The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-01-01
DRUIDS AT OUTS.
Trouble in the Garibaldi
Grove.
ITS PROPERTY IN CONTEST.
The Grand Grove Officers Compelled
TO Sue for the Recovery of
the Grove Funds.

The trouble existing between Garibaldi
Grove No. II and the Grand Grove of the
Ancient Order of Druids of California Will
be settled in the Oakland courts, suits hav-
ing been flee against the Garibaldians for
the recovery of the grove property in their
possession and for general relief.
The litigation in which Garibaldi Grove
No. II now finds itself is due to troubles
which arose last spring The grove is COM
posed almost entirely of Italians. and as is
usual in body of men associated together
for any purpose, the grove was divided into
elques which fought desperately to gain
control of the grove.
One of these eliques was controlled by a
man named Garibaldi. 1t appears that he
created several disturbances during the
grove meetings. because things were not run
to suit him. The result finally was the
declaration in September by n oble Grand
Arch NJ Sorensen that the members OF the
grove were guilty of conduct unbecoming
10 true Druiis, and he ordered the grove
suspended.
1t was then deemed necessary to expert
the books Of the grove. They were found
to be in bad condition. Grand Secretary
knarston, who caused this to be done,
ascertained that there was SLIGO OF the
groves funds in the hands of treasurer Z.
Duchein, aud he made formal demand
upon him for both the money and the prop
erty OF the grove.
The demand was refused, and suit was
brought against Duchein in Judge Heb
bard's court for the recovery OF the money.
BY an error Duchein was sued as an ind1-
vidual and not as treasurer Of the grove.
and Judgment was in favor OF the defend
ant.
Meanwhile, however, Secretary Knarston
obtained possession of the records, books.
charter, ETC.. of the grove. The Garibafdi-
ans waited upon him with strong protest
and threatenlngly demanded that the prop
erty be returned. This he declined TO do,
stating that he would retain the property
until the matter was decided in court.
Pending the trial of the suit for the re-
coyery of the money. which was instituted
about three days ago, a committee OF the
Garloaldi Grove, consisting OF veto
Antonnini. Louis Figone and e. Duchein.
have sent petition the Noble Grand
Arch S0rensen in which they com plain
bitterly against ''the persecution to which
they are being subjected. >"
"The recent and unlawful suspension OF
our grove" says the petition, lis unDrece-
denied in the annals of fraternal societies.
and 1t is without parallel among the civil
lied people Of the world.
Even the most vicious and depraved
members. of our species cannot be con-
demnsd unheard. or be deprived OF liberty
or property without fair and impartial
trial. 1t is fundamental requisite of
human society and organized government,
and to it there are no exceptions.
Without authority of law, human or di-
vine; without trial or investigation, or the
pretense of one; without any notice. actual
or constructive, that we have been dereiict
in any respect; without the slightest oppor-
tunity OF explanation. the deputy grand
arch and his subordinates have ruihiessly
seized our aphernalia, archives, books,
papers and personal properly, and carried
them we know not where.
I'VE have demanded an explanation of
this conduct. but we were answered by in.
suits and conduct unbecoming any officer Of
our order.
"Once more we ask, Shall we have justice
at your bands, or must we look higher?'
Independent of any action of the court in
the suit now pending. the matter will come
up for final consideration when the Grand
Grove meets here in June next. The pres
ent trouble is creating much talk in frater-
nal circles, and the outcome of the affair
will be awaited with Interest.