Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-03-05


ground 1oor and shone radiant
through = netWork of green's against
Z background g1inttng with powdered
glass. Suspended beneath each star,
and below draped festoons Of smilax,
were shimmerinE trailers of green and
electric bulbs, tipped with { yellow
globe. The gilt pillars were ~enshrOuded
in vines and green's, and above the
bright circlets of light that crowned
growing tulips, dafodils, azalias. and
jonQuils. In the second balcony the
same scheme OF decoration was carried
out, excepting that in lieu of the stars
were hung electric lights in clusters of
three, covered with soft yellow tram
sparent paper and producing q beau
tiful effect. Back under the balconies
on the ground and second floors,
wreaths of green were hung at regular
intervals, linked by loops of vines and
smilax.
Seventy-six additional posts had been
placed on the top balcony, each one
surmounted by a glowing bulb of light.
Between them, and bordering the rail-
ing of the balcony all the way around,
were boxes OF
Cut and Growing Flowers
In a great ~profusion Of color.
Two endless chains of light-studded
green below the balconies looped and
swung completely around the immense
hall, each loop-end a hive of brilliant
yellow globes, each trailing streamer
alive with tiny glow lights.
OF to the side. On the second bal
cony, yer the Presidents and Vice
Presidents rooms the diplomats
room, and forty other rooms apprO-
p~riately embellished for public recep-
tion and promenade. The Preident's
room was draped entirely in white,
and made beautiful with pink ribbons,
white orchids and greens. The other
rcmos held to the al1-pervading yellow,
decorated with flags, flowers and smi-
lax. In the diplomatic reception room
the flags of all nations were clustered
and i~ntertwined, and lent a brilliant
'. background for the gorgeous uniforms
and regalia of the diplomatic officials.
( At one side of the main building had
been built a large dining hall, decorat-
| ed in red and white and hung with
greens.
The Expense of the Decorations
| entire lis set W at about $4,000. The
| floral and electrical decorations alone
| came to nearly $4,000, there being no
less than $1,000 electric lights involved
in the illumination.
The United States marine band and
an orchestra Of over a hundred pieces
were stationed at one end of the hall
and for AN hour before the arrival OF
the presidential party played patriotic
| airs.
The presidential party arrived at
| 1915 o'clock. They were preceded by
| a glittering array of officers In full
| uniform, and were escorted to the pri-
waite offices of Commissioner Evans,
which had been lavishly decorated.
| The President bowed and smiled as he
passed through the tL.rong. Senator
and Mrs. Hanna. Lieut.. General and
Mrs. Miles, several of the justices Of the
| Supreme Court Of the United States,
with their wives, and a number OF the
Cabinet circle, Joined the party up
stairs. The crowds on the main floor
had been pushed back to make room
for the grand march and the band was
ready to break into the opening strain
Of the march from Tannahauser. But
word came that Mrs. Mckinley was In
disposed and that the President would
remain by her side. The march con-
s%equently wa abandoned. The band
struck up Straus' "Blue Danube" and
the first regret of the assemblage at
missing the grand march, with the
President and the first lady of the land
at it's head, gave way before the whirl
Of gafety on the ball room floor. Vice
President and Mrs. Roosevelt arrived
about the time the President came in.
After paying their respects to the Pres
ident and holding an informal levee
amid the groups of Governors, officers,
Senators and distinguished officials,
the Vice President and his wife pro-
ceeded to the ball room floor.
Now the scene was at its height. I'm
der the golden canopy and the dazzling fl
igree of lights moved the shifting throngs
women in exquisite toilets. dowagers
and matrons in rare old laces. buds and
debutantes in dainty Paris creations.
With them were officials distinguished in
every branch of public life, grave SUI
preme Court judges, Governors of States
surrounded by their brilliantly uniformed
staffs and aides, ambassadors and minis
tiers in gold lace and decorations, the
highest ranking officers of the army,
navy and marine corps. Senators and
Representatives, officers of Troop A, the
Presidents crack organization, in uni
forms OF Austrian hussars. AS the or
chestra and band a~lternated, this ever
moving throng joined in promenade and
dance, making a vast kaleidoscope pic
ture.
President Mckinley held an informal re-
ception in the upper corridor, Lieut.. Gen.
Miles acting as chief of the reception
committee to escort distinguished guests
to the President.
CounofI Not Cullod