The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1897-11-26
BIGGEST AND BEST
Ths Masonic Ball Last Night Eclipeed
All Previous Events of the Kind
in tho History Of Madison.

~ tuU AAActO4y Va WouAcOus
7 There are undoubtedly a good many
tired people in Madison to-day. but We
venture to say that not one person who
acquired his fatigue at the Masonic ball
of that tired feeling for q whole ton OF
rest-no; they simply want to feel tired,
physically, and live owe again in mental
contemplation the happiness enjoyed at
the ball. The night was altogether too
short, and the pleasures Of the occasion
must be heightened out a day or two to
properly assim,late. the happiness alb
sorbed. -,
The festivities opened at Masonic
Temple at 8 o'clock with q magnificent
concert by Halstead's operate orchestra
which continued an hour. Even at that
early hour the immense hall and the
adjoining parlors and reception rooms
were we'll filled, not less than go pleas
u%re-seekers being present, 10 the
strains of an inspiring march, the large
company joined in a tr,umphal promen-
ade, circling about the hall and through
the adjoining rooms, the movement
serving as an "ice- breaker," as it were,
and it was plain to be seen that every
body VA out for a good time. The
company resuming their seats, Judge D.
D. H~oldridge, upon invitation Of the ar
engagements committee, stepped to the
center of the hall aud in his happlest
vein welcomed the guests and assured
them that the Masonic fraternity had
planned the occasion for genuine enjoy.
-ment and everybody was expected to
absorb his full share. He congratulated
Messrs. Smith and Fitzgerald and the
Masonic fraternity upon being the pro-
~jectors and OF the imposing
building 80 recently completed and &C.
cupied, and referred feelingly to the
high-minded, %elevating, moral and ben-
evolent principles that would be enunci-
ated in the new hall by the Masons in
the performance Of their lodge work.
"But this EVENING" he said, "has been
set apart for social enjoyment. II otter
an hour or two anyone concludes that
be is not having a good time, a carriage
will be provided by the committee and
he will be conveyed to his home, and for
anyone who absents himself in a corner
and hocks alone, q ambulance will be
placed at his disposal to convey him to
his domicil. There will be no dirges
played by the orchestra-nothing but
inspiration will emanate from the inst,u
ments in the hands Of the artists"
BY this time the number otguests bad
largely increased, and when it was an
nounced that the hour for dancing had
arrived not less than 300 happy people
repaired to the opera house while q large
number preferred to remain in the tenn
pie and enjoy the less exciting pleasures
and indulge in parlor games provided.
The large opera house wa in excellent
d for the accommodation of the dan
GERS, and when the grand march vas in
augurated the floor was completely
filled, almost to the extent OF a crush.
The dancing was decidedly enjoyable,
the costumes OF the ladies elegant, the
gentlemen attentive, and wall-howers
conspicuous!y absert.
At IL O'Clock supper was announced
in the banquet hall Of the temple with
facilities for seating 80 guests at a time,
and until 1:3O the tables we're constantly
filled before all Of the guests were served.
The Eastern Star ladies had the man.
aRement of the supper in hand, and the
menu was equal to the qualification Of
the most fastidious epicure. Notwith-
standing the great crowd, the work Of