Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1870-05-30


the lower end of 1t. In this catch hangs the
ring usually about two inches in diameter, At
which the knights point their spears. Their
object is 10 carry Of this ring. They may
knock rod and all away, but they take no
credit unless the ring remains upon the spear
THE OFFICERS.
Tie following were the officers Of the con-
test:
Julges-Wm. W. Parks, Brooklyn; \. Van
Bruut, Brooklyn; Col. Sanford, Col. S. D.
Bruce, Of the 7tirf Field, and R1m Doctor
Charles IT, Williamson, Of Virginia Chief
Narshal-Naor Y. ?. Branch Aids-Col.
j II. Pules,on, Brooklyn; W. Ham, Brook
Iva; Major C. McGiveru, Alabama; Edward
4. Galaher District of Columbia. Herald
Col. Lamb, Missouri, Ogator-A. II. Dawson,
Of New York
The Herald aud Chief Marshal were gorge
Gus in such habilaments as grace the lord
chamberlails in a medieval drama.
THE CHARGE TO THE KNIGHTS.
The ceremonies began with the Grafton by
Col A. H. Dawson, Of New York. He said:
SIR KNIGHTS: The institution you propose
20 revive is over thirteen centuries Old. 1t was
Usheryi into existence by the expressions Of
I these dark ages in the past in which the light
| Of civilization began 90 struggle into the Por-
/ tal- 1l the heart, but had not yet reached the
| ten pies %; the intellect; when heroes could be
I found brave and noble enough TO 20 battle in
defence Of the weak. innocent, and injured but
statesmen were not at hand wise enough 10
enact laws and establish tribunals for their
protection when the strongest arm and the
longest sword settled al manner of issues
BUT even in that dark day no knight could en-
ter tie lists who was not only without fear,
bat without reproach. Nevertheless, the IN
stjtutian, crowned as it was with many virtues,
was cursed likewise with many vices, aud in
reviyiDg il We propose 20 recognize its virtues
and ignore is yices-t0 adapt it 20 the prac-
teal progress Of the nineteenth century, which
means simply to utilize IL. And, Sir Knights
one and all. | congratulate You that your lotis
cast under thehigh noon Of acivilizatjou where
in the wages Of battle is no longer permitted 20
atIU!icate grave questions Of property, life,
or liberty. When, notwithstanding the sword
may dX the destiny Of nations, it cannot inter
pref %, c-us,rCe tur Che independent and en-
Gghtuei individual. mind themcauiug OF words
ot dictate the policy Of principles. Among o.
thcr pleasant duties with which am specially
charged on t'is occasion Is that Of rendering
from the knights Of tie North % the Knights
ui the South q heart-Warm welcome Its the
frs, tournament that has ever been held on
Northern soil. and /. !, jrar-u-a,cd with the
irysn, hope that it win be often repeated, un-
al, iu tie friendly aud manly emulation 10 will
arouse, tie past viii be forgotten, the present
charmed aud tie future frightened Whoever
Nay lie yUuIUi>hei the yau9Gjshcd Will have
-ae pond qualification o, ite.Hythlt they will
have direct. immediate and personal interest
ia t.e glory that w,l rebound from it 60 a
common Couutrv. The pr1c,ivty of t0urua-
meats is now conducted, is 60 develop cqucs-
triau grace, skill AID furles,uess. cultivate
love tr that noble animal the horse. and Gle
vate the bearing and sustain thec0Ur,'y amenj-
ties that characterize the intercourse Of high
,J,.i and vcI-bggj strangers. all Of which
must augment tie dignity Of human nature
and the sum Of human happiness.
TIE CONTESTANTS.
y brief description Of each knight. his APP
p----rce ana the deeds BE did that day-dccls
which shall long De the theme If troulalgur
and u,uue,iu-er-w, now be given.
Eaters the lists. with visor up. the Knight
% Virginia. Horace Bailey, on a gray horse, a
rct plume dancing In Dc, cap a red sash about
/ his waist. he won loud applause but came
us. among tie number Of the first three. lie
took ,ae fourth pTizc-some costly studs.
The gallant hl,sLt Of Wc>tuoyyaul. A.
ic.so.Jru-a, was respondent In q velvet
| t0U..et with red and blue trimming. VITA
What CHEEKY. hopeful smile he rushed M the
Gia-, lu tie rehcarsa's De had never missed
He ies gp with easy. careless grace. Misses
the first prize through q detection of his horse
Tire Knight Of Prospect Park is a Vir.iuiau.
w. g. Bailey lie IS dressed in white, with
blue sash. Slim. faft-b2ireI a,ae- la worll
have done well with a good horse.
The Knight 0i the Ola Dominion. DR.. G. 4.
Fox wore plaid sash. \ green plume well
set Of. l., tasty hat His horse was ole o.r-
tanned after hc reached tie Geld. and the two
ala u0t agree perfectly. Some one remarked
of tie doctor. d" lie looks AS If he y.as tr,i,.- IN
sr..' ..yr the name os lis horse"
The Eri-ltuf Sl.rrorf.ls Fll;oc.r.r.-
WAS p GOOD Er;-t- i-8ao5 ,r.is.,i.. H.. c..
stern If. rssrlva TIa ra,or,ar - -
rsrr..,, linn ny, his f,st ,1',,e,-srce IL.
moro -a 3, ,-9rri,r I'll, -, s. -,
m. MID, lie .rr,i ~, 81. w. -,
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