The Republican journal., 1903-03-12
n the memory of the onlookers.

these fairy-like effects the guests ap-
plauded Justify, led by the chivalrous
old French Admiral. About II O'Clock
the guests were admitted to the floor.
and black coats Wed with tinsel and
lace-like draperies to speed the merry
hours away The music was by PICK
ed orchestra of thirty musicians, sta
toned in an upper gallery. Everything
was in keeping with the main idea.
The souvenir pins, given as favors TO
the ladies, were little clocks with Elves
holding the hands. The dance programs
were round, and represented clock,
with Folly pointing to the time. After
the maskers' dances followed list OF
twenty-five numbers, waltz and two
step alternating and forming the only
variety. They haven't any time down
this way to waste in anything outside
these two all-embracing, dreamy, deli
cious dances. Wouldn't the smart set
of our own city like this innovation?
And so the NIGHT was danced away
and the ball of Oberon became thing
of the past. There were balls earlier in
the month and several during the clos
ing nights of the Carnival; some of
them even more pretentious, and grac-
ed by the presence of Miss Alice Roose-
Welt, but It's said that ones first Carni-
val ball is his best for all time, to the
truth of which expression l am willing
to attest.
At the Atlanteans' ball the daughter
of the President was called out of her
private box By a herald of the King.
The herald presented the fair visitor a
scroll of welcome, and then led her to
the throne. AS she passed through the
line of maskers they made the usual
gutteral shouts that are always in order
when the King and his court perform
their triumphal march. Miss Roose-
welt looked tritle frightened, but bore
herself smilingly and gracefully, and
after greeting the King and Queen was
given seat at the side of the throne.
AS she walked up, the band played
sDixie" and the whole house applaud
ed. the maskers showing their pleasure
at having her as a guest by much gro
tesque capering and by merry sounds.
When the dance began the masker who
had called her out claimed her hand
4 WI, i1l his
lege. Evidently the Presidents UNI
popularity in this section does not eX-
tend to his beautiful daughter, as she
has been royalty Toasted and feted here
during her ten days visit.
Mardi Gras and the ten days proceed
ing were marked by delightful, temper
ate. sunny weather. Just the dreamy,
lazy DAYS we sometimes have i'll Sep
TENDER, with light, easterly breeze
to temper the suns rays. Monday,
February 23d, King Rex entered the
city by way of the river and was accord
ed a joyous reception. His escort on
his first parade through the streets of
the city was of d military character.
One of his first acts after receiving the
freedom of the city from the mayor
was to issue a manifesto ordering all
labor to cease during the next day and
that all his subjects of every color and
condition, give themselves up to mlrth
and frivolity. Any departures from
this order were to be visited by his very
serious displeasure. On Mardl Gras
day the King led the way in grand
chariot, followed by such a magnificent
pageant of floats that even the oldest
inhabitant could not produce another
in his mind to compare. These triumph
al professions of Rex are beyond the
power Of telling. They can neither be
described by pen or picture. The bril-
liant turn-outs are the result OF the
longtime labor of the most skillful de
signers and best artisans to be procured,
graced by trappings and costumes
made in France especially for this
grand event of the carnival. The pa
rades are public property and are alike
enjoyed by the rich and poor, by the
wealthy resident of st. Charles Avenue
and the small colored citizen who views
them from a nearby tree and who
searches his pockets in vain for nickel.
Probably the latter gets by far the
greater enjoyment. The pleasures of
the Carnival balls are shared by none
! outside the exclusive set" and their
friends. | have often wondered if this
! exclusive set would be able to main
,, tain their position in heaven and bar
everybody else out.
The two night parades Of Proteus and
! Comus, and the balls following, were
dazzling in their splendor. Never was
the French Opera House the scene OF
more mirth and revelry nor the frame
| for more beautiful women. At the
Proteus ball on the eve of Mardi Gras
! the lady guests were so numerous that
not one seat in box, parquet or balcony
was occupied by a man, and many OF
the fair ones sat on the steps. Miss
Roosevelt. who had been christened
Princess of the White House by his
| Suhlime majesty King Rex occupied z