The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1901-08-31

N convention or the National Council
of the knights Of Columbus opened ut
Cliff Haven, N. Y, on Wednesday
morning, Aug. Ia, and closed on Fri
day afternoon, two sessions day hav
ing been held. There were seventy
three delegates in attendance besides
Il large number of Knights from vnri-
ous states who We're attracted to the
Catholic summer school.
Supreme Knight Edward l.. Hcarn
of Boston presided over the delibera-
tions. There were also present Nation
al Secretary Daniel Caldwell of New
j. Brady, Cleveland. Ohio; National
Chaplain Rev. p. J. McGivney, Middle
town, Conn; National Advocate Jas. u.
sfcConnell, Fitchburg, Mass; National
Physician DR.. w. Il. McManus, New
York city, and many others prominent
in the organization.
1t was one of the most important
meetings ever held by the national
body, affecting, as 1t did, the member
ship of the entire order. 1t was also
notable because of the prominent &C.
clesiastics who addressed the convcn-
tion. and who confirmed the cllurch's
Endorsement of the order.
The principal business the conven-
tion had to deal with was the adjust
mcnt of the insurance rates. The step
rate plan was the one adopted. This
plan was fully explained by Hon. w.
S. McNnry, chairman in charge OF that
matter.
The new rates will go into effect
Jan. 1, 1902. In addition to these rates
there will be a further monthly assess
mcnt, averaging 30 cents, smlart to
the plan proposed by the FrHtcrnal
Congress, TO be applied to fund to
care for death benefits of those MEM
bcrs attaining the age of G5, after
which there will be no further increase
of rates.
Under the new rates the younger
members will pay less. in middle age
1t will remain about the same as ut
present, but the older members will
pay considerably more than at the
present rates.
For example, Il member aged 35 now
pays 80 cents per month. This he
would pay during life had the old ratio
continued. Under the new rates he
will pay GO cents monthly, plus the ex-
trn assessment Of 80 cents, making 30
cents in all, but when he arrives at
40 years of age his total assessment
rate will increase to 80 cents, contin-
uing TO increase ut the end of every
five-ycar period.
On the afternoon of the 18th, con-
sideration Of the revision of the con-
stitutiOn was resumed, and much prog
rcss was made.
DR.. Donahoc of Boston made an ef-
fort to retain the council physicians,
but after listening to DIR. McManus,
who advocated the appointment of
medical examiners instead, leaving to
one physician the medical examlna-
tions Of applicants in several councils
in large cities, the new method was
adopted.
On Thursday morning there was
large attendance Mt mass, which was
celebrated by Father McGivncy, nation
al chaplain of the order. The ladies
who accompanied the Knights to the
convention were also present.
The forenoon session of the conven-
tion was devoted to the further con-
siderati0n Of important amendments to
the constitution. The national and
state cllaplains will hereafter be ap-
pointed, the former by the board of
directors of the order and the latter by
the state officers. Local council chap
lains are still to be chosen by the
councils.
Considerable time was devoted to
the amendments regulating the new
finance committee, who are charged
with the care and investment of the
funds of the order.
In adopting the new table Of rates,
contributions to the old mortuary re-