The Indianapolis journal., 1902-08-12
Mechanics Pavilion Also Used by the
KNIGHTS Headquarters and
Lodging Place.
CITY PRETTILY DECORATED
THOUSANDS OF COLORED ELECTRIC
LIGHTS AGLOw LAST EVENING.
Twelve Thousand EIks Expected at
Salt Lake City To-day, When the
Grand Lodge Meets.

SAN FRANCISCO. Aug. 11.-San Fran
cisco was turned over to the knights of
Pythias to-day and gold lace and uniforms
have taken possession of the city. Fully
5000 visitors arrived yesterday and to-day
10000 knights of the Uniformed Rank
reached the Golden Gate. many of them
having Travelled over 5000 miles.
General Carnahan stated this morning
that considering the distance most of the
Pythians must cover to reach the Western
camp and the time consumed, the present
conclave would be the most remarkable in
Pythian annals. Market street was filled
with bands and brass buttons all day as the
arriving delegations were escorted to the
encampment by the California knights.
Eight companies Of Indiana knights of
the Uniform Rank came in to-day. A de-
tachment of California knights was kept
busy to-day doing escort duty to the ar
irving Pythans. c. f. Neal, president Of
the board of control of the Endowment Rank
of the knights of Pythias. arrived from
Chicago to-day. Two members are to be
elected to the board and the president will
make his report.
In large vacant lot at Twelfth and Mar
a model military camp established by the
military rank. The first formal exercises
in connection with the conclave were held
this afternoon when exhibit of the prod
ucts of the counties of California was
opened in the Union Ferry building. Mayor
Schmitz extended the hospitality of the city
to the visitors. and Insurance Commissioner
Wolf, representing the Governor, spoke in
behalf of the State. A felicitous response
was made by Major General Carnahan, of
the Pythian order.
At p. m. the military camp was for
merly turned over to Supreme Chancellor
Ogden II. Fethers, who at once placed
General Carnahan in charge The Ameri-
can flag was then unfurled and The duties
of camp life begun. Early in the evening
the commanding officers of brigades and
regiments assembled at the headquarters
of General Carnahan to receive orders and
instructions for the general parade. Later
there was reception in the pavilion which
was attended by thousands of knights and
citizens
When darkness had fairly settled over
the city the elaborate electric decorations
were revealed for the first time in their
full beauty. Never before has San Fran
cisco presented so gorgeous a spectacle
Market street was covered by a canopy
Of glowing electric bulbs. The grand court
of honor at the intersection of Market
Kearney, Geary and Third streets was the
most striking feature OF the display. For
some distance along the curbs. at either
side of the crossing, there were twenty
seven tall, white columns outlined with
frosted lamps and loops of frosted clamps
interlinking them. In the center of the
crossing, and $50 feet above the street, was
hung disc 255 feet in diameter. The in
side of the disc was studded with 500 in
candescent electric lights in the colors of
the order, red yellow and blue-one string
showing the Knights of Pythias' shield
surrounded by red lamps. From the disc
were stretched in every direction loops 250
feet in length of clear lamps, supporting
six festoons with sixteen lights each, al
together about $500 lamps. This elaborate
affair was only one feature of the great
plan of decoration.
Mechanics Pavilion, which is the head
quarters of the knights has been almost
transformed into a military camp with
many tents and thousands of cots in per-
feet order ranged in line. The headquar-
ters of Maj Gen. James r. Carnahan is
the most picturesque place in the pavilion.
The generals tent is f1anked by palms
and potted plants. Old Glory flying from
the Flagstaff and sentinel marching up
and down before the entrance give
realistic aspect.