Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-08-29
matter of doubt, in view of past e1per-
fence, if the Republicans will be equally
solicitous.
AND THE TRIENNIA1
OONCLAYE,
CHICAGO

Judging by the comments of the press
throughout the country, Chicago lost
more than she has gained by the
great triennial conclave of Knights
Templar recently held in that city. Much
of the oensure heaped upon the city for the
treatment of her guests is well deserved;
much of it undeserved. The city itself is
not responsible for the entertainment of the
two hundred thousand strangers who aocked
to witness the grand pageant. All arrange
ments were left in the hands of the triennial
committee. These gentlemen worked hard
to make the affair q success, but they proved
incompetent to handle the immense throng.
Then the hotel accommodations, though su-
perior to those of any other city in the
Union, were inadequate. The proprietors
did their best, working night and day for
the comfort of their guests. Not single
extortion can be charged against them.
True, they raised their rates dollar day
in view of the fact that they would be
subjected to extra expense for help. and that
their furniture and carpets would be sub
jected to hard usage. Besides, they were
obliged to go to great expense in the pur-
chase of extra beds, bedding and cots that
are now useless to them and that must be
disposed of at one-quarter of their cost.
The increase was not an imposition for the
additional reason that it had been announced
for more than six months, and those that
did not wish to pay the added price need not
have gone to the city. That all were not ac
commodated to their satisfaction is due
more to their own lack OF foresight than to
the hotel keepers. The commandery from
st. Paul had no cause for complaint because
they had the wisdom to engage quarters in
good season. They did not expect, in city
that was overorowded, to have parlor bed
room each, with bathroom attachment. They
were content to submit to few inconven-
fences IN view of the crush.
More miserable failures than the grand
parade and the competitive drill could not
be imagined. Both were colossal monu-
ments of the incompetencY and mismanage-
ment of those in control. The discomforts
endured by the Knights standing in line in
the broiling sun for three hours after the
time announced for the parade, and of the
half million spectators gathered along the
line of march cannot be exaggerated. Then
those in control of the Jockey Club Park,
where the drill took place, entered into an
organized system of robbery, Iand compelled
every person of the fifty thousand present to
pay them tribute for all they received, from
seat in the sweltering sun to q glass of
water. The hucksters about town, the
store-keeepers, the hackmen, the restaurants
in fact everybody engaged in trade of any
description, imposed upon the visitors mer-
cilessly. Though the triennial committee
was responsible for the Encouragement of
the conclave, the citizens of Chicago were re-
sponsible for the extortions practiced. Those
who suffered or were imposed upon
will never forgive Chicago for their griev-
ances, and in business point of view the
city will be large loser. What might have
been the grandest Masonic demonstration of
all time proved miserable fiasce through
the inoompetency of the managing commit
tee. What might have been the greatest
honor to Chicago since her history. began,
has proved disgrace to her name through
the cupidity and e1tortion of her citizens,
It is matter of regret that an occasion
that promised such great results should have
terminated as the one referred to has done