The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-03-05

higher authority are sometimes 10 be IN
cluded in the advice that In given.
Special emphasis is given TO the impera-
tive necessity OF selecting the best men
for office regardless of considerations or
personal friendship OF prejudice; of good
fellowship or reciprocal favors; and IL IL
urged that the test of fitness should be
applied rigidly TO every candidate for OF
fice. elective or appointive. The Grand
Patria rch condenses the whole situation
I'm this sentence: 'Fraternal ofnce Is
fraternal trust-nrmness It's prime
requisite, and fidelity to duty the criterion
of it's execution"
In Mt least two instances the Grand
Patriarch criticises the policy of the
Sovereign Grand Lodge. With refer
ence 20 the custom or annuai
sessions OF the sovereign body, he says
that those who consider tho welfare oi
the order as a whole cannot look with
favor upon them, as the expense thereof
IL disproportionate 10 the results attained.
He asserts that II biennial sessions OF the
legislatures OF the most progressive states
in the union meet every requirement or
the body polite. similar policy well may
be adopted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge
without sacrifice of any material In
terests He continues that no considera-
ton Of the temporary unpopularity OF the
| uolicy,, he advocates should deter this
Jurisdiction from expressing It's conNlc-
tons and demanding the desired reform,
! and that the voice OF Rhode Island should
/ In all things be lifted up for what 1t be-
\ leves 20 be the greatest good of the
| greatest number.
| The recently issued cipher Of the Tn
\ written work issued by the Sovereign
1 Grand Lodge is pronounced so complex
as TO lessen its value and 10 defeat It's
! primary purpose and TO render IL alto
| getncr valneless.
l fau N
| cultivation Of the closest relations be-
tween encampment and lodge of the infiu-
! ence Of the encampments sympathetic
encouragement and good will throughout
all branches of the fraternity,
The relations between the encampment
branch and the Patriarchs Militant are
treated with great candor and fairness,
but I'm no uncertain tone, and, after a
condensed presentation OF the arguments
| on both sides. the grand patriarch urges
| such legislation as may more closely unite
| the two branches without sacrifice of the
rights or dignity OF either.
| Law is the lever Of disciplined effort:
| observed IL starts In motion the machin-
cry OF success; disregarded. IL is reversed.
and shuts OF the steam Of progress.
Thus systematically the grand patriarch
] emphasizes the necessity OF a strict OBJ
servance OF all laws and further suggests
that suitable penalties be provided Tor IN
fractions OF the law, to the end that their
mandatory character may be recognized
Suitable legislation is suggested TO se'
cure better care and protection of the
books containing the ritualistic work. anc
| also to avoid the possibility OF delay IN
the expeditions transaction of the busl'
| ness OF the Grand cncampment The mat
ter OF economy In administration Is als'
reverted to In the recommendation thai
. | the reports OF deputies be omitted from
| the printed proceedings and that grant
representatives be permitted 20 Arrange
so that each subordinate shall be visited
| officially by only one representative.
. The proposed odd Fellows temple Is re
| ferred TO as a subject that will he brough
: before the Grand encampmcnt through
the report OF its special committee; bu
Z the grand patriarch says that being
member OF that committee. he is pre-
, | cluded nv considerations Of propriCt,
| from Offering comment thereon.
T In very appreciativc and cordial word
: | the grand patriarch expresses his thank
| 60 his associate grand officers for thei
= assistance during the year and Tor thei
personal lovniiv 90 himself. not forgetting
= the district deputies and To- trying dc
|. mands upon the time and patience of tn
: grand scribe.
= At the end OF his report. the grand pa
irlarch expresses thc hope that th
p earnestness OF conviction aud sincerity u
? purpose that animated his uriuoisms am
n recommendations may afford suflicicn
= apology for any forcefulneSs or frank
: ness I'm their presentation, and urges upo
: the Grand crcampment the fact that NO
r ! 10y contemplation OF the past ma
4 the glory and honor OF Odd Fellowshi
e CCoutlnued on Page FIlvc)
j.