The New York herald., 1871-09-18

The number OF subordinate lodges has increased
during the last year from 1857 to 4297 and the ini
tlatlons were 49, 557 against $1,000 in the previous
year. The total revenue in both branches OF the
Order in 1870 was 0G0 659 and in 1871 fiscal year
ending June 30 1t amounted to $3,473, 461.
The total relief granted to the sick and dis
tressed in 1870 amounted to $s52,56o. and in
1871 II aggregated $l,OsOo5l. The contributing
membership increased 27.674 during the last year.
The number Of contributing members on the 3oih OF
June 3e63ll. These statistics indicate that the
order OF Odd Fellows is progressive and nourisning,
and that the beautiful principles they profess
friendship, love and truth are finding their way 70
the hearts and affections OF all who entertain feel
Jugs OF regard for their fellow men.
IMPORTANT LEGISLATION.
Many important measures will be brought up for
adjudication during the session. Among the most
important are several proposed amendments to tho
constitution OF the Grand Lodge OF the United
Grand Lodge to ..sasreme Lodge OF the " InGe.
pendent Order or Odd Feows;' another, changing
the title TO- Grand Lodge Of America OF the inde-
pctent to alter the unwrtten work with the concur
renee OF fOurillths Of the representatives In lieu OF
peen for many years an effort made To
change the esoIeric work of the Order; but
ION horse" holding out against It. the proposiIon
so amend the constitution as TO permit the Order
Of eighteen and twenty-one 'will probably be car
ried. This viii do much towards increasing the
membership in Australia and New Zealand whera
other branches OF Odd Fellows admit minors.
TIE CuAPEAU.
The question as TO allowing subordinate encamp-
ments to wear any uniform style of head dress"
approved by the Grand Patriarch Of the jurisdiction
is 0ccaslonng much controversy throughout the
examination The Grand sire sarsS ssSed rp9
peaux swords belts gaunilets, &C., py
encampments when on parade aud TINS action gave
dissatisfaction 10 many encampments IN New Eng
land and elsewhere. which had previously expended
thousands OF dollars for such paraphernaia. This
adjustment and II - the prevalent opinion that the
Grand Sire's decision IN the premises Will be re-
vOked. at least so Iar as the wearing OF chapeaux ~
concerned.
THE SUNDAY LAW.
At the last session OF the Supreme Body tBalr-
more, september. lS70) a resolution was adopted
restricting the holding Of lodge meetings on the
CHRISTIAN Sabbath 10 those for funeral purposes.
This enactment has proved highly objection
able and obnoxious to the German ele-
ment In the ORDER numbering over forty Thousand,
from listening to the sublime moral lectures OF odd
Fellowship on the sabbath than In attending church
services: Moreover they deem it to be contrary to
the spirit and lncucations OF the Order, which has
Tor one OF its cardinal objects the propagauOn OF the
sentiment OF toleration-recognizing no par
In religion = knowing no faith save
that OF the fatherhood Of God and the brotherhood
fraternity. and 1t Is expected tnat there Will DO n
very animated and prolonged discussion IN tno
Grand Bodies have instructed their representatives
to exercise their influence toward bringing about
the repeal OF the regulation adverted To-
MATTERS.
The degree OF the Daughters OF Rebekah was
originated by Vice PRESIDENT Cosax, who Is one OF
the leading Odd Fellows In the country. luis de-
gree Is for the benefit OF wives OF the brothcrnood
and has become quite popular. An enort VIII DO
made TO TO lodges OF this degree inc reht 10
ballot on candidates for membership. There are
over $4,000 ladies connected with TINS organization
The subject OF allowing subordinate lOdxcs to
control their funds, and that in reference TO making
the fiscal year end III December, instead OF June
Will come np for action, and the legislation or the
xvhi
wi doubtless, materially affect the vital interests
OF the order.