The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-10-07
OLD TIM.

THE PRESENTATION 70 THE BLAIR KNIGHTS
THE TUESDAY RIOT AND The FRENCH MAR
KEr HoMICIDE-THE CHANTICIEER CLUI
AND GALL THAT SORT OF THING, YoU KNOW.
Special Correspondence Of the Democrat.
New ORLEANS, OCTOBER /, 1868.
Friend Densocrat-The st. Louis dele
CATION, sent by the Democracy of that city
to present the splendid banner that they
had prepared for the Blair Knights Of ou1
city, arrived by the Jackson railroad or
Wednesday the 23d inst, and were escort
ed to the City Hotel, where they were vel
cared for. In the evening the Opera House
was crowded with the representations Of
the wealth, beauty and refinement of oul
city. On the stage the banner occupied q
conspicuous position, and in front sat the
st. Louis Delegation around them were
the young ladies of our city, representing
the thirty seven States, and in the rear the
Blair Knights. General Bragg was Chair
man of the Committee of Arrangements
and introduced Colonel Hatch, the chair
man of the st. Louis Delegation. Colonel
Hatch presented the banner, making an ell
oquent and pleasing speech, which was
handsomely replied to by General Hays,
who received the present, for the Knights.
Mr.. Michel then presented an eloquent
floral offering to the ladies of the st. Louis
Delegation, acting for bis Club, the Broom
Rangers, q very large. energetic and well
organized body of true men of the South.
After this there was two tableaux, by
young ladies Of our city. One represented
Liberty, attended by Justice and Peace,
and the other, Missouri and Louisiana in
friendly union of sentiment and interests.
After these interesting ceremonies,
THE GRAND PROCESSION
was formed and marched through our prin-
cipal streets. The band of the Blair
Knights, in wagon handsomely decorated
led the line, then came in carriages, the st.
Louis Delegation, the Ladies' Committee,
the State and Parish Democratic Commit
tees, and members of the New Orleans
Press. These were escorted by the honor
aEy members of the Knights, who were
well mounted and made handsome dis.
play. Then came the Blair Knights and
other clubs on horse back. all well mount
ed and equipped, with torches, gay stream
ers and banners. making sight worthy Of
the tabled scenes of old. Then followed
the numerous clubs on foot, an almost end
less column Of flaming torches. that filled
the street from side walk to side walk, a.
Car ~ the eye could see, fine noble looking
men who marched with the procession of
disciplined soldiers. and with an air that
told they knew their rights and would de-
fend them, elegant banners, each vieing
with the other to claim an admiration, neat
and well chosen uniforms, in fact oil the
appointments Of grand display were there
and appropriately arranged, making such
an ovation, as must have gratided our visi-
tors and reflected credit on the gallant men
who planned it and those who Joined in it.
The Hancock Club, were accompanied by
thirty-seven young ladies, honorary men,
bers, who represented the States. The Ia
dies were in carriages, and the club march
ed in open order as on escort, making =
very attractive display. The Innocents,
were out strong, numbering in ranks over
eight hundred men. They marched along
with . jaunty careless air, cheering for
Seymour and Blair, and joking with each
other. making enthusiasm wherever they
appeared. The Jackson Railroad, Consti-
tuition and Fossil Guards Clubs. all made
q splendid appearance. But it would be
for me enumerate them al, with
that praise which all alike deserved.-
There were about fifteen thousand men 10
line, with carriages, and horses, and splen-
did music, making q display nearly equal
to the immense Democratic rally, OF Au-
gust 10Th. The streets were crowded with
people. ladies and children being in the ma
jority, they filed the widewalks, doors,
steps. and galleries, along the entire route
Of march. The Clay statue on Canal
Street was . perfect hive Of human beings
and the scene around it was lively and in
teresting. The greatest enthusiasm and
good feeling prevailed, and the st. Louis
Delegation, were received BY the people
along the route, in q cordial and hearty
manner that testified the high esteem of
our citizens for the people Of our sister
city. fsls
Public feeling was much excited here,
on the riot that occurred on Canal Street,
the night before the reception of the St.
Louis banner. Nothing but the GOODNESS
and forbearance Of some of our best citi-
sens, who we're fortunately near at hand,
prevented the opening of the food gates of
rage and blood-shed at that time, as it was
the Radicals were met with sufficient firm
ness and show Of strength to prove to them
that our citizens had reached the limit OF
patience, and that they would do we'll to
(" haul in their horns" The feeling Of un-