The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-14
A SLOW WAY.
SCOTTISH RITE
 MASONS CONVENE

Meridian Miss, April 13.-(Special.)- Meridian Lodge of Perfection No. 1 was convened in Masonic temple this morn ing at o'clock for the purpose of con ferring the Ineffable degree of the An cient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free masonry. This was the first session of the Scottish Rite reunion, which will be in session for three days The following officers officiated: o. l.. Mckay, yen erable master; J. w. Hagermeyer. senior warden; O. w. Bethea, junior warden; tine Rev Max Raisin, orator; the Rev. DeB. Waddell, almoner; B. V. White, secre- tary; Paul Brown, treasurer; s. l. Solo, mon, master of ceremonies; R. H. Craw- ford, expert; J. w. Cowan, assistant ex- pert; J. C. McClinton. captain of host. The above officers will officiate in all the degrees during the meeting except the sixth or confidential secretary. This degree will be conferred by Frederic Speed of Vicksburg and Louis Threefoot of this city. A class of apout 40 is here from different parts of the state. A fine musical programme was rendered by a specially selected choir from the best local talent of the city. Various amuse- ments for the entertainment of the, visit ors have been arranged by citizens.
 State Councillor J. D. Watts, State Manager J. B. Watts and State Secre- tary W. D. Hawkins of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, all of this city, left this morning for Ellsville, where they go to attend the state con vention of the order, which will be con vened today. The officers will submit reports which will show the organization to be in a f1ourishing condition.
 This city today has the honor of enter- taining as visitor Hon. K. T. Me- Connioo of Nashville, who won fame in the recent prosecution of the case of Charles R. Smith, tried for the murder of Laurent the trial taking place at Columbus. sMr. McConnico comes to Me- ridian to consult with Judge Buckley with reference to the bill of exceptions he will file with the state supreme court. when he argues the case against re- versal.
 This city and section was visited last night by one of the hardest rains of the season. The downpour was accompanied by considerable lightning which struck at several places about the city and sur rounding country. So far as learned no one was injured.
 \ About 2 o'clock this morning tele- phone message reached this city from near the Russell neighborhood which is about six miles east of Meridian. to the effect that negro woman by the name of Johnson had been assassinated. The woman was sitting in her house when the .assassin fired the contents of a double-barreled shotgun into her body through window. At this hour there is no ciew to the perpetrator of the mur- der.
 Mrs w R. Self, aged 52. wife of Con- ductor Self of the New Orleans and this city after an illness of some dura- ton. The remains were shipped to Will sonville, Ala, for interment.
 Fred C. Harrison has brought suit against the Southern railway for damages in the sum of $25,000. alleged to have been committed as the result of the death of his baby boy April G. 1906 The child Is said to have been killed while playing on crossing near Toomsupa, iz miles north of Meridian. It was on the tracks of the Alabama Great Southern railroad. which are used py the oeienonn' , a,ta, company from York, Ala, to this city. Toomsuba being between this city ana York.
 State superintendent of Education J. N. powers of Jackson was visitor to Me- ridian yesterday en route to Atlanta. xvntle here he consulted with County c,,aar,ntendent J. R. Ellis about the com ,nr state Teachers association meeting. superintendent.E ,,, Elils being the vice pres ident. M
 The marriage of William Perry and Mise Emma. Hughes was celebrated in this city yesterday the Rev. c. M. Chap man. pastor of the Fifth Street Meth odist church. officiating. The groom is