The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-19
AN OFFERING TO CHARITY.
A Social Event Which Brings Joy to the
Hearts of the Poor.
The Charity Ball. as Seen from Masculine and
Feminine Stand-Points-ThOse Who
Attended and the Costumes Worm.
THE SOCIAL EVENT.
The Great Military and Charity Ball as Seen
by journal Reporter.

| Indianapolis society last evening devoted its
eli to the first military and charity ball. to which
had been given extra force of preparation, and
more than the ordinary limit of purpose. The
Flower Mission, charity of love, has for sever
al years sought the munificence of liberal givers
through various social attractions. Now and
then grand charity ball was suggested, but to
this the more conservative and elderly side of
society," if not directly disappearing, at
least gave such lack of warmth that
the prospect was abandoned. This year,
however, the young ladies of the Mission, sup
| ported by the young married ladies, renewed
their efforts for ball on scale of ruagnifcence
in keeping with the wealth and culture of the
city. A liberal patronage was assured, in the
list of patronesses appearing the first names.
Thus sustained, the young people have for weeks
thought, talked and planned of nothing but the
| grand charity ball. A military flavor was intro
duced by members of the Light Infantry taking
| part in the management. When two elements of
social distinction, like the Infantry and
Mission, were brought into play, nothing
but success of first order could be claimed.
| From the home management went out en-
| thusiasm that enlisted the fashionable interest
| OF other cities of the State. and expectation
| grew upon promises that were thoroughly full
| filed in the large and brilliant attendance at
| Englishs Opera house last evening. AS to &C
tive participants in the dance, rigid holding to
| established requirements in dress, brought out
one of the most fashionable assemblages in the
| social history of the State. There are trite
phrases that often come into play on
occasions of the kind, about beautiful
| women and brave men, to help out the
paucity of description and they have been as
often misplaced, butnever before has the Hoosier
capital appeared better in the raiment of fashion,
in the brilliancy of her bellies and beaux. Charity
is always magnet in drawing about her galaxy
of social stars She says ''please give" and ex
elusive sets of equal distinction in rank let down
in business and come together in one common
cause Last night official prominence stood side
by side with wealth in the throng of gay dancers
while from the balcony ladies and gentlemen of
equal Importance in the circle of society and
fashion looked on in enjoyment of the scene
1t is matter of congratulation on the part of
the managers that their. plans worked with
nicely and adjusted themselves to fitness in all
things. But if the honors are to be distributed
in keeping with enthusiasm of work and pur-
ladies. The gentlemen, it is true gave their
best attention and judgment to the accomplish
ment of the object, but behind them was the in
spring influence of the Flower Mission. Thus
when the great event came it found all in read
ness and every condition propitious except that
of the weather. During the day the overhanging
clouds, dripping and then with uncomforta-
bic moisture darkened the hopes of many, and
the evening, no better if not worse with a chill
ing wind, held many to their homes. The
modiste had done her work, expectation had in
creased too much with expectation, and interest
had gone too far for unfavorable weather to
check the tide of gayety. AT the proper hour it
began to flow to the opera-house, carriage
after carriage coming with its load of richly
costumed bellies and escorts in the full vigor
of dress suits. It was not long before the dress
circle of the large auditorium had its radiant
groups waiting anxiousy for the dance to begin.
In the rear of the stage six boxes, tastefully
draped, had been constructed. and out into the
three more were built. These, with the perma-
nent boxes, were filed with specta-
tors, representing the highest circles of
the city and State. Their occupants enhanced
the attractiveness of the scene and gave a pat
| ronage that is rarely accorded to such phases of
social life. About the stage and boxes were
suitable decorations, with here and there
grouping of plants Over the parquette the dane
ing floor had been laid and the entrance to this
was secured only by fulfilling the strictest rule
of evening costume.
Half past o'clock came, and with it the an
nouncement of Gen. J. r. Carnahan, manager
march. He, with his wife, led the line, followed
bS Governor Gray and wife, after whom came
forty couples the blue, epaulets and lace of the
Light Infantry officers and members adding to
the brilliancy of the march. The music was
from Ziegler, and rendered by Professor Miller's
band When the last note died away Henry
Harris orchestra took up the stirring waltz music,
"Glimmerlight" from Faust. In a moment
thirty couples were whirling gracefully to the
measure of its strains, and the grand charity
ball, under the auspices of the indianapolis Light
Infantry and the Flower Mission, was fairly on.
Following this came in alternate numbers
promenade and dance music as follows
/. Gmmerght'' . Faust
Promenade-"Don Juan" -----.--.-.......-..Mo Mozart
2. Lancers-"Queen City. Singer
Promenade-"The Black Hussar" .--....--. Millocker
Promenade-"Martha. f Fotow
4. Waltz-"Vrtues Dream. ............ Kaufman
5. Quadrille. Plain-'Touret Retour". Faust
Promenade-,"The Whirlwind" .,.-........... Levy
PromenaadeSLo loves Happiness Niese5ntyy
z. Waltz-'Love at Sight Senel
Promenade Mikado" Observation-Disclosures Sullivan
o. hancerS- CoIIege Zimmerman
| Promenade-"Come Along. .......-. Schlepergre
8. Polka-"Spring Flowers" ------.......... Zikof
Promenade-"N ebuchadnezzar" Verdi
10. Waltz-"White Wings ..-.-........... Occa
Promenade Fantasia .--:----..-...- -Semmelhaah
| IL. Quadrille-"Plan Medley. ........ Stanton
| romenade-"Kayuga' .-.............---Br Brooke
| ~. Waltz-"Cricket" Hart
Promenade-"Der Freischuetz" ......-.. Weber
! ID. Galop-"Oxford" ......-.-.......Be Benedict
Promenade-"Zauff" .:-.---...----.-S chacht
| IA. Lancers-'The Pikmans". ......... Kessen
| Promenade "Liederkranz" ............. Neibig
| Is. Waltz-"Venita Howard
| Promenade-"H Hammer and Tongs" Alexander
| is. Polka-"Les Bauers" ........-.-.... Masard
| Promenade-'Mars Reveille' Book
! II. Waltz-"Les Patneurs". -.....-.- Waldteufel
| ACKNOWLEDGMENT Pride. Casey
| IL. Quadrille-"Plain Oriental. Carr
ID