Resolved, That brother Jacob Hull, Jr., be received as the Representative from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. All of which is respectfully submitted. ALANSON COOK, SYLVESTER VN SICKELL, On motion, the report was accepted, and the resolution adopted. Resolved, That no individual claiming to visit or deposite his card in a lodge of these United States, shall be so admitted, unless he present a regular card, signed by the N. G., and attested by the Secretary, under the seal of the lodge, and the name of the individual holding said card be endorsed thereon in his own proper hand writing.-Provided nevertheless, a brother may always visit if introduced by a Grand Representative, or other elective officer of the Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction he wishes to visit. The yeas and nays being required on the passage of the resolution, appeared as follows: YEAS-Rep's Marley, Warner, Cook, Davids, Kennedy, McKeldon, Hull, Taylor, Ridgely, Nelson, Lucas, Bayley, Hopkins, Leidy, Wildey, Vn Sickell, and P. G. Sire Perkins-17. NAYS-Rep. Bradley-1. So the resolution was determined in the affirmative. Rep. Wildey, of Mississippi, offered the following resolution, which was read and ordered to lie on the table. Resolved, That the Grand Corresponding Secretary, be and is hereby authorized to appoint suitable agencies in the several states and territories where the Order is established, for the sale of the Diplomas at the fixed price of $2 each, and to allow said agents fifty cents for each copy of said Diploma sold; and the said agents are hereby directed not to sell to any brother, but those who have attained to the scarlet degree, and who shall produce a certificate from the lodge to which they are attached, setting forth their rank and worthiness at the time of application. Resolved, That all resolutions heretofore adopted, inconsistent with the foregoing resolution, be and are hereby repealed. On motion of Rep. McKeldon, of District of Columbia, it was Ordered, That the Corresponding Secretary address in circular form, a copy of the resolution adopted, in relation to visiting brethren, to each subordinate to this jurisdiction. Rep. Cook, of New York, offered the following resolution, which was read, and on his motion, its consideration was postponed till the next Annual Session. Resolved, That the work of the Order be, and the same is hereby so altered, as to make it imperative that the business proceedings of subordinate lodges be transacted in the scarlet degree. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, from the Committee of Correspondence, made the following report, which was concurred in, and the resolutions adopted. To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States: The Committee of Correspondence, who were directed to inquire into the practicability of devising some means of producing uniformity in the work of Odd-Fellowship throughout the earth-and to that end, to consider the propriety of sending a deputation to Great Britain, to confer with the Manchester Unity, or any other body of Odd Fellows, on this subject, with a view to inducing, if possible, their co-operation in the premisesreport: That they have considered the matter referred to them, and are fully impressed with the importance of the subject-a uniformity in the work of Odd Fellowship throughout the earth is very desirable. They believe it is practicable, though certainly cannot be obtained without great difficulty. The fact that the brethren in England consider themselves as the head of the Order, and claim to control the work every where, when it is well known that over the Order in the United States they have no control, but that it is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States, it will be seen at once what obstacles exist to the attainment of so desirable an object. For the purpose of producing uniformity in the work of the Order, your committee believe it would be desirable that some one or more of the members of the Order in the United States should hold personal communication with the Order in England. They, therefore, offer the following resolutions, viz: Resolved, That the difficulty existing in the Order by a want of uniformity in the work, is deeply deplored by this Grand Lodge. And, Resolved, That so soon as sufficient funds can be procured to defray the expense, one or members of the Order shall be appointed to visit England-with instruction to confer with the Manchester Unity, or any other body of Odd Fellows on the subject of the difference in the work of the Order, and to use their best endeavours to procure a return to the ancient work. The same committee, who were directed to consider and report on the propriety of an appeal to the Grand Lodges and Encampments, and subordinate lodges and Encampments under their jurisdiction, to contribute a fund to defray the expense of a deputation to England, report: that that subject has been considered by them, and being of opinion that each and every lodge and member of the Order, being deeply interested in the attainment of the object contemplated, the expense of sending a deputation to England, should be borne by all. That the regular funds of the Grand Lodge of the United States forbid the hope that for years funds sufficient can be obtained to enable it to pay the expense. Under this impression, your committee, in the hope that each lodge would cheerfully aid in the attainment of the object, and enable an early visit to England by the Deputies to be appointed, offer the following resolution, viz: Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary address a communication to each Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment, working under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States, stating the importance of the object to be attained by a deputation to England, and asking a contribution of at least ten dollars from each subordinate lodge or Encampment under their jurisdiction, to be applied to defraying the expenses of one or more members to be appointed to visit England, authorized to use their best endeavours to obtain uniformity in the work of the Order. Respectfully submitted. HOWELL HOPKINS, On motion of Rep. Davids, of New York, it was Ordered, That the report of the select committee just adopted, in relation to the proposed deputation to England, and the resolutions accompanying the same, be R* printed by the Corresponding Secretary in circular form, and be addressed by him to each subordinate in this jurisdiction, with an earnest request that it receive their favorable notice. On motion, the Grand Lodge then adjourned until four o'clock, this afternoon. WEDNESDAY, 4 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment: Present, the Officers and a due representation. P. G. M. Ridgely, the Grand Sire elect, presented the following communication, which was read, and, on motion of Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, his resignation of the office was accepted, and the paper ordered to be spread upon the journal. "To the M. W. G. Sire, Officers, and Representatives, of the Grand Lodge of the United States: BRETHREN-I received the official intimation of my election to the office of Grand Sire at your last session, with a profound sense of the honor which had been conferred upon me-and were I to content myself with the mere expression of my acknowledgments for so distinguished a mark of the confidence of my brethren, I should feel that I was not only derelicit to the just claim upon my gratitude which this additional evidence of their kindness has imposed, but I should equally be insensible to the many and often expressed manifestations of personal regard which have laid me under lasting obligations to the Representatives of the states. For this renewed token of respect and favor, no language that I can employ will sufficiently portray the emotions of a heart, whose every pulsation beats in unison with your own for the welfare of the institution over which we have been called to preside. I shall cherish the distinction of being chosen to guide the destinies of Odd Fellowship in this republic, as the most grateful offering which it has been my lot to have enjoyed during a life, not heretofore entirely devoid of what are called the honors of the world-under any circumstances, I regard the Grand Sireship as an exalted office, worthy the ambition of the most gifted of the votaries of Odd Fellowship-presented for a second time in the form of a free and unsolicited invitation, that heart would indeed be callous to all the sensibilities of human nature, that did not experience in its present bestowment the most prideful emotions. In laying aside the highest office within your gift so honorably and kindly presented to me, it is due to myself, that the motives which have influenced my fixed determination should be clearly stated, least, peradventure, this second declension of the Grand Sireship might be regarded as capricious on my part, and wanting in due respect to the Representatives of the states. Office once assumed should be faithfully administered, and its honors however brilliant, should rather by the efficient discharge of its duties be reflected by the officer, than be shed from the place itself upon an easy and inactive incumbent. Whatever therefore of gratification to individual pride, the acceptance of honor presented would afford, and whatever of elevation and rank and title in the Order be the sacrifice consequent upon its declension, are considerations which cannot weigh in the circumstances in which I am placed. On a former occasion my opinions were given upon this subject-they have undergone no change since that period-I thought then, and I think now, that the importance and responsibility of the Grand Sireship to the Order could not be too earnestly pressed upon the brother who was called by your suffrages to that exalted chairthat if zealous, diligent, affable, corteous and prompt in the discharge of his duties, incalculable benefit would result to the Order from his administration of its affairs, and his salutary example would furnish a powerful incentive to similar activity and energy in every subordinate department-but, if on the contrary, by reason of all absorbing and business relations or pursuits of life, he should be obliged from such a necessity to leave the Order to itself, and thus fail to exert that parental guardian ship over its concerns, which the obligations of the office imperatively impose, that such an individual, however popular or gifted, instead of being of value to Odd Fellowship, would rather by his passive neglect inflict positive injury upon its well being, and superinduce a corresponding apathy in every inferior office under his supervision and direction. Regarding the office of Grand Sire as thus responsible, and believing the weal or wo of Odd Fellowship in all its details throughout your jurisdiction, so inseparably blended with such a faithful and efficient discharge of its duties, as in my conscience I know I cannot in view of my situation in life devote to its functions, I am compelled with profound respect to decline the honor of the office. Very truly your Brother, in F. L. & T. JAMES L. RIDGELY." On motion of Rep. Bradley, of Connecticut, the Grand Lodge proceeded to receive nominations for the office of Grand Sire, vacated by the resignation of P. G. M. James L. Ridgely, when the following names were presented. By Rep. Davids, of New York, P. G. M. John A. Kennedy, of New York. By Rep. Marley, of Maryland, P. G. M. Howell Hopkins, of Pennsyl vania. By Rep. Hull, of Virginia, P. G. M. George M. Bain, of Virginia. By Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, P. G. M. Horn R. Kneass, of Pennsylvania. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, asked and obtained leave to decline being a candidate for the office of Grand Sire. Rep. Hull, of Virginia, moved that the Grand Lodge proceed to the election of Grand Sire, to-morrow morning at ten o'clock, which was decided in the negative. On motion of Rep. Bradley, of Connecticut, the Grand Lodge proceeded to the election of Grand Sire. The Chair appointed P. G. Sires Perkins and Wildey as tellers, who having received the ballots of the Representatives and P. G. Sires, as they were respectively called by the Grand Secretary, and counted the same, reported that P. G. M. John A. Kennedy, had received a majority of all the votes polled. Whereupon, the Grand Sire proclaimed, that P. G. M. JOHN A. KENNEDY, of New York, was duly elected Grand Sire of the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States, for the ensuing term of two years. On motion of Rep. Vn. Sickell, of New Jersey, the Grand Lodge proceeded to receive nominations for the office of Grand Recording Secretary, when the following names were presented. By Rep. Cook, of New York, P. G. John G. Treadwell, of New York. By Rep. McKeldon, of District of Columbia, P. G. M. James L. Ridgely, of Maryland. P. G. M. Ridgely asked to be excused from being a candidate for the office of Grand Recording Secretary, which was decided in the negative. On motion, the Grand Lodge proceeded to the election of Grand Recording Secretary. The Chair appointed P. G. Sires Perkins and Wildey as tellers, who, having received the ballots from the Representatives and P. G. Sires, as they were respectively called by the Grand Secretary, and counted the same, reported that P. G. M. James L. Ridgely, had received a majority of all the votes polled. Whereupon, the Grand Sire proclaimed that P. G. M. JAMES L. RIDGELY, of Maryland, was duly chosen Grand Recording Secretary, for the ensuing term of two years. On motion of Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, it was Resolved, That the compensation of the Corresponding and Recording Secretary, be fixed at four hundred dollars per annum, until otherwise ordered. Rep. Davids, of New York, offered the following, which was adopted: Resolved, That in consequence of the increase of the correspondence, &c. of the Corresponding Secretary, and the important necessity of preserving copies of said correspondence for future reference-therefore, that a suitable copying press, copying books, writing trough and such necessary articles as may be required, for taking and preserving copies of said correspondence, and for such other documents as may be deemed necessary, shall be procured for the above purpose, at the earliest conveni ence. On motion of Rep. Ridgely, of Ohio, it was Resolved, That Rep. Davids, of New York, be and he is hereby respectfully requested to procure the copying machine authorized for the Corresponding Secretary, in the city of New York, and that he be and is hereby authorized to draw on the Grand Treasurer at sight, for the cost of the same. Rep. McKeldon, of District of Columbia, offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the first N. G. of a newly instituted lodge, be entitled to receive the degrees of Past V. G. and Past Secretary, without having filled those offices, and that the first V. G. of a similar lodge be entitled to receive the degree of Past Secretary, in the same manner. Rep. Neilson, of Indiana, moved to strike ont the words, "Past Secretary," from the resolution, wherever they occur, which was decided in the negative. On motion of P. G. Sire Perkins, the resolution was ordered to lie on the table. Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, from the special committee to whom was referred the By-Laws, &c., submitted the following report, which was accepted and the resolutions adopted. To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States: The committee to whom was referred the consideration of the By-Laws, as reported in existence, with the additions and amendments* proposed thereto, report: That they have carefully examined the same, and with the few alterations made thereto, recommend the adoption thereof. The same committee, who were charged with the consideration of, and to report what compensation should be paid to brother Williamson, for the services rendered by him, in collecting and reporting the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules of Order, together with an Index to the recorded minutes of this Grand Lodge, report the following resolution. Resolved, That an order be drawn in favor of brother Williamson for fifty dollars. Additions and amendments.-Among those amendments which were then adopted, was an article defining the regalia of the Order, with more minuteness and precision than had been before done. The report of a committee on the same subject, and varying slightly from the amendment adopted, was subsequently presented, and laid on the table because of its being supererogatory. It was printed through a misunderstanding of the printer, which produced, at the time, some little uncertainty as to the act of the Grand Lodge. |