The daily sentinel., 1899-04-01
SPLENDID SCENE
First Annual Pythian Ball.
Aymory Presents Scene
of Enchantment.
LADIES OUTDRILL
SIR KNIGHTS
Much Enthusiasm CrO,Cd
No More Enjoyable Occasion
EUer GiUen IN city.

The Armory has been the scene of
many noted gatherings in years agone
but it possibly never contained larger
or gayer assemblage of the youth, beauty
and lovliness of this city than gathered
there last night, at the grand annual
ball of the Uniform Rank, Knights of
Pythias
The Pythian orders in this city have a
deservedly excellent reputation for the
manner in which their public receptions
are given and last nights event did not
lessen, but rather more, justified the rep
utation of which the Sir Knights of the
Uniform Rank and the members Of the
the subordinate order have always striv
en- to maintain. For ears the annual
ball of the Uniform Rank has been con
sidered the dress occasion of the season
and the ladies in hands Jme new Easter
toilettes we're much in evidence.
The Armory never appeared in more
beautiful dress than it did last night.
The amount of work entailed by the
gorgeous decorations, was considerable,
but the end justified all the time spent
in preparation. Every bare spot was
covered with the colors of the organiza-
ton and the effect was dazzling. Long
wavy lines of yellew aid white crepe and
bunting covered the iron roof supports.
the side walls we're covered in even
lines of alternate white and yellow, and
above the doorways were arched pieces
of decorative work.
The orchestra stand however came in
for the largest share OF work. Here the
committee gave full event to their art
and beautiful effect was produced.
The wall in the background OF the or
chestra was huted with crepe, while
canopy effect was produced over the
stand. The platform was covered in
given to this beautiful piece of work.
Major G. Z. Bliss designed all the deco
rative effects and worked assiduously to
beautify the hall, ably assisted for sew
eral days by w. B. Sutton and A. G.
Mahan, whose labor cannot be too high
ly commended,
1t was past the hour appointed for the
drill before the squad of sixteen Sir
Knights, dressed in the brilliant uniform
of the order. with waving plumes and
the full dress of the rank took position
at the call OF Adjutant Bunting AS
they lined up across the hall for inspec-
ton they presented very pleasing and
imposing sight in military pagentry
Every sword, every button and piece Of
lace glinted as the lights fell upon them.
The squad was brought 70 company
front and presented swords. At a
present swords, the command was turned
to Captain John Facer, who in turn pre-
sented the squad to Major Cortland p.
Bliss Of the regimental officers, for in
spection. The inspection was over in
few minutes and after dismissal, they
were promptly reformed and the drill
commenced. With one very slight
break, due to the necessary absence for
the time being OF one OF the squad, the
drill proceeded through the intricate
movements of the drill program, frequent
applause greeting the squad as they
swung with the utmost precision
through the hall.
Captain John Facer had the men we'll
in hand from the beginning, and as
commander he gained new laurels for
himself and for the men under his COM
mand. This is the third time that he
has commanded squad in exhibition
drill and the men in the command have
the utmost confidence and regard for
him. There may have been been better
drills than the one last night, but as an
exhibition it was a very PLEASING per
formance and was indicative Of the
strength and the quality OF the order.