Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-09-06
MISLEADING STATEMENTS.
Made by Newspapers Regarding Su-
preme Lodge Meeting, K. Of P.
Colonel E. c. Harrington, Z Maine Delegate
Explains the Dislculllss.

Col. E. c. Harrington returned. Fri
day. from the convention OF the SUI
preme Lodge, knights of Pythias.
held at Indianapolis. He has nothing
but praise for the beauty of the city
and its fine hotels and business houses.
The principal cause Of complaint by
visitors was the extreme heat during
all the time of the convention Il
would have given q high price for a
few draughts of the good air of
Maine" said the colonel, '1aden as it
is with the vigor and purity which
comes from our cool lakes and great
forests. Few people here realize the
difference between the air waited over
lake, mountains and forests and that
coming over vast stretches of lands
largely devoid of forests and water"
How about the charges which have
been made regarding extravaganza of
those in authority, and the misman-
agement OF those in control of the en-
dowment rank of the order?" asked
a friend
These charges, greatly enlarged
upon by the newspapers was the cause
of long and heated debate and inves-
tigation." replied the colonel. Many
men came there believing that they
We're true and naturally demanded a
thorough investigation. This was had
to the minutest detail, and l do not
think that member of the conven-
ton went away from it, without a
thorough conviction that not the
slightest tinge of dishonesty could be
laid at the door of single official
The management of the endowment
rank, the insurance department of the
order, has been called in question by
those interested and charges have been
made libeling the officers in control
The president Of the board, Hfnsey of
by Lyman Gage, U. s. treasurer as one
of the best financiers in the country,
made q detail report of the doings of
the board and after most thorough
investigation by a special committee,
one Of whom was Representative Han
son of Calais, everything was found
correct. There is not a single invest
ment where loss is expected, and the
only loss will be from deposits in a
Texas bank, which was good when the
money was deposited. but which now
is in the receivers hands, and that loss
will not be great, the board Of control
not being responsible for the deposit,
it being on the order of the Supreme
Lodge itself. No. everything is all
right with the endowment rank. and
no member need have fears of its
standing. Every where that economy
can be practiced, the reducing of sal
aries, and lessening of expenses by
committees has been now brought to
the minimum, and bright future is
before the great order Of knights Of
Pythias. DIR. Wise of Chattanooga,
who had charge of the Pythian hos
pital there found me early on arrival
to inquire after the condition Of Major
Ulmer who was patient there. He
said it was dangerous undertaking to
move him and he feared that 1t would
cause his death, but the major, he said,
was determined to go and there was
no other way left but to allow it to be
done. 4 fear he said. that he will
not be able to recover
Judging from the account given by
Colonel Harrington, the Supreme
Lodge must be composed of as
strong a legislative body of men as
ever convened to transact business for
an organization of this nature. Speak
ing Of the uniform rank. he said that
there were 1900 in line the day OF pa
rade, and presented a fine appearance.
A new ritual was adopted, and General
reported that it was in sat-
isfactory and flourishing condition.