The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-25
OH, Observation-Disclosures
THEY ENJOYED THEMSELVES
FULLY ON LAST NIGHT
At the Masonic Temple, and Twelve Candi-
dates Went Across the Burning Sands
ola Miniature Desert-The Banquet.

Last night will long be remembered In
the minds of the Mobiles OF Acca Temple.
Ancient Arabic Order OF the Mobiles OF the
Mystic Shrine. of Richmond. for 1t was
the occasion Of the official visit of the
head of the order 10 Richmond.
This official, parsonage OF noble rank
and title. diGnihed and solemn officer,
whose functions are particularly vital, Is
known as the Imperial Potentate of North
America. and his name is Harrison Ding
man, OF Washington, ID. c.
HE CAME ATTENDED.
IL would never, never 40 FOR such man
to travel alone. and the Shrllers never do
anything by halves, but always IN great
style. and SO 1t followed that seventy
Mobiles from the Temples OF Almas, in
Washington, Bonmi. In Baltimore, and
Lulu. in Philadelphia same with him.
The party was met at boswell, the
crossing or the G. and o. and X. +. and
l.. railroads, by Mobiles Lewis 4. Ecker,
and George l.. Street OF Acca Temple,
Richmond. All the visitors were IN two
Pullman palace cars. attached to the
regular train of the X. L. and L. railroad,
due here at l.l5 Il. NJ.
When they reached Elba station, they
disemDarked from the train, and escorted
by the Acca Temple Mobiles. they march
registered and went to dinner.
Hoo FOR THE SANDS.
After dinner, the line was formed for the
Masonic Temple, where there were in
waiting twelve candidates FOR the mys-
teres of the Shrine.
This dozen came from Covington, Nor
folk. Hot Spring, Portsmouth and Rich
mond, and were duly escorted over the
hot sands of the desert, and put through
all the other PAGES of the initiation which
they sustained with much fortitude.
THE BANQUET NEXT
Naturally the next thing was refresh
ment. and this followed in the shape Of
a bOuntiful and beautiful supper spread
by Noble and Caterer krOuse. IN the pan
quot room OK the Grand Lodge OF Nir-
ginia in the Masonic Temple
Seventeen tables were arranged LOT
twelve each. ana two hundred sat down TO
the feast which embraced SUCH dellca,
cies as shad roe. clam patties ana frled
chicken and as for beverages, there was
camels milk, wines and home beer, ana
then came coffee and cigars.
ORATORY AND SONG.
The speeches were short and informal,
breathing good fellowship and charity
and frequently were the speakers IN
terrupted by such wild, weird, mysterious
and strange cries as only these sons Oh
the Desert know how TO make.
IllustriOus POtentate Dingman was tile
first speaker He expressed ferVent de-
sire 10 shoot the artist Of an afternoon
newspaper, who had depicted MN as
jumping over gravestOnes, looking LOT
rabbits feet and then told or the WONDER
full growth of the order.
He said there were IS Temples and %
600 members OF the Shriners in the United
States and the prospects were bright Tor
the successful introduction Of the order
in the ancient city of York, England
whence II was sure to spread all over the
United Kingdom Of Great Britain and Ire
land.
After Hlustrious Potentate Dingman
came speeches from Potentate Shafer, or
Lu I,u Temple. I'm Philadelphia. and others
in quick succession, all Of the talks beihs
marked with much wit, humor ana
pathos.
Then music arose, I'm the person OF cap
tain Frank W Cunningham, POtentate or
Acca Temple, of Richmond, and sung 10
the accompaniment of Noble jacob KEN
hardt. THE Blue and the Gray, ana
Mothers Way" bringing forth much APP
plause
Ned" and Noble Hotchkiss, Of the Chesa-
peake and Ohio railway. sang Dat yell
low Gal" TO the great delight OF the
company. and there were others, VINO IN
sisted that their names should not be
printed.
Twelve o'clock came. and with II sun
day. and so the jolly visiting Shrinefs
marched back 10 the jefferson. and wrap
ping the mantles of their couches about
them. laid down 10 pleasant dreams
THEY WILL WORSHIP TO-DAY.
To-day they will attend the different
churches Of Richmond, ana leave TOT
home on the p. NJ. northern tram.