The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-11
SIR KNIGHTS TEMPLARS
NEARLY $4,000 ENJOYING PITTS
BURG'S OPEN HOSPITALITY.
Half Million Incandescent Lights
AglOw i'm Honor OF the Visitors
The Next ConcIave.

P1TTSBURG, Pa, Oct. 1O-Within the
brilliapcy of incandescence eranating from
nearly half a million electric lights the con-
clave Of the Knights Templars has now
fairly started, and tonight close upon fifty
thousand pilgrims are revelng in each
others hospitality. Nearly every comman-
derry that was expected to be represented
has now delegation on the ground. The
day was chiefly spent by the different COM
manderies in arranging their headquarters
end getting ready to receive their guests
and visitors. In this respect the various
delegations Wed with each other in the
matter of putting up the most inviting re-
freshments, ranging from the glass of ice
water up to Kentucky Bourbon, California
wines and even champagne. Souvenirs of
all shapes, sizes and designs are in album
dant evidence, and most of the knights
are bedecked with decorations not unlike
major general and veteran Of at least twen-
ty wars. Although the number of visitors
is larger than the city has ever before hasa
to entertain. there has not yet been com
plant of lack of accommodation. This, in.
deed, speaks volumes for the committees
which have been intrusted with making the
arrangements for this part of the event
Although the business meetings of the
gathering have not yet commenced, eec-
SAOAASCAIiiS lOT Tic uOIOT OF nOlQlnR the next
conclave is in active progress. In this re-
spect the Louisville people are apparently
in the lead This afternoon the members
from the Minnesota communicates virtu-
ally gave up the contest they had expected
to make In favor of St. Paul Indianapolis
and Detroit are also in the race Northern
New York delegation are plugging for all
they are worth to have the next conclave
held at Niagara Falls in 1901. However.
1t Is as yet difficult to tell what the out
come will be. because a decision will not be
reached until Thursday morning.
Inc foremost event of to-day'S pro-
gramme undoubtedly has been the recep-
ton and ball of Tancred Commandery. No.
49, of this city, at its headquarters in the
courthouse, which commenced at o'clock
this afternoon, and 1t is expected the dane
ing and entertaining with undated musi-
cal accompaniment is TO continue until late
tonight
The sights on the streets have never been
equaled In this city, as far as the crowds
are concerned. Street-car traffic is at a
standstill and vehicles of all descriptions
are ar Danished from down-town thorough
olized by tens of thousands of pedestrians
who move along like an immense wave of
humanity. There are those the side
walks, shouting and applauding the parad-
| ing knights as they pass in apparently
never-ending column through the streets.
| rade of the delegations was furnished by
| the Boston knights, who marched up Fifth
avenue accompanied by their ladies, and
the way in which the latter kept step to the
music evoked great enthusiasm and thur
raining"
Should the weather continue to show it's
pleasant countenance upon the Smoky City
tomorrow, the grand parade will be an
event that has never been surpassed in the
history Of Knight Templarism i'm America
Inc br1llfance of the city's street decora-
tions marks an epoch In the history of cleo
trical illumination. Within a radius of four
blocks from the heart of the city 100000 in
candescent lamps burn every night. Huge
electric crosses and other emblems of
IeInplariSm are suspended on the sides and
fronts of the citys tallest buildings, and
tnere is hardly store or shop in the down.
town district which has not Illuminated
design of some Masonic significance in its
windows. The result at night is that Pitts
burg presents perfect blaze of electric
glory, with an effect that probably has
never been equaled
| The five local communicates this morning
| oper ed their headquarters and started the
| with receiving and welcoming the influx of
| pilgrims, followed by a reception in honor
| of Grand Master Thomas and Governor
| Hastings. of Pennsylvania. The real work
| of the conclave will commence tomorrow,
4, when the Grand Encampment will be called
| to order Immediately after the conclusion OF
| the big parade
| State-the Grand COmmandery of Kentucky
| and De Molay and Louisville, No. l. OF
| Louisvile-came in this morning and
| of Dixie and THE Old Kentucky Home"
! The Louisville men are making the strong
| est effort possible to secure the conclave of
| 1901. with apparently good prospects of sue
cess The Kentuckians brought 10000 white
! satin badges with the Inscription Louisville
J for 1901" and declare with all the assurance
| OF certainty that they will telegraph vic
tory to their city before the close OF the
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