TV/ELFTH REPORT MASONIC J ASSOCIATO.^ OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, QJnrnell Httioeratta Cihracg FROM THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLEv,TED BY BENNO LOEWY 18S4-1919 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY Cornell University Library HS363 .M41 1899 Twelfth report of the Masonic Relief Ass 3 1924 030 269 975 olin,anx Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030269975 TWELFTH REPORT OF Jl?e pf^asopie l^elief ^ssoeiatioi? OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA INCLUDING THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD BIENNIAL MEETING, HELD AT LONDON, ONTARIO, SEPTEMBER 26th and 27TH, 1899. AND A HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION BY WILLIAM DELAMATER NEW YORK 1899 1^, nfZ2.o-o Press of Martin B. Brown Co., New York. TWELFTH SESSION OF The Masonic Relief Association OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. Masonic Temple, ) London, Canada, September 26, 1899. j The Third Biennial (and Twelfth) Convention of The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada was opened on Tuesday, September 26, 1899, at nine o'clock A. M., by the First Vice-President R. -.W. -.Richard B. Hungerfotd. Bro. A. B. Greer, President of the Masonic Board of Relief of London, Canada, now addressed the Convention, as follows : Mr. President, Vice-President, Officers and Members^ of the General Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada : As representatives of an institution which has done and is doing invaluable work in connection with Masonic benevolence throughout the length and breadth of this continent, we heartily greet you and welcome you to our fair city with more than ordinary felicity. Your Association is doing good work in preventing the mystic brotherhood from being imposed upon by unscrupulous individuals, and your meeting in this portion of the Dominion of Canada attests unmistakably the wide field over which your Association operates. In the comparatively brief space of fourteen years, the most beneficial results have accrued to the entire Masonic fraternity from the formation and operations of your Associa- tion. Its work has been so admirably systematized that it is now next to impossible for an unworthy Mason to secure relief in any of the twenty-one jurisdictions of the United States and Canada bearing allegiance to your body. Affiliation with it has saved tho»Jraternity, as a whole, it is estimated, something like $100,000 during the past fourteen years, whilst in our own Province a sum of not less than $3,000 per annum is similarly saved. Such, Mr. President, we believe, is an outline of the work in which you and your confreres are engaged. It deserves the hearty support of every Mason, and as member* of the craft we heartily endorse it in every detail. We trust your deliberations at this time may still further result in preventing the stream of Masonic benevolence from flowing into improper channels. We desire that your necessarily brief sojourn in this city, where the advantages of affilia- tion with your admirable institution are so fully recognized, may be associated with pleasant recollections, and beg of you the privilege of so arranging your sessions that we may have an opportunity of demonstrating that there is no bouudry line in Masonry, that the same warm clasp of the hand is to be found in London as in more pretentious and populous centres, and that our hearts beat responsive with all who are enrolled under the banner of the G. A. O. T. U., and who have shown by their good works that they are furthering an object which commends itself to those who desire to see the unfortunate but worthy Mason assisted and protected and the unscrupulous Masonic tramp deprived of a support which is not infrequently secured by specious and misleading appeals. We beg to assure you that our latch strings are out, and that it will give the London brethren very great pleasure to have you all, ladies included, during your stay here, enrolled as their guests. The President, in reply, thanked Bro. Greer for the kind welcome extended the delegates. The roll of OfiScers and Advisory Board being called, the following were present : Richard B. Hungerford, First Vice-President ; L. T. Christian, Second Vice-President ; John R. Pope, Secretary ; William Delamater, Treasurer. Advisory Board : Thomas Moore, T. John Newton, James Fyfe and Charles F. Sturm. The President appointed Jacob Likes to fill the vacancy caused by the absence of Charles W. Baker of the Advisory Board. The President appointed a Committee on Credentials, consisting of Bros. S. D. Solomon and Moses Brenner, and they