Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-03-14
THE INAUGURAL BALL
Mrs ". L. Reed, Of This City, Who
Attended the Event Writes
Interestingly Of It.

Cofrespona=nce o. ne Lsdger
WASHINGTON, d. c., March 5-The
Inaugural Ball, the tribute which poi
itics pays TO society, has come down
through our national history with 80
many stories Of beauty and chiyalT
clustering around IL, that il IS almost
an integral part q the Inauguration.
In recent years il has partaken more
Of the character Of . grand general
reception. for even the Pension Build
ing, with its floor space OF 200 By 400
feet, can do little more than furnish
promenading space for the many
thousands gathered here from every
state Of the Union.
The walls and ceiling Of the Pension
Building were completed covered with
yellow bunting OF soft shade. arranged
in the most graceful frills and folds.
The many columns supporting the
two galleries which extend the en-
tire lengthOf the building on all four
sides were gilded for the occasion
Gold Standard is the keynote Of the
administration The bunting on the
walls, and the columns Of the gale
ries were all Wreathed with southern
smilax, studded with millions Of
electric lights. From the arches I'M
der the first gallery hung great balls
Of light, Around the banisteB Of the
first gallery large Cpalescent stars Of
light altemated with PLAQUES Of red
azaleas, growing from their " stems.
From each arch Of the second gallery
hung three yellow electric bulbs, the
wires Of which were covered with
huge ropes Of smilax, studded with
smaller electric jets. The banisters
Of the second gallery, banked with
palms, were closely studded with great
round globes Of light In the middle
Of each Of the four walls Of the build
ing, mammoth flags were draped
around the United States coat Of
arms.
The Presidential stand had its front
covered with Roman wreaths, tied
with deep, rich ribbon, and layishly
covered with American beauty roses.
The front Of the music stand. where
the Marine Band and Haley's Orches-
ira were stationed, was covered with
coral lutes, Tyres, guitars and trum-
pets. So great was the crowd that
only a small space near the hand stand
was fiOored for dancing.
The large fountain in the center Of
the court was changed into a dream
Of floral beauty. From It's center rose
great bushes Of bOngainrilleas Ia new
flower from the Philippines % full Of
their purpllsh blossoms that no leaves
we're discernible. Around these were
massed white Hlacs, spirea, tulips and
j0nquils in the greatest p~rofusiOn,
while tall, graceful palms, covered
with electric bulbs, supplied the nee
essary green. The stairways, supper
room and various dressing rooms were
all bowers Of beauty. Over $4,000
were spent on these decorations.
1t was expected that the Presiden-
tial party would march the fun length
Of the court, but as Mrs. Mckinley
had tainted at the capitol in the
morning, this feature was omitted.
The President looked grave, notwith-
standing all this blaze Of glory in bis
honor. Mrs. Mckinley, who has a
sweet, youthful face, wore a gracious
smile. She was gOwned in rich white
satin, with high bodice Of point lace,
and superb diamond necklace fitted to
the collar, and brilliant sunbursts.
She carried an exquisite bouquet Of
lilies Of the valley.
Yice-President Roosevelt seemed to
be the happiest Of the happy. Mrs.
Roosevelt wore a severely plain white
silk with pearl and diamond orna-
ments.
General Miles was there in a broad
gold sash, with buttons and medals
too numerous to mention. AS usual,
on great social occasions, Admiral
Dewey was absent, though thousands
Of eager eyes scrutinized every naval
officer in hopes Of seeing the hero Of
Manila. The smiling face Of Chaun-
cey NJ Depew, as he ~promenaded the
court with bis niece, attracted much
attention.
But notable officials, governors Of
states, cabinet ladies, etc, were 50
numerous that n grew dizzy, and
turned to the glorious, kaleidoscope
display Of color in the main hall. The
handsome gowns OF the ladies PIE
seBted the richest silks, satins and
%velvets, and the sheerest muslins and
daintiest chifons, trimmed in the
most gorgeous spangles. ~rhineStones,
laees and Roman pearls, in all con
eeiyable colors, all blended with the
most consummate skill. The plain
black full-dress suits Of the gentle
men we're relieved by the gay uniforms
u cadets, and military and naval
officers.
Diamond necklaces, tlaras and sun
bursts blazed forth 10 the greatest
pfofusi0n. The whole effect Of the
scene was such as 10 make Us wonder
if we were not again dreaming child
hoods dreams Of fairy lands and fairy
princes and princeSses, or TO suggest
s0me wild story Of Arabian enchant-
ment. MIS-. W. L. REED.
The LewisOhns and II. II. Rogers Of
the Standard Oil syndicate are said u
have begun a movement to corner the