Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-01-02

palmetto,. The palms were scattered
throughout the wall decorations. There
we're hundreds present last night who
had never before seen . palmetto-tree,
and il was viewed with affection and
curiosity. Many Of its leaves were car
ried OF as soacenirs of the occasion.
The tree and palms wore brought
here from Charleston by the Atlantic
CoastLine free Of oil charge.
STANDS.
The band-stands were decorated, but
the elaborate work Of that character
was around and on the dsis. There
was a little forest Of potted plants
I about it and flowers in vases the
background was in soft colors. Here
| the flag Of the Old Dominion was con-
spicuous.
This dais was Mr.. w. L. Sheppard's IS
idea, and it was charming success.
Nearly any other arrangement would
have been incomplete and unsatisfac-
tory, as the reception was, with many,
indeed with most persons. the leading
| feature Of the occasion, and this plan
enabled it to be carried out to perfec-
ton. The crowd could see the people
presented the people knew that they
could be seen, and it gave them salts
| faction.
THE PEOPLE.
Beautiful as the hall was in its rich
dressing, delicious as were the strains
of music, grateful as was the sight Of
the supper. table, and palatable as wSre
the dishes which covered them, all
these could not swell the breast aad
inspire the emotions as die the crowd.
The ladies looked lovely. They were
fairly dazzling in their low-necked and
short-sleeved dresses in silks and
satins and velyets; in jewels of gold
| aud pearls and diamonds and the like.
Opinions may differ as to whether any
other city of our population could have
produced such a host Of beautiful
young girls, such numbers Of stately
and charming matrons; but however
that may be, 1t is certain that Rich
mond, in this generation at least, has
never seen such an exhibition OF
womanly loveliness. Some Of our aged
fraters, who see the past with
all its glamor and glories pre-
served and all the opposite gone,
may, and doubtless will. try to instance
an occasion and time when this would
have been by its side as mere chiid's
play; but we may well doubt the
practical fact. Virginia's race Of great
men is not extinct, and the charms of
her daughters continue in undiminished
glory, while for great crowd like that
of last night-many persons meeting
for the first time in their liveS-there
was as much of grace and courtesy
and cordiality Of manner as could have
been found anywhere under like cir
cumstances.
BY the young especially the occasion
will be embalmed in pleasant memory.
1t will long live in household history,
at least. Mothers will tell of it to
their daughters and grand-dsughters
long after the political victory--rousing
victory as it was--which the ball cele-
brated has passed out Of mind and be-
come the heritage Of musty tones.
TIE OPENING.
Governor Lee and wife arrived soon
after O'Clock, and immediately CON-
menced receiving. The ladies and gen.
tlemen were first presented to the Gov
ernor and wife; then to Lieutenant
Governor Massey; and then to Attor-
ney-General Ayers. The Reception
Committee did their work well. There
was no haste, no pushing, no showing,
and soon after IL O'Clock everybody
had been presented, and the puberna-
torial party then went into supper, the
orchestra struck up a waltz, and O
great number of couples took the
floor" Thenceforward the dancing
continued without intermission until the
close Of the ball.
About 400 people went into the BAN
quet-room at once and were hardly
missed from the Armory.
The Joel-Parker Legion attended the
ball as invited guests. ALI of them were
presented to the Governor and other
nOtables.
MANY officers Of the Richmond mill
tary companies were present in full
uniform. They looked very handsome
indeed and their uniforms gave fine
coloring to the scene.
Governor Cameron was the recipient
Of marked attention from all present.
lie went up and shook hands with the
Governor and wife and with others in
the dais ana remained an hour or more
on the floor.
Among the distinguished gentlemen
present was Colonel A. G. Dickinson,
formerly of General Magruder's staff,
now of New York, who came down here
especially to see Fitz Lee inaugurated.
General S. b. Buckner, Of kentucky,
arrived here last night, and was one of
the gentlemen who received marked at
tentiOn.
Hon. John W. Daniel was surround
ed by crowd Of ladies and gentlemen
wherever he went. lie was one Of the
guests especially invited to the Cover
nor's table at supper.
Congressman o. Ferrall, Congressman
Wise, Speaker Stuart, President-pro-
tenn. Hurt, and majority Of the mem
bers of the General Assembly; Hon. L..
L. Lewis, president Of the Court Of APP
peals, and Colonel Browning, Governor
Cameron's private secretary; Hon.
Frank w. Dawson, Captain II. X.
Hayes. United States army; General
Imboden and Colonel ii. Kyd Douglas,
of Baltimore, were among nonresident
gentlemen present. Richmond was of
course represented by many Of her
leading men, old aud young.
Captain W. j. Binford, who was one
of Fitz Lees Conis ,erate scouts, ap-
peared in the uniform he wore at the
surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.
THE WAY 1T WORKED.
The smootbness and nicety with
which everything worked in the Ar
mory was quite wonderful. There was
no hurry; no confusion, and all who
had duties to perform discharged them
satisfactorily. The police arrangements
were first-rate and reflected great credit