Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-10-12

:: !; !; !: =;
| INK ~A llweek Of fraternal de-
| ~SlN ~ flight! Such was the
| NNZSP@y MsS sentiment of two
NNi hundred knights of
| Us the Grand encamp-
| W ment of the United
States as they seated themselves last night at
Wizards in the spacious dining hall, made .
charming banquet bower by its profuse decora-
tons for the closing event of the twenty-fourth
| triennial conclave. The national colors and
festooned bunting were dependent on the walls,
and there. too, Rlitered knighty armor in the
brilliant light. In every nook were potted
plants or fraternal emblems till one might
| think himself in some floral Alhambra with
chivalry extant. The five tables, which con-
sisted OF two long ones in either end Of the
| nail running lengthwlse of the room and q
smaller one in the form of cross in the center,
were richly and lavishly adorned with flowers.
Vases three feet in height of Marechal Neil,
La France and Francis Bennett roses, princess
feather, cape flower and coxcomb quite
charmed the banqueters, while baskets and
banks of flowers were thicker than winter snow
drifts In blizzard land Erect on either arm
OF the center table, about which sat the pre-
siding officer and his staff of orators, was
A HUGE FLORAL BADGE
| OF the order, the Maltese cross, capped with
the bonnet; visior and plume of knight, and
cross and crown. These massive designs of
princess feather and immortelles were objects
of interest to all, but hardly more attractive
than the immense triennial badge of red and
white immortelles that reposed on the center
OF the cross of banquet tables On this badge
were inscribed the date of the conclave, the
names of the four local Communicates. with
their badges. and the initials, KIT" Of the
order. The tables were further garnished with
asparagus, penmosa and were delicately illumi-
tad vvfft -
Altogether it was said by connoisseurs to be
the handsomest table ever set in Washington,
not excepting the famous state affairs at the
White House. While the twelve-ply hospitality
was being served in dainty layers by a score of
uniformed walters and glasses were tinkling a
merry accompaniment to the feast the air al
ready laden with the odors of its Eden bower
was enriched with music by Crouse's orchestra,
concealed in a tropical garden at the entrance
to the hall. 1t was in such surroundings that
the visiting knights, wearing the insignia of
their rank, had gathered to pledge fraternal
affection and take their final formal leave of
their entertainers. Nothing could have been
more inspiring to the noblest purposes of
knlghthood, and there was not wanting evil
dence that such was its effect. For the impress
sion there made upon the guests will be
carried to their distant homes and whispered
into the long of their local press to the
glory of Washington.
MARCHING TO THE BANQUET TABLE.
Promptly at o'clock the knights who had
formed in the parlors ON the second floor
marched down to the banquet hall two abreast,
led by Chairman NJ. NJ. Parker, with Grand
Master Goblin on one hand and his guest, Mr.
Thomas A. McCammon of Ireland, on the other
As they entered the long sitting room leading
to the hall most charming vista was presented
that seemed q mirage OF fairy land, but proved
truthful frontispiece to the volume of happi-
ness awaiting the representatives of Masonry
IL la .<xLN
ternal organizations.
Rev. 4. f. Steele said grace, after which two
hours were consumed in discussing the dozen
courses, and at just IL o'clock Toastmas-
ter Parker uncorked the flow of SOUL and
it was 1:l5 a. m. when the last eulogy upon the
beauty and hospitality of Washington had been
uttered.
THE ToAsTs.
After brief but hearty welcome by Geo. E.
Corson, toasts were most happily responded to
as follows:
First. The Grand encampment: A prolific
mother, justly proud Of her numerous Off
! spring. Response by ME. NJ. J. P. S. Goblin of
Pennsylvania.
1.-The Grand priory of Ireland" by Sir
Thomas McCammon, an extemporaneous effort
not on the regular program.
Second. The Grandcommanderies: A brilliant
sisterhoOd, bound to each other and to the
Grand encampment by cords of love. Response
by RE. Norman T. Gassette. Chicago.
Third. The order of the temple: Sublime in
its principles brilliant in its history, grand in
! its achievements, glorious in its hopes. Re-
| spouse by r. E. Frederick Speed OF Mississippi.
Fourth. Templar Jurisprudence A system of
whose chief power lies in the ready obedience
Of its voluntary subjects Response BY M.EP.
| GIN. James H. Hopkins of Pennsylvania.
Between this and the following regular toasts
Commissioner L. G. Hine was eloquently sand
wiched in on 1.-THE District of Columbia
Fifth. Our Canadian fraters: Bound to us by
| a common lineage, common language and a
common faith. Response by Provincial Prior
W. g. Bell OF Winnipeg.
Sixth. The magnetism of our order: It
draws its votaries together from the remotest
corners of the land. Response by Geo. A. John
son. attorney general of California.
The Sword Bunker Hill'' was then
put through the vocal manual by Very
Eminent Sir James Swords, deputy grand COM
mander of the Grand commandery Of Massa-
chusetts and Rhode Island.
Seventh. The individual Templar: The re-
sponsible exemplar Of Christian knighthood.
Eminent Commander W. C. Maybury of Michi-
gan was booked to respond, but being called
home Mr.. Clark Varnum, grand commander of
the Grand commandery Of Iowa, responded in
q most felicitous vein.
Eighth. In the absence of Sir Knight John
NJ. Rusk Of Wisconsin the eighth regular toast
1.-THE seed OF Templarism," was omitted and
Sir Hugh McCurdy, deputy grand master Of the
Grand encampment, was called upon to respond
| to blue Lodge Masonry" and made a grand
| tribute to 'Our old mother"
| Ninth. Woman: The protege, the inspira-
| ton and the benediction Of the true Templar.
Rt. Eminent Jos. P. Horner being absent, Ri
| Eminent Sir Locke Of California responded to
what he called Goods first, best gift to man"
This closing the regular business, Past Grand
Master James II. Hopkins of Pennsylvania pro-