The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1881-02-10

location, and natural and picturesque
scenery and artistic taste, stands without
Il rival.
=. To the westward inqueenly majesty and
grandeur rises Mount Bonneil, lifting her
proud and stately head far above your eity,
and with seeming quietude andscompla-
cency, watching as sentinel over her less
admired, vet charming and graceful
evergreen sisters; while through these
mountain gorges winds the translucent
and silvery waters of the Colorado, and
also In regal splendor appears Capitol
we have a panoramic view of your city,
In all her architectural beauty and sub
Unity. ~ - $3.50
Your church spires ascending heaven
ward, your magnificent schools and col
leges, your asylums, your manufactures.
your railways, your beautiful streets,
your superb gardeus and your pallatial
residences. are living Testimonials Of
your intelligence, your Industry and
your enterprise, and / but echo the sentI.
ment of every Texas Odd Fellow, when
| assure you that we,wish for your city
grand and prosperous future.
We rever the name Of your city, for
with il are associated the names of our
most distinguished heroes and states
men, the early days Of Texas. stephen
+. Austin, Rusk, Crockett. Fannin, La
mar, Houston and host of others, who
though dead, still live in the hearts Of all
true Texans.
We feel to a certain extent a personal
interest in your city; and could with
some degree of propriety, as Texans, say
our city; The capital of our fair State ;
the headquarters from which 5emanate
the laws, for the government and
protection of our entire people and for
the enforcement OF which all true
Odd Fellows will lend their aid and
their influence. If there is any one
characteristic of odd fellowship, more
strictly enjoined upon its adherents than
another, II is subordination TO civil gov
ernments and their laws. We visit your
city, not as political 'partisans, nor yet as
religious sectarians, nor yet as law
makers for your state. Our mission Is to
legIslate for Odd Fellowship. an institu-
ton though modern i'll its origin, pre-
SCENTS to the world q code of morals, coex-
tensive with creation; ut the same time
possessing all the elements progression,
suited TO the wants and requirements of
the present.
We realize the responsibilities and du-
ties devolying upon us ms Odd-Fellows !;
and we the more highly appreciate the
moral support which you have upon this
occasion so generously and voluntarily
contributed. And, kind ladies, for your
presence, we owe you debt OF gratitude
that we can never repay; for without
your loving and approving smiles, Odd
Fellowship. together with all other insti-
tutions of kindred objects and aims,
would soon be buried In the grave of OBJ
livion, and with them all our brightest
and tondest anticipations. May heavens
choicest and richest blessings be show
cred upon the brave, the true, the noble,
and the virtuous women of Texas. For
upon them, to very great extent, depend
the moral and intellectual advancement
of our sons and..daughters. To the va
rious benevolent organizations of your
city, we would offer our kindest congrat-
ulatIons, our warmest sympathies, and
our most cordial cooperation In their
every effort to improve and to
elevate the character of man.
And to our brothers of the Mystic Chain,
composing the lodges and encampments
of your city, we would, Ia the name of
Odd Fellowship the world over, extend
to you thanks, congratulations and fra
ternal greetings. And Us your Grand
Master we would admonish you to be
vigilant in the discharge of every duty,
and while extending your bounteous hos
FATALITIES to your brethren do not forget
to entertain the stranger In distress, but
go on in your ministrations of mercy and
your deeds of charity, pushing forward
the car of progress, upon which Odd Eel
lowship Is a distinguished passenger.
In conclusion, Mr.. Mayor and Council
men, Ladies and Gentlemen, permit me
to say for the members of our Grand
Lodge, that we accept with grateful
hearts your proffered hospitality, and we
will endeavor to so act, during our So
journ among you, that we will not forfeit
your confidence and good will, but
prove to you, by our orderly walk, and
our gentlemanly department, that we are
Odd Fellows an spirit and in truth, and
worthy to be the representatives of this
honored institution.
After his address Grand Orator Colonel
Stillwell H. Russell delivered most elo-
quent and able Grafton, after which the
procession reformed and marched back
to the Lodge room.
At night grand supper and ball was
given at Turner Hall. which was largely
attended by the beauty and fashion OF the
Capital City. twas most brilliant affair,
and all who attended had most delight
ful time, ta