Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1895-02-20
A GALA OCCASION.
CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF AMERICA IN
 CONVENTION IN PINE BLUFF.
A Grand Banquet Rendered. the Visitors by
 the Home Knights.

Yesterday was indeed q gala day among the Catholics of Pine Bluff, inasmuch as the lodges in Arkansas of the Catholic Knights of America had assembled here to hold their an- nual convention, and elect officers and transact such bushes as might come before the Council of Knights.
 Delegates were present from the Lodges at Fort Smith, Helena, Poea- hontas and Little Rock.
 The Council was opened with q solemn High Mass of Requiem for the souls of departed Knights of Arkan- sas at St. Joseph's Catholic Church yesterday morning, which was con ducted by Father John M Lucey. The music furnished by the choir was superb and elicited the admiration of the large eoncourse of people pres ent. The leading male voice-that of Mir. NJ. J. Panther-was especially remarked by the visitors, and many declared they never heard sweeter music.
 After the mass the visitors were driven in carriages over the city under the escort of Father lsncy and other home Knights.
 At 3:30 yesterday afternoon the Council of CatholicKnights was con- vened in the beautiful parlors of the new Arlington Hotel, where, after the regular routine of business had been tranacted, the following officers of the Council were elected:
 President, Judge Murphy, of Littlo Rock; Viee-President, W j Murphy, of Fort Smith; Secretary, Frank Ginnochio, of Little Rock Treasurer Henry Kuper, Jr., of FOlt Smith.
 The Dr. Callaghan, of Little Rock, was elected State Spiritual Director; Mr. John Henche, of Paeahontas, Supreme Delegate to the National Convention to be held at Omaha ,and Mr. John B. Maledon, alternate del egate.
 In the evening the visiting dele gates were rendered banquet by the home Knights at the magnificent new Arlington Hotel, which was one of the most sumptuous and elegant affairs of the kind ever given in the city. Covers were laid for twenty five, and seven courses were served in q manner that would have done credit to any hotel in the land.
 Father Lucey acted as toaet-nnas- ter, and in d most happy manner, in behalf of the home Knights and our citizens, welcomed the visitors to Pine Bluff. Mir. Hugh Dodson, of Fort smith, eloquently responded for the "sNisitors' The next toast was for the Societies" which was responded to by Dr. Cal1aghan, of Little Rock. Following him Dele gate Henehc, of Pocahontas, in a concise and very interesting manner, gave a history of the arms and archives of the Catholic Knights. fhe last toast was by Ar. John E. Maledon, of Fort Smith, his sub ject being the Banner Branch" which is No. 102, of Fort Smith, num- bering ninety-eight members. and making q better showing than any other lodge or society in Chat city.
 Today the visiting delegates are returning to their homes highly pleased with the royal reception ac- corded them while here by the home Knights and citizens of Pine Bluff
 Great credit is due that good man and most excellent citizen-Father. John NJ. Lucey-for the interest he took in sustaining the reputation of Pine Bluff for hospitality and seeing that the visitors were rendered every courtesy and attention.
 To Mir. Jack O'Kieff, the popular manager of the Arlington Hotel, is also due much praise, for while his guests, the visitors were made to feel thoroughly at home.
 Ha Thinks fapdfdatac PIanrifuf