St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-09-16

manufacturing mills In the world, where
more than one hundred thousandbarrels are
turned out each week during the year, and
shall view with wonder, have no doubt, the
great water power existing here, the most
magnificent in the universe, and will no
doubt como to the conclusion that with the
great natural facilities you are possessed OF
coupled with the energies of your business
men, that you have but
JUST COMMENCED TO GROW
And there is proud future before you, and
we hope and pray your brightest visions in
this direction may be most fully and hap
PLY realized.
We live in an age that transcends all pre-
vious periods In the worlds great history for
the marvellous achievements in government,
commerce, the mechanical arts and the sci
ences. To-day, thanks to the electric tele-
graph, the occurrences and the achieve
m0nts OF the hour are at once made known
te all, and become the property of all.
Thanks to the telephone, We arc enabled to
talk to each other, though milas apart, our
words being borne on the lightning fash.
The activity Of the human intellect aud
the achievements Of human genius In every
department OF learning and labor whereby
all the aspirations of the mind arc afforded
the grandest scope for their exercise, and
all wants of the body are most satisfactor-
lily satisfied, have reached in this
age and In this nation
their most perfect accomplishment.
But the mission of Odd Fellowship
in far different, and In many respects far
grander than these, and the order fills place
that science cannot fill nor art supply. No
political, sectarian, or educational test Is re-
quired to become member OF our order, but
clean hand, pure hearts and upright lives
are demanded from all who assume its obi
cations and seek its benefits. We meet IL
our lodge rooms for mutual counsel, not In
reference to our business ventures, nor
social or intellectual preferInents, but in re-
ference TO our several needs, Smid the cares
and trials insepsrable from human life and
for the purpose OF obtaining higher degree
of moral culture and development. ''To
visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the
dead, and educate the orphan" is the COM
mand of our laws, and no no5ler sentiment
ever governed any society in the history of
our race. And so well have we as Odd Eel
lows discharged this sacred duty.
that notwithstanding benevolent orders
like mushrooms have sprung up
all around US and have ordered all the
pecuniary inducements of modern times,
yet Odd Fellowship has, kept steadily on,
and in the last three years we have initiated
over 49,, 900 men and in the same period of
time We have expended in relief over So, 0O0,-
900. And as we meet here to legislate for
this great order-an institution second to
none in the land-to enact such laws as
will enable US to continue more fully and
thoroughly the great work taken upon our
selves, we are pleased to know we have the
sympathy and good wishes of the citizens Of
this beautiful city in this behalf.
In conclusion, then, we once more return
you our grateful thanks for the kind and
hospitable manner in which you have well
coined us as We come amongst you, and we
trust that the remembrance of our pleasant
and profitable visit to this grand state and
most beautiful city, and among this gener-
GUS and hospitablo people and these worthy
and esteemed brethern, may be the bright
est OF our earthly jewels, and become pre-
cious treasures throughout the great eternity
to which We are all fastening.
This concluded the opening or rather the
exercises at the Grand, and an adjourn ment
was at once taken to the Armory hall on
Eighth street. After marching up Nicollet
avenue to the front Of the hall the represent
tatives passed in review, aud then filed into
their respective places in the hall. The room
Is tastily decorated. A large portrait Of
Joshua Van Zant, deceased, hangs over the
stage. Mr.. Van Zant occupied with honor
the Office of treasurer of the Sovereign
Grand lodge for thirty-one years, and within
the past twelve months died while still an
incumbent
Along the walls were arranged handsome
notices Of the various states, and with
flags, banners and streamers an attractive
and harmonious spectacle was presented.