Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-05-12

SocletleS OF our country Millions are
spent every year, thereby taking a
burden off cities, towns and churches,
and in many cases the immediate fam
lily, making the brother feel he was
not depending on charity, consoling
him in his time of trouble and sad
ness. and often relieving the mind.
aiding him in many ways to regain
health, if not at least to be saved
from a pauper's grave. Yes, there is
work to be done. Do not be a drone
in the court, depending on others to
do your part and then find fault:
everyone standing shoulder to Shout
der with justice to all and malice
towards none urging good men to be-
come members. that they may be a
link in the chain binding us together
in one common brotherhood for the
betterment of mankind. Let us re-
new our pledge and firmly resolve as
before. men in every sense, true men
with their word of honor at stake
There is not one of us but what can
do a little. Do you want your court
controlled by the few? Have YOU no
interest but draw benefits? Are you a
dead one? Perhaps you think paying
dues is enough, if so let me put you
right. Remember your obligation in
the presence of the brothers, solemn
promise. and you made it, Where
do you stand? Think it over. 1t is
ur to you.
Now the Grand Court officers are
called to give an account of their
stewardship, and | trust that you will
| t,-it If
with your expectations you at least
will be considerate in your Judgment
on us.
At the Portland convention [ was
elected to the highest office in your
:ift in the State, and il you remember
| made the statement, IF any brother
seeks the office am not candidate"
asked you all to help me. and any
suggestion would be gladly received
by me- During my term every court
',as been visited by me but one and if
failed to appear at any date set it
vas no fault of mine-rather one of
circumstances. There has been but
ne executive council meeting and at
hat arrangements were made, COM
ntecs appointed for a public demon
stration, which was held at Portland
The supreme secretary. treasurer and
pne OF the trustees, a street parade of
three hundred men. with band and
fireworks. was indeed a treat to us;
md caused many favorable remarks
long the route. Degree work by
Court Falmouth team, remarks on the
rider by the visitors, with compli-
ments to the Maine Brothers that il
was up to them to do the work of the
| ritual the best they had ever witnessed
All the courts in the State were invit-
'ds"to take part This could not be-
inc, distance and finance, a great OBJ
;tacle to many. Yet had the broth
rs in Portland and Westbrook taken
lold, as they should. many more
would have been present and there
would have been no deficit and profit
would have been returned to the
| frand Court. Court italy was very
Kind in entertaining the supreme Of
icers and other visiting brothers. On
hat event the degree teams visiting
different courts had much to do in
leeping alive the interest, and l thank
hem and ask you to. That they, may
<eep up the good work is my earnest
u
| ,ocnobscot of Brewer; lack of interest
n the part of the brothers. Fix
his in your mind. a court is made by
he work of the members and in no
'ther way.
The report of the secretary shows d
;ain for the year ending December 81,
md | am Informed by the secretaries
# the different courts that q larger
ne has been made since the above
late. This is good when we learn
hat one of the larger orders has lost
Sl4. There has been stricken from
our rolls 222. 1t may be due to hard
times My opinion there is a remedy.
Intend at least one meeting in the
nonth then you will know your stand
ing and protect your interest and that
If your family.
Every court made gain but two
md all initiated but one. There is
.omething wrong. You can do better
md you know it. There is not one
# us but can bring in one new mem
Der during the year.
The TreaSurer'S report will show a
decrease in Grand Court funds. This
- caused by the extra expense Of
listing degree teams and supreme
MISUNDERSTANDING as | do, money well
invested. We have expended over
-, 600 in the work and as our order in
, great measure in this State is com
iosed of the working man it ought to
encourage us. Who needs it more
han he? Yet we have made gain
n the general funds of almost 5000.
Perhaps few recommendations
would be i'm order as supreme Of
ficers approve. Public meetings will
DC no expense for speakers ladies'
nght. family gatherings: smoke talks
by members, and friends; form a com
mittee to help the secretary in round
ing up Delinquent brothers: arrange
for Foresters' Day; take part in Ar
Dor Day: also visit the sick brother,
if you can. bearing ever in your mind
L.. L.. B. and c.: form a degree team,
| the life of a court.
Now brothers. time honored time, is
| bringing my term to a close, and now
| thank every brother for kindness
shown me; also the companions of
| the Forest at Bath. You all have
| made it one of pleasure for me. That
| you may return to your homes in
I