The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-01-22

NonroIx, January 2I.-Tbe Grand Lodge
of knights of Pythias or Virginia met here
tonight at 81 o'clock. The members arrlV'
Ing on the Petersburg train, including abou'
twenty from Richmond, were met Mt the De
rot by delegation Of uniformed knights OF
Norfolk and Portsmouth, who escorted them
to the Atlantic Hotel, where they were us,
signed to quarters, md supper was served
The Headquarters Of the Grand Lodge are d
splendid suit of rooms OIL the first floor.
After supper the visiting Past Chance'''''
were escorted to Pythian Castle Hall, on
Main street, being preceded by band. H'
the opening of the Lodge the following
grand officers were found to he present:
Henry Armstrong, of Norfolk, G. G.; W. II.
Wade. of Richmond, V. G. p; NJ. p. Handy,
of Richmond. Il. Il. and c. $; J. NJ. JARVIS,
Of Portsmouth, Grand Guide; J. I. E!am,
Of DaryiIlc. G. !. S; Charles +. Taylor, OF
Richmond, &. O.S.
Grand Chancellor Henry Armstrong, In his
annual report, gives knightly welcome to
The members Of the Order from n distance,
and then passes to brief review Of the pro.
grcss Of the fraternity within his jurisdiction
during the year.
Grand Scribe NJ. 2. Handy in his report
says:
at affords me pleasure TO say that the
past official year has been, upon the whole.
prosperous one In this Grand jurisdiction.
But two new lodges have been Instituted,
and the membership has not materially in
creased; but the growth Of the Order, though
not forced. has been natural and steady.
Silently but powerfully the great principles
which underlie our institution have been at
work, and ii has been demonstrated to the
scep.ic within and without our ranks that
the Order of Knights Of PythiaS is not Il
thing of to-day. to die tomorrow, but an
embodiment of friendship, charity, and be-
nevoence, to live forever. The additions
made during the past year have not been
the offspring of curiosity or epidemic cnthu-
siasn, but of sober sense Of the justice OF
our cause and the brightness of our aims.
The losses are not 10 be deplorcd, for as II
rule the retiring or elected members are OF q
class which we can we'll afford TO be with
out. We have to-day membership more
substantial and reliable than ever, and there
is now no danger that an ambition for largo
numbers will hetray us into orenn. the
doors 10 the unworthy.'
The report of representatives W. III.
Wade and d. W. Bohonon of the action OF
the Supreme Lodge Of the World at its lust
annual meeting contains the following of In
terest TO the Order
"Among the most important and promi-
nent changes in the laws of the Order ana
decisions OF questions involved i'll doubt may
be mentioned the following:
"a vice.chanccilor can act as a worthy
chancellor in case OF vacancy, but is not en-
titled to the honors of the office.
"The honors of MI office cannot he given
to but one person for the same term.
"a lodge hls no right to work without
its charter or dSpensatiun in the lodge-room.
- member cannot be suspended for non.
PAYMENT OF dues until he is one year III AZ
rcarS. .-........
"Any Withdrawal card may be revoked by
the lodge granting the same for sufficient
cause.
"No appeal from subordinate Lodge to
the Supreme Lodge taken from tue action Of
Il Grand Lodge shall DC entertained by the
Supreme Lodge without the previous con-
sent of the Grand Lodge from which such
appeal is taken.
"No subordinate lodge shall he allowed
| to dissolve or surrender its charter so Ions
| as nine members remain willing to sustain
| The lodge, except By permission OF the
| Grand Lodge, or during tho recess Of the
Grand Lodge by the Grand Chancellor OF
| the Jurisdiction.
| rit AZ q
Il considerable extent, the changes therein
| made in the different degrees conforming
more TO the developed wants of the Order
and in con:onance with the true spirit OF
knight'l0od.
A want long felt in the Order has been
supplied hy tue adoption oi Il uniform
| which we feel assured will commend itself 60
| the Order everywhere, and wr would carr-
est!y recommend all subordinate lodges in
this Grand jurisdiction to urge their mem
| ticable opportunity.
1T was decided TO hold the next session
of the Supreme Lodge in Richmond, in the
month OF April next, and we would suggest
that action be taken by the Grand Lodge in
order that the members OF the Supreme Body
may receive q welcome commensurate with
| the influence and dignity OF the Supreme
Lodge Of the World, and in keeping with
| the hospltabIc Treatment and generous wei.
| come Virginia always extends Ter guests
and for which she is SD justly celebrated"
The attendance of past chancclorS ant
representatives is very full, and the session
promises to be very interesting. The Grand
Lodge, at Il late hour, is still in session.