made the following report : REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS. London, Canada, September 26, 1899. To the President and Members of The Masonic JRelief Association of the United States and Canada : Your Committee submit the following names as the duly accredited Delegates to this Convention : From Grand Lodge (Ontario), Canada — John J. Mason, Richard B. Hungerford. From Grand Lodge (Quebec), Canada — James Fyfe. From Grand Lodge, District of Columbia — Thomas H. Young, S. M. Yeatman. From Grand Lodge of Maryland — Jacob Likes, Moses Brenner. From Grand Lodge of New York — Wm. R. Denham and George Brockway. From Grand Lodge of Virginia— L. T. Christian. From Baltimore, Md., Board of Relief— Jacob Likes and Moses Brenner From Buflalo, N.Y., Board of Relief— Charles F. Sturm. From London, Canada, Board of Relief — A. B. Greer, Wm. Skinner. From Louisville, Ky., Board of Relief—John H. Cowles. From Montreal, Canada, board of Relief — James Fyfe. From Richmond, Va., Board of Relief — L. T. Christian. From St. Joseph, Mo., Board of Relief — Edward Schramm. From Syracuse, N. Y., Board of Relief— S. D. Solomon, Alfred F. Stinard. From Washington, D. C, Board of Relief— T. John Newton, Lurtin R. Ginn. Your Committee recommend that the above-named brethren be received and accepted as the representatives of the Grand Lodges and Boards of Relief they respectively represent. S. D. Solomon. «T,.- ,, J .J Moses Brenner. Which was adopted, Bro. Jacob Likes, of Baltimore, Md., explained the absence of the President, D. F. Penington, as being caused by his connection with the military forces of Maryland, and his inability at this time to secure a leave of absence. The address of the President was now read by the Vice-President, Richard B. Hunger- ford, as follows : To the Officers and Members of^The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada .- / Brethren — I have the honor to present to you a brief review of the Association's business for the two years ending August 31, 1899. Through the unceasing efforts of our officers, our members and finances present increased footings, and we continue to broaden our sphere of usefulness. Thejreports of the Officers and Committees will give full and detailed information of the great success since our last Session in Baltimore ; it is, therefore, unnecessary to quote here in repetition. The new departure in publishing photos and signatures has been successful beyond expectation, and should be carefully considered at this Session, and the broadest latitude given. In order to increase the usefulness of this adventure, it is recommended that a premium be offered for photographs and correct information of fraudulent applicants. With an increased membership and the voluminous correspondence in the office of the Secretary has naturally followed increased labor. The Association should take this under advisement and reimburse the Secretary for the past term and provide more liberally for the present term. The preparing of the History of the Association by Bro. Delamater is a work of labor that has consumed much of his valuable time and is of that importance that should commend itself to the Association as beyond price, and should be published and distributed, as suggested by him, broadcast, and the historian duly recompensed. As President I feel that I have not performed the duties of the office as expected. My duties since the declaration of war between the United States and Spaip have been of such a nature that 1 have been almost constantly engaged on important work, and at this late moment, when I fully expected to be with you, I am detained by official duties. Fraternally, D. F. Penington. On motion of Bro. William Delamater, the address was referred to a Special Com- mittee of three for report and recommendation. The President appointed Bros. William Delamater, Lurtin R. Ginn and John H. Cowles. The report of the Secretary was then read, as follows : New York, August 31, 1899. To the Officers and Members of The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada : Brethren — As Secretary of this Association I herewith submit thp following report for the two years ended August 31, 1899 : RECEIPTS. Balance on hahd, last report, August 31, 1897 $2,273 45 Subscription from Grand Lodges ..