Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-02-10


more of the elements Of good taste and magnf-
ficence than anything ever before devised for
its enjoyment. The tete last night was an
exponent of the artistic taste, cultivated mind,
and patriotic desire on the part of Afexico's
representative to enlighten the citizens OF the
United States in regard to his own country.
While looking upon the fine panoramic view
of the valley and fair city of Mexico, with It's
background of mountains and volcanoes, which
covered the broad side Of the immense ball
room there was created desire to visit tnat
favored spot. Then, too, the life-size painted
illustrations of four classes in the domestic life
of Mexico, which adorned four panels on the
balcony. gave lesson Of instruction to those
whOhad never visited that country. The cultf-
waited taste of an artist was displayed in all OF
the decorations and combined throughout with
q skill which made every detail perfect.
The residence was beautiful on the outside as
the ball room built for the occasion. Those who
could not enjoy the brilliant scene within, could
stand outside and admire the illumination as
wen as the superbly dressed ladies as they de.
Scehded from their carriages. The JIcade of
the two houses occupied by Mr.. de Zamacona
and his charming family was outlined by gas
jets, the light shining through globes of green,
red, and white the national colors of our next
door neighbor. Above the second story win
dows the name, 'MeXico,' appeared in illum-
mated letters. There was also the coat Of arms
of Mexico in gas Jets. and chandeliers with col
ored globes added to The brilliant effect
Two strips of crimson carpet covered the
pavement from the carriage step to the entrance
Guests entered the residence to the East and
were shown to the dressiDg-rooms, where the
arrangements were perfect for the checking OF
wraps. and every article was furnished for the
toilette or for the repair of damaged trains
each were conveniently placed within reach.
Passing through the punch, coffee. and tea
rooms, the guests took look at the handsomely
arranged supper tables before descending to the
parloTS, where the host and hostess received
their friends with hearty cOrdiality.. Three
rooms We're arranged with supper tables; one
room especially for ladies, and two for gentle
men. There were speciaities for both, OWNED
by the most accomplished caterers. Both stair
ways were trimmed with SmilaX, and feather
flowers, in brilliant cOlorS and every variety Of
Orchids were used is produce the most artistic
effects. The doorways were festooned with
long wreathS Of evergreens, intertwined with
the feather flowers. Against the walls OF each
hall Of entrance there were half-mOon rustic
brackets OF moss filled with choice frest, flowers.
''Welcome," in white flowers, appeared on the
base OF the brackets. On the mantleS there
We're cloisonne vases filled with flowers, and
gilt capdelabras set in the rareSt cloiSonne
stands; between these were pots Of blooming
plants so imbedded in foliage that they appeared
10 be growing out OF the mounds. On one wall
the coat of arms OF Mexico With our flag inter-
tWined with the national coior5 Of the host was
perfectly carried out with white. red biue and
green double China roses. InIiumerable wax
candles were used in addition to the chande-
nerS.
The guests, after being presented to the host
and hostess, passed through the west parlors to
tile DhlCODy WHICH UNpfuuuS ttlS tIOulCdl RdfutI
in the rear of the houses. The windows and
doors had been removed, SO that nothing inter-
rupted the beautiful vista The balcony was
arranged to present the appearance of the gale
ry OF theater, with side boxes the floor and
two flights of steps, which descended on both
sides into the garden, were carpeted, and COM
Portable seats were placed against the walls.
