Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-08-22

Grand Procession In San Francisco
Four thousand Knights in Line
From Every state in the
Union.
san FRAxcIsco. Aug. 81.

DAN hANCicCO. aug 81
The grand procession of Knights Templar,
which took place here yesterday afternoon,
was admitted to be an unqualified success.
The entire population of San Francisco and
20 900 strangers have declared so. Cheers
were heard along the entire route. What is
the best represented if not the most numer-
Gus conclave ever held In this or any other
country, is to the people of San Francisco
eminently gratifying, after the time of their
momentarv encouragement They have
spared neither pains nor expense to return
the compliment extended to the representa-
tives from the Pacific coast to Chicago.
As early as eight in the morning crowds
began gathering in the streets along which
the procession would pass, and by 8 O'Clock
Market street was rendered impossible ex-
cept the ROADWAY, which was clear for the
passage of the Knights.
At 8. 80 the Communicates began to arrive,
and came to the positions assigned them in
the streets off Market. At 10 all had arrived
and at that hour the scene presented from the
gallery of the Baldwin Hotel was one not to
be readily forgotten by those who witnessed
it. On one side there was a mass of decora-
tons extending as far as the triumphal arch,
and on the other 1000 richly clad knights,
representing every State in the Union.
At half past ten the order was given by the
oaptain-general to move forward. A platoon
of mounted police spurred their horses on to
clear the way, followed by detachment of
police on foot The first commanderv, No.
/, with their silver embroidered velvet closks
and plumed hats, upon richly comparisoned
black horses, attracted much attention.
Following them came the Golden Gate and
Oakland Communicates, Grand Master Gov
ernor Sir George Perkins riding a white
charger, especially presented TO him for the
occasion by Judge Dennison of Sacramento.
Next in order came various Communicates
of California, Oregon, Washington Territory,
Nevada and Arizona, each preceded by a
band. These completed the first division,
after which up to the 10th division, came
communicates of States east of the Rocky
Mountains. Among the latter particularly
remarked from the smallness of numbers
and pluck in coming, were Arkansas, Dam
alias. Fort Smith, Washington, No. l Hart
ford, Damascus, No. 2 Jacksonville, and
Cyrene No, of Middletown, Conn.
The approach of LYON & Healy's band of
Chicago, with striking uniforms. made every
one ask .'Who are these knights coming!
These were the St. Demands of Chicago. held
in especial esteem by the knights of the
Pacific coast. As they passed, by the knowl-
edge of who they were and the appearance
they presented, elected long and hearty
cheers.
The 10th and last division composed
of the grand encampment of the United
States, led by Sir William Knox, past grand
commander of California, the Royal band,
selected by the grand commandery Of Cali
fornia, and the official orchestra of the con-
clave, Immediately preceded by Boston COM
mandery, which acted as special escort to
Grand Master Dean. The Bostonans were
highly complimented on their excellent ap-
pearance. Cheer after cheer was given them
as they passed by, marching in close order
and with marked precision.
Following them on white chargers came
Grand Master Dean, accompanied by a num-
erous and brilliant staff. The procession
terminated with the Dewitt Clinton COM
mandery of Virginia City, Nevada, mounted
on black steeds and acting as grand guard of
honor to the grand encampment 1t is not
invidious to say that they merited the COM
pliment, as in dress, horses and accoutre-
ments it was generally acknowledged that
they bore off the hOnOrs of the day.
The knights first proceeded to the pavilion,
where addresses were delivered by Gov.
Stoneman of California, ex-GOv. Perkins of
MAYO City and others. The knights then
marched to YAM ess avenue, where they were
received by the grand master, after which the
march through the city began. 1t occupied
an hour passing given point. AS near as
can be determined, $3.50 knights took part
representing 500 Communicates from every
State and Territory in the Union.