Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1895-03-06
UNIFORM RANK K. OF P.
A Pleasant Event and an Address by Sir
 Knight George B. Moore.


 Knights of Pythias, Monday evening under the charge of Sir Knight J. 4. Langford, inspecting officer. The following were installed: Sir Knight Captain, Geo. B. Moore; Sir Knight Lieutenant,C. NJ. Wheeler; Sir Knight Herald, ". l.. Holden; Sir Knight Re corder, J. W. Eangston; Sir Knight Treasurer, c. ". Shepherd; Sir Knight Guard. ]. A. Langford; Sir Knight Sentinel. G. W. French. The rank of Sir Knight was conferred upon Knight J. H. Thompson of Juliet No. 6.
 After the ceremonies the Division made spirited charge upon q lunch rendered 1t by the Sir Knight Captain Before the retreat sounded Sir Knight .Langford responded to the toast, Our Sir Knight Cap tain;" Sir Knight Thompson to the toast, 'Pythianism" and the Sir Knight Captain to the toast, Our Division. Several other Knights made short and delicious speeches. In short the occasion was most en- joyable one. By request we produce the address of Sir Knight Captain Geo. B. Moore in response to the toast, Our Division:''
 A successful Division does not mean one that has the largest num- Der of members. the finest uniforms. the handsomest banners and flags or an oyerfiowing treasury; all of these are good in their way, but neither singly nor combined do they form that standard of excellence that should be sought by every Division of of the Uniform rank.
 ''It is the Division that shows the best results in military drill and dis cipline that bears the palm.
 For what are the large prizes offered Tt Grand and Supreme Lodge meetings2 Is it for the largest Divisions? Is it for the richest divis- ion? Is it for the best uniformed Di- vision? No, it is for the best drilled Division, and not only is it the desire to arouse Divisional pride, but indi- yidual effort, individual merit, is en- couraged and recognized by prizes offered to the best drilled Sir Knight and to the most efficient command ing officer. The two most import ant requisites for Il successful Divis- ion are good attendance and efficient officers. Of these, the attendance at meetings is of the highest import anee. If the Sir Knights have suffi- cient energy to-attend the drills and earnestly endeavor to perfect them selves therein, they will see to it that efficient officers are in charge of them and that the other interests are not allowed to suffer.
 "There should beho excuse fornon- attendance except sickness and ab- senee from the city. By our adoption of bylaw stating that this Division will meet at q specified time, we have each and every one of us pie iged our selves to be present at that time. Let us, Sir Knights, be trne to our pledge. Do not say, I think I'll not go tonight; they can get along with out me- Don't think so poorly of yourself as that. Imagine your feel ings if your commanding officer should say to you, 'Oh you need not come to the m etings, we can get along without you
 "Your presence is just as much im- portance and is just as necessary to the welfare of the Division as that of any Sir Knight connected with it. Don't make engagements for the evening for which the Division meets thinking that the other Sir Knights will hold a meeting just the same Maybe they will, but it is the least bit selfish to be enjoying yourself at a ball or party. when possibly other members may have denied themselves the same pleasure because it inter- fered with the duty they owed to the Division, and to their Brother Sir Knights. Again, be prompt. Prompt in meeting at the specified time, prompt in executing the various com mands. Be on hand to take youL place in the line when 1t is formed, so so that all may drill together, and when in line have no thought except for the proper execution of the move ments required. Aid your officers in maintaining discipline, remember they are responsible to their superiors for the conduct Of the entire Division. Therefore have efficient officers. Off, cers efficient not only in the drill manual but efficient in attendance, efficient in working for the interest of the Devision, efficient in setting the example of obedience to official com mands. of courtesy and respect to