The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-02-19

pauy- ne renamed until II O'Clock, when
he expressed 60 me his desire 10 withdraw
II be could do so without interfering in any
way with the festivities We went back
TO the city hall Then I went with the
President to the white house. Il was a
most beautiful night. The moon shone
with wonderful brillancy, and as we came
upon the avenue the great white dome of
the capitol shone out like silver Such a
night and such scene assist the memory,
and treasure now my pleasant recolec-
tions Of the man and the hour remem-
Der him, TOO, at the inaugural ball of 1865,
which was held in the patent Office, but
there Is no special incident connected with
that occasion.
"The first ball given to Grant was in the
treasury building. The crowd was enor-
nous, the confusion indescribable. The
vast building was packed. Cut up as it is
into innumerable rooms, il is little adapted
for such a purpose. There were supper
rooms everywhere. IL was like an infnity
OF private entertainments under one roof,
and in some respects it was very enjoyable.
All these halls, indeed, have been outbursts
OF genuine hospitality on the part OF the
people of Washington, and the reality
or the sentiment has assured the
heertiness Of the enjoyment But on this
occasion there was a most surprising eli
max. The arrangements for checking hats
and coats were, to say the least, far from
perfect. The consequence was that few
men got their own hats. while many got
none at all. lb was the same with the over
coats and with the wraps of the ladies. All
Washington was a great misfit establish
ment, and the newspapers for days after
ward were full of the advertisements of
people who vainly sought their missing ap-
parel.
eF"TheI inaugural ball Of Grants second
term was even more remarkable. We con-
struc5ed a building in Judiciary square on
q very extensive scale and handsome in its
internal arrangements. 1t was intended 20
accommodate 10000 60 IL, 600 people, and
do not think the estimates of the attendance
were wrong 30 far as the possibilities of
human foresight extended. But nature had
made some plans for that day without Civ
ing any notice to the committee in charge
of the inaugural ball.
Such day had never seen in Washing
ton before, nor have | seen the like Of it
since. 1t was cold TO a degree which beg o..
gars exaggeration. A wind was abroad
which found out and froze the marrow of
ones bones. We made every effort to warm
the building in which the ball was held,
but it was impossible to warm anything in
Washington that day. have been told
that the coffee prepared for the guests froze
in their cups. 1t was my agreeable duty
to escort Mrs. Grant to the dais. 1t was out
of the question for her to lay aside her
wraps, and dared not dispense with my
overcoat. Dressed as for an Arctic expedi-
ton we advanced through the hall, and Mrs
Grant took her place beside the President.
Women danced that night in sealskIn
cloaks, and army officers concealed the
splendor Of their uniforms under the warm
est article Of apparel that they could find in
their wArdrobes. Naturally, the attend
ance was very small, compared TO what it
would have been, and there was considera-
BILE financial loss. Part of it was made up
by several concerts which we're held in the
building. IL was an excellant building by
the way. aud was planned and executed by
A. B. Mullet A word about Gen. Grants
demeanor: He bore himself very well on
such occasions. Somewhat reserved he
was ,,it is true, but surely not lacking in
courtesy. And there was quite a dignity
about him which could not fail to impress
every thoughtful beholder.
mo ball was given 60 President Hayes.
The uncertainty of the situation previous
to his Inaugural ton made adequate prepar-
alton impossible. In President Garfield's
time a new method of conducting the
finances OF the ball was introduced. A
guarantee fund was tried, and the people
subscribed literally. enabling the commit
tdo ~ kce VIC OuAAuAAik INV huOWlA db Vic
Museum - then partially completed - in
which to hold the bail Under the super
vision of John w. Thompson 1t proved a
great success end paid all its expenses.
"The ball given TO Mr.. Cleveland eight
years ago was held just where the one for
which we are now preparing will be given,
but the building was incomplete. The walls
were just up. There was no water, no heat,
no light, no windows. At great expense the
building was put in condition; and as hand
some ball was given as had ever been seen
in this city. 1t paid its expenses and some
hundreds were left over for charity.
escorted Mr.. Cleveland to the platform aud
William M. Gait, chairman Of the executive
committee, escorted Miss Rose Elizabeth
Cleveland. Both seemed to take great
interest in the festivities.
-Four years later, when Mr.. Harrison
was the guest of honor, the pension building
was fully completed. Under the manage
ment of Col. A. T. Britton the most brill
liant and In every way successful ball that
have ever seen was given. The building
was beautifully decorated, and there was,
Of course, a far greater opportunity for
elaborate effects than on the previous occa-
sion, when so much OF the building was OF
merely temporary character.
The fund advanced was returned to the
subscribers, and a surplus of $4,000 re-
NAMED and was dedicated 20 charity. IL
was placed in charge of the commissions of
the district, and the interest Is applied to
the purchase of fuel for the poor, perhaps"
and Col. Berret smiled pleasantly in cons
GLIDING his sketch-"tn memory of the
Arctic ball of 1871
The solemn observances Of the day will
not vary In their general character from the
custom that has long prevailed. Shortly
before noon Mr.. Cleveland will go to the
white house, where President Harrison will
receive him. The Presidents private car
rage will be waiting at the door, aud it will
convey the outgoing and incoming Presi-
dents Ito the capitol, where, on the platform
before the eastern front the oath of office
will be administered by the chief justice,
and the inaugural address will be delivered.
No voice that was ever propelled by human
lung could reach the end Of the vast GRO Nd
that will be there assembled; but, though
few can hear, every one will have the salts
faction Of knowing that the great VOW has
been taken in his presence, and the words OF
the address sent toward him on the air.
There will be the usual reception, and
then, in lighter vein again, will follow such
entertainment as fireworks can give, and
the illumination ofthe capitol by enormous
artificial suns.
Great things are expected Of the parade,
which the President reviews after he has
returned from the capitol. A stand is
erected for that purpose before the white
house.