The Washington times., 1894-09-05
GERMANS GAINING FRIENDS.
Delay in Deciding the Pythian Ritual Que:
ton Is Favorable TO Them.

Delay III Deciding the Pythian Ritual Ques-
tion Is Favorable TO Them.
In the Pythian supreme lodge interest still
centers about the German ritual and liquor
questions. The former will probably be dis
posed Of arst, and is being thoroughly dis
cussed from every point of view. At present
1t seems TO be an evenly balanced fight, but
the German knights are slowly but surely
gaining friends. The subject will not come
up for cons liberation until the latter part of
the week, a nd during the interval there are
many private arguments among members of
the supreme lodge, and it is thought such
discussion Will add strength to the Germans.
The friends of the Germans say that those
lodges already organized and chartered
twenty years ago with the German ritual
should not be required TO abandon 1t at this
time. They say further that when the
knights of Pythias, as an organization, was
in emminent danger OF disintergration the
Germans came 10 the rescue and were per-
mitted to form lodges, with the distinct un-
derstanding that the ritual should be used in
their lodges. 1t is wrong and unjust says
these friends, that when the order is strong
and prosperous an attempt should be made
TO annul the German charter. 1t is also
claimed that the resolution adopted at Kan
sas City, providing that the ritual should be
printed in English only, was carried by un-
derhand parliamentary methods.
When the committees report is brought up
for consideration there are sure TO be some
sharp and unpleasant exchanges OF words,
and both factions will make desperate efforts
to carry their respective points.
Under special order the supreme lodge
yesterday considered the new code of statutes
for the Uniform Rank The consideration
was continued until late in the afternoon. and
will probably be the principal business of to-
days session. The new code was prepared
by a committee. of which Gen. Carnahan is
chairman, and provides for the substitution
of rifles in place of swords. This provision
is objected TO on the ground that it conflicts
with the militia laws of the United States
The new code, with amendments, may be
adopted to-day.
At the morning session yesterday n resolu-
ton was adopted authorizing the supreme
keeper OF records and seals TO have printed
n suitable memorial volume containing the
addresses delivered at the memorial services
in honor of Past Supreme Chancellor Shaw.
A petition from the grand lodge of Louisi-
ana asking that the suicide clause inserted in
the beneficiary Endowment Rank certificates
be stricken from the bylaws as it Injuries the
growth of the rank, was presented The
Louisiana grand lodge also asks that the
boar1 of control be ordered to discontinue
the additional assessment of cents a thou
sand. and that a suitable symbol be prepared
SO that distressed Knight may make his want
known beyond the sound of his voice.
The supreme lodge rank has been con-
ferred on Past Grand Chancellor Hoskins, of
Wisconsin. An invitation was received from
the Indianapolis Board Of Trade inviting the
supreme lodge to hold its next session in the
Hoosier capital.
In speaking yesterday of the results of the
encampment, Major Gen. James Il. Carnahan,
commander-in-chief of the Uniform Rank,
said: THE encampment in Washington has
done the Pythian army great deal of good.
The Knights have had an opportunity to see
the capital of their country and thus increase
their patriotism. Naturally the camp takes
on more or less of picnic feature, but over
and above this it was grand success. The
encampment stimulates the boys 10 acquire
perfection In drill. and the effect is such that
it continues during the interval between the
meetings. We were much pleased with your
city aid hope you were equally well pleased
with u.s.