Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1907-07-15
Movement On Foot to Make Way With Every Man Who Charges That "Phil- ly" Is a "Slow Town"
FESTIVITIES ARE ON
Hello Bills" Crowd Into the Penmsyl- yania Metropolis-Being Royalty EntertaineG-Grand Lodge Con- venes Tonight-Program.

Philadelphia, July 15.-"Phila- and if ever again a man makes such a statement in nly presence I will brand him as an unqualified prever- lcator, or maybe l will use the shorter word. I move that each Elk resolve himself into a committee of one to forever squelch and incapac- ltate for future duty this baseless calumny on the fair name of this matchless city"
 The speaker was a fat Elk from Kansas City, standing on a chair in the lobby of the Bellevue-Stratford When the wild cheers that greeted his utterance had subsided, the Phil adelpia Elks present, with tears of joy in their eyes, led the way to the bar, where all joined in toast to Philadelphia, the fastest town on the map
 From all outward appearance the sentiments expressed by the fat man from Missouri are shared by all the thousands of his fellow Elks gathered here today from all parts of the country to take part in the annual convention of the order. 
 Through all of yesterday and this morning an army of good fellows poured into the city, to receive the most enthusiastic greeting ever eX- tended delegates to an Elks con- Ventlon. Nearly every .Bill'' in Phil adelphia ard vicinity aided in the reception of the viitors and if a single ore was neglected it was due to an oversight. Despite the tre- mendous crowds, all will be cared for comfortably, although there is some crowding at the hotels.
 The enteTtainment of the Ellls is on a scale never before attempted in the City of Brotherly Love. Some $50,000 has been spent by the city authorities in erecting a magnificent court of honor and in carrying out a gorgeous decorative scheme. The local lodges have raised $2OO,OOO for the entertainment of the visitors while here, and in addition scores of private individuals and corpora tions will take hand in giving the Elks the time Of their lives.
 The work of dressing the city, commenced weeks ago, has been carried to completion in the most lavish manner possible. The electri- cal displays surpass any ever shown here. Every business man, from the proprietors of a bootblack stand to the owners of the biggest stores and factories, aided in adding a touch of color to the streets by means of flags and Elk emblems.
 The festivities began today with trip of the grand lodge up and down the Deleware river, visiting Cramps shipyard, the League Island navy yard and the forts. Luncheon was served at Washington park. Tho formal opening of the grand lodge sessions will take place this evening in the Grand Opera House. Address es of welcome will be made by Gov. Stuart and Mayor .Rayburn. There will also be a great band concert in Independence Square, in which the musical organizations from all over the country will take part.
 The first business session will be held at II o'clock tomorrow morn ing in the Garrick theater. The greatest feast ever attempted by the Elks or any similar order will also take place tomorrow at Washington park. on the Deleware. An open invitation to share in the bountiful repast has been rendered to every Elk. beast or human, in the uni verse. and from the preparations now being made it is evident that the "grub" committee thinks they will all be here. Every variety or N1sh and sea food will be served, in additiont to every other good thing on the market. In addition to the Independence square oano concert tomorrow evening, there will be sin ging by a great Elk chor-