The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1901-03-14
OF SPLENDOR.
Inaugural Dance 0utdoes Anything
Of the Kind in History.
Head of the Nation, Vice President
Roosevelt, Diplomats and Per-
sons of Every Walk in Life
Were Present.

Washington, March 5.-The culmi-
mating event Of the inaugural festivi-
ties was the inaugural ball, held at
night in the vast auditorium of the
pension office. AS q spectacular
event it vas unparalleled in the
history of inaugural. balls, in
the sumptuousness of arrangement,
in the bewildering splendor of decora-
tons and of marvellous electrical eff
fects, and in the countless throng TAX
ing part in the spectacle.
The United States Marine band and
an orchestra of W 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.
Presidential Party Arrives.
The presidential party arrived at
1878 o'clock. They were preceded by
a glittering array of army officers in
full uniform and We're escorted to the
private offices of Commissioner Evans,
which had been lavishly decorated.
The president bowed and smiled as he
| passed through the throng. Senator
and Mrs. Hanna, Lieut.. Gen. and Mrs.
Miles, several of the justices of the su-
preme court with their wives and a
number of the cabinet circle Joined the
party upstairs. The crowds on the main
floor had been pushed back to make
room for the grand march, but word
came that Mrs. Mckinley was indis-
posed and that the president would re-
main by her side. The march conse-
quently was abandoned.
Whirl of Gayety.
The band struck up Strauss "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 its head, gave way
before the whirl of gayety on the bali
room floor. 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 amid the groups of
governors, officers. senators and distin-
guished officials the vice president and
his wife proceeded to the ballroom
floor.
At It's Height.
Now the scene was at. its height.
Under the golden canopy and the daz-
cling fligree of lights moved the shift
ing throngs-women in exquisite tot
lets, dowagers and matrons in rare
old laces, buds and debutantesi in dainty
Paris creations. With them were Of
fcials distinguished in every branch of
public life, grave supreme court JUS
tees, governors of states surrounded
by their brilliantly uniformed stats
and aids, ambassadors and ministers
in gold lace and decorations, the high
est ranking officers of the army, navy
and marine corps, senators and repre-
sentatives, officers of troop A, the pres
ident's crack organization, in uniforms
of Austrian hussars. AS the orchestra
and band ~alternated this ever-moving
throng Joined in promenade and dance,
making a vast. Kaleidoscope picture.
Informal Reception.
President Mckinley held an informal
reception in the upper corridor, Lieut..
Gen. Miles, acting as chief of the recep-
ton committee to escort distinguished
guests to the president.
The presidential party and Vice Pres
ident and Mrs. Roosevelt left the ball
at 1915 o'clock. Before leaving they
partook of a light lunch with a large
number of invited guests in the private
dining-room. The festivities went on
undated until a late hour.