The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-05
THE PYTHIAN OFFICERS
ELECTION DID NOT DEVELOP THE
EXCITING TINE ANTICIPATED.
Secretary Bowers Re-Elected-One or
Two Attempts Made to Stuff
the Ballot Box.

The thirtieth annual convention of the
Grand Lodge of the knights of Pythias was
held at Odd Fellows Hall yesterday. The
morning session was occupied by the read
ing of annual reports of the Grand Lodge
officers After these reports had been read
they were distributed to various committees
for approval. 1t was during the morning
session that feeling of good fellowship
sprung up among the delegates who were
present to further the interests of their re-
spective candidates for office, and the
trouble which it was thought would occur
at the afternoon election was averted. The
afternoon session was called to order at 2
o'clock, and the balloting for officers was
continued until a few minutes before 8
clock at which hour the meeting was adj
journed.
Although no open rupture occurred, there
was a combination for the purpose of de-
feating the reelection of Frank Bowers, of
this city, who was a candidate for the office
of grand keeper of records and seal. One or
two attempts were made to stuff the ballot
boxes by dropping votes in punches, but in
whose behalf this effort was made did not
develop. With the exception of Mr.. Bowers
and w. A. Morris, G. M. of E., of Frank
fort, who were reelected to the offices form
erly held by them, the system of advancing
officers in the chairs. which is the general
rule followed in subordinate lodges, but
which has not formerly been observed in
the Grand Lodge, was observed. The result
of the election was as follows:
Grand Chancellor-John w. McCardle, of
New Richmond
Grand Vice Chancellor-James e. McDon-
ald of Ligonier.
Grand Prelate-Daniel w. Storms, of La
fayette.
Grand Keeper of Records and Seal-Frank
Bowers, of indianapolis.
Grand Master of Exchequer-W. A. Nor
riS, of Frankfort.
Grand ter-at-arms-Charles A. Book
walter of Indianapolis.
Grand Inner Guard-Dr C. A. Tyndall, of
Shelbyvile.
Grand outer Guard-Merrill E. Wilson, of
Goshen.
Trustee-John III. Frank, of Alexandria.
A few reports on internal affairs were
heard, and d. B. Shideler made an appeal
for aid for an aged and afflicted knight. A
liberal response was made by the members
as individuals and large sum was raised,
which will be sent to Indian Springs, the
needy members home. Supreme Representa-
tive Manning and Grand Keeper of Records
and Seal j. e. Bartlett, of Arkansas were
present as visitors, and they will lay some
important matters of Pythian enterprise be-
fore the convention to-day. Before the adj
journment each visiting delegate was pre-
scented with souvenir in the shape of a
bronze badge upon which was a representa-
ton of the Pythian emblem and the sol
diers' monument done in relief. The meet
ings to-day will be devoted entirely to mat
tiers of legislation Some few members adj
wise certain revisions in the present laws
governing the lodges but it is doubtful
whether much will be attempted in this line.
A reception was given at the Denison Hotel
last night by the Rathbone Sisters and the
Grand Lodge officers for visiting delegates.