The New York Herald Newspaper, November 29, 1871, Page 3

THE PRINCES BALL. Grand Festivity at the Navy Yard in Honor of Alexis, CN ee The Beauty and the Chivalry that Gathered There. Diplomacy, War, Statecraft and Steam - ship on the Light Fantastic. The Fair Partners of the Blonde Prince. The Happy Ladies Upon Whom He Smiled. THE TOILETS OF THE LADIES. \ le It is with unqualified pleasure the announcement ean be made that the great naval ball given Jast Right at the Navy Yard, Brooklyn, iy honor of the ‘@rand Duke Alexis was in every respect a superb success. Over two thousand persons were present, and the sodhe, after the time that the ballrooms were Onee filled was something not soon to be forgotten. Brilitant uniforms and lovely toilets, in every shade ef richness, made iiving with rich color every space not already decked with all that delicate re- gard to taste which betokens the true artistic in- spiration. From the outset it can be sald that the @uesis were the very crémede la créme of the two cities, and shoddy was absent, Many were the encomiums passed upon the beauty of the decora- tons by the astonished participants; but the beauty Of the ladies was the one feature that most charmed all. Smortly afler eight o’clock the company com- menced arriving m considerable nombers. The aristocranc coachmen were dazed and be- fogged over the narrow streets which surround the Navy Yard, aud until the jine of carriages began reaching @way along York street many were the delays and vexations at finding every turning but \he right one. At length the gate is reached. Outside the Gates The streets converging toward the Navy Yard Main entrance echoed and re-echoed with the under and reverberation of richly freighted veht- eles from. half-past eight o’clock unti! midnight, Yhen there. was an intermission of two hours or more, and the vehicles were heard returning with heir charming, though wearied, occupants over the route which had brought them to the scene of #0 much happiness, The Jivery stables were depleted of thetr coaches, and private stables, too, were emptied in #rooklyn last night, beCanse of the demand for conveyances 40 carry beautiful women and gallant men to the “grand naval’ ducal ball, The weathcr, too, ap- peared to co-operate with the herculean efforts of he eons of Neptune in making the great entertain- ment worthy of the right royal guest. It was cold; decidedly 60, This circumstance in itself was con- ®ucive of est to the feelings of the son of the of pil the Russias, and ient a glow ef health and raddy color to the cheeks of the muititudinond Tair gues FBC throiged ‘© bewtch aud bewilder the attractive Alexis, There was nothing elve thought or dreamed of im the City.of Churcnes the live-long night, in fact, ‘but Alexis, Those whom fortune has 89 favored as to permit of their basking in the sunshine of his Princely }resence were Lappy mdeed. Those who were douied 8o much ieiicity were reconciled to taelr lot in the contemplation of the fact that at Jeast they shared in the Nonor refiected upon Brook- dyn throagh the beautilul representatives who par- ticipated in the festivities at the avy 5 it the foot of which wy Yard, were in a fever of excitement over the long-agitaied event, They could neitner sicep nor sit in doors, They in- curred the danger of catching their death of cold sy svanding upon thelr doorsteps, peering through the raised windows, and otherwise exposing Lbem- selves to,.the Inclemency of the weather from we earliest advent of the guests in carriages. until “the trouble” ceased. At half-past nine o'clock last night the line of carriages extended from the York street gateway to Fulton sircet, and from Sands street through Navy to the gate, Tue work of examiming the uckets, conducted by folk vet of marines Val er fully tedious, Each carriage had to be hail and the ticket scrutin- closely permitted to movedown to Receiving where the bali was held. There was, thing as hurrying these uniformed gent their instructio! had ns. amine nutely each ticket; to know noborly; admit pobody wniess he was named individually upon the ticket or pass presented. They obeyed their orders strictly to the letter, and worked so slow that many of the carriages remained 1n line fully one hour velore their turn to enter arrived. Mcanwhile the fair occupants must have suffered _— in nee ph econt Cateade am penetratin; y atmosphere. As be reached thelr destination, the rendezvous orean ielicity, they were received by the sub-col ‘of the Committee of reception, naval officers in. full K and hat uniform, and directed to the clual rooms, About the gateway on York street was assembled and children, who most ludt- Just above, 4 atrect a marino ‘three sheets in the wind” was ing 8's towards the entrance toa gin ahop, when a Wag addressed him With the inquiry:— “What are you doing here’ Why, you ougnt to be at the Juke 8 ball in there.” ManinE—"Yea, yer right, young fellow. ‘There Porras sight of places where | ought to be, yet I “A laboring boy’? of decidedly Celtic accent and = stood watobing the vehioles as they slowly entered and were halted at the gate. He could not understand the delay, and turning to 8 Woman who stood at his side lie inquired, “‘Fhat do they stop the carriages for, there now?’ * “Och, sure and its to get their pay for going in, and what else would It bey” “That 18 not s0,”’ exclaimed a bystander, “you pee your way into the Navy Yard to-nigat jor Having thas enlightened the astonished and in- nocent Celts their 1aformant walked of, at 13 Keeping the Grand Juke %’ inquired a bare-neaded daughter of Erin of a stalwart police- man who Was keoping the roadway clear of pedes- uh patience, my good woman,” said he; “the jas. “Have Duke will be along in good time. He had to take a Wnhon he toes come «irink and @ cigar on the way. along he will be preceded by &@ company of gol- “Oh, and is thatit? Who 18 1t will be with the soldiers, «tid ye say 1” “Preceded—that is, the soldiers wili march on ahead or the Duke. ’ rhis_cxplanaiion was satisfactory, When the Duke did arrive be was warmly received, and tis ‘way Was made clear by the gallant Captain Mcvon- pel) and his faithful oficers, Inside tl Lee. As one drives down from the Navy Yard gute he Will observe a large, solid-looking structure of red vrick on hs right band, just beyond a building which stands alone inthe centre of a space and has something the appearance of a Chinese pagoda or an old Mghthouse converted into