The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-01-30
BEAUTY HALF CONCEALED.
walls Frescoed with Human splendor-
some Decorations.

So masaed and crowded was the vast and
varied assemhlage that the decorations,
though elaborate. only now and then nut
tered TO view through the spaces OF the
moving forms Of men and women rs
the ribbons tying bouquet now ana
then reveal It's colors. The walls
might literally be said 70 have
been frescoed by human splendor, as the
first gallery was like radiant garlahu
stretching around the structure, every seal
filled with the rosplendent modern array OF
beauty aud fashions, watching the move
menfs Of the wOuld-be ancient assemDiage
of noble persOnages.
The second gallery bore "A second COM
pressed stratum Of eager spectators, theH al'-
nearance somewhat modified in tone OF
color as head-gear and rational CARDS were
permitted to there array the concourse.
In the third gallery yet another stratum
Of lockers on opened wide their astonisheu
ewes and craned their necks up under the
shadow of the high dome, down upon the
vision Of light below. The ratings OF every
gallery were wrapped and festOoned with
lengths of bunting In the most varied colOrs'
and i'm the centre Of the arch OF the nrst
gallery large picture Of the Colony was
hung against the radiant flag Of Virginia.
WHEEL OF coLoRs.
A great wheel, each spoke wrapped with
the continental cOlOrs. was fitted up IN the
centre Of the dome, about and around the
boxes flags Of every nation uniurled ther
banner-like proportion to bedeck the scene
with patriotism as well as beauty
Shields Of glittering arm0r were the slir-
ring pictures upon the narrow strips OF visi-
bic wall, and especially the Goyernors box
which was ON the left hand side, eNulted I'D
the glory Of the most elaborate and enusNe
decoration of these flags and colors when
guard our rights as does His EXcellency
Who sat in state and dignity amid them, and
the people Of the Virginia over whose veal
hc has sworn 10 watch.
GARLkNDs GREEN AND GAY.
From gallery to gallery there were sus-
pended Wreaths Of twining green ana gray
hurld blossoms i'm the most festival-like
fashion. they strapped the air with a net
work Of flowers.
SCENE UpON THE STAGE.
The stage upon which so many scenes Of
magic beauty. intricate plots, and thrilling
! incidents had been enacted. never yet bore
such an assemblage of high mightness
as the characters who formed the Dramatis
persong. and essayed the roles OF noble
/ ancestors i'm their first production OF the dra-
ma Of The Grandfather. \ play enacted
/ by the authors Of its composition, for the
social ACKNOWLEDGMENT, entertainments
amusement, and qualification Of the sew
oral actors. The stage appreciated the
honor Of being the fOOfstOOl Of the majesty
of such a royal play, and worthily rendered
honor 10 whom honor was due IN ITS ittins
pattern of rich and gaudy dress.
II was "a meteOric splendOr OF illumination
that flashed from myriad incandescent
sparks. and countless jets OF luminous
chandeliers Of gas. At its top nag large
enough 10 extend from wall 10 wall made
an extra soft draping just above the drop
curtain, while below and beyond upon ITS
presurace there was a vision of fair and
| fragrant garden scene, seeming to give ac-
cess 10 avenues Of tender green, secluded
and shadowy with romantic and mellow
lights. far away from the tumult OF ilashy
splendor engaging the front.
TROPICAL RICHNESS.
The tropics seemed there to have emptied
their treasures Of luXuriant growth
ana filed the space with NeIdani
spiendOr contrasting with exquisite
effect with the other decorations OF material
fabrics. ferns peeped from rocky
mound TO one side, and upon the other tree
/ like plants stretched their tall arms above
the brilliant heads Of handsome men ana
beautiful women who there sought the
coyent hooks.