Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1859-07-02
Ioorls.pondenee Of lhe p.lly EmrIrs.l

En-. EMriRE Our quiet village has been in a
state Of feverish excitement for several days past
10 anticipation Of the installation Of a lodge Of
the l. o. Of the Sons Of Malta, and midnight
procession of the order on Thursday evening.
The I. o. s. NJ. is an ancient institution, the
establishment Of which dates back TO very re-
mote origin, the precise year being Ahrouded in
mystery, and in which the command to "relieve
the wretched" is strictly enjoined. Such is
handed down by tradition, but as I have not
he'd the glorious privilege of penetrating the
"mystic veil, " cannot shed any more light on
the subject.
About half past o'clock on Thursday eve
ming the train arrived, bringing Il large delega
tion of the "brelhren" from Dayton, TO assist in
the ceremonies, From the depot they proceed
ed in 'due order" to Odd Fellows Hall, the
use Of which had been kindly rendered for the
occasion. The Lodge was duly installed and
large number of candidates wsro initiated in
to the sublime and transcendent mysteries Of
the ancient and time-honored Institution and
duly instructed in the peculiar and appropriate
work" of the order. Having never put on
occupy an outside pew but judging from The
iovial smiles of the brethren "alter meeting
they must have enjoyed highly gratifying aud
refreshing season.
The town was all excitement, and curiosity
on lip too to witness the mysterious procession
Of the mystic brotherhood The ceremonies
having been concluded, about o'clock the
T.. A. ii -,
attired in robe and cowl and the officers invest
ed with the paraphernalia, moved in all the
glorious "pomp and circumstance" of war.
was forcibly reminded of the chivslry of olden
times, when eye ancient" knights went forth
to battle with their foes.
The procession marched through the princi'
pal streets, which we're literally and compactly
lined with men, women and children eager fol
"the Fray" besides large number Of negroes
In short, our population occupied the streets
en- masse, rendering it extremely difficult n
some points for the procession TO move, return
ing to the hall about o'clock. The spectacle
presented by the procession was at once sub
lime and majestic, emInently calculated to i'm
press the beholder with becoming awe and 80
lemnity.
After divesting themselves Of Eye ancient
trappings, the brethren in "due order" took W
the line of march for the Ewing House, where 4
sumptuous repast had been provided by the
brethren of Xenia. After being properly pre-
sented at the "feed" room, the company sa
down to the groaning tables, the luxuries o
which fast disappeared with relish and gustt
that none know better than our Dayton frend
how to appreciate. 1t was the unanimous de
cision that the supper could not be excelled
and "mine host" received the heartfelt thankI
of all interested for the quality and abundance
of his "feed"
The ceremonies Of the evening having CLOSED
at late hour, the mystic brotherhood separated
aud our Dayton friends, who were in "gooC
condition" and proved themselves abundantly
able to "hold their oats" took the early trail
for home
The fat, jolly faced gentleman from Daytol
who was injured by Jumping from the train a
Cedaryille a short time since, was sufficiently
recovered TO participate in the proceedings, An'
contributed his full share towards the amuse
ments OF the evening.
The Phoenix Band of your city was also il
attendance and contributed largely to the graft
fcatioR of our citizens by their truly recherch
and soul stirring music, and the unanimouI
verdict in their favor was, "hard to beat"
The deacon" also received the uaanimou
and hearty thanks Of our Dayton friends for hi
polite attentions during the season."
The night of June 3Olh, 1859, will long b
remembered by our citizens as one Of the notabl
events of the year, and the mysterious order
the all absorbing theme.
Yours, &c.,
lpEOTA ATOp