Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-04-23
Grand Civic and Military Bali
AN IMPOSING DISPLAY.
a Complete Success. ss.-Immense Throne.
Witness the Pageant.

Inc chief event OF interest on Fast Day il
Iardlner was the grand military and civi,
ball given by the Richards Light Infantr,
complimentary to the Portland Cadets, and
the parade When two such military organ
izations as these assert their determination to
have good time it may be set down as ;
fact that they riH have one; and such wa,
the one presented to the public Thursday
The VIII ole affair from beginning to end wa,
a series of jollities and pleasant surprises
successful in every particular, and creditable
to all concerned.
| THE CAPITAL GUARDS.
Two o'clock, prompt, found Richards Light
Infantry, sixty strong, drawn up in military
order in Depot Square awaiting with cheer
full countenances and precise array, the ar
rival of the Capital Guards of Augusta, to
whom an invitation had been extended.
Twenty minutes later a goodly representa-
tion of our capital city's military was seen
marching to position parallel to the Rich
ards Light Infantry. few moments later
they all adjourned to the Armory to await
the arrival of the Cadets on the g. 10 train
The Portland military arrived on time
with Chandler's Band, and a few moments
later battalion. under the command OF
| Major Ballard of Augusta with Lieut. Cross
of Gardiner as aid, was formed and when
the order 'sfOrward march" came, one of the
most brilliant military pageants that Gardi-
| ner has witnessed for some time could be
| seen. The troops marched with the utmost
precision through the principal streets.
GRAND STREET PARADE.
Chambers Band the best in the State, was
| leading the van, discoursing some of its choic-
est music. Their excellent appearance and fine
martial bearing were generally commented
upon. The Drum-major's bearskin cap, OF
course, was an object especially interesting
to the juveniles. Then came the Capital
Guards; their soldierlike bearing was pro-
ductive Of well-merited praise, and Capt.
Fossett may, with good reason, be proud OF
his command. Richards Light Infantry no.
bly, sustained their reputation for excellent
drilling. OF course we feel considerable in
terest in our own company and do not hesi-
tate to state that they compared favorably
with the older and more experienced visiting
| companies. Capt. brakes skill as drill mas
ter was apparent in the decided improvement
of his company in that direction. Company
II. is fast becoming one of the best compa
nies of the State.
The PORTLAND CADETS.
Every eve was turned upon the
rear company. In addition to being
the leading guests they are the most
perfectly drilled company in the State and
worthy of all praise. Their mill
tary excellence was displayed to good ad-
vantage, and their drab-colored uniforms
formed a marked and pleasing contrast with
the militia blue. In their ranks were two
little boys hardly seven years old. march
ing, about up to the mems waists,
and attracting universal attention.
| They carried small muskets and marched
with the precision Of veterans. A few car
riaees containing invited guests brought up
the rear. Col. Richards was at the depot to
receive Gov. Plaisted, if he should arrive, as
was expected; but he was disappointed,
for the Governor did not come.
An IMPOSING SIGHT.
This parade was truly brilliant pro-
cession. as with martial music, futtering and
gauov plumes, gold lace glittering in the sun,
muskets and bayonets of steel, glttering and
flashing. brilliant and snowy uniforms,
poised muskets and precise step, they
marched to the inspiring strains Of mar
t;ar music through the principal streets.
Proceeding up Water street, they marched
through Winter. High. Bridge. Brunswick,
School. Dresden, Kinesbury. Pleasant,
School. Vine, and finally returned to Water
street pretty much wearied with their long
tramp. They Immediately adjourned to
johnson Hall.
Depot Square and Water street were Dense
,v crowded. and on all the streets along the
route of procession we're groups OF spectators
,,o,.,, Hallowell, Portland and all the
no;ghbor;ns towns and rural districts lent
their quota to swell the vast crowd On every
s;do were seen country Teams 'aoe" ~
human freight. all apparently happy Inc
city ..swell" and his country "cous,n JOS
.,.d e.ch other. In this great crowc
there was generally the greatest order ana
,scorum: but few instances OF DRUNKENNESS
.a 5;sorder were seen throughout the day.
supper time found the Augusta boys IN
Continental Hall vigorously attacking .he
bountiful repast that had been prepared 10.
them. showing by their efforts that their long
,r.mn had in nowise diminished their 'PP..
,;,ss The Cadet. satisfied their appetl.es =
O. G. Rollins hospitable board at the M hs."'
uouse where they had taken their 'ous'"s'
In THE HALL.
The hall doors were open at eio.,
"a .oon the room was thronged wiz
.,.c,.tors. The gallery seats ana '"o,' -,
~ the stage were reserved, "",'
onlv couple rows around 'ne ... ~.
~er. not; quite a large no"oel a,
...na;ne - ali about the hall, which had s pee.
.....f.llv and elaborately decorated y -.
a - =