, 1882-02-18

The 6rst annual ball Of Abraham Lincoln
Post No. 4, Grand Army Of the Republic, On
Tuesday evening. at SeAhrs Oper. House,
was one OF the most adrairably managed AID
successful parties ever known Il this city.
A military ball In every sense of the word, il
WAS IN aifair which for triIliancy OF effect
was never squalled in the city. while as a
matter OF social enjoyment it will long be
pleasantly remembered BY those who partie-
ipased. The decorations were simply beau
ti.ul, the interior of the building being cne
magnshcen. panorama of hags, giittering
sabres, muskees, bayonets, pictures, notices,
and festoons. A continuous row Of small
American flags were suspended from the
ceiling, extending the full length Of the
building, While from the center Of the cell
Ing. extending to the surrounding walls were
innumerable festoons Of red. white ami blue
suspended in graceful folds. A tent was
pitched on the stage, surrounded by stacks
of muskets. and other indications of mill.
tary camp, to which the dark back scenery
of woods. lakes and mountains gave an ap-
peatanee both natural and beautiful. 4
howitzer. planted well down to the front of
the stage. had tine appearance Of = mighty
sentinel guarding with jealous care the hap
py, brilliant multitude which surged ike a
living sea on the floor below. On the east
side of the hall were portraits of several
prominent generals OF the rebellion while on
the walls OF the south end was large por-
trait Of Gen Washington, surrounded by
the suggestive words, fraternity" 4"
Liberty" loyalty" On the west side,
painted over an immense American flag
which extended aimos. from ceiling 20 floor,
wero the words Post q. A r. and
Welcome. Immediately above which was
suspended . portrait toward which many
locked with sorrow and with pride-the
portrait Of ono whose name is intimately as.
sociated with the G. A. R., and in whose
honor the post in this city was named
Abraham Lincoln. The portrait was placed
above the words last quoted to represent the
name Of the post, and at the same time re-
call the name of this great and good man.
The combination was as appropriate as it was
beautiful. .
There Uere present some of our best citi-
zens, all of whom seemed to enjoy them
selves immensely. The Guards and Artil-
lery Of this city were Well represented, and
their respective uniforms. together with
those OF members of the First Cavalry who
were present, gave the large assemblage a
varied and brilliant appearance. Whatever
may be soid OF the regular soldiers, the con-
duct of those present on this occasion
proved that there are good men in the army
es well as in other walks of life.
The music on this occasion, furnished by
the First Cavalry band, was particularly re-
marked. The band even surpassed its
former record on ike occasions, as being the
best on the coast. The calling by Thomas
Mallon, must come in for its share Of lauds-
ton, for it was euual in sll respects TO the
excellent arrangements OF the whole affair.
Gen. Smith, Major jackson and Mayor
McAulitf as a reception committee We're
first-class. That the first annual ball OF
Abraham Lincoln Post was brilliant sue
cess is 4 matter of much satisfaction to our
citizens, and each ann lal recurrence OF the
same viii ever be hailed with ,leasure.