Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1881-06-12

figure OF Standing Knight, with VISOR
raised, and grasping with one hand an enor-
nous broadsword, such as only, among all
the Crusaders, Richard, of the lion heart,
could WELD. Such is the gift of Cour de
Lion Commandery. 1t is not as costly
as we would have given. We
know the victors and would it
were more valuable. But we beg you, be
assured this sword is given because of its
intrinsic value, as well as symbolic worth.
1t is such as we We're able to offer, and we
are rejoiced that it has fallen into appreci-
alive hands. 1t is figure of the Templar
emblem, the sacred cross, and it typifes to
us the most valued and sacred of all human
virtues, that of self-denial and self-sacriice.
which makes man most Christ-ike and
divine.
I need not say how fitting it is that such
a symbol should fall into such hands. The
winners of this prize, for home and
country, or wife and family, for
brethren, aye, even for strangers, have
fearlessly faced death in thousand forms,
and for pity or patriotism, stand ready to
face it while life lasts. They are the heroes
of to-day; but heroism is nothing new to
them. Some of them have stood in battle,
under fire, with comrades falling around
them, and yet under orders, forbade to re-
turn the fire. Many among them have
faced a deadlier than human foe, and with
no one to relieve, none to understand, no
/ panacea, no hope, have striven for months
/ against 1.-The pestilence that walketh in
darkness and the destruction that wasteth at
MONDAY" And to-day they have again
repeated before us that lesson ever told
but ever to be retaught and learned. In
union there is strength-strengthn not only to
dill fn,~ hmm Int
strength to fight well the battle of life
Their feet kept time to-day on the campus.
In the worlds broad field of battle, in
i the bivouac of life, their hearts beat in
unison, and they are dumb, driven cattle
they are heroes in the strife.
! Take this sword, Sir, and wear it in re-
membrance of Knoxville, of this conclave,
of Cnur de Lion Commandery, and above
all of its holy, sacred symbolism. May it
! add to your Joys and be sweet remembrance
of the happy days of this conclave. And
as happiness is the best boon vouchsafed to
man on earth, and the happiest man is he
who makes others happy, be assured that
! the Knights of the Commandery of the
Lion Heart are among the happiest of men
| tonight.
| ACCEPTANCE OF THE SWORD.
| Col. Robert c. Williamson, r. E. Com
mander of the Memphis Commandery, was
called on the stage to receive the prize. He
didn't know what he could or ought to say,
after meeting with a reception that could
not be equaled by anything, and after the
presentation speech in language that could
not be surpassed. He was prouder than ever
before in his life, he said, for this conquest,
and, on behalf of the commandery, re-
turned most sincere thanks to all. There is
but one expression, said he, on the
lips of the Knights, rnd that is 9 God bless
you all for this reception "
PRESENTATION TO NASHVILLE CoMMANDERY.
Maj. j. D. Richardson, of Murfreesboro,
on behalf of Ceur de Lion Commandery,
presented, in an elegant speech, full of wit
and good humor, beautiful floral Offering,
in the shape of an anchor. He thought
both communicates had acquitted themselves
well, and said the Nashville boys had been
| taking all the prizes. and would no doubt
get the next one, but now, he said, Mem
phis has taken the fruit and Nashville will
/ take the flowers.
Captain General r. II. Howell, of the
Nashville Commandery accepteditin pleasant
style, acknowledging that the splendid drill
ing of the Memphis boys had defeated them
but he hoped it would stimulate the boys
to renewed efforts.
R. E. Commander NJ B. Howell
was called upon and added a
few words, which provoked much mirth.
He closed by paying high tribute to the
Memphis Knights, and testified to entire
good feelings existing between the two COM
manderies Notwithstanding the rivalry.
This brought the speech making cere-
monies to a close, with all in the best of
good humors and the assembled hosts fell
to and devoured the magnificent spread with
a hearty good will, and then followed re-
sumption of the social and ball room enjoy
| ments
This closed the most brilliant season of
pageantry and festivity perhaps ever wit
messed and enjoyed in Knoxville. Many of
the visiting Knights and ladies, about two
thirds of The crowd, departed on the early
train west.