The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-08-22
A Grand Procession The knights Temp
lars in San Francisco. Nearly Every
State i'm the Union Represented.

lars IN san francisco. Nearly Every
State i'm the Union Represented.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2l.-The grand process
sion of Knights Templars, which took place
yesterday afternoon was admitted to be an un-
qualified success. The entire population of
San Francisco and 10000 strangers, who were
witnesses of the parade, have declared SO.
Cheers were sheard along the entire route.
What is the best represented, if not the most
numerous conclave ever held in this or any
country, is to the people of this city eminently
gratifying after the time OF their momentary
Encouragement. They have spared neither
pains nor expense to return the compliment
extended to the representatives from this coast
to the Chicago conclave. AS early as eight
o'clock in the morning crowds began gather
ing in the streets along which the procession
would pass, and by 9 O'clock Market street was
rendered impossible except the roadway,
which, by police orders, was kept clear for the
passage of the knights. AT $50 the Command
cries began to arrive and come up to the posi-
tions assigned to them in the streets off Market,
which were reserved for that purpose. At 10
O'Clock all had arrived, and at that hour the
scene presented from the gallery, of the Bald
win Hotel was one not to be readily forgotten
Dy those who witnessed it. On one side there
was a mass of decorations extending as far as
the triumphal arch. and on the other 1000 rich
ly clad Knights, representing every State and
Territory in the Union. To the old California
pioneer it was something beyond realization.
His mind reverted to the sand hills, and he
was dazed. At hslf-past ten the order was
given by the Grand Captain General, EN-.
Sir Reuben H. Lloyd, to move forward. A
platoon of mounted police sourred their horses
on to clear the way, followed by detachment
of police on foot. The first ommaDdery, Cal
ifornia No /, then came, their silver embroid-
cred velvet cloaks and plumed hats, with their
richly caparisoned black horses, attracting
marked attention, and following them came
the Golden Gate and Oakland Communicates,
escortiDg Governor and r. e. Sir George g.
Perkins, Grand Commander of California,
riding a milk white charger, especially presen-
ted to him for the occasion by Judge benson
of Sacramento. Next in order came the vari-
ous Communicates of California, Oregon,
Washington Territory, Nevada and Arizona
each preceded by band. These completed
the first division, after which, up to the tenth
division, came the Communicates of States
east of the Rocky Mountains. Among the lat
ter particularly remarked from the smallness
of their numbers and their pluck in coming,
we're the Arkansas Damalias of Fort Smith;
Washington No. of Hartford; Damacus No.
2 of Jacksonville, Fla, and Cyrene No. 8 of
Middletown, Conn. The fourth division, un-
der escort of Golden Gate Commandsry No. 16
of San Francisco, accompanied by the Second
Ouitcu OtdtOo atbillcIJ IEcnlulO DdudJ Was
composed of representatives of the Grand Com
manderies of Maine, New Hampshire, Yer
mont, Massachusetts,, Rdode Island and Con-
necticut, commanded by r. r. E. Sir Nicholas
Van Syck. The approach Of Lyon & Healy's
Band of Chicago, with their striking uniforms
made every one ask: who are these knights
coming?" They were the St. Bernards of
Chicago, who are held in especial esteem by
the knights OF this coast AS they passed by,
the knowledge of what they were and the ap-
pearance they presented ELECTED long and hear
ty cheers.
The 10th and last division was composed of
the Grand Encampment of the United States,
led by Sir VIM. Knox, Past Grand Comman-
der Of California. The Royal Hawaiian Band,
selected by the Grand Commandery of this
State as the official orchestra of the conclave,
Immediately preceded the Boston Command
cry which acted as special escort to Grand
Master Dean. The Bostonians were highly
complimented on their excellent appearance,
cheer after cheer being given them as they
passed by, marching i'd close order and with
marked precision. Following them, on white
horse, came Grand Master Deary, accompanied
by a numerous and brilliant staff. The process
sion terminated with the Dewitt Clinton Com
mandery of Virginia City, New, mounted on
black horses and acting as grand guard of
honor to the Grand Encampment. 1t is not
invidous to say that the Virginians merited
the compliment, as in dress, horses and accou-
trements it was generally acknowledged they
bore off the honors of the day.
After marching over the prescribed route to
Van Ness avenue the Communicates then
formed in line and were reviewed by M. E.
Grand Master Dean and suite. Subsequently
the column continued its march to Eddy ST.,
when it marched in review past the Grand
Officers After counter-marohing the knights
first proceeded to the Mechanics Pavilion,
where addresses of welcome were delivered by
Governor StoDeman of California, Ex-Governor
Perkins, Mayor Bartlett and others, to which
Grand Master Dean responded The process
sion occupied an hour III passing given point,
and, as near as can be determined 378
knights took part, representing 366 Command
cries from every State and Territory in the
Union.
The triennial conclave of the Grand En-
campment of the United States opened this
morning, the Grand officers being escorted to
the Grand ASYLUM by the Grand Commandery
of California and a large Knights Templar es-
cort.