The San Francisco call., 1908-05-13
Sailor and Wife of Admiral Open Ball for
Enlisted Men of Fleet at Auditorium

Continued from Page L, Column
California, and records have been es-
tablished that viii stand long in the
annals OF history. Yet q thing that
eclipses all others IN the upsetting of
naval custom marked the opening of
the dance last night. for IL was no less
a thing than for the commander in
chief OF the Atlantic fleet and every
officer OF his command to give way
in social rank and recognition to an
enlisted man of the feet. For it was
sailor from the ranks, who, with the
wife OF the ranking admiral for his
partner led the grand march and
opened the ball.
The barrier Of naval rank was shat
tered for a night When the grand
march reached its turning point at the
head Of the hall there came eight
abreast down the center Of the polished
floor. two men in the uniform Of en-
listed seamen. the ranking admiral Of
the navy OF the United States in full
dress Uniform. the mayor of san Fran
cisco in evening black. and four women
whose names are blazoned high in the
city's most exclusive club and social
circles. It was the joining OF high rank
and low, Of official and OF civil life, Of
fair women and brave men in the
gayety Of a wholehearted welcome and
reception.
Brilliant as have been the balls to
the officers already held in the large
hotels OF the city they have not out
shone the spectacle presented last night
in the mammoth auditorium, chosen
for this dance because it could more
nearly accommodate the throngs that
were eager TO attend. With its In
terror empty Of people the auditorium
is but a vast arena, almost barnlike in
the idea IL conveys Of enormous size,
but last night its floor was crowded as
Il has never been crowded before and
its plainness was lost under a profu-
sion OF decoration that vie with the
most artistic decoration ever attempted
in the richest ballroom OF the city.
Flags formed the background and the
body OF the decoration-"Old Glory" so
dear 70 every loyal heart and so full Of
meaning to the man who sails under
its folds, was everywhere.
HUNTING MASKS WALLS
Hung from every balcony were scores
OF great flags, and festoons of red,
white and blue bunting hid the walls
and fell in graceful curves from the
lofty ceiling. Rows and rows Of red
white and blue lights stretched across
the hall from side 20 side, while every
streamer and festoon of national colors
was knotted behind light studded flags
and shields.
An arbor OF palms banked at the base
with flowers half hid the band stationed
on the stage at the western end of the
Auditorium, yet the sound shield of the
stage made the music clear and loud
even to the farther corner of the hall
Schuppert's full band Of soloists, under
the leadership OF Henry Won der Mehden.
played the numbers, and the music was
perfect for dancing.
Introductions were accomplished with
an ease that seemed impossible. for in
the reception line at the doorway of
the hall was the combined committee of
California club women and chief petty
officers from the various ships, the
former 10 turn the debutantes over to
the men In blue, and the latter TO pass
them on in turn 20 their fellow sailors
from the ships.
Every man Of the thousand or more