The times., 1898-09-28

said: I'VE trust that your deliberations
may be conducted in harmony, that your
actions may be inspired by wisdom. and
the result of your efforts be the strength
ening of your membership and the en-
largement of your power for good
throughout the land, and when you have
concluded your labors may the kind prov
idence under whose ,watchful care you
have so largely prospered give You safe
guidance to your respective homes.
Commissioner Ross Introduced.
Commissioner John W. Ross was then
introduced. In his opening remarks, he
welcomed the delegates to the city of
Washington. After congratulating them
upon the ckAritable work which they had
accomplished in conjunction with the
Masonic order, he said that 1t was the
star in the east which had guided the
wise men to the place where de was
born whose sublime life. teachings and
death have given faith and inspiration
to the human race.
And so. for nearly 1000 years. the star
in the east has been typical of the infiu-
ences which have tended TO ennoble char
acter and impart true dignity 10 the sons
of man. Reverently guided by lessons
from His life the order of the Eastern
Star brings to us, in the midst of our
daily cares and perplexities, influences
which uplift our hopes and aspirations
and strengthen the bonds of friendship
among us members of Masonic faml-
lies.
He reminded them that they would
visit the Executive Mansion, where they
would be greeted by the President of the
United States, who is himself a Master
Mason and knight Tempiar. In the
House of Representatives there would
be pointed out to them the desk of the
gallant Knight Templar, Fighting Joe
Wheeler, whose greatness of soul Is in in
verse proportion to the size of his ply
sical frame.
The Commissioner concluded his re-
marks by hoping that his hearers would
carry away pleasant memories OF the
National Capital, and say good word
for it in their homes.
Mrs. Eyying's Remarks.
The address of the right worthy asso-
ciate grand matron. Mrs. Hattie E. Ewing.
was as follows:
Three years ago the general grand
chapter received cordial invitation to
hold its ninth triennial session at your
National capital. and since its acceptance
the members of our several jurisdictions
nave anticipated with pleasure tnlS NlSit
to their young sisters.
'''The word welcome, spoken from the
heart, means volumes, and we believe
that in this spirit you have welcomed us.
Your pleasant words of greeting have
been prompted by feelings closely akin
to the thoughts expressed, and so, on be-
half of the NJ. W. G.. matron, ! sincerely
thank you for your unbounded hospital
ity expressed TO us in many loving deeds,
and for this fraternal welcome, all of
which will be to us a pleasant memory.
Traces OF sunshine and shadow have been
indelibly engraved upon all our hearts
since last met, yet IL have been
true TO the teachings of our order above
us in joy and sorrow has shone forth
messages of constancy, faith and love.
If in our daily lives our acts and the
words of our mouths have been in unison
with our sacred obligations, then may we
truly say as we come here today. We
have seen His Star In the East" and
all of US realize that we who wear the
star really possess what 1t denotes. As
we gaze with pride and admiration upon
your beautiful and attractive city-the
future Queen City of the world, the law
making city of our nation, which reveals
the grandeur of the American people,
involuntarily we recall traits of the early
history with which is linked the name Of
one who in early times was, and always
will be. the first in the hearts of his
countrymen.
At the afternoon session the first paper
read was the report of the Right Worthy
Grand Secretary Mrs. Lorraine j. Pitkn,
which was in the following terms:
Il come to you a third time 10 render
an account of the stewardship you so
generously bestowed upon me for brief
season, and with deep sense Of the con-
tinued confidence expressed by the action
of this body in the past. / submit the
following statement of receipts and dis
bursements, from the 18th of July, 1895,
to the 18th of July. 1898, Inclusive:
Then followed a. long array of figures,
covering her three years service.
Mrs. Pitkin continued
Il have taken a special pride in extend
ing the order into unoccupied territory
and increasing the revenue. Chapters
that are organized by the general grand
| chapters in remote territory should be
fostered and cared for, the same interest
manifested as in State grand chapters.
They pay us dues and are entitled to
help and encouragement.
Still indebted to the members OF the
order at large for the full measure of
confidence SO generously bestowed upon
me at all times, can assure them of my
gratitude and continued fidelity to the
order that has been part of my life for
so many years
The right worthy grand treasurer, Mrs.
Harriette A Ercanbrach then presented
her report of money received and dis
bursed during the past three years.
Address of Mr.. Kinds.
Mr. Harrison Kinds made the first ad-
dress at the opening of the afternoon ses-
sion, in his capacity as most worthy
grand patron of the General Grand Chap
ter.
After submitting an array of statistics
showing the numbers of chapters organ
lied throughout the country. Mr. Kinds
said:
The records of my office show that the
sixty-four chapters above noted represent
a chapter membership, when issued, of
1853. Ample evidence is at hand of ad-
ditional material seeking early admission
TO these chapters to make 1t fair TO pre-
sumo that the same chapters now carry
a membership on their rolls of more than
5000.
''In this report I have intended TO cover
the ground traversed in my official work
which is the entire field of extending the
influence. work and membership of the Or
der by the General Grand Chapter, in so
far as new organizations are concerned
In the work / have found no reason to
act in any case with the slightest personal
bias. l have performed no official act to
accommodate an enemy or please friend
| have desired to do right in all cases as
I saw the right. / have interpreted the
law to the best of my ability, and, after
drawing a line I have hewn to the line