a marino post. There is nothing exterlorly in the red brick struc- ture which Would indicate that it deserved any other name than the one tt bears—the United States BKaquipment Stores—and the last place in the world one would look to find an Aladdin's Palace perches up vear the skies The Student of the ‘Arabian Nights’? will recall the Wonderfal works of the genil who were stowed @way in all manner of odd places until the talis- manic word was spoken, the urn unsealod, or the golden ctrolet rubbed, Tuen, indeed, some starting ehanges took place. and odifices of Oriental gemmed and jewelled glory arose in an instant, witn the soft, mellow light of ton thousand lamps floating throngh an atmosphere heavily pertume laden, and making the faultless forms of the dark-oyed houris seem more gently rounded still, aa they reclined on silken divans, drinking tn the melody ot silvery fountains and the dreamy music of a far.or lyre, This, of course, Was pure romance, and not at all suited to our changeable climate, and the Equipment Stores, with their tradition of ship chandiery, apars, sails, tar and figging, would seem, at first piush, © be the most onpromising place for SE ee ee ee ee Se Ee NEW YORK HEKALD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1871.—TRIPLE ® metamorphosing genius to try his powers. It is not worth while debating how fine tne hne ts be- tween the tmprobabie and ‘the impossible: one has only te look over asbort history and see that, in ‘the case of THE BED BRICK BUILDING, What might seem very unlikely has been marvel- Jousiy accomplished. Entering tiie building three ‘weeks ago at the main gate you could make your ‘way {nto an office, where, If you wanted to go fur- ther, you would be directed to ascend a narrow wind- ing stair, and then finding yourself in a large ware- house-looking place with curious tessing ma- chineryz at one side, large scales and tables with rigging, plans of frigates and a draughts- man apd boatswain or two beniing over them, On your right, as you entered, was a large screen, belund which was the Executive Uiicer, Commander Braine, seated before a paper-strewn desk, probably in his shirt sleeves, but up to bis eyes in business. ‘he unromantic forms and faces of en- giueers, ship carpenters and foremen laborer were grouped aronnd with expressions of stolid respect. ‘apers are signed, orders tsaued, the unromanitc people depart, only to be succeeded by others of the same buman siamp, and the eye wanders hopelessly from these to tbe wrenches, marlinspikes, biocks, saws, hammers wn so torth hung around the wails and between the grimy windows with a hopeless aim at artistic effect. Walk out. There is not the shatow of a foundation here for your Aladdiv’s palace. Descending another Marrow stair, with the odor of tar penetrai- ing your nostrils, you find yourseif ina huge space pb} sails loa aS i¥, canvas in bales and ry e ickne:s aired for use aboatd sui, from the ratiines to the nine-incn hawser, ick your way around, stumblin; over heaps of royals or spankera, and find yourself among huge cotis of wire rope, and by the Hime you havo made the circuit (for you have been Walking round a hollow square) you will make the dest ol root Way out of that highly scented red brick, by ding, unless you have the soul of a sailor And thé nast! organ of atar manufacturer. This isnot your fairy palace; no one but Black-Eyed Some oie es we of en truant sail, ‘ y © guardian spirit of the Back NaN be IB TRANSFORMATION. If for the poetic wand business of she fairy tales be substituted the more moderna though prosatc means of a committee on preparation, situmy ia that Pxecutuve Oficers’ room, we will mark the first steps towards the change. aie have heard the talismanic word, Alexis, and, lbke Davy Crockett, they are going ahead. sall-loft up stairs, and the rigging loft Into which it merges, are the tangible foundation on which their waking dream 18 to be realized. There are certain unlathomable rows of bunting that they wot ol, cerlain workmen whose handicrait they can utihze. As they look around Yhem thelr resources seem as great 4s their wildest wishes, and with their brother oilicers lying down in the lower bay, on board the fleet waiting through daylight and shadow for the sea-borne Grand-Ducai Muscovite, and then more immediate brethren in Uncle Sam of the naval station, they see ampie funds for the undertaking. names of this trusty jew, they are hereuuto ap- pende:):— COMMITTEE. ON PREPARATION, Commander Ralph Chandler, Chairman; Naval Constructor B. F. Delano, Naval Constructor W. Le Mintoyne, Commander D, L, Braine, Chief Eogineer George Sewell, Umef Engineer FE. S. De Luce, Lieu- tenant Commander John Weidman, Captain’ Hl. A. Bartlett, M. O.; Assistant Paymaster N. H, Stavey, Lieutenant Commander G. W. W. . Wood, Lieutenant George W. De Long, Lieutenant 8. K. Allen, M. C.; Passed Assistant Surgeon \W. 5. Bowen, Lieutenant M. B, Pied, First Assistant Engineer B. A. Magee, Captain G. M. Ransom, Commauder John Watters, Lieutenant William P. Randall. The ungratetui task of reciting the diMculties to be surmounted, the canvas tobe stowed away or used, the partitions to be rm up. and all the other meritorious things which the committee had to com. bat, will be omitted, and with the aid of the fait represented on this page the work in its mag- nt completion will be described, On entering the Navy Yard at. the York street entrance the ve- hicles drives down to the wide gate of the Equip- ment Building, A passage wide enough for car- riages runs through into the courtyard or hollow square in (he centre of the building, and another pas- sage leads out into the Navy Yard on the other side, Thus, when you have alighted, your carriage drives oo and you find yourself be- fore @ steam elevator, decked with bunung and lit with gas. You can ascend by the stairway if you ee, but the temptation to reach our fairy land by aerial fignt is irresistible, The journey upward is accomplished in about half @ minute, and four ladies can find room in the per- Deprdicular ompivus, without tne outermost edge of their cos/ume de bal touching the hem or her fellow travellers. The elevator is cuecked and stops, and when the attendant lifts up the festooned fags that hang curtaii-wise over the exit you enter zie a igh? RECSETION. Room, “x a large, lighiiat Aéartaient, foriy feet kqaare, covered With arich carpet-on the floor and the walls tastefully adorned with American and Russian