New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-01-25
FESTIVITIES IN MONTREAL.
THE ICE PALACE OPENED.

BRILLIANT AND PICTURESQUE sIGHT--THE SPORTS
OF THE DAY.
MONTREAL, Jan. 24.-M0ntreal has outshone her.
self to-day by her festive appearance In honor of the
formal opening of the winter carnival 1t was q
gaia day indeed. in which the citizens not only
decked their dwellings with National flags, but
came iortn to mingle with their visitors many
VI "hom had come long distance
to witness Canada's National sporta
That the sights provided by the committee have
been successful and given satisfaction TO all who
witnessed them is without question, IL the expres
sions of wonder from the multitudss who witnessed
them can be relied upon. A large number of
strangers arrived this morning from all directions
Inc Eastern and Western States, as well as the
Provinces, sent large contingents
The leading thoroughfsres soon assumed cheer
fui and animated aspect. The weather had mod
Grated and enabled all to witness the outdoor
pastlmes to-day with perfect comfort The curriers'
were out early and resumed their matches In covered
rlnks the water in the harbor during the preceding
night having fallen and having made the open
spaces uneven.
IhespoIt was sufficiently attractive again TO draw
immense crowds of spectators who watched every
movement of the curling stones with interest. The
play was more effective than it was yesterday aud
intense enthusiasm Will be evoked tomorrow when
the goal is reached in the bonspiel
In the afternoon there were many amusements
and all were admirably carried out. First came
the sleigh parade in which the citizens generally
and the cabmen united. IL occurred on the prin.
cipa boulevard and was an immense turnout. far
surprising anything of the kind ever witnessed
here At least two or three thousand we'll
equipped sleighs were in the procession. which
was so long and solid that the mounted fire.
brigade was unable to get a place in 1t.
| II went off remarkably well, and the multitudes
mat witnessed the drive were in ecstacies over IT,
snow-shoe steeplechase took place between stu
| cited considerable wonder among the strangers.
who had never seen the like before. Tobogganing.
which has completely fascinated the Americans, was
| patronized on Mount Royal by thousands who
| fairly revealed IN the amusement. No accidents
were reported to-day, but several men and women
fractured both legs and on the first day. The
danger arises from inexperienced persons steering.
The must interesting part to many
was lett FOR the evening, when the ice
J building was Illuminated with electric lights.
and III its transparent glitter shone out like mass
OF brliants. The scene was greatly enhanced when
members of the sn0w-shOe clubs To the number Of
about 1900, equipped In grotesque costumes, ap-
peaTed with torches in their hands lt
admitted by everyone that such picturesque sight
had never been witnessed here. he n0w-sh0ers,
although it was showing at the time, went of on
tramp over the mountain. This closed the events
The principal features of to-morrow's celebration
will be banquet to distinguished visitors by the
corporation, aud q fancy-dress carnival IN tina
evening