward had expressed great anxiety
that 1t should be an affair worthy of the great
occasion, and he was indefatigable in his EFFORTS
to secure this end. After consulting with sew
eral OF our prominent citizens, a committee was
formed which agreed to take hold of the matter;
and Messrs. Lewis and Angus, as members
thereof, were induced to erect a suitable build
ing in Judiciary Square, and Messrs Thompson
and Alex. X. Shepherd furnished the gas fittings
and chandeliers; the latter being brought from
"Jayne's Hall, )" in Philadelphia, the pr0prietors
of which had agreed to loan them for the occa-
sion. Mr.. John Alexander furnished the deco
rations Of the ball building, and to Mr.. Chas
Gautier was assigned the task Of preparing and
serving the supper. Everything was arranged
ON grand scale; but the result failed to come
up to the expectation of the gentlemen who had
undertaken it, and heavy loss was the conse-
quence. Nor was the ball, i'm a social point of
view, the success it had been hoped it would be-
critical period had arrived in the history of
our country, and It seemed as if no one-not
even the gay butterflies Of Washington season.
were In humor or spirits to thoroughly enjoy
themselves. The civil war cast its shadow over
theball-room, and many Of the then leading
whose presence had been expected for certain,
tailed TO put in an appearance. The pecuniary
dencitw was borne by the gentlemen Of the COM
mlttee OF arrangements, some Of whom lost
quite heavily.
THE SECOND LINCOLN INAUGURATION RAIL.
which came of In the "mOdel room, OF tie
fatent once, was more Of q success, both So
cially and financially. IL was, however, chiefly
remarkable for the confusion which prevailed
IN the cloak and hat rooms after the han vas
over, when everybody wanted, apparently,
What everybody else had got and what nobody
could give. Such . turmoil and topsy-turyy
state OF AFFAIRS has seldom been equaled any,
where. The Washington hatters made Q rich
harvest on the following day, for no ordinary
chapeaux had been equal to the emergency.
In the supper room, the scanty aocommods-
tons, and consequent jsmming and croWdinr.
was also Q serious drawback. But all accidents
Of this character, detracting so much from the
pleasure Of the ball, Will, We are haDDv tn ssv
be provided against on tomorrow 6cll. vheye
the arrangemente are IS well nigh perfection in
every respect as It is possible for human inre-
nuity to make them. And this brings ne doSn
TO the -s' - ~0"n
FIRST TxAusURATIoH BALL OF GEN. auar~
which, as the readers Of TaR STAR rememher
was held IN the north wing Of the Treasury n,
Partment. Barring the providing, conseSuert
upon the small rooms and limited sccomn,os5.
tons, IL was most enjoyable AFFAIR snd . 800
success financially. Nearly elk thouss nj IN.
lars were realized, after Al expenooS hsd -.
paid, which sum Il WAS, by resolufion az ~.