The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-09-09

Il
E>c,upxrST OF KNIGHTS TEMpLAR-PRE-
p,KAr1oys FOR THE DEMoNsTRATIoN.-A
very general interest is being manifested at
the present time in the forthcoming meeting
of the Grand Commaudery of the Masonic
Order in this city. The Royal Arch Masons
and Knights Templar of this city have been
unusually active for many weeks past in
perfecting arrangements for the demonstra-
ton, which bids fair to be an imposing one,
and calculated to call forth much enthusl-
asm. The attendance will be large II we
may judge from reports received from dis
lance. Our leading hotels have already
engaged to accommodate many visitors from
different sections Of the country. AT the
Southern, quarters have already been en-
gagged by nearly three hundred knights
Templar from leading cities North ana
South-from Chicago, 100; Milwaukee, %
Washington, 80; also many from osner
nlaces. Including New York, Memphis, New
Orleans, Baltimore, and leading cities OF
| Connecticut. Massachusetts, and other To-
caiities further east. !,
Al the Laclede, some $50 gentlemen con-
,ected with different Communicates In the
states of Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri,
hsye engaged board and rooms.
The Planters House will provide accom-
modations for over 200 persons, and we un-
derstand that applications in quite as large
q number as this have already been refused
owing to the inability of the proprietors 10
furnish rooms, all Of them having been
engaged several weeks since. We may 90,
serve here. however, that strangers neeo
have no hesitation about visiting the city
an this occasion, as the private residences
of many of our merchants and business
men will be thrown open for their accom-
modation.
The Everett House has provided rooms
and board for g. large number already en-
gagged to come there from different sections
of the country.
In addition to what will be furnished by
the Masonic bodies here. there will be seve-
raj bands of music accompanying the vlsi-
tors. A band from Chicago will be with
the Knights Templar of that city also, d
band from Milwaukee and other cities.
The first delegation of distinguished vlsl-
tors will arrive here on the morning OF the
18th from Springfield, III. During that
and the following day the Knights will
arrive on every train from the north,
south, and east, and on reaching here they
will be escorted to their quarters by dele
cations selected for that purpose from the
St. Louis Communicates.
The dedication of the new Masonic hall,
on the corner of Seventh and Market streets,
will constitute one of the principal features
of the weeks exercises. The building is
now rapidly approaching completion. The
several apartments of the building are
deliberately fitted up, and in character of
style and appurtenances will compare ia
vorably with any establishment Of the kind
in the country. There are some seven or
eight smaller halls in the building, each
designed for carrying on the work and the
meeting of the several branches and bodies
of the Order. In addition to these, there is
a large and spacious hall in the second
story, room for refreshments, and another,
of good size, for balls, parties, &c. The
hall will be the headquarters of the frater-
nifty while sojourning in St. Louis.
There will be grand procession Of the
Knights in full uniform on Wednesday, and
on other days of the week excursions by
railroad and steamboat to distant points are
being arranged for. The occasion promises
to be most enthusiastic and suspicious one
throughout. This will be the first triennial
conclave of the Grand Encampmentthat has
taken place west of the Mississippi. The last
meeting was held at Columbus, Ohio, and
much opposition was then urged against
holding the next session in st. Louis, but
this point was finally carried by small
majority. We have no doubt the result OF
the forthcoming meeting will be such as to
Justify the wisdom displayed in this selec.
ton, and we earnestly hope that citizens OF
all classes will do their utmost toward
making the forthcoming soiourn of the Sir
Knights among US pleasant and satisfac'
tory in every respect.-St. Louis Times.