Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-07-21
Against New Rates by
Massachusetts, Arcanum,
Extra Assessment and Emer-
gency Fund Sufficient
10 Take Care Of A|E-.-Supreme Council
Asked 10 Restore Old Rates.

scssmcnts which recently were raised,
special session of the Grand Coun-
Gil Royal Arcanum. was opened to-
day. in fremont Temple with delegates
present from a great number of the
affiliated lodges. The increase which
was voted by the supreme officials has
been received with disfavor by almost
every lodge in the state.
one of the main objects of the ses-
sion. today, was to endeavor to bring
about special session of the Supreme
Council, by seeking the assistance of
other states, and thereby bringing
about, if possible, a revocation of the
assessment increase.
Grand Regent Reed of Omega Coun-
Gil of New Bedford, presided and the
delegates present numbered about 200.
representing all sections of the state.
Time until the adjournment for lunch
con. was taken up mainly with the pre-
sentation of resolutions opposing the
new rate. Scores of declarations from
various councils were offered and in
number of instances those presenting
them made vigorous addresses.
The general sentiment prevailed i'm
both resolutions and remarks was that
the new increase was unfair to the rank
and file of the membership and that
a special session of the Supreme Coun-
Gil should be called 10 revoke the OBJ
jectional order.
A committee was appointed to con-
slider the resolutions offered and to con-
dense and unity Them to report at the
afternoon sitting.
At the time of the adjournment the
secretary reported the resolutions pre-
sented numbered 100.
The presiding officer announced that
Daniel r. Beckford. one of the Massa-
Chusetts representatives to the SUI
preme Council had resigned from the
position of special district deputy. The
reason for his resignation was not
given.
Another announcement was that Dr.
L. ii. Hammond of Worcester, grand
trustee, had died and that James w.
Britain of Westboro, had been APP
pointed to fill the unexpred term.
At the afternoon session, the commit
tee reported as follows:
Resolved, first, that it is the sense
Of this Grand Council in special ses-
sion assembled. tlEt the HreSept needs
of the Royal Arcanum viii be fully
provided for by the calling of extra
assessments. if necessary. in accor-
dance with the plan of rates lin force
prior to July 1, 1906 or the use of the
emergency fund. or both, for the pur-
pose of meeting any deficiencies that
may arise, and that any permanent
readjustmcnt of rates shall. in accOr-
dance with established precedent, be
submitted to the subordinate councils
for their consideration at least six
months prior to final action by the
Supreme Council.
Resolved, second, that our repre-
sentatives or alternates to the Supreme
Council be instructed to petition the
supreme regent for a special session of
the Supreme Council. and to attend
said special session, the same to be
held at the earliest possible date, for
the purpose of reconsidering action in
adopting the new table of rates. and
that they be instructed to vote and
work to rescind said table of rates;
and hat the Massachusetts officers and
members of the Supreme Council be
earnestly requested to work and vote
In the same way.
Resolved third. that the executive
committee of this Grand Council be in
structed to unite with the Committee OF
Fifteen so-called. and any other COM
mittee and councils throughout the
country. looking to the careful consid-
efation of the rates in effect from 1896
until July I. 1905. and the preparation
If necessary of some tables of rates
that will be euuita BILE AS well as salts
factory to the membership. the same
time be applied at the Supreme Coun-
Gil session, for consideration by thai
body
Resolved. fourth. that these resolu'
tons be printed. and that copy bt
sent to each member of the Supreme
Council. and each of the executive Off
GERS of each Grand Council. and also
10 all the subordinate councils for theil
Information.
Resolved, fifth, that a communica
ton be sent to each Grand Council ac
companying these resolutions. urging
either the holding of a special session
OF their respective Grand Councils a
the earliest possible date for the pur
pose of adopting similar resolutions o.
securing the signatures of the supreme
representatives. from each Grand Coun
Gil to petition to the Supreme Coun
Gil session to be held not later tnaf
sept. 1. 1905
Resolved, sixth. that the resolution
Of Parkinan Council. No. 297, in REFER
ence' to rates, be referred to the exec
ative committee acting as PROVIDED 10
IN these resolutions. for their CONSIDER
stons, without Instructions.
The resolutions were unanimous
adopted and certificate was prepare
fequesting the supreme regent TO CA
special meeting of the SupreI'
Council to take such action as mign
deemed expedient under the CIT
camstances.
Before the certificate was preparet
several members of the Supreme Coui
~ who were present. and some
Wnom have voted for the new rate a..
some against, It, were asked 10 sta.
,aeir reasons for voting as they az
ppaniel r. Beckford, Jr.. and Franch
w. Dickinson, who voted in FAVOR :
ae project, explained that they COZ ~
Sidered it the best plain to meet :. :.