The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-21
WOODMEN SEEKING A POET
HEAD CAMP OFFERS PRIZE FOR AN
ODE BY NEWSPAPER MAN.
Convention June 10 to 20-CrOwd
of $4,000 Expected.

'"wanted-A poet, to whom will be paid
$25 for the best ode to Indianapolis and the
Modern Woodmen of America on the occa-
sion Of the meeting Of the Head Camp in
Indianapolis, June Is to TO-
All songsters need not apply, however,
because the Modern Woodmen have re-
stricted the offer to newspaper reporters of
the city. The requirements are simple. The
poem must not be longer than ten stanzas
and it must phrase Understandings. Peg
asus may not kick up his heels for pure
joy of the thing. He must gallop from
somewhere to somewhere.
The unique offer was made last night by
Lewis A. Coleman, secretary of the board
of control, at a little dinner of local Wood
men and newspaper men. James F. Eagan,
of Rock Island, Ill, general press agent Of
the organization, was to have been present
at the dinner to give an idea of what may
be expected in the light of other meetings
of the head camp. He was unable to come.
having been unayoidably detained, and sent
a telegram of regret. announcing he would
be in the city Friday or Saturday to make
preliminary arrangements. Hugh j. Nc
Gowsn and Mayor Bookwalter were to have
been present to discuss ways and means of
raising the $500 yet necessary to make the
success of the convention absolute. but
both these men found it impossible to be
present becauee of other engagements.
However, the dinner was thoroughly sue
cessful.
CROWD OF $4,000
That the Modern Woodmen are to bring a
tremendous crowd to Indianapolis is GER
tainty. Lewis A. Coleman and Arthur ".
Lawrence. members of the board of control,
and John d. Volz, business director, among
those present at last nights dinner, say
that fully $4,000 visitors may be expected at
the most conservative estimate, and the
chances are that more than $1,000 will show
up. They take it that the ability of Indian
apolis to properly entertain the Head Camp
will be an indication of the city's ability
to take care of national political conven-
tons II Indianapolis without coliseum
can house the Woodmen and give them a
good time, then Indianapolis with a COLI
scum should do wonders even with a greater
crowd.
The Modern woodmen will have to be
content with Tomlinson Hall, which is the
best the city has TO offer at the present
time; and some apprehension is expressed
as to the hall being big enough to accom-
modate the members who are to be there
strictly for business, to say nothing Of
sightseers and lookers-on, for the sessions
will be open to the public.
The Modern Woodmen delight to play
the fascinating game of politics and the
sessions will be red-hot with political ex-
element. There are some big questions
to be discussed in addition to the political
end of the convention. At the present time
there are no lodges of the woodmen in cit
les of over 100000 for the reason that in
habitanS of such cities are not considered
good risk for insurance. Sanitary and
other conditions have not been accepta-
BILE to the organization heretofore. The
probabilities are that the embargo will be
removed and that the coming head camp
Will permit the establishment of lodges
In cities of over 100000.
RATES REIMBURSEMENT.
Another question OF transcendent inter-
est to the members is the readjustment of
rates. The belief current is that rates should
be increased. not because a deficit exists
or because the organization is running be-
hind financially, but because il is safer to
establish a stronger reserve. To both prop
ositions there will undoubtedly be opposi-
ton and the sessions will therefore be preg-
nant with interest.
Probably 1900 uniformed members of the
organization will be encamped on State
grounds on East Washington street Their
drills and dress parade displays will be
features OF the Head Camp meeting. There
will be in addition a round of social pleas
ures which should keep the members fully
occupied
To entertain the Head Camp properly
5000 must be raised in Indianapolis May
or Bookwalter and Hugh j. MCGOWAN have
given their personal assurances that the
amount will be obtained in plenty of time
and the men in charge of the meeting are
not alarmed as 10 the financial prospect.