The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-05-10
Superb|y GOWned Women and
Handsome Men,
h, X MILNER REX VULCAN "
Miss Mary Claire Miner the
Beautiful Queen.
$4,000 PEOPLE ON THE STREETS
They Stood and Admired Last Nights
Illuminated Parade.
WAS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL
Carnival in Birmingham's History
Brought to Close By a Lady,
rinth of Mythical Pageants and
Swell Social Affairs

The great carnival in honor of Rex Vul-
can " which began at high noon on Mon
day last was brought to a brilliant and
magnificent close at the auditorium last
night in the presence of six thousand loyal
subjects who gathered at the royal bidding
to participate in and witness the royal
ball.
Fair women and brave men were gath
cred there and flushed with the inspira-
tion of loyal joy. each entering into the
revelry with delight in the royal presence,
who with his queen and courtiers smiled
approval from his throne.
The scene was the most brilliant ever
witnessed in Birmingham and marks a new
era in the history of the Carnival society.
With the glitter of rich costumes, the
glare of the electric lights and the gor-
geous hues of the royal colors, which were
gratefully and lavishly displayed, there
was nothing which could have been added
to the closing scenes of the carnival of
1S09
Identity of Rex Established
The Rex ball always marks the first pub
lie appearance of the queen and the un-
masking of the royal pair, whose identity
until that time is faithfully preserved.
Interest is naturally centered on that feat
ure and last night when the masks were
raised it was found that Rex Vulcan w
was none other than H. K Miner and that
his queen was represented in the person
of his charming sister, Miss Mary Claire
Miner.
The first floor of the building was re-
served for dancers, who were required to
be masked in costume or full dress. The
balconies and first tier were reserved for
spectators and when the royal grand
march began there were few vacant seats
to be had, while several hundred maskers
were on the floor.
The king and queen and royal party ar
rived about $3.50 o'clock and were given a
great ovation. Rex Vulcan l, II and III
with their queens and courts arrived short
ly after, and were conducted to their places
by Grand Marshal e. ]. McCrossin, the
royal military attache.
The royal grand march was led by the
reigning king and queen. The royal quad
rille followed, and was truly regal to look
upon
The four kings of the house of Vulcan
with their fair queens formed one set while
the maids of honor and courtiers formed
others.
After the royal quadrille the party ascend
ed the throne at the north end of the
building, and the floor was turned over to
the merry dancers.
The floor was in charge of P. L.. Houp-
pert, assisted by the following committee:
Dr. D. E. Drennen, A. E. Campbell, DR.. B.
A. Fox, B. Ezekiel, Joe Zinszer, e. C.
Bloombergh, o. G. Cummings, Leo K.
Steiner, P. G. Shook, J. A. Carter.
Herman TJnrath was tha nronnfar and
the music, which was in keeping with the
brilliancy of the affair, was furnished py
Grambs' orchestra.
At 10:40 o'clock the king and queen raised
their masks and the suspense was over. An
informal reception followed and many
friends took occasion to congratulate the
happy monarch and his sister queen.
The Kings Costume
Mr. Miners costume was one of the most
gorgeous ever worn by a monarch of the
house of Vulcan. 1t was of gold cloth cut
full blouse, in the style of the Biblical
kings, rich In coloring and effect. mag
nificent ermine cloak fell from his shoul-
ders, caught with jeweled buckles and
clasps. His makeup was splendid and his
most intimate friends could not have recog-
niZed him.
Miss Miners court gown was a superb
creation of white Duchess satin, exquis-
itely fashioned la Princesse. The front
cred in gold in a design of lilies of the
valley On the left side was a drapery of
Duchess and rose point lace caught with
Jewels. At the bototm of the skirt was a
band of ermine. The low cut corsage was
embroidered in sun-bursts and the Duchess
lace drapery extending to the left shoulder
was held in place with diamond sunbursts.
A narrow band of ermne finished the de-
collete effect. The court train hung from
the shoulders. 1t was of white broeaded
go lira6 with Safip Of axn1Iicita
shade. 1t was bordered with ermine. A
buckle of diamonds was caught at the
waist, and jewels glittered on the corsage.
Miss Miner wore a magnificent tiara of
diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Her
gloves were white and the slippers were
of satin, embroidered in gold She carried
American Beauty Roses, which were In
striking contrast to the white and gold of
her gown. Her court toilette Yves su-
perbly beautiful one, and accentuated the