Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1858-10-14
Spectacle in Gin.

extraordinary Spectacle in Gin.
cimnatt.
The sons of Malta, a secret benevolent
organization, has recently become an Insti.
tuition in the more important cities, ana
the Order exists we understand In ACleve-
land. A night procession of the sons OF
Malta. in Pittsburgh short time ago at
tracted much attention, and the extraordi-
nary spectacle of midnight march of the
Sons in Cincinnati was witnessed by thou
sands on Wednesday. The procession
numbered some five hundred, and is thus
described by the Commereias: Z
Three musketeers abreast with black
'ccwl masking their features, and robsd in
long white surplices, confined at the waist
with girdles, from which were suspended
crosses, led the column. Menter's Band
followed, playing dirges. Two Knights of
Malta, attired In glittering Greek armor,
carrying bright swords, escorted the Grand
Chancellor, who was robed in dense black
flowing suit, confined with girdle, long
snowy beard concealing the lower part OF
his face, and resting upon his bosom, and
a tall black felt hat covering his head
Behind this triple unity the venerable v ice
Chancellor, with hirsute appendage rival
ing that which rested on Abraham's oosom'
followed, bearing the sacred text. his
frosted head was crowned with DARK tu''
ban, and his body was concealed by How
ing black robes, decorated with various sym
-bols. Other officers, in GrecIan arrnor-
.helmits. shields, pIumes, golden, crimson
and sable armor-led a long procession OF
cowled and surpliced apprentices, most OF
them wearing crosses upon their left shout
dsrs. Behind these another row OF ON,
GERS in priestly garbs. other knights ana
the standard bearer, holding aIoft the
standard, a black cross on field of white;
another band of music. then the second
division Of apprentices who strobe lna)estl-
caly with their arms embodied upon their
breasts. The Grand Commander Mr..
Charles ColIins) who ordered the weired
array was clothed in brilliant uniform OF
black silk velvet, ornanented with gold
spangIes and glittering symbols, and WIS
armed with sword of dazzling brilliance;
his Lieutenant appearing in a green uni
form, like the armor OF the ancient Knights
of Malta.
On the line of march they proceeded part
of the time in close order, double file; sep
alating, they formed two long parallels of
white, ihro' which the second officer in
command occasionally marched IN review.
Viewed in receding order, and frona COM
manding point of view, as they passed this
Office, they resembled long double lines of
-four stretched out upon surface Of coal.
1t produced an intense sensation; thou
sands of people blockaded the streets along
tie line Of march; dense crowds followed
in eager pursuit. Some contemplated the
spectacle With curious gravity; many snick-
cred, some 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
perhaps awaken this morning to relze the |
pleasures resulting from generous aims be-
slowed upon them in secret. 1t is quietly
said that the poor last night, were not for
gotten by the Sons of Malta.
The Gazette remarks:
The sons of Malta are evidently clever |
fellows. They do deal, of good in a
quiet, uuobtrusive way, and make happy
many desoate hear,h-stone. Their chari-
ty falls here and there. where pinching
want aud grinding poverty lays its hand
most heavily. Like the dews of Heaven,
their brnovulencc is broad-cast and refresh
ing, and last, nights demonstration show
ed that they are for more numerous than
the community generally have been aware
of 1t was a first public appearance, and
they sustained themselves with credit.