Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-03-05
Inaugural Bail.

The eliminating event Of the in
augural festivities was the inaugural
bail. held tonight in the vast auditori-
um AT the pension office. with men ana
women distinguished iii every walk Of
life touching elbows, dancing ana min
Cling with the plain American citizen.
A. 4 spectacular event ii was unparal-
leled in the history Of inaugural balls.
Soon after s o'clock the vast interior
of the building began to take on life
and animation The Presidential party
was not TO arrive until $50 o'clock and
the early Corners devoted themselves
to viewing the exquisite beauties OF
the scene.
The Presidential party arrived at 1O15
o'clock. They We're preceded by a gilt
tering array of oil ers in full uniform
and We're escorted To the private office
Of Commissioner Evans.
The crowds on tho main floor had
been pushed back to make room for
the grand march ana the band vas
ready to break into the opening strains
of the march from "Tannhauser" but
word came that Mrs. Mckinley was
indisposed and that the President
would remain by her side. The march
consequently WAS 1lGlHttlltu.
Vice President and Mrs. Roosevelt
arrived about the time the President
came in. After paying their respects to
the President and holding an informal
levee they went to the floor OF the ball
room.
Mrs. Mckinley wore a most beautiful
white satin gown made for the occa-
sion, high in the neck and long in the
sleeves. The skirt. which with an i'm
mense train. was trimmed with two
broad ruftles of point lace. The bodice
had deep collar of point lace in the
back, crossing the shoulders. extended
half way down the front on either side.
forming reverse-like effect. opening
on n vest of pleated chiffon overlaid
with the same embroidery of pearl and
hinestones which beautify the SKIRT.
The sleeves We're close fitting and en-
broidered in rhinestones and pearls
from shoulder to wrist, where they
were finished in a ruff1e of point lace
A diamond necklace fitted over the
high collar.
Mrs. Roosevelt wore severely plain
gown of white silk embroidered in sill
yer. made en- train and finished at the
The skirt was yelled in soft French
lace draperies, caught at each side by
graceful loops of satin ribbons. On the
low cOrsage these same designs were
carried out Strings of pearls were
worn around her neck, from which lie
pended a magnificent ostrich tip fan.
An aigrette of ostrich tips was worn
in her hair. caught in place by a mag
nificent crescent of pearls and liza
monds
President Mckinley held an informal
reception in the upper corridor. Lieut..
Gen. Miles. acting as chief of the re-
ception committee TO escort distin-
guished guests to the President.
Mrs. McKinleys indisposition was of
brief duration and soon she was able to
Join the President in an empowered box
overlooking the gay throngs below. The
President occupied a seat to the right
near the rail. with Mrs. Mckinley at his
side The other left sat Vice President
and Mrs. Roosevelt Near the Vice Pres
ident was GOV. Odell Of New York. while
grouped further back were Maj. Gen.
Corbn. Admirals Bradford and Crownin
shield Secretary Root Justices Harlan
ana Gray. Senator Lodge, Coy. Stone Of
PENNSYLVANIA ana many ladies OF the
cabinet. army, navy ana officials, etc.
The Presidential party ana Vice Presi-
dent and Mrs. Roosevelt left the ball at
1215 o'clock