Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-03-02
PRESS COMMENTS
The BiddefoId and Saco Reception.
Biddeford Times.

TBiddeford Times.
The reception to Governor Edwin C.
Burleigh and his staff by Grand Canton j
ii. Dearborn, Patriarchs Militant, will go on
record as the grandest social and civic event
ever known in the history of the two cities
of Bi1deford and Saco.
:. Bddeford had the honor many years ago,
of entertaining governor. but not 50 spien-
splendid a scale as the event of last night In
deed. it was whispered by many of the dis
tinguishsd guests, who have had the tri-
colors of the nations flag Haunted in their
faces in some half dozen of Mainrs leading
cities this winter, that this occasion out
shone them all in beauty, grace and elegance.
Are the members of Canton Dearborn
proud of their successf
You can scarcely reach them todey with
the proverbial ten-foot pole, so elated are
they over the festivities of the occasion. Its
brillisncy surpassed their most sangulne
hopes aud they were almost as greatly sur
prised as were their five or six hundr ed
guests who graced the occasion.
Biddeford Journal
1t is all over.
Tue Canton ball, which has been the cen
tire of so many bright anticipations for the
past month"; concluded in the final figure OF
Portland Fancy at half past two o'clock this
morning, and has already been entered upon
the list of events that have been.
From first to last, in every point and de-
tail, viewed from any standpoint, it was not
only an immense success, but by all odds
the grandest social event which has ever
taken place in York county and an event
whose magaifcence is hardly likely to be
equalled again in years.
1t was an event emnentlv fitting the occa-
sion of the visit OF the Canton distinguished
guests and the chief magistrate of the State
with accompanying staff officers and ladies'
were greeted by an assen,blage of represen-
tative citizens of Biddeford and Saco, who
accorded the gubernatoral party a reception
most enthusiastically cordial and friendly.
Notwithstanding the announcement that
the hail would not be opened until seven
O'Clock, half an hour earlier found the
sidewalk in front of the entrance thronged
with tcket-holders, who were determined, II
possible to be among the first to enter the
hall that they might secure front seats in the
gallery. When the doors were. finally opened,
the crush at the hall entrance was something
fearful. Hacks, carriages and herdlcs ar
rived with wonderful rapldty at the hall and
deposited their occupants, who swelled the
assemblage within, until at o'clock il
seemed as though the hall could contain nc
more. Yet fresh arrivals poured in for the
next half hour, and all managed to obtain
some accommodations in the midst of the
numbers which had preceded them.
Within the hall the scene Vas charming
aud attractive beyond the power of pen
TO describe and the handsome hail. with its
TOD
q perfect bower of beauty which utterly sur
passed ANYTHING ever seen in these cities be-
fore.
The city clerks office upon the lower floor
of the hall was elegantly fitted up as re-
ception room for the Governor and his par
ty.
The visitors arrived in this
city upon the Flying Yankee
and were met at the station by
a reception committee who conducted them
to the Biddeford House, wlere supper was
served. 1t was expected that they would
arrive at the hall at about $ O'Clock, but it
was half an hour later when they did. Ex-
Mayor Geo. F. owen, Prof +. T. Sampson,
Harry A. McNeely and Elton b. Coker acted
as ushers, presenting those who passed in
the circle to either Mayor EmmOns or Mayor
Goodwin, who in turn presented hem to the
Governor and members OF his staff. The
seemingly endless chain of humanity passed
through the ceremony with brief greetings
and hand shakes, and then moved on to give
plact to those who followed.
Gov. Burleigh is man of commanding
presence being upward of six feet in height,
broad shouldered ssand finely formed. His
manner is most cordial, pleasant and at the
same time quietly dignitiel.
Judging from appearances he is not in the
least degree bored by such occasions as that
of last night, but on the contrary be entered
into the social spirit of the event with a
manifest degree of enjoyment. As might
naturally be expected he was the centre of
all eyes during the evening, and of the many
dancers who participated in the evening
pleasures none seemed more indefatigable
than he.
Notwithstanding the terrible crush of the
early evening every body retained the best of
spirits and the utmost good nature and every
thing in connection with the occasion passed
most pleasantly to all.
Without qualification it was the biggest,
grandest and most thoroughly successful
even, ever given in the two cities and one
which the Canton members may justly be
satisfied with, and so they are.
HALLowELL.