The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-05-04
ODD Fellows
Demonstration
Action Of Committee In Post
poning Il Generally Endorsed
MANY ASSURANCES RECEIVED
Procession on June 7 Promises 10 Be
Larger Than lhlt Expected YESTERDAY
BAY STATE PATRIARCHS MILITANT.
Entire Brigade Of 1900 Men Win &c In Line.
Lodges, EnoampmsLts and Can,oas Will
Begin Work 0nos
Procession on June 7 Promises TO Be
Larger Than lhlt Expected YESTERDAY
BAY STATE PATRIARCHS MILITANT.

PieNoiiSu yesteTudy morning rendered
unavoidable the postponement Of the
Odd Fellows celebration until Thurs
day, June Z. The affair was to have
been upon so large a scale that II was
necessary for the committee in charge
to take early and prompt action, at a
time when the rain was falling in tor
rents and not the slightest ray OF hope
could be found for any betterment of
the unfavorable conditions then exist
ing. Word was received from many
out-of-town bodies that had intended
TO participate, from Massachusetts and
Connecticut cities and from the Grand
Sire in Worcester, that 1t was raining
heavily there; and in many instances
this was accompanied by the suggestion
that the demonstration be postponed.
as those coming from these places, nee
essarily having to leave home during
the morning. could not be expected to
bring more than half the expected num-
Der, IL indeed they came at all.
The best possible advice was sought
regarding the prospects for an improve
ment in the weather conditions; and all
those best qualified TO Judge pro-
nounced ii highly improbable that any
change could be looked for during the
day. Those of long and varied expert
ence in such matters were also consult
ed regarding the wisest course TO pur-
sue under the circumstances; and the
unanimous opinion was that prompt
action and the postponement of the
celebration until a more favorable date
was absolutely required on the part of
the committee. unless IL wished to take
the chance OF. II not even TO ensure, the
dev. act, ffrx. vtt..r .xIn IL
most unfortunate character sorely dis
appointing to the general public and
prejudicial to the interests OF the order
itself. an opinion in which Col. Giles w.
Easterbrooks, the chief marshal and a
military man OF much experience in
handling large affairs of this character
thoroughly coincided.
The committee was deeply apprecia-
tive OF the fact. also, that the business
houses in the centre of the city had
given Unprecedented recognition TO the
event in the way of decorations and
otherwise. as well as Of the great and
general interest manifested by the COM
munity at large; and when IL was found
that II was felt that these considera-
tions sheuld be weighed with a view
to preventing a fizzle and ensuring a
demonstration that would be thorough
ly representative and in every way
worthy of the recognition accorded so
generously, another powerful argument
was offered in the same line as the
other considerations named.
The committee, therefore, very re-
luctantly decided to announce the
postponement and at once sent tele-
grams and telephone messages in every
direction and at the same time issued
card IN the afternoon newspapers.
In majority of cases these messages
were received in time to save time,
inconvenience and expense to the bodies
that had intended to participate; but In
few instances they were not delivered
in time, while two or three local bodies
decided to enjoy the spreads" that had
been ordered, despite the postponement
OF the parade.
When the skies began TO clear at
nearly the time for the formation Of the
parade, there was naturally much dis
appointment that circumstances over
which the committee had no control
and which no human prescience could
have foreseen. made the 'postponement
so much to be regretted; but II was uni
versally conceded that the committee
had adopted the W sest and most pru-
dept. and In fact. the only course open
to IT; that by its promptness and firm
ness under circumstances where vac
illation and tlmidity too often prevail IL
strengthened itself materially among
the various lodges and encampments
and cantons, which already recognized
il as one of the hardest working and
ablest committees that has ever served
the order in similar capacity.
During the afternoon, the committee
received many assurances from promi-
nent local members OF the order and
from n large number in remote locali-
ties that its action was heartily en-
dorsed, and that II may look for an
even larger and more satisfactory turn
out on June Z. than you'd have been
possible yesterday; and Gen. Emerson,
commanding the brigade of Patriarchs
Militant OF Massachusetts,, sent word
to the committee that on the latter date
the entire brigade OF 1900 men would
be in the line instead of a portion OF
one regiment as was 10 have been the
case on Thursday. There is, therefore.
every probabil ty that the coming dem
onstration Will be so large and In every
respect notable az to fully compensate
for any temporary disappointment.
however severe. that may have been
caused by the fickleness OF the clerk
OF the weather" yesterday. The van-
Gus lodges. encampments and cantons
will go to work at once, harmoniously
and unitedly. to secure this end and
the committee In charge. as well as the
subordinate bodies themselves. has
demonstrated so well its ability 10 or
ganize and handle successfully and
pra actically large affair OF this kind
that there should ba no doubt whatever
OF the result and that tho largest dem
onstration the order has ever held "
this state NAV confidently be looked for.
The ceieh-ation on June win in
volve no additional expenss whatever
70 the various participating bodies IN
the wav of assessment bv the general
commFftee a. that BODY has so care
fully husbanded tie resources and go
shrewdlv managed It's finances thst tho
postponement viii probably involve an
extra OUTLAY on its part of not moro
than 40. which amount will not ap-
precia biv affect tho present excellent
financial statue Of the committee In
deed the fo-ethought and prudence
which have characterized the financial |
mana aenenf Of the cnmnniffea In nnc