The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-27
o. ii. Fethers, of Wisconsin,, Elected
Supreme Vice Chancellor, and
Thomas G. Sample Advanced.
VICTORY FOR THE MACHINE
WISCONSIN DRILL TEAM TAKES
FIRST PRIZE FOR PROFICIENCY.
A Terre Haute Company Awarded
Second MOney-Insurance for
the RathbOnc Sisters.

The Supreme Lodge of the X. of P. had
enough engrossing subjects to keep it busy
yesterday Early in the day reports con-
corning the endowment fund were discussed
eagerly and there were free predictions
that the standing committee on this sub
ject would have some pretty startling dis
closures to make this morning. There were
predictions that the committee would show
the Endowment Rank to be in very dilap-
idated condition. These rumors influenced
representatives TO demand that everything
with regard to the insurance features of the
order be made public. I'm order that the
large number of Knights interested might
have full knowledge as to the stability OF
this branch of the order. After long and
bitter contest the report made by John a..
Hinsey. treasurer of the board of control of
the endowment fund, was ordered printed
5ill be sent out broadcast. although
supreme representatives declared that
u not give much information to clear
che situation. Accompanying this report
, vas one made Jan. /, 1898, by the insurance
superintendent. showing that at the time
the total admitted assets were $530. 2S95s
and the total liabilities $500. .66O.4S, leaving q
balance to protect contracts amounting
to $780, 629.15. The rumors circulating yes
terday had to do more with the condition
of the order since the first of the year It
vas said the standing committee would re-
port that there was something over $20000
on hands to meet claims already allowed
amounting to $4,000 and contested claims
amounting to nearly $4,000 more. These
rumors were made light of by the officials
of the order who insist that the endow-
ment fund is solvent. 'It has back of it
the entire order of the knights of Pyth-
las" said member of the finance commits
tee "Of course it is solvent. 1t must be
solvent"
Nothing but complete investigation and
report the status of affairs will satisfy
the representatives. Some of them say there
has been too much brother in conducting
affairs heretofore and not enough business.
There is a growing feeling that affairs
should not be CLOSED over simply for the
sake of friendship, charity and benevo-
ence," when the financial interests of so
! many thousand men and their dependents
are involved.
1t was not at all surprising to those who
realized the strength of the controlling
machine when the opposition was routed
at the election of supreme vice chancellor
in the afternoon, although the machine
was at times worked up over it's inability
to rush things through with ''whoop and
hoorah." 1t took nine ballots to elect Ogden
II. Fethers, of Wisconsin. Charles E. Shive-
ley, of this State. was defeated. After three
or four ballots were taken it appeared that
there was going to be deadlock and the
opposition suddenly turned to Tracy r.
Bangs, of North Dakota. What had been
the strength of Shiveley and s. L.. Carter.
of California, was thus divided. But for the
raising of the Bangs banner, it was said
lo,t ala tad
Shiveley or Carter. There was d bitter feel
ing against the Indiana man and the ma
chine was determined to defeat him. even
If ii could not elect its own 'sate" candl-
date as one Of the Official family" himself
admitted.
Although the committee investigation
| has not reported, the elections viii be COM
pleted this morning. The investigating COM
| mittee will. If the wishes of at least two OF
| it's members are observed, not complete its
| report for some days. The deeper the COM
mittee gets into the work the more the re-
| form members of 1t believe that an invests
| CATION to really investigate cannot be held
until the committee has time and oppor-
tunity to see records. examine vouchers
and go into the subject of expenditures IN
all it's details. The committee wants some
| information for one thing, with regard tc
|
a member of the Supreme Lodge who has
hand in awarding contracts is interested in
| a printing concern that did large amount
| of work for the order last year. Charges
are rife that too much was paid. This Is
| but one of a number of similar things that
| the committee cannot investigate. or.
rather get proof about. without access to
records that are not at hand. Hearsay evil
| dence alone has been submitted so far. 1t
was last night regarded as not at all unlike-
| ly that the committee would ask TO be all
| lowed to complete its work after the ad-
| journment with instructions to print and
distribute the result of its investigation.
knowing the reform members of the com
mittee to be in this attitude. the new party
did not attempt TO postpone the election
yesterday. understanding that the commit-
tee would not be able to report in reason
| able time, IL at all.
TREASURER HINsEY'S REPORT,
| Shaving the Condition of the EndOyv~