The top of the railing and window sills were
cushioned with h red velvet, upholstered with
rim OF gold. The scene now became one of en-
chantment. Aladdtn's lamp had been rubbed,
n
mild winter cline of Washington and its festiv.
tiles to the warmer tropics. The air was as mild
and balmy as that OF a delicious spring day. 1t
was garden filed with the blooming plants in
diginous to the tropics. Popocatapetl End Hta-
zhuatl loomed up In the background with their
voicaric peaks their great heights above the
grandeur. Sunny and bright appeared the val
ley. with its broad roads leading 10 the be lutful
city, shaded from the heat by trees on both
sides OF the avenues. A cascade OF water
lights gave variety Of colors to the water On
the LETT of the painting, the size OF which is
fifty feet long by fourteen high, On an isolated
hill, stands the castle OF Chapultepec. This
has been offered as a residence to General Grant
when he visits Mexico The painting gives an
idea OF the beauty OF contrast between the per-
pe,ual snow which caps the mountains, aud the
perennial green OF the valley. The flag OF the
United States and the flag Of Mexico were
gracefully intertwined and supported just in
front OF the painting. That these colors may
always blend together in harmony seemed to be
the1nVocat1on OF every one present last evening.
In this enchanting tropical garden there were
two statues-one OF Bacchus and the other of
dancing girl In the center of the garden rose
tall cedar tree which was found growing in
the area before the spacious annex was built.
1t haS been carefully preserved and formed one
of the features Of this novel ballroom. A cush-
loned divan encircled the trunk of the tree and
afforded comfortable seats for the weary dancers
and almost bewildered spectators. The floor
was in fine order for dancing and the music was
inspiring. 1t was beautiful spectacle to look
at the groups of richly dressed ladies on the
balcony as viewed from the garden, or to
change places and take in the garden scenes
from the balcony.
The four life-size pictures on the balcony op-
posite the great panoramic picture represented
first an Indian girl making corn bread
[.tortWds'9-the bread most relished in Mexico.
Next, an Indian extracting the juice from the
both medicine, wine, soap and other necessary
articles can be extracted. Another picture rep
sesented an Indian selling chickens, and the
at flower -bedecked counter selling lemonade
and other platable drinks.
The ladies' in rich and glittering tolettes, adj
ded to the magniicence of the scene. AS Mrs.
Astor, of New York. stood ON the balcony with
her wealth Of diamonds she only appeared to be
mt part OF the gorgeous spectacle. From her
corsage OF blue satin and point lace sparkled
cluster of large diamonds which exceeded any
thing ever before seen in this city; chains OF
solitaire diamonds were worn like gold cord by
our military OlncerS OF nlSn rank; tHree rows or
large pearls encircled her slender throat; large
sol1taires glittered in her ears and 'tpdirre''
OF fabulous value adorned her head.
Madame de Zamacona wore train OF lilac
satin. brocaded in the style OF peaches; the
waist and paniers were OF violet embossed vel
vet. Mecblin lace, and flower garnlture were
gracefully disposed about the dress. Magnif-
cent diamond ornaments were worn with this
elegant toilette, Miss Amelie de Zamacona
wore white frosted gauze, with basque and pam
iers OF ec'u satin, hOwered with tiny roses and
buds. The dress was trimmed with Breton lace,
and bows OF red and green satin ribbon. Miss
Eleena de Zamacona wore white muslin with
garniture OF Breton lace and white satin rib
bons.
Mrs. Devens, wife Of the nephew OF the Attor-
ney-General, wore an elegant toilette OF dark
blue velvet. white satin and lace. Mrs. T. f.
Scull, of Pittsburgh, wore combination toi-
lette OF brown and blue and bronze velvet, with
drapeTies Of striped satin; the trimmings were
chenille fringe of brown and bows OF gold color,
with point lace in neck and sleeves. Mrs. T. C..
Speer, OF Pittsburgh wore white satin combined
with white corded silk, with satin spots, en-
broidered in white silk on the long box pleatS Of
the skirt: point ducheSSe lace garnished the
dress. The Misses Dwight were beautifully
dressed. One wore white lowered satin with
lace and flowers. Her sister wore white silk
with pearl embroidery on bands OF blue velvet.
Mrs. Yung Wing, wife Of the Chinese Minister.
wore a rich garnet velvet with point lace and
diamonds. Mr. and Mrs. Dwight accompanied
their daughters The wife or Senator Logan
wore dOwered brOcade with velvet. Her daugh-
ter. Mrs, Tucker was dressed in crimson satin