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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 8

To the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the United States:

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To the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the United States:

The Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary respectfully submits his Annual Report. The following schedule of duties devolved upon him to be performed during the recess, it is believed, comprises the several orders of the last session:

1. Resolved, That the sum of ninety-five dollars to the Grand Lodge, and three hundred and eighteen dollars to the Grand Encampment, of South Carolina, be donated by this R. W. Grand Lodge respectively to said jurisdictions, and that said sums of money, as indicated, be placed to their respective credit on the books of the R. W. Grand Secretary of this R. W. Grand Lodge.—Journal, 7348, 7371, 7448, 7472.

2. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary and his assistant be especially charged with the proper preservation and protection of all the property of the Grand Lodge other than supplies, and that no additional compensation be allowed.—Journal, 7301, 7461.

3. The Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred that portion of the reports of the M. W. Grand Sire and R. W. Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary, and the correspondence relating to Thomas Wildey Lodge, No. 1, and Anglo-American Encampment, No. 1, of the city of London, England, recommend the adoption of the annexed resolution:

Resolved, That the action of the M. W. Grand Sire, in reference to these bodies, be approved, and the further consideration of the subject, together with the report of Special Commissioner Smith, be referred to the Grand Sire and Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary, with power to act.—Journal, 7367, 7567.

4. The Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the proposition of the Manchester Unity Odd Fellows of England, for a reciprocation of courtesies between the two Orders, believing that the best conclusion in the premises can be more safely and intelligently arrived at by intrusting the investigation thereof to the M. W. Grand Sire and the R. W. Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary, offer the following resolution:

Resolved, That the proposition of the Manchester Unity Odd Fellows of England, mentioned in the reports of the Grand Sire and Grand Secretary, be referred to those officers to investigate and report thereon at the next Annual Session. —Journal, 7367, 7368.

5. The Committee on Petitions, to whom was referred the petition of five members of Amity Lodge, No. 6113, of the I. O. O. F., Manchester Unity, located at Bridgetown, Barbados, British West Indies, asking to be constituted a Lodge under the jurisdiction of the G. L. of U. S., having had the same under consideration in connection with the correspondence between the petitioners and the Grand Secretary (page 6867, Journal of 76), respectfully report, that, not having sufficient information before them to warrant a recommendation for the granting of a Charter to these brothers at this time, but recognizing the advantage and importance of the matter, recommend that the proper Grand Officers continue the correspondence with a view of establishing a Lodge so soon as the laws of the Order can be fully complied with.—Journal, 7374, 7472.

6. Resolved, That the Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary be and he is hereby requested to compile and publish (under the supervision page 2 of the Committee on Printing Supplies) in one volume, 18mo, with proper title, the amended Forms for Public and Funeral Processions, Dedicating Halls, and Laying Corner-Stones, and the Funeral Service, as hereby approved and adopted, together with such other forms or parts of forms not inconsistent therewith, as may have been prescribed by this R. W. Grand Lodge, and in such number and style as in the judgment of the R. W. Grand Secretary may be deemed requisite and expedient, and he is hereby authorized to draw on the Grand Treasurer for the sum necessary to defray the cost of the same.

Resolved, That the volume shall be disposed of by the Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary at the rate of 75 cents per copy to Jurisdictions, and $1 per copy to Encampments and Lodges, in the usual form, after previous notice by the Grand Secretary of his readiness to furnish them.—Journal, 7382, 7475.

7. Resolved, That a sub-committee of the Finance Committee, consisting of not less than two of the members residing nearest the city of Baltimore, be appointed to examine the books and vouchers of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary; such examination to be made within one week prior to the commencement of each Annual Session.

Resolved, That to this end it is suggested that the M. W. Grand Sire appoint the Finance Committee, or so many of its members as may be consistent, prior to the close of the Annual Session, instead of the commencement of the same, as has been the prevailing custom.—Journal, 7454, 7503.

8. Whereas, The Representative tax of the jurisdictions of Utah and Wyoming has been paid and the Representatives of those distant jurisdictions are not allowed mileage or per diem; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Representative tax be and is hereby remitted to the Representatives of Utah and Wyoming, and the Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary is hereby instructed to draw warrants on the Grand Treasurer in favor of said Representatives, for the sum of $75 each.—Journal, 7469.

9. The Appeal Committee, No. 2, to whom was referred the complaint of Dr. Hausleutner, a member of Germania Lodge. No. 1, Berlin, Prussia, against the action of Eclipse Lodge, No. 444, Chicago, Illinois, in the matter of complaint made by said Dr. Hausleutner against Bro. Bienewiss, a member of said Eclipse Lodge, beg leave to report, that after due examination of the papers in the case, we find they are not in proper form; and that the complaint should have been made to the Grand Master or Grand Lodge of Illinois, and your committee offer the following resolution:

Resolved, That the papers be returned to Bro. Hausleutner, and your committee discharged from the further consideration of the subject.—Journal, 7369, 7452.

