The Evening critic., 1882-03-23
SOCIETY,".
what is Going On in the Social
World


Last night was the most brilliant evening
yet seen at the fair of the National Rifles. The
rooms were thronged, not only with our own
people, but also with the Boston visitors, the
Veteran Corps and the Battalion of Light In
fantry. The arrival of these last was prefaced
by the fine display OF fireworks that lighted
their march from the armory to Masonic Hall.
The idea was novel one, and the blue, green,
crimson and pale gold lights of bombs, Roman
candles, rockets and Greek fire uniformed
them in as many coats as there were
colors. The reception at the hall was
graceful and enthusiastic, and the redcoats
were perfect in their role of hosts. The
color and beauty quite apart from the booths
and their wares, for the Northern tourists
wore elegant toilets and handsome jewels; the
crimson coats of the Rifles bloomed like pop.
pies on the white field of the Infantry the
sober blue of the Veterans contrasted as forci-
bly, with the braveries of their young brothers
in-alms as their war-worn looks did with the
buoyant young figures and faces. But what
they have been our Young troops may be, for
they are not Just holiday soldiers, but are en-
listed for five years, subject to the call and
orders of the Secretary of War, and are as
much bound TO serve the Government for that
term as the Land-Sturm of Germany is
The crush was immense; but as l was caught
In II near, and wedged against, Mrs. Hough's
table did not mind II, for 1t gave me a chance
TO examine the many handsome things her
booth contains. For instance, magnificent
chalice wrought in a boating design, the cup
upheld by oars and tackle, and the base
adorned with sailor lads and coils of gold rope
artistically disposed. The Partisan bonnet
zone OF Madame Raymond's CONNECTIONS ~ OF
the finest Spanish lace-a design of much
beauty-trimmed with lilacs and tiny green
sunfowers, for only the summer sun opens
the heartssof It's worshipers, you know. A
network OF seed pearls is drapcd over the
bonnet, and depends in fine fringe about the
frame. This is one OF the grand prizes In the
lottery. The sword, to be given to the com
missioned officer receiving the largest number
of votes, is also there, and Mr.. Stokes, of the
National Rifles cadets, is the favorlte
so far. 1t is a beautiful specimen of tho
armorer's skill. There is some fine Kensing-
ton work, and an antique chair of ebony and
brocaded velvet, Longway lamp, and a box
of dolls the size OF a pin, dressed in dozen
styles and clothes that nj, in spite of their
weeness. These the contribution OF n
little girl who has the good of the corps at
heart. There is also quantity OF nice bric-a-
quite specially of pins sleeve-buttons and
earrings Of N r. " buttons. These have been
gold plated, and fare pretty souvenirs of the
| prettiest fair ever held in our city. Mrs
Hough and her young assistants can be dis
| tinguished any and everywhere by their sun
| flowers, the only uniform thing about their
| toilets, which are among the prettiest and
dainest IN the room. Mrs. True, Mrs. Mcleod.
Miss Walker, Miss Adams, Miss King, aud the
| lovely Miss Creaser are of the number who
make the table attractive.
Mr.. and Mrs. Hamilton Fish are the guests
| of Mr.. and Mrs. Bancroft Davis during their
stay In cur city.
The friends OF Commander Kellogg, u. s. N,
| will be grieved TO learn of his dangerous III
| ness. He is suffering from rheumatism Of the
heart.
Miss Hamilton the Kentucky belle, so pleas.
antly remembered here, sails shortly for
| Europe. She is the stepdaughter OF General
| Williams, and is girl of such sterling quail
| Ties and fine nature that am glad to have her
go abroad as a representative "Americau
| girl" for the American girl, pure and simple,
Is the problem Mt present of the foreign social
| mind, and Miss Hamilton VIII be such de
| lightful solution.
The dinner given by the President last even.
Ing to General and Mrs. Grant was OF the same
| elegance that has characterized all the White
House parties this season. The guests gath
cred in the East Room, which blazed with
flowers and lights; and a few minutes before
dinner the President entered with Mrs. GRAM
ON his arm and the General on her right. As
they advanced down the hall leading from tn,
stairway the band burst into the ringing meas
ures Of Hail TO the Chief" an appropriate
compliment to the greatest soldier Of the age
The President and Mrs. Grant, General Gran
and Mrs, Keifer, Mr.. Keifer and Mrs
State and Mrs. Fish, followed by TIL
other guests In due order, led the way to tn
state dinlng-room, where the floral decora
lions We're continued, by the opening Of tn
conservatory, ana lost in vista OF lovelies
bloom. The bouquets-de-cOrsage were tie,
with pale satin ribbons, and the center-piec
was OF a new design, TO which the quantity 0
smilax used lent an exquisite grace. Th
shields were spicy, with the red and white o
carnations, and cleaned with azaleas. Pyra
mids OF bloom, massed IN contrasts that woul
have gladdened the heart OF an artist, wer
inierspersed with wax lights, covered wit
|
usually pretty. The guests were those name
yesterday, with Admiral Porter, Mr.. Phillips
Miss jeffrey and Miss Cuts.
| Tomorrow evening Admiral and Mrs Rode
ers receive at the Observatory.
Tonight the Secretary OF State gives III
usual Thursday evening :" at home." IL
rumored that during Holy week this receI
tion will be omitted, the family being devoI
Episcopalians.
Mr.. George Frelinghuysen, OF the New Yor
firm OF vinton, Belmont Frelinghuysen,
, spending few days with his family. Thei
is no one more warmly welcomed back TO hi
old haunts than this gentleman, tor no is
; universal fayorite and deserves all the kin
things said Of him.
Admiral Scott is said 10 be most desperatel
i'll, but We hope this is a mistaken rumOr, (,
he could not be spared out OF social lie.
The officers Of the Plymouth will sail Il
Europe "as rapidly as possible, not later tha
April B." 50 they Will go abroad ON an absen
OF many months without having said goo
by 10 even their wives and children. Bette
perhaps, than the old way, but-aWful
I sudden.
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