The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-08-19
somERBY DENOUNCED.

Local Branch No. 1 Passes Severe Resolu-
tions-Msmbers Talk freely.
Local branch No. /, of the Iron Hall. had
q large meeting last night about one hun
dred and twenty-five being present. 1t
was noticeable that the leaders among the
lay members were op hand. indicating that
the present trouble has stirred the order
deeply. Speeches were made by G. b.
Feibleman. Charles A. Patterson. James E.
Twineham. Fred Weiland. and others. and
the earnestness manifested betrayed them
into tones that swelled out and beyond the
lodge wails-the windows being open. 1t
was evident the speakers were
down on Somerby" and his methods,
for illusions of this nature were greeted
with applause. The speeches voiced q
sentiment which found expression in the
following resolutions. adopted without a
dissenting vote:
Be it resolved by local branch, No. /, Order of
the Iron Hall, In regular meeting assembled,
that we still have faith In the principles under
lying the order II it's affairs are honestly and
economically managed; that We condemn the
action of Supreme Justice Somerby and his asso-
cates of the Supreme Sitting I'm permitting the
ianast Oh shg tho ordef 10 De wreened thereby
trusted them as faithful servants. Their trust
has been most shamefully abused.
Wekrespectfully request his Honor, Napoleon
b. Taylor, that he appoint temporary receiver
for the order In order that the membership at
large may he enabled TO call a convention to re-
organize the same upon more liberal represent
tatiOn and for the election of an entirely new
set of officers and members of the supreme Sit
ting. This branch being the first In the order,
dred, respectfully asks that the court grant the
prayer and thus avoid the entire wrecking of
the order. which permanent receiver will
Signed by the committees
G. b. FEIBLEMAN, p c. J.
WILLIAM Il. LANDER, p. c. j.
CHARLES A. PATTERSON, c. j.
JAMES L. TwINEHAM, z. G. J.
FRED WEILAND, p. @. J.
"When is it proposed to issue this cali for
q conventionT was asked of Mr.. Pebble
man.
That depends on the court" was the
answer. If our prayer is granted, the
call will be issued at once. We want TO
try TO save ourselves and the order"
1t Is plain from the talk of mem bers that
the great cause OF the change OF sentiment
was Mr.. Somerby's confession that S170. 600
OF the orders money had been donated to
the Philadelphia bank. The bodness of
shadow of right causes the hum
bic investor. content to accumulate
how it could be done by men whom he
trusted The frankness of this piece of
testimony startled the membership, and
produced o reaction of ointment. There
Is not now so much talk about "old line
companies" from ealOus motives being the
cause of this trouble.
Somerby." said q member of the ord or
last night. has assumed TO I've theifounder
of the order with a completeness that
made him master. Now, that the trouble
has come. he must hear n great share of the
blame. As he was proud of what be es-
tcemed his work, 80 now must he hold him.
self responsible for what has happened"
There 10 no doubt n disposition to make
gSOmerby the scape-g0at OF all the trouble.
In speaking of him last night, q mem Der
recalled that q few years since there was a
movement on foot 10 chip in all round and
buy the Supreme Justice q house and lot.
IL was not in favor Of it, said the speaker.
Il wanted them TO wait until the second
seven years rolled around, and then re-
ward him if all wore well. i declined to
share in the scheme. 1t fell through with.
but SOmerby received present, neverthe-
less, being voted a large sum out of the or.
der's funds"
There 10 occasionally an objection heard
TO the great expense attached To the su-
premo sittings; but over three hundred
local members. in spite or all. have paid in
their assessn ont recently called for. There
has been no actual loss OF members as vet,
as the period of grace in making pay ments
has not yet expired.
1t is said Somerby's possessions include
three houses Ia PHILADELPHIA. two Of which