Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1858-10-08
ExlrnoraInnrr spec,nele m clnclnnn,l.

ENtfaOruinnry Spectaeie III cincinnati.
The sons of Malta, secret benevolent
organization, has recently become an insli-
tuition in tho more important cities A
night procession Of the Sons Of Malta in
Pittsburgh n short time ago attracted
much attention, and the extraordinary spec
taclc Of a midnight march Of tho Sons in
Cincinnati was witnessed by thousands on
Wednesday. The procession numbered
some five hundred, and is thus described
by the Commercial:
Three muskctecrs abreast with black
cowl masking their features, and robed in
long whito surplices, confined at the waist
with girdlcs, from which wero suspended
crosses, led tho column. Menter's Band
followed, playing dirgcs. Two Knights Of
Malta, attired in gittering Greek armor,
carrying bright swords, escorted the Grand
Chancellor, who was robed in a dense
black flowing suit, confined with girdle, q
long snowy beard concoaling the lower part
of his face, and resting upon his bosom,
and q tall black felt hat covering his head.
Behind this triple unity the venerable Vicc
Chancellor, with hirsute appcndago rival
ing that which rested on Abraham's bosom,
followed, bearing the sacred text. His
frosted head was crowned with dark tur-
ban, and his body was concealed by flow
ing black robes, dccrated with various SYM
boIs. Other officers, in Grecian armor-
helmets, shields, plumes, golden, crimson
and sable armor-led long procession of
cowled and surpliced apprentices, most of
them wearing crosses upon their left shoul.
dcrs. Behind these another row of officers
in priestly garbs, other knights and the
standard bearer, holding aloft the standard,
a black cross on field of white: another
band of music, then the second division of
apprentices who strobe majesticaly with
their arms enfolded upon their breasts
The Grand Commander (Mr. Charles Col
llns) who ordered tho weird array was cloth
ed in a brilliant uniform of black silk vel
Wit ornamcntcd with gold spanglos and
glitterng symbols, and was armed with
sword Of dazzling brlliance; his Lcuten-
ant appearing in green uniform, like the
armor of the ancent Knights of Malta.
On the line of march thev proceeded
part of the time in close order, double file;
separating, they formed two long parallels
of white, through which the second officer
in command occasionally marched in re-
view. Viewed in reccding order, and from
commanding point of view, as they pass
ed this office, they rcscmbed long double
lines of flour stretched out upon surface
of coal.
II produced an intense sensation; thous-
ands of people blockaded the streets along
the line of march; dense crowds followed
in eager pursuit. Some contemplated the
spectacle with curious gravity; many snick-
cred, somo exploded in hearty bursts of
laughter; timid women shrank back alarm
ed; foolish girls Uttered, and the boys had
rare fun.
In conclusion, we remark, it is likely that
those who need the aid of charity, will per-
hops awaken this morning to realize tho
pleasures resulting from generous aims be-
slowed upon them in secret. 1t is quiet
ly said that the poor last night, wore not
forgotten by the Sons of Malta
The Gazette remarks.
The Sons of Malta are evidently clever
fellows. They do deal of good in a
quiet, unobtrusivo way, and make happy
many desolate hearth-stone. Their char
lty falls here and there, where pinching
want and grinding poverty lays its hand
most heavily. Like the dews Of Heaven,
their benevolence is broadcast and refresh
/ ing, aud last nights demonstration showed
that they are far more numerous than tho
community generally have been aware of.
1t was first public appearance, and they
sustained themselves with credit.