10. By-Laws, Article XVIII.—Each State, District, and Territorial Grand Lodge shall annually be furnished with as many copies of the printed Proceedings of this Grand Lodge as it has Subordinate Lodges working under its jurisdiction, to be distributed among its Subordinates, and one-half of such number for its own use. Each Grand Encampment shall be furnished in the same manner. And each Lodge and Encampment working under the Warrant of this Grand Lodge, shall be furnished with a copy of the Proceedings. The Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary shall see that this law is carried into effect at as early a date as possible after the close of the Annual Session of this Grand Lodge.—Journal, 7479.

11. The Committee on Finance take great pleasure in calling the attention of the Grand Lodge to the willingness and promptness with which our efficient Grand Secretary has responded to the suggestion made by this committee at the last session regarding the printed matter attached to his report, and we suggest the thanks of this Grand Lodge are due and should be extended to him for his cordial endeavors to reduce the expenses thereof.—Journal, 7399, 7476.

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12. "Whereas, we have positive assurance that in the late fire which destroyed the home of our esteemed Bro. Gibson, of Ontario, his library was entirely consumed, including the Journal of this R. W. Grand Body heretofore drawn by him; therefore, in view of the above loss,

Resolved, That this Grand Lodge hereby donates to Bro. Gibson a full copy of Journals and books to replace those thus destroyed.—Journal, 7489.

13. Whereas, The Charter of the Grand Encampment of the State of Texas was destroyed by fire at the late conflagration that occurred in the city of Galveston in that State:

Resolved, That a duplicate Charter be issued to the Grand Encampment of Texas —Journal, 7327.

14. Whereas, The Charter of the Grand Lodge of the State of Texas has been destroyed by fire:

Resolved, That the same be substituted by the Grand C. and R. Secretary.—Journal, 7327.

15. The Committee on Finance, to whom was referred that part of the Grand Sire's Report relating to "Financed" and "Infringement of Copyright," have considered the same and do not find anything requiring action, further than a recommendation that the law of this Grand Lodge in relation thereto be strictly enforced by the proper officers thereof in all cases. We ask to be discharged from a further consideration of these matters.—Journal, 7430, 7501.

16. The Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the translation of the work of the Order into the Holland tongue, recommend the adoption of the annexed resolutions:

Resolved, That the Grand Sire and Grand Secretary be requested to have the translation thoroughly and critically examined, and when found to be correct, that the same be printed.

Resolved, That the sum of one hundred dollars be appropriated, if necessary, as recommended by the Grand Sire, to reimburse D. D. Grand Sire Ostheim for the expenses incurred in making the translation, and for performing the duties of Special Commissioner.—Journal, 7434, 7502.

17. As the Grand Lodge at the last session adopted a resolution, authorizing the Grand Officers of the subordinate jurisdictions "to forfeit and reclaim the Charter of any Rebekah Degree Lodge from whom no reports were received for three months after the 31st of December, 1876," it is to be hoped that at the next session of the Grand Lodge we will have correct returns from all the Lodges of this degree in the jurisdiction We would therefore recommend that the attention of Grand Officers of the several jurisdictions be called to the above law, in order that they may have no further excuse for making imperfect returns of the condition of Lodges of this degree—Journal, 7461, 7504.

18 Resolved, That the form of card issued and in use by the Grand Lodge of Australia, is illegal, and is hereby interdicted, and the Order at large is warned not to recognize or receive it, and the Grand Sire and Grand Secretary are directed to use all means in their power to cause its disuse.—Journal, 7464, 7506.

19. Resolved, That the R. W. Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary be directed to forward to the post-office address of the several officers and members of this Grand Body the balance of the copies of the Daily Journal that may be due them after adjournment.—Journal, 7488.

20. Resolved, That the resolutions upon the death of Bro. Wm. Ellison, P. G. Sire, be placed upon the records, and a copy sent to the family.—Journal 7490, 7492

21. Resolved, That there be a new translation of the ritual into the French language the work to be done under the authority and superintendence of the Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary; provided, that the same be done without expense to this Grand Lodge, such translation to be reported to the next session of this Grand Lodge.

22. Resolved, That there be a translation of the ritual into the Bohemian page 4 language, the work to be done under the authority and superintendence of the Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary; provided, that the same be done without expense to this Grand Lodge, such translation to be reported to this Grand Lodge at its next session.—Journal, 7508.

