The sun., 1893-03-05
THE INAUGURAL BALL
The Most Brilliant and Successf Affair OF
Hts Kind Ever Held.

The Most Brilliant ind Succc ssful Affair OF
1ts Kind Ever Held.
WASHINGTON. March 4.-By long custom the
Inaugural Ball has grown to be almost as
much part Of the ceremonies OF Inaugural
tion Day as the inaugural address. 1t is the
quadrennial tribute paid by politics to society.
There have been but two intermissions in the
series OF inaugural balls to commemorate the
accession OF newly elected President since
the days OF Madison. That covers n period OF
eighty-four years. The earlier balls were hold
on sites then deemed fashionable. but since
given over to voriety theatres or beer gardens.
. Two balls were given in honor OF Martin Van
Buren. hut the President and Vice President
attended only one. William Henry Harrison's
brief term was commem Grated by three inaug-
ural balls. and he attended all and danced at
one OF these with the wfc OF the editor OF the
National inteHigencfr. There were two inaug-
ural balls in Folks Administration. one at $40
a ticket and one Mt So The last. might be
readily supposed. was largely attended and
very dsorderly. In honor Of Zachary Taylor.
who. like Harrison. died before his term OF
Office expired. three balls were given. and he
attended each OF them. accompanied ny the
Vice President Fierce wound up his inaugu-
ration in a snow storm. and there was no bali
in his honor.
With Buchanan the plan OF making tempo
rary provision SO as to concentrate all the
visitors under one roof began. His inaugural
ball was held In temporary wooden struc-
ture erected as an annex to what is now the
City Hall. In Judiciary square. Lncoln's In
auGuration. In spite OF the overshadowing
cloud OF impending war. called for the con-
struction OF simple wigwam In the same
square. but Lincoln himself. oppressed with
the sense OF his coming responsibilities. did
not attend.
Grants first Inauguration was celebrated
by ball given In the then uncompleted north
wing Of the Treasury building. Grant and
s-President Colfax were present. accom-
panied by their wives. and among the honored
guests was Horace Greeley. who four years
later was dominated for the Preside ENJOY In on
position to Grant second term. The DELAYED
decision of the disputed title Of Gen. Hayes
prevented any ball being given In his honor.
Garhelds brief administration. which opened
so auspicously and closed so tragically. was
rIstsd National Museum whose g. vast asst prepor pnep
tSns w1 Its arehesi G9rdors ,S Hnd dome
nsssed IN this country This eSsi bali w,. WA.
never eaua!led until the majestic central
building, erected BY the late 'IH Gen. MS. Msics.
placed al the disposai OF the rational autHoii.
hard to hnd anywhere. Whatever changes Of
adm inistration may occur. it seems likely that
the Pension building will be the national ball
room OF the future.
.Cleyelands first Inauguration and Har-
ri'on's election were each celebrated by most
neither of them could compare In spiendor
to the hall held there tonight. Much Of the
spectacular success of the affair was Doubt
use OF electricity. OF which full advantage was
taken
The scent of flowers. the com bined radiance
OF myriads Of electric globes. the dainty blend
ing OF green and gold and white. sparkling
fountains OF tinted water: perfect harmony OF
the most interesting feature Of all. toilets OF
surpassing taste and magnihcence. all oom-