The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-19
Celebrating Transfer of Louisiana
 Territory from France
ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO
Six Warships Gaily Dressed With the Flags of the Nations Present Fine Marine Spectacle-Governor
 Heard Reviews Fleet.

New Orleans. December 1S.-Favored with ideal weather, which made the na- val review on the river brilliant func- ton. the series of three days eelebra- tions in commemoration of the transfer of the Province of Louisiana from France to the United States, was inaugurated today
 It was in New Orleans on December 20 a century ago that the dramatic scene was enacted which, in Napoleon lang uage, gave the American republic an em- pire, and tomorrow, in the same room of the Cabildo in which Governor Clai- borne and General Wilkerson received the transfer of the mighty territory, which only twenty days before the French had accepted from Spain, the events of that memorable day will have a ceremonial duplication.
 So indissoluably linked are Louisiana and New Orleans with the historic de- tails of the transfer, that two years ago the Louisiana legislature authorized an official celebration of the transfer. It was desired to make the occasion of na- tional and international significance. The Louisiana Historical society was given control of the ceremonies
 Many Invitations Extended.
 Invitations to participate were ex- tended to the congress, the Feder- al government, and the President, and through the secretary of state to France and Spain as prime fig ures in the changes of Lousiana's sov- ereignty. Congress failed to pass the legislation necessary to send an official delegation of senators and representa- tives, but the navy department ordered Admiral Wise with four ships to be pres ent and the French and Spanish gov ernments accepted the invitation and arr ranged to be represented. the former by her ambassador and the fine cruiser Jurien De LaGraviere. and the latter by her consul and one of her warships, the Rio de LaPlata, the latter of which, however, has unfortunately not yet reached here. The management of the Louisiana Purchase exposition gave the enterprise its cordial support and prompt ly accepted the invitation to it's presi- dent and directors to attend. Under au- spicious conditions the carrying out of the historical society's programme began at noon today with the review of the fleet.
 Warships GaiIy Dressed.
 The six warships were gaily dressed with the flags of the nations and pre- sented a fine marine spectacle when the United States ship Stranger put off from Canal street, carrying the governor and his staff in full regala, and distinguished guests. who had been invited to accom- pany him. President David R. Francis. of the Louisiana purchase exposition. and members of his boN,d reached the city on a belated train, but the governors party waited for them and they were enabled to participate in one of the most interesting features of the celebration. The Stranger, brilliant with flags and bunting, with Gov ernor Heard Ambassador Jusserand and Senor J. Tuero y. Odonnell, the Spanish consul on the bridge, presented picture of nautical beauty and admiration, as heading a fleet of steamers and tugs, she ran down one side of the fleet and then up the other, the marines and sailors manning the sides of the warships, and the bands playing national airs. After the review the Stranger anchored near the Minneapolis, and Admiral Wise, entering a cutter from the flagship. was rowed over to the governors yacht to pay his respects to the state executive and the representatives of the two nations which at different times owned the territory, After the Admiral went Captain Marix of
 
 monge of the Julien de LaGraviere, the French cruiser; Commander Heilmer of the Yankee, Commander Wilner of the Topeka and Commander DeWill Veder of the Hartford. A general reception follow ed. Governor Heard was accompanied on his return call by the ambassador and consul
 Ships Visited.
 The Minneapolis was first visited, then the French ship and then the others of the American vessels. Ambassador Jus serand parted from the governor after the call on the French commander, re- maining on the Gravier. Salutes were fired almost continuously during the visit of the commanders and during the return calls.
 The social event of the celebration was the colonial ball given tonight in the French opera house, which the naval of- ficers, the French ambassador, the Span ish consul, President Francis and party, the governor, mayor and state and city officials. and society leaders of New Or leans and a number of other cities at tended. The ball was under the direction of Miss Grace King, the authoress. and was a reproduction as regards costumes, decorations and environment of the epoch which marked Jefferson's purchase of the territory. The musical programme, ar- ranged by Professor L. O'Connell, was divided into three sections, the first con sisting of music written by masters of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the second of dances of the period and the third of dances and promenades by mod ern authors.
 Brilliant Picture.
 The grand entree which opened the ball gave the effect of a brilliant court recep- ton. the marchers dressed in the cos- tunes of colonial days. Fifty couples danced q minnet and gavotte. The inte- rior of the opera house was superbly dec orated with flags. emblems. flowers and plants symbolic of the epoch when Louis jana was passing from foreign domination and in the dazzling light the contrast be- tween the highly colored costumes on the stage and the evening dress of the soci- ety people who completely filled the horse- shoe produced an exceedingly picturesque effect.
 An elaborate series of ceremonies has been arranged for tomorrow, Including a reception at the city hall with orchestra accompaniment, a military parade the opening of the colonial museum. address L Al.