Omaha daily bee., 1898-10-09
ALL bow BEFORE The KING
Ak-sar-Ben " Monopolizes the Attention Of
Omaha Society People,
STATE BALL THE ONE AFFAIR LAST WEEK
Magnificent Function nt the knights
Castle an Occasion that Easily
surpasses in BriiIiance All the
History of the Kingdom.

SO complete was the capture OF local soci-
ETY. by the knights of Ak-Sar-Ben during
the week Just ended that there is little to
record save the brilliant successes achieved
by that splendid organization and the at
tendant visiting of society folks from other
cities. There were a trio OF local marriages
and many times that number of weddings
uniting exposition visitors from the sur
rounding territory.
But to King Ak-Sar- Ben " and his most
gracious queen Dame Society has made her
most profound bow and so lowly has she
bowed that she has scarcely noticed any
other parsonage or any other event. The
coronation of the king and the queen chosen
to rule over the kingdom of Quivera during
the next twelve months was celebrated with
what is critically declared to be the grand
est ball ever given west of the Worlds Fair
city. This praise is from those who have
attended the most elaborate affairs that have
been given in this country and from those
who should know. For many it will be suf-
ficient praise to remark that Chauncey
Mitchell Depew of the United States said
1T was a most magnificent occasion. And
it was Those who were there-somewhat
over 1900 in number-will never forget the
courtly king and the queenly queen the
electric fountain, the picturesque grotto,
the royal throne, the whirling maze of color,
the glow of happy countenances, the perfume
of sweet flowers, the glad laughter and the
enhancing music. All of these, and then
some, will go to make up the most luminous
page in the memory book of those who were
fortunate enough to witness the coronation
ceremonies. 1t was very patent to all that
bn od1 had md
ously enjoyable time and that the 1000 spec
tators delighted in the lovely scene spread
out for their view was evidenced by their
remaining in the balconies until well along
in the morning of the first day of the new
dynasty.
The selection of Miss Grace Allen as
queen and Major Robert S. Wilcox as king
met with hearty accord, and their royal ap-
pearance was all that could be desired. Like
fragrant roses in a garland the sixteen fair
young maids of the queen bloomed amid the
grace and beauty which surrounded them
and were in themselves no inconsiderable
attraction. The ladies of the court the
ladies in waiting and the maids of honor
looked lovely, all handsomely gowned in
the latest effects of the modiste The young
men of the floor committee with the tri-color
of Ak-SarBen across their breasts in real
regal fashion were here, there and every
where assisting Master of Ceremonies Peck
and his able lieutenant. w. II. McCord, in
looking after the entertainment of the radies
about the throne.
1t is worthy of note that all of the pre-
vious kings of the house of Ak-Sar- Ben and
all of the queens, save one, were present
to greet the queen of the exposition reign.
or the first dynasty the king, Edmund M.
Bartltt. alone was present, the first queen
Miss Woolworth, now being in mourning
The second dynasty was represented by the
king, Casper Il. Yost, and the queen, Miss
May Dundy. The king and the queen of
the third reign were present In the persons
OF Edward Porter Peck and Miss Gertrude
kountze. All of the selections have proved
popular and none more so than the most
recent. To the noble board of governors
of the knights Of Ak-Sar- Ben society is in
debted for a great stimulus and the most
brilliant event ever chronicfed in the Trans
mississippi territory. 1t will require a
wonderful amount of hard work to equal the
success of the fourth coronation and state
ball. but the devotees of society are already
looking forward with pleasant anticipation
to the fifth state dance of the kingdom of
Quivera, when once again there will be
No sleep till morn, when youth and pleas
ure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying
feet.