Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-05-06
FOR FIFTEEN YEARS
The Emerald Beneficial Association
Has Wrought Blessings.
MUCH BUSINESS OF IMPORTANCE
To Be Trangacted at the Present Three
Days Session in This City.
W,,nK OF THE FIRST DAY AND EVENING

The hlteenth regular convention OF the
Emerald Beneficial Association opened yes
terday morning in St. Georges Hall, Lib
erty avenue. The proceedings will occupy
about three days, and much business of i'm
portance to the order is expected to be ac-
complished. This is the first time the asso-
citation has met here since 1877.
The business of the day was inaugurated
by the delegates attending solemn high
mass in the Cathedral, after which they
formed outside and marched back to the
hall, preceded by the band of Branch 81.
The convention was called 10 order at 1890
o'clock BY the President Edward T. O'Friel,
of Altoona, and at this time there were
about so delegates present S. H. ellison,
of this city, Chairman of the Reception
Committee, made happy address of
welcome, which was responded to by the
Hon. J. ]. Thomas, OF CarroltOn, Cambria
county. William A. Golden, President of the
Western Pennsylvania Emerald Senate, re-
counted the history OF the order since its estab-
hshment.
Address of President O'Friel.
On reconver g after the noon recess, the
President made his annual address, Mr.. o'FreIl
said, in part:
believe ti.e success of our organization would
be greatly enhanced by having organizer, or,
at least, to have some provision made whereby
fund could be created for the purpose Of organ
izing new and encouraging and Strengthening
branches when occasion requires. L would advis Sc
the enactment OF a uniform law for the organiza-
zion Of new branches, that would be guarantee
the amendment of the law regulating the REIN
statement OF suspended or expelled members OF
subordinate branches. This law Is not sufficient
10 cover the perpleNinE questions that arise un der
that head. The permanency of the Z. b. A. can
tical. The organization has surmounted the
various obstacles thrown in the way from time to
tine by designing persons who tried TO under
mine our noble work. The good that has been
accomplished by il is aItested to-day, not only by
IFS members a-d many living relatives Of de-
ceased brothers, but also in high heaven, BY the
frequent offering of the holy sacrifice Of the
Many are the members of our society who. having
avaied themselves Of the opportunities offered by
the free circulating libraries. literary exercises
and strict attention 10 meetings, can look back
with unblushing pride TO the day on which they
became members of the e. +. A. Ii there
was found tGe first stepping stone that led
TO success in macy instances. Therein found
the clements that rendered them capable of cou-
batting the NeNed questions OF the day, and fitted
them Tor the positions Of honor and trust which
many of our associates I'LL to-day; and there is
place IN which This truth is more practically
demonstrated than right here in the world-re-
we have cause to look back with pride to what has
been done; but much remains vet to be done in
advancing our society. And how is it TO be ac-
complishedE BY pushing forward IN the same un-
broken column that has characterized the past,
and strengthening any weak points may dis
cover on the onward tourney. BY strictly adher-
ing TO the fundamental principles which consti- |
tute the foundation on which the society rests,
viz: Faith. Hope and Charity. Ii becomes us as |
lnein beIs of Catholic society TO show by our ex-
ample to those without the faith that we are |
worthy members OF tbe One Holy Catholic and |
Apostolic Church, well as true loyal cti- |
zens OF our free and glorious country.
Great Growth of the Society.
The President concluded his address by re-
marking that the organization had been |
founded at Reading in 1869, by is Catholic lay
men, and that it had grown from that date to a |
membership of $500 in SO branches.
State Secretary-Treasurer ]. =. Mccall ey
submitted his report as follows:
Observation-Disclosures from Secretary Strome ST. I
~ 81; balance from ffty-thrd assessment. s64: |
assessments. Nos. IS to S. s2I $50; per capita tax
1880 and 1891 go IS: per capita tax for delegates
expenses S42 90: charter fees. S46 total ga 23 So
bursements-Seyeniy-two deaths, at $500 |
81 go; Secretarys salary. 81 coo; delegates ex
printing, Sia 76-coilection on checks SlI SO,
SI2s H6; postage, envelopes ETC., SsI 80; mass at
expenses. $50 IS: balance sss5 ss s 2ss ST.
Reserve fund collected by Secretary Strome,
d, 8e5 Sc O- manu-
During the past two years seven branches
have been instituted, seven suspended and
three reinstated. The report suggests the ad-
visibility of continuing the deduction of per
cent from assessments and increasing the re-
serve fund.- the time will come when the
death rate will increase and this deduction
will equalize assessments SO that they will not
become burdensome. The report was received |
and its recommendations were referred to the |
Legislative Committee.
The work of the convention last night was
almost exclusively routine. The committees |
10 which were referred the reports read at the |
afternoon session reported and indorsed the
various recommendations that were contained
in the reports.
Addresses on the good of the association and |
its advancement were delivered by Patrick |
kilgailon, Alderman J. A. Donovan and Rev.
Father Mcbride.
morning. |