The morning call., 1891-01-10
Special to THE MoRNINe CALL.

SACRAMENTO, Jan. 9.-All the magnif-
cence and stately pride of court fete were
blended in the inaugural ball at Sacra-
mento. Judging alone by exterior "pomp
and circumstance" the occasion might well
have been some great coronation festivities
at Buckingham Palace, the Tuileres, Inter
den Linden, the White Palace on the Neva,
or any other recognized crowning-place of
the ancient monarchies of Europe But
while the necessary dignity of form was
preserved there was conspicuous lack Of
that buckram frigidity and devotion to
starch" " which render participation in any
Europe7n official function a penance and
WEAKNESS to the spirit
Mirth, good nature and buoyant delight
were the three graces that danced in the
Capitol last highland why not There
were pertinent reasons why the quadren-
nlal inaugural ball of 1891 should be pecu-
larly significant of California's satisf action
with her choice of a Governor and State
officers. While other States in the Union
might have been misled, California had
known inst exactly what she wanted and
had ele ted accordingly. North and south
had joined hands in their own interests to
send the Rose Of Pasadena" to Sacra-
ment7. And why should not they again
shake hands to celebrate that lusty flowers
ultimate ceremony Of transplautationP
Therefore, the white-aud-gold invitations
had gone abroad and had met with a more
than usually eager sale. There is a distinct
feeling implied, if not expressed, that no
Governor is really Governor until he has
taken part in at least the lancers at his own
inaugural ball. Then succeeded the natural
feeling that The sooner this particular Gov
ernor was Governor the better it would be
for the country, and, therefore, ali who
could attend made point Of doing So to
help on the good work.
Moreover, it was known that royalty IT.
self had delayed its homeward progress to
lend prestige and additional ecat 10 the oc-
casion. His popular Hawaiian Majesty,
Kalakaua, whose visit to this State has been
one long ovation in testimony to his kindly
good nature under the burden of a crown.
was TO be present with his suite and royal
appendage. A King is something of rarity
IN the States, and when we get hold of one
Of the real, genuine brand and who is a
courteous, unaffected gentleman besides, we
know how to make enough of our prize,
but unfortunately, Illness prevented the
King from being present
a CALL correspondent visited Mrs E. B.
Crocker's residence at o'clock, and was
informed that King Kalakaua had just tele-
graphed his absolute inability TO be present.
Though big attraction was thus distracted.
the tidiugs could not diminish the gayety of
the dazzling scene. and the many uniforms
Of the Army and Navy and National Guard
officers present afforded an important item in
the gorgeous coloring Of the assembage.
The air was heavy with perfume, and music
was never silent. Beauty and chiyalrv ap-
peared at their best, and Governor Mark
hams ball will long remain landmark in
the State's social traditions.
Although in its largest sense State fes-
tival, the ball in n narrower respect is ne
cullarly an institution of Sacramento It
belongs to the capital city; and the citizens
there are justly proud of the capabilities of
49, 40 ''ii Nhetl ldluIuB center. Inc
opening Of the Legislative session is the
signal for rush upon accommodation. but
this is periodical. and to degree measur-
able and susceptible Of regulation. But at
the time of the inaugural ball there is mad
and instant incursion from all sides of
pleasure-seeking "transients," very few of
whom have had the forethought to pre-
engage quarters. 1t is then that the elastic
hospitality of Sacramento is nobly vindi-
Gated, and it is emphatIcally on record that
no festive inaugurator has ever been driven
TO sleep under the great dome of the Capitol
or the greater vault of heaven as penalty
lor taking Sacramento by surprise. She
gathers in all strangers, as hen her chick
ems. without murmur. unless it be quiet
chuckle of friendly solicitude.
Assured by past experience, society left
the task of making preparations for its
Governors fete entirely in the hands of
Sacramento. The resources of art were
called upon by her, and an army of men at
the beginning of the week commenced work