Huntsville gazette., 1883-08-25
GALA DAY AT SAN FRANCISCO.
Ahe Grand Parade of Knights Templar-
An imposing Pageant Witnessed by an
Immense Throng.


SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 20.
Ihe grand procession of Knights Temp
lar which took place this afternoon is ad-
mltted to have been an unqualified success.
The entire population of San Francisco and
seventy thousand strangers declared it so,
cheering throughout the entire route. To
the people of this city it was eminently
gratifying. As early as eight O'Clock in
the morning crowds began gathering on
the streets along which the procession
would pass, and by nine o'clock Market
street was rendered impossible, except
tne roadway which, by police orders, had
been Kept clear for the passage of the
knights. At half-past nine o'clock the
Communicates began to arrive, taking up
the positions assigned them in the streets
OH Market reserved for the pur-
pose. At ten O'Clock all had
arrived and at that hour the scene pre-
sented from the gallery of the Baldwin
Hotel was one not readily to be forgotten
by San Franciscans who had the good for
tune to witness it. On one side mass of
decorations extending as far as the tri-
umphal arch; on the other side, 1000 rich
ly-clad Knights, representing every State
and Territory Of the United States. To the
old California pioneer it was something be-
yond realization. His mind reverted to the
sand hills, and he was dazed. At half-past
ten the order was given by the Captain
General to move forward. A platoon of
mounted police spurred their horses onward
to clear the way, followed by detachment
of police on foot. The first Commandery
that led off was California Commandery,
No. l, their silver-embroidered velvet
cloaks and plumed hats, with richly ca
parisoned horses, attracting marked atten-
tlon. Following them came the Golden
cate and Oakland Communicates, the
Grand Master, Governor Sir George Per-
kins, riding milk-white charger specially
presented to him for the occasion by Judge
Denlson, of Sacramento, following accom-
panied by his staff Next in order came
various Communicates from California,
oregon, Washington Territory, Ne
vada and Arizona, each preceded by
their respective bands. These completed
the first three divisions, after which, up to
the tenth division, came the Communicates
OF States east of the Rocky Mountains
Among the latter particularly remarked
from the smallness of numbers and pluck of
coming were Arkansas, De Molai of Fort
Smith; Washington, No. 1, of Hartford,
Conn.,; Damascus, No. 2, of Jacksonville,
Fla, and Cyrene, No. s. of Middleton,
KNIGHT Braipard Leroy is repre-
band of Chicago with their striking
uniforms made every one ask: "Who are
these Knights coming" ''They are the st.
Bernards, of Chicago, who by the Knights
of this coast are held in especial esteem"
As they passed by, the knowledge of what
they were and the appearance they pre-
sented excited long and hearty cheers. The
tenth and last division was composed of
the Grand Encampmento of the United States,
led by Sir VIM. Knox, Past Grand Com
mander of California. The Royal Hawa-
iian band, selected by the Grand Command
cry of this State as official orchestra of the
Conclave, Immediately preceded the Bos-
ton Commandery which acted as especial es-
cort to theGrand Master of the United States.
The Bostonians were highly complimented
for their excellent appearance, and cheer
after cheer was given them as they passed
by, marching in close order and with mark
ed precision. Following them, on white
chargers, came Grand Master Dean, accom-
panied by numerous and brilliant staff,
and the procession terminated with Dewitt
Clinton Commandery of Virginia City,
New, mounted ON black steeds and acting
as grand guard of honor to the Grand En-
The Virginians merited CON-
pliment in dress, horses and accoutrements.
1t was generally acknowledged that they
bore off the honors of the day. The Knights
first proceeded to the pavilion, where ad-
dresses were delivered by Gov. Stoneman,
of California, ex-Gov. Perkins, 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 given point. As near as
can be determined 3,780 Knights took part,
representing 366 Communicates, from for
ty-six States and Territories. In a word,
every State and Territory in the United
States was represented.