The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-03-05
INAUGURAL BALL WAS BRILLIANT
 DESPITE STORM Pension Building Crowded With People President and Mrs. Taft in
 Attendance. Handsome Gowns Worn by the Women Descriptions of Some of the
 Dresses

Washington, March 5.-The inaugu- ral ball, President Tafts first official public social function, fared better un- der the weather conditions than any other feature of the day. The attend ance was of course smaller than at other inaugural balls, but at that the Dig Pension Office was crowded. Ev- erybody seemed to have forgotten the troubles of the day and all were out for a good time.
 The decorations for the ball were the most elaborate and artistic in the history of this function. The color scheme was green and gold. The vast expanse of ceiling was covered by a canopy of deep golden cloth.
 In the Presidents box were Mrs. Taft and the other members of his family.
 Tn President and Mrs. Taft went ballroom. A swarm of attendants cleared the way. After promenading a bit the Presidential party made its way to the Presidential box and re- mained there for some time.
 The women in official life and others present were of course beautifully gowned. Mrs. Taft wore a gown which was of the modified Empire fashion elan drapery of white chiffon cloth hanging down. The embroidery was done in silver thread and appeared not only in the gown proper but also in the court train of satin. The sleeves were of rare old rose point lace, which was also used with effect on the bod ice. Her hair was dressed quite high on her head and was ornamented only by spray of diamonds. A pearl dog collar was the only other jewelry she wore.
 Miss Helen Taft wore a gown of white embroidered mousseline over a O Nf e-f1l with a modest round neck edged about with narrow point lace and tiny bow knots of pale blue ribbon placed so as to hold the fulness and drapery and likewise giving a touch. of color. Her light, soft, brown hair. was worn in a graceful coil. She wore no jewelry.
 Mrs. Sherman, wife of the Vice-Pres- 1dent. wore gown of white and si1- yer made with panels back and front of satin edged with a wide band of silver embroidery, the back panel fall ing from the shoulder, forming sort of court train effect. This long nar- yer embroidery. Panels of silver tis- sue were let in at the side, over which the material was caught with silver cords and tassels. The bodice was trimmed with silver embroidery and silver fringe, which also appeared in the tight fitting sleeves.
 Mrs. Knox, wife of the future Sec retary of State, had gown of pink satin yelled with an overdress net heavily encrusted with crystal and
 Mrs. George w. Wickersham, wife of President Taft's Attorney-Genera1 wore a gown of white satin made prin- cess with long narrow train, the bo- dice of which was heavily studded with rhine stones with a sOftening eff. feet of white tulle about the should CTS and sleeves. A diamond necklace and hair ornaments completed the cos tune.
 Mrs. Ballinger, wife of the incom- ing Secretary of the Interior, wore gown in modified Empire style of white satin trimmed with gold lace, the front panel of the lace and a band of Cloth of gold about the long and narrow train. With this she wore unique antique gold necklace.
 Miss Helen Cannon, daughter of the Speaker of the House, wore black satin with bodice and sleeves of cut 5et,with a diamond collar.
 The wives and daughters of mem bers of the Diplomatic Corps, many of whom were seeing inauguration for the first time, were among the most inter ested. The Italian Ambassador, oean of the Diplomatic Corps. and his wire, the Baroness des Planchesg had the place of honor among the diplomats. The Baroness des Planches wore a gown of white silk brocaded with a pattern of flowers in pale pink and blue, making a pastel effect.
 Mime. JuSserand, wife of the French Ambassador, wore a cerise and gold gown with trimmings of gold embroi- Gery.
 The most picturesque figures in the vast ballroom were the wife and daughter-in- law of the Chinese Min ister, Mime. Wu and Mme. Wu Chao- Gnu The Ministers wife wore an upper gown of pale blue satin border ed with Oriental embroidery, with pink Silk Skirt of Oriental embroidery of many ornaments of diamonds, pearls and emeralds.
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