San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-07-01
THE X. T.. EXCURSION.
A Brief Synopsis of the Trip--Notes,
ETC

| Saturday, under the auspices of the
Knights of Pythias, Uniform Rank, to
Corpus Christi.
The train of nine cars, handsomely dec
GRATED with flying colors, bunting, banners
an emblems of this popular order, pulled
| out from San Antonio with about 400
| people, composed of many of the best
families and friends of the Sir Knights.
A number Joined the party at nearly
all the stations. ty-three, mostly
Knights and their families board
ed the train at BeeVille. The
train was in charge of good and cOmpe
tent hands. the engineer and fireman both
being members of the order. After pass
ing Beeville, subscription list was pass
ed through the train, among the members,
and quite handsome sum of money was
| raised and presented to the engineer and
fireman. A safe and quick run was made
and considering the long stops at Kennedy
and Beeville, where the Uniformed
Knights formed in line and received the
BeevilleLodge, the fast time made, proved
that the S. A. p. railway between San
Antonio and Corpus has a rOad-bed in
most excellent condition, the excursion
train arriving at the Bluff City only few
minutes short of the time set, with nearly
800 people.
The Knights and their excursion friends
were met at the depot by a committee OF
| citizens, who were headed by Mayor Kel-
Ter, and Prof. Jones splendid United
| States Military band, marched up TO the
City Market hall, where they were formal
ly received and rendered the freedom of
| the city. The speech of welcome was made
] by that most generous, whOle-Souled,
| get-up- and-get, go-ahead citizen with a
| heart bigger than camp meeting house,
| Col. E. III. Ropes, president of the board
90 Col Oh
warmlyreceived by the visitors. He spoke
| of the grand opportunities and posSibili
ties of the Bluff City as the coming sea
| port OF Texas, and promised that
| If all the most favorable conditions of
| the present did not fail, that inside of four
| months, ocean steamers drawing from 20
TO p, possibly 30 feet, would sail through
| the ship channel across Mustang island
into Corpus bay. Her prospect of success
produced loud applause among San An
| tOnians.
| Mr.. C. A. Kellar. of the Uniform Rank.
| responded in behalf of the Knights and
visitors in beautiful speech and was
| warmly received.
Mr.. LesPlanque, the local photogra-
| pher. a gentleman of considerable cul-
| turc aud ability, delivered a regular Ar
temus Ward Grafton, full of wit and hui
| NOR. and his Red Letter" remarks kept
| the large gathering in continuous
| laughter for nearly fifteen minutes.
| He finally stated his object to be
to invite the who,e crowd TO come
around and have their pictures taken free
| of charge.
The eXcpftefS then scattered all over
| the city, some walking, riding, sailing on
| the bay, bathing and amusing themselves
| in various ways, until 9 o clock that night
when two large balls were announced,
! one at the Market hall and at the Bay
pavilion; also fine banquet at the st.
| James hotel. The grand march was lead
| at the Market hall by Sir Kt. Capt. VIM.
| Holt with Mrs. Coleman, and the Uniform
Division. The dance at the pavilion was
also grand and select affair. The supper
was good one and nicely served. On
Sunday some of the crowd went so
church, but the greater portion took to
the water, and swimming and sailing was
the sport most generally INDUCED in.
Not a miShap occurred during the whole
trip and not person has been found who
has said he or she did not have a good
time Even down TO a little newSboy who
had hidden himself away under a seat,
because he wanted to go on the excursion.
but did not have any money. The little
chap was discovered, about half way and
pulled out, but Sim Hart and q. Il. Frank
took up a collection and gave the boy
money enough to pay for his fare and
something to eat.
On the return trip the train left Corpus
at 10 a. m. and arrived in San Antonio on
time.
On Monday morning. while at the depot
in Corpus, the Uniform Rank gave an ex-
hibitiOn drill, which proved an interest
ing feature to the large crowd of Specta-
tors While drawn up in line, at the clos
ing of the drill. a series Of resolutions,
mplimentary to Mayor Keller, Colonel
Ropes and other citizens of Corpus Chris
ii, for their most generous and hOSpitable
treatment, were read and adopted, and
three cheers for Corpus Christi as the
coming deep-water port of Texas were
given.
Our space prevents us giving |
any lengthy description of Corpus |
Christi, or going into any details |
of its bright future, suffice to say |
boom that has struck a number |
of Texas towns, has also struck the |
Bluff City, and corner lots are gradually |
climbing up in price. Added to its many |
natural advantages it has a live, progress
sive mayor, who is joining hands with |
the business men and capitalists who are
working to build up the town.
NOTES
The train was well supplied with water
melons at E'lOreSville. This is a local OPP
ton town.
Sim Hart and his quartette kept his
car lively. Sim is always the life of a
crowd.
County Attorney Bart Dewitt was along
and enjoyed himself with the boys.
The greatest credit is due to Conductor
ShOff. who acted as manager for both
the railroad and the Knights.
The mess of NINE occupying the front
coach had plenty to eat and drink, and a
Jolly good time.