Nashville Union And American

THE SKATING CARNIVAL.
A Big Thing on Wheels.
The skating carnival last night was the event of the times, and eclipsed anything that ever occurred in the city. The rink was crowded to its utmost capacity, and such a jam we have never before seen. As had been previously announced, the skaters were required to appear in costume, and in answer to the requirement, all nations were represented by the gay and festive admirers of the roller mania. The Highland lad and his bonnie lassie were there, the Indian Chief and his squaw mingled in the gay scene, John Chinaman was conspicuous in the promenade, the Navy of the United States had its representative, and arm in arm the Down Easter and the pretty flower girl of the South moved gracefully through the crowd. The Sailor Boy and his own dear black-eyed Susan were apparently as happy as the big Sunflower, who created a sensation in his calico attire. But it is useless to attempt a mention of the numerous costumes that made up the attractive carnival. Kings, queens, princes, peasants, clowns and what not, were there, and during the evening nothing occurred to mar the general joy of the joyous participants. In addition to the large number of skaters on the floor, the spectators were numerous and shared in the festivities of the merry throng on wheels.
Mr. Sinclair, the champion skater, occupied the floor singly, during the evening, and favored those present with evolutions that were wonderful, and at the same time entertaining to lookers on. His imitation of novice skating was decidedly rich, and was one of the features of the evening.
Altogether the carnival was a grand success, with one exception, the room being entirely too small for such a large crowd.
The roller skating has become the popular amusement of the day, and the proprietors will be compelled to build a rink of sufficient dimensions to accommodate the public.