The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-03-03
Meeting of the Grand En-
Campment. |. 0. 0. F.
Grand Patriarch Beckford
Presents His Report.
Condition Of Organization Excellent.
Officers Elected.


In attendance when Grand Patriarch Lewis
p. Beckford called 10 order. After the pre-
|iminaries OF opening and the report of the
committee on credentials were heard, about
Us new members were admitted and instruct.
ed In the Grand Encampment degree. Then
followed the presentation OF the grand patri
|lrch's, the grand representatives. the grand
Ecribe's and the grand treasurer's ref orts and
heir reference TO the committee on distribu
|tion. Until ~ o'clock the time was occupied
hen ballotting for grand officers for the en-
buing year began. At the conclusion Of this
part OF the days proceedings recess was
taken for dinner The afternoon was devoted
(o the consideration of recommendations and
reports of committees and the Grand Encamp-
|nent adjourned early.
THE GRAND PATRIARCH's REPORT.
The annual report Of Grand Patriarch Beck
ford was in substance as follows:
The membership in this jurisdiction Janu-
|,ry |. 1897, was 1859, net loss Of 92 during
he year.
"A loss Of q ON a single encampment and
pa increased mortality will account for the
|rore tn n average reduction of our numbers.
The only unusual cause of disturbanc was
he high per capita tax for the past year,
which is temporary and will undoubtedly be
reduced.
Depression Of business and some OF the con-
|litions referred TO by my predecessors still re-
main Fortunately, we have no internal dis
tensions TO disturb our peace
Every encampmont in this jurisdiction has
cen officially visited, and special enquiries
made of officers and members as TO their pres
mt condition and future prospects. With few
Exceptions, the general conditions OF the last
ew years remain unchanged, bat all hope for
! better future.
One encampment has male an earnest ef.set
10 place itself on more substantial basis
md we trust has been successful. In Provi.
Hence we feel some Improvement has been
made, and the most fraternsl feeling exists be-
ween the several encampments.
ON The occasion Of our visits 10 Puwtucket
l was p easing TO note the cordial relations
which seemed 10 exist between the encamp.
nents Of that city. We have found in some
ases, that change Of residence has seriously
|etardea the growth of lodge and encamp
|nent The young mon leave for the city at
n early age, and while the population Of the
own may he largely increr sed, It is chiefly
ace mp OF people who either do not sympa-
hizewith our institution or whose acquisi-
on 10 our ranks would 0 undesirable. My
IRE lecessors have called your attention 20 the
|ecesSiiy of arousing our members to more
|ciivfty, and being fully alive TO the $ tua
/ n, have encouraged any reasonable en-
eavor to increase the interest and efficiency
p encampment work. With limited means az
and and discouraginr features 10 meot, with
he aid OF true patriarchs something has been
accomplished. Many disheartened patriarchs
ave bee persuaded 20 retain their member
hip. Calls for special service in remote parts
p the state have been reluctantly refused for
obvious reasons.
The mingling Of lodges and en- ampments
|n fraternal visits has received my hearty ap-
|roval 1t should he tfe meas OF creating n
|onhdential and kindly feeling. cementing
pore closely the ties binding the two branches
y our der.
Charles f. Peirce, grand representative. be.
|ng unable 10 attend the meeting OF the Sow
|reign Grand Lolg~, August IL, appointed
Is grand representative Herbert II. Perk ms.
|. q. p, aud the appointment was confirmed
Y the bo rd Of grand officers. He attended
Le meeting at Dallas.
The morotony Of official visits was relieved
" the hearty reception given the grand
Ulcers. On some occasions special prepara.
ions had been made and surprises carefully
|anned 20 mrke the visit enjoyable.
The tokens of good will and unusual expires.
|ons Of esteem bestowed upon the srand pat
|iarch by some OF the encampments will ever
|e remembei ed as bright spots in his official
he.
The,average attendance was good, in some
ases the large number present and interest
|ianifested was evidence that with nfdence
|cstored prosperity will return.
The good natare Of our representatives tc,
he Sovereign Grand Lodge has for some
cars been sorely tried. II woald seem that
he cncampmont branch throughout the coun.
BY is reaping the fruits of neglect and vic.
,us legislation, attempted or adopted. n is
|oped IN re may develop an inclination on the
art Of encampment representatives 20 insist
definite future tor patriarchal Odd Eel.
|,wship.
Tce visiting certificates are failure
either what was asked for nor wanted. The
tactical part OF their make up has been ds.
royed by an evident attempt 10 produce
ork OF art Extra and useless labor H. neces.
lry on the part Of the officers of .an encamp.
| Ont dnu lhClf COST eNtOf1Onatc. Allowing
behalf the mcmbcrs Of our order pay dues
iart ,rly 90 low cstimatc), the annual returns
om these certificates at present prices are
ui alent to n per capita tax Of ~ cents.
king from the treasury Of slbordinates
im ,hey are not willing to pay without pro-
81. The idea that member Of our order
ay visit wherever lie may be appears 10
Get with favor, hut IL would seem that
ry small proportion OF tho present form OF
riihcates will 10 used for visiting purposes
In view Of the condition Of our branch OF
BE- order. the fact that other iurisdicnons
ro considering the s1bject. and that we may
prepa ed to cooperate with then ~
bought advisable, I recommend that n special
,mmittce OF five be appointed 10 consider the
uses OF our present condition. receive sug.
.stions cooperate with like committees OF
her jurisdictions. and, IL possible. devise
cans 10 further the causl Of Patriarchal
dd Fellowship, and report ct the next ses.
on Of this Grand Encampment.
The following members Of this GrapA Ed.