Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1893-04-28

NEW MADISON SQUARE GARDEN.
corps, the admiralssand subordinate Off
GERS of every great naval power in the
world, governors of neighboring states and
famous army officers. The decorations of
the garden were rich and elaborate, eclips-
ing in their magniicence and elegance any
thing ever before attempted in the great
auditorium. Silver dragons with burning
ruby eyes guarded the Madison avenue en-
trance.
Cupid with Modern Im mprovements.
In the centre of the garden thousands of
sprays of lilies of the valley formed an
arch. Upon the keystone was perched n
smiling cupid whose fair wings were
studded with miniature lamps and who
held in his hands a chain of various color
ed electric lights. The base of the arch
was composed of many colored lights
whose hues We're constantly changing
Surrounding this beautiful arch
was n grove of palms and large
foliage plants and half hidden amidst their
verdure was p Japanese juggler balancing
a bamboo wheel of colorcd revolving lenses.
At the Fourth avenue end of the garden
was placed an immense japanese fan
studded with electric lights.
Dais for the Reception.
Directly beneath this was the reception
, a., gorgeous with flowers and plants, and
sI.t6hc Two corners We're dragons such as
guarded the entrance to the garden. Across
the rear OF the amphitheatre in large letters
of light were the words: "A New Worlds
Welcome" \ magnificent model of the
Capitol at Washington, created out of
white cape flowers and illuminated with
electric lighGs, rested upon the stage of the
assembly room. 4 miniature reproduction
of the grounds in natural plants surrounds
it. The balcony pillars We're twined with
smilax and flowers, and the entire roof of
the garden was hung with a canopy OF
white and gold, dependant from which
were hundreds of clusters of the flags OF
all nations
Arrival of the Guests.
Two bands furnished the music in the
ball room. l.ander's orchestra of eighty
string pieces played the music for the
dancers and Rogers Seventh Regiment
band of sixty pieces played during the in
termissions and promenades The doors of
the garden We're thrown open at 9 o'clock
ant almost Immediately afterwards the
guests began to arrive The naval officers
were met by n special committee AT the
foot of West Fcrty-second street and from
there taken in carriages to the garden.
The president having other engagements
during the evening did not arrive with his
party until some time after the ball hal
New York City Was Receiving.
Mayor Gilroy, at the head of the munici-
pality, and Mrs. Gilroy officially received
the guests of the evening. They stood
upon the reception dais and just behind
them were stationed the committee of one
hundred and the honorary committees
who escorted the more distinguished of the
guests from the entrance to their boxes.
Some of these honorary committees were
as follows: President Cleveland-Comp-
troller Myers, Colonel George b. McClel-
Ian, William H. Clark and Francis Lind
Stetson. Members of the cabinet-Ex-
Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Tracy,
with aides. Duke de Veragua-General
Horace Porter, Cornelius n. Bliss, John
Austin Stevens. Admiral Gherardi-Ex-
Mayor Hewitt, with aides. Admiral of
the British feet-Edward Cooper.
Entrance OF the Chief Magistrate.
Each of the guests was introduced to
the mayor-hrst come first served, with no
precedence-the idea being to make the
affair thoroughly republican. The presi-
dent. however, was not escorted to the
mayors reception dais when he arrived
half hour before midnight, but was met at
the entrance by the escort of honor The
bands at his appearance played "Hail to
the Chief'-the only piece played in honor
of any of the guests-and Mayor Gilroy ad-
vanced to meet him. After the formal in
PRODUCTION the president and his party
were escorted to the box they were to oc-
cupy.
The programme of dances was a very
simple one. There were no distinctive
figure dances during the evening
Reception and Land Parade.
This afternoon the land celebration is |
going on. There are 1000 United States |
marines IN the parade, drawn from the |
heet In the harbor, and a number of COM |
panies from the foreign vessels. Previous |
to the parade there was a reception by the |
mayor to the officers of the naval review.
The streets are packed with people and /
the parade is brilliant one.
MERCHANT MARINE PARAOES.
It Is Sort of Free-for-An Affair and |
Very Lively.
After the officers of the feet had boarded !