The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-18
TEMPLARS IN TOWN
ANNUAL MEETING OF GRAND COM
MANDERY OF INDIANA.
Display Of the Cross ON saloon Doors
at Conclaves Condemned-New
Commander.

The forty-first annual meeting of the
Grand Commandery knights Templars began
yesterday afternoon. There was a large
number of delegates present Grand Conn.,
mander Charles w. Slick, of Mishawaka,
touched upon a subject of more than usual
interest in his annual address. This re-
lated to the display of the cross over sa-
looms at the time of the triennial encamp-
ment at Montgomery, Ala, in 1897. Inc
subject was called up by receipt OF resoiu-
tions from the Commandery of Alabama,
reading as follows:
Whereas, The Grand Commandery of Ala
bama remembers with sorrow tnat the
cross, the symbol of our falth, was dis-
played on the doors of saloons at the tri-
conclaves. Therefore be 1T
Resolved, That the Grand Commandery
of Alabama earnestly petitions Grand Mas
ter Hugh McCurdy TO use his influence to
prevent the unseemly use of the cross at the
next triennial conclave, to be held IN Bos-
ton.
Resolved, That these resolutions be
sent to the M. e. grand master by the r.
E. grand commander of Alabama, together
with such memorial letter going to en-
phasize the sentiments of this Grand Com
mandery as ne may deem e1peGlen..
This action on the part of the Grand
Commandery of Alabama, to me seems COM
mendable, but it does not go far enough.
The display of the cross upon the outside
of saloons may and does wound our pride
and feelings. 1t certainly does not hurt the
symbol of our beloved order. Nor would
the Bible be injured If laid upon a table in
every saloon in the land; but, Sir Knights,
this should afford us food for serious re-
Fiction. Call to mind the encampment at
Denver, for Illustration; the numerous head
quarters, grand and subordinate, the lavish
display of the cross and other embiems of
our order in them; then remember how
many dispensed Intoxicating liquors over
what is worse than a saloon, a free bar.
We may have SO formed our habits that
such action would not seriously injure any
of us, but what of the example upon the
rising generation; what of our boys? They
will be quick to initiate your every action. To
have it more forcibly impressed on your
mistaken notion, that to convince a man
of his welcome you must first give him
that which will befuddle his brain and cloud
his intellect and reasoning faculties. l con-
graduate this Grand Commandery that by
the action Of the triennial committee at
Denver they demonstrated this fact beyond
cavil. 1t was common remark that at no
place was there more cordial welcome
and home-like atmosphere than at Indiana
headquarters. There is more true brotherly
welcome and socia blity in a cup of coffee
or glass of lemonade than in any intoxi-
eating beverage l would recommend the
taking of another step; add one more re-
quest to these worthy requests of the Ala
bama Sir Knights, to wit. Let us urge our
most eminent grand master to ask all
grand and subordinate Communicates to re-
frain entirely from dispensing Intoxicating
liquors at their respective headquarters at
Boston,"
The report of Grand Treasurer Joseph w.
Smith showed a balance of $7,S64.41. Grand
Recorder Smythe reported that the dues
of every member had been paid in full for
the year 1894. The number of members is
1865 He recommended reduction in the
dues from 81 to 70 cents year, and that
the Grand Commandery dues be s. for each
sir knight created. Grand Commander Slick
appointed the following committees: Gre
dentials, William H. Symthe, George Wat
Frank G. Sheldon, G. FL. Hull; charters and
dispensations, S. S. Johnson, Edward j.
Church, George A. Newhouse grievances,
Duncan 7. Bacon George w. f. Kirk, H.
H. Lancaster; unfinished business, John C.
Warren, r. l.. ireland, r. M. Hutchinson:
claims, Martin III. Rice. James b. Kimball,
John r. Rupe; correspondence. N. r.
Ruckle, c. NJ. Custer, F. A. Truitt; templar
Jurisprudence Alexander Thomas, n. r.
Ruckle, Walter VAIL Henry G.. Thayer e.
w. Patrick, ]. 3. Weber, ID. B.. Sweet,
Thomas E. Long, Three special committees
were created. Tne Alabama affair was re-
ferred to the committee on temperance.
Robinson, William A. Thomas and Mar
shall Hacker; neurology, Fl. A. Percival, N.
w. Heermans, Thomas r. MARSHALL in
spection. Henry c.. Adams. A. s. Nichols
and William E. Leonard.
The commandery then proceeded to the
election of officers, but did not finish. The
following were elected:
Grand Commander--Walter NJ. Hindman,
Vincennes.
Deputy Grand Commander-winfeld T.
Durbin, Anderson.
Grand Generalissimo-John E. Redmond,
Logansport.
Grand Captain GeneraI-John H Nichol-
son, Richmond.
Grand Prelate-7H. A. Perciya1 Logans-
mort.