Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-03-05
EXAMINATIONS AND BALI.
The Fireworks Exceptionally Fine
The Rail- n Grand succss

I'he hait 6rnnd Success
WASHINGTON, d. c.. March 4-The
foundations tonight surpassed any for.
mer display in Washington. and the fire.
works we're exceptionally fine. For the
FIRST time in the history OF the government
a general order issued by the retiring
Cabinet officers. caused every electric
ond gas-light in the great department
buildings 90 be lighted. with brilliant re-
suits The classic roof-lincs of the Urea
sury were outlineN with incandesccnt
bulbs. a huge American shield ornamentod
the State Department facade. and from
the highest elevation OF the War Depart
ment "a 6)-fOot garrison fag doatcd. ahame
against the black sky. Illuminated by the
powerful beams Of search-ughts. Other
scarch-hghts brought out the grandeur
az tho Washington monument and the
Capitol a feature Of the elaborate fire
works was "a balloon ascension. from
which the national colors picked out i'm
tire. were suspended above the city. The
display OF fireworks was ended by $50.
and then came the great BAH i'm the PEN
sion Building.
The inaugural ball has become a notable
feature OF the festivities connected with
trc installation of a President OF the
United States. but I'm its earlier days no
such elaboration was attempted as that
which marked the grand function given
tonight and no other building in the city
would have accommodated the throng that
attended 10.
The appearance Of the President and
Mrs. Mckinley and the Vice-Prcsident
and Mrs Hobart was the feature OF tho
evening. 10 was $40 o'clock when Presi-
dent and Mrs Mckinley. accompanied by
the private secretary TO the President. Mr..
j. Addison Porter and Mr. Charles j.
Ben. The chairman Of the Inaugural Com
mIttce. arrived. They were met at the
west entrance by a committee consisting
of Generals Wilson and Rugglos, Commo-
lorc Chadwick. and Joseph McCammon.
short turn 10 the right brought
them 20 The stair leading to the
reCcptiOn-rOOm ON the second floor.
THE room was beautifully appointed in
honor OF the presidential party, and
connected with it was a small ante
chamber. into which Mrs. Mckinley re-
trel for q few minutes TO rest after
Che fatigue Of passing through the crowd.
a number OF distinguished people were
then presented 10 the President and his
wife.
Nice-President Hobart's arrival fol-
lowed promptly that of the President.
lIe was accompanied by Mrs Hobart.
After o. brief reception IN the apartments
assigned 10 him. he and Mrs. Hobart
joined the presidential party, and assist
oil in receiving the invited guests.
BALL OPENED.
Tho crowd downstairs had meanwhile
grown impatient for a sight OF the
presidential party. and I'm response to
the.r overtures. the President and Vice
President accompanied by their wives.
walked out 10 the balcony overlooking
the floor. They were repeatedly cheered
lv The ladies and gentlemen, who. TO
the number of 1000 crowded the open
space beneath. The distinguished quar-
tette bowed their Acknowledgements, the
band played an inspiring air, and the bail
was fairly opened.
Nearly an hour was spent by the party
Cr the balcony. principally I'm order that
they might enjoy TO the fullest extent
the brilliant scene on the floor, and at
the same time give Mrs. Mckin-
Icy. who looked fatigued, an oppor-
tunity 10 rest before crossing the great
court TO the supper-room. At ten
minutes 20 10 the march downstairs
began. the President, Nice-President,
and their wives being escorted by General
Miles Mr. Hanna. and a number Of guests
connected with the deception COMMITTED
Following in their train came an army or
lriluauuy-dressed women and their es-
c0rts.
The presidential party passed 70 the sup
por-room from the gallery along the north
side of the hail. marching I'm an aisle
formed boy two lines of dense-massed
spectators. AS they proceeded across the
hall their passing was marked by con-
tuue3 cheering. which lasted as long as
The President was in sight
supper was served 90 the party in
private room, the decorations Of which
were in harmony I'm design and elegance
Wth those of The hall.
40 1880 President and Mrs. Mckinley
left the building by the Fourth-street en-
france and were driven 10 the White
House. The remainder Of the party re-
turned TO the ballroom and participated
i0 the festivities. which were protracted
i,rtH an early hour On the morning.