The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1857-11-23
The Sons of Malta.


In the year 1922, when Charles V
granted the Island Of Malta to the Order
of St. John Of Jerusalem, the son Of the
grand master resolved on secretly con-
structing subterranian encampment.
organizing a new order of worshipful
knights, composed of Che Sons OF Malta !;
and that no religious or political test be
required of the neophyte. He, however,
did not live to accomplish it. Years al-
ter. he called to his bedside his young
companion, Nalette, and enjoined MIN to
execute his design. Valette, in time, be-
came grand master of the knights Of
Malta, and founded the city Of Naiette.
the capital Of the island. He discovered
the formation of the island was blue clay,
coral limestone, yellow sandstone, and Il
yellowish-white semi-chrystaline lime
stone, and altogether peculiarly adapted
to the purpose of subteranean struc-
lures.
The work of eXcavating was commen-
ced in 1868, by sinking shaft under the
Valette palace, intersecting one from the
sea. a section of which was afterwards
used for the great equeduct from Citta
Vecchia. Through this subterranean
passage-way hoated all the refuse earth
and stone Of the secret encampment,-
Each day the grand master administered
solemn oath to the Workmen; and ma
king them swear on the Maltese cross
they would not divulge the existance of
the secret encampment. In the mcan
time, Europe, Asia, and Africa, were ran
sacked to furnish it's decorations. It's
form was that Of latin cross, divided in
to six knaves; around the roofs and sides
were $500 inches occupied by statues, in
complete armor. Everything was Of the
most imposing and gorgeous description.
Ten thousand Pickering tapers, burning
in pear-shaped globes of colored glass, de-
scending from the ceiling, and dittused a
soft yet brilliant light, dazzled to the neo-
phyte's eye, as it divulged to him the
scene, gorgeous in refulgency, glittering
with the wealth of every cline. One
hundred columns of immense size and
great height supported the arches Of the
naves. Marble Persians sustained the
alter, and Carytides held aloft the rega-
liza.
The floor was formed of variously-col-
ored mosaic work, representing the flags
of every nation, surrounding an all-see-
ing eye, which formed the grand central
figure in the floor. Paintings Of the most
celebrated masters graced the walls. An
alcove with a facade, adorned by seven
bas-relefs, concealed the sacred volume
of the order and the portrait of its toun-
der; opposite this, similar alcove scroll
ed the entrance to the grand surgery; in
curious folds of the door was an immense
white satin veil, shielding the entrance of
the hall of purity, To the right OF the
grand commander was bronze horse; to
the left, a large marble bath. Before the
chairs of the subordinate officers were va
rious implements for testing the courage
OF the novice.
The pathway of fiery shields consis-
ted in laying seven red-hot shields al
equal distances apart, and commanding
the novitiate to step over these blindfold-
3D. This learned him to measure his
steps The walk among the pitfalls was
also very severe test, as the least devla'
ton from right line would precipitatt
the blindfolded novice into inextrcablt
depths. This taught him to walk up
rightly the narrow pathway Of life. Tht
tournament court was Immediately betor'