The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-03-12
MET IN PRATTVnLE
sUCCESSrUL CONVENTION
 PYTHIAN kNI0HT1.
Eighth District rsatsrs Gather h An- tauga Capital and Enjoy Pro1tahle Sessions Despite Hard
 weathek.

Prattville, March l1.-(Special. )-The seventh semi-annual convention of the Eighth District of Knights of Pythias of the Grand Domain of Alabama con- vened in Prattvflle this morning. Despite the steady downpour of rain there was . large delegation present. the indictment weather in no way dam pening the ardor of the loyal Knights. Prattvilie, one of AlAbana's most beautiful and picturesque towns. was alive to the spirit of the occasion. and the tri-colors of Pythianism. the blue. yellow and red. were in evidence every where. Store fronts were beautifully decorated. and Pythian banners foated to every breeze.
 The rain necessitated some change in the arrangements. but the morn ing session, largely attended by Knights and by men and women of Prattville, was called to order by Hon. Malcolm Graham at the handsome new court house of Autauga County. L. L. Gwaltney of the Baptist Church.
 This was followed by . splendid uAorus of male voices. the piano ac- compartment being by Mrs. W. H.. Barnes.
 The welcome address in behalf of the city was made by Hon. Eugene Ballard. who eloauentiy offered the liberties of the city to the visitors. Response was made by J. T. Letcher of Montgomery.
 The next number was . solo. that old-time melody. My Old Kentucky Home."
 The welcome address on behalf Of Merrill Pratt Lodge, Mo- n, was a masterpiece of oratory. made by Hon. G. s. Livingston. Probate Judge of Autauga County.
 Hon. Emmitt S. Thigpen of Mont gomery responded in his usual happy manner.
 At l o'clock a splendid barbecue was served by the women of Prattcville in the Castle Hall. Many kinds of per. fectly barbecued meats were served, together with the many sweets and ideal feast.
 Early in the afternoon parties of tho Pythians wore shown through the Pratt Gin Factory, the largest gin shops in the world. Mayor Burns. who is superintendent of the gin factory. conducted this profitable and enter taining feature. assisted by other gin factory officials.
 The secret session was held at the Castle Hall of the Merrill Pratt Lodge, that lodge being opened in due form by Chancellor Commander Eugene Bal lard.
 President Sidney H. Elan of Troy was called to the chair and presided over the deliberations of the conven- ton.
 The enrollment of delegates showed the lodges, with few exceptions. to be represented. and reports showed that lodges were in fine shape.
 There were a number of beneficial talks, and by~a special dispensation, two candidates were initiated in the ranks of Knighthood. thus exemplify ing in detail the secret work of the order.
 the people of Prattville for their un- surpassed hospitality. and to the sev- eral speakers and officers of the con- vention for services rendered.
 The place of the next convention was left to the discretion of Deputy Grand Chancellor Sidney T. Elan of Troy.
 The evening meeting was held at the auditorium of the court house. Hon. George Miles of Montgomery presided at this session In his own inimitable manner. his characteristic introduc- tion of the speakers being greeted with prolonged applause.
 The program of the evening included addresses as follows: Side Lights on Pythianasm." Leon McCord, Montgom- cry; Why Has Pythianism Succeeded?" E. M. Wright of Troy; Good of the Order" J. M. Dannelly of Montgom- cry; "Pythianism in Alabama" Grand Chancellor T. D. Sanford of Opelika.
 Each of the addresses was eloquent and impressive the subject being ham, dled in a most able manner. ' Beautiful vocal and instrumental music was rendered during the prog. ress of the program.
 Rain was incessant during the en- tire day. but the sessions of the con- vention were each largely attended.
 The Merrill Pratt Lodge Is due great credit for the able manner in which the convention was entertained, and the delegates were of one accord in declaring the session as one of sur passing pleasure and lasting profit.