Daily globe., 1883-08-27
KNIGHT TEMPLAR DRILL.
TIE CONPETTTIVE PRIZE DRILL At
SAN FRANCISCO.

A Great Gathering OF Spectators-The De-
molays of Louisville Take the First
Prize, the Rapiers of Indias apoIis the
Second, and the st. Bernards of Chicago
the Th1rd-A Lame Duck Spells the Chi
cagoans' Chances.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 25.-Tne competi
tive Knights Templar drill took place this
afternoon in Bay District park. Long be-
fore the beginning of the exercises the
grand stand, which seated 5000, was
crammed to its utmost and
10000 more were in the en-
closure below. Only three communicates
competed, Rapier of Indianapolis, Demo
lay of Louisville, and st. Bernard of Chi
cago. Each drilled with twenty
except st. Bernard, who only drilled
twenty-five. Forty minutes of time was
allowed each drill. The Pacific coast COM
manderies refralned from competing,
preferring tbs prize to be won by the
eastern knights, whom they regarded as
their guests There were five prizes ir all,
varying in value from $500 to $500. The
rule was made by the triennial committee
that the prizes should become the absolute
property of the winners, and not subject
to further competition. There were three
judges, all officers Of the United States
army. The tactics constituted sword exer-
cises, military evolutions and the Templar
movement.
First to appear in the list was the Ra.
pier commandery, of Indianapolis, the
privileges OF the last being conceded to St.
Bernard, of Chicago. At u sharp they
advanced accompanied by the band of the
First United States cavalry, to the north
ern confines Of the drill ground, returned
TO the judges stand and wheeling into
line gave the salute. This was a sign for
great burst of cheering, in
which the two competing comman-
dries heartily joined. Their drill was ex-
cellently performed, The wheeling and
marching by threes much admired, but in
the movement to bugle call they made a
couple of bad breaks calling forth sorrow-
full cries from the crowd and ieopardized
their claim to the first prize.
The Rapiers were followed by the Demo
lays, who as they marched in stately col
umn to the front of the judges stand, led
by the Eighth United States infantry band
were received with great cheers. Their
drill was watched with much attention.
Some of the more difficult movements
ELECTED great admiration. They drilled
like old veterans,
After them came the St. Bernards, with
Lyon & Healy's Chicago band, and they
were greeted by the immense crowd with
continuous burst of applause. Their sa-
Lutte to the judges was signal for renewed
cheering, which was kept up until they be-
gan the exercises. During the first five
minutes they drilled with marked precis-
ion, bat after that their drill was COM
pletely marred by an unfortunate knight
who persisted in always getting where he
was not wanted. Before the drill was half
over it became evident the ST. Bernards
would not be first, and that the first prize
would lay between the DimRloys and Ra-
piers, the unfortunate break of the St.
Barnards depriving them OF chat hope
When they retired TO their tents the ap-
plause was tremendous, clearly hoving
what direction the synpathies of the peo-
pie went. At the conclusion Of The drill
the tents Of the three competing comman-
deries were surrounded by knights and
ladies who gave them quite an ovation.
The first prize was awarded to the De-
molays OF Louisville, the second to the
Rapers Of indianapolis and the third to
the St. Bernard of Chicago.