-. : 2,554 04 " Boards of Relief 44201 Lodges 37202 " Individuals 4 00 Sale of Indexes and Circulars 126 27 «S.77i 79 EXPENSES. Printing Warning Circulars 144 to 167 $3^2 00 " envelopes 73 ^S report of 1897 , 5° 0° Printing letter-heads and circular letters $19 20 " index 425 05 Stamped envelopes 886 40 Preparing index 400 00 Extra postage 37 24 Half-tone cuts for circulars , 29 25 Signature cuts for circulars 1855 Office expenses 1, 100 cx) Bond of Treasurer „ 12 00 Express charges 2 00 Telegrams i 35 $3,436 29 Balance in hands of Treasurer August 31, 1899 2,335 50 S5.771 79 Since our convention in 1897 the Grand Lodges of Kentucky, Ohio and Washington, having affiliated with the Association, and Boards of Relief in the following-named towns have been placed on our mailing list: Knoxville, Tenn. ; Brooklyn, N. Y.,; Logansport, Ind. ; Portland, Ore. ; Victoria, B. C. ; Winnipeg, Manitoba ; Davenport, la. ; Bay City, Mich., together with 84 Lodge subscriptions, making a grand total of 20 Grand Lodges, 62 Boards of Relief, 120 Lodges, 2 individual subscribers. During the term we published the names and descriptions of 480 impostors and un- worthy cases, reported by our subscribers, making a total of 2,588 cases since our organiza- tion. There was also reported the application of 144 of the published cases, and special mention of them was made in the foot-notes of the circulars. Very much of our success during the past term may be attributed to the publishing of photographs of impostors. From every section of the country have come words of commendation and approval, and it has been reported to me that they have been accepted as evidence by courts of justice when they have been brought to trial for obtaining money by false pretenses and under another name. The brethren have taken renewed interest in our work, and have furnished fourteen photographs and twenty-eight autographs of impostors for publication. To the President I desire to extend many thanks for kindnesses shown me during the term. Fraternally submitted, John R. Pope, Secretary. This report was referred by the President to the Advisory Board. The report of the Treasurer was then read, as follows : New York, September 25, 1899. To the Officers and Methbefs of The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada : ' " ' Brethren — As Treasurer of this Association I have the honor to submit the following financial report for the two years ended August 31, 1899 : RECEIPTS. Balance on hand September i, 1897, at close of last report $2,273 45 Collections to August 31, 1898 $1,638 96 Collections to August 31, 1899 1.859 3^ 3,498 34 Total ; $5,771 79 DISBURSEMENTS. Warrants drawn to August 31, i8g8, Nos. 273 to 301, inclusive. . $2,078 62 Warrants drawn to August 31, 1899, Nos. 302 to 328, inclusive. . Ij3S7 67 Total $3,436 29 Balance in hands of the Treasurer $2,335 S° The following is a summary of the disbursements : 1897-1898. 1898-1899. Printing i $260 75 $251 80 Printing indexes 425 00 Preparation of indexes 400 00 Stationery 26 00 18 75 Postage 457 52 481 12 Sundries 9 35 6 00 Allowance to Secretary, office expenses, etc 500 00 600 00 Tolal $2,07862 $1,35767 Vouchers for expenditures are herewith submitted. ' 1 By comparison with the report submitted two years ago it will be seen that our receipts have been $681.18 more than for the last biennial term, our expenditures $1,246.89 greater, and that our balance has increased $62.05, notwithstanding the extraordinary expenditure of $825 for the preparation and printing of the Index. The item of printing (not including the Index) is $86.55 greater, and the item of postage is $68.79 greater. Our balance is 'the largest in our history. "^ As stated in former reports of the Treasurer, the financial exhibit of an organization is the best evidence of its failure or success. This report and its comparative figures shoiv a steady growth in membership, in popularity and in success. What was at first a venture in a new field of Masonic usefulness — a venture without precedent in the history of the Craft — is become a success, equally without precedent. From the organization of the Association to the present time I have firmly believed that prosperity in our undertaking was almost certain, and to that end I have devoted much time and labor, with no fear of the result. We only need to continue the same prudence, economy and diligence that have marked our course to become the powerful protective iniluence that Masonry needs. It is confidently believed that the publication of our History and its general and wise •distribution will have the effect to enlarge our usefulness, and thus accomjjlish the principal aim of our Association. Fraternally submitted, Wm. Delamater, Treasurer. The report of the Treasurer was, by order of the President, referred to the Advisory Board. On motion of Bro. James Fyfe, the Secretary was directed to telegraph the President, Bro. D. F. Penington, the regrets of the Association for his absence from the Convention. Bro. William Delamater presented his report as