The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-09-11
KNIGHTS BIG MEETING.
A Great Parade and Ball-Their Order OF
RuSiucSS,

A Great Parade and Ball-Their Order OF
Business.
The twenty-fifth annual session OF
the Select castle, knights OF the Mys-
tic Chain, met ut 10 o'clock yesterday
morning in Concordia hall. and there
was big representation from all over
the state. Select Commander Ralph
c. Clare of Philadelphia. called the
meeting to order. and at the roll can
II was found that over 200 delegates
Were present. Mr.. Glare then intro
duce Mayor Nichols, who made the
address of welcome.
The mayor made an excellent ADDRESS
and spoke in high terms of the order,
extending to the delegates a hearty
welcome to the city and he vouched
for the hospitality that would be ex-
tended by the citizens To them, as
guests. lie said that they had con-
ferred a rare honor on Wilkes-Barre
when they selected II as the place OF
their meeting. and the community ap-
preciates the fact and will do Its best
to deserve its reputation as a liberal,
hospitable city.
Select Commander Glare made the re-
sponse and said it was one of the hap
piest things in life to know that one
Is welcome. He thanked the mayor for
extending to them the hospitality ot
thecity, and felt that great kindness
was being done. We will not abuse
the privilege extended and when we re-
turn home you will not regret the kind
ly words of welcome YOU have spoken
Pennsylvania is the Gibraltar of Mystic
Chainsm. There are 10000 members in
this state alone. During the past year
we have done as well as any kindred
organization. and far better than
many. The Mystic Chain is one of the
progressive organiZa tions of the age
We have everything that pertains to
progressive organization. We have a
funeral relief fund which stands out as
monument to our organization. We
have also Il military organization with
one of the greatest generals at its head.
Our military is strictly patriotic and
our tactics thoroughly American. In
addition we have ladies' degree.
which stands out as the flower of our
organization. Our wives and sisters
can become members and thereby ac-
quaint themselves with Mystic Chain
ism. We are very thankful to you. Mr..
Mayor, for your address of hearty well
come.
After Mr.. Clare's address the conyen-
tion went into secret session until noon.
When an adjournment was taken for
dinner. The following data of interest
was obtained from the published re-
ports of Select Recording Secretary
JohnJ. Davis:
The first meeting of the castle held in
this city was in 1879. when there We're
nut fourteen castles represented, and
nlteen representatives were required
TO make quorum. The Select castle
OF pennsylvania was then 81, 1856 SO in
deot. In 1856 they again met in this
CITY when the standing force was in
creased to 6,l59. Today the third meet
ing Is held her. and the membership
has increased to $4,000.
The following is CLEANED from the
financial report:
Total receipts .......s s1s5 o51 cl
Amount paid for relief . N s25 IN;
Expended Tor sundry purposes. 1910 27
Expended Tor investments........ 17,92S 80
Tctal expenditures .....,., 80 ia N
Cash balnce in treasury ry 23ITS 70
Amount invested in real estate,
jain oi ponuS '....,............. 9,3lS I3
Amount in widows and orprans'
fund .......................... o.976 %
Value of Castle paraphernalia . 56,l29 ci
Total value of Castles .........,. l75, ,749 AZ
From the above it will be seen that
the Ancient Order Knights of the Mys-
Tic Chain has grown rapidly since its
organization. and that today II Is on a
fine financial basis with a satisfactory
membership.
The grand assembly Degree Of Naomi
uemale branch) was held at Red Mems
hall at 10 a. m. The representation
from the various female lodges all over
the state was very large, and the meet
Ing was presided over by Mrs ]. j.
Davis, of Pittsburg. This assembly
was organized at Columbia, Pa, Aug.
10. 1894. and yesterday was the first
meeting. Their transactions were
secret.
The parade was held in the after
noon, moving promptly at go, the ad-
vertised time the line of march being
as follows: From South up River to
Union. to Washington, to East Market,
to Public Square, to West Market, to
Franklin. to Ross, to Washington. to
South, to Main, to Public Square. East
Market street to city hail. where they
dispersed
The line was made up as follows:
Police Escort.
General Commandery, J. Il. Roberts and
Stan, River and South streets.
Band
FIRST DIVISION.
General w. ID. Low and Staff
First Regiment Colonel George Manches-
ter and STAFF.
Fourth Regiment. Colonel Jacob Stetger
and Staff.
Carriages Of Ladies' Rank. Supreme and
Select Officers.
SECOND DIVISION.
General W. ID. Low and Staff
Civic Marshal Patrick Gavin and Staff
Castle Members. Etc.
Many business houses and private
residences were handsomely decorated
for the occasion, and the fine marching
of the military companies and the
splendid music of the bands aroused
great applause at different points along
the line. In the evening a ball was
held at Landmesser's hall. 1t was well
attended. and everyone enjoyed them
selves until a late hour.
Today the delegates, after the bust
ness meeting, are to be taken on n trip
70 ha ipfo Of intn