The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-13
THE CHARITY BALL.
A Brilliant Success Achieved by
the WOman's Exchange.
One Of the Nest Fashionable Attendances
Known in the City-some Of the Ex.
quisite Dresses-Notes

Little by little San Francisco society has
arrived at the pitch of organization enjoyed
by New York and the leading Eastern
cities, where certain annual events are
permanent institutions. OF these events the
most i'm, ortant, by common consent, Is the
annual Charity Ball.
In San Francisco the ball of late years has
been given for tho benefit of the Nomaas
Exchange, which has as its main purpose
the assisting of needy gentlewomen in earn
ing a livelihood. No work could be nobler
ormore worthy the delicate sympathy of our
haule monde.
Last year this event was held at the Palace
Hotel, but this year circumstances conspired
to make that locale impossible. AT this
juncture the Pioneers Society offered their
convenient hall and it was accepted with
gratitude by the lady managers. Their
committees have been at work ever since,
and it was known that extraordinary at
fractions would be found at the assembly Of
the guests
With somewhat busy season the ball
had been leading topic of conversation for
several weeks. ModisteS were kept buSily
employed, and it was whispered that
more than one of the seasons debutantes
would appear during the course of the much
anticipated evening.
THE SCENE OF REYELRY.
Expectation, lively as it was, met with no
disappointment. The decorations were
among the most successful ever attempted
in this city; the music and supper all that
had been promised, and the presence of roy
ally, with all the pomp and circumstance of
state, impaired all unexpected touch oil
piquaucy 10 the brilliant reception. All Of
San Franciscos wealth, beauty aud fashion
seemed TO be represented at one time or a n
other in the hall, and if there was crush
at times, at least 1t was a must brilliant
crush.
The decorations could not be described
as elaborate in respect to any heaylneSs OF
detail The hall extends its oblong length
from north to south and broad stage runs
the full width on the south side.
Tbs stage presented unique appearance
of pinnated verdure. A wealth of exotic
foliage, arranged III artistic tiers covered its
panels and would have appeared all too
monotonous but for charming intersperSe-
ment OF clustering chrysanthemums.
RoYALTY's DOMAIN.
Opposite the door the side had been re-
served for royalty. In the center, against
the wall, was set large chair of state, over
which hung the American and Hawaiian
colors. surmounted by the native greeting.
Aloha" which signifies welcome" or
''Salutations." The greeting was wrought
in rarely beautiful yellow and white chry-
santhemumS.
For this was chrysanthemum fete. The
lovely flowers, which have gained such II
hold upon the affections of society people
here and in the East, had been sent from all
sides by interested friends. Among those
who forwarded the fagrant consignments
Mrs. Louis Sloss, Miss Dimond of Menlo
Park, Mis-. de Guigne, Mis-. Boyd OF San
Rafael, Mrs. Henry Wetherbee of Fruitvale
and No. 6" Of the Woman's Exchange.
Oae corner of the empowered stage had
been reserved for Ballenberg's Orchestra,
and was distinguished with an elegant hang
ing curtain, as 1t seemed, of golden chrysan-
themumS. The literally golden flowers"
made peculiarly brilliant corner ornament.
The north side was perhaps the most eff
fecuye Of any. AT distance the effect re-
sembled. III its coloring, The result OF ming
ling rich cream with some rose syrup. Ex-
amlned at close range, it vas seen that a
groundN York of ferns had been deity inter
Laced with old-rUSe scarfS and choice chTyS-
anthemumS OF happily blending hues. How
this had been done was immateIial, but the
whole wall to the top of the gallery rail- was
tapestried with this indescribably charming
design.
Other features which attracted admira-
ton in their place and turn might be men
toned, but by far the most effective means
OF decoration were The living representatives
of charity present. Yet all the floral embel-
lishments were the tasteful work of Mrs
street, assisted by several artistic ladies Of
the exchange-Miss Bailey, Miss McKinstry
and Miss Wethered.
MEMORABLE SCENE.
People were rather late in arriving, but
when 10 o'clock had struck there was large
assemblage, including many in hats and
jackets i'll The gallery. To mingle in such a
brilliant stream was to be accounted among
the creme de la creme and afforded delight
ful food for future memories. For time
I5allenberg piped in vain, for none would
dance, but once started the hall was speedily
delicious whirlpool OF animate, d colors.
Such toilets TO set utf such fresh beauty have
been rarely conceived nor could they have had
more fitting foils than the gentlemen in their
faultless evening coats and iTrepTuachaOle
eXranse OF snowy linen. As was expected,
the ball attracted some of the most beauti-
ful OF cur many lovely maidens, and the
gentlemen will do well to make note OF
the fact in regard to the next charity bail. At
no event can The men rely upon having such
a pleasant time.
THE KINGS RECEPTION.
About 10 o'clock rumor circulated that
the King was at hand. The greatest inter
est prevailed, and the Reception COMMITTEES
gathered in readiness. At length his actual
arrival was announced, and to the music of
the Hawaiian national anthem he was re-
ceived and escorted to his temporary throne.
accompanied by his suite. With him were
lis Chamberlain, Colonel G. W. Macfar-
lane; his Secretary, Colonel George III.
Baker. and others of his suite Right Hon.
Z. de Cedercrantz, just appointed by King
Oscar of Sweden 10 be Chief Justice of
Samoa; Lieutenant de Ulfsparre, Marshal
OF Samoa; Admiral Brown and staff, U. S.
N, and Major General w. II. DimOnd and
staff, n. G. c.
As soon as the King was seated Mr..
George Newhall, Chairman of the Floor
Committee, escorted Mrs. John Currey,
President of the Woman,s Exchange, into
fh..r val ,I1~T
presented MIR. Newhall to the King aud
MIR. Newhall presented Mrs. Currey Then
tie four lady Vice-Presdents Of the ex-
change were presented, followed by the lady
managers. Apropos of the presenta-
ton ceremony, it was remarked that
the ladies after that honor passed b. alone,
and it is to be remembered that this is the
exact etiquette insisted upon in all foreign
courts. An escort in such a case is un-
heard Of. The presentation ceremonies
finished, dancing was resumed in the hall
and Louis SloSs Jr. took charge of the royal
party.
The presence OF King Kalakaua recalled
to many the visit he paid to this city some
his honor at the Palace Hotel and he danced
with Mrs. Judge Hager. their honored Wis
avis being Major McFarlane and Mrs.
Henry SchmiedrlL
The distinguished Reception Committee
consisted of: Mrs. John Curry. Mrs.
Henry Schmedel. Mrs. William NJ. Bunker,
Mrs. Louis Sloss, Mrs. David Bixler, Mrs
Il. NJ. Block, Mrs. 5. w. Forman and Mrs
Michael Castle.
DESERVED INTERLUDE.
Shortly after the reception, King Kala-
kaua disappeared With Mr.. Louis Sloss Jr.
and retreated to the banquet hall downstairs,
where he enjoyed a brief respite from the
cares OF State. He wore the crimson scarf
of the Royal Order of Hawaii, and was
otherwise in fuli-dress attire. The King
had been receiving at his hotel all day be-
sides attending a review that evening, and
expressed himself as somewhat weary, but
delighted with the cordial reception he met
with on every side.
About IL O'clock the King and party and
the Lady managers with their escorts de-
scended to supper. 1t is sufficient to say
that this was provided by Ludwig to indi-
cate its satisfactory character. Two tables
were provided for the royal party. especi-
ally distinguished with elaborate pieces
montees and an embanking of fresh-cut
uyDISguS and rhrysauibauttnc Tho fret