The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1882-02-09
The Odd Fellows.


This morning the Odd Fellows assembled
to march in procession through the town. Az
ter being marshaled, the band of the Twenty
Second Infantry, under direction. of Bandmas-
ters Messrs. J. T. and Fred. T. Clarke, and
preceded by Drum Major John Orion,
marched off in grand style, followed by the
Patriarchs, headed by Captain Harcourt, in
full uniform, violet and gold velvet sache, belt,
sword, gauntlet, black velvet cooked hat sur
mounted by violet feathers. Then followed
the various members of the order, with collars
and badges, and in the rear was the Golden
band under Professor Rodi. After marching
through the city the order returned to the Ca
sino hall to receive an address of welcome on
behalf of the city. The walls of the hall were
tastefully decorated with red white and blue
bunting, each door and window was overhung
with evergreens and surmounted with flags,
and at the far end was the throne o. the Past
Grand, decorated with flags, evergreens and
bunting.
After grand selection had been performed
by the Golden and Infantry band, Grand
Marshall Bib introduced S. G.. Newton,
Esq, who said:
''In behalf of the inhabitants of the Alamo
City, extend to you a hearty welcome. For
the first time since the Odd Fellows have been
planted on the soil of Texas has our city been
honored by your presence. You could not
have chosen place IN which you would be
received with greater pleasure or have had a
more hearty welcome. You are, to-day, on
the battle field of the independence of Texas;
it was here that the fire of liberty burnt in its
zenith, and you will find here to-day, all those
good qualities that actuated the heroes of the
Alamo. You are welcome here as an order
for the good of humanity, and as men whose
records are good and true. In the name of
the people, in the name of our dead heroes,
welcome you to our city and thrice welcome
you to our hearts and homes"
After another musical selection had been
performed, the Grand Marshall introduced
Colonel H. b. Andrews who, in an excellent
speech, said: have on more than one occa-
sion and in various places been called upon to
give effect to the wishes and the senti-
ments of others, but I cannot recall time
where the duty assigned to me has been more
pleasant to fill than in this instance. 1t has
been said that out of the iulness of the heart
the mouth speaketh, and from that inspiration
draw my language. Every sentiment speak
will find an echo IN the hearts of not only our
brethren of the order, but in our citizens, and
in their name bid you welcome to the city of
the Alamo. For the past time the Odd Eel
lows convention has been held west of the
Colorado, and we may we'll be proud of your
presence here. l cannot give a welcome in
rounded periods and poetic language, but I can
with truth and sincerity say you are welcome
to our city, our homes, and our hearts. If we
do not extend our welcome in courteous and
polished language, judge US by our actions
rather than our words. | told you would be
received here with open hands, that warm
hearts would greet you. Have | failed in my
promise, or is it not fully justified? When /
refer to one whose life has been an example,
and one to whom my subsequent remarks will
apply, l am reminded that at one time
in presidential election it was resolved that
no member should appeal to a lodge in favor
of candidate. A Grand Master in speaking
alluded to the glorious constitution of our
country, when he was called to order, on the
supposition that he was electioneering. "Great
heavens" he exclaimed, sis it possible that
our constitution cannot be alluded to without
the name of Daniel Webster being associated
with it." j cannot to-day speak of the order
without referring to one whose hair is frosted,
whose silver locks testify TO his services; who
is among US, and of us as repre-
senting of one of the oldest lodges
in the state. l mean J. Y. Dashiell
As his representative and that of our lodge, /
welcome you, and in the name of sire and
son, matron and maid, bid you hearty well