The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-08-28
B0ST0N'S BIG PARADE.
1t Was Well Worth Crossing
the Continent to See Such
Spectacle.
ALL FORMER EFFORTS ECLIPsED
The Pageant Eight Miles Long, and
1t Took Five Hours to Pass
One Point.

BOSTON, MASS, Aug. 27.-"California"
in letters of gold across the face OF the big
banner that led the eleventh division of
one of the greatest civic professions OF
modern times, acted as an inspiration
upon the great throng of people who
packed the several miles of streets through
which it led to-day. California, the west
ern margin of the wide continent-the
Golden State, the land of sunshine, fruit
and fowers-here she was in proud num-
bers that had come more than 5000 miles to
march under this banner.
The people banked up on each side of the
entire line Of march. occupying every pos
81 bic point of vantage, even to the house
tops, took up the cry of California, as far
in advance of her delegation as her ban
ners or little bear could be recognized.
The enthusiasm was contagious and kept
pace with her progress from start to finish.
The parade of the Knights Templar was
a magnificent demonstration, eclipsing
everything of the kind in the history of the
order. The day was perfect, the sun be-
ing obscured by light clouds during the
entire time, while cool breeze played with
the eight miles of white and black
a long perspective as on Washington
street, the spectacle was well worth cross
ing the continent to see. All traffic along
the route was suspended and the line
marched to the entire width of the road
way. The rather stately uniform of the
order was sufficiently varied to prevent
any sense of monotony, while giving to the
long line an appearance of solidity and
martial dignity.
The evolutions of individual comman-
deries, which was constantly in progress
during the march, was an especially inter
esting feature. During the five hours the
procession consumed in passing the sta
tionary spectator was at no time out of
hearing of the martial flow of music. 1t
seemed there was no limit to the number
of bands, and a statistical genius on the
balcony of Golden Gate headquarters
counted no less than 141.
The line was formed in the back bay dis
trict, the right resting on Commonwealth
avenue, a little west of the public garden.
1t went west as far as Massachusetts ave-
nue, by which it crossed southwark to
Washington street, and then north follow
ing this, the main thoroughfare, to Hano-
yer street, little beyond the old State
House, where it disbanded. 1t was billed
to start at 10 o'clock, and the morning pa
pers gave an elaborate time table showing
the exact minute the head of the line
might be expected to arrive at different
points along the route. AS result the
streets and observation-stands were crowd
ed at very early hour. But it was after
IL when the order was given to move.
The line was led by Boston Command
cry, the largest and said to be the Oldest in
the country. The Californians led the
eleventh division, and next to Boston
Commandery were unquestionably the
feature of this spectacle stretching through
eight miles of the streets of Boston. Cali
fornia Commandery No. 1, with their
black horses and long black capes had the
right of the division and presented truly
knightly appearance. They were cheered
to the echo. The officers of the Grand
Commandery followed in carriages. Then
came Golden Gate with its Zerubbab bel Nv,
the little bear. Zerubbabel has caught the
public fancy. The newspapers have writ
ten him up in every possible shape, have
printed pictures of him, have interviewed
him at length, have indited songs to him
until he is a familiar feature to every citi-
zen and visitor. Therefore, when the
wagon appeared in the line with the
wooden cross, upon which Zerubbabel
constantly climbed up and down, he was
hailed by the crowds as personal friend.
Those who may have missed the banners
of California recognized the State by this
living emblem. To the applause of the
people Golden Gate was kept busy answer
;1o With their peculiar cheer
Oakland Commandery followed, Coeur
d'Alene marched with Golden Gate. The
head of the line passed under the big ban
ner at Golden Gates headquarters on
Washington street, at exactly twenty min
utes after II, and from that time until 5
O'Clock it was the object of one long salute.
But when the California contingent itself
passed under the enthusiasm both IN and
ont of the line was tremendous.
Tonight Golden Gate Commandery held
a reception in its annex, opposite its hotel.
Its band was stationed in the area in front
of the building and held big crowd IN
the street. The Philadelphia Commandery
was the especial guest, but all who came
were made welcome. Tomorrow Callfor-
MIA Commandery No. holds reception
from 10 in the morning until midnight
Golden Gate will visit them early, and
then open it's own doors at noon to all
cnmers