The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-08-27
A WHITE CITY OF TENTS.
Knights in Martial Array Arrive at
the National Capital.

Al Heavy Thunder Storm and Drenoh-
ing Rain Meet Them at Washington.
Many Tents Were Dismantled and
other Inconveniences Felt, at All of
which They Make Merry-The
stuffed Alligator Totem From
Florida, and Many Goats Are There.
Washington, Aug. 26.-An unwelcome
house warming was given the knights of
Pythias encamped in the white city of
tents around the Washington monument
this afternoon. 1t came in the form of a
fierce thunder shower, which swept over
the city almost without warning, and
then settled into steady rain until sun
set Several tents were dismantled by
the wind and sheets of rain, and the light
ming was unpleasantly sharp.
All Of the discOmforts incidental to the
storm were accepted in hilarious mood by
the knights, however, and they made fun
under the canvas as well as
outside, after the first drench-
ing Of rain had passed over. There
were reunions and cheers fer the arriving
companies, while the bands in camp kept
going continual concert endeayoring to
outpay their rivals. Special trains were
pulling into the depots, and brilliantly
uniformed commands in scarlet. blue and
white were marching up Pennsylvania
avenue through the rain, many displaying
handsome banners or grotesque emblems.
Particularly striking was the Florida
pnalanx, presenting a cleaning array of
white duck trousers and carrying at the
head Of the line the most famous
product of their state "a stuffed
alligator, rampant. In the face of
the weather hundreds of residents
EOcked to inspect the camp during the
day, trooping through the avenues of
tents and urowding about the goats and
other paraphernalia, animate and mani
mate. brought by the westerners who are
in a large majority to-day Fine disclp-
line was maintained in the encampment,
something like martial regulations being
enforced. Three thousand men sleep on
the light cots under canvas tonight, while
uniforms are the rule rather than the
exception on the streets.
The most heavily gilt-laced of the re-
gala was to be found at the Ebbltt house
where headquarters have been estab-
lished by Maj. Gen. Carnahan, where the
CltlZenS committee also cOngregdJe, anu
where every stranger is greeted by his
acquaintance with an official title.
Since the encampment is not officially
begun until tomorrow, the divisions are
not required to report their presence until
then so no list Of the organizations on the
ground is yet TO be had
Among the prominent divisions which
arrived today were those from New
lork, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Joseph,
Chicago and Colorado.
President Cleveland has definitely
promised to review the grand parade on
Tuesday. A reviewing stand will be
erected for him in front of the executive
mansion. Gen. Carnahan and his staff
will review the parade on horseback on
Pennsylvania avenue near the treasury.
a stand is being erected by the treasury,
IN which seats will be reserved for sena-
tors, representatives and other govern
ment officials and members of the
diplomatic corps.
Wednesday will be the most interest
ing day of all from a popular point of
view, for it marks the beginning
OF the prize drills between the
crack organizations of the order. The
drills will be held on the grounds of the
Washington base ball club, and will be
continued throughout till Sept. l, when
the prizes will be awarded. Wednesday
evening there will be grand illumination
, and parade, and a cavalry prize drill at
Fort Meyer will be the feature of one of
the remaining days. A large number of
commands will contest for the drill prizes.
Some of those intending to participate
nave not been formally entered yet.