Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-05-16

Special Correspondence Public LEDGER
CLARKsvILE. May IA, 1873.
For several weeks past our sober old
city has been astir with busy prepare
ton and our citizens alive with eager
expectation, occasioned by the eleventh
annual conclave Of the Grand Com
mandery of Knights Templar of Ten
nessee, 70 be held here, commencing on
Tuesday, the 18th inst. AT an early hour
on Tuesday morning, q committee OF
reception, headed by the Clarksyille
brass band, proceeded to the depot to
receive and welcome Cyrene Command
cry No. 4, Of Memphis, and other dele
cations from points along the line of the
road, who were expected on the | am,
train. On the arrival of the train, Il. G.
Sir George Melersh formed the Memphis
delegation in line on the platform, where
they we're cordially welcomed by the Sir
Knights of Clarksville, and the hospi-
talities of the city extended to them.
The visitors were assigned quarters, some
at private residences and others at the
hotels, and at once proceeded to rest
themselves after their fatiguing, dusty
ride Of twelve hours. The
HEADQUARTERS OF cYREYE coMMANDERY
were at the Southern Hotel, where a suit
of apartments had been engaged by
them, and where, during the session OF
the Grand Commandery, their visitors
we're most Hospitality entertained. At
eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, in
obedience to an order issued by the
Eminent Commander, the Sir knights
assembled in front of the Southern Hotel
in fatigue dress, and thence were
marched through some Of the principal
streets of the city to the lawn in front OF
the Academy where drill was had pre-
paratory to the grand review and parade,
which was to take place in the afternoon.
bs OTHER DELEGATIONS
arrived at one p. m. Tuesday, by special
train, from Murfreesboro and Nashville,
together with r. e, Sir Joseph 3. Pal
mer, aud we're received at the depot in
like manner as the Memphis delegation
had been earlier in the day by the
Clarksville Commandery, headed by
their music. A procession was termed
and the yisitoEs escorted to FrsHklln
Hall, and there assigned to their quar-
ters. At four pm. the members of the
Grand Commandery and visiting BIT
knights assembled at the hall, when
THE PROCESSION
was formed and the march commenced.
From the length of the procession !
would say there were about two hun
dred Sir Knights in line; and as they
through our city with military
nreeision, to the music Of the bands,
their banners and plumes famed by the
nleasant breeze which is never wanting
on our rock-ribbed hills, they presented
a truly imposing appearance sight
which will not soon be forgotten by tne
inhabitants of Clsrksville. Upon reach
ing the Academy grounds the procession
fled into the open gates and formed ina
hollow SQUARE. The side Of the square
covered by the Academy building was
oocupied by r. E. Sir Joseph B. Palmer
and staff. before whom the line was
passed in review, the Sir Knights bring
ing their bright blades to a present as
they marched past the grand officers.
The commsndery from Memphis seem
ingly determined to eclipse all the other
Communicates in their display, and to
add to the effect of the review, changed
the order of their march every time that
they passed in froDt of the grand Off,
cers-erst marching in files Of threes,
then in sections of sizes, then in the
form of Greek cross and again in the
form OF q passion cross, IA Alter the re-
v;ew the exemplifeatiOn OF drill was
had. All the Communicates showed
rrore or less proficiency in the tactics.
Murfreesboro Commandery performed
some very pretty evolutions, belonging
uroperly to the Zouaye drill, but TO Cy-
tene Commandsry Of Memphis was al
most universally accorded the palm Tor
nroliciencv in commandery drill. After
he drill the lines were again formed
and the procession moved back 10 the
hall and dispersed. AT night sump-
tuous rnrrr.r nv 4 Z
was spresd. 10 which all repaired, after
an hour or 90 spent in pleasant converse
and promenading. Among those pres
ent At the promenade concert we're a
large number OF the invited citizens OF
Clarksville. including q gsOdly number
al fair ladies, whose presence added I'M
n,soselv 70 the enjoyment OF the Occa-
sion. Such al assemolage Of beauty
and chiyAlry ClsrksFills has never seen
before. and doubtless HlH pever see
egaiu nnless, perhaps, We are iaEored
- ne presence OF the Grand Cen
msrderT al sOms future day. Con