The daily sentinel., 1901-02-06

80 easy to prove, that the best lie the best
according to your judgement. But if
your judgement is based upon actual
knowledge, from having seen, and in
many instances participated. the copclu-
sions OF that judgment will be questioned
by few. Without drawing odious COM
parisons. therefore, it can be sweepipgly
said that the grand ball and banquet
given last night by Grand Junction
lodge No. 575 Benevolent Protective Or
der OF Elks, was the most gorgeous oc-
casion of its kind ever attempted in this
city or ever carried to successful con-
clusion.
For months, or ever since the first an
nouncement was made that the order of
Elks Of this city would give a grand
compliment tary ball and banquet, social
circles have been on the qui vive of ex
citement and anticipation. The fact
that that organization wherever and
whenever attempting such pleasure oc-
casion, places no limit on expense or
work to make the affair the best in all
tho sense that the term expresses. whet-
ted tho appetites Of all those who love to
mingle in the social pleasures OF the
world and there was keen rivalry to be
included in the list OF invited guests.
The question might be asked, although
from general report of the affair it is not
likely "Did the Elks maintain the repu-
tation they possess, as royal hosts p
Without any question whatever they did,
and even added thereto. 1t was de-
clarel by the gusets that the event
completely surpassed the anticipations
OF those who were entrusted with the
arrangements. 1t upheld the reputa-
tion Of Elk hospitality to the uttermost
and established a record for muniticent
and lavish entertainment that even they
may not hope surpass. This was the un-
animous verdict of tho guests and it
stands unchallenged as no dissenting
voice has yet been heard in the express
rion Of general opinion.
The Park opera house Was selected by
the committee as being the most pleasant
place for entertainment, and there it was
where, last night. the youth and beauty
of the city gathered.
That Thespian temple for the time be-
ing was transformed into a commodions
ballroom, with decorations 30 superior to
anything ever attempted, that what has
gone before does not bear comparison.
The interior had been transformed as if
the fabled magic Of Aladdins lamp had
been in touch herewith. Decorators
had been constantly at work for several
days and tho surprise at the illumination
OF the building was great. Over 100 ex-
ira electric bulbs had been placed in the
building and these added much bril-
tions. The spirit OF Elkdom was the ef-
feet sought in the decosations. Tho
principal coloring was the royal purple
Of the Elks, and hung at the best points
OF vantage were tho heads OF Ave great
elk, monarchs of forest and glen, after
which tho organization takes it's name.
Besides these there were fifteen splendid
"tser heads, and from their antlers hung
the royal purple in graceful streamers
aud festoons.
All along the balcony there were cleo
tric bulbs, and from the forehead Of each
Of tho elk and deer there protruded an
electric bulb, making at once an unique
and brilliant illumination Of the great
floor Of the ballroom. Right in the i'm
mediate center Of the room, suspended
from the ceiling, were two immense elk
heads, one head facing north and the
other south. containing on their FORE
heads the large bulbs, which was ad-
mired as being one of the richest pieces
Of dressing.
The orchestra was placed in the gal
lery and the music from there, removed
- it was from the main dancing floor,
sounded better than any arrangement
ever had for the orchestra.
The two rooms on either side of the
main entrance to the opera house were
given over to the ladies for dressing
rooms and here everything needful had
been provided for their accommoda alton.
Polite attendants and all toilet articles
10 dear and necessary to the feminine
mind were 10 abundance and many vera
ths expressions Of satisfaction uttered by