For the fact that
the promoters of the ball determined that it should be a ball rather
than a dance was taken by the League men as a concession to the new
public opinion in favour of respectability created by the League. And
when the manager's patronage had been secured (they failed to get Mrs.
Mavor's), and it was further announced that, though held in the Black
Rock Hotel ballroom--indeed, there was no other place--refreshments
suited to the peculiar tastes of League men would be provided, it was
felt to be almost a necessity that the League should approve, should
indeed welcome, this concession to the public opinion in favour of
respectability created by the League.
There were extreme men on both sides, of course. 'Idaho' Jack,
professional gambler, for instance, frankly considered that the whole
town was going to unmentionable depths of propriety. The organisation of
the League was regarded by him, and by many others, as a sad retrograde
towards the bondage of the ancient and dying East; and that he could not
get drunk when and where he pleased, 'Idaho,' as he was called, regarded
as a personal grievance.
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