The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1867-07-12
CHE 9edfurl GazettR,
IRE PRESIDENT IN THE NORTH.

His Reception i'm BOStOn---Grand MasOn-
lie Dispiay---The Enthusiasm: DecOra-
tiOnS, Ec.
All accounts agree that the Presi-
dents reception and treatment in Bos-
ton was one Of the grandest OvatiOns
ever rendered to any of the nations
rulers by that munity. Whatever
else Boston may lack, it never wants
courtesy and respect when courtesy
and consideration are due. The parade
and Masonic ceremonies of Monday
were on the largest scale, and the day
was kept by the people Of the city and
surrounding country as a holiday
Commencing at A. M. to form, it was
not until after ) p. M. that the MaSOnS
completed their line of march and
reached Boston Music Hall, where the
ovation and other ceremonies took
place. The dedication ceremonies COM
menced at 9 O'Clock, and in these none
excepting Masons participated. The
President of the United States, Post
master General Randall, Major Gener-
al Rousseau, and Surgeon Basil Norris
were present at this interesting SER
vice, they being members of the fra
ternity, and wearing appropriate re-
gala. The procession consisted OF
eighteen divisions, and was comman-
ded by William d. StrattOn Grand Mar
shall. In addition to Encampments
of the State, there were Encampments
from Rhode Island, New York, New
Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey and District of Columbia, to-
gether with Knights from other States.
The Lodges ofthe State were joined by
st. Johns Lodge, of New York, insti-
tuted in 1721. 1t carried its old Wash
ington Bible upon which George Wash
ingtOn took his oath Of office as first
President of the United States, it hav-
ing been administered by Chancellor
Robert Livingston. The Bible was es-
cOrted by a special guard of Knights,
and was carried by Henry CHASER, of
New York. Lodges from Maine, Hi
nois, New York, and the city of Wash
ingtOn, and other cities and States,
were in line with a strong representa-
tion ofvariOus organizations in England
and the British Provinces.
1t is thought 10000 Masons were in
the procession. The dress of members
of different lodges was strictly uniform,
as was also that of the Knights Of the
several cOmmanderies, and this circum-
stance eliciued the admiration of the
spectators and rendered more attrac-
tive the appearance of the procession.
Some of the knights were on horseback,
and few rode in open carriages. All
encampments and lodges carried ban
ners designating their names and local
tiles and a number of national flags
were prominent in the brilliant display.
Crowds lined the streets, and many
houses displayed flags and banners.
Some of the decorations were of a
gorgeous character, including arches
across the street, formed by streamers
from the windows. A large groined
arch, trimmed with national emblems
and surmounted by an allegorical rep
resentation of Hope, fringed with flags,
greeted the eye, and added to the effect
Of the display.
The Presidents coach was drawn by
six chestnut cOlored horses, and flank
ed by guard of honor of the Boston
Encampment Knights Templar, num-
bering twenty-four, armed with gold
beaded spears. All along the route the
President was cheered by the men,
while the ladies in the windows and
balconies waved their handkerchiefS.
The President stood much of the time,
bowling with hat in hand in acknOwl-
edment of these compliments. Bou
quets were occasionally thrown into
the carriage, and the fact that he caught
in his hand large bunch of flowers
thrown by young lady from a win
dow elected renewed applause. Hold
ing the bouquet toward the fair donor,
he made low bow. There was much
enthusiasm everywhere exhibited
Many words of compliment were loudly
uttered, and the only allusion to politics
heard was the exclamation, "No i'm
peachment."
The coach halted repeatedly to en-
ohio I,,othars tn DrpSent their little