Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-05-02

memory will cling to them as the most
pleasant recollections of our present
visit.
After the response by Grand Com.
mander Worshsm other responses we're
then made by Representatives Robert c.
Williamson, Of Memphis, West Tennes.
see, Andrew B. Martin, Of Lebanon,
Middle Tennessee, and Mr.. Aiken, Of
Knoxville, East Tennessee. The follow.
ing ia the
RESPONSE OF REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM.
SON.
Sir knights, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Accept the thanks of the Knights
Templar of West Tennessee, whom |
have the pleasure of representing, for
the courteous, knightly and hospitable
reception with which you have honored
US on this occasion. 1t has been said
the Knights, our honored ancestors Of
old, were engaged in hostile array and
ia mortal combat with Saracen and in.
hdel, with sword and speer, helmet and
shield, battle-ax and claymore; they
fought in defence of innocent maidens,
destitute widows, helpless orphans and
the Christian religion. They went forth
conquering and to conquer, and thous.
ands Of ensangnined fields made red
with the blood Of their enemies and their
own commingled attest their noble dar-
ing and heroic prowess. They trusted
in their motto, In Hic Signo Vinces,"
and victory perehed upon thsir banners.
But now how changed the scene, how
different the pursuits, ends and aims Of
the Knights of the present dsy,
now our pilgrimsges are friendship,
love and knigbtly hospitality. No
unfriendly Turk or Mussulman to re.
lard our visitation. we come to meet the
irsters from the North, South, East and
West, knowing no difference, but al
actuated by the same feelings of broth
erly affection, and upon our entrance
into the capital Of our State, we are met
by valiant and magnanimous Knights
who give US most cheerful welcome, and
the smiles Of their worthy danes and
fair maideus give ample assurance that
We are regarded as no war.like band.
But, Sir knights, Keight Templarism
does not alone exist to exhibit gay ban.
ners and bright and glittering uniforms
upon holiday parades; for while we have
Tot new the Saracen and Mussulman to
oppose US in hostile array, we have a
mighty enemy in the form Of iufdelity.
vino is daily mastering his cohorts and
opposing his threatening column against
the teachings of our order; and With
banner full high advanced, bearing upon
it the inscription, mo God, no Bible no
6slief in the Christian Religion This
Hnfriendly column is constantly en-.
%croaching upon our domains; and it is
we'll for US TO remember that the notices
OF our beloved order are not idle words.
meaningless aud useless, but have pecu'
liar significance, whose import ob!igates
US to do valiant battle in the cause of
the innocent maiden, the helpless or.
phan, the destitute widow and the Chris.
tian religion. Then let US do man(ul
battle in the cause that elevates and re.
hnesi let US 'inculcate, enforce and
practice virtue, and while one hand is
welding the sword for the defense of
our companions in danger, let the other
grasp the mystic trowsl aud widely diff
fuse the genuine cement Of brotherly
love and friendship"
And now, Sir Knights, a right Joyous
tine awaits you al, aud if the guest in
receiving but enjoys in the same proper.
ton the Inequalities extended by the
host as he experiences in dispensing it.
your pleasure must be boundless.
| again return thanks to all for this
hearty reception.
The grand conclave is now in session.
TO night an elegant banquet will be
Riven the Knights at the Maxwell House.
for which elaborate preparations have
been made.
At 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon the
competitive drill will take place on the
Public Square, the contestants being
commanderies from Murfreesboro, Jack.
son, Columbia, Knoxville and Memphis.
The Nashville Commandery will not en-.
Ter the contest because of the meeting
here. The prize to be awarded the com
mandery most proficient in Knights
Templsr tactics is an elegant Eminent
Commandery's jewel. Much interest as
to this contest is aroused, and I have
hope that Memphis will not be second in
the drill. TO-morrow night a grand bail
will be given at the Maxwell House in
honor of the visiting Knights.
THE RACES.
The spring races have been held since
Tuesday morning and attract persons
from many sections Of the country. The
attendance is quite large and the entries
fully up in quality to the previous meet.
ings. Some of the Memphians will take
a hand in the races, which last through.
out the week.
THE MEMPHIS OPERA CLUn
has created a good deal Of speculation
aud there is much interest as to what
the company will accomplish in the pro-
daction Of Fra Disyolo tonight and to.
morrow night The attendance each
night will be quite large. The audi.
ences will be composed of the best ele.
ments Of Nashville society.