The Morning Star

The Fair of the United Train of Artillery opened at Howard Hall last evening. Though the damp, disagreeable snow which began falling at an early hour yesterday afternoon and continued throughout the evening, undoubtedly prevented many of the friends of the United Train from being present, yet it evidently threw no damper on the spirits of those who were so fortunate as to be present. Though the unfavorable state of the weather could not but be a disappointment, yet the opening entertainment was evidently a success, and the sales from the heavily laden and beautifully decorated tables satisfactory.

Howard Hall had been handsomely and appropriately decorated with the skill which Harry Welch always displays, and the arrangement of streamers, flags and banners, with which the hall was so plentifully provided, presented a most inviting appearance.

On the left, as one enters the hall, the first table which attracts the attention is covered with toys of every description—picture books, dolls, cars, engines, in short, everything which brings joy to the heart of the child. Beyond the toy table is one loaded with fancy articles, including bronze clocks, artificial flowers, rustic baskets, bronzes, and one of Rogers's famous groups. In the centre of this table is an immense round cake, filled with all sorts of small fancy articles, and on either side a prominent place is given to placards on which is extended a cordial invitation to "take a plum from Cupid's Cake."

Beyond the table for fancy articles are more toys, and near by confectionery in all varieties and quantities.

On the opposite side of the hall, the lower table is covered with varieties, including large quantities of perfumery and various articles desirable for the toilet.

Passing on to the next, we are surprised to find the old, original "house that Jack built," filled with articles for sale which Jack never heard of nor never dreamed of. In addition to Jack's house there is a peep show, the knowledge of the contents whereof may be learned by a slight investment. This table is also loaded with other articles, prominent among which are some handsome centre tables, presented by David Cady & Co.; and cloth, the gift of A. & W. Sprague & Co., and the James Y. Smith Manufacturing Co.

The table beyond is loaded with sewing machines of the Grover & Baker pattern: and the table next this is covered with the most valuable and elegant articles in the hall. These consist of a Smith cabinet organ, French parlor cabinet, Emperor William arm chair, (the only one in America,) Empress divan, gilt tripod table, California agate table, French upright music rack and picture portfolio. These articles were all manufactured by Stevens & King expressly for the Fair of the United Train.

In the centre of the hall is a grab-box and beyond, a tree loaded with tin ware of every description manufactured and presented by the Narragansett Tin Ware Co.

One of the most prominent objects in the hall is a large arbor or bower, where those inclined to floral purchases will find something that cannot fail to suit. The floral decorations were unique in design and abundant in quantity and the baskets and bouquets are made up in Walter Craddock's best style.

The refreshments were provided by the friends of the U. T. A., and were all subject to the direction of Smith, of Smith's Palace.

The fair is being conducted under the direction of the following gentlemen as committee: Executive Committee—Commissary W. Shaw, Major Augustus Wright and Sergeant L. V. Stevens. Committee of decorations—Commissary W. Shaw, A. T. Kirby, Sergeant L. V. Stevens. The entire management is under the immediate supervision of Col. Henry Allen.

There are many friends who have made liberal contributions to the fair, among whom some of the largest contributors are the James Y. Smith Manufacturing Co., A. & W. Sprague, Snow, Claflin & Co., Comstock Foundry, Dr. Spencer, and many others whose generosity is no less deserving of honorable mention.

The fair continues this and to-morrow evenings, and we advise all our friends who desire to enjoy a good supper, or purchase handsome holiday gifts, to be sure and put in an appearance at Howard Hall.