Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-07-27
JOLLY coRKs RETURN.
Elke From Every Part of the Country
 Are Back in Their Homes.

Elks From Every Part of the Country
 Are Back in Their Homes.
 Baltimore did herself proud by the reception rendered to the large body Of Elks which journeyed from the north, south, east and west to partiei. pate in the annual convention of the B. F. o. E., which was held last week. Every year have the conventions in. creased in numbers until it was left for Baltimore to entertain the largest crowd that was ever present at any gathering. At the lowest estimata 2ooOO Elks were present during the past week in the Maryland city. So careful had been the arrangements that no lodge entering the city was ne- glected. Baltimore lodge had various committees working continuously and every train bearing the horned breth- ren to their city was watched and as soon as the Elks stepped on the plat- form of the Pennsylvania or the B. Aa ?. stations they were immediately ta- ken in charge by the local com mmittees. If you had not secured quarters in ads vance these were procured for you. II you deisred to take hotel accommo- datfons or to hire rooms in private houses and take your meals wherever you happened to be at meal hours. you were accomnloda dated. So excellent were the arrangements that the barSes which were advertised were not put into use. Many of the cftizens of Ball. tinlore threw open their homes for the accommodation of the Elks and asked but a meager sum for rooms or rooms and board That was the first important feature that was noticed by the visiting Elks. It was only one of the features, however, for every other arrangement for the protection and enjoyment of the visitors was just as carefully looked after and as gener. ously appreciated.
 The decorations of the city vera mostly paid for by the city govern ment and the electrical displays in par- ticular were never passed, except perhaps at the Buffalo exposition. The streets were crowded day and night, and yet there was scarcely an arrest made for any kind of crime. From Monday morning until Saturday night the Eiks held full sway in the city and everything was done to make their stay happy one. 1t is estimated that Baltimore lodge alone spent $25,000 toward the entertainment of the visi- tors and yet that does no deter the lodge from making an effort to get the Elks to return to Baltimore for the < convention in 1905. In fact bid has already been made for it. The hotel accommodations were excellent and those who secured private quarters were more than pleased. There were no extra charges for anything and if any case was discovered where too much was charged for anything, on complaint being made this was stops ped immediately everything went like clockwork and words of praise were inadequate to speak of the coI1~ tlnueus work of the members of Ball. timore lodge.
 The delegations began leaving the city on Friday morning ana by satur- day night there were scarcely 100 wis., iting Elks left to view that last spec- tacular display; There was one pret- ty feature which attracted thousands in the vicinity of the Baltimore lodge headquarters A large electric clock had been erected on an arch of cleo tric lights and as the hour of eleven was tolling each evening every light in the immediate vicinity went out with the exception of the hands pointing to the hour of eleven. The bands tnok l1p the strains of "Auldf Lang Synes and the assembled Elks joined in the chorus. At the conclusion of the song the lights dared up again, and remained so until the early morning hours.
 The Connecticut delegations arrived at their homes Friday evening or saas- urday morning, coming in on the Penn sylvania and B. & 0. roads. They were tired but happy and had the best time they ever enjoyed at q convention. Nothing marred tha trip with the exs ception of the accident which occurred during the parade. when the Water bury and Derby delegates narrowly escaped injury. Nothing but sta- tionary awning over the sidewalk pre~ vented some of the Connecticut dsle. gates from being injured. It was m exciting few minutes and the sight 0e the baby's head crushed in and thA two senseless men bleeding on the walk made even brave men shudder Willing hands picked up the mother and babe and the injured men. and what promised to be panic was avert ed by the quick work of the police. aided by the Elks. With sidewalks densely packed It was surprising how well the crowds were handled and with what Judgment the police acted.
 Cincinnati will be the next reunion place of the Elks and the delegates who were present in Baltimore pronl- ised to eclipse anything yet given by the B, P, Q. D. Itsis expected that at least 50,0OO will be in attendance at this gathering.