The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1892-10-20

OHIIAbbt WI - 6ANA'SNH -
night it was town filled with people, a
city brilliant with light. a metropolis
alive with the impulse Of an anniversary
which none now living will ever see
again. Such was Chicago tonight,
when the curtain was lifted between the
future and the past. Backward 400
wears the vista held within a focus the
coming OF Columbus to western shores.
Close in the foreground OF the future
lay the dedication Of the Columbian ex-
position to.thc cause OF progress among
the nations OF the earth.
The inaugural of the one ami tho
commemoration OF the other was marked
tonight by brilliant reception and
ball in the great hall OF the auditorium.
In behalf Of other patrons Of the ball,
Major General Miles and Mayor Wash
burne. A. ]. Fairbanks and Marshal
Field had invited 1000 prominent citi-
zens OF various states TO participate in
reception rendered to the President,
Vice President and ex-Presidents of the
United States, tho representatives OF
foreign governments, the governors OF
the states and other distinguished
guests.
While in its conception and condnet
the junction of tonight was unofficial.
it opened the baptismal jubilation Of
the Worlds Fair OF 1928.
Once within the great auditorium the
first impression was that resulting from
flood Of light diifused almost dazzling
TO the unaccustomed eyes, and yet it
was tho soft aggregated glowing OF in
candesCent lamps-myriads ot them.
The great steel fire curtain OF the
stage had been lifted and the stage
hoorug had been extended over the
entire orchestra pit. Smooth and
tempting to the dancers did it appear.
Behind the proscenium arch, the lower
tier Of boxes had been extended in q
circle around the rear of tine stage.
Above this temporary circle OF boxes at
its centre we're four other boxes occu-
pied by an orchestra. A silken banner
OF Spain was suspended over the centre
OF the stage. On either side and inn
mediately over the boxes there were
ten banners and bunting each contain
ing the initials OF the king and queen
OF Spain OF Columbus's time.
From away down in Alabama wild
smilax has been brought-a car load in
ALTO festoon the faces OF balcony and
gallery. This was caught up with
alternate rosettes OF red and yellow
ribbon and extended around the boxes
on the stage. Above the panels at
either side OF the proscenium arch
wero banks of palms and ferns. In the
center OF the main balcony, entirely
hidden by ferns and other plants,
Sousa's military band was waiting to
furnish the music. And SO the great
hall greeted the coming throngs; so did
its brightness and its last decorations
please the eye and satisfy the taste.
The rows OF chairs next to tue dane
ing floor had been reserved for the lady
patronesses. Mr.. George NJ. Pullman
and Gen. Horace Porter were among
the early corners, and escorted the
ladies to their position. Gen. Nelson
A. Miles, in full uniform of his rank,
followed soon, and became the centre OF
gay chatter and comment Of the brill
liant scene.
From out the foliagein the upper gal
lery there pealed forth the blare OF a
trumpet. and quickly afterwards the
new marine band broke forth with a
march. simultaneously Congressman
A. G. Durborow, with Vice President
Morton upon his arm, ascended from
the main foyer to the floor and followed
by procession OF official dignitaries,
proceeded with stately heads towards
the head OF tho waiting line, which was
to receive them. Gen. and Mrs. Miles
were first to receive the vicc-president,
Next in line came the justices OF the
supreme court and members OF tho
cabinet, ex.President Hayes followed q
moment later.
As the line OF officials was growing
thin a slight figure with attenuated
and ascetiC face, with kindly eye was
seen approaching across the floor.
His only companion was u
dark black haired man with
easy but comprehensive glance.
The first wore the scarlet Of the cardinal
archbishop. 1t was Cardinal Gibbons.
His companion clad in dark robes and
vested with chain and insignia OF papal
representative was the ambassador OF
the pope, recently arrived in this
country.
The kaleidescopic brilliance OF the
scene was soon resolved to an order Of
promenade. The band up alott broke
forth again in q stately movement OF
march time and out OF the chaos OF
bright costumes and flashing jewels two
military officers led the way, for the
line of grand march into which the
moving throng merged itself.
At the close OF the march the orChes-
ira took up the strain floating into n
quadrille, which set hundreds OF feet in
rythmic motion.
At midnight the supper rooms were
opened and the genial pleasure OF the
ball was being increased by viands and
deltcucios.
Following are the costumes OF few
OF the prominent ladies:
Mrs. Potter Palmer, golden yellow
dress OF soft plain satin; Mrs II. n.
Higinbotham, gray sRtin empire gown
made in Vienna; Miss Higinbotham,
Paris gown OF white satin, round neck
trimmed with pink roses; Mrs. Lyman
J. Gage, costume OF green satin brocade
IN yellow and green; Mrs. Nelson A.
Miles wore handsome dress ut pale
blue satin, trimmed with point lace {.
Mrs. John NJ, Clark, Frencl, gown o.
white srtin; her, guest, Mrs, p. II.
Sheridan, widow OF General Sheridan,
white colored silk trained, worn with
YiolOts.
THE SCHOOLS OF CHICAGO