Year: 1875

These were to be distributed where they would do
the most good, and 1t Is evident that this Is the way
the Order seeks TO further Its ends


Several other persons then entered the room and
after some delay the president Of the council took bis
seat


GETTING TO WORK


The first business TO direct the Marshal, q Mr.
Robinson, 70 see that none but members present
That officer Immediately left his seat and began his
task. The president was first approached. shake OF
the hand and a whisper and the Marshal passed on,
going through the process with every person present
When the HERALD reporter reached he knowing
shat nos S den on 70 e
next After the Marshal had announced in due form
that every person present was .'member,"
the president formally opened the council by appoint
ing the sentnes The Secretary, 0 Mr.. Foster, then
proceeded TO read the minutes of the previous meeting
While this going the reporter, who sat in the
OF the ROOM began making arrangements sbout
taking such notes as we're necessary. This easy
task, as the slightest movement might betray him.
Taking from his pocket q number OF cards the writer
placed them In his hat and with q small piece oil pen
Gil commenced hts task Near by sat member who
every now and then, as II suspicious OF the reporter
glanced at him with q searching eye To write under
this surveillance difficult but the reporter
aged to scratch down. sometimes on his cuffs and some.
times the cards In the lining OF his hat the names
OF such persons as were mentioned


As If TO render the reporters position even more
critical Mr. Gibbs the Secretary Of Council No with
whom the reporter had been forced converse while
representing himself as member of that council sat
ged edge' from the moment OF his entry until his de-
parture When the President announced that the altar
would now be prepared there hustle among the
members in anticipation Of the impressive Initiation
ceremonies to take place, but the Chaplain Mr. Buck
ingham, brought matters down TO prosy routine by
rising and stating that u the present session no per-


'.Then said the President, striking the table with
his gavel, I'VE will proceed with the next business.
Are there are any committees TO report2"


No answer coming the President said, "Mr Secre-
tary, what unfinished business s thereY"


The Secretary replied thai he knew OF none.


AT this juncture peculiar rap consisting OF three
knocks the last Two being separated from the first by
an interval ofa second heard at the door, and the
inside sentinel opened II about
announced, The Vice President of the council awaits
outsiden


..I,et him enter responded the President and the
door opened sufficiently to admit tall, elderly
man, who mildly walked 10, and without tormaty
took seat the len OF the room He had hardly sat
down when another loud rap from the Presidents
gave called attention.


'Mr. Vice President" said that Official "I must In
c room ssa eompy with ,Se formasies nls
All eyes were turned toward the Vice PresL
den. ss he arose 49, pacing ais nnges 70
drew 1t across toward the right and let his hand fall
by his sido TINS is the customary salute OF all broth


1--WE will now proceed to the consideration of new
business = said the President rapping tho table


The Chaplain Mr. Buckingham then arose and said
that with relation the communication from the Leg
sature of the Stato read by the Secretary announcing
that Bunker Hill Council No. Q, indebted in the
sum of IS 20 he hoped that members in would
pay up The speaker set good example by walking TO
the Secrctary's table and handing fifty cent
stamp. other members soon followed and The amount
was speedily collected


Mr. Buckingham next moved that hereafter the
sessions the council be held the third Wednesday
of every month In support OF his motion he said that
the present winter severe one and every effort
should be made TO economi2e. He saw necessity
for bringing members together than
month The resources of the council should be hus
banded. II had been urged by some brothers that
meetings be held once week. but he was not at the
preseut time In favor OF that He heartily In favor
of holding meetings often necessary, but he
opposed 70 unnecessary sessions


Mr.. Douglas, who s employed in some capacity In
the Custom House and who was at one time President
OF the council then and replied TO Brother Buck
ingham He exceedingly regretted to any move
tending abridge the interest felt in the cause
by members Meetings should be held at least twice q
month. He was in favor OF holding them weekly.
Every brother knew that the work OF the Order
ing the coming Presidential campaign stupendous
one The cause Of the Order a most noble For
his part he willing TO come TO the council rooms
every night, II his presence could help the cause


After further remarks Mr., Buckingham with
uary 1876 the meetings Of the council be held every
second and fourth Wednesday in each month was car
red


The President then rose and said that he saw with
brother from Council No and he beheld with graft
ncatIon his worthy brother from Council No. @ He
also extremely glad TO present tho brother
from the Fourth Council, but he no reference TO
the ''newn ~ member from Council No. /


Matters now beginning TO assume = rather
delicate shape for the HERALD reporter.


Finding that the regular order of business ex-
hausted, the reporter thought it best 10 avoid any
further conversation with members after adjournment
advancing toward the Presidents table he gave the
salute Of the Order then to the various officers the
PLATFORM after which he asked the President leave
withdraw.


Permission to retire was given ana the reporter
passed the sentinel and a moment was outside the
jurisdiction Of the council