Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1873-10-29
NASHVILLE LETTER.
u.c,ipx Of the Grand Eodsc OF Good Tenn
pInrS.

vy.ctinr of the Grand lodge OF Good Tenn
pIarS.
Here we are in the Rock CITY," pleas
antlv located in good quarters, waiting the
hour for the opening of the annual session
Of the Grand Lodge of the Independent
Order of Good Templars, which is to con
vene at 10, A. NJ
The pleasant location and surroundings
we are now enjoying are furnished by the
Commercial Hotel, which is nunlGer one
house, Where any one will find at all tlnes
a hearty welcome aud such treatment that
every guest feels desire To patronlZe TINS
house for the future. We recommend this
Hotel to East Tennesseeans coming to this
city. :,
At 10, A. NJ, the Grand Lodge was called
to order by q. w. G.. Templar InmRn. A
large number of delegates or representa-.
lives being present, the Lodge proceeded
at once 10 business. Considerable time,
however, was consumed in arranging the
roll and examining the credentials of the
representatives. Yet, as proof of the ear
nestuess of the members, all these items
of business were disposed of, the standing
committee were appointed, and some i'm
portant business was transacted before the
adjournment of the morning session.
One question of very great interest to
many of the Lodges aud hundreds of those
who are endesvoring to promote the tenn
perance reform in our State,
was brought forward so that a
hindrance to the work might be removed.
This is the same veXed question that has
been in the way of other orders, and
workings in this country. The question l
refer to is that of
RACE AND COLOR.
as to the membership. For some time
past this subject has been agitated TO such
an extent that it is necessary now for u
few clear expressions upon it.
The action had to-day by this Grand
Lodge, is very decisive on the subject,
and yet, the difficulty aimed at has had no
real existence as there has not been lodge
formed in the State where colored people
have been admitted.
Strong efforts have been made by some
parties to make it appear that this Order
must admit persons of any race or color.
The question of membership is left by the
Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the world,
which allows the Grand Lodge of each
state to regulate the membership of the
Lodges under their jurisdiction. Other eff
forts have been made to vindicate this and
other State Grand Lodges, to withdraw and
set up an Order for the Southern States.
On this point Past Grand Master Hick-
man, of Kentucky, said to-day that he
tried one secession movement few years
ago, but did not get through with it very
we'll, anu ulu llOl pIOpOsc
of such movements. He proposed to stand
on the rights already guaranteed to us and
do the work assigned US in lifting up the
fallen. This sentiment seemed to possess
every mind in this body to-day. When
the question was put to vote, it was deci-
ded unanimously in favor of continuing
the connection as heretofore.
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION
items of general interest were presented
and discussed.
Some further action was had, making
the action of the morning session on the
great question more decided if possible. A
few more delegates having arrived
were admitted to seats. Business of all
sorts connected with and looking to the
good of the Order were taken up aud dis
patched promptly. There seemed to be
more disposition to work than talk There
are about one hundred representatives in
attendance. The greatest harmo ny pre-
walls.
a MASS MEETING AT NIGHT
was held when the subject in all its lights
and bearing vas presented, and number
of.short speech, q were made for two hours,
and large audie. nee listened atteRtively
to these addresses. All the speakers were
called out without Earning, yet these
speeches would be an hol' or to any plat
iurn2 and occasion. Il. d. b.
Nashville, Oct 2lst, 1873.