The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1878-03-12
KNIGHTS OF THE HORSE.

! Mn EDITOR OF VAN BuREN Press -
While Mt Unionville, in Jasper township,
heard that there was to be free dinner
given by the Knights of the Horse. Hav
| ing heard great deal about this secret
organization, aud not having very urgent
business, concluded to lay over for the
day, be present a, the dinner, keep eyes
and ears open. and see what could find
out concerning this mysterious and pc.
cular named order. At an early hour
the wagons and horsemen began to mr.
rive at the Hickory Grove meeting house,
which is some two or three hundred yards
east of the above-named village. Those
in charge Of the wagons, as soon as the
families got out, Immediately commence
ed unloading boxes, baskets, buckets,
large pans full of provisions, while 9TH
ers were busily engaged in erecting .
long table, and stretching a rope around
tho same, just west of the building.
While looking around observed GER
tain men pass up stairs in the building,
concluded they must be knights. Upon
| inquiry, from strangers, found that
they were holding a Knights Lodge up
there About 10 o'clock the doors were
thrown open. An individual wearing a
singular. but beautiful regalia, appeared
and gave general invitation for all TO
come into their hall. This suited nv
desires, and also the congregation. judy
ing from the prompt manner in which
they accepted the invitation. Upon en-.
terng the room, we found the Knights
standing arranged round the walls. As
soon as the audience was seated, the pre-.
siding officer gave one rap with his CAV
ell, and the knights were seated. He
then gave cordial welcome to the visit
ors, after which he called upon the Exal-
ted Right Worthy Brother Chaplain, the
Reverend Mr.. Hubbard for prayer. And
with another rap of his gavel the con-
grafton and knights rose to their feet
The Throne of Grace was addressed in
a manner but seldom equaled, and very
rarely excelled, and, when concluded, at
the sound of the gavel, we took our
seats. The presiding officer informed US
there would be public lecture by their
Grand Lecturer, Alexander Thompson,
whom he introduced to the audience.
The said person commenced his discourse
in very appropriate manner; then, for
short time, held forth in somewhat
jocular way about the ante room in ref
erence to climbing slippery poles; tho
| ing, &c, DC, alter which he TOOK hold OF
the subject in business-like style, going
back to the origin of Knights and what
constitutes Knighthood. and the incum
bent duties stately pertaining to all good
Knights of the Horse. lie showed up,
clearly, how the noblest institutions may
be abused b, human faIlibility; yet the
fundamental principles or basis upon
which they stand not the least impaired,
but strengthened and MAIDS stronger. He
also gave us full explanation concern.
ing the colors worn in their regalia,
which embrace every color of the rain
bow, and what they are cmblematical OF,
commencing with the creation OF the col.
ors, rs they appear in the grand panorama
of Nature. After this lengthy discourse
we were informed that dinner was now
in readiness, and after dinner the presen-
tation of their Exalted Right Worthy
Brother, Grand Chaplain fer the Grand
Order the Right Reverend Henry Snow,
deceased, the regalia and gloves to his
widow, would take place in public On
retiring from the hall, we were formed
into two ranks, marched around to the
end of the table, with the Chaplin at the
head, opened ranks, filed down each side
to the head of table. Grace by the Chap
lain.
The tables were loaded and filed with
provisions in variety and abundance, and
coffee hot BY the wash kettle full. After
all had feasted sumptuously, there were
numbers of boxes, baskets and buckets
that never had their covers removed. l
have been to many public dinners, but
never, in life, have witnessed at so large
gathering so much good feeling, good
behavior, and pure, genuine sociability,
as reigned from head to foot OF that
| long table Everyone appeared to be en-
loving himself, but most Of all each 9TH
er's company. After dinner We were
again invited to the hall. Mrs. A. Snow
was seated in the center of the ball. in
mourning Cor the deceased. Immediately
in front Of the altar. with + X. w b.
Robert Carson, at her ii lie. AT the sound
of the gavel the presentation was COM
menced by the speaker advancing on the
opposite side OF the altar, with the rega-
liza and gloves of the deceased in ais
hands, laying the same upon tie altar,
and in a slow. apparently measured tone
of voice, the discou Sc was addressed to
Mrs. A. Snow At the very commence
meni deep sorrow was visible 10 every
countenance all present being familiar
with the deceased, and as the speaker pro-
ceeded. eulogising on his many good
qualities and noble, yirtuous actions as
husband, father, and one OF their best
and wisest counselors. their grief gave
way in tears from the Knights and audi.
ence. He was represented as one OF
Gods noblemen. The regalia and gloves
we're handed to the widow with hopo
this would be source of consolation.
an heir loom for fond remembrance, to
doat over in her lonely hours of widow