a Special Committee on the History of the Association, as follows : New York, September 21, 1899. iTo the Officers and Members of The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada -: Brethren — Having been appointed, pursuant to a resolution adopted at our last session, to prepare a History of the Association from its organization, I hereby report the work performed and submit the History to this Convention. In the preparation of the work I have been somewhat embarrassed by excess of public Vork and a condition of health that hardly warranted an attempt to perform the task Assigned to me. The History is necessarily brief and concise in view of the expense to be 8 incurred in its printing and distribution, and it does not present the argumentative side, for which there was a strong desire on my part, though the time for argument in favor of our support is passed. The work will speak for itself as strongly as the necessities of the situa- tion require, and it isbelieved all intelligent brethren will readily understand, on carefully , reading the History, the great need of our Craft in sustaining an organization such as ours. Fraternally, Wm. Delameter. On motion of Bro. Ginn, the History of the Association was referred to the Advisory Board for consideration, and to report on the advisability of publishing the same. The President appointed Bros. Edward Schiramm, A. B. Greer and George Brockway as Auditing Committee, and Bros. L. T. Christian, Charles F. Sturm, Jacob Likes, Thomas H. Young and Frederick J. Brown as a committee to consider and suggest the place for holding our next convention. Bro. L. T. Christian, chairman of committee appointed at our last convention to present the work of this Associatioii to the Grand Lodges not in affiliation with us, and to urge the formation of Boards of Relief in cities, made the following report : Brethren — Your Committee on Organization, appointed two years since, have labored diligently. We regret that we cannot make a more encouraging report as to the formation of local boards of relief ; we also regret not being able to report more hearty co-operation on the part of the several Grand Lodges in the important work of this Association. Your committee has carried on a heavy correspondence, and we have every reason to believe that good seed has been sown, from which a rich harvest may be gathered in the future. The work of organizing new Boards of Relief is one that requires much time and patience, which must be followed up systematically from year to year. The Secretary's report will show the progress that has been made in this direction with more accuracy, as those seeking information will apply more directly to his office. We recommend that a Committee on Organization be made a standing committee of this Association. Fraternally submitted, L. T. Christian. R. B. HUNGERFORD. On motion of Bro. Denham, the report was received and the recommendations adopted* On motion, the Convention took a recess until to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. The Association resumed its session on Wednesday morning, September 27, at nine o'clock. The Vice-President, Richard B. Hungerford, in the chair. The Committee on President's Address made the following report : Brethren — The unavoidable absence of the President from this Convention is deeply regretted, inasmuch as his zeal and devotion to the interests of the Association have never abated, and he deserves the highest regard from us. Relative to the suggestion tliat a premium be offered for photographs of impostors, in order that this portion of our special work may have greater effect, it appears to your committee that the time has come when we can well afford to enlarge our. publication in this Tespect. As a means to the detection of impostors the photographs and the autographs are most effective, and have simplified the matter of detection. It is recommended that any Board of Relief co-operating with us provide itself with appropriate apparatus and place the same in charge of a competent brother, in order that pictures of suspected frauds may be taken on application, arid that the picture be at once forwarded to the Secretary of ths 9 Association with proof of fraud. It is further reqommended ,that all expense incurred in securing the picture, and information of the subject (except the jjurchase of camera) be reported to the Association at its next biennial session, to the end that reimbursement be made, if the funds of the Associatitjn at that time permit. It is further recommended that the signature of every applicant for relief be taken in duplicate, one copy to be forwarded to the Secretary of the