The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-07-16
BY PYTHIAR SUPREME LODGE ON EN-
D0WMeNT RANK DEFICIT.
JOHN H. HlNSEYS RESIGNATION
rendered and Accepted Because the
Expel Him-Charges to be Made In
Their Lodges Against all Persons
Implicated In Mismanagement OF the
Funds-CfviI and Criminal Actions
Ordered Against the Guilty.

Chicago, July 1.-THE supreme lodge
of the Knights OF Pythias. now in ses-
sion in Chicago investigating the affairs
Of the endowment rank of the order.
late last night. accepted the resignation
Of John II. Hinsey. ex-president Of the
endowment rank, as a member of the
board of control. Following this the
supreme lodge adopted a resolution
which instructed the supreme chancel-
lor and board of control to prosecute
civilly and criminally all persons liable
for offenses committed against the en-
dowment rank.
This resolution passed by a unani-
nous vote, Is did another which in
structed the chancellor commander and
board of control to proceed with a view
toward expulsion against members OF
the order IN their respective lodges who
might be found guilty of violating their
obligations in the handling of funds.
After adjournment of last nights ses-
sion it was said that if criminal pros
ecutions are instituted, which now
seems to be almost certain, a number
OF men who were formerly connected
with the endowment rank and whom
the supreme lodge members consider
responsible for the present financial
condition, will be involved.
The action OF the supreme lodge IN
accepting the resignation of Mr.. Hinsey
was taken after two days session al
which the reports of the board of con-
troll of the endowment rank and Of the
insurance commissioners of Jlliooic
Connecticut and Kansas had Deer gone
over and fully discussed.
Mr.. HlnSey made good his promise to
appear before the supreme council in
his w defense. 1t was said that his
explanations regarding the investments
Of funds made while he was at the head
of the rank were far from satisfactory
to the supreme lodge representatives,
but there being some question Of the
right to expel him, his resignation was
accepted.
The supreme representatives, how
ever, were not in a disposition to let the
matter of Hinsey's connection with the
supreme lodge settle his standing in
the order of the knights of Pythias.
The following resolutions were adopt
ed:
"Resolved,~ That the supreme chan
cellor and the board of control be and
they are hereby authorized and empow-
cred n directed to prefer charges and
prosecute or cause to be prosecuted be-
fore the proper tribunal or tribunals of
the order all persons heretofore or now
connected with the endowment rank
for n and all violations of their OBJ
LEGATION and for any and all offenses
under the laws of the order.
Resolved, That the supreme chancel-
a Tor and board of control be and they
are hereby empowered and directed &c
prosecute or cause to be prosecuted
,riminally in any court all persons who
have embeZZled the funds of the order.
defrauded the order, committed perjury
or any other offense in connection with
the endowment rank n that they
bring or cause to be brought civil action
against all persons who are liable to
the order from any cause in connection
with the endowment rank"
The wording of this resolution is gen.
orally regarded as containing the
charges under which prosecution is to
be instituted. Mr.. Hinsey is a member
of the Inter-Domain lodge, of this city,
and it is probable that the supreme Of
fcers will prefer their charge against
him in that lodge.
The supreme lodge today decided that
the most eXpedient way of meeting the
deficiency of $500, 600 in the treasury of
the endowment rank is to raise the in
surance rate to the maximum prescrlb-
ID by the national fraternal congress.
If. in this way, money shall not be
forthcoming. it is likely a special as
ate action which will be taken will be,
every member of the order for the ben
eft of the endowment rank. This Will
speedily raise $250,000.
The board of control will continue to
investigate the affairs Of the endow-
ment rank pursuant to the resolutions
adopted yesterday. The only immedi-
ate action which will be taken will be,
it is said, the instituting of some fore
closure suits in an endeavor to rescue
as much as possible of the money said
to have heen careleSsly invested.
A resolution was adopted by the SUI
preme lodge pIedging all necessary leg
islation needed to fully protect hold
ers of certificates issued by the endow.
ment rank and producing full ano
prompt payment of all claims due
oN