ilags. The ceiling, it will be observed, is one immeuse unton lag, aud the black, double-headed imperial eagie Of Muscovy, on his saffron ground, will be seen facing you, festooned over tae door of an apart- ment, not very spavious, but clegantly ture nisl bung with mirrors and brightly lighted, the wails being tapestried with cretonnes, This 13 the Grand Duke’s apartment, where His Imperial Highness and suwe may hand their cloaks and cocked Rats to the attendants preparatory to being conducted to the vallroom. ‘Turning to the left you pass unter @ Gothic arcn and Gnd yourself MUSCUVITE HALL, which is delicately decorated in the Russian colors, blue and white alune, in alternate st Oa your ieft nand is the entrance to the ladies’ cloak room— a large and well-uphoistered apartment, with shelves Wherein opera cloaks may be stored and checks given for them, and where teauty, about to triumph, can take the last look {n the iarge mirrors belore entering the domain where Cupid futiers Groand the steps of Tecpsichore. On the right hand are the dressing and cloak rooms for the ruder sex, Who have been putting finishing touches to their adorned maniivess for an hour previous. It was calculated that this will wake less time than with the fairer moiety, aud so iurther on is the waiting Toom, where the ofticer or citizen will possess his soul with patience until he sees the form of the lovely being he lives for emerge smiling to a beaulic degree. He presents his arm, and atter them we step under another Gothic arch of chaste white and blue into THE MAGNIFICENT BALLROOM, of which you are now at the southern end, As the eye runs along to the turther end the warm flush of color, the glassy floor and gilded chandeliers make the first effect dazgling and confusing in its gorgeousness. Fortwo hundred feet in length aud sixty in width the vista is superb, -The walls are hung with flags, festooned and grou m every gracetul curve, and you perceive that tne ver. ceiling ts one exaume design of the American ani Russian flags, Round each of the three chandeliers Dung in the centre is a circie of white stars on the deep blue ground, radiaung from which are alter- nate stripes of white-and red running to the cor- mices, tween each of the windows the Russian and American flags are again seen commingling their broad folds, ‘Ihe flags of the European vow- ers hang over the windows, and a close study will make known that the harmouies of huc have ia no vase been violated, and that with @ still more credit- abic iact the unfriendly aations liave beea kept ala Sale «stance from each other. On the panels be- tweeu the windows are trophies of glittering sword bayouets, pistois aint cutlasses, with models of men- of-war ty preserve the nautical vraisem- blance, On the left haud side, as we walk down towards the northera end of the hail, ts the stand for the orchestra, & shghtly ratsea platform, surrounded by an Italian Valustrade, Along the eastern side the floor is raised some six inches to the width of four feet. This is to allow those not dancing to rest and not disturb the dancers, In the contre of this will be a group of lounges reserved exclusively for the Grand Duke and party, and where he will receive whoever ts presented to him. Over this spot 1s a carved eagle, whose gilding does not tell hall its brilliant story. It 1s the same which mounted the stern of the Hurtiord when Farra- gut ran past the forte. Passing on to the northern end and turaing to the left we face THE SUPPRR ROOM, which runs at right angies to the sate de danse, Over the entrance ts the Grand Ducal coat of arma Viazoned on ashield. The entrance itselt ts fes- tooned with fags, ‘Lhe tables are ranged along the sides, laid out ready for the repast, whteh waits for no formal sumimous to begin, In the southeast co ner is another elevator, wnich 18 used alone for hotsting the hot dishes trom the kitchen, Which las been fitted up in the courtyard below. The orna- mentation of this supper room, which 1s eighty tect by sixty, is of @ very tastetul description, and pre- wents the same features of light, color aud arrange ment as tue vallroom. Through the centre is an open passage, through waich we mass under a grace: fui festoon of flags, invo rs THE PROMENADE, which, as will be seen vy the plan, runs paratiel with the ballroom, ‘This ts decorated ag the others, by bunting, fashioned mto all sorts of tasteful de- vices, with trophies of arms and national flags. Dverywhere the Blue Cross and the Stara and stripes are scen intertwined, Th would be impossinle to de. scribe the endless convotutions and sorms through which this blending ts carried, At the southern end of the promenade ts @ dais whereon the Marine Band from the Vermont ts stationed to play durin the intervals of dancing, When you have guine, the southern extremity of the promenade @ turn to the left brings you once more into the reception room, whence we started a tew moments agu. The luxury which ths fact of a soptrate promenade conveys will be easily understood by those who have found it aiMeult to find breathing room at a crowded ball where the neers Occupied the Noor, Although tf 1s 200 feet in iength, the same as the ballroom, itis not so wine by (wonty feet. | This ts explained by the tact thot the sails aud via ing wo stumbled over in our visit BAA Me Spirited inocen' three Heeks away by the falries, hind That wall of varlcolored. bunting, tn of their unsightiiness and ready for use When wanted—tnat is, after the ball, ‘To provide against the chill blasts Which by night haunt sailioits In these favo latitudes about winter ume, @ number of marble topped sieaui-heavers stand in positions where they are both nseful and ornamental. Those ood = prosate fairies in bine = coats, guilt uttons and Knowdet — stra have not omitted one other important feature which, ehmowgen unseen to the casual visitor, 1s not want- ing. ur hose pipes, with thelr brazen nozzles, ready for action, are hung one on each side of the sqaare, and in case Of fire, or am alarm thereof, a akilied workman stands ready to direct tne cool, qnenehing stream upon the spot where the devour. ing monster would first dere to show his fery Janga, Beale we two elevatess Were are four That history may not miss the | ul | Diagram of the Third Floor of the Equipment Stores as Arranged for the Ball. SUPPER ROOM, > 80 feet by 60 feet, a Jp | ta ” wo 3 8 w 3 > — b : ° $ ve By lol a Ser & COURT YARD. i Ca Ky ” Sz 4 ma, z h 3 > i So