The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1880-08-18
TEMPLARS PARADE.
A GlsrisussDay In chieass-rhs city
Alive
Graphie Description OF the Deeora.
tioas Along the Lilac.
An Imposing Mass OF Ulifsrned ren-
plars.
ExtrAerdinary Ensrts Of sIGhtseer.
% See All the Procession.

plAr opened cloudy, and early in tn,
morning a smart rain fell, which lais
the dust nicely. The sun then appeared
and at the hour advertised for startins
everything was favorable for the pro
cession. The different commanderiel
were, however, tardy In getting at the
appointed places. and 1t was nearly II
O'Clock before the different columns
moved. By that time the sky had
clouded and some drops Of rain fell
1t had no effect, however. on the large
crowds who thronged the streets and
occupied every available inch Of space
on the sidewalks. The windows were
filed shortly after eight O'Clock. and
many people occupied precarious posi-
tions on the cross arms OF telegraph
poles. The committee had wisely made
the line OF march TO extend over nearly
eight miles, giving a fine opportunity
for all 10 see 1t. Along the Wabash
avenue thousands Of temporary seats
had been erected, and were readily rent
ed at good prices. The decorations
were on a profuse and almost extrava-
giant scale. nearly every house display
ing banners with masonic devices, while
evergreen wreaths and richly contrast
ing colors relieved the more sombre
buildings, and the quantity Of black re-
quired to appropriately represent the
historical Subjects connected with the
display Of the conclave.
The newspaper Offices were beauti-
fully decorated, especially those which
were on the direct line of march. The
wholesale houses and the more import
ant retail buildings were also covered
with banners, flags, festoons and mot
toes. Along state street the stores
were radiant with devices, several
thousand dollars having been expended
on some single buildings.
The sixteen arches on Wabash ave-
nue, between Van Buren, and Twenty
second streets, were completed during
the night, and excited great admira-
tion for their unanimity Of design and
diverse figures. The line Of march was
kept open by strong guard of police
men who flanked the streets, and
who were assisted by the continuous
line Of vehicles which were ranged on
either side Of the street and occupied
by thousands Of spectators. The street
cars brought, apparently, endless crowds
into the streets, and the incoming
trains continued to bring from the out
side towns and cities multitudes Of Wis
itors.
The knights gathered on four streets,
facing east, and tho division on Lake
street, the one farthest north, moved
first, eastward to Wabash avenue, and
upon reaching that thoroughfare they
turned south and continued the march
to Twenty-6rst street. As the last Of
this division reached Washington street
the division on that street fell in and
followed to Twenty-flrst street, and
the same was done by the columns Of
Monroe and jackson streets.
1t was afternoon when the last divi-
sion wheeled into line, and by that
time the advance guard Of police who
headed the procession had reached Lake
street on the return march. 1t was
estimated that nearly twenty thousand
knights were In line, and 1t required
about three hours for the entire process
sion to pass given point. Every part
Of the parade went on with the precis-
ion that is only attained by the best
drilled troops, and the evolutions were
performed with beautiful exactness that
drew forth round after round OF ap-
plause. The brilliant uniforms, tho in
spring music and bright sun which
eventually appeared, rendered the scene
remarkable in every respect, and one
which will not be likely to be witnessed
again in many years, as 1t has never
been. The various Communicates were
heartily cheered from the streets and
sidewalks, but the marks Of approba-
tion were most heartily where the evil
dence Of superiority In military man.
ouvres was apparent and where particu-
larly brilliant uniforms were visible.
The bands were an attractive part OF
the display, their gay uniforms and
music contributing TO the entertain
ment fully as much as the knights
themselves. The more remarkable fea-
lures were the oriental commandery Of
Cleveland, who escorted the eminent
grand master In his carriage drawn by
thirteen horses, seven white and six
black, and a very brilliant staff at.
tended him, the Detroit commandery,
st. Johns Of Philadelphia, the Mount
Olive Of Eric, Raper OF indianapolis,
Richard Cour De Lion of London, On.
tariQ.
After the parade the Sir knights
dined, after which the triennial meet.
ing was held at the asylum on the lake
front, which was secret, and 1t is only
known that the usual committees vert
appointed.