Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-06-13

O'Conor were thrown open to the
public, and visited by crowds of
merry, delighted people from an early
hour until after midnight. All
these places were brilliantly illu-
minated, and during the evening were
visited by the Fifth artillery,
United States band, and by the Mem
phis band. The parlOrS and reception
rooms we're profusely decorated, and
the dining halls were sumptuously
provided with solid and dainty re-
freshments, which were served in
faultless style by fair ladies, princely
hosts and other attendants. Major
Tom O'Conor's grounds comprise
about thirty acres, all embellished in
the highest style Of horticultural and
landscape art. Hundreds of gas jets
and Chinese lanterns lit up the
enchanting scene from the dark
fronted old aristocratic looking man
sion, down the swelling lawns, through
the trees across the fresh water lake
in little valley with its swans, its pa
CODA like boathouse, its fancy little
jaunty craft and green banks, and up
the hill again to the front gate, which
opens on the turnpike just west of
the university and opposite the new,
costly and tasteful residence of Mr..
James Cowan. Crowds came, wonder
ed, ate, slipped, talked with their
entertainers, and departed all the
evening. During the most of the time
the Fifth artillery band discoursed
music at Major O'Conors, and the
Memphis band at Mr.. Cowan's. They
were just opposite, in front of the
houses, and answered each other back
and forth with delightful strains like
echoes on the far-off, delightful lakes
of Killarney.
Friday was the day of all the climax
Of a delightful week. In the morn
ing there was a procession again, and
a review in one Of the principal streets
just in font of Colonel Sam Nc
Kinney's stately mansion. After
this a business session of the
grand commandery was held, and
an election of officers took place
Public interest centered greatly on
the competitive drill which took place
beginning at four o'clock in the after
noon on University Hill. AS already
telegraphed, about seven thousand
people we're present. The contest
narrowed down to The Memphis and
| Nashville commanderies, and in draw.
ing for position the first drill
fell to Memphis. The feeling
Of friendly rivalry and public
excitement run high, and both com.
mands had warm supporters. Both
were there to win, as an incident ol
two will show. On the way to Knox.
vile the Nashville commandery had
20 stop over few hours at Chatta
nooga, and Memphis man discovered
them up in a hall drilling for deal
life. Memphis commandery wen
out at daylight Friday morninl
for a severe drill. Captain Gen
eral Camp, after few quick
movements and wheel of the whole
commandery, suddenly exclaimed
She's a daisy Keep it up, boys
You can do anything" and they did
Memphis won easily over a splendid
commandery, which acquiesced grace
fully and cheerfully.
At night there was royal banquet
and ball, speeches, presentations
and oyeraowing happiness al
the operahouse. And now the
! boys come marching home, bear
ing the prize won by superior disci
pline and knightly bearing. Mucf
more deserves to be said. Specia
credit is due to Sir Knights r. G
Williamson and N. B. Camp, and al
ladies' and sir knights and Others
bring home brightest and happies
recollections of their visit to Knox
. uilla