The San Francisco call., 1905-04-30

esters OF America, the seventeenth
convention of the Grand Lodge of the
order in California will be held this
year in Watsonville, beginning on the
morning OF May 2. In addition to the
regular work which the grand officers
and delegates will be called upon to
perform there will be entertainment
for the Forestic visitors, which has
been arranged for by the membership
OF Court Pajaro Valley Rose and the
citizens OF the city named. The COM
mittee having charge Of this affair is
composed Of r. p. Quinn, Dr. s. c.
Rogers. c. E. Peckham, A. NJ. Martin.
r. Fritz. Frank Berry. j. H. Covell, D.
T. Leddy. S. c. Zurich, ]. Fay. G. c.
Cleveland. J. E. Ostrander. ]. E. Cox,
II. A. Petersen, A. E. Rogge and P. G.
Sheehy.
The reports that are to be pre-
sented viii show that the membership
OF the order in this State is now
2O,655, distributed in 16s subordinate
courts. There are in addition three
juvenile courts, Forestic schools from
which young men graduate to the
adult courts. The order, since it was
organized in 1889. has paid in bene-
fits TO its members in sickness or dis
tress si,0oo.5so. which does not in
clude sums paid for the burial of de-
ceased members. OF this amount of
relief extended $152,569 was paid in
the past twelve months.
The reports win show that there was
\ marked increase in membership and
finances and that the greatest gain in
three courts in San Francisco. which
have at this time an aggregate mem
bership Of 70eO.
AT tho. convention there will be IA
grand officers and $50 delegates-the
greatest number In the history of the
organization in this State. Twenty
one representatives to the Supreme
Court, which is TO meet in Buffalo in
august, Will be elected. Charles A.
Root, of Sacramento VIII be advanced
TO grand chief ranger, vice J. II. Foley
of Les Angeles: H. L. Simon of this
city will become sub-chief; John J.
Cordy, at present grand secretary. and
Frank Conklin, grand treasurer, will
DE reelected, as there is no opposition
10 their candidacy; but there will be
candidates for a number Of the other
offces. The most important matters
tnat will come up for consideration
Will be proposition to hold biennial
instead Of annual sessions. and the OBJ
aervance yearly Of Foresters' day.
The grand body will be in session
from Tuesday, May 2. until the follow
ing Friday. The grand officers and
delegates will reach the convention
city on Monday evening by special
train. and wifi be received at the de-
pot by the committee. With music and
rcd fire they will be escorted to head
quarters. The following day the grand
officers and delegates will be escorted
TO Foresters' Hall, where the sessions
viii be held. In the afternoon there
viii be a street parade of the members
OF the convention, escorted by deIega-
lions from the courts located in Wat
sonville. Santa Cruz, San Benito, Cas-
troville, Salinas and Monterey. J. H
Coyell viii be the grand marshal. After
the parade there viii be a public meet
ing, at which Mayor W A. Trefton
VIII deliver an address of welcome and
turn over the key Of the city to the Wis
itors. This win be responded to by
Grand Chief Ranger Foley. Then there
VIII be an address by p. G. Sheehy,
music and literary numbers and the
photographing of the visitors in
group. In the evening there will be
grand ball in the pavilion. On the
following days there will be excursions
through the FaJaro Valley. a visit to
the Strashurg vineyards and orchards,
open all concerts and a banquet for
nearly 500 persons.
Court Fidelity has arranged for an
entertainment on the night of June I6.
Court Richmond had a compliment
tary entertainment and dance in Lyric
Hall recently, which was we'll attend
ed and proved TO be a mast enjoyable
AFFAIR
Court James C. Blaine will give
ball IN the. Pioneer building May and
on August the social club of the
court will hold a family outing at
Fairfax Park
The degree team Of. Court Richmond
recently visited the court at Point
Richmond and there conferred the de-
gree upon forty candidates for the sit
ting court. A banquet followed the
ceremony.
The last Of the official visits of the
present term will be made by Grand
Chief Companion Mrs. Mary Thoman
on May 2 This will be to Inter Nos
Circle.
The report issued from the Grand Cir
Gle shows that during the year 1904
the net increase Of beneficiary men,
bers was 141 and OF benefcial mem
bers 81. The total membership at that
time was 3412
Supreme Sub-Chief Companion Mrs.
Lizzie Atwood will pay an official visit
May 3 to Robin Hood Circle, No. 5s.
This Will be the last Of her visits TO
local circles before the next session OF
the Supreme Circle, which win he
held in New York City.