x o ; z ° gm 3 & ‘A 3 gS » i eae ca. Se Se) % = bi Ladies’ Cioak and aeoamescle Dressing Doom, ROOM. cor 2s Muecovite Hall, —; —) pal! i! @rand Hat and Gentle. | Gentlemen’ Duke's Cloak. re Wanting Se ten: Room. Roow. Room. Room, MARINE BAND er eee Arar Bosiaire Fotranc. = SO Ho Hida A—Entrance Elevator. abe) other means of exit from the top floor to the lower ones. Wecan now go down by the salts ane ed rat cl Taboo yards of DUE otras been carried out even ards of buuting io” “ne ‘portal. There 1s something ‘of Ra superb display of drapery in the Bt arrangement of the different parts ive a Persian flavor to the scene, and if one can Essociate that with a Russo- American dressing seg superadd the latest Parisian improvements poe estimate of the magnificent ensemd'e can be guess at. itis now time wat Licutenant George W. Long should reap tus full mecd of praise, for he his cultivated taste is due the designs tt the draping and decorating and to nis cal 7 overseeing, assisted by Captain Bartlett, thel sunseastal carrying ous ‘The unflagging enetey of Commander Braine has proved him the he et machina of the muitiform and complicate arrangements, and to Commander Ralph Chandler and other naval gentlemen a similar degree of credit should be given. It should not be forgotten among the minucix of the affair that stalls were pro- vided for 360 horses and cariages. ‘The invitation cards, engraved in clear script, were tiled up i the ‘names of the guests by Mr. Leary, m the Storekeeper’s Departinent, in @ manner whic made it difficult to determine which was the writing and which the printing. The alle But before the Grand Duke put tm an Appearance the process of receiving the guests was going for- ward, As the carriages left their fair and brave bur- dens inside the building members of the police force of the Yard polated the way to the elevaior. Once having made she ascent courteous members of the Reception Comunittee were ready to lead the ladies to the dressing room, where they might leave their wraps, and thence ito the ball, Vice Admiral Rowan was on hand shortly after eight o'clock. By @ quarter to nine the ballroom was respectably fitted, and various groups were wandering round admiring the magnificent getting of the scene. At this time JULLIBN'S BAND, of sixty-five pieces, commenced playing the open- ing overture, and, as if tm obedience to the inspiring notes of Rossim, the hagd- some naval officers and their lnaics began pouring 1, with smiles on every face. The overture ceasea, and still the brigades of officers and bevys of beau- tifal damsels succeeded each other, . At nine o'clock the band played onee more the “Coronation March,” and it was evident that brililance would soon be o& poor word by which to describe the pall, Tt was announced, or rather quievly circulated, that the Duke would not arrive before ten o’clock, and of course the dancing would not begin until His Imperial Highness led off. Witn the prospect of an hour’s waiting it might be thought: that patience could be wearied, but nothing of the kind could enter fhw the spirits of those arriving and arrived. There was too much pleasure at mer- Ned recognition, oo much good nature, and, above all, too much delight to me wenses of seeing and hearing to admit of anything like weariness, As a general thing, during the hour and a half that succeeded, the couples promenaded around the room, or the ladies took seats on the lounges around the ball room, looking like a gorgeous moving river of changing color, edged in by a parterre of living beauty, The Russian oMcers were early present, and looked quite handsome in their neat epauletted uniforms. ‘The foriowing is a list of eedges Hed, White and B Honsrary iit -—(Badge—| O ite a he Admiral 3YC Hourkn, on besaif of feception leet; miral M. Smith, on behalf of officers of the naval slation. Bpcniere Gnmmitte White) Pay Director J. ¢; peaptes he cay Bet 8) dj Brever Lieutenant Colonel J. La ice- Ad- Broome, Commander D, B. eee Le err ous Me og eer FE joutenant Geor De Long, Gomituander Hi. A A Vice Payraaster Ed. Foster, Ae. icGowan, Lieutenant E. T. Brad- |. C5 nm . Le Braine, Calef Engineer Geo. Sewell, Lientenant Commander A. V, Reed, Mastir E. W. iri, Paymaster J. 1, Stevenson, Virat Assistant Engineer ‘A. Magee, Lieutenaat ©. T. Arool’, Master I’. A. Howes. Htcnphion 'manit as —( Badge—ilae Captain George M. | Ransom, Chairinan; Commodore Henry Eagle, Medical Di- rector A. A. Henderson, Co jer John Watters, Fleet master W. ‘Comma aistant ford, M. | master “Td, Fosier, Commander D. L. Braiue, Com. | fuanier KB. Lowry. Captain H, A. Bartlett, MG, Lien | fenant Coromander G. W. Wood, Pay Director ©. J. Emery, | Commander D, B, Harmony, Chiet Engineer D. B. Macomp, Commander Chester Hatfieid; Commander W. E. Fitzhuyh, Commander M. Sicard, Lieutenant Commander F. R. Stuith, Chief Engineer W. W.'W. Wood. Flow Commitre—(Bi Red ).—Paymaster J. H. Steven. {, Medical Inapector George Peek, Lieutenant Commander A.'V. Reed, First Assistant Engincer Heaton, Lieutenant J, D. mander FE, White, Midshy Craig, Passed Assistant Paymaster A. Maris, Assistant Surgeon A, Magruder, Midsht Captain's C) e. . 901 fou ei Master, George H. Ghurch, mander Gcorge W. Wood: Master. W. Br George VW. ODM, ‘ay: Inasier W.C. McGowan, First’ Asairiant Engineer J. Shori- dau, Passed Agalstant Surgeon W, 8. Bowen, Lientenant 8. K. ‘Allen, M. C.; Past Agsistant Surgeon D. MeMurtrie, Midship- | man dos. L. Hiensicker, Assistant Paymaster J. (3, Cann, To find ont and mention in addition the names of all THE DISTINGUISHED PEOPLE PRESENT would reqnire the eves of an Argus and almost the | power of ubiquity. When one considers that the | ballroom, the reveption rooms after nine o'ctock sented an ever-moving and kaleidoscope of briliiancy) and costames of all kinds, the diMfcuity of obtaining even a lair nuinber of names of eminent guests who were honored with invitatious, presents itself. Again, there most have been over two thousand invitations issued, and it was reported last might that ouly one hundred letiers were received in which the writers Yregrotted that circumstances, &c., prevented them from attending the ball Among thoze prosent we observed Captatn Pottor, U.S. A.j; Mr. Paran Stevens and lady, Major General Woodward, Mr. | Smyser, M, U.; Lieuteaant Com: W. B. Slack, Lieutenant J, i. Master A. ever-vary ing . WH. Howard and ladies, Mr. and Mrs, Coe Adams, Mr and Mrs. 8 ON, Griswottl, feneral O, 0. Howard, Connuissioner Shirk, Judges Ingraham and Brady, with a party of ladies: Mr. 5. &. Chittendea, Mr, W, B. Duncan, Mr, Cin enco Seward, General A. 8. Webo, Thoms H. Morris and lady, Mr. and) Mra. Crane, Dr, J, M. Simms and lady, avd Mrs. Siilerman, Sefior Antonio de Covtra, Seror Don Raphael Poarbo, Mr. Henry M. Scheffelin and ladies; Mr. Win ts, Gencral N. Fy SI Duncan, Dr. N. M. Wood, J. Tayior General H. 8, Duryee, General Lloyd Aspinwall, | General H. S Lansing and lady, brigadier | General Dakin, General W. W. Baras, Rh pr. | Viaton, Brevet Brigadier General C. Vv. Fowler, Chaplains Ferris and Thowas, Major General W. H. Morris and lady, Dr. Walls and lady, olengl | H. King and = ladies, Commodore — Schuyler, N, ©—Supper Elevator. Rowan, Commodoro Middleton, Commander Braine and Paymaster Bissell. THE RUSSIAN GUESTS Incindcd, besides the ovserved of all observers, the Alexis so long looked for, and his suite, Vice Admiral Possuct and Stat, Commander ot His lm- perial Majesty's ship Svetlana, Captain Oscar Kremer ani officers, Lieutenant Dimitvo Sharott and oiticers of His Impertal Majesty’s ship Abreck, Minister Catacazy and lady, M. and Madame N, de Bodisco, M, and Madame Schultz and Mr. Daronga, There were hundreds of others present whose names we cannot now, at a late hour, remember, but the feature of the ball was THE MAGNIFICENT TOILETS of the ladies, who, on this oecasion outshone alt other festive celebrations in this and other Amert- can cities, and dazzled even His Imperial Highvess with the splendor and variety of their dresses. Not Solomon 1n all his glory ever dreamed of such @ con- stellation of beauty and brilliancy, Usually upon such occasions the naval officers ghine with unwonted briliaucy, bat upon this the fair sex took the lead. Tho City of Charities ana the City of Churches fairly represented the beauty for which they have been so long noted. ‘here were blondes adorned In azure blue of most delicate | shade, with soft lace over skirts which made one think of the fieecy clouds on a winter's night, A lovely combination of colors was displayed in a totlet of delecate lemon colored fatlle, garnished with rich white point and black Jace, groseille i and sprays of yellow roses im foliage. ‘Lhe train skirt was garnished im 4 most unique Manner with the above trimmings, the wider lace—white over the black—Jorming | @ festooned flounce near the bottom, with a heading composed of shells of the crepe, surrounded by narrow laces (bcth black anu waite), @ full blown’ rose, with buds and i¢aves, resting in | the centre of each. The tunique was of white point, disposed over black, looped artistically with scarfs.of the crépe, ornamented with lace and flowers, A fichu to match the overekirt and handsome «ta- Hind in ruby jewelry completed thei charming ) A lovely blonde looked like a veritable rosebud in an artistically arranged robe of white and rose. colored tulle. The skirt was only a comfortable dancing length, composed of alternate skirts, or rather flounces, of tulle of the two colors, the whole shaded bv a skirt of white tulie, garlanded by prays of Toro leaves and buds, which sastamed the sl m graceful ftestoons. ‘The corsage décollite Was was a;ranged witu puffing of rose-color, which, as the wearer was petite, only added the rable roundiiess to the form. Over this was | Long, wife of Lieutenant De Long. and also with Miss SHEEY, Brooklyn arrived at the Clarendon Motel to escort the imperial party to the ferry. The troops were drawn up along Kighteenth street, Where they awaited tbe arrival of the Escort Com- mittee and the departnre of His Imperial High- mess ana the distinguished persons who accom- Paniet him. At nine o'clock an array of carriages drove up to the hotel, They contained the Members of the Escort Committee nd their ladies from the Brooklyn Navy Yard, who had come to conduct the Grand Ducal party to the ball. This company consisted of Admiral Godon, Admiral Walke, Commodore Eagie and lady, Wolone: Broome and lady, Commander Harmony and lady, Paymaster Barry and lady aud Cluef En- gineer Wood and Iady. The ladies remained in the carriages, while the officers went Into the hotel to imform the Grand Duke that they were ready to escort him to the scene of the evening’s festrvities in our sister city. They were first ush- ered into the apartments of the Russian Ministor, and were presented to Mr. aud Madame Catacayy, and afterward to the Grand Duke and the ocier Russian gentemen who were present, At a quarter past nine His Impertal Highness descended the steps of the pri- vate door of the Clarendon reserved for hint and enteret his carriage, accompanied by the Russian Admiral. The other members of vhe = party = imnimediately took their seats in the carriages assigned to them. Poltcemen were stationed at the Clarendon to Kcep the sidewalk | clear and the roadway unohstructed (or the shidiers and the carriages. When all were ready the carriages were formed in ine and the military in two lines, one on either side of tem, and im this way the long line ot car- riages escorted by the troops dasbed down Broad- Way and Fuiton street to the Fulton sere Police- en ere stationed all along from. tne arendon Hotel to the riven The thiperial arty then en rowe consisted of His Imperial ignness the Grand Duke Alexis, Admiral Possiet, Mr. and Madame Catacazy, Ggneral and Madame Gorlof, Mr. Danzas, First Secretary of the Russian Legation; Mr, Sheerkom, Second Secretary; Count iM, Dr. Cadrin, Lieut. 'Tader, Mr. Matclin, , Consul General, and Mr, Shultze, Vice the other carriages contained the Ameri- can officers aud the ladies already mentioned. A special ferryboat conveyed the party across the river, They were meton the other side by a compa- ny of cavalry and escorted to the Navy Yard, The route lay up Fulton street and along Sands and Navy streets and Flushing avenue to east gate. Two lines of marines, through which the carriages passed, lined the way from the gate to the building where the ball took plac’ ARRIVAL AT THE NAVY YARD. ‘The imperial party arrived at half-past ten. The Grand Duke went immediately to nis room and deposited his overcoat and soon appeared in the Muscovite Hail, attended by the members of nis suite, all’ in their well-known __bril- lant uniforms and wearing tne imperial decorations on their breasts. AS they passed into the ball room, which was already well filled with guests awaiting their arrival, a brilliant bevy of ladies met them atthe entrance, The band in the ball room struck up the Kussian National Hymn, and the imperial party were conducted tothe dias, Here the Grand Duke was introduced to a number Ol the ladies and gentlemen present. Immediately on the right of the Grand Duke stood } Mrs. Admirai Smith and Madame Catacazy, and on nis left Mr, Catacazy and Admiral YVotsset, witn the other members| of the imperial party and a large number of distinguished ladies near them, forming & grand group of chivalry and anty. ; After the introductions had taken place the music was ordered for the first dance, and the ball was opened with “Lancers.” Of course the set in which the Grand Duke participated, was the centre of attrac- tion, and a large assemblage of ladies and gentle- men gathered around it. In this set the Grand Puke danced with Mrs. Admiral Smith, vis a vis to Admiral Rowan and Madame Catacazy. ‘The sides were formed by Mr. Catacazy and Mrs, Captain Ransom and, Admiral Smith and Madame Gorioff. ‘The Grand Duke afterwards danced with Mrs. De ‘Tracy. When supper was announced His Imperial Highness conducted Mrs. Admiral Smitn into the gupperroom. ‘fhe hour was now getting late and the Grand Duke and his suite soon after leit, bat the dancing Was continued for hours alterward, The Danci The Grand Duke once arrived and the presenta- tion ceremony over, the dancing was, of course, continued without interruption. The following is the programme. It will be observed that the pieces between the numbered dances were played by the fine Marine Band, stanoned in the dais in the promenade, 1 & fichu of white tilic, of an entirely new ae- | sign, which just velled the lovely shoulders, the long. sash shaped ends, intermingled with garlands, ted carelessly at the left side, 1nsiead of tn the ordinary manner at the pack, ‘Ihe toilet just sutted the fair we:rer, who looked as if she had stepped out of the frame of some French fancy picture. Among the noticeable attractions at ‘the bali” one we particularly admired. The wearer, though not handgome as regards perfection of face and form, but from the sweetuess of manner and extremely quiet demeanor, combined with casy deportment, won many truth(ul glances of admiration. Her dress, composed of the faintest possible shade of coral silk, made en ‘rain, which was beautifully bordered with shell puitings of silk and tulle, Over this was worn an overdress of tulle, made tn inna. merable puffings of lightest shell puds, from the ‘Waist caught in festoons by early summer ivy, The corsage was low, square cut at the throat and back, forming soft points at the tront, but jong, inter- looping sash ends at the back, sleeves formed by a full Ngee cape, leaving the arms bare, upon which shone resplendent diamond bracelets, only surpassed by the necklace, which boasted of its capacity to display an exquisite dlamond cross. Her hair, naturally luxuriant, was arranged in pats and curls, with diamond ornaments, Perhaps one of the most showy toilets of the evening was worn by graceful brunette, whose coral lips and rosy cheeks vied with the carnations which trained over her brocade robe. The underskirt, of rich white gros grain, Was ornamented with an exquisite flounce of black Chantilly lace, placed over @ ounce of silk, thus causing it to fall more grace- fully than the majority of the lace flounces worn in such profusion, The heading to this was @ melange of white tulle, narrow Chantilly | lace and —_briluant carnation pints in foliage. Over these were worn a polonaie ala pompadour of rich brocade, a white ground, over Which meandered rich sprays of brilliant car- nations, with their dark grecn foilage, which stood out in bold reilef on tne showy background. To describe how this was cut and looped would be impossible. Suiice it, the design was decidedly Dovel, Just suited to the material, and the graceful dvapings could only have been executed by a veri table aruste, The corsage was cut heart-shaped in | front, very tigh on the shoulders and poiuted in | the back, revealing just enongh of an alapaster ; neck to prove that it Was from choice, and not from | necessity, that the rest was covered, Half-long sleeves almost met the high kid gloves, and an ¢x- quisite tara and necklace of diamonds vompieted a most recherche toilet. Madame Catacazy wore a dress of bands of blue silk alternated with tulle ruchings. The bodice was very low anu the sleeves a mere puif at the snoul- der. Above the elbow she wore broad armiets of gold and _ bracelets at the wrist, Her other ornaments were exquisite earl earrings, a pearl necklace and au auchor in he lace of her breast of diamonds and rabies, Her beautitul blonde hair was powdered with diamond dust and arranged c'assically in bands around her | fincly-shaped head, and drooped in @ mass of grace- ful curls trom the back. ? Mrs, Rear Admiral Smith wore @ magnificent robe of ruby velvet, with long train and point lace. Her hair was done up in puils and dressed with white h feathers, General Slocum wore blue slik, with Swiss rskirt, elaborately (riled. Her ba. was dressed 4 ia Pompadour, with tea roses. Miss Bower, of Brookiyn, was charmingly dressed in salmon sitk with point lace trimmings, Miss Conor wore white silk with low bodice and train, her head powdered and ornamented witn blue ostrich feathers, Miss Leach wore blue silk, with tulle trimmings, Miss Tracy, daughter of the District Attorney, was elegantly dressed In black velvet en (rain, her hair powdered and arranged # /a Pompadour, with roses, Miss Clark, of Brooklyn, a charming brunette, who did her share of cutertamimng the Duke's staif, wore buf slik under talle. The overdress was caught with scarict vetvet ribbons. A (all blonde wore a beautiful dress of black tulle with square train, trimmed with ruchings of black and whiie tulle, Mer batr was @ la Pompadour, powdered and ornamented with roses. A costume of white tulle, elaborately puffed, was | trimmed with Gay Knots of black velvet; hatr dressed with pink roses, A petite brunette wore rore-colored silk, with overskirt of embroidered crape; rose in the halr, A lovely partner 01 one of the handsomest of the Russtan suite wore white tlle dotted with golden stars and trimmed with gold fringe. A magnificent white satin was trimmed elabo- rately with point lace and convoivilus blossoins, One of the pretilest women present wore a pink silk pee rer, box-platted from tep to hottom and caught wish buttons, A square tram of blue was faced with pink. A panier of biue crépe was worn over this, ‘he hair was in curls, and pearl ornaments finished the costume, jtely brunette looked charming in a heavy fv yerloW satin, made perfectiy plain, with long trala aud diamopd mya tana 2 " Aeyten: Parrgaus gud lady, Colonel Km- Rea att Nid ait Mrs. Henry Pierre+ ont, Baron Alvensteben, Battazze Effendi, | Boner Don santiago Borez, Uren: A i ary Meade, General Bumford, Brig ral Onevalier W. La et Gene- | J. K. Holt, Commodore Wooden, Captain | Wright, General Ingalls, hg Barnes | and Meigs; Genera) {isbowell and ladies, Commo- | dores Parrott «) Pennock, General Calium Joseph Garguilio, Mr. A, Hallett, Colonel Mason and lady, James F. Secor and ladies, Pr. George Gil- filian, Mr, and Mrs. John D. Jones, K. D. Morgan, Roscoe Conkling and lady, Oolonel W. ©, Church and lady, Senor Joaquin Godoy, Don Nicholas Avrade, Rear Admiral Goldgborough, Admiral ents, 5 A butt tulle, elaborately puffed and knotted with seacley velvet fibbon, Was one ot ihe prettiest | esses at the ball, A One of the most beatiful ladies wore white satin, with plain skirt, dotted with orange blossoms, The pointed odie Was trimme.t with point lace, and ae diamond ornaments completed the cogs The Iaperial Party. ‘The Grand Duke and suite were conducted over from New York in grand and triampnant style. At hall-pagt eight o'clock @ company of cavapy Irom | quetries and gentle firtations could be indulged in 6 Lancer: Grand 4, '“The Royal Promenade March to ittisal lection 10. Galop, “Kester Gi Selection, “La Grande Duchess n Polka Redows, “Nachtechatten menade, \Marc! 12. Quadriie, “Phe Mit election— “Mart! ‘alae, Thousand and ,t0 Odlcers of Navy Vard ry Tl Canon—Promenade Sul Midnight”, lle din Regiment”, bacco" 19. Valeo, Eacaphe mn ‘are! Promen: 20, are, Peril ome i Hiome.” Leader of the United States Navy Yard Band...,..Peter Ali Condnctor.... .. Mons. Louis @. Julien A most important part of the affair was that con- necied with the edibies, Along either side of the sopper room, running east and west, was rasged a ong table, literally groun- ing under its store of good things, and tastefully adorned with pteces of confectionery and trophies of flowers, fitting to the occasion. On the right hand were anchors and ships of flowers, the Russian frigate Svetlana and the clipper Abreck, In the centre was a beautiful design, representing the Russian standard, sur- mounted by the ae crown. The biack double head eagle was deftly wrought in immortelies. Facing this, on the opposite table, was the American standard in @ similar design. ol flow flanked by the Russian corvette Bogatire and the United States fagsoip Congress. sortiy after midnight the Grand Puke led the way to the supper room, whither those who minded followed him, it being the good rule that from the moment his Inwperial Highness entered the salle & mangr, those who willed could cali op the waiters rangea behind the taple to aid them to what they pleased from the following bill of fare: — Qe mneneereserenesese re reste tne ttt ee teneee tenet HH ® Mayonnaise de Sanmon, Truite, a ia Mayo Sanmon, ala Veripre. Traite, a la Vertp Dinde, la Macedotne. Chapon, ala Macedoine. Filet de Boruf ‘Braize, a la Flamanae. ol-an-Vent ef Tourtes. Pates de Grblers, Giviers Macedoine. 2 = * AAP RLAEDEDILLLODL IL IE GE DD EL He: eescancsaver sees essere sdees: Gibiers, Li Hultres Frites, Condi Salades de Voiaill Varietes di Geles Macedome, Gelee au Vio, ‘Confit Charlotte Russe. Cate, Pates aux Huitres, Jambona Desosses. Pates, a Ia Financiere. Filet de Borut. Boruf ala Mode. ee rnceee rern re re teLt Lt DOLOLOOE LOTT LELE LEE IETEDT ISOS Another iteresting feature was the card room, on the floor below, where getiemen could retire to imbibe a delicate something, smoke a cigar or enjoy @ game of cards, From midnight forward the dancing was carried on with energy, and the couples, when tired of saltation, retired to the promenade, where the co- to the music of the Marine Band, On with the dance, Let joy be uncunnned, Nor rest till morn when Youth and Pleasure meet ‘To chage the glowing hours with ying feet. When the imperial party left the guests com- menced to thin out, and the usual amonnt of trouble In getting hats, coats, wraps and carriages, the hall dissoived into a crystal of memory, to be re Tempered as long as the flags of Russia and Amert- ca wave together. Long live Alexis | ALEXIS AT THR LG gS, The Duge visite’, tiirany's establishment! yester- day, DELTSER, one and two o'clock in the a‘ternoon, thétels hy Saiusing cousiderabie Sutter in that particu- lapart of Broadway ant Fourteenth street, “The Duke is coming!’ “The Duke is coming!’ were the jo words that, flying from mouth to mouth, kept every fair per on the qui vive till the stal- wart fon of the mate his Cag The usual crowd blocked the vicinity of the house, wntle Alexia looked at the diamouds and pearis and sil- ver, determined to get a glimpse of Dim as he re urbed to his hotel. | 3 ALEXIS AND THE FIREMEN, An Imposing Show—The Prince Shakes Hande with the Boys Who Run the Me chices—No Nonsense There. Among al! the entertainments improvised for the amusement and instruction of Russta’s roya) scion {tis very questionable whether any have pleased him more than the imposing show of the Fire De- partment at Tompkins Square yesterday afternoon. The Fire Commissioners selected as the men to show of what the department Is made three vat- tallions, comprising the Third brigade, who, between wayine and one o'clock, formed on the square with their trucks, engines, horses and appliances for the suppression of tire, The park was fenced in by @ rope, aud a@ police force of 294 men ana twenty-one captains lined the ropes to keep pack the immense tarong that collected to see the Prince and the firemen. The police were under the command of Captain Copeland, but Captain John J. Mount, of the pre- ciuct, Was especially active in assisting. ‘The fire- men were under the command of Chief ingineer Perley and his aids, Engineers Shay, Orr and Sut livan, ‘The companies, fifteen in number, were drawn up on the west, nortn and east sides of the square, and the south side was reserved for carriages. At the centre, on the south side, a stand was erected for the reception of the Russians, the committee of re- ception and the invited guests, One o'clock, the hour named, found the dremen ready for the review, and probably twenty thousand people ttned the streets and fences, anxiously awaiting the arriva) of Mis Imperial fighness, Finally, at ten minutes past one, Juilien’s band strack up the ‘Russian National Hymn,” and simultaneously the carriages contain- ing the royal party and his attendants drew up at the stand and moved to the platform. Beside the Prince and his suite, the Reception Committee, Commissioners Hitchman, Galloway,” Hennessey, Blair and Shaler, and Fire Marshal MecSpedon, Mr. Catacazy apd General McDowell were observed upon the platform. ‘The veremonies commenced by a salute, when the party, led by the Prince and President Hitchman, crossed the square and slowly walked along tho front of the line and then countermarched im the rear. The Prince care- fully observed the appearance of the men and machines, and highly complimented the President upon their superb appearance. Returning to the stand, the brigade was wheelea about, and at the word of command marehed by-on a walk. It then passed on @ trot, and this through with the command was pat upon aroun, As they thundered by the stand the Prince smiled his appro- val, ‘The oficers were then paraded after the com- mand had been put through military evolutions, Chief Perley and lis foremea and assistant foremen advanced and saluted, The next event was one that asconisher e force. The guest expressed to Cntef Perley his desire to have the officers presented to him and they were marened past him. As each came up Alexis grasped him cordially by the hand and smilingly greeted bim, While going throug this ceremony remarks of “There's no nonsense about him,” “He's @ brick and ought to bean American,” were heard, and one lady, sianding in front of the HERALD writer, in her enthusiasm was heard to say, “He’s a love of a man! Clara, wouldn't it be nice to be foremen of engines, 80 We could shake hands with him, too?” ‘The parade was at once dismissed, and, returning to the carriages, the royal party was driven away io the direction of the Prince’s hotel. As they were passing up Seventh street an immense crowd of en- thusiastic men, women and cuildren pursued them and the drivers were forced to ply their whips l'vely to escape. ‘The following is the order in which the brigade passed, with thé names o/ the officers who were prosented to Alexis and felt hts grasp:— Chief Bngineer Perle: Engineers Orr, Shay aad Suilivan. Engine No. 8—W. H, Nash. O'Connor. ingine No. 17—J. W. Matier. . L. Kelley. Engine No. 30—Martin Walsh Jonn Ward. Kougine No, 31—Willtam F. Hayes, George McLoughlin. Yruck No, 5—Jacob Van Orden, ‘Thomas Leonard, Engine No, 3—-William Shaw, Washington Montagne, Engine No. 13—Geoige A. Erlacoer. Jonn tarris. Engine No. 15—Thommas N. Gritith. Bartholomew Weiton, Engine No. 16—Chariles 4. Woile, ‘Track No, 9-Willlam Rowe, Peter Veter, 7—Joseph Poynton. hin ho. 2h Po pe gi ine No, 14—George Er! bist Thomas Li. VR. Engine No. 18—Citnton nicvomant John Fulton, Engine No. 26—Alexander McNejli. Eugene Pethgrove. No. 10—W. W. Quackenbush, James Henry. From the squ Alexis and his party proceeded to the Clarendon Hotel, opposite to wiich is fire alarm box No. 361, At thirty-one and a hajf ntin- utes past two o’ciock, in the presence of # vei large crowd, the Prince applled the key, and, send- ing out an alarm, retired to the verandah of the. hotel to ume the fremen. The first company to get water on the Everett House was ‘I'wenty engine, who ran all the way irom the corver of Pinta nue and Kighleenth street to Fourth avenue Bigbreenth and apphed water in the space of twe minntes and thirty-five seconds. His imperial) Highness, as well a$ the Minister and members of Alexis’ suite, who were present, warily compll- mented the Commissioners upon the brilliant ap. arance of the department and the rapidity of the movements of he men, With the exception of General McDowell all who occupied the platiorm wore citizens’ cl , ae well as the Prince, THE RUCKPTION Engine No. ‘vrai PHILADELPHIA, Nov, 28, 1871. ‘The committee having in charge the reception of Alexis in Philadelphia bave decided to tssuc 200 Ucketa, at $40 each, good for the breaxfast at Pair- mount Park and the bail at the Academy. Tickete for the ball aione will be $15. A special train, fur- Mished by the Pevnsyivania Ratiroad, will lea: e here on Sunday and returu 1D the evening with the Grand Duke and suite, TRE DUKES TRIP UP TH: HUDSON. POUGHKEEPSIE, Nov. 28, 187), The Common Council of this city to-night ac- cepted an invitation from the Bxecutive Committee in New York to meet the Grand Duke Alexis at West Point on Friday, and also one from the Russian Minister to accompany the royal party up the Had- son on the Mar y Powell. PRINCE'S Visit TO BOSKON. Boston, Nov. 23, 1871. ‘The Grand Duke Alexis is expected to arrive 19 Boston on Thursday night, December 7, and remain the guest of the city during Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He will wave apartments at the Revere House. ‘the programme for his entertainment t= not yet completed, but @ viait to the Navy Yard, Lowell, Cambridge, ana the musical expih'tion by the school children, will be lnctuded, ‘ay PREPARALIONS TO RECEIVE ALEXIS IY SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 28, 1871. Preparations for the reception of the Grand Dake Alexis are being made by the naval authorities, The Pensacola and Saranac will be here for the pur- pose of properly honoring the future Grand High Adiniral of Russia, FUTURE MOVEMFNTS OF DUKE. ‘The programme ot the Grand vacal party, so fat as LOW arranged, 13 as follows:— The remainder of the present week is devoted to the grand ball and other engagements in this city. ‘On Sanday eventzy ieave tor Philadelphia as al- ready annoeced. oiecen Returns to New York. Toesaray, mber 5. serene Leave for Boston in the ringfeld, stopping at She ison as morning via Bridgeport a1 oe ene ee, Sire rk at en two hours, arriving at Bostva 209u! My Momlay morning, 7¢ lth.—Leave Boston foe. Montreal by train of clegant Pullman palace, dane ing cars tendered by the Paliman Company. 4 route by which Montreal will be reachea is not ye aectied upon. ag the 12th, wit! be devoted to Montrea). On Wednestay, ie. 13th, the party proceeds to Ottawa, where tl Grand puke wil pay bis respec Governor General. oon Thursday, the 14th, taey go from Ottawa te Niagara Falls vy the Grand Trunk Railway. been ed to the trams have furn! ved to tbe ty jroad companies between Wastingven, Mare offered by the Pewayl7ania Central Railroad Company and by te roads betwee® bls city and Bostom hi =ORAND