The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-07-18
FARGO SHRINERS
MADE Things HUN
J. c. M'KENDRY TELLS or THE
BIG CONTEMPORARIES DE-
LIcHTFuL AND GRAPHIC Ac-
COUNT OF THE PARADEs AND
OTHER FEATURES or COUNCIL.

OTHER FEATURES OF COUNClL,
Albion. N. ", July Ito The For
UNI: You have asked me to give my
mental Impressions OF the late meet
ing of the imperial council of the
Shrine in Rochester. / find this q
hard task. 1t was so large, so stu
pendous that it is almost impossible
to describe. The meeting of the inn
perial council itself was, understand,
more largely attended than ever be-
fore. This being so because of the
large increase in membership, thus
making the representation so much
more, Much legislation OF great i'm
portance to the order was accomplish
ed. The best of feeling was mani
tested, much good was done and UNI
derstand no sore spots left This is
certainly good. The meeting in
Rochester was by far the largest ever
held. have it from those who
claim to know that there were at least
$4,000 Shriners present, and the num-
Der Of visiting ladies was by far the
greatest ever.
The parade of the bands and patrols
on Tuesday morning was the sight of
a life time. The four or Ave miles of
streets along which the parade passed
were lined, 1t is said. by over a mil
lion people. Windows were all packed
full Of people to get a view of the
passing columns. Street car traffic
was suspended so that all could see.
The evening parade was much larger
as the visiting mobiles could march in
the rear Of their own temple bands and
patrols, Damascus temple of Rochester,
turning out over 1000 strong in full
dress, and many other temples from
fifty to 500 members. Then Rochester
had prepared fine line Of floats that
equaled any mardi gras ever held.
Rochester is a beautiful city. and is
blest with a large number of the
finest and best parks in the world
The street car system is the best and
autos were easily obtained for the ben
eft of the sightseers.
Never in all history was there a more
magnificent sight and spectacle than
was the drill of the several temple
patrols at Genesee Valley park. Over
400 members Of patrols representing
eighty -four temples gathered in mass
ed formation forming Kaleidoscope,
the like of which may never be seen
again all of these patrols going through
the drills involving the most exact
training and intricate military man
euvers. 1t is hard matter to Judge
between this patrol and the other 1t
was an impression of men In rainbow
colored uniforms, men of the orient,
with sheiks as leaders, and the Arab
Of the desert as followers. The drill
was held in a natural amphitheatre,
with thousands upon thousands of
spectators, ranging rank upon rank on
the natural terraces. And above all
were the stretches of red and green
and yellow sunshine as If Allah had
blessed the scene.
Another spectacle OF note was the
formation and the rendering Of music
Of all the bands, massed into one large
band of over 1000 men. Just think Of
1T, over 1000 men massed and playing
together, the same music at the same
time, and it was well rendered.
In regard to the place occupied by
Ell Zagal temple in these vast doings,
my native modesty forbids me, yet
/ dare venture to say that no patrol
or band present created a better Inn
preston than did our own Fargo. Our
band of twenty two men In full ORR
entail costume gave us plenty OF music
and the music played was the best.
Our patrol, under Captain Craig, re-
ceived the plaudits and applause of tho
multitude, but by far the greatest
honor bestowed on the patrol was the
hearty and sincere congratulations
from the members Of the other patrols
present and this counts. Fargo ought
to be proud that our city had such a
patrol and band making possible the
credit and renown that has been
brought to us.
When word came from the conven.
ton that our own Frank Treat had
received the unanimous vote of that
vast body, and was elected imperial
potentate of North America, we went
wild. We were anticipating and ex-
pecting 1t, but when it really did come
we had to break loose. We congratu-
lated ourselves and we congratulated
everybody, and thousands of Shriners
and patrols Joined in with us and
caught our enthusiasm
Our band and patrol fifty strong,
headed by Ex-Governor Sarles, Re-
corder Arvold, President Hardy Of the
commercial club and others, started
out, took possession OF every hotel in
the city, the band played, the bells
rang, the patrol drilled. speeches were
made, and thousands know now that
never before knew that Fargo is on
the map.
At p. m. we wound up at the
Powers hotel where we met the i'm
perial potentate of North Dakota, our
own Frank Treat. Say you talk some
times Of a. certain place that broke
loose, but it can't compare with the
reception that was rendered Frank by
his own boys and men Of his own city.
The band played, the patrol formed
and shouted. Speeches were made and
the increasing throng of thousands
joined with us in our glory, making
the scene one never to be forgotten.
Our people are now pretty well scat
tered. Some gone home, some to New
York and other places. am at my old
home for few days, meeting and
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