The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-08
MARVELLOUS In BEAUTY.
INVITATIONS TO THE SPHINX BALL
AT THE GAYosO HOTEL FEB. 10.
Basis of the Order and It's Affairs APP
propriately characterization the
Queen Is To Be Chosen and Crowned
Full Dress Is the Order.


Full Dress Is the Order.
The advance SAMPLES of invitation cards
to the Sphinx ball at the Gayoso hotel,
Monday evening, February Is, have been
received, The prevailing idea of the gen.
tlemen having that part of the arrange
ments in charge was to design something
decidedly unique and entirely different
from those hitherto used for such an occa-
sion, either in this city or elsewhere. To
this end, the Compton Lithographing and
Engraving company, st. Louis, which had
the work in charge, was accordingly in
structed. Did they succeed? Well, they
did, and most excellently well. The card
is octagonal in shape, with triple
fold On the ends OF the center board is a
small flap, that on the outside OF the top
bearing the words ''Memphis on the Mis-
sissippi," the lower, "Rex's ball, February
IS. 1888" The outside design Is AN Egyp-
tian night scene, with stars bedecking the
sky and n crescent moon standing out in
bold relief. The lei-hand fold shows the
pyramids, the central one the Sphinx and
mounted on cameS. The inside presents
q more gorgeous appearance, showing roy
atty in lis most attractive garb and happy
frame OF mind. The first pictures the king
and his court entering the city, the streets
being lined with titled and gaily dressed
lords and ladies, every one straining for a
peep Mt the royal retinue. The central one
is the coronation scene, where his mai
uatxt Ia In. ha If att...
the fair sbarer of his throne. Romeo and
Juliet" In one OF their most soulful atti-
tudes, gazing rapturously and with sublime
trust into each others eyes, completes the
larger designs. The adverse sides OF the
smaller flaps are out OF harmony, but add
10 the general effect OF the picture. On
pillow, surmountcd by crown, in front
OF which il a brown domino. Above this
is the word sphinx" On the lower flap
Gras eve, February 10, 1885," This Is
and his jester. The whole is executed on
cardboard, the heavier folds from the out
side being in the center OF square posts
representing supports for these triumphal
arches. In coloring, the most critical taste
minute attention 10 developing intricate
features, besides paying the greatest respect
10 proportion. The whole affair IL the re-
suit OF a happy idea beautifully executed.
"You will observe" said the gentleman
who brought the invitation 10 THE APPEAL
office, "that we have illustrated the four
leading features. First, there is the
mythology on which our order is based;
vitation. Second, there Is the Kings en-
trance into the city; third, the coronation
scene, and fourth, lovers in the enjoyment
terview. This latter OF course, those at
tending the ball may reasonably expect TO
find scattered in every remote corner and
secluded position OF the hotel on the night
Of the ball Just how much happiness
may be contracted for on that occasion
only the angels and Supreme Rulers know.
Were a young man / would make a sub
siantial effort TO be one OF the principals
in position 10 be surprised. We
have arranged for almost the en-
tire parlor floor, and have ordered
| flowers and eyergrccns sufficient 10 appro-
priately decorate the promises.
"Now, about that coronation" he con-
selection OF the queen is a cut and dried
proceeding the lady TO be chosen Is
known and she Is aware OF II. Such is not
the case. No living man, woman or child
possesses that knowledge, not even the
king himself. The throne-room will be
closed until the guests are well assembled
Then the doors will bo opened, the king
and his court will enter, attended by a
large number Of foreign embasadoH
After them will come the crowds and a
system Of professional inspection will be
carried out. After the royal and digniiied
pcrsOnagcs have been the cnthroned center
Of attraction until all have been given a
chance, the party will tour the premises
for the selection Of queen. During this
tour the king will make mental and Sc
crct selection, and returning 10 the throne
communicate his choice 10 court COM
mittcc. This committee will then proceed
/ TO the spot designated by his majesty, com.
municate 10 the lady the imperial favor,
and escort her 20 the throne, where the
coronation will Immediately follow. Toilet
will cut prominent figure in this proceed
ing. but personal charms and accomplish.
ments viii be given due weight. Thus all
can easily understand how prc-aTangcd
plans and semi.partiality are next 20 Inn
possible. The men will then be allowed
aud requested 10 choose eight or ten maids
Of honor upon each Of whom will he con
ierrcd the title Of duchess.
''Thc sphinx ball is going 10 be fash
ionable Affair."" concluded TuE APrHAL's
informant. Full drcss II the imperial and
positive orders, and rigidly will the com
mand be executed. Those who receive
invitations must bear this fact In mind. as
Il would be an extremely disagrceablc
duty 10 inform them that admission was
impossible ON account Of this shortcom.
inR."