The Wheeling Daily Register

Dear Register:-

As the grand Musical Jubilee which heralds the dawn of peace in our borders promises to be an occasion of interest, not to Boston and the New England States alone, but has attracted considerable attention throughout the country, some accounts of it may not be uninteresting to your readers. The originator of this gigantic enterprise is Mr. P. S. Gilmore, a gentleman of well known musical talent, the leader of Gilmore's Band, which has a reputation second to none of those popular bodies.

Soon after the return of peace, and before the election of General Grant to the Presidency, he conceived the idea, and in the face of great obstacles, has brought his project to the eve of a successful issue. In his plans he at first met with ridicule, and was looked upon as an enthusiast, but having succeeded in impressing the minds of influential merchants here, that the thing was "bound to go," and that there was money in it, for the business of the city, if not for the individuals concerned, he induced them to lend it their countenance, and it is now fairly under way, with prosperous auspices.

A gigantic structure, which bears the somewhat incongruous name of the Coliseum, has been erected for the purposes of the festival. A full description of it would be tedious, and I will only mention a few of its prominent points. It stands on St. James Park-a park which as yet exists only in the maps of the city; having, till within a day or two, been submerged by the waters of the "Back Bay." The State Legislature, a few years since, decided to fill up the flats which formed the southwest portion of the city territory, lay them out in handsome streets and make them available for valuable residences. The enterprise has thus far been successful. Elegant mansions now stand on what was, ten years ago, an unsightly, stagnant and offensive pool. The work of filling these flats is still going on, and on a portion of them where, a few years hence, will probably be a pretty square, stands the Jubilee building. It is of wood, nearly ninety feet from floor to ridge, and covers about two acres and a half of ground. Its dimensions are said to be about 500 by 300 feet.

The building was not commenced till some time in March last, but to-day is complete and ready for the uses for which it was designed, and is said to have cost not far from $150,000. The interior has been suitably decorated with emblematic devices-angels of peace repeating the song of Bethlehem, "Peace on earth, good will to men," answered from the opposite wall by the appropriate response, "Glory to God in the highest." Medallions, with paintings representing David, the sweet singer of Israel, playing on his harp, St. Cecilia at her organ, and her suitable devices adorn the walls. The dove of peace, bearing the olive branch, busts or portraits of Beethoven, Mozart, and other prominent names in the musical world, are attached to the arches, while the flags of all nations, the arms of the State and of the city, and clouds of bunting enfold the rafters or droop from the timbers of the roof.

Everything seems to have been laid out on an immense scale. An organ of vast power, specially constructed for the purpose, will lend its harmonies; an orchestra of eleven hundred instruments and a chorus of ten thousand voices is expected to join in swelling the strains of music to welcome the return of peace. Batteries of cannon are to be discharged, by the aid of electric wires; musketry will rattle in time to the music, and the chiming of bells will also be added. One thing appears to be certain, whatever musical results may be expected, no lack of a "big noise" will doubtless be heard.

The managers of the festival have been aided by the authorities of the city, and many distinguished guests will be present. General Grant, Admiral Farragut, Secretary Boutwell, the Governors of the neighboring States, and the British Minister, who are passing the summer in this vicinity, are expected to lend a helping hand and give eclat to the occasion. The city is full of strangers, and probably on Wednesday, when the President is expected to review the militia of the State, who have been ordered out to receive him, a general holiday will be made. The Bostonians are full of excitement, and seem to think they are going to cover themselves with glory.

It is somewhat amusing to take a walk about the outside of the grand building where the festival is to be held. Here you will see the zeal of the people to gather up the dollars displaying itself. Peanut stands and soda water fountains, refreshment saloons and negro minstrelsy offer their attractions to the passer-by, and we judge that during the Jubilee the neighborhood will bear a close resemblance to the muster grounds of former days.

The performances are to open to-morrow with a welcoming address by the Democratic Mayor of the city, Dr. Shurtleff, a congratulatory oration by Hon. A. H. Rice, formerly member of Congress from this district, and other ceremonies.

One of the most attractive features of the week will doubtless be the concert of the children of the public schools on Saturday. Ten thousand are expected to participate, and Boston is justly proud of the musical proficiency of her school children. She usually shows them off to distinguished guests. When the Prince of Wales visited us, when Napoleon and Clotilde were here, and when the Russian fleet were in Boston harbor the authorities gave them a musical welcome through the voices of her school boys and girls, and the pleasure of her guests was apparently great and warmly expressed.

Of the ceremonies and performances of the week I will endeavor to give you an impartial narrating, and my desire certainly is that the hopes of the favorers of the enterprise may be realized. Peace throughout our land is needed and would be a welcome guest. Let us hope and pray for her advent.

CANTOS.