The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-02-23

musical lnstruments were piled at tnelr DaseS.
The stage was covered with Venetian carpet
representing wreaths of flowers on a deep red
ground. Either side of the great painting
were marble statues, ten feet high, supported
on pedestals, the statues crowned with flags
and bannerets of scarlet and blue. The great
painting which adorned the stage cost $3.50.
Two large, imitation, field pieces, with piles
of cannon balls were located at either side of
the front Of the stage. A dais of green and
velvet, stood at the rear centre, while guns,
lances, and other warlike emblems were stack
ed here and there.
In the centre Of the rear gallery was Turk
ish mosque draped in old gold, crimson and
brown velvet the valences and curtains bor-
dered with moss paper in variegated colors,
and the mosque itself surmonnted by beauti-
full banner representing the State seal, painted
by T. @. Savory, the celebrated banner painter
of Boston, expressly for this occasion. On
either side were clusters of national flags.
The galleries had groundwork of cream
color and snow-white, bordered with blue cash
mere, and festooned with wreaths of blue and
white caught up by rosettes of blue. From the
centre of the ceiling depended a great bell,
formed of pink and white moss paper, and
containing an electric-clock, by which the sig
nails for the military maneuvres were given.
This clock was the work of Mr.. w. G. Clark,
205 Federal street. The upper part OF the bell
or rather the design from which the bell was
suspended, was composed Of moss paper, and,
from it streamers radiated to all parts of the
hall. This bell was one of the prettiest decor
atons ever seen in Portland The pillars on
either side of the hall were decorated with
clusters of banners, and festoons Of bunting
adorned the sides of the hall.
THE RECEPTION AND DRILL.
In early evening Gov. Robbie held recep-
ton in the Mayors rooms of the City Build
ing. His Honor Mayor Libby and many other
prominent citizens assisting. A large number
of prominent citizens and their ladies were
presented Among them we noticed Alder
man Little, Ex-Alderman Melcher, Capt.
Abbey Of the q. S. steamer Woodbury.,
Mr.. Boothby, General Ticket Agent of the N.
G. R. R., Mr.. Locke OF the Council,
Hon. e. K o. Brien of Thomaston, Geo. S.
Hunt, Esq, Col. T. A. Roberts, Councilman
Galley, H. j. Libby, ESQ., d. B. Kicker, ESQ,
and many other well known citizens with their
wives.
Compliments exchanged, Gov. Robbie and
Mayor Libby were escorted to the main hall
by the military staff of the Executive, Gen
Chamberlain, Adjutant Gen. Beal and the dis
tingushed military gentlemen upon the Massa-
chusetts staff, among them Gen. Sweeny and
Col. Huguely.
The hall was thronged, every foot of space
that could be devoted to spectators being o.
cupied. The Governor, Mayor Libby and the
the military gentlemen took positions opposite
the platform, as might have done SO many
Roman rulers and soldiers of 'ye olden time,
and Chandler's band gave fine selection of
music.
The Maverick Rifles marched out in most
soldierly style, with light elastic step that
told of ease and confidence. They looked
soldiers every inch of them. They
were 80 men strong and went through
the company movements in splendid style.
Their wheelings by company were especially
good; their change step ,oblque alignments, land
they were greeted with hearty and well de-
served applause.
The Mechanic Blues next appeared with "a
been guilty of doing good work in the drill room
but their performance was quite surprise.
They executed all their movements by the
tap lof an electric bell. going through the
of the company and manual with
marvellous accuracy and only the tinkle of that
little bell" to guide them. They did wonder
fully well and with heartily applauded.
The Mavericks with 20 men then gave an
exhibition in the bayonet exercise and the ST.
lent manual that was marvel of accuracy
and elected the highest compliments from
those most competent to judge. The Blues
followed with 16 men in manual and frings
without the word of command. It was like
mechanism and the liberal applause bestowed
was well earned.
The military exercises closed with dress
Gen. Chamberlain's staff, Adjutsnt SWEET of
AS it was not competitive drill OF course
any comparison of the respective merits of the
companies is not called for, but certainly both
are to be congratulated and the both received
warm praise from close military critics.
After the military exercises goodly list Of
dances to the delicious music of Chandlers or
chestra was enjoyed as was also capital sup
per furnished by Robinson.
The reception was of unusual success in mat
tiers OF that kind, and must have been highly
gratifying to Gov. Robbie, and it certainly did
honor to the military.