The credit authorized on the books of the Grand Secretary by the first resolution, has been duly given.

The desks and chairs of Grand Representatives, referred to in the second resolution, have been placed in a room in the hall of the Grand Lodge of Maryland appropriated for that purpose, and the value of them covered by insurance.

On the subject of the third resolution, letters have been received from members of Thomas Wildey Lodge, No. 1, in the city of London, by no means flattering to its prosperity. On the contrary, appearances indicate dissatisfaction with the title, and a desire to substitute the name of Victoria Lodge, No. 1, as more congenial to the people of the country and better calculated to conciliate public opinion. Information was communicated that no such change could be authorized except in pursuance of a resolution of the Grand Lodge of the United States. The Lodge and Encampment each give but little signs of vitality at present.

The authority conferred in the fourth resolution has been exercised. A joint letter, signed by the Grand Sire and Grand C. and R. Secretary, was addressed soon after the adjournment of the last session to the G. Master and Board of Directors of the Manchester Unity, I. O. O. F., England, through John Schofield, Grand Cor. Secretary, College House, Park Road, Bradford, Yorkshire, informing them of the reference of their proposition for a reciprocation of courtesies between the two Orders to the Grand Sire and Grand C. and R. Secretary, and respectfully inviting from them, such scheme, or plan, if any, they desired to submit for our consideration Our communication was received and duly acknowledged. No further advice has been received.

The Cor. Secretary has written to Barbados, advising the parties of their proper course of procedure to form a Lodge in that island under this jurisdiction. I have received a very satisfactory reply from E. Isaac Baeza, of the house of Da Costa & Co. A continuance of the correspondence, to await better prospects, is suggested and cordially accepted.

The sixth resolution, relating to the new Form Book, has been complied with, in strict conformity to its several provisions. The contents of the book were carefully collated and arranged for the press by the Assistant Grand Secretary. Every effort was made to economize in the printing and binding, which job was done by Bro. John Medole in his usual good style and at a satisfactory' price. A circular notice was given by the Grand Secretary of his readiness to furnish copies of the book, which created a large demand for the work so soon as it was out of press.

The book contains the following:

Public Installation. Forms for Public Processions. Funeral Procession and Regalia. Funeral Service adopted in 1874. Funeral Service adopted in 1877. Laying the Corner-Stone of a Public Edifice. Laying the Cornerstone of an Odd Fellows' Hall. Dedication of an Odd Fellows' Hall or Lodge-Room. Installation of Officers of the Grand Lodge of the United States. Anniversary Service. The Standard Tract. Petition for Encampment Degrees. Petition for a Subordinate Lodge. Petition for a Subordinate Encampment. Petition for a Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment. Petition for Aid for a Subordinate Lodge or Encampment. Commission to open a Grand or Subordinate Lodge or Encampment—Return of Institution. Commission to confer Encampment Degrees—Return of Service. Certificate of Grand Representative. Commission for a District Deputy Grand Sire. Dispensation to continue operations where a Charter has been destroyed. Card for a Wife or Widow. Card for a Daughter of Rebekah. Letter for transmitting the A. T. P. W. Letter for transmitting the Term P. W. Annual Report of a Grand Lodge. Annual Report of a Grand Lodge page 5 having Degree Lodges of the Daughters of Rebekah. Annual Report of a Grand Encampment. By-Law, Article X., relating to Returns. Instructions to Grand Secretaries and Grand Scribes. Annual Report of a Subordinate Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States. Annual Report of a Subordinate Encampment under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States. Cards and Diplomas issued by the Grand Lodge of the United States.

The sub-committee of the Finance Committee, provided for by the seventh resolution, was appointed at the last session by the Grand Sire, consisting of Reps. Muckle, of Pa., and Spear, of Md., to facilitate the examination of the books of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, within one week prior to each Annual Session. The duty will doubtless be discharged in a proper manner.

In conformity to the authority conferred in the eighth resolution, warrants were drawn by the Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary in favor of the Grand Representatives of Utah and Wyoming for §75 each, the amount of the Representative tax remitted to said jurisdictions.

The papers referred to in the ninth resolution were returned to Bro. F. Meyendorf, G. Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the German Empire, soon after the adjournment of the last session, pursuant to the order to that effect. They were duly received by him, and subsequently returned to this office, and sent by me to the Grand Master of Illinois.

The distribution of the Revised Journal according to the scale prescribed in the tenth resolution (amended By-Law), was made in December, 1877, to the several Subordinate Grand Jurisdictions, as fast as the same was received from the printer.

The eleventh resolution has reference to the suggestion, made by the Committee of Finance at the session of 1876, of the necessity and importance of economizing the expenditures of the Grand Lodge in relation to the printed matter in the Grand Secretary's report, and of the Grand Secretary's willing and prompt co-operation with that suggestion. The Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary has caused the amount of expense saved by the suggestion of the committee, and the adoption of the amended By- Law, to be ascertained, which is as follows:
Officers' Reports and Revised Journal, 1876 $6,809 41
Officers' Reports and Revised Journal, 1877 4,077 06
Saving $2,732 35

I am happy to know, that the substantial interest of the Grand Lodge has been thus promoted by the careful co-operation of this office.

The duty enjoined by the twelfth resolution was discharged soon after the close of the session. Bro. Gibson replied on the 3d of October as follows: "I beg to acknowledge with sincere and grateful thanks the receipt of your favor of the 26th ult. and the books, which supply what to me was the most valuable part of my library, which was totally destroyed; not a volume, nor indeed goods of any kind, being saved from the fire."

A duplicate Charter was issued to the Grand Encampment of Texas, as directed by the thirteenth resolution.

A like compliance was given to the fourteenth resolution by the issue of a substitute Charter for the Grand Lodge of Texas in place of the original, which was destroyed by fire.

The subject of the fifteenth resolution has had the special attention of the proper officers, but no occasion has arisen to enforce the law of the Grand Lodge on the subject.

The sixteenth resolution, so far as it relates to the translation of the work of the Order in the Holland language, has been the subject of a correspondence with D. D. G. Sire Ostheim. At his request, the translation received from him has been returned for further examination and revision. Efforts page 6 were made to have the same thoroughly and critically examined, with a view to the printing of the same, but I regret to say, that my efforts have been without success. Touching that part of the resolution, which appropriates one hundred dollars "to reimburse D. D. G. Sire Ostheim for the expenses incurred in making the translation, and for performing the duties of special commissioner," the Corresponding Secretary, having no discretion in the premises, forwarded the amount to Bro. Ostheim, in obedience to his sense of duty, although he felt conscious that the Grand Lodge, if properly enlightened as to the character and value of the service performed, would have appropriated a larger sum. The characteristic modesty and silence of the brother on the subject, put it out of my power to recommend an adequate compensation, hence chiefly arose the limited appropriation. I now learn that the special services of Bro. Ostheim, D. D. G. Sire in the institution of Paradise Lodge, No. 1, at Amsterdam, Holland, involved several visits in person to Amsterdam from his home in Elberfeld, Prussia, a distance of 500 miles, causing a serious loss of time, besides the expense and delay and unavoidable neglect of private business incident to such service I recommend an additional compensation of two hundred dollars to D. D. G. Sire Ostheim in this connection.

The seventeenth resolution was designed to draw the attention of the subordinate Grand Lodges to the law requiring them to vacate the Charters of all Rebekah Degree Lodges which failed to report for three months after the 31st December, 1876. Accordingly a circular to that effect was issued to them from this office on the 12th day of March, 1878.

Notification was made to the Grand Lodge of Australia of the adoption of the eighteenth resolution, and a copy of the Revised Journal was sent out containing the report of the Committee on Foreign Relations on the subject, to which their attention was specially called. Further information will be communicated to the Grand Lodge on this subject, under the head of Foreign Correspondence.

The nineteenth resolution was promptly carried into effect immediately after the close of the last session, and it is believed that the subject matter safely reached its destination through the mail.

In obedience to the twentieth resolution the proceedings of the Grand Lodge having reference to the lamented death of Bro. William Ellison, P. G. Sire, were engrossed in handsome style upon a Diploma Form and were, accompanied by a letter from the Grand Secretary, transmitted to the family of the deceased, through Grand Secretary C. D. Cole, of Massachusetts.

The twenty-first and twenty-second resolutions, authorizing the translation of the ritual into the French and Bohemian languages, under the superintendence and authority of the Grand Corresponding and Recording Secretary, to be reported to the Grand Lodge at its next session, provided that the same be done without expense to the Grand Lodge, have had general publicity, and a translation in the Bohemian language has been furnished by Grand Representative Haskins, of New York, which is respectfully submitted. In the experience of the undersigned, the translation and printing of the ritual in foreign languages are exceedingly difficult, not only on account of our inability to reach an accurate judgment of the merit of the translation, but also for the reason that we are unable to correct the proofs with sufficient grammatical precision to venture to pass the translation through the press. It is therefore very respectfully recommended that hereafter proper efforts be had to have this work done among the people where the language is spoken. This recommendation is based chiefly upon the experience derived by this office in the matter of the translation and printing of the Spanish ritual, which involved us in a critical situation from which we were only extricated by the presence in our city of P. G. Sire Logan, who was fortunately equal to the emergency.