Omaha daily bee., 1896-05-24
Modern woodmen of America,

The annual session of the Royal Neigh
bors, which was held in Des Moines, May II
to Is, was the most interesting in the his
tory Of the order. The attendance was the
largest and much work was performed. An
idea of the industry OF the delegates can be
gathered from the fact that the daily ses-
sions lasted from s o'clock In the morning
until s o'clock at night, with the exception
of one hour at noon for lunch.
There were 142 votes on the convention
floor, this number including delegates and
officers. Omaha's representation comprised
the following delegates: Mesdames Dewall,
Grimes, Allen and Newton. In addition, the
city was represented by the following Off
GERS: Supreme Oracle Mrs. e. d.. Watts,
Supreme Marshal Mrs. c. II. T. Riepen, and
Mrs. w. Il. Cady, one of the board of man
ayers.
The reports of the officers and the depart
ments were more than encouraging. That of
the beneficiary department was particularly
satisfactory. 1t showed that during the past
year 600 beneficiary certificates had been
issued and that all death lessee. both Of $500
and 81 900, had been paid up in full, This
furnishes cause for a good deal of congratu-
lation, as the insurance feature is only a year
old.
Other reports showed that there are now
about 1928 camps in existence, with a total
membership of 23 900. This Is an increase
Of over 80 per cent for the year, The ter
ritory was increased by the addition of the
states of Ohio and Indiana, which at the
last meeting Of the head camp OF the Wood
men were admitted into the territory of that
order. This makes the territory OF the two
orders exactly the same.
Legislative work occupied the greater por-
ton of the time of the session. The laws
we're almost entirely revised. There were
no very important changes, however. That
Of the most interest was the doubling of the
initiation fee, this being 81 now.
The election Of the officers contained one
point of interest to members in this city.
This consisted Of the reelection Of Mrs.
Watts for the third time to the office OF
supreme oracle. 1t was decided to hold the
next annual session in Rock Island, H., be-
ginning on the second Tuesday in May,
1897.
During the evenings of the session the
delegates and officers were royalty enter
talned by the local camps. These took turns
in vieing to Guido each other.
Blair is making great preparations for the
annual log rolling that viii be given by che
newly organized Omaha District Log Rolling
association, an account of whose organization
was published in this column last week.
The affair will be given during the middle
Of July, but the arrangements are already
being begun, The people II the little city
are preparing to entertain 1000 visitors,
Next Wednesday night Omaha cam intends
to entertain members of Hazel camp OF
Council Bluffs. The latter will come over
the river in a body. They will be met at
Fourteenth and Douglas streets at $50
o'clock. from which point Omaha lodge will
escort them to the lodge room, The affair
promises to be en- interesting one, az all the
local camps will be represented,
The local camps are already preparing for
the state fair, They are already considering
the adyisability Of erecting a permanent
building on the fair grounds, Last year they
were satisfied with a big tent, but the senti-
ment appears to be In favor OF a most sub
stantial headquarters this year.
Judge Howard Of PRpllliOn, editor Of the
Times OF that little city. will deliver an ad-
dress upon "Fraternity" 10 tho members OF
the order In the city In the near future.