Association. We recommend the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That the publication of photographs and autographs of fraudulent applicants by the Secretary be approved and commended, and that such publication be continued under the direction of the President and Secretary, at such expense as may seem to them wise and prudent. We thoroughly believe that the more extended publication of photo- graphs and autographs, together with a wise distribution of the History of the Association, will be all that is at present needed to extend oi^r influence and encourage co-operation. With respect to the recommendations of the President that an increased aiiibunt of office expenses be allowed the Secretary, and an appropriation he, made !for the preparation of the History of the Association, would recommend that the subject be referred to the Advisory Board for consideration and report. LURTIN R, GiNN, 1 John H.' Cp\yLES, > Committee. William Dblamater, ) The Auditing Committee presented the following report : • London, Canada, September 27, 1899. Brethren — ^Your Auditing Committee begs leave to report that they have examined the books and vouchers of the Secretary and Treasurer and find the same correct and in accordance with their.report. Edward Schramm, 1 y George Brockway, >■ Committee. A. B. Greer, ), Which was adopted. The Committee on Place of Meeting presented their report, recommending that our next meeting be held at Richmond, Va., or at Buffalo, N. Y. A vote being taken, it was decided that the next Convention be held in Buffalo, N. Y. The Advisory Board presented the following report : London, Ontario, September 27, 1899. Brethren— Your Advisory Board respectfully report that they have examined and con- sidered the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer and find them correct. We have also examined the History of the Association, as prepared by Bro. Delamater (per resolution of the Association passed at our session in 1897), and suggest its publication with certain slight modifications. We further suggest and recommend that one thousand copies of said History be printed and bound in pamphlet form for distribution among our contributing members, as well as to the Officers and Delegates ; also to such other Masonic bodies as the executive officers may in their wisdom deem advisable ; also that a sufficient sura be appropriated to meet the expense of such publication, and that each member of the Advisory Board be furnished with a proof copy, for the purpose of examination and. correction before being finally put in page form. All of which is fraternally submitted. Thomas Moore, ^ T. John Newton, I James Fyfe, VAdvisory Board. Jacob Likes, I Charles F. Sturm, } The Advisory Board and the Committee on President's Address, having recommended different amounts for the expenses of the Secretary's office, and to Bro. Delamater for pre- lO paring the History of the Associat'on, it was determined by the Convention that the sum of eight hundred dollars per annum be allowed for expenses of Secretary's office, and three hundred and fifty dollars for the preparation of the History. Bro. William Delamater presented the following resolution, which was adopted : The delegates to this convention of The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada, having experienced unusual courtesy on their journey from Niagara Falls to London at the hands of the Grand Trunk Railway officials, it is Resolved, That the Secretary of this Association be directed to communicate to such officials, and especially to J. D. McDonald, Ticket Agent at Buffalo, N. Y., and to con- ductors John Gillean and E. J. Burton, our sincere thanks for the courtesy of a special car, voluntarily offered ; and the courteous attention of the conductors and brakemen having the special car in charge. This very unusual and generous action of all concerned has excited onr admiration, and we tender this acknowledgement in the spirit of earnest gratitude. R. W. John J. Mason, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ontario, Canada, and a delegate to this Convention, was introduced to the brethren by the President, and spoke concerning the great good the circulars of the Association had done in his jurisdiction by greatly reducing the amount given to sojourners and preventing impostors visiting the lodges and imposing orf the brethren. Bro. Delamater presented the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted : The proverbial hospitality of Masons, so often exemplified in the experience of the del- egates to the conventions of this Association, and again demanding acknowledgement by the recipients, it is Resolved, That we gratefully acknowledge the obligations we are under to the Masonic brotherhood of London, Ontario, and particularly to R.".W.'