Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-09-12
Yoeal auS ,DMs0aal.
Grand Lodge u. g., Il. q. o. F.-This body,


which met in Baltimore on the fourth instant, ad-
journed its annual session yesterday afternoon al
halfpast three O'Clock. Over one hundred mem
bers from all parts of the Union, including Call
fornia, were present at the communication.
II appears from the reports submitted that the
order is in prosperous condition everywhere, and
continues, with a lavish hand, 10 dispense its
charities. eaEaF S
The most important business transacted was
the adoption of a new constitution, which had
been the subject of earnest consideration through
out the wide spread jurisdiction of the Grand
Lodge ofthe United States After amendment, il
was adopted by vote Of eighty-si to six.
The constitution deprives the Grand Lodge Of
the United States Of much of the power which II
heretofore possessed as the Only "legitmate
source Of authority in Odd Fellowship" and gives
TO the several State, District and Territorial grand
bodies the powers not reserved TO the Grand
Lodge Of The United States. AS compared with
the old constitution, it is essentially radical The
time Of the annual meeting has been changed
from the first TO the third Monday in September.
We learn that committee has been appointed
to report, at the next meeting, plan for merging
in other words 10 abolish the patriarchal branch OF
the order as separate existence. The reason
assigned for such action is that the encdmpments,
with few exceptions, are not in fourishing
condition and beside, the expense of their main
tenance should be avoided while the degrees could
as well be conferred in the subordinate lodges.
This question will hereafter come before the
Grand Lodge of the United States for defnitive
action.
The degree Of Rebekah, designed for the wives
of Odd Fellows, is suffered to continue in exist
ence, although, it is said, an effort was made TO
dispense with it, forever
+ The greatest harmony characterized the delib-
erations Of the Grand Lodge ofthe United States;
and much business Of Importance to the Order
generally, transacted as source Of information
leads us TO believe.
A DIme-savings Bank, after the manner Of
those in existence in the north, has recently been
organized in Baltimore. The officers of the nsti-
tuition act without compensation, and thus devote
themselves and the influence they can exert in
the promotion of the cause, solely for the benefit
of deposi,ors. The Baltimore San, in an article
upon ILLS supJeSt, says on =
"The efficiency of this institution, its success,
indeed, will be the moral reflex Of the humber
members of society. We cannot doubt that such
an institution will induce many TO commence a
regular habit Of saving. The convenience of de
posting small an amount as dime, or quar-
ter, half dollar at time, will certainly quicken
the desire to do so. And muliitudes are very
inconsiderate with respect TO the cumulative value
of small sums, the dme-saving bank will, through
the experience Of its depositors, gradually diffnse
the knowledge Impractical facts upon this subjec,
in the community. Let the disposition prevail TO
have money in the bank, if il be only dime, and
other dimes will follow; until from so small be-
ginning we may have multitudes of small capt.
talists, where we have now prodgali,y, IMPROVE
dence, and frequent restitution"
We, in common with many others in this city,
should be pleased to see similar institution here
established, conducted with view TO the welfare
of depositors instead Of for the benefit of directors
as is too often the with other se-called saw
ings banks. if