Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-12-16
REPORT OF THE GRAND WORTHY
PATRIARCH.
Representatives of the

Representatives of the
Grand DiUasson of North Carolina !:
WORTHY BROTHERS BY a gracious
Providence, we have been preserved and
another year. But some of our compan-
ions in the noble army Of Temperance have
fallen, and now rest from their labors. Let
us drop tear over their graves and re-of-
fer ourselves upon the altar Of the great
temperance Rcformation-the altar Of our
country, Of humanity, of God.
Since our last Annual session, success
has crowned our labors in some portions
of our jurisdiction, decline and defeat in
others. Wherever the heaven-born princi-
Piles Of our Order have been faithfully pre-
sented, and determined efforts have been
put forth to advance our lines and throw
the shield of protection over the youth of
the land, and save the inebriate we have
triumphed. Sixteen new Divisions have
been chartered, and thirteen old ones re-
vived. One hundred and six Divisions
have made returns the present quarter,
against seventy five of the same period OF
last year. But, refer you to the Reports
of the G. S. and G. I. for the numerical
strength and financial condition Of the Or.
der in our jurisdiction.
The National Division at the last annu.
al meeting adopted new Ritual, which, i
is hoped, will fill the desideratum that, il
this regard, was generally felt, and aid ma
terially in the workings of the Order. 1t j
now ready for delivery. The sessions o
that body were very harmonious, and mark
ed with wisdom and zeal. Favorable re
ports of the prosperity of the Order, CAM
up from many portions of our widely ex
tended country. Hope inspired the hearts
Of all, and the battle cry that rang alon,
their ranks was, "Victory or death"
At Called Session Of the G. D., held a
Asheville, the 18th of August last, resc
luton was passed, requesting this body, a
its present session, to take into consiG
Grafton the propriety Of dividing the Stat
into two Grand Divisions Some of tn
Subordinate Divisions west of the Blu
J Ridge, for whose special benefit WEBSTER
G. D. was desired, since then have passe
resolutions against the measure. | ref
the resolution and the proceedings of thoi
Divisions to you for your consideration al
: final action The Divisions in that regic
have been, by circumstances over whiC
they have no control, necessarily cut {
from attending our Annual meetings
however, in your wisdom, you believe th
; the good of the Order will not be enhanc
but retarded by division into two Gra
+ Divisions, and therefore decide not to
n vide, would it not be we'll to give an am
n al or semi-annual session occasionally
e those brethren?
! Our Revenue is insufficient to meet {
+ expenses. We have now an empty tire
: ury. By raising the per capita tax
.. members of Subordinate Divisions from
o to II or 10 cents per quarter-an amol
2 so small that it could scarcely be ielt
the Diyisions-the revenue would be a
is ply sufficient to meet all expenses and
W mands against US. call your special
n tention to this matter and recommend t
on the per capita tax be increased at least
i'll cents per quarter.
. At the suggestion of my worthy pre-
his cessor, a committee of one was appoin
in, at our last session, to collect statistic
en- the evils that flow from the Liquor Trs
We in North Carolina" As this is sub
ain of paramount importance, and the duty
lay volved upon the Committee immense
mt. difficult to perform, | suggest that tn
!. lG. w. P.'s be added to that committee