. Bro. Richard B. Hungerford, Deputy Grand Master, for their kindness and courtesy during our visit to their city ; that we shall ever carry in our breasts a grateful and sincere fraternal regard for these brethren, who by their acts have commanded and enforced our respect and affection ; and that on our departure from this beautiful and progressive Canadian city we feel that we are separating from friends and brethren who have earned the right to require of us loyalty and honorable gratitude. All other business having been disjiosed of, the President announced that the election of officers would be proceeded with, and appointed the following as Tellers : James Fyfe, William R. Denham and Alfred F. Stinard. The election resulted as follows : President, Richard B. Hungerford ; 1st Vice-President, L. T. Christian ; 2d Vice- President, T. John Newton ; Secretary, John R. Pope ; Treasurer, William Delamater ; Advisory Board, Thomas Moore, James Fyfe, Charles F. Sturm, Lurtin R. Ginn, John H. Cowles. The Tellers were discharged with thanks. There being no further business, the minutes were read and approved, and the Conven- tion, on motion, adjourned sine die. John R. Pope, Secretary. II STANDING RESOLUTIONS. , Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association that a delegate must be a member of the Board ol' Relief or Jurisdictipn he represents. (Proceedings 1890.) f '-'' - - Resolved, That each officer shall have a vote as such officer,' that each delegate from a Board of Relief shall have a vote as such, and that each delegate from a Grand Lodge shall have a vote as such, always provided that no member shall have the right to cast more than two votes. In order that this right may not be questioned, a certificate of appointment as delegate from the Board of Relief and also from the Grand Lodge he represents shall be presented and duly approved by the Committee on Credentials. STATISTICAL INFORMATION. From October August 3 I. 1885, I, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, "893. 1894, 189s, 1897, UNWORTHY CASES REPORTED. to August 31 1886. 1887. 1888. 1889. 1890. 189I. 1892. 1893 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. 1898. 1899. 167 179 226 197 134 "5 142 127 193 198 224 196 236 231 Total . 2,575 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS FOR YEAR ENDING AUGUST 3 1 , 1899. GRAND LODGES. Arizona. British Columbia. Canada, Ontario. Canada, Quebec. Delaware. District of Columbia. Idaho. Iowa. Kentucky. Manitoba. Maryland. Massachusetts. Montana. New York. Nova Scotia. Ohio. Oregon. Prince Edward's Island Utah. _ Virginia. Washington. BOARDS OF RELIEF. MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. TOWN. STATE. OFFICERS. Akron Ohio Secretary, H. R. Whiteman. Albany New York Secretary, S. Goldring, 18 North Pearl St. 'Alexandria Virginia Secretary, Edgar Warfield, 300 Prince St. Atchison Kansas President, C. H.Copp, M. D. Atlanta Georgia President, L. D. Carpenter, 40}^ Whitehall St. Auburn New York Secretary, James H. Hoskins, 50 State St. Baltimore Maryland President, D. F. Penington, Armory, 4th Regiment. Bay City Michigan Secretary, C. L. Fox, 3 10 Phoenix Block. Belleville Canada Secretary, F. E. O'Flynn. 12 Binghamton New York Secretary, Emra E. Cobb, Masonic Temple. Brooklyn IS ew York Secretary, G. H. Berwin, 190 Schermerhorn St., B'klyn, N.Y. Buffalo New York Secretary, Charles F. Sturm, 200 Genesee St. Butte Montana Secretary, H. Jefferson. Charleston South Carolina. . .Secretary, A. Ijndstrom, 239 Calhoun Ave. Chattanooga Tennessee President, George E.Maltice. Cincinnati Ohio Secretary, C. L. Nippert, cor. 6th and Vine Sts. Concord New Hampshire. Secretary, George P. Cleaves. Davenport; Iowa Chairman, C. E. Harrison. Denver Colorado Secretary, T. W. Preston, 715 Seventeenth St. Dubuque Iowa Secretary, O. S. Mahon, No. 5 The Arno. Great Falls Montana Secretary, F. H. Jones. Indianapolis Indiana Secretary, Willis D. Engle, 91 East Market St. Knoxville Tennessee . . ; . .Secretary, G. P. Chandler, 421 West Depot St. Lincoln Nebraska Secretary, A. S. Tibbets, McMurtry Block. Loganspoit Indiana Secretary, R. B. Whitsett, 529 Broadway. London ; . . Canada Secretary, Richard B. Hungerford, Masonic Temple. Los Angeles California President, Samuel Prager. Louisville Kentucky Secretary, John H. Cowles, 215 Sixth St. Meadville Pennsylvania Secretary, E. T. Hoffman, 7 Atlantic Ave. Memphis Tennessee Secretary, J. F. Sellers, Masonic Temple., Milwaukee . . .Wisconsin Secretary, W. N. Pennell, 504 Oakland Ave. Minneapolis ^Minnesota. .1 Secretary, B. L. Perry, 5 and 6 Lumber Exchange. Montreal Canada President, James Fyfe, St. Paul and St. Peters Sts» Nashville Tennessee Secretary, B. A. Phillips, Masonic Temple. Newark Ohio Secretary, S. Stacker Williams. New Orleans Louisiana Secretary, Richard Lambert, Masonic Temple. New York City. . . .New York Secretary, Wm. Delamater, 300 Mulberry St. Norfolk Virginia Secretary, James J. Johnson, Masonic Temple. Oakland California Secretary, J.J. Warner, 1 1 18 Broadway. Omaha Nebraska Secretary, C. W. Baker, 1608 Capitol Ave. Oswego New York Secretary, Theo. L. Millis, 157 W. jst St. Pocatello Idaho Secretary, D. W. Church. Portland Maine Secretary, W. O. Carney, Masonic Hall. Portland Oregon Secretary, John W. Gwilt, 26-27 Washington B'ld'g. Richmond Virginia President, L. T. Christian, 1012 East Broad St. San Diego California Secretary, E. T. Blackmer. San Francisco Calilomia Secretary, E. C. Hare, 8 Post St. Sedalia Missouri Secretary, G. L. Faulhaber. St. John New Brunswick. . Secretary, J. A. Watson, 30 Dock St. St. Joseph Missouri Secretary, D. Berenberg, 2617 Penn Ave. St. Louis Missouri Secretary, Wm. Sessinghaus, 1444 St. Louis Ave. Stockton California Secretary, Frank H. Smith, P. O. Box 32. Syracuse New York Secretary, S. D. Solomon, i Empire Block. Tacoma Washington Secretary, H. F. Norris, 418 California Block. Terre Haute Indiana ; . .Secretary, Wm.K. Hamilton. Toronto Canada ". '. .Secretary, Alex. Patterson, 24 Yonge St. Arcade. Troy New York Secretary, E. W. Loth, 253 Broadway. Victoria British Columbia. Secretary, A. Maxwell Muir, 93 J^ Douglass St. Washington District of Colum- bia. Secretary, Lurtin R. Ginn, 1219M St., N. W. Williamsburg New York Secretary, T. A. Powell, 211 Monitor St., Brooklyn,' N. Y. Wilmington Delaware Secretary, Cornelius Beatty, 63 1 E. 6th St. Windsor Canada Secretary, E. S. Wigle. Winnipeg Manitoba. Secretary, F.J. C. Cox. Worcester Massachusetts. . .Secretary, A. H. Burton, 21 City Hall. 13 SUBSCRIBING LODGES. STATE. NAME AND NO. TOWN. SECRETARY. Alabama Washington, 36.. Tuscumbia James H. Simpson. •■ ^ ' Andrew Jackson, 173 Montgomery G. F. Mertens. Arkansas Magnolia, 60 Littlt; Rock H. H. Schmuck. California .Yount, 12..,.,,,,, ..Napa I, G. Herron. " Santa Cruz, 38 Santa Cruz. , E. S. West. " Amador, 65...., Jackson A. G. Spagnoli. " Pomona, 246 Pomona James L. Armstrong. " ■ Pa?adena, 272 Pasadena R. Williams. Colorado .Ionic, 35 Leadville L.Q. Hobbs. Leadville.Si " H.W.Woodward. Connecticut St. Johns, 4 Hartford B. F. Wile. " ..... .Union, 5 Stamford ... H. S. McConkey. " HousatoniCj 61 Canaan W.H.Emmons. " Hartford, 88 Hartford B.W.Edwards. Wyllys, 99 West Hartford A.S.Bishop. Old-Well, 108 South Norwalk R.M.Wilcox. Illinois .'.. St. Clair, 24 ,. Belleville A. H. Baer. " Central, 71 Springfield Geo. J. Barrett. " Centralis, 20i Centralia D. B. Robertson. " ... Cairo, 237 Cairo Frank Spencer. " Quincy, 296 Quincy T. M. Pendjeton, M. D. " Schiller, 335 Peoria R. L. Pasquay. " Vesper, 584.' Galesburg. . D. E. Woodward. " Princeton, 687 Princeton T. P. Streeter. Indiana Samaritan, 105 Marion Samuel E. Soule. " La Fayette, 123 La Fayette W. B. Wormley. " Prairie, 125 Rensselaer. W. J. Imes. " Jackson, 146 Seymour... E. W. Blish. Indian Territory . Savanna. 20 Lehigh ,,,,.... A. W. Ragsdale. " Wynne Wood, 40 Wynne Wood N.H.Norman. Kansas Franklin, 18 Ottawa Levi Shaner. " Salina, 60 Salina Theo. B. W. Seitz. " • Golden Rule, 90 North Topeka H. C. Bowen. " Wichita, 99 Wichita A. J. Applegate. " St. Bernard, 222 Dodge City J. C. Baird. Maine St, Andrews, 83. Bangor A. B. Marston. Michigan Trenton, 8 Trenton A. B. Smith. Pine Grove, 11 Port Huron F. H. Tuttle. Minnesota Red Wing, 8 Red Wing G. H. Dieperbrock. " Mankato, 12 Mankato F. L. Sear-ng. Mississippi Meridian, 308 Meridian H. C. Smith. " McLeod, 424 Ocean Springs D. W. Halstead. Missouri. Shekinah, 256 Festus W. F. Quinlan. Nebraska Rob Morris, 46 Kearney Robert E.French. " Mt. Moriah, 57 Syracuse A. L. Caviness. Nevada Carson, i Carson City E. D. Vanderheth. New Jersey.. Brearley, 2 Bridgeton Samuel P. Fithian. " Cincinnati, 3 Morristown C. A. Fairchild. " Union, 11 Orange Thomas O. Ayres. " Amwell, 12 Lambertville E. H. Holcombe. " Union, 19 New Brunswick J.S. Stewart. "• Northern, 25 Newark W. A. Kumerle. " Joppa. 29 Paterson W. J. Peiiny. ". Mansfield, 36 , Washington Joseph E. Fulper. " Benevolent, 45 Paterson John S. Hartley. " Solomons, 46 Somerville A. A. Reger. " Oriental, 51 Newark : J. D. Faitoute. " Kane, 55 " Frank Tanner. 14 NAME AND NO. SECRETARY. New Jersey. Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Texas Vermont West Virginia . . .Raritan, 6l Perth Amboy Wm. King, Jr. . . .St. Stephens, 63 South Amboy Edwin Williams. . . .Caesare, 64 Keyport Eugene Stout. . . .Passaic, 67 Passaic J- F- Speer. . . .Long Branch, 78 Long Branch C. Henry Irwin. . . .Falls City, 82 Paterson Joseph E. Edwards. . . . Ivanhoe, 88 " Samuel Holt. • .. .Humboldt, 114 " Wm.Cassia. . . . .Pythagoras, 118. Newark Walter M. Ward. . . .Merchantville, 119........ Merchantville Wm. Homer. . . .Roseville, 143 Newark Aaron B. Jewel. . . .Arbutus, 170 Cape May Court-housejoseph Douglass, Jr. . . .Ocean City, 171 Ocean City W. K. Williamson. . . . Lodge, No. 43 Lancaster J. L. Lyte. . . .Lodge, No. 61 Wilkes-Barre S.J. Polen. . . .Rural Amity, 70 Athens F. T. Page. . . .Union, 108 Towanda James H. Codding. . . .Washington, 164 Washington R. W. Mason. . . .Cumberland Star, 197 Carlisle C. F. Shower. • . . . .St. John, 233 Pittston Charles H. Foster. Temple, 248 Tunkhannock B.W.Lewis. . . . York, 266 . . .York D. P. Schultz. . . .Bethlehem, 283 Bethlehem . . , C. H. Wenhold. . . .Columbia, 286 Columbia B. Kauffman. . . .Myrtle, 316 Franklin CD. Elliott. . . .Adams, 319 New Bioomfield W. N. Seibert. . . . Union, 334 . ...» Bradford M. G. Raub. . . .King Solomon, 346 Connellsville Henry Goldsmith. . . . Sylvania, 354 Shickshinny W. B. Poust. . . . Petrolia, 363 Oil City H. C. Goldsborough. . . Elk, 379 Ridgway G. L. McCracken. . . . Dallas, 396 Easton Wm. W. Cottingham. . . .Temple, 412 Tidionte Wm. R.Dawson. . . .Landmark, 442 Wilkes-Barre C. A. Durant. . . .Lamberton, 476 Lancaster Richard C. Rose. . . .Westfield, 477 Westfield C. C. Williams. Logan, 490 Altoona Wm. W. Murray, . . . Tyrone, 494 Tyrone Wm. F. Vogt. - . . . Aurora, 523 Jermyn Sumner D. Davis. . . .Stephen Bayard, 526 Elizabeth P. T. Barnum Shaffer. . . . Greenleaf, 561 AUentown August F. Shick. . . .Royersford, 585 Royersford I. M. Schellinger. .Garfield, 604 McDonald Wm. S. Lockhart. . Aiken, 156 Aiken W. H. Kneese. .Jackson, 45 Jackson J. C. Smith, Jr. .Morristown, 231 Morristown John Carriger. .Holland, 1 Houston Will N. Kidd. . Alamo, 44 San Antonio F. G. Huntress. .Bethel, 134 Ladonia J. L. Dennis. .Tucker, 297 Galveston H. C. Oppermann. .J. H. Curley; 337 Waco. J. F. Brinckerhoff. . Eagl e Lake, 366 Eagle Lake- ,■ W. S. Strickland. . Anchor, 424 San Antonio D. Ludlow. .Mineola, 502...-. Mineola W. W. Pattison. .Union, 2 Middlebury ........ .Will H. Brewster. . Fairmont, 9 Fairmont R. C. Dunnington. .Mount Carbon, 28 Piedmont ^•^- Baylis. .Davis, 51 Keyser . Huntington, 53 Huntington .... .Phoenix, 73 Sistersville F.C.Reynolds. . A. C.Thomas. ....J. F.Neal. IS STATE. NAME AND NO. TOWN. SECBETARV. West Virginia — Fairfax, 96 Davis F.J. Mark. Wisconsin Frontier, 45 La Crosse Frank C. Powell. Wyoming Cheyenne, i Cheyenne D, W..GilJ, " Acacia, II " Geo. Gregory. NAMES AND APDRESSES OF GRAND SECRETARIES. GKAND LODG?. GRAND SECRETARY. ' ■ RESIDEKXIE. Alabama Henry C. Arihstrong Montgomery. Arizona ' George J. Roskruge. '...*. ; Tucson. ' " Arkansas Fay Hempstead Little Rock. California George Johnson San Frahcisco. Colorado Edward C. Parmelee Denver. Connecticut John H. Barlow Hartford. Delaware Benjamin F. Bartram Wilmington. ' District of Columbia Wm. R. Singleton Washington. Florida Wilber P. Webster Jacksonville. Georgia Wm. A. Wolihin. Macon. Idaho T. W. Randall .B6ise. Illinois Joseph H. C. Dill Bloomington. Indiana.'. Wm. H. Siiiythe I'rtdianapolis. Indian Territory Joseph S. Murrow .' .■ ;Otoka. Iowa Thebdore S. Parvin ...Cfedar Rapids. Kansas Albert K. Wilson Topeka". Kentucky .Henry B.Grant : Lbuisville. Louisiana Richard Lambert New Orleans; Maine Stephen Berry Portland. Maryland .Jacob H.Medkiry Baltimore. Massachusetts Sefeno D. Nickerson Boston. Michigan Jefferson S. Conover Coldwater. Minnesota Thomas Montgomery St. Paul. Mississippi John L. Power Jackson. Missouri John D. Vincil St. Louis. Montana Cornelius Hedges Helena. Nebraska Francis E. White Omaha. Nevada Chauncey N. Noteware Carson. New Hampshire Geo. P. Cleaves Concord. New Jersey Thomas H. R. Redway . ...... Trenton. New York E. M. L. Ehlers New York. North CaTolina John C. Drewry Raleigh. North Dakota '. Frank J. Thompson Fargo. Ohio Jacob H. Bromwell Cincinnati. Oklahoma Territory James S. Hunt Stillwater. Oregon James F. Robinson Eugene. Pennsylvania Wm. A. Sinn Philadelphia. Rhode Island Edwin 13aker Providence. South Carolina Charles Inglesby Charleston. South Dakota George A. Pettigrew Flandreau. Tennessee John B. Garrett Nashville. Texas John Watson Houston. Utah Christopher Diehl Salt Lake City. Vermont Warren G. Reynolds Burlington. Virginia George W. Carrington Richmond. Washington Thomas M. Reed Olympia. West Virginia George W. Atkinson Wheeling. Wisconsin John W