Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-12-06
SOCIETY,".

We who hold in affectionate esteem
Gov. Johnston and his lovely wife, al
ready keenly realize and deplore their
removal from our midst. MontgCmery-s
good fortune in this acquisition to her
social life is as inestimable as our loss is
irreparable, and we congratulate our sis
ter city. But, despite reluctant good
byes and the sadness that comes to US
with their going, we cannot, nor would
we. repress feelings of intense gratifica-
ton that the good people throughout the
state are expressing enthusiastically
their appreciation and approval of Ala
bamas chief observation-disclosures own,
brave, loyal "red-headed joe"
That such is true was manifest in the
presence of the surging masses that
crowded and stood about the capitol
grounds through the cold wind and rain
of a dreary winters day to hear his in
augural address and see him take the
oath of offics-that such is true, is demon
strated in the flattering impression his
message has made upon the wise think
ing men of our land, whose commenda--
tory criticisms are daily read in the coll
umns or the states democratic jour-
mails.
Ii was our privilege and pleasure to be
among those in attendance at the inau-
gural ceremonies and the subsequent ball,
and we note with sensation of fondest
pride that our Mrs, Johnston was the re-
cipien of varied and elegant cOurtesleS.
Arriving in Montgomery on Monday
evening, she was escorted to her private
reception room in the Exchange hotel
where she found awaiting her hand
some Offering of exquisite roses. This
testimonial of regard was followed by
floral tributes from all parts of the state,
until the room fairly blossomed into
beautiful and fragrant conservatory
Rare camelias came with kindest mes
sages from sunny Towering Mobile; gor-
geous chrysanthemums bespoke best
wishes and congratulations from warm
hearts in other sections, while sweet
scented lilies of the valley and a profu-
sion Of coStieSt roses, such as the Amer
lean Beauty" the Pearl" and Bride
delicately told, as only flowers can tell,
of the cordial and loving welcome the
Capitol City extended the Governor and
his gentle wife.
The ball. so especially requested and
planned by Gov. Johnston for the en-
joymten of the fair sex, who came to do
him honor, was happy and brilliant
event. Mrs. Johnston was exceptionally
lovely in an elegant and unique toilette
of richest brocaded rose satin, garnitured
with real lace and finished with black
ribbon velvet and tiny ostrich tips. She
wore no ornaments and carried in her
hand one of her valued gifts-a large
bunch of choice roses.
Among the young ladies conspicuously
favorites in the dance were Miss Mary
Johnston and her guest, Miss Erwin,
Miss Lucille Fitzsimmons, Misses Kath-
Ieen ana May HOOPER anu hllSS Nl6I
Smith, Birmingham's own charming
girls. The Governor has gracefully de-
scribed them as his most distinguished
staff"
The need of time and space deters us
from mention of many interesting in
cidents of the eventful occasion. Suffice
it to say that our city was handsomely
and creditably represented; and that, re-
membering, along with other good things
the recent election of Gen. Pettus to the
hoy pntT cd
enjoying the happy conviction that Ala
bama has certainly covered herself with
glory
The opera "Powhatan," which is soon
to be given in this city for the benefit
of the Ladies' Aid society of the Church
of the Advent, will be one of the most
beautiful entertainments ever given in
Birmingham.
The music of the score of the opera is
bright, and abounds in pretty tunes
easily appreciated. The opera Will be
under the direction of Mr.. William e.
Baker, of Chicago, who comes highly IN
dorsed not only in professional way,
but also as a thorough gentleman. The
opera opens in the midst of an Indian viii
lage on the banks of the James river,
where, in wigwams, lives Powhatan, the
great king of Virginia, with his brave
warriors and dusky maidens. The bellies
of the village are Pocahontas and Laugh
ing Star daughters of the chieftain.
Up the river sails the good ship Fear
less, carrying Capt. John Smith ana ms
friend, Capt. Rolf. The braves discover
the arrival of the pale faces with their
strange weapons and startling dress.
After a true Indian powwow the tribe de-
parts and returns soon afterwards with
its captives. To the strangers the OBJ
ject of the grea test interest In the VII
lage are the two Indian maidens, and the
maidens show such evident interest in
the pale faces" that their Indian lovers
become Jealous and take captive the two
Adventures and bring them pound De-
fore the king, by whom they are coI-
demned to die.
The braves are proceeding to carry out
the order in a hearty manner and with an
evident relish for such scenes, when the
,naidens made bold by their love, inter-
cede and finally secure pardon for both.
Many scenes and incidents of camp life
are introduced as the story progresses,
the whole plot centering around the love
affairs Of the captains and the two maid
ems.
posed of the creme de la creme of Bir-
mingham society.
Many special dances will be introduced
amidst the merry making over the mar
mage of Pocahontas, full details of which
will be given in the daily papers from
time to time.
Recit (soprano) There were shep-
herds abiding in the field, keeping watch
over their focks by night.
Rect. (soprano) And 10! the angel of
the Lord came upon them, and the glory
of the Lord shone round about them,
and they were sore afraid.
Recit. (soprano) And the angel said
unto them. Fear not; for behold 1 bring
you good tidings of great joy, which
shall be to all people; for unto you is
born this day in the City of David,
Savior. which is Christ the Lord.
Rect (soprano) Ard suddenly there
was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host, praising God and saying:
Chorus-Glory to God in the highest,
and peace on EARTH good will to men.
Air tsoprano) Rejoice greatly,
daughter of Zion; Shout, daughter of
Jerusalem; behold. thy kind cometh unto
thee. He is the righteous Savior, and He
shall speak peace unto the heather.
Rect. (contralto.) Then shall the eyes
of the blind be opened, the ears of the
deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man
leap as an hart and the tongue of the
dumb shall sing.
IN (rontraifOO He shall feed his flock