The Rock Island Argus., 1883-08-22
In Hoe SIGNO VINCES.
PARADE OF THE KNIGHTS IN FRISCO
Nearly Four Thousand Soldiers of the
Cross IN Line-A Grand Scene
Programme of the Con-
claVe


SAN FRANCISCO, Cal, Aug. ~.
The grand procession of the Knights Ten
plar, which took place Monday afternoon,
was an unqualified success. The entire
population of San Francisco and 10000
strangers have so declared. There was en-
thusastic cheering throughout the entire
route. This is the most satisfactory con-
clave ever held in this or any other country.
To the people of this city this is eminently
gratifying. They spared no pains or eX-
pense to return the compliment extended
the representation of this coast TO the Chi
cago Conclaye.
As early as eight O'Clock in the morning
crowds began gathering In the streets along
which the procession would pass, and by
nine Market street was rendered impassa-
bic, except the roadway, which by police or
ders had been kept clear for the passage of
the Knights. At $50 the communicates
began TO arrive, taking up the positions as
signed them in the streets off Market re-
served for the purpose. At ten O'Clock all
were on the ground, and at that hour the
scene presented from the gallery of the
Baldwin Hotel was one not readily to be
forgotten by San Franciscans who had the
good fortune to witness it. On one side was
a mass of decorations extending as far as
the triumphal arch; on the other 4,00O
richly clad Knights, representing every
State and Territory in the United States.
To the old California pioneer 1t was some
thing beyond realization. His mind revert
ed to sand-hills, and he was dazed.
All half-past ten the order to move for
ward was given by the Captain-General. A
platoon of mounted police spurred theiI
horses on to clear the way. They were fol-
lowed by detachment of police on foot.
The first commandery to lead off was Cali
forna No. l, their silver-embroideTed velvet
cloaks and plumed hats, with richly-com-
parisoned black horses, attracting marked
attention. Following them came the Golden
Gate and Oakland (CaL) Communicates,
Grand Master Sir George Perkins riding a
milk-white charger specially presented to
him for the occasion by Judge benson, of
Sacramento. Next in order came the vari-
OnS communicates of California, Oregon,
Washington Territory, Nevada and Arizona,
each preceded by their respective bands.
These completed the three first divisions,
after which, up to tenth division, came the
Communicates of States east of the Rocky
Mountains. Among the latter, particularly
remarkable for the SmalmeSS OF their num-
bers and their pluck in coming, were the
Arkansas De Molays, of Fort Smith; Wash
ington, No. l, of Hartford; Damascus, No.
,, of Jacksonville, Fla, and Cyrene, No. s,
of Middletown, Conn, Knight Brainard Le-
roy, representing his eommaAdery.
The approach of Lyon & Healy's band, OF
Chicago, with their striking uniform, made
every one ask: "Who are these Knights
comins?" They were the St Bernards, OF
Chicago, who by the Knights of this coast
have been held in especial esteem. As they
passed by, the knowledge of what they were
and the appearance they represented ELECTED
long and hearty cheers. The tenth
and last division was composed OF
the grand encampment of the United States
led by Sir William Knox, Past Grand
Commander OF California, and the Roya
Hawaiian band, selected by the Grand Com
mandeT OF this State as the efficient Orches
ira of the conclave. Immediately preceded
by Boston COmmandery, which acted as {
special escort to the Grand Master of the
United States. The BoStOnians were high
ly cOmplnented on their excellent appear
ance, cheer after cheer being given them
as they passed BY marching III ciOSG
order and with marked precision. Following
Them on white chargers, came the promi-
nent figure of the conclave, Grand Master
Dean, accompanied by a numerous anG
brilliant staff. The procession terminated
with the De Witt Clinton Commandery, o1
Virginia City, Neb., mounted on blaCE
SteedS and acting as the grand guard OF
honor of the Grand Eneampment
1t is not invidi0us to say that the Virgin
ians merited compliment on their dress
| horses and accoutrements generally. 1t i
acknowledged that they have carried off tht
| honors of the day.
The Knights first proceeded to the pavilion
! where addresses were delivered by GovernO
Stoneman, of California, Ex-Governor Per
kin5, the Mayor of the city, and others
Then they marched to Vanness avenue
where they were reviewed by the Crane
Master, after which the march through The
| city began. 1t occupied an hour in passins
a given point AS near as could be deter
| mined, $3.50 Knights took part, representinG
| 366 Communicates from forty-siX States anC
| Territories, every State and Territory in tht
United States.
Several accidents occurred i'll the con
| Claye procession. Three standard-bearer
tainted from exhaustion, and Sir Alexandel
| Weed, aid of the Grand Commander of Cali
| fOrnia, was thrown from his horse and boil
| legs were broken.
Though the election of officers will no
| take place until Wednesday afternoon, tn
| subject is already exciting discussion anon
the Sir Knights. The present officers are
Benjamin Dean, of Boston, Most Eminen
| Grand Master; Robert E. Withers of Alexar
| dria, Va, Right Eminent Deputy Grand Mas
| ter; Charles Roome of New York. Very Elm
| nent Grand GeneralissimO; John P. S. GobiL
/ OF Lebanon, Pa, Very Eminent Grand CaI
| tain General; Hugh McCurdy. of Corunni
Mich, Very Eminent Grand Senior Warden
| William La Rue Thomas, of Danville, NY
| Very Eminent Grand Junior Warden; Joh
| W Sim0ns, Of New York City, Very Eminen
| Grand Treasurer; Theodore :. Parvin, of low
| City. Very Eminent Grand Recorder.
! The following is the revised programm
for the remaining days of the conclave
Today, eight p. m., grand banquet eT
dered by the Grand Commandery of Cal
ifornia to the Grand Encampment of tn
United States, at the Kick House. At tn
pavilion there will be exercises by yariou
societies and clubs, music and dancing.
Thursday will be occupied with sight-see
ing and excursions, and with a grand ol
cheStral and promenade concert in tn
Mechanics Pavilion in the evening at eigf
o'clock.
Friday, laying the cornerstone of tn
Garfield Monument by the Grand Lodge
Free and Accepted Masons of the State {
California, procession to be escorted by tn
Knights Templars, United States militar!
National Guard of California, Grand Arm
of the Republic, and Military Order of th
Loyal Legion. In the evening at the paw
lion there will be music, promenade cor
cert and dancing.
Saturday, grand competitive prize drill g
4 the Bay District track, as per special prC
gramme. At eight O'Clock in the evenin
the awarding Of prizes and a promenad
concert at the Mechanics pavilion will clos
the twenty-second triennial conclave, whiC
promises to be numbered among the mo
successful in the history of Templarism.