Page:A tribute to W. W. Corcoran, of Washington City (IA tributetowwcorco00boul).pdf/48

with these efforts of the people, was "the ball" at the Corcoran Art Gallery, which par excellence bore off the palm of the evening, although the masquerading spirit had its share of glory at the National Theatre, the civic at Masonic Hall, and the tournament at Marini's Academy. Besides these brilliant assemblages, all Washington was a blaze of light and beauty with fireworks, transparencies, calcium lights, torches, illuminations, etc., whilst from the proudest edifice of all—the Capitol—streamed the all powerful electric light; worthy, indeed, to lend to the scene its radiant effect. It becomes us now to allude especially to the Corcoran fête, which opened as it were by fairy touch the grand gallery, and gathered together the fairest of women, and bravest of men. They met beneath its roof, a delighted company to pay homage to the host, who stood to receive them with gracious, modest dignity—the peer of nobles, and a true specimen of American chivalry and grace. The event will long be remembered, and the walls that now glow with the artist’s colors, were unadorned save where the draped banners and national flags threw their folds against the white background, unless we except with pride the portraits of three men whose names live fondly in American history—Washington, Jackson and Clay. At the head of the magnificent stairway, covered with crimson velvet tapestry, and flanked with exotics, was also a portrait of Washington, with the words, "Pater Patriæ;" a title so well deserved, that the Old and the New World rejoice at its mention. In the octagon room, the guests were all attracted to the superb painting of Mr. Corcoran by Elliott, that very eminent and worthy artist. Delightful music floated through the saloons, and sweet flowers—the camelia and violet predominat-