The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-12-17


Tho nineteenth tri-ennial conclave .of
the Grand Commandery Of the United States
which met at New ORLEANS last week, was
enc fthe grandest Affairs that ever took place
IN the Crescent City, an event that viii long
be remembered by the citizens OF Ne"
Orleans and the visiting Senior Knights,
and friends from all parts OF the United
States. Delegates were. there from Maine 10
Oregon. from Minnesota TO Florida, from
al parts of the Union, exchanging saluta-
lions with hundreds Of friends. The great
EFT satisfaction and good feeling existing,
making a lively scene, pleasant to behold.
An through the week there was e series Of
social reunions, which cannot fail to unite the
friendship Of the Icy North with the Sunny
South, and tend to strengthen that feeling
Of fraternity, which Is the main ground
work Of the noble order.
THE FESTIVITIES.
The Masonic Hall, Grunewald Hall, Ex-
position Hall and Odd Fellows Hall; each
o. these magnificent buildings, with their
spacious rooms, was decorated with ever
greens, flowers, rare plants, and trees orna-
mented with flags and notices expressive Of
their warm welcome. The halls were open
from 8 A. n. 70 the zee slDai hours Of night,
and reception committees in readiness to
show their visitors courtesy and attention.
Side tables were covered with ice creams
lemOuades, light wines, fruits. ETC., which
were free to all; bands Of music were con-
SANITY playing, and many q Northern knight
and Southern belle went whiFlirg together
through the dance.
Banquots were given by the different Com
mandeKics and private clubs Of New Or
leans. The steamer Great Republic, living
- h. afG a.
ton, bah and banquet Wednesday nipht-a
hne affair. And here let as speak few
words Tor Texas and her gallant Knights.
1vanhOc Commandery No. 8, Bryan, Texas,
@. Davis, L. O., gave one of the grandest
snppers Tuesday night, December /, at the
Umted States Restaurant, that New Orleans
cshld furnish. ALI of the grand officers
were present, and about thirty Sir Knights
from different parts Of the State. Visiting
members were present from Missouri, lows,
Wisconsin and Michigan, by special invita-
ton. The grand officers, James Sorely, p.
@. Q. and General Of Grand Encampment;
B. B. Richardson, g. c.; Z. G.. Brown, d.
g. C. +; i. III. 0pcnheimeF, G. g.; II. Is.
Stoddard, G. W., and ID. Owens, G., pre-
sided at one end of the table, ana the Off
GERS Of Iyanhoe No. at the other. The
table fairly groaned under its weight OF
luxufies; game, turtle, oysters and fish
were served up in variety Of forms; cakes,
pastries, fruits and wines Of every variety
were brought on, each in their turn, from
5toS .80P. H., until the guests cried, enough,
'tis finished. The North and South shook
hands across the table, pledging love, friend
ahip and honor. Toasts were given and re-
sponses made by nearly oil present, end
last, but not least, toast was given to Col
0rado CommRndery No. 4, when our good
looking landlord Of the Avenue Hotel was
scalled upon 70 respond, and made some
very able remarks upon the hospitality Of
eur sister State, and the occasion which
called as together, expressing his pleasure
at boing present, and proposing tho prosper
ny Of 'Ivanhoe Commandery No. for the
tine reception thsy had given to their sister
Communicates. af @
.oH icm THE PROCESSION.
ahlAt an early hour Friday morning, the
Knights Templar, in full dress uniform,
were seen hurrying along the streets in
squads, preparatory to getting into line, or
forming for the grand review. Bands were
playing and banners flying from nearly all
OF the public buildings and business houses,
as they marched down and formed in diyis-
ions on Canal street. The boulevard was
crowded for squares by visitors, many Of
them representatives Of the fair SEX Clay
statue was packed with people from the
stone steps to the pedestal; the sidewalks
and galleries were thronged with people.
The procession, fully two miles in length.
marched through all of the principal
streets, forming crosses, squares and tri-
angles ms they passed along. For moro than
eight miles, the streets, sidewalks and gall
lefies were thronged with people. Cheer
after cheer went up, and bouquets were
showered down on the heads OF the Sir
Knights as they marched on 10 the music Of
Dixie and other national airs. At O'Clock
the procession broke up, and each division
marched to its headquarters. Friday
night aud Saturday the steamers and special
trains bore off the Sir knights, each one
carrying 10 his home the most pleasing
memories Of the Crescent City.
The next trienninl conclayc will meet in.
Cleveland, Ohio.
g g Y FRoM oSE VINO Was THERE.