The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-30
WALKING FOR THE CAKE.

HUN IN G1LMORE 8 GARDEN--A CROWDED HOUSE
APpLAuDINa THE GRACE AND DEPoRTMENr
OF coLoRED COUPLES.
/ Tho announcement thns another exhibition OF the
Ole virgnny cake walk would form feature or
the performance at the London Circus drew
crowded house TO Gmore's Garden last
night The circus performance was but
secondary consideration IN the estimation OF the OK
peetant audience who mainly interested In the
exhibition Of fcmininc grace and masculine dcport
mont which were to compete for ,ne coveted
prizes and tho fame which was to be
bestowed the successful contestants The
prizes in themselves sufficiently attractive
and valuable to put tho competitors on their
metle, but when the applause OF an enthusiastic
multitude was TO be supcradded moro powerful
stimulus was given to hcightcn tho ambition Of the
professional walkers At this unique tournament
During tho preliminary circus performance tho dusky
damsels and their gallant chaperons occupied FRONT.
nent seats In the vicinity Of the band. AS
matter Of they attracted general attention
took great prido In tho sensation they were
creating. Admirng glanecs were thrown At this
ebony coterie by colony Of coIorcd folks who occu-
pied ncighborng position. ''Fo' the Lord, honey,
SAID ono old enthusiastic auutie, who wore striped
yellow fez, 'they do look nice for anything
Abou, hali-past o'clock the circus drew to an
end. buzz OF impatence sweiled into demonstra-
lions OF applause us the veteran master OF ccremo-
MES old Pop" Whitaker made his appearance. In
stensoran tones, which rang out ike buglc
blast, he announced the formal opening Of ino
peti,oTs for the prizes will make circuit
twice around tho ring. with that majestic skill and
possess tGreat appiauso.) 'rney viii now begin their
grcnt pedestrian ieat' said Pop Whitaker, raptur-
ously. Then nled into the outer circuit the rival
champions who wore TO challenge public favor In
their department and win appliance in what had been
fciici'ously termed "a great pedestrian ioat"
They marched In thes following order FRANCIS
Griggs and Nine Ray, George Ray and Mrs. Hyatt,
Susan GaIowbod, Charles Murray and Mrs Murray,
Miles Butler ana Jonah Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Bower
bringing up tho rear. Charles Ray and Miss Mary
Ray then look the track, and sdcd around 10 the in
spiritng strains OF "Tha skldmore Guards" "S,rkc
Pop Whitaker, with a majestic sweep OF ms arm In
the direction OF tho band. Mr.. and MISS Ray a
well shaped, good looking couple, OF copper coorcd
complexion. Miss Ray was becomngly sttircd In
mauve coored ovorskirt and satin bodice, cut de-
coe,6; she wore bead necklace and whito
dulatng, and was meant to be very graceful
Her dusky ohaperon held himsSl well 10 hand ~
his right arm HIS companion's opera cloak. he
bore himself like knight who mad tho honor OF his
lady love At heart and his gallant nien and lofty but
measured tread drew forth generous and frequent sp
plausc
George Ray and Mrs. Hyatt next foated Into popular
favor "Mr. Ray" vocforaicd tho master OF cere-
MONIES. AL eyes are upon you now and your lady.
Now do your utmost TO please everybody" Mr. Ray
did not need further urging to display hts manly
figure, while hts graceful partner carried all hearts
by her buoyant and graceful tread. Shc
minced along Ia fashions tide" with hauicur
that bespoke seli.conscious confidence IN her own
charms white Mr. Ray seemed TO be unalterably i'm
pressed with bis own killing airs Mrs. hyatt was
aorge0ns IN white tarictan ovcrskirt en- train,
IooDed with knots OF cardinal ribbons while a re-
spendenas crimson rs sash, sash zonsd her delicate
roses George was respondent IN swallowtailed
con, and white KIDS lie bcId MS right his
bacK and did uil Justice to the momentous occasion.
On their retiring from the ring they bowed with great
SWEEPS Of The arms as II to embrace all OF tho
audience. They were recalled with thundors OF ap.
plsusc. They evidently had produced "A profound I'M
PRESTON and Mrs Hyatt looked triumphant as she
slowly Withdrew
Mr.. Francis Grgs and another budding soon Of tho
feminine Ray iamy doomed into public notice.
Hts swarthy lace was radiant with happiness. Miss
Ray has psfie figure, which was shown 10 good ad-
was the poetry or motion. They glded along with
great einboratcncss OF department and received full
qunntum OF applause But, after all, IL
deserved for Mr. Miles Butler and Mmo Raw To deyeI.
op the latent excitement and husiasm the house.
Mr.. Butler appeared under certain disadvantages His
lfy had disappointed him. and. than iorcgo
the luxury Of airing his manly proportions, pleaded
with Mme RAY to do HIM the honor Of acting
as his partner As he stepped forth his ebony
features beamed with intense satisfaction. The
bition OF lifetime rcsixcd. lie tho admired
his lustrous eyes no tauntiy stepped FORTH rcso
lutte hts effort TO DO numbered among tho successful
competitors.
OTHER cosrgsTAsra
To enumcrac tho grace and dignity OF all tho con-
testants would DO impossible. Mr.. Potter Banks ana
Miss Hattie Beans evidently concluded that their
strong point lay IN the claboracncss and profusoncss
OF their snlaams. George Anderson aud Miss Carter
did u justice 10 themselves, anu stepped around the
great precision and solcmnity. Al last
GROWING glory oil the performance reached when
james Bowser and Mrs Bowser srolicd with nm
air Of abandon into the ring M Bowscr and bis