Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-02-24
The Vice-Regal Ball

1AC SAOC-AsO6nA ~~A~
The ball given BY the ladies of the
Mount Vernon Association at the theatre
last nigbt was iD every respect worthy
the Centennial, because no event within
the century has equaIled it in spleudor. The
appearance of the entire theatre, taken in by
a single glance of the sye, cannot be described
BY any single word 10 our language, enriched
as it has been by the polishing hand of time
and the lingual treasures of an entire globe. 1t
was scene of fairy-like loveliness and beauty
that must be looked upon or dreamed of to be
fully conceived. That it recalled the ancient
gories Of Virginia 10 her monarcbical days,
when ruled over by a splendid government.
and ere the seeds Of that democracy which has
since grown and fourished we're sown, all re-
coguized, and yet amid the gorgeous display
of banners and all the nagni6cencs of costum-
cry, we felt that no Virginiau there would
have exchanged the simple democracy OF the
present for all the imperial grandeur of that
graud past which our youth and beauty 80
trushfully represented and 80 elegantly COM
memorated. Rich Whg.
The birthday Of George Washington was
never celebrated with more eclat and enthuslas.
tic display than it has been in the capital OF bis
native State on this anniversary, occurring IN
the Centennial year of American independence.
The lineal descendants of the foretathers OF
virginia and the historical representation OF
those who did 80 much to achieve the liberty
of our country are tonight assembled IN the
Richmond Theatre in presentation OF Vice
ROYAL Court ball at Williamsburg, OF the time
of Lord Botetourt, one of the ColonialG Govern.
ors of Virginia. The inhabitants of Richmond
and, indeed, of the whole State are nterested
and enthusiastic in this grand pageant, and the
theatre doors were thronged with crowds seeking
admission as early as seven o'clock. The house
was crsmmed from pit to dome with the most
brilliant assemblage ever seen 10 the building
Despite the inherent democratic spirit OF the
NirgiDians, there was palpable inclination on
their part to boast that pride OF heraldry not
exactly 10 keeping With the ideas OF this Gen.
leuniaI period. Iu the courtly colonial throng
was discovered many youthful blood and
lair dame attired 10 the costume OF over a cen
tury ago, who would willingly wear DOW the
title Of MY lady,, MY lord His grace,
or His big hness." The opening scene was
was never so magni6cently decorated. The
throne occupied by Lord Botetourt was
draped strictly after the style of the colo.
NAL period, and ou all sides were suspended
wreatbs and festoons, the flags of Great Brl-
tain and Ireland. There was the Gross OF st.
George, the Union Jack, the lion and the unl-
corn, the Thistle, the Shamrock and the Rose
while prominently visible also was the nag OF
our oWn country. 1t is impossible to describe
or even mention the historical relics that were
displayed tonight, and they Of themselves furn-
ish sad and serious source of regret that Vlr-
ginia's Legislature refused to appropriate
patry sum toward the exhibition of her own
resources and historical "reminiscences at the
Nations Centennial. Among the historical
eIics woult especially mention a cup borne
~ Mrs. General Harry Heth. This cup was
carried by the mace bearers at the opening OF
the House of Burgesses at Williamsburg, by
ell the colonial Governors after the reign OF
Charles the Second, by whom the cup was pre-
sented to the colony of Virginia. 1t is mas
s,ve concern of solid silver, handsomely engrav-
cd, and literally plated with gold. 1t bears
the coat of arms of old England and the old,
Virginia Colonial Coat OF Arms "Virtuet ct
Lahore foreDt Ces pubicae. y To this Is add
ed the coat of arms which Charles IL. gave to
the State when be presented this cup with the
motto "En Dat Virginia qusrtam." Truly
buCll q Valuable Eollc dS ILLS euOulu UO piOooIS
ed for the Centennial There were innumers.
be impossible to describe fully.-Richmond
correspondence Ne,o York Herald.
1t may be said without tear OF exaggeratlon
that this entertainpeut last night was the
graudest and most beautiful ever seen 10 Vir.
ginia. The Theatre was beautifully decorated
With shields and banners from the ballroom
fDor up to the dome, and presented most
brilliant aspect.
All the features of the court pageant were 10
perfect taste aud harmony, and showed the
ye aud hand of artists 10 the management.
ne tableuur arranged by Elder and Sheppard
ere Very hue.
This stately and beautiful minuet cannot be
perfectly done by men of our day. The gay
paIlans and "boods' of the last century were
taught to walk as we'll as to ride and fence, and
canuot be initiated except by the finest actors,
who make them and their times study. One
OF the most beautiful ladies in the dance. and
most elegantly attired. was Mrs. Russell Rob
insoD. The dress might be termed poetic
dream OF the toilet. A straw oolored brocade
Court train, once worn BY Elizabeth Cromwell
RUSSELL the granddaughter of Oliver Crom-
Well The petticoat of black ground closely
embroidered With beautiful flowers of natural
size and color. Antique lace ruth IS and tuck
er'; collar of diamonds, and aigrette and ear
rings of antique diamonds. The character rep
'seuted was the ady's great-graud-
SJohn Cabell. of Green Hill
Hiss Lizzie Harrison, Miss Douthad, Miss
lie Aylett and Miss Warwick wore beauti-
-'' aucestra dresses, which we're as welcome to
.1e eye of an antiquarian as to that Of q lady
EQUALITY versed in the feminine technology
Of the toilet. Mrs. Tom Moore wore q most
beautiful dress.
Among the characters were the Curtis child
feo' represented BY the Coffee children. 1t is
supposed that this is an ancient Huguenot
imanlly who came to Virginia with the Count
Dupuy-RtchmondJ Journal.
SHAD IN THE UPPER PoToMAc.--We are in-
l0rmed that few days ago two shad, measur-
log about foot each in length, were caught in
olg pool above Clearspring. 1t is supposed
,hese fish are two of those small ones