Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-06-22


 The jubilee convention of the order of Elks to be held at Philadelphia dur ing the week beginning July 14 prom ises to be the biggest gathering Of the members of the organization ever before held, and the Quaker city is making elaborate preparations for the celebration. There are 1,050 lodges of the order in the United States and its possessions and from every one, 1t is said, have come intimations that representative delegations were to be sent. so that it is estimated that fully 500,000 visitors will be present on the convention. In anticipation of their coming the Philadelphia lodge is plan ming decorations and program on a magnificent scale. There is to be a court of honor which for extent and elaborateness of decoration will prob ably surpass anything of the kind ever before attempted, and the prominent feature of it all will be great sculp- tured elks, the characteristic emblem of the order And outside the court of honor there are to be decorations which will put the city in gala attire. Hundreds of thousands of flags and many hundreds of thousands of bunt- ing and streamers, and many thou sands of electric lights will make the business section of the city perfect fairyland of dazzling splendor. Among the striking designs of the decora- tions, the elk's head will be displayed in every conceivable environment, ar tistic, humorous and historic. Great ; in conception and dazzling in effect as the decorations will be, it is more that probable that the feature that will be remembered with the greatest delight will be the music of conven- ton week. In order to bring the best instrumentalists to Philadelphia 1t is decided to offer prize of $100 or more pieces that would come. so that the musical organizations that will take part in the massed parade and concert will number some of the lead ing bands In the country.
 It has been decided to have this great convention feature on Wednes- day, July 17, the musicians to mass about noon after a parade on Broad street. "The Star Spangled Banner" Onward, Christian Soldiers" and popular melodies will be rendered. In addition to the cash consideration for appearing in this musical event. spe- cial prize of $500 will be given.
 From the opening day of the week until the delegates and friends leave the city will be in the realm of mel ody. @ .se.
 What is intended as the climax of the convention week will be the pa rade on Thursday. July IS. It is i'm possible for the committee of arrange ments to tell how many members will be in the procession, but the marchers will number thousands. It will be characteristic pageant threading its way along the boulevard of a city not ed for the magnihcence of its demon, strations. It will be kaleidoscopic, unique and picturesque. as every dele gation intends to present the leading feature of the city or town from which 1t comes.
 In the line which will move at the traditional hour of the order-11 o'clock-there will be floats depicting much of the tradition. much that is humorous and many things grotesque. Bands there will be galore, as many musical organizations will be in the city for the parade day only. There will be gonfalons and flags that will make the procession a moving for est, but the arts and sciences will likewise be depicted.
 Colorado Elks will come as a state body and will exploit the mining in- dustries. They will bring a carload of burros. and some Pennsylvanians will be asked to take a ride upon the | quarterdeck of one of the bucking | bronchos- Mississippfs cotton fields will pass in panoramic view as the New Orleans EIks. who will come by boat. will have a distinctive state ex- hibit
 Chester, which declares that it has a claim upon William Penn prior to that of Philadelphia. will show how the founder of the Commonwealth. whom the Chester men say was an Elk. appeared when he landed. It is said that the Salt Lake delegation, thn rrnn uhn startnd fhn nrnatnrus