The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1907-03-16

First Session of the Knights
of Pythian Convention
at Orlando. s.x

/ The following report of the first
session of The knights of Pytkias con-
vention is from the Orlando Report
er-Star:
This morning at ten o'clock wit
messed the public opening ceremonies
in the public school auditorium at
which there were present hundreds
of delegates. visitors, townsfolk and
scholars.
The Ceremonies were to nave taken
place at the court house, but owing
to the converting of criminal court at
1 this time the exercises were held in
the large auditorium of the new pub
lie school.
By the time the orchestra had as
sembled every seat in the auditorium
was taken and all of the available
chairs were brought in and even then
many were compelled to stand.
Mr.. W. R. O'Neal, chairman, was
master of ceremonies and introduced
After a prayer by Rev. DR.. Turn
bull, of Durham, n. c., an address
of welcome was extended to the visit
ing delegates BY the mayor, Hon. b.
Beecham, who spoke in part as fol-
lows:
Address of Welcome.
Sir Knights and Ladies and Gen.
tlemen: A pleasant duty devolves
upon me today-a duty which is more
pleasure than a duty, to welcome
to our goodly city these gallant
Knights, who now, fsuratively speak
ing, are standing at our gates
In olden times, when Knights in
mailed armor, with banners. glitter
ing lances and sound of trumpet,
stood without a city's walls and de
manded admittance. it was signal
of a contest and the people within
the gates, in dire distress, with beat
ing hearts made their best prepare
tons for resistance.
Today there are no armed hosts
without our gates, no warlike trum-
pets, no stamping steeds nor fierce |
warriors to take a fair city from its
people. Today We have peaceful in
vasion by band of Knights, not clad !
in giittering, armor and flashing |
swords, not intent on warfare upon |
our fair city, but on a mission of |
peace on earth and good will to men |
And we, the pecpls of the beleagured
city, stand at the gates, with beat |
ing hearts, it is true, but hearts which |
are beating with feelings of pleasure
and warmest welcome.
AS the herald of this people chos- |
en- to speak for them and honored in
the choice, proclaim that you are
welcome, and bid this invading dr.
my enter, sojourn and enjoy the hos
pialities of 0riando-everything is
yours and we Internationally sur.
render.
/ do not know of any body or order
OF men whose guiding principles can
be higher than those of your gallant
organization-the Knights of Pythias,
a name known and honored through
out the world. In its very inception
the order is founded upon one OF the
most beautiful of historical events
the devoted friendship OF Damon and
Pythias
Can an order established on such
devotion fail or the attainment of its
objects, the elevation of the spirit of
brotherhood the defense of the weak
and the aid of those in distress. You
gentlemen have before you constantly
the high ideals established by your ,
order. All you have TO do is to follow
them as the sailors at sea follow the ,
north pole star.
Without ideals, life would be bar.
rem. They move the heart-they stir |
he blood, weaken ambition and make ,
life more beautiful.
Show me nation with high ideals
Of patriotism and l will show you j
nation of brave men and noble |
women. aiAk,xtE {
Show me an order with exalted ,
deals of brotherhood and devotion !
% the right and ] viii show you an
order worthy of all praise.
Then indeed does it become
special pleasure. greater than upon
'ther occasions, to welcome you who
lave given pledges 10. these princi-
,les, who are opponents of these
thoughts, and whose lives ar eexam-
,les thereof.
Not less welcome also are your
aides, who have come with brother,
husband, and maybe sweethearts, to
zee that these bold and gallant
Knights do not get too bold and gal
ant, (much applause) and /, as mayor
II Orlando, pledge that / viii not in
my manner deprive you ladies of full
opportunities of observation | never
AXE away any of the privileges OF
he ladies. But levity aside, l well
'ome you to Orlando. 1 give you the
Seys of the city, and our hearts go !
With the keys.
Horsler Responded.
Hon. Henry Horsler, grand chan
'eilor, responded In a short and inter-
,sting talk, IN which he thanked the
people of Orlando for their hospital
ty. /,
Master of ceremonies then intro