Evening star., 1896-08-07
TlLTING IN THE TOURNEY
Brave Knights Bear Lances in Behalf Of
Ladies Fair.
A Remtn niscence OF Medieval Romance
Delights Happy Crowds In
the Old Dominton.
Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
THE PLAINS. Va An


THE PLAINS. Va August z ISas
Gallant knights and fair ladies. probably
braver and more beautiful than the pic
turesque folks OF ''ye olden thyme" whose
quaint deeds and daring doings have been
much heralded in history gathered Thurs
day afternoon under a blazing sun on The
Plains OF proud Fauquier county. and for
nearly two hours indulGed In the pasiimes
OF their ancestors. Locking on approVingly
were spectators from \very part of Fan
quier and the surrounGug counties. to say
nothing of large representation from
Washington. Humanity and horses per
spired and collars wilted as Old Sol BEAM
ed on unre!entingly. but never for a mo-
ment did the enthusiasm give the slightes;
sign of succumbing. Thirteen young men
mounted on noble chargers stroye as
though II was a matter of life or death for
the honor of crowning the maiden of their
cholce queen of the tournament-an old
time tournament All I'm all IT was the gala
occasion of the season in this section of the
Old Dominion, and, according TO the for
nef bellies and beaux the success of The
fiains tournament of 1876 stands un-
paralleled
The Pleasure Of Anticipation.
Not a few residents of the national capt.
tai are regular sojourners, summer after
summer. in this vicinity, and. in common
been existing I'm state OF genuine excite
ment pending the riding of the toarna-
ment. Almost constantly pretty girls put
the question to each other: ''W no Is going
10 ride for you?' and the answer was us
ually timtd Il don't know" accompanied
by a pronounced blush. Suffice il to say,
however, that w Washington was represented
In the royal set at the ball Thursday even
Ing, and that two of the quartet OF cha per-
ons were Washington matrans.
he ma CT he f.f fh.a
county has devoted itself almost without
cessation 10 practice taking rings" and the
girls have been on hand each evening to
criticise, compliment and cheer. The best
tournament trained horses possible TO se-
cure were borrowed, special lances manu-
factureo, and every detail that might add
TO the attractiveness of the event care
fully looked after.
Gathering for the Joust.
The hour set for the fitting contest was
2:3o O'Clock. and at that time the large
field of Mr.. James II. Foster, a few rods
from the village, presented Scene that
might be likcned 10 the presentation of
sponsors at an Interstate competitive drill.
All sorts and conditions of vehicles from
the stylish city cart to the cumbersome
but modest hay wagon. We're lined up as
nearly in the shade OF a grove of trees as
possible.
The occupants, ! ptwithsta nding the heat
Were clad in their lest, the vari-colored
gowns of the girls forming a harmonious
contrast with the summer attire of their
escorts. Horsemen, bedecked with ribbons,
dashed to and fro. and all was certainly
hustle and apparently confusion until. some
moments aft n the scheduled hour. the con-
;estants We're formed in line to receive the
necessary charge. delivered by Mr.. T. Boil
ling Robertson. the well-known orator and
political speaker. Each rider wore a sasn
OF his distinctive color. his saddle cloth and
bride were decorated with similar hues,
and certain ladies'
tators IL was noticed, displayed promi-
nently streamers that matched the colors
of certain Of the horsemen. The address,
was such as to awaken chivalrous thoughts
In the minds OF the most ungallant.
The Gallant Knights
The knights were George T. Cochran,
Thomas b. Cochran. A Landon Mofrett,
John Fishback, Drayton Meade, George L.
Davis, Harry Beverley. Richard Lewis,
William Slaughter, Edward Coloune T.
Henderson Middux, Keith Grant and Wm.
Sknker. At the conclusion of the charge
the marshal, Mr.. Henry Norris. announced
the riders. knight of lilue Hole" rang
ont in stentos.an tones. Charge. sir
knigl t." and ike a streak rushed a horse
down the track, the man his back cooIly
levelir X lance and endeavoring to pierce
the rings suspended from three poles.
Cheers or murmurs of disappointment were
heard as the rider was either victorious or
unsuccessful Each Of the thirteen tried
three times fer the rings, after which,
amid rather a wild demonstration, the re-
suit was announced by the Judge, Mr..
Robert Murray. Mr.. Lucien Smith ofticiated
as timer.
Fair Queen and Her Maids.
The coronation ceremony Was next i'm
order, and after few happy remarks TO the
quartet of winners by Mr. George T. Coch-
ran. the knight of Edgewood, Mr.. Landon
Moffett, crowned Miss Matte Smith queen
of love and beauty; the Knight of Chet-
wood, Mr.. William Skinker crowned Miss
Fanny Cochran first maid of honor; the
knight of Washington, Mr.. VIM. Slaughter
crowned Miss Juliette Thompson, WELL
known as one Of the prize-winning grad
yates of the Corcoran Art School, second
maid of honor, and the knight of No In
pectations, MIR. Keith Grant. crowned Miss
Allie Murray third maid OF honor
A Brilliant Hall.
tions, the material having been received
from Washington. The assemblage next
dispersed, but met again at the ball in the
evening held in the Hotel Davis. After the
royal set, general dancing was INDUCED in
until nearly daylight. Refreshments were
served, and the ball was out a repetition
OF the success of the tournament, and Will
unquestionably remain long la the men,
ories of all who attended.
The chaperons were Mrs. Lee s. Morti-
mer ana Mrs. q. NJ. Emerich of Washing
ten, and Mrs. j. ii. Cochran and Mrs. Lu-
Glen T. Smith of The Plains.
To Mr.. George L. Cochran credit is due
for creditably arranging and managing
both the tournament and ball. e. T.. G.
KANSAS POPlIISTS