The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-07-24

Baltimore, July 22.-The Grand Lodge
OF Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, numbering 1,1S0 members was in
secret session in FOrd's opera house
until midnight. The ritual was alter
ed, questions of vital Importance to the
order were discussed, and matters per
tanning to the conduct Of the future
annual gatherings of EIks We're talked
over.
Not having concluded the business
before it. it was decided at midnight to
hold session at 10 a. m.
Tonight the streets, in the central
part of the city were give up to a.
confetti fete. At s o'clock a thousand
pounds Of confetti consisting of small
pieces of tissue paper of varied colors
were distributed at Elks hall in small
bags to the visiting and local Elks
while the population had supplied it
SELF at the stores and shops. Beginning
at that hour the streets brilliantly il
Illuminated. and with domes. arches and
buildings lit uD with myriads of cleo
trical bulbs presented a carnival scene
which lasted until after IL o'clock. The
streets were literally packed and JAM
stantly moved from corner to corner.
every pedestrian induStriouSly throw
ing confetti on paSSerS-by and receiv-
ing the same compliment in return. In
snort While many in the moving null
tltude looked as if thew had passed
through q snow storm. Thousands OF
people rode through the streets in car
rlageS and other vehicles while many
men and boys armed with tin horns,
megaphones or COW bells contributed
to the general merriment.
The grand parade tOda-- of 1000 EIks
proved to be one Of the most attractive
features Of the annual gathering. It is
estimated that 100000 people witnessed
the parade and the marchers were en-
Enthusiastically cheered from the begin
ming to the end.
At the city hall the procession pass
ed in review. The majority of Elks in
line wore uniform If blue coat and
white hats ana cans but a number of
lodges anneared in distinct costumes
or a novel and grOteSQue character.
Among those were the famous cotton
pfckerS' Of Greenville Miss. who ap-
peared in their characteristic cotton
| held costumes. with a mule wagon
| loaded with cotton bales.
| ColOred "MammieS'' in their banr
danas and bright colored gowns were
| seen with pickannies. The Concinnati
| lodge marched in golf costume. The
Alliance Ohio. lodge, was apparelled in
German costumes and was headed by
| its famous little German band" The
members of the Annapolis lodge ap-
peared in United States naval uni
| forms. There were various floats ona
with the Goddess Of Liberty and vari-
| GUS figures representing art. The only
| Elk now here from the Philippines, w.
| G. Masten was alone in an open car
riage drawn by four splendid horses.
The committee on the muSi" contest
| which took place yesterday, made the
following decision today:
Webers Cincinnati band first
prize $1,000.
jersey City band. second prize, $500.
| Fifth regiment band Of Paterson. N.
j., third prize. $500.
Great Western band Of Cleveland.
fourth prize, 5000.
| The committee to award prizes for
the best displays made during the
| march was composed of seventy lead
ing citizens Of Baltimore.
After much deliberation the commit
tee announced the following decision:
First prize for the most unique ap-
| pearance. the Cotton Pickers'' Of the
| Greenville, Miss. lodge, s4O0 loving cup
Second prize. for the best marching.
the Cincinnati lodge, $3.50 American
flag.
Third prize. for the best appearance.
| Brooklyn, n. z. Elks banner, $50.
Fourth prize. for the largest number
In line, the Philadelnhfa lodge, exalted
rulers regalia 800
Fifth prize, for the largest number
, OF marchers covering the longest dis
tance the Dallas Texas lodge, gavA
for exalted ruler. s75.
Sixth prize, the best uniformed band.
the Bellaire. o., band. $50.