New-York tribune., 1880-02-20
THE ARION BALL.

AN IMMENSE THRONG AND GREAT SUCCESS.
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN CROWDED. IN EVERY FART
--APpzAItANCk or THE Observation-Disclosures
DLCOEAuOSs-COsTUME AND INCIDENTS.
The Arion Masked Ball, at Madison Square
Garden last night, surpassed every one OF its
predecessors IN attendance. The immense
building was crowded almost TO the doors.
While the procession was not as brilliant
feature Of the ball as was expected, in other
respects the success OF the affair surpassed
anticipation. The decorations were extensive
and elaborate. the arrangements were excel
lent and there was much enjoyment. Great
diversity in COSTUMES however, was not shown.
GENERAL FEATURES OF THE BALL.
The Academy Of Music was found to be too small
for tue Arion Ball three years ago. and its commit
tee of arrangements moved to Gilmores or Madison
Square Garden. Where the society is to remove
next year for elbow room it is not possible to I'M
agine, but IT as made evident last night-the Occa-
SION Of its twenty sixth anniYersary-that 1t must
select larger quarters for its future displays. In
fact the suggestion has already been maze that the
procession which forms the great feature of its
annual ball shall hereafter be a street parade,
to be followed By a ball in the evening.
H. such an uncertain climate this tho
experiment would be a dangerous on, and
it will long be debated before finally attempted
The success of last evening was unprecedented
even in the history of the AriOn. Every available
seat unsecured by previous purchase filed very
soon after O'Clock and there also thOus lnds
of masqueI ,ders on the hoor to which none were
admitted without mask and domino, except MEM
bers of the press having the proper badges. The
boxes did not iii up until later hour; and by that
time not only were boxes and seats full but every
available space in the lobbes we'll on the floor
vas occupied. and in fact uncOmfortably crowded.
About the only comfortable spot was the raised
platform reserved for members Of the press which
by coed management was made large enough 10 ac-
commodate all who were entitled to its privileges
and then was kept clear of all who did not belong
there. 1t ought to be mentioned that this good
management was largely due to Mr. Hamilton, tho
press agent employed by the society
The ball opened very promptly-more 80 than Is
usual on such occasons--and it not long before
the forma'ty usual the opening of every bail had
worn Off and the hIarity was soon at its he ght
It is n peculiarly OF the Ariou that it is never
stiff The severity and haf-solemnty of the open
Ing Of the Licderkranz do rot mark that Of the
Arion aud while thore is none Of the license of the
French ban there is all its freedom and gene al
levlty.
The marchof the committees, which always marks
the opening 0f the ArOn, and whic h was preceded
by concert. took place promptly at 10 O'Clock.
Two pat0ons which, when in hnc stretched en-
tirey across the stage reserved for dancing, went
through several mauwuyres under command of nm
officer on horseback The movements were simple,
and were admirably executed Afterward the
opening waltz played, and then several dances
were executed until about midnight when tho pro-
Cession began 10 move.