Irresistible Safety Hammerless

[Modified]

I believe "French ball" makes ref. to a lawn game much like bocce ball.

Did some more digging through the papers.

In this case I think it refers to a dance with masks on.

From what I have been able to gather the French Ball itself was probably not the issue, the real problem was that it was attended by the riff raff...people of low society! Oh the shame upon our family!