The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-09-01
How the Prize Was Won.

set for noon, and 1t was but fifteen minutes past
shat hour when the Raper knights marched onto
the track, headed by the First United States
Cavalry band, and saluted the judges They
were as fine looking set Of men as one would
wish tc see, and in the report which follows it
will be seen that the movements they executed
were anything but chid's play. Colonel N. R.
Rucke was in command of the Sir Knights, W no
numbered twenty-sx. Being the first to exhibit
their proficiency in drilling they were also the
first on the ground having pitched their tent to
the east OF the racecOurse, Immediately oppo-
site the grand stand. It had hardly been erected
when the ladies of the eommandery. anxious, of
course, that the Rapers should carry off the
honors, sent them magnificent Maltese
cross constructed out of exquisite flowers, and
showing the words, SIN Hoe Signo Vtnces,"
wrought In pinks. The Sir knights felt highly
elated, especially the fast-increasng crowd
had them and their band the only objects to
look at and admire. The compliments flew
thick and fast, the spectators taking the most
lively interest in ali the proceedings. One hour
before the time set for the commencement of the
drill the judges communicated the order of evo-
]utions to Commander Ruckle, charging him at
the same time not to exhibit them either before
after the commandery had drilled, nor until
the question of superiority had heen decided.
Thus the Sir Knights of Indiana were compelled
judges descended from their stand ana entered
the race-track, each bearing books IN which TO
note the percentages of the various maneuvers.
Then the order to begin was given and COM
muncated to Commander Ruckle. The band
quickly fell into line, the commandery dressed
In column of threes, the command "March!"
was given in sharp, loud voice, the drummer
tapped his drum, up went the instruments of
the musicians, ana to the inspiring strains of
march the first competitors for the chief honors
and trophy of the triennial conelave marched to
tue field of trial. broad avenue had been kept
clear in order afford them entrance. and
through this they came, with elastic swinging
steps, in perfect time, a handsome body of men,
straight and erect, with swords drawn, looking
neither to the right nor to the left, and having
no ear for anything save the orders they fell
from the lips OF their commander. AS they
wheeled to the right in front of the grand stand
and came into full view of the vast numbers of
spectators the enthusiasm knew bounds
They were wildly applauded and cheered. The
Judges alone remained unaffected. Colonel
Ruckle PAID his respects to Major Randol, who
acted as chlef Judge, In handsome and precise
style, receiving in return the usual acknowl-
edgement, and an cTder to break ranks In less
ZINE than it takes to TELL the line of Sir Knights
which previously had stood as straight as if
rooted to the ground and formed with the aid of
81 ferule had become a confused little knot But
almost quickly came the ORDER Fall in" 4
second more and the line of knights was there
again: "Attention!' then rang the voice
lowed, "Draw swOrks" next, and there stood the
Raper command, each man Il perfect picture in
himself, their swords pointing heaven wards with
the accuracy of mathematical instruments, each
plumed hat pointing straight west, the chests
OUT inc aD0OmenS IN ana the Knees and heels
closed. present swords" was the next order,
and instantly the sword of each knight was
brought forward even with the shoulders. The
spectators applauded.
SWORD MANUAL.
The Commandery next was put through the
Knights Templars sword manual, all move
lnents being executed with neatness, rapidIty,
and seeming precision. Next came command
cry full-front drill. The corps was standing
close to the western fence when the command
'Right about, march," came. The line .urned
as one man and crossed the track with meas
ured steps. When it had come within six feet
Of the fence on the opposite side the order left
about. march," was given, and again each man
in the line spun around like a top; Double
quick then was the command, and the COM
mandery returned to their former position
run, only to he stopped by decisive "Halt,"
which, instantly obeyed, left the line as straight
ferule. Major Randol cast his eye along the
column, and made note in his book. The next
order was Right obllque, march," Each knight
in the half-face-tOtheright line turned and
then the line marched across the
a 10 S0PPed in with hrr the order
ceeded by "Double- quick" at which each
knight raised his word to his hip. The column
returned to the starting point, running oblIque-
ly, being each time sent off again under the
command "Right about" Left about" until
they had traversed the ground in this man.
ner in each direction The column kept its
line almost perfectly, no dressing of ranks being
required.
RIGHT AND LEFT WHEEL
The commandery was next exercised in wheel
ing full front. The first command was "Right
Wheel" an excellently executed movement
which drew forth rounds of applause Having
completed this the commandery was ordered
Forward march," Again the line without
stopping, was brought out straight IA string.
Again, without stopping. came the command
Right about" the commandery turning like
door which flies open in blast of wind Again
nnf Ar rVxruG tone Fv.rl,,
then Left Wheel" coming finally to "A halt near
the eastern fence. But the knights
were NOT given any breathing
time Another command soon brought
them to the center OF the ground, and here they
wheeled about completely, without flaw or error,
amid the shouts and applause of the delighted
spectators. In hating, however, a mistake was
made, the eighth man in the line not falling be-
hind, and breaking the symmetry of the move
ment. But this fault did not much lie with
the Sir Knight rs with the Commander, for he
gave the order to halt without turning Next
threes, marching first around the four sides of a
square with easy, grateful steps, each column
wheeling gracefully at the corner. Next they
marcbeg, oblquey also in column of tnrees di-
HEOr'' ~ across the square, the commander
turning them right and left and bringing them
far down towards the south ern end of the course.
These movements also were excelently exc
cuted and earned liberal applause Form
ing full front out of the column of thrres
by right and left, was the next movement. This
also was credttably done, and again the com.
mandery earned the praise of the spectators As
the full front before had been broken up into
"threes right" II was next made to execute the
same movement "tnrees left" With it came the
urder "QUuhlr-quick;" again the swUrd-hilts
mandery started off, 10 be- checked 10y the order
"rhrees left oblqUe,' 10 hcau'iul V--Xrcuted but
difficult movement. sun Wt double quick. the
enmmandery, going biqueiy. WAS ordered TO
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