The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-07-12
KNIGHTs OF PYTHIAs DEFICIT
Admitted by Former President OF
Board Of Control to be seas, 600

Chicago, July 10.-John A. Hinsey
former president of the board CT con-
troll of the endowment rank, knights OF
lodge today and admitted the report
submitted yesterday t o be true, show
ing a deficit of 1925, 900, which must be
made good if the insurance feature OF
the order Is to be continued.
This report shows that the affairs of
the endowment rank under Hinsey's
management drifted into practical in
solvecY.
The former president Of the board OF
control declared he mac done his best
to keep the treasury in a sound condi-
tion, but hat death claims had mount
ed up, investments had turned out Jail
ures, and it had been frequently neces-
sary to overdraw the ranks account at
the bank.
The report, which was compiled by
the present board of control, excepting
Hinsey, does not charge the latter and
others with misusing the funds, but
states that they were miSuSed.
Hinsey occupied the floor during the
entire forenoon session of the inveSti-
eating committee.
To reporters Hinsey said: Il am pre-
pared to defend my administration
against any and all corners. My con-
duct of the Office was perfectly open
and above board. The investments
were good Inc legitimate and all will
turn out all right"
John A. HinSey, was ordered tonight
by the supreme lodge Of the knights
of Pythias t appear before that body
and show cause why he should not be
expelled. This follows as a direct result
Of the alleged irregularities which the
new management of the endowment has
found in the books under his twelve
years administration as president OF
the board Of control.
The supreme lodge of the Knights OF
Pythias adopted by a vote Of 40 to Il
the report Of the supreme chancellor
with all it's criticisms of Mr.. Hinseys
management and ordered it published
as an official record of the condition OF
the endowment rank.
Mr.. Hinsey, the central figure in al
the trouble, talked three hours before
the supreme lodge, but his explanations
did not satisfy his judges. All wanted
his expulsion, apparently, but many del.
egates argued that the supreme lodge
could not eXpel a member without
trial in the constituted courts of h or
der.
Though $500, 900 assets are in bad con
dtion,> and though almost $500, 900 behind
hand in the payment of death claims
the supreme lodge does not propose thai
it shall lose standing because Of the
troubles that have been disclosed.
By a unanimous vote OF the lodge ar
order has been made that in the flu.
ture no investments shall be made save
by the written order of five out of ths
seven members of the board of contro
of the rank. This will be formally
adopted tomorrow and no one man man.
agement will be possible in the future
In addition to this, a resolution is be
ing considered to raise the rates
of payments on insurance about so pei
cent. so hat more funds will be provid-
ed to meet death claims and enough in
addition to make good the losses and
create a surplus in the future.
If his additional burden on benefi
Charles of insurance policies shall not be
enough. the supreme lodge will also con-
slider a plan to assess all Knights OF
PythiaS fifty cents or 81 each for the
benefit of the rank. The lower assess
ment On $780, 900 members would bring
in $3.50, 900.
This money would not be paid direct
ly by the Pythians but would. come from
the 81, 900, 900 of reserve cash and bonds
held by the grand lodges subject to the
orders of the supreme lodge. The SUI
preme lodge has yer SIC, 600, 900 of prop
erty altogether and is responsible for
all obligations of the endowment rank.