The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-13
PREPARATIONS FOR THE BALL

FREFAhAIlONS rOR TIE BALL.
The preparations tor the inaugural cer.-
@nonies and attendant festivities ut Washing
ton proceed rapidly now SIS the day ap-
proaches. The bali promises to be the most
attractive and extensive affair of the kind
ever given in the country. The pension
building where it will be given will hold
nearly 10000 people. A correspondent OF
the New York Sun seems to have given the
subject very minute attention, and he says
that the building will mold more people than
st. Peters Church. Just now it is a wilder
ness Of seaifolding, bat order is coming out
OF chaos as if by magic. On Monday the cam
vass roof was put on. 1t is ike double A
tent, with three great roof trees to support
it, besides en- ingenious continuance to hold
ii in place. No such ball room was ever
dreamed of as that of the great courtyard
rooted over 1t is surrounded by large bal
comics supported by IA pillars. The space
under these balconies makes magnificent
promenade.
The President will enter the room by the
north door, which will be drsped with Grim
soa silk curtains. The opposite door will be
concealed by gigantic mirror. These en-.
frances arch really carriage ways.so their size
may be imagined. The decorations will be
of the most expensive material. The New
York contractors have insured the decora-
tons for $50, 600. The balconies will be hung
with dsTk-red velvet. spangled with goli
Each of the Ia pillars will be hung with
silk flags, while beneath tho balconies VIII
be shields embroidered with the coat OF arms
OF the differeat States and Tefrttaies, and
buDg with silk flags tipped with silver spear
points. The Botanical Gardens, the Agricul-
tural Department and the White House will
furnish unlimited palms and ferns.
The same correspondent says that Presi-
dent Cleveland will return to the custom OF
Washington and Jefferson and stand on
dais during the opening ceremonies of the
ball. By his side will be chair made OF
lowers, and the dais will have over It Il
canopy of flowers such as ex Senator Tabor
was married under. Every bare spot on the
wall viii be covered with bunting, and the
eight grea. pillars, reaching from floor TO
roof, will be covered with silica to represent
marble. The electric light will be freely
employed, and over the dais will be the
American eagle done in gas jets. Among
the ornaments will be the Capitol made Of
flowers and large floral ships
Another correspondent says, however, that
tie President and the then ex-President Ar
thur will dance in the first set-the former
having for partner Mrs McElroy, the sister
of Mr.. Arthur, and the latter dance with
Miss Cleveland. Now. if Mr.. Blaine could
be persuaded out of the 'sulks" and shake
foot on this festal occasion, there might De
established an entente cordisle among all
parties and sections that the bloody-shirt
Organs with their fiery sectional appeals
could never affect
The Republicans enviOus as usual, think
the Democrats Will never have another
chance to get up ball and that therefore
they are turning themselves loose" this
time. An incident is given to illustrate tbs
cost OF going to the bail in a quieb sort of
4 way with ones sweetheart. young man
went TO the committee in the ball room the
other day and Wsnted to know how much it
would cost to take himself and q young wo-
man to the ball. The Chairman stopped the
scratching Of mis- pen long enough to ask:
Carriage
NO"
Two tickets, $40; two suppers, 81; four
car tickets, twenty cents-sl2.2O. Good
rnornin0