Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-09-08
KNIGHTS TEMpLAR.

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.
Tho Grand Procession in San Francisco-
Representatives Present from Every
State and Territory in the Union Up
ward of Four Thousand Gorgeously Ar
rayed Soldiers of the Cross in Line.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL, Aug. q.
The grand procession of the Knights Tenn
| 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-
thusiastic 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 Conclave.
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 $3.50 the Communicates
began to arrive, taking up the positions as
signed them in the streets off Market re-
were on the ground, md 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
o mass of decorations extending as far as
the triumphal arch; on the other, 1000
richly clad Knights, representing every
State and Territory in the United States.
To the old California pioneer it was some
thing beyond realization. His mind revert
ed to sand-hills, and he was dazed.
At half-past ten the order to move for
ward was given by the Captain-General. A
platoon of mounted police spurred their
horses on to clear the way. They were fol-
The first commandery to lead off was Cali
fornia No. 1, their silver-embroidered 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 SmallnesS of their num-
bers and their pluck in coming, were the
Arkansas De Molays, of Fort Smith; Wash
ington, No. 1, Of Hartford; Damascus, No.
2, of Jacksonville, Fla, and Cyrene, No. 8,
OF Middletown, Conn.,, Knight Brainard LIE
roy, representing his commandery.
The approach of Lyon & Healy's band, of
Chicago, with their striking uniform, made
every one ask: "Who are these knights
coming?' They were the st. Demands, 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 Royal
Hawaiian band, selected by the Grand Com
mander of this State as the efficient orches-
ira of the conclave. Immediately preceded
by Boston ~Comlnandery, which acted as a
special escort to the Grand Master of the
United States. The Bostonians were high
ly complimented OH their excellent appear
ance, cheer after cheer being given them
as they passed by, marching in close
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 and
brilliant staff. The procession terminated
with the De Witt Clinton C~ommandery, of
Virginia City, Neb., mounted on black
steeds and acting as the grand guard of
honor of the Grand Encampment.
1t Il is not invidious to say that the Virgin
ians merited compliment on their dress,
horses and accoutrements generally. 1t is
acknowledged that they have carried off the
honors of the day.
The Knights first proceeded to the pavilion,
where addresses were delivered by Governor
Stoneman, of California, Ex-Governor Per-
kins, the Mayor of the city, and others.
Then they marched to Vanness avenue.
where they were reviewed by the Grand
Master, after which the march through the
city began. 1t occupied an hour in passing
a given point. AS near as could be deter
mined, $3.50 Knights took part, representing
366 Communicates from f~orty-siX States and
Territories, every State and Territory in the
United States.
Several accidents occurred in the con-
clave procession. Three standard bearers
tainted from exhaustion, and Sir Alexander
Weed, aid of the Grand Commander of Cali
fOrnia, was thrown from his horse, and both
legs were broken.
Though the election of officers will not
take place until Wednesday afternoon, the
subject is already exciting discussion among
the Sir knights. The present officers are:
Benjamin Dean, of Boston, Most Eminent
drin, Va, Right Eminent Deputy Grand Mas.
ter; Charles Roome,o of New York. Very Emil
ne ne Gsnnd Gencr Vdss John T; S.; j., Goblin,
tain General; Hugh McCurdy. of Corunna,
Mich, Very Eminent Grand Senior Warden;
Ye%y Eminent Grand Junior Warden; John
w. Simons, of New York City, Very Eminent
Grand Treasurer; Theodore s.. PAWN. of lowe
City, Very Eminent Grand Recorder.
They Blew Out the Gas.
CHICAGO. Aug. Fl.