Morning journal and courier., 1881-02-25

The Grays' grand reception and promenade
concert last night, at the CARL Opera House,
was fine affair, fully equalling if not ex-
ceeding expectations which the preparations
had justified. The decorating committee had
the floor in the most literal sense of the
term yesterday afternoon, a corps of Grays
working most zealously and efficiently, under
the direction of Capt. Arnold and Lieut.. Bow
| man, in the important work of adding to the
beauty of the hall, several of the most prom
inent veterans being present and taking an
| active interest. A number of old members
dropped in during the afternoon to note the
proceedings, and offered any service that
might be useful either in counsel or funds
The elegantly framed oil paintings of prom
inent veterans were transferred from the ar
mory walls to the hall, also knapsacks and
rifles, also brass field-piece belonging to
the State, in use at Gen. Russell's school, and
1.-The artillery corps'' finally succeeded with
| out the aid of a derrick in transferring the
gun to the stage. The scene last night was
very brilliant.
The gallery fronts were elegantly adorned
with festoons of red, white and blue bunting
in bright fresh colors. Fine portraits of
ex-Gov. Jewell, ex-Gov. English, ex- Mayor
Lewis, Gen. S. E. Merwin, Gen. Frank D.
Sloat, Hon. James M. Townsend, Col. A. G.
Hendrick, Col. Morgan Capt. Steele, and
last but not least, the lamented Major E.
Walter Osborn of the 18th G. v, adorned the
gallery fronts and the proscenium boxes
while the State and national flags were dis
played from the boxes. In the rear of the
stage the national colors greeted the eye
Thanking the extreme rear of the stage were
two military tents. with stacked guns inside,
while between them were other stacks of
arms hung with knapsacks and the large field
piece This very pretty scene suggestive of
life in camp was in very pleasing contrast to
the pc respective of forest, chateau and wood
land scenery which enclosed the rear of the
stage. Underneath the proscenium arch
olazed in letters of fire 's1816, New Haven
Grays, 1881" Extra gas burners and re-
Electors had been added, frightening the
briliancy of the scene. The grand march
was a very fine affair, disclosing to view
profusion of rich and lovely toilets
The first gallery was nearly filed with
spectators Watching the gay and brilliant
scene upon the floor. The grand march
was fine sight. At about IL o'clock came
led by Captain Arnold, of the Grays and
Governor Bigelow. who had shortly before
arrived from Lieutenant Governor Bulkeley's
reception at Hartford. In the march were
over 100. Following Captain Arnold and
Governor Bigelow came the Governors
staff, then General s. r. Smith and staff,
then Generals Merwin and Sloat, Colonel
Hendrick and others, then Lisutenants
Howarth and Bowman of the Grays and the
active Grays, followed by many of the Off
GERS of companion military organizations of
this city and other parts of the State and
cession appeared in view, Wheeler 4
Wilson's full brass band, which
furnished the promenade music for
the ball, struck up ttHail to the Chief .
following it with a, familiar and popular
march. The gay scene was very brilliant
feature of the occasion. Mayor Buckley,
of Hartford, brother of Lieut.. Gov. Bulke-
ley, was in the procession. Gov. Bigelow
and staff, Mayor Buckley and others left
Lieut.. Gov. Buckley 8 grand reception at about
half-past 10, and came by special train to
this city, the run being made in about an
hour. The party were finely entertained at
Gen. Geo. H. Ford's residence previous to
their arrival at the grand promenade. We
learn from Col. Rutherford Trowbridge of
the Governors staff, that there were about
], 200 at Lieut.. Gov. Bulkeley's reception. It
was brilliant social occasion. The music
comprising Thomas of this city and members
of the Philharmonic society of New York,
eighteen pieces, and with Wheeler q Wilson's
brass band the music was, as anticipated,
very fine. Among the prominent people
present beside those already named
were Mayor Robertson, ex-Mayor Lewis,
General E. E. Bradley, Judge York, Hon.
Charles Z. Mitchell, City Officials B. r. Eng
ish, Frank b. Hooker, ex- Alderman W. J. At
water, ex-City Auditor Fl. 81. Bunnell, Pres
.ident G. s. Leete of the Merchants bank, j.
B. Sargent, Colonels Fox and Morgan, Fred
erick Waldron and mary others. The re-
freshment department. was presided over by
Diebel. the supper being served in the library.
from II o'clock onward. Governor Bige-
low, Adjutant General Harmon, General
Ford, Colonel Trowbridge, General Smith,
Colonel Stevenson, Major Waldron and others
dined together after midnight, the party in
GLIDING General Merwin and other prominent
Grays. Altogether the affair, was brilliant
occasion and q notable society event.
There was large representation of FASH
ionable society in the spectators, and many
well known citizens. fine entertainment
was provided for the military guests The
well known dancing master and prompter, |
Mr.. FL. G. Gin, for SO many years teacher |
in the terpsichorean art in this city, together |
with his daughter Mamie, also accomplished |
in the art, were enjoying the pleasant COCA.
eiens