The San Francisco call., 1898-03-26
MASONIC FIFE
 IS BOOMING Chairm en of Com mitte eS Make Encouraging
 Reports.
Many Novel Features Will Be Presented in the Various
 Booths.
Merchants Competing for the Privi-
 leqe of Making Individual Displays.

At St. Johns Hall, Masonic Temple, last night there was a meeting of about 300 people, representing the various committees of the Masonic Festival to be held at the Mechanics Pavilion from May to 14, both dates inclusive. Charles L. Patton acted as chairman and Charles Conlisk as secretary.
 The meeting was held for the purpose of receiving reports from the eha1rmen of the various committees of the differ ent departments of the festival, which is to be held for the purpose of raising money to clear the Masonic Widows and Orphans Home from debt
 The greatest enthusiasm prevailed and the reports of committees evlnced .he assured success of the festival. While a full report has not yet been re- ceived, the work already accomplished will give a fair outline of the scope or the festival. Many of the business houses of the city have promised to make liberal donations, and are Vylng with each other for privileges to make a display of their goods, which in most instances will be sold and the money received therefor will be turned over tG the committee for the benefit of the home. Principal among these IS the firm of Tillman & Bendel, who, II per nitted to fit up their own booth, will put at least $3000 worth of goods there in, all of which will be sold and the re- ceipts given to the home.
 w. Frank Pierce, chairman of the committee on booths, reported that there will be from forty to fifty booths, and that many of them will represent novel features. One of these struct- hn con hnnth in which twenty dollar gold piece will be placed in a vessel filled with water. This will be in charge of Thomas Cunningham of the Postal Telegraph Company, and chances for permission to take the $2O piece from the vessel will be sold for 25 cents. The successful person will be entitled to retain the coin and the shock of electricity that goes with it.
 At the newspaper booth a voting con- test will be conducted to determine which of the papers of San Francisco is most popular in the estimation or the patrons of the festival The sue cessful newspaper is to receive fac simile of newspaper in solid gold
 Mrs Dr. Edna R. Field reported that she would have a model Masons' Home arranged, with furniture, kitchen uten- sils, etc The bedroom will be fitted by w. J. Sloane &S Go. at an expense Of $500. this to be sold for the benefit of the festival.
 Mrs. K. J. Willatts, grand secretary of the Eastern Stars, reported that many of the interior chapters are pre- pairing special features to be brought to the festival.
 Frank Titus has secured about 5000 worth of furniture from different houses dealing in that line of goods.
 The chairman of the entertainment committee, C. L.. P. Marais says that the festival will be opened with grand chorus of 1000 voices.
 The following committee on cash do- nations will make an active canvass of the city, beginning the work at once: Lipman Sachs, chairman; John D. Spreckels, Timothy Hopkins Charles B. Green, w. W. Montague, Edward Cole man, Colonel Isaac Trumbo, M. H. de Young and s. w. Levy.