The times., 1898-01-21


Sweet Charity" was the ruling power
last night in washington's social realm.
The ball for the benefit OF the Children's
Hospital was as brilliant socially and
financial yasanyof the erive-aud-twenty-1d
functions hathave been given by the boards
of lady visitors who have had the charity
III charge. The National Rifles Artnory
lends itself gracefully to decorations, and
last night it surpassed in beauty all former
pIcturesqueness for which its festivities
| arefamed. Themany w indows We're draped
with scarlet and under each of the cha nde-
liers swung huge red umbrellas. through
which the gas reflected its light, causing
an atmosphere of rosy brightness. The
globes OF the side brackets Were hooded
with the same ruddy color the ceiling
and balcony were sprayed with laurel, and
the platform was embowered in potted
flowers and palms.
The music was furnished by the Marine
Ba nd, which was stationed in the balcony
where also Were seated number of inter
ested observers of the brilliant scene on
thefloor below, "a nd the dainty da ncingcaTds
of twenty y-four numbe Is concluded with Sir
Roger de Coveriy, which seems, some
way, to have usurpe q the old time Virginia
Reel.
The guests were received 10y Miss Vir-
ginia Miller, the president of the board OF
lady visitors. together with committee
of ladies prominent in philanthropic and
social circles, among whom Were Madame
de Sibonr, Mrs. c. III. Davis, Mrs. Elkins,
Mrs. Goodioe, Mrs Hoeke, Mrs. Huide-
koper, Mrs. J. III. johnson. Mrs. Mcmillan.
Mrs. Sheridan, and Miss Kibbey. Given
worthy an object and the patronage of
Washington official and social world the
ball of last night could not help
but be success, but that
it was thoroughly enjoyable was due 10
the fautless arrangement and Ba yard-like
chivalry or Major GooGloe and the com
mittee OF gentlemen who had the affair
in charge. The President and Mrs. Nc
Kinley and the Vice President and Mrs.
Hobart had signfied their intention OF
being present. but up TO IL O'Clock the
distinguished guests had not arrived. 1t
was rumored on the floor that Mrs. Nc
kinlcy would not be present because of the
fatigue resulting from wedp esday's re
ception, but as Mrs. Hobart was herself the
hostess OF 3 dinner to the Geriuan am
hasSador and other distinguished guests, il
was not expected that she would lie among
the early arrivals.
There were no other notably important
events to rival the ''cluldrcn's'' ball, and
for that reason the guests, who represented
the Cabinet circle, the diplomatic corps
and all whose presence lend distinction
to gatherings II the National Capita came
so sensibly early that by 10 O'Clock the
npifcbad flor
IL the hail was fun.
The supper-room wa made unusually at
tractive from the fact that the menu was
furnished by the ladies at their homes. who
also sent their buffers to serve it, Mrs.
Mckee and Mrs. Rogers were in charge OF
the dining room, which made a CHEEKY
picture with its groups of small tables
scattered about the big place, each with
eenterpiece of aZalias, pink white or
crimson, which bloomed in baskets OF
silver and gilt, and decorated with dainty
bows and ribbon
To name the guests would be TO enumer-
ate an the men, women and debuia ntes who
make up the social world of Washington and
among the long and splendid list of pa tron-
esSes We're, in addition to Mrs Nick ipJpy
and Mrs. Hobart. Mrs Thomas Nelson
Page. Mrs. Westinghouse. Mrs. Joseph
Washington. Miss Riggs. Sonora de LONE.
Madame WI, the ladies OF the Supreme
Court. number OF the wives of Senators.
together with tn most distinguished
women of residential Washington. who have
Tor Years been Interested in this beautifuI
charity. which was never 50 needed as now.
Howard and Teresa McDona Id en- terta ined
number OF their young friends at a party
last night at their residence, No. 42S
street The evening was merrily diversified
with games and singing, and dainty re-
ffeShments were served. Among the guests |