The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-05
THE INAUGURAL BALL.
DECORATIONS THAT sURPAss THE
POWER OF LANGUAGE.

|
Highest Talent Of Decorative Art En-
ployed-A Picture That surpasses
Anything Ever Seen in Washington.
| WASHINGTON, March 4.-The ballroom was
crowded, when, at 10 o'clock, word came that
the Presidential party would soon arrive. A
few minutes later President Harrison and
party reached the building escorted by Col.
Britton, Chairman OF the Executive Com
mittee. They were met at the entrance by
the reception committee headed by Gen. ].
X. McCammon. An open passage was
formed by the members of the committee,
and through this lane the party proceeded TO
the stairway reserved for them. The
| President took the arm OF Gen.
McCammon and Mrs. Harrison was es-
corted by Col. Britton. The other
members followed. The ladies, shortly after
reaching their rooms, retired to arrange their
toilets, while Gen. Harrison held recep-
ton. The members Of the various inaugural
committees, number of government officers
and quite throng of ladies were presented
TO him by Gen. McCammon. The President
greeted all who were introduced, chatting
for a few minutes with those with whom he
was acquainted. Among Others presented 10
him at the reception were the Corean
Minister, Representatives Cox and Ketch-
am, Senator Stanford aud o num-
Der OF army officers. While Presi-
dent Harrison was holding his informal
levee, Vice-President and Mrs. Morton and
their daughters arrived, accompanied by
Mr.. Myron NJ. Parker and Mr.. Henry A.
Willard and were conduced TO the apart
ments reserved for them. The ladies In the
Presidential party were Mrs. Harrison, Mrs.
Russell II. Harrison and Mrs. Mckee. With
Vice-President Morton were Mrs. Morton
and his sister-in-law, Mrs. Hobson
About 1880 o'clock President Harrison
was joined by the ladies Of his family, and
the Reception Committee forming n line
three and four abreast In the front and rear
OF the party procession was made up for a
tour OF the ballroom. At the special re-
quest Of President Harrison that no police
should surround him, the pleasurable task
Of protecting him from the presence Of the
crowd was deyolyed upon the committee
men. From tho stairway leading 10 the
floor, the ballroom presented the spectacle
Fol vast sea OF faces, apparently occupy
ing every inch of space. President
Harrison expressing his doubts Of the posi-
| bility OF opening passage way, but said
he was willing 10 make the attempt. After
much exertion an opening was effected
in the crowd, and the professor began its
tour around the hall, Col. Cody (Bufialo
Bil) and Capt. Fred Bracket in advance,
their herculean shoulders doing good ser
vice In making a pathway, and followed by
about dozen committeeman preceding IN G
| distinguished guests. President Harrison
walked with Gen. McCammon, Mrs. Harri-
son with Col. Britton, and the other ladies
with their husbands. Vice-President Nor
ton and party followed in the wake OF the
President, but separated by con
siderable space. Admiral Jouett escorted
the ce-Prcsident. President Harrison's
appearance was the signal for an outburst OF
applause and clapping Of hands which was
kept up all along the line OF march. slowly
and lnboriousy a narrow lane was made
through the dense throng. and President
Harrison, slipping at frequent intervals TO
allow those ahead Of him TO force their way
marched entirely around the immcncc court
and partly back again TO the upper rooms
Before retiring 10 their room the Presi-
dent aud Nice-President at the request Of
Gen. McCammon, came 10 the railing Of the
balcony overlooking the ballroom, aud for
several minutes watched the gay throng be.
low. Another brief reception was then
held, and at 1850 o'clock the Presidential
aud Vice Presidential parties, escorted by
the Reception Commi ttee left the building.
Cheers greeted them necessarily a. they
assembled the stairs aud walked out OF the
ballroom.
The arrangements for this grand finale OF
the Inauguration oelebmtion have been adj
minblc. The attendance ESTIMATED at TO-
COO has exceeded that Of any previous In
augurnl ball, but with keen foresight into
the possible emergencies that might arise,
and with absolute thoroughnoss Of method
everything seems 10 have been done ncccs.
sary for the comfort OF those attending.
Tho credit Tor the success OF the event
tonight, and for the completeness with which
all the details OF the arrangement Of the
ceremonies OF the day were made i
primarily due 20 Col. Britt0n, who. NJ
chairman Of the Executive Committee, has
worked day and night since election 90
achieve the result attained. lie has had
efficient assistance from the members ~ the
various committees. Large numbers Of
people left the building Immediately after
the departure Of President Harrison. and
by midnight the floor was sufficiently
cleared for dancing. At that hour the
picture presented from an upper gallery
was indeed one Of Imposing grandeur and
surprising loycliness. The brilliant toilets
Of the dancers, the thousands OF silken ban.
ncn, flags aud strcamers, the stately gar.
lands. wrcaihed columns. the rich shade Of
the heavy damask. satin and velvet hang
ings the odor Of the flowers, the music, the
Hood Of radiance from thousands Of colorcd
lights, the great canopics Of color overhead.
all united TO charm the senses aud oil the
mind with wondering admiration.
"