Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1933-03-05

The Buchanan inaugural ball, held in thu
q departure from the ancient custom Of In
augural balls in assembly rooms, due, no doubt
to the increasing crowds that poured into
Washington as the years rolled by.
Entrance to the pavilion was had through the
City Hail. where wraps were laid and supper
later was served Other balls held were .
military and civic ball" at Carusis, given by
the Washington Light Infantry and the ma
tonal inaugural ball-without distinction Of
party at Jackson Hall. The proceeds Of this
ball went to charity. The President and Vice
President attended the several balls, going to
Carusis first and arriving at the pavilion be-
tween 10 and IL o'clock where refreshments
were partaken.
-Four thousand persons attended this ball
and President Taylor, renowned for his cour-
tesieS and cviities to the ladies, witnessed from
the broad flight of steps leading doYn to the
pavilion dance floor the milling throng of
celebrants elegantly dressed-the gorgeous
costumes of the foreign Ministers, military and
naval officers vying with each other for sar-
torial distinction.
The Germania Band furnished the music at
Jackson Hall and Gung1's enlvened the feet at
the pavilion The President stayed on after the
supper until 1890. dancing. His daughter,
Mrs. Betsy Bliss. accompanied him. dressed
quite simply in contrast with the splendor Of
the diplomatic corps and other ladies.
From now on until shifted to the Pension
Once we see the inaugural balls held in a
temporary building or pavilion in Judiciary
Square, save the first Grant ball, which was
held in an unfinished wing Of the Treasury.
There was no ball at the Inauguration Of Pierce.
He had lost his son in . train accident short
ly before his Inauguration and the White House
and the city was stepped in mourning instead
Of gayety.
Buchanans inaugural ball was stirring af-
fair. He had but recently returned IS Min
lister to England and something of the for
malities of st. James was lent to the occasion
Harriet Lane, his niece, destined to be a most
popular and charming White House mistress,
attended on his arm. Her gown was white
silk trimmed with artificial flowers, blossoms Of
the same kind forming q trailing headdress
Her necklace, many strands of seeded pearls"
United democracy" featured this ball and
made it one of the most brilliant in every re-
spect staged by the people tn honor of their
President
I NCOLNS inaugural balls reflected the
l. shadow creeping over the land from the
cloud of disunion and war. The first was called
the Union ball. because of the absence Of
Southerners from its precincts. Much money
was spent by Gov. Alexander Shepherd to make
it success. but peoples hearts could not be
lightened of the heavy load that lay upon them
nor the lowering clouds be dssipated. All was
lost. And the second ball shared somewhat
similar fate.
Sixty years and more have passed since Grant
entered the portals of the White House as
President but the balls attendant upon his
Inauguration are as vivid to us today as they
were to those who attended them In the early
7Os. Washington weather and clumsy man.
agement are responsible for this.
The first ball, held in an unfinished wing
Of the Treasury, win stand out, possibly, for
all time as the most inexpertly managed affair
of its kind ever held in this CITY, There were
three bali rooms, one on each door, each 10
feet square. The guests had to descend and
ascend steps to get to the rooms, which made
for confusion ITSELF but the fact that no pro-
vision was made for checking wraps or for
carriage calls and that the supper was failure
afforded climax to the whole which rendered
It debacle Of pushing, pulling, shouts impre-
ca&i0ns, lamentations and accusations.
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