The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-08-29
KNIGHTS 1EMPLAR.
Raper Neither First nor Last In the Great
DrIl Contest, but Wins Second Place.

Raper Neither First nor Last In the Great
Drnn Contest, but Wins second Place.
SAN Francisco, Cal, Aug. 25-In the COM
petitive drill the first prize was awarded the
Demol.ys, of Louisville; second, Rapers OF
Indianapolis; third, st. Bernards, OF Chicago.
The competitive Knights Templar drill
took place this afternoon at Bay District
Park. Long before the beginning of the ex-
erciSes the grand stand, which seated 1000,
was crammed to its utmost, and 10000 more
were in the Enclosure below. Only three
Communicates competed, Raper, of Indian
apolis; De Molay, OF Louisville and 81. Ber-
nard of Chicago. Each drilled with
tKenty-seven, except the st. Bernard, who
only drilled twenty-five. Forty minutes
time was allowed each drill. The Pacific
Coast Communicates RETAINED from compel
ing, preferring that the prize be won by East
ern Knights, whom they regarded their
guests. There were five prizes IN all, varying
IN value from $1,000 to $500.
rule was made by the TIiennial Committee
that the prizes should become the absolute
property Of the winners not subject to
further competition. There were three
Judges, ali officers Of the United States
Army. The tactics constituted sword exer-
cises, military eyolutions and the Templsr
movement. The first TO appear in the list
was Raper Commandery, of Indianapolis,
the privilege OF the last drill being con-
coded 70 the So Bernards of Chicago. At
u sharp they adyapced, accompanied by the
band OF the First L nited States Cavalry to
the northern confine of the drill ground.
returned to the judges stand, and wheeling
into lire gave the salute. This was the signal
for q great burst of cheering, in which the
two compelling Commaoderies heartily
Joined. Their drill was excellently per
formed. The wheeling and marching by
threes was much admired, hut in movement
TO the bugle call, theJ made couple OF bad
breaks calling forth sorrogful cries from the
crowd and jsopardizing their claim to the
first Prize.
The Rapers were followed by the De Mo-
lays, who. ss they aIcbed in stately column
to the front of the judges stand, led by the
Eighth nited States Light Infantry Band
were received with great cheers.
Their Grill was watched with marked attsn-
ton. Some of the more difficult movements
elected great admiration. They drilled like
old veterans. After them came the st. Der
nsrd, with Lyon & Hesly's Chicago Band.
and were greeted by the immense crowd
wi continuous burst OF applause Their
salute the judges was signal for renewed
cheers, kept mp till they began drilling.
During the first tree minutes they
drilled with precision. but after
that their drill was completely
nsrred by one unfortunate Knight who per-
sisted in always getting where he was not
wanted. Before the drill was half over il
became evident thai the st. Demands wolld
not be first, and that the first prize
would lay tetween De Molay and Rsper,
the unfortunate breaks OF st. Bernard de-
priyiDg them OF the hope. When they re
tired to their tents the applsuse was tremen-
dous. clearly showing in what direction the
symreihies of the people went At the con-
-clusion OF the drill the tents of the com peting
COmmaDderies were surrounded By Knights
and lsdies, who gave them an ovation.