Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-02-18
MEMPHIS.
The One Step from the Sublime
to the Ridiculous.
Bombastes FuriOso on the stru
sod Probs - out Of HumOr.

"Oid PrObs Out Of HumOr.
MEMPHIS, Feb. 17.--lt was raining con-
tinuously since o'clock this morning, but
despite the inclemency the streets were
filled with maskers and citizens. The city
is crowded with visitors. Unless the weather
clears the procession Of the Memphi and
the Mystic Krewe will be postponed.
Night Report.
Despite the rain which fell during the
morning, and the muddy condition OF the
streets. about o'clock, after the rain
ceased. King Momus, with large retinue,
appeared upon the streets, which were
lined with spectators and filed with mask
ers. The King was seated upon Royal
chariot filed with his subjects, followed by
a long procession of cayilieTs and wagons
to represent Won Bachenal and carnival
scenes-amOng which was representation
of the temperance crusade, the women in
meeting around a TeutOnic beer vender,
who was dealing out beer. But the grand
display was in the evening, comprising the
cOrtege Of
The MemPhi.
The first float or car represented the
early origin Of the Memphi in Egypt, b. I.
2OO0. It was preceded by three hOrsemen
i'm rich Egyptian costumes of gold and high
colors. symbolical of wealth and prosperity,
heavily armed, followed by royal chariot
drawn by four white horses led by richly
dressed slaves, near which was seated a
colossal figure with wings extended over
The Sublime OuerO,
seated in his regal chair dressed IN rich
Oriental costume.
The second float represented a traveller IN
in Egypt, period b. c. l2CO, palm trees,
stunned shrlIbbery, camel kneelinS, pre-
| ceeded by three cavaliers in Egyptian arm
or. guards to the traveller, figures Of camel
driver, Ethiopian nude, rich Egyptian lady,
around which are gathered cavaliers,
dancing girls and musicians il costumes OF
the period.
Float five represented three Egyptian
gods mounted on car, the Priest in sacer-
dotal robes with the head of the God;
Achillas, a Greek poet, who seems inspired
by the words of the Priest; Greek PhllOs-
oplier and Persian General, haugltlly but
half convined; another Greek Philosopher
seems to doubt, while poor woman with
her head half uncovered receives the faith
undoubted from the Priest. Float six, the
influence of Egypt on Greece IS illustrated
in art and architecture. .TableaU, COrintbian
column; a scroll of blocks Of Unworked
marble: men at work; ProXitiles the sculp-
tor and Greek aTchiteet; a warrior with
arms at rest in recognition OF the
power of the arts Of peace.
Float seven. Her influence on Rome;
love Of
Anthony and Cleopatra,
preceded by three cavaliers in pink and
cold. Float eight. Death of Anthony and
Cleopatra. Is. e. 80, preceded by trOup OF
Roman cavalry in full armOr; Cleopatra on
richly covered couch at the foot OF statue
of the godneess of Minerva; applies the asp
and stretches out her arms to Anthony,
who is dead in Dalabella's arms; JOas
bearin5 the crown, robes and jewels, falls
dead at her feet. Float 8. Ancient car
niyal Of the Memphi, \. ID. so. Scene
wine urn. covered with garlands, attended
bv Balyses; fires and baechanieS, preceded
BY cavaliers as bacchantCS, all celebrating
the Roman carnival.
Float 10. Destruction Of Memphis \. ID.
$40. preceded by Saracen cavalry IN rich
and gaudy costumes.
Float IL. Resurrection Of the Memphi in
the chosen city on the Mississippi ~ ID.
1874. This float was preceded by three
cavaliers in fantastic and
Encarfhly COSTUMES
representing spirits Of the past, sounding
trt1mpets, a tableau Of rugged rocks, from
which fires smoked and loud reports issue.
Surrnounting the whole IS a white horse
with wings and extended nostrilS, upon
which is seated the spirit Of the Memphi,
arrayed in gorgeous robes, symbOlical of
the splendor OF victory and the rebirth OF
the order, the whole representing the mys-
terious history Of the order, its illustrious
deeds, its bearing, renown philosophy, its
wealth and culture, its misfOrtunes, caused
bv voluptuousness, its destruction, and It's
final restoration on the banks Of the Father
of Waters.
After traversing the principal streets the
Memphi proceeded to the New Memphis
theatre. when the entertainment closed
with a series of tableauX and 4 ball
masque. Balls are also given at the Expo
sition Hall. Opera House and other public
halls. Despite the weather the carnival
was a success.