Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-03-06
The Inaugural Bail.

Cleyelan,i's Gr5t inaue lratoh AMI iIarri-
sons were each celebrated BY most success
full balls hell within the pension building,
but neither of them could compare in
spentior 30 the ball held there tonight
Much OF the spectacular success of the af-
fair WAS doubtless due to the modern de-
velopments in the use of electricity of which
full advantage was taken.
The sceat of flowers. the combined ra-
dance of myriad electric globes, the dainty
blending of green and gold and white,
sparkling fountains of tinted water, perfect
harmony of musical Instruments, and what
was to many the most interesting feature of
ill--toilets of surprising taste and magniii-
cence--all combined to make II spectacle
that Will be carried for many years in the
minds OF those who Witnessed it in its full
ness
Fancy a chamber nearly 100 yards in
length, more than 10 yard, in breadth and
81 yards from floor To ceilipg,-for such
are the dimensions of the great court Of the
pension Office building where the ball was
held. Eighty feet from the floor is the
framework of the roof, supported by eight
pillars, massive in size, wrapped round and
round in artistic fashion with bunting and
Ivy and smilux, and studded with numerous
electric tights in globes of various colors.
Three broad galleries range on all sides of
the spacious court, the first, twenty feet
nr so from the bail room floor, supported
by many slender columns of polished
granite, and the balcony railing capped by
huge vases. But the shining surface OF
the columns and the bronzed coating of the
vases are hidden in the masses of floral
decorations. the one covered by hanging
strings of smilax and similar pendants, the
other tilled with growing palms glittering
with thousands of electric beams
Similar treatment il accorded the sup
ports and cappings of the two upper gal
leries White. gold and red are drapcd
about the walls of the entire interior.
Wherever the eve wanders, these three
colors predominant with just enough OF
floral green to make pleasant effect. Flow
ers and growing plants are everywhere,
above the pillars, covering the music
stands, over the arches. In the center of
the court is n fountain of playing water,
translucent in the rays of electric lights of
many colors. The fountain is surrounded
by growing plants, flowers and vines. and
its effect is so unique that it forms one of
VIZ iitpsl httlaNAiNt ittbults VI tut Htltlt
scene Two great floral arches. each 81
feet in height, are on either side of the
court. while Just 10 front of, and surround
ing them are the stands for the musicians.
The arches are trimmed in pure whit.
bunting, forming background for plants
and vines and flowers. They are the
browning features of the ROOM
From the top of one the magic name
cleveland" blazes in electricity.
From the other Stevenson" shines. The
band stands are marvels of artistic beauty
Banked around the base of each of the eight
gigantic pillars supporting the roof are
flowers and plants i'll profusion, while from
the tops of these pillars depend waving rib
bons of smilax ffty feet in length. The
columns bear artistic shields. each having
upon it the name of one of the twenty-three
presidents of the nlted States and of Vice
President Stevenson. But these elaborate
anil tasteful decorations are only made per
feet by the harmonious effect of many col
ored electric lights Their radiance comes
from ceiling and balcony they peep from
ont the smilsx and fern: they shimmer on
the water of the fountain. Thousands Of
them aid in bringing forth the grandeur
Of the whole effect. The ball had been in
progress for some time before the presiieu-
tial party arrived. Many persons Of dis
tiucton from all parts of the country: So n.
sf0rs, represC natives. prominent politicians,
governors of states, officers of the army
aud navy. diplomatists from many lands,
militia oftcers-all these with thousands of
ladies', formed the throng that passed
through the four great doorways of the
building and made merry in the ball room,
II is estimated that twelve thousand people
attended. but only small proportion of
these took part in the dancing. The throng
was too great to admit of much freedom in
the waltz and schottische and polka, and the
pressure about the square sets was so in
tense that the jewellers were given but little
space for their terpsiehorean evolutions.
Mr.. Z. B. Hay, chairman of the committee
on inaugural ball and promenade,
WAS floor manager. and each of
the twelve sections into which he divided
the bali room was in charge of an assistant
Chairman Hay had his station near the
orchestra. and he communicated with his
aids by means of electric signals. When y
square dance was ready to begin in each
section, an electric annunciatar made known
that fact to Mr.. Hay, and when the last set
in the last section had been formed he gave
the order for the music to begin. The pro-
gramme for the concert promenade and
dancing was as follows:
Grand Inaugural March, ''The Great Ecpnblic''
fancinlti
Band and Orchestra, written for the OCCASION and
dedicated to Mr.. Cleveland.
symphonic Poem, sIrs Preludes'' Ii.zt
'.rasd selection IN 1.-The Merchant of VENICE
PInsuti
Fantasc Coinique, "Trip to Mars Faneiuli
BANGING AND PROMENADE.
waitz-"ChfisiInas Eve" John.
Lsucers-" Fencing Master Dekoypp
Polka-''May Bells" sanfeimsnn
Pronrnade-"Czari tiapne
Lancers--.Tsie of Champagne burst
Wal;x-"Posr Star Waldteufei
scllatiisehe--"fauurry Band smith
Promenade-"D Espaguoie''
besormes
cers--"lniefnationsl, Moses
fromsnais~-"Read 70 Moscow, De Loetz
Vaii7-'.Bacifeiars Favcrite.'' Williams
York. FapcisIN
Waltz --.sDne Hear. tine SOUL strauss
Lsneers-"GubiA Hood" bekaeer
Waitx--"Espaua, wziafeufeI
Poika--"iIigh School Cadet Sousa
01--k IL