as Proxy

The Grand Secretary presented the credentials of Representative of New York, appointed by Rep. Mowatt, of the Grand Lodge of said state, and the credentials of P. D. G. M. Augustus Mathiot, as Proxy Representative of Delaware, to represent the said Grand Lodges at this Special Session.

The Grand Sire referred the credentials to a special committee, consisting of Rep's Ridgely, of Maryland; Sanderson, of Ohio; and Warner, of District of Columbia.

Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, from the committee to whom was referred the credentials of the Proxy Representatives, reported verbally, that they had examined the credentials referred to them, and found the certificate of the Grand Lodge of Delaware correct, and that P. D. G. M. Mathiot, is entitled to his seat as the Proxy Representative during this Special Session; but that the certificate from New York, is informal, and cannot be received.

On motion, so much of the report as relates to the Proxy Representative of Delaware, was adopted.

The question then recurred on so much of the report as relates to the Proxy Representative of New York, which was decided in the affirmative; the yeas and nays were called, and were as follows:

YEAS.-Rep's Ridgely, 2 votes; Warner, and Sanderson-4.
NAYS.-Rep. Mathiot-1.

Rep. Sanderson, of Ohio, offered a motion that the Grand Lodge proceed to business with the members present.

The Grand Sire declared the motion out of order, and refused to proceed to business on the ground of there not being a constitutional quorum pre

sent.

Rep. Sanderson, of Ohio, appealed from the decision of the Chair, and the Grand Sire refused to put the question of appeal on constitutional scruples, there not being a majority of the Grand Lodges represented.

Whereupon, the Grand Sire declared the Grand Lodge adjourned until this night two weeks, and authorized the Grand Secretary again to notify the Representatives thereof.

MONDAY, December 14th, 1835.

The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment-present, the same Officers and Representatives as at the last meeting.

The Grand Secretary reported that he had again notified the absent Representatives, agreeably to his instructions.

There not being a majority of Grand Lodges represented, the Grand Sire refused to open the Grand Lodge, and declared the Special Session closed, sine die.

ROBERT NEILSON, Grand Secretary.

• Proxy Representative.-The name of the person claiming this appointment is not among the records; nor could the credentials be discovered; having, likely, been withdrawn when rejected.

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION

OF THE

GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES,

Held at the City of Baltimore, October, 1836.

MONDAY, October 3d, 9 o'clock, A. M.

The R. W. Grand Lodge convened this day, at Odd Fellows' Hall, city of Baltimore, being the regular Annual Communication, when the following were present:

JOHN PEARCE,

ROBERT NEILSON,

SATER T. WALKER,

SAMUEL LUCAS,

WILLIAM CROUCH,

P. G. Sire THOMAS WILDEY.

R. W. D. G. Sire, Presiding.

R. W. G. Secretary.

W. G. Chaplain.

W. G. Marshal.

W. G. Guardian, and.

The Grand Secretary presented the credentials of the Representatives

of the Several Grand Lodges, viz:

Rep. of Maryland.
Rep. of New York.
Rep. of Pennsylvania.
Rep. of District of Columbia.
Proxy Rep. of Louisana.
Proxy Rep. of New Jersey.
Rep. of Kentucky.

P. G. M. JAMES L. RIDGELY, P. G. M. FREDERICK LEISE, D. G. Sire JOHN PEARCE, P. G. Sire JAMES GETTYS, P. G. M. SAMUEL LUCAS, P. G. CHARLES A. ZEITZ, P. G. HENRY WOLFORD, And it appearing that a constitutional quorum was present, the Grand Marshal was directed to examine the Representatives.

The Grand Marshal reported that the Representatives present were duly qualified; and then, by order of the Grand Sire, proclaimed the Grand Lodge duly opened for the transaction of business.

Prayer, by the Grand Chaplain.

The Grand Sire appointed G. Secretary Neilson; P. G. Sire Wildey; and G. Chaplain Walker, a committee to examine the credentials of the Representatives of the several Grand Lodges.

G. Secretary Neilson, from the committee on credentials, presented the following report:

To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States:

The committee appointed to examine the certificates of the Representatives of the several Grand Lodges at the present Communication, have performed the duty assigned them, and would beg leave respectfully to re

port-that they find the certificates of the Representatives of Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, New Jersey and Kentucky, made out in due form and properly authenticated.

That appended to the certificate of the Representative from New York, is a communication addressed to the Grand Lodge of the United States, which the committee would beg leave to submit to its consideration.

That the Grand Lodge of Louisana has failed to forward a separate certificate, but the committee find P. G. M. SAMUEL LUCAS, recognized in their report as regularly appointed their Grand Representative, to the Grand Lodge of the United States.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

ROBERT NEILSON,
THOMAS WILDEY,
SATER T. WALKER.

Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, moved that the certificates be read, and passed upon separately, which motion prevailed.

When the Chair reported the Representatives of Maryland, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, New Jersey and Kentucky, as entitled to their seats, which was concurred in.

Whereupon, on motion, the credentials of Proxy Rep. Lucas, of Louisiana, were referred to a special committee of five.

The Chair appointed as the committee, Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland; P. G. Sire Wildey; and Rep's Wolford, of Kentucky; Gettys, of District of Columbia; and Zeitz, of New Jersey.

The Chair appointed P. G. Sire Wildey, as D. Grand Sire; and P. G. Sire Gettys, as G. Treasurer, pro tem.

The session of the Grand Lodge to-day, was attended by P. G. M. WILLIAM L. OSBORN, P. G. M. DANIEL P. MARSHALL, and G. M. FREDERICK LEISE, of the Grand Lodge of the state of New York.

Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, moved that a committee be appointed to take into consideration the late proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the state of New York, which was concurred in.

On motion, the Grand Lodge decided that the committee should consist of five,

Whereupon the Chair appointed the following as the committee:

Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland; P. G. Sire Wildey; and Rep's Gettys, of District of Columbia; Zeitz, of New Jersey; and Wolford, of Kentucky. Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, presented the following, which was read:

"To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States:

The undersigned, a committee appointed by a large number of the Past Grands of the Grand Lodge of the state of New York, having learned that brother Frederick

• Entitled to their seats.-The proceedings in this case, so far as relates to the Representative of New York, do not appear to have been conducted in conformity to the mode usual with legislative bodies. The committee on credentials had reported the certiñcates of all the Representatives (New York included,) except Louisiana, as "made out in due form and properly authenticated"; and the minutes show that the brother claiming to represent New York was present in the Grand Lodge, and capable by his rank in the Order to enter upon his duties, but was not permitted to do so. In other similar bodies, when a seat is contested, where the claimant is eligible, and his certificate, as in this case, is "in due form," etc., the custom is to admit him to his seat on organizing, under the prima facia evidence furnished by his credentials; and subsequent to the completion of the organization to pass upon the question ofhis right to retain membership. The order of business here was reversed, as the accredited brother was not permitted to take his seat, although his claim was not decided until the third day of the session.

Leise has presented himself to the Grand Lodge of the United States, as the Representative from the state of New York, beg leave to represent-that the Grand Lodge of the state of New York, at its annual session, adjourned without appointing a Representative; and that the assemblage by which brother Leise claims his authority, was an unconstitutional and illegal meeting of a number of individuals belonging to the Order, and not the act of the Grand Lodge of the state of New York. The undersigned, on behalf of the Grand Lodge of the state of New York, do hereby object to the acknowledgment of brother Leise, as the Representative of the Grand Lodge of the state of New York.

Baltimore, Oct. 3, 1836."

DANIEL P. MARSHALL,
WILLIAM L. OSBORN,

Committee,

from a part of the P. G's of the Grand Lodge of N. Y.

Rep Ridgely, of Maryland, moved that all the documents on the subject of the Grand Lodge of New York, be referred to the Committee on Reports, which was decided in the affirmative.

The Grand Secretary presented the follwing resignation of the R. W. Grand Treasurer, and on motion of Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, it was laid on the table.

"TO GEORGE KEYSER, ESQ.,

M. W. Grand Sire, and Respected Friend:

In consequence of ill health, I am advised to leave this country for a warmer climate, and expect to sail for Europe on the 24th September next; you will please present this as my resignation of the office of Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of the I. O. of O. F., of the United States. The Grand Representative of this state will hand you the Book of Accounts and vouchers, and the balance due the Grand Lodge, say $52 52.

With much respect and esteem,
I remain, very respectfully,

New York, 30th August, 1836."

CHARLES MOWATT.

On motion of Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, the Grand Lodge adjourned until to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock.

TUESDAY, October 4th, 9 o'clock, A. M.

The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment: Present, the Officers and a due representation.

R. W. D. G. Sire JOHN PEARCE, presiding.

Rep. Gettys, of District of Columbia, moved that the reading of the proceedings of the last Annual Communication be dispensed with, to enable the committee appointed yesterday, to report, which motion prevailed.

Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, from the committee to whom was referred the late proceedings in the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, presented a report relative thereto, which was read.

pur

The presiding officer called P. G. Sire Wildey to the Chair, for the pose of addressing the Grand Lodge on the above subject, after which he

• Committee on Reports.-This must be an error; the Committee on Reports made no special allusion to the Grand Lodge of New York in its report submitted, although, with the others, it endorsed the correctness of the report of the Grand Lodge of New York, signed by the same grand officers, and sealed with the same seal, as was the certificate of the Representative. The reference was doubtless intended to the special committee of five just appointed.

moved that the report be re-committed, with instructions to report to-morrow afternoon, which was decided in the affirmative.

Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland, moved that the reading of the proceedings of the last Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, be dispensed with, which was concurred in.

The R. W. D. Grand Sire having resumed the chair, announced the following Standing Committees for the present Session:

On Petitions-Rep's Wolford, of Kentucky; Ridgely, of Maryland; and Zeitz, of New Jersey.

On Finance-Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland; P. G. Sire Wildey; and Rep. Zeitz, of New Jersey.

On Returns and Reports-Rep's Gettys, of District of Columbia; Zeitz, of New Jersey; and P. G. Sire Wildey.

On Correspondence-G. Secretary Neilson; Rep. Ridgely, of Maryland; and P. G. Sire Wildey.

On Deferred Business-Rep's Wolford, of Kentucky; Ridgely, of Maryland; and Zeitz, of New Jersey.

The Grand Secretary presented the reports of the several Grand and Subordinate Lodges and Encampments, which were referred to the Committee on Returns and Reports.

The Grand Secretary presented the following petitions for charters, which were referred to the Committee on Petitions.

From John H. Allen and others, praying for a charter for a lodge to be located at Richmond, Va., and hailed by the title of "Jefferson Lodge, No. 4,"-granted in the recess of the Grand Lodge.

From M. Ruffner and others, praying for a charter for a lodge to be located at Natchez, Miss., and hailed by the title of "Mississippi Lodge, No. 1,"-granted in the recess of the Grand Lodge.

From Samuel L. Miller and others, praying for a charter for a lodge, to be located at the town of Alton, Madison county, Ill., and hailed by the title of "Western Star Lodge, No. 1,"-granted in the recess of the Grand Lodge.

From H. L. Duncan and others, praying for a charter for an Encampment of Patriarchs, to be located at the city of New Albany, Ind., and hailed by the title of "Jerusalem Encampment, No. 1,"-granted in the recess of the Grand Lodge.

From Peter W. Kenaday and others, Past Grands of Virginius Lodge, No. 3, praying for a charter for a Grand Lodge of Virginia, to be located at the city of Wheeling.

From James A. Spalding and others, praying for a charter for a lodge, to be located at the town of Portsmouth, Va., and hailed by the title of "Old Dominion Lodge, No. 5."

The Grand Secretary then presented the following Constitutions and By-Laws of subordinate Encampments and Lodges, which were referred to the Committee of Correspondence.

Constitution of Wildey Encampment of Patriarchs, No. 1, of Ohio. By-Laws of Virginius Lodge, No. 3, (established at Wheeling, Va.,) of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows chartered, 1834.

Constitution and By-Laws of Abram's Encampment of Patriarchs, No. 1, I. O. of O. F., of the city of Wheeling; working under charter of the Grand Encampment of the United States.