The Washington herald., 1916-05-21
The Grotto.

The much IA aIked-of and anxiously
awaited Detroit Special ceremonial Of
BaIlipoIis Grotto was STAGED at the New
willard on Monday evening last. II had
been announced that it would be entirely
different from anything heretofore given
BY the Yelled Prophets, and the 800 fez-
capped disciples of mirth who gathered
in the large ballroom were not disap-
pointed Monarch George H Emmons
IT., and his co-wcTkers made the affair
all the more enjoyable by successfully
conCealt-g the nature Of the entertain
msnt until Il was enacted.
The unexpected started with the recep-
tfon of the class Of fOrty-five candidates
who were ferried across the River Styx.
They were conducted from the outer
world and Ushered before the throne IN
a manner never experienced by any who
have preceded them. Although their Jour
nsy in quest of the mysterious rites of
the order was made easy on account OF
the initiation being conferred in short
form, ii was impressive enough to be re-
membered for years to come. Prophet S.
z. Shreve he'd inquisition upon the can
didates through the medium of a new line
OF stunts.
A spirited contest for candidates had
been waged for weeks before the cere-
mOnial by Past MOnarchs Edward s.
hinted that things dire and dreadful
would be meted out to the past monarch
who should be so unfortunate as to head
the losing side. There was no miscar-
rage OF arrangements IN this respect As
soon as the neophytes were initiated. the
stage was quickly set and a deep-voiced
court crier in the person Of Prophet r L.
Trice, In ear-splitting tones OF thunder,
began to yell "Oh, yeZ; oh yez," and a
,Tnv=~r rpS FrraF
The honorable judge" was soon iden-
tiled as Prophet Charles A Stevens, hid
ing behind the usual stage makeup Of
that character. including the white wig
and solemn-looking black robe. Follow
fng out the idea Of something different, -
Past Monarch Edward S. Schmid was
'Indicted''-not for losing in the candi-
date-getting contest-but for winning.
Past Monarch Pullman was also indicted
for 'conspiring," and they were tried
Jointly. They were ably defended by Past
Monarch R B. Dickey and Prophet Otto
Woerner, while Past Monarch ]. H.
Shreve and Chief Justice l. S. Goldsmith
conducted the prosecution. Prophet Mark
Stsarman was clerk of the court; Past
Monarch E. W. LAbbey court stenog-
raphsr, and Prophet R. L. Trice, bailir.
The sllit proved a handy vehicle for the
comedy which was enacted. Prophet
woerner's impersonation Of an Irish law
yer convulsed the audience with laughter,
Prophet Goldsmith as an italian barris-
ter was clever, While Judge Stevens
produced much amusement with his
ludicrous rulings on legal questions pro-
pounded by the prosecution and defense.
Prophet H ]. Simmons as "colored gen.
tleman Of leisure" and DR. George r.
Day divided honors as expert witnesses.
After the trial" talent from the local
theaters kept the audience IN their seats
until midnight. Arthur Geary, tenor
soloist OF The Passing Show" rendered
several highly entertaining selections;
the Evans Sisters, Irish Colleens," were
encored until they nearly exhausted their
repertoire OF songs; Lazare and Dale,
blackfaced artists, rendered their famous.
minstrel sketch so well that they had to
work overtime TO satisfy the audience
and the Six Royal Hawaiians won hearty
applause with their musical selections
A real telegraph Office was in opera ton
with Prophet W. H. McKeldin as the re-
ceiver. and throughout the evening tele,
grams TO various prophets were trans
rnitted right into the hall and read pub
hcly to the addresses. They were timely
and evoked much applause
The Grotto Drill Corps has extended an