Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1893-03-05
GAY WAS THE BALL.
Dazzling spicndor OF the Inaugural
Dance


wAsHrSc1rox. March i.-when the
leader II the famous Marine band Lifted
his baton nj $50 tonight and gave the
signal for the grand march Of the Cleve-
land inaugural bail 20 begin. it was IN
what was undoubtedly the most clab-
orately DECORATED ball room the world
has ever seen. Tho thousands ~ patrons.
comprising the flower 81 Americas sons
and daughters. added 10 the life and
brilliancy III the scene and gave
Kaleidoscope effect 10 the general en-
semble that can never be- forgotten by
thoee who were privileged 10 behold the
striking spectacle
The majestic central hall 81 the other
wise undressing pension building. ere
ated by the late General Meigs. placed
at the disposal - the national authori-
ties a ball room the equal II which
would be hard 10 find anywhere. What
ever changes OF administration may
occur. II seems likely that the pension
building VIII be the national ball room
~ the future. Cleveland first inaugu-
ration and Iiarrison's election each we're
celebrated 10y most successful balls held
within this building. but neither 81
them could compare IN spiendor to the
ball held there tonight. Much II fhe
spectacular success IL the affair was
Doubtless due Ia the modern develop
mcnts in the use 81 electricity. 81 which
full advantage vas taken.
The scene was fairy ike. The scent
~ flowers. the combined radiance 81
myriatis ~ electric globes. the dainty
blending - green and gold and hite.
sparkling fountains % tinted water. per
feet harmony ~ musical Instruments.
ahaf was - many the most interesting
features q al. toilets n SURPRISING
faste AMI magnificencc- all combined Ia
make a spectacle that will be carried for
many years IN the minds II those who
witnessed Il ia It's fuiluess.
Fame, chamber nearly loo yards IN
length Tn.sfr than forty yards ia breadth
. aad lifts YARD from iloor b. ceiling Tor
such ar The iimen-ions ~ The great
eourt = the pension Office building.
nnere tho i2il va- held. Eighty feet
srefa the foor Is the framework n tie
rot. supported hy eight pillars. massire
IN size. wrapped around each witt arts.
tc fashion. Nith bunting and ~, and
smilax. and studded With num,srpus
electric lights IN globes ~ various
coiors.
Distinguished Guests.
Fluwfrs and growing plants ara every.
who're about the pillars. covering the
music stands over the arches n the
center IL tie court Is a fountain - play
INK water. Tao great floral arches.
each SIXTY fve re; IN hight a-e on
either side n tho rourt. while iust ia
fror; - srd surrounding them are tho
sfanfis pr the mnsiciaus The arches
are the croNniTg feature = the foorn.
f'ron the top y one the magic oauss
rt'iegeisnsI baxes in electricity: from
the ether Stevenson" shines
The bail had heen in progress for
some time before The presidential party
arrived Many Fs.rz,,ns - distinction
fron All paFts n TIE country. ssnsf9Ta.
r. representatives. rremipent politicians.
governors q states. afI'orrs - fhe arms
and navy diplomats from many lands.
nalitis ofiif4r- a. these Rifh thn4saisds
4 asiieS fafmed The shrong hat ras-.-ti
through fhe four great doofsay~ a the
tuila.nx aud mali merry ia The ball
roefa. Il = estimated thar l2orD people
attended the sfaiF iat on'y > emali pro-
portnn = these te.sk part ~ the dancing
B.t Iistic psncsnx.
The shreng sa= -, great 60 admit -
frfe.iens IA the waitzca ani echottehes
aad r.a ksz aud TIE pressure about the
saoafe eefs AS - ntpu4a thst the
retei'ers wefe given bur little sra.e f..r
their seolesssr4
b iiat Chairman - che coninlftr@
~ iraakuffi hail sal pfsnaenAsIs. as
ffrat menazerl sn3 each - fhc ixeifa