The age-herald., 1900-02-28
Scene Most Brilliant in the His-
 tory of the City.
STREET PAGEANTs WERE BEAUTIFUL
Crowds Witnessed the Officials Parades While Maskers Made Merry and Revelry Reigned Supreme
 val Balls at the Clubs

l LnO Gdlnlfdt LII lSVV, WHICH was so duS- piciously begun on Monday, was brought to brilliant close last night, the culmnat- ing feature being the grand ball at the l Auditorium in honor of Rex Vulcan V. The scene was one of the most brilliant ever witnessed in Birmingham, the vast building being crowded almost to it's ca pacity, with the loyal subjects of the realm who gathered to do homage to their king. Many rich and handsome costumes were seen at the ball. while the glare of the elec- trc lights and the glitter of tinsel and the glorius hue of the royal colors, which were lavishly displayed, gave lustre to the oc- casion, and marked the going out of the carnival season in a blaze of glory. The Kings Identity The Rex ball is always looked forward to with especial interest as up until that time the identity of Rex Is carefully pre- served, and last night when masks were raised, the new monarch was found to be Edgar T. Wilcox, prominent young society man. His queen, Miss Elizabeth Shelley, appeared without mask at the re- ception on Monday evening, but with the king she shared the plaudits of the merry courtiers who were gathered in the royal presence.
 A false floor had been placed In the spacious play house, extending back to the xvyaI for dancers, who were required to be in mask or in full dress. The tiers and bal comics were given over to spectators, and few remaining seats could be found when the royal march began.
 The royal party arrived at the ball about 9:30 o'clock, and were received with great honor. About the same time Rex Vulcan II and III and their courts also arrived, and were conducted to their places on the stage by Grand Marshall McCrossin, the kings bodyguard.
 The Royal March.
 The royal grand march was then begun, after which the royal quadrdlle was danced. After the quadrille the royal party took their positions in the rear of the stage and the floor was turned over to the merry dancers.
 The floor was In charge of F. L. Hans pert. assisted by C.. E. Meglemery, c. B. Clifford, Dr. B. A. Fox, A. E. Campbell, L.. B. Joseph, Dr. D. gG. Drennen, Leak Stein- er P. G. Shook, G. Rotholz, and c. S. Sim mons.
 Herman Unrath was the royal prompter, and the music was furnished py Grambs or chestra, under the leadership of Professor Fred L. Grambs.
 The programme was as follows:
 Royal grand march-Rex and Queen. Royal suit)
 Royal quadrlle-Army and Navy. (Dewey.)
 Grand March - Gayest Manhattan. (Wheeler.)
 Quadrille-"May Festival"
 Waltz-"Senorita."
 Two-step-"Dinah."
 Schottische-'Td Leave My Happy Home for You.'
 Two-step-"Alabama Blossom"
 Waltz-'"The Christain."
 Two-step-'Hands Across the Sea-
 waltz-"Baby Lize'
 Plain quadrflle-"Wizard of the Mill"
 Schottische-'Tm Livin' Easy"
 Two-step-"Pompey on a Foot"
 Waltz-"Remniscenee of the Dance."
 Lancers-"Serenade."
 Two-step-"Arabian Nights.''
 Waltz-"Dancing Girls.'' Order For Unmasking.
 1t was nearly II o'clock when the order for unmasking was given, and all eyes were turned upon the throne as the king raised his mask. MT. Wilcox was warmly con- graduated by his friends, and held an in- formal reception. MT. Wilcox's costume was truly regal of rich color and fittingly- be- come a monarch of the house of Vulcan.
 Miss Shelly's gown was of white satin, with an over-dress of point lace, embroider- ed with jewels. The magnificent court train that hung from her shoulders was of white satin, richly brocaded. The Mning was of primrose yellow satin, and the entire train was bordered with a broad band of ermine, the watteau being caught with an American