New-York tribune., 1876-02-02
THE CHARITY BALL.
SUCCESS IN NUMBERS AND INTEREST.

SUCCESS IN NUMBERS AND INTEREST.
THE FEARS EXCITED BY THE WEATHER AND OTMIn
CAUSES PROVED TO BIZ IDLE ADMIRABLE
MANAGEMENT PROMPT BEGINNING - THE
ACADEMY FILLED wIfH PERSONS OF SOCIAL
PROMINENCE-sOME OF THE GUEsTs-EXQUisITR
TOILETs-THg MUSIC.
Reports of mismanagement in the sale of boxes,
rumOrs that spectators had control Of the sale Of
the best places, and finally a cold drizzling rain
which began to fall early in the afternoon dis
couraged all who hoped for the full success Of the
Charity Ball. The prospect was indeed gloomy, for
about Oclock-the fashionable hour at which the
patrons Of the balls begin to appear-and for
two hours subsequently, the rain constant and
copOus. But contrary to signs and expectation
and in spite of the depressing gloom without, the
Academy was filed as il has not been filed before
this Winter, and it is not likely soon again to be
filled. Guests early-comers this year; o'clock
found numerous groups in the dress circle evidently
family parties who had a curiosity TO witness tho
gathering of the company, and several OF tho
dress circle boxes also occupied. Tho
ladies' dressing room at half past O'Clock
was crowded with those preparing for the ballroom
while the lobby without was thronged to an uncom-
Portable extent with the sad and patent-OOking
and silent persons who waited the coming forth from
the toilet of their partners of the evening. Not only
were the guests promptly on hand but the managers
also, and this has not always been the at latter
day balls at the Academy. The Infant Asylum
ball, it will be remembered, was delayed
until after IL o'clock account Of the late appear
ance of one of the principal managers and features
of the occasion. But last night the ball opened
promptly at quarter to eleven o'clock and with .
large array of couples for the first quadrille. Tho
unfortunate delay at the Infant Asylum ball re-
suited in the appearance of about 50
couples for the first dance. Though the
Charity Ball was opened promptly. the management
by Arthur Leary was good that 73 couples ap-
peared on the floor to the march. and at least 100
couples engaged in the first Quadrie. For the first
valse the floor was almost crowded as at any
time during the evening. In the opening march ap-
peared Arthur Leary with Mrs. s. L. NJ. Barlow, A.
T. Stewart and wife, Algenon S. Sullivan District
Attorney Phelps Mrs. John Bigelow, and many
others of equal social prominence.
The ball was one of the most successful, in regard
to decorations, dresses, notable persons, and mem-
bers present, ever seen in New-York. No such ad-
mirable ball in every respect has been seen in this
city since the first Infant Orphan ball. which in
freshness of tOletes and other attractive features
the most elegant entertainment ever seen In New
York. Many present last night spoke of the sue
cessful issue under the disadvantages Of the
occasion tair and pleasant argury for the CEN
tennial year of pleasure and patriotism Theodore
Moss, the actual though unnamed manager Of this.
as of all the great balls in New-York for dozen or
score of years past declared that it the finest in
many years.
The decorations were of the usual simple charac-
ter in the Academy where the law of the stock
holders prevents the drawing of vail in the hang
ing of drapery. Six vases Of flowers rich in color
and profuse in blossom, marked and guarded the
semcrcle of the stage at the front. The Of the
stage little elevated above the rest of the foOr
was furnished as the lounges on which several
old people, who looked on at the enjoyment they
could no longer otherwise share in. Appended from
the center of the stage was a gas jot forming the
words "Charity-1S76."