The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-06-05


anderson, May 2s.-The twenty
first annual session Of the granG
lodge. Knights Of Pythias, was called
TO order in the court room at 10
o'clock this morning, by Grand Chan
cellor n. Rutledge Rivers, of Charles
ton.
About 400 members, many Knights
and hundreds, of interested citizens
were in attendance upon the meeting
all showing marked interest in the
proceedings. Mayor P. K. McCully
in his usual happy and forcefui man
ner. extended a hearty and whole
soul welcome TO the convention, de-
claring the Electric City" at the dis
posal Of its distinguished visitors.
Incidentally the speaker made some
glowing remarks about the city
which is just now attracting such
widespread attention. Even some OF
the low country lovers were made to
question their old-time belief that
theirs was Gods own country and
the only country that was His.
Mr.. AfcCuily's speech was fortu-
nate opening for this auspicious occa-
sion. The welcome Of Anderson S
mayor was reinforced By those of
Nessrs. T. F. Watkins, in behalf of
Chiquola Lodge, 40. 81, and J. K.
Hood in behalf Of the other fraterni-
ties Of the city. These two gentlemen
are prominent members Of the local
bar and won hearty commentator
for their city by their impressive ad-
dresses.
In reply to the warm welcome
voiced by the above ran2ed gentle
men, Mr.. NJ Rutledge Rivers in be
half of the convention, assured the
Anderson people that their hospitality
was fully appreciated and that the
pleasures Of this visit would never be
forgotten. This speech was one of
the most apt, enthusiastic and force
ful ever heard in a Pythian gathering.
The convention then passed into a
business session for the dipso al of
such matters that annually demand
consideration and action. Among
these are the appropriations that are
made each year: According to the
usual custom 500 was appropriated
tc each Of the three orphanagesS of
the State, viz: Thornwell Orphanage
al Clinton Connie Maxwell Orphan
age at Greenwood and Epworth Or
phanage at Columbia. a matter of
srecial interest is the increase in the
appropriation to the widows and or
phans' fund. Heretofore this amount
has been only $500. At the meeting
today it was raised to s1,S00. a spe-
cial tax of five cents per capita on
the members was levied to raise a
part of the above amount
The reports fthe various officers
of the grand lodge were submitted in
pamphlet form and adopted as print
ed. The report of Grand Chancellor
Rivers was resume Of the past work
Of the lodge, a comprehensive review
Of the past years record, and pros
pecrus of its future. This report IS
most encouraging and should give
deep satisfaction to every Pytnian
who has contributed to the order in
South Carolina.
The report on finances was a pleas
rrabl document, showing as it did
the excellent conition Of the order.
On April the 1st. 1906. there was
cas-, balance of s12,10O.S5 on hand.
On April 1st. 1907, the balance was
s14.73S.s5. Besides this amount
there are s2.27606 invested in stocks,
and during the year profit was made
CnoSS SlOChS dlIiclili W 49,
ca. The total assets of the order are
s124.967.43. The report on mem
bership also was encouraging, show
ing a steady gain throughout the year.
On December 81, 1905. there were
a.54s enrolled members. 4 year later
the membership numbered 10,S29.
During the year 1.64S candidates We're
initiated. 152 members reinstated and
2S6 admitted by card. There are now
1eS active lodges. 13 being instituted
in the last II months and one has had
its charter restored. The report on
membership was exceedingly crafty
ing.
The matters of chief interest for to-
r,orrow's. session are the choice Of a
meeting place for next year and the
election Of officers for the ensuing
wear. 1t is understood that the
Charleston delegation will extend an