Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-05-12

pfthhJ tiO HlslOiN VI llt OTutT. IL Is, lie
said one Of the oldest orders in existence.
Its earliest traces defy chronology, reach
ins far back into. the twilight and legend
Of the East. Mr.. Pindel the Masonic
historian, frankly admits that it ex-
listed prior to the Nlasons of
India. II antedates the Druids of Gaul
anti Britain. The term Heptasophs is
composed Of two Greek words, hepta and
sophos. The seven wise men from whom
the order takes its name were grcal philos-
ophcfs, orators and astronomers. The
order was established in New Orleans
April llth, 1902, and rs soon MS three con-
claves had been formed the Grand Con-
claye of Louisiana was organized The
supreme Concaye was instituted in 1856.
During the late war the latter body was
for the time being disbanded, but in 1869
il was rcorganized. The order now is IN
ilourishng condition and is in more than
half the states Of the Union. 1t cspouses
no special religious cause, NEEDLES with
no sect, creed or politics and seeks to cilti-
yate the moral and intellectual faculties Of
its members.
Mr. Lore said this country is country
for manhood. \ man naturalized here is
a prince, an uncrowned king. The grand
est type OF manhood is seen in the Amer
lean citizen. lie was glad the country fos-
tiers fratcrIul institutions.
Ex-Governor Biggs said Delaware is enc
of the grandest states in the Union. 1t is
one of the old ~ states and to-day it stands
in the United states Senate equal to Penn
sylvana OF New York. 1t has maintained
its character and public integrity. 1t is not
d small state III patriotism, valor and love
of country. He referred to Rodney, Reed
and others and stated that Delaware dur
ing the revolution furnished, according to
its size, more men than any state in the
Union. In every emergency and OIL all
occasions this State has taken its part. Not
only was it the first to sign the Declaration
of Independence, but it was the first to
sign the Constitution of the United States.
In conclusion he said I'VE love our little
State. AT Dover lie Rodney, Clayton and
salisbury and here lies our beloved
Bayard. We love our ancestors and that is
the tie that holds us together"
Grand Archon Webb said the Grand
Conclave felt honored by the presence of
the supreme Conclave. lie hoped the su-
prene body would help to extend the
| order in every state in the union and be-
licved there will be great increase Ill this
| jurisdiction.
Mayor Wiley said Wilmington's police
force is thoroughly cosmopolitan. The
city has Just commenced to get out of its
swaddling clothes 1t has lust commenced
to put down decent streets. The Legislature
has allowed the borrowing Of half mil
/ llbtl utllhlS lbT stEtttS anu tlle NtTeet ana
Sewer Department will spend every cent of
ii. Its municipal departments are improy.
ing with the present police force he con
tinued, it cost only $50 to capture the
policy writers. n thing the former police
force could not do and IN undertaking
which cost EVERY EVENING over 81 900
The city is increasing its borders. Here
Us elsewhere, if we advance we must ad
vance the tax rate. Ii we have music We
must pay the liddler The city is progress
ing rapidly and conseryatively. It's indus
tries are diversified and il has all the sounC
and essential elements OF success.
All the other responses were pertinent
and interesting.
An elegant jewel, past supreme
archon's badge, was presented to Pas
Supreme Archon Bouldin. Supreme Sec
retary Wright made the presentation
speech and Mr. Bouldin responded.
At intervals during the evening ther,
was music by lyatt's Military Band
Bouquets of roses were presented to ex
Governor Biggs, ex-Congressman Lore
Mr.. Keigwin, Mayor Wiley, Mr. Baird
Mr.. Appleby, Colonel Reed, tirand ArchoI
Webb, MIR. llargls, Past Grand Archoi
Crossgrove and j. n. wilkins.
The exercises continued until about mid
night and closed with the bendiction
which was pronounced by MIR. Keigwin.
The committee of arrangements wa
composed of Past Grand Arehon W. ii
Toppin and Past Archons Il. 5. Webb ant
q. NJ. Whitelock.