The daily sentinel., 1900-05-26
WITHOUT A HITCH.
The Lodge of EIks Instituted With
Greatest Satisfaction to All---
RoYaI Time EnioYed.

The institution of the lodge of Elks
in this city last night was done with
possibly more eclat than has been at
tempted by any other secret organiza-
tion now here. Elaborate preparations
we're in progress for some time past and
last night saw the lodge effectually and
properly instituted.
The trains during all Of yesterday kept
adding to the contingent to be present
at the institution and when the de'esa
tion from Ouray, forty strong. headed by
Messrs. Rowan and Jeffers, arrived the
time was ripe for the work to COM
mence.
The Elks present in the city met the
special which brought the Ouray dslega-
tion, ct the depot, ard with the Colum-
bine band in the lead paraded to the
hall. The delegation brought their
beautiful stuffed elk with them, and it
created quite sensation as it was drawn
through the streets. together with the
fine looking body Of men composing Ou-
rays representatives.
1t was close to the hour when old Sol
is wont to stick his head above Grapd
Mesa when the ceremonies Of institution
we're completed.
Fifty-two gentlemen OF this city took
the initiatory degree and this morning
they all are proud OF the fact that they
were OF the number constituting the
charter membership of the order and
that they 80 successfully passed the
dreaded ordeal which it is said the Elks
prepare for their victims
A bar quet, which for completeness OF
arrangement has rarely been equalled in
this city, for such an occasion. WAS
served during the night. The menu
was elaborate and plentiful and all en-
joyed this particular portion of the pro-
gram.
1t would be incomplete to conclude
this mention OF the event which has
stirred social conditions in this city dur
ing the past week. without saying some-
thing of the delightful, yes elaborate
manner in which the Masonic hall had
been decorated for the event.
Ae floral display, so far as the writer
can remember, it has never been equall-
ed in this city. Every plant and flower
was secured that we're available to place
among the decorations.
To Charles A. Smith all credit must
be given for designing this elaborate
floral display. he was ably assisted in
making his work effective by William
Eddins. Great wreaths OF flowers were
pendant from the walls. Around the
chairs OF the officers and in an unbroken
chain around the platforms Of the room
the flowers extended making sight long
to be remembered. One hundred and
fifty boutonnieres we're pr-vided for tho
visitors and the members and the atmos-
phere Of the room was redolent with the
perfume of delicate and delicious
flowers
Every possible place in the large as
sembly room was covered with floral
decorations and it looked a veritable
bower OF lowered beauty. This SEN
tence ia used so often as figure OF
speech and is meaningless, but it is the
truth regarding the flowers which
decorated the Masonic hall for the occa
sion last night.
To Mrs. L. M. Miller, who presented
the lodge with 80 many beautiful flowers
and wreaths, the thanks Of the entire
asssmblage was returned. Her work
represented infinite labor and was done
with rare beauty and charm in the cres-
tions she made through the means Of
the flowers.
Directly in front of the desk of the
chief officer was the beautiful elk head.
the property OF DR.. Ingersoll. This head
WAS covered with artistic floral decora-
tious, huge basket sitting between the
branches of the antlers,
At the conclusion Of the work the fol-
lowing officers were elected:
Morrison Wohlfort, Exalted Ruler.
James Silcox, Esteemed Leading
Knight
Joseph NJ. Sampliner, Esteemed Loyal