The Washington times., 1902-04-13

plans for the opening OF the Masonic Fair
and Exposition tomorrow night. as for
muIatcd by the special committee ap-
pointed Tor the purpose. were approved.
The committee consisted of President
Frank IL Thomas, Director Harry Standi-
fo-d Secretary $. NJ. Ryder. George H.
Walker. Harrison Dingman, Alexander Nc
Kcnzic. and Joseph c. johnson.
The plan contemplatcs exercises which
will culmnate in the pressure OF but
ten by President Roosevelt at the White
House when the booth and decorative
electric lights viii be switched on,
H.lc7 Inaugural Band on the north end
Of tine hall. and The Washington Times
Nevsbcys Band at the other end Of the
room will strike up. and the fair will be
formally declared open promptly at
O'Clock.
The members OF the committee on pub
lie comfort and order have been sworn in
hv Major Sylvester as additional privates
pi The police force for service at the fair.
The committee met at Masonic Fair head
quarters and all the duties imposed upon
them were disposed OF in q satisfactory
manner.
The report of the subcommittee showed
that hospital supplies in large quantities
had been donated 10 the committee. 1t
was decided that at the conclusion Of the
fair these supplies would be given TO the
Grand Army committee, for use during
the encampment in October The hospi
tai in the annex to Convention Hall will
be opened Monday morning, and a force
Of physicians and trained nurses viii be
in constant attendance from then until
the doors are closed upon the exposition
Comfort of Guests.
There was also a meeting Of the floor
committee of Harmony Lodge, No. Il. at
headquarters last night when arrange
ments for the comfort of the guests OF !
the ledge in the dancing palace were com
pIeted. The drill hall Of the armory has
been superbly decorated as ballroom in
Japanese effects. 20 japanese lanterns,
each containing an electric light bulb,
adding to the effect of the tasteful blend
ing of colored cheeseclosh intcrtwined
with quantities Of smilax-
Goodman's Orchestra has been engaged
and dancing will be INDUCED in from $50
10 g:IJ. and from 10 TO IL O'Clock each
night Many interesting attractions Will
be provided. including fancy dancing, caik
walks. and other attractive features. over
500 ladies' have volunteered TO assist in
the palace.
Many Donations.
Among the recent contributions to the
lodge is a handsome cut glass punch bowl
valued at 5000. from the Libby Glass
Works. a fine runabout. a suite of elegant
parior furniture. three cases of cham
..f thnt- z-a1 Ina n
articles.
The offices of all Of the officers OF the
lair will be transferred 10 Conventional Hall
this morning, only the clerk in charge OF
returns from season tickets remaining at
fair headquarters, 1925 New York Avenue
Payment for tickets may still be made
there.
All day yesterday articles of various
kinds were being delivered at the hall in
large quantities. The building is already
well packed with donations.
Columbia CommandeIy.
The Drill Corps of Columbia Com
mandery. No. >, knights Tempiars, viii
take a prominent part in the fair The
past achievements of the Drill Corps lend
additional interest to a recital of the
task which it has undertaken.
Many years ago the commandery sup
ported drill corps which was much
sought after in the neighboring cities for
exhibition drills The organization. how
ever, was allowed TO disband, and no ef-
fort was made to reorganiZe until 1895.
In the spring of 1925 the commandery
received an invitation from the executive
committee of the Twenty-sixth Triennial
Conclave of the Grand Encampment Of
Knights Templars to participate in a
national drill contest in the city Of Bos-
ton. Mass. to be held On the occasion OF
the meeting of the Grand Encampment.
This invitation led to the formation of
a drill corps which. under the captaincy
of Mr. Charles s. Domer, appeared on the
league baseball grounds in Boston. in
August, 1895, and in the presence of
% 600 people put up drill of such merit
as to not only win the applause of the
spectators but to lead the committee
having the affair in charge to present
to the corps one of the handsomest
stands of colors ever seen in this city.
A Much Priced Trophy.
This trophy is among the priced pos
sessions of the commandery, and is only
used on state occasions. The enthusiasm
aroused in the ranks Of the commandery
By the success OF the corps has continued /
unabated.
AT the Pittsburg Triennial Conelave In (
1895 the Drill Corps did not participate (
iu any drill contest. On this occasion |
the commandery went as the personal es- /
cort to the then Grand Commander. War |
ren IaRue Thomas, and this honorable |
distinction carried with 1t such duties |
es TO preclude other efforts.
Barred by Technicality.
Prior 10 the triennial conclcve held in
Louisville. KY, in last August. the com
mandery was invited TO have its drill /
torps entered in the great Templar com
petitiye drill. The invitation was accept /
cd, and once more the activity shown by /
the members was most gratifying to the |
G ficers of the commandery.
For months prior TO the great event !
the drill corps, under the command of |
Capt. Charles s. Domer. ably assisted by /
Jieuts. Benjamin Parkhurst and Thomas /
T. Walker. met with great frequency and |
drilled in order that perfection in that |
line might be attained.
A Distinctive Uniform.
In order that the corps might present |
as attractive an appearance as possible. |
n distinctive uniform was adopted. and |
every member provided himself with a
new outfit The uniform was, unfortu |
noieIy. the cause OF the failure of the /
corps TO bring from the Blue Grass coun- |
try some substantial evidence of its PROV |
ess When the boys reached Louisville, IL |
was found that, through some inadver-
l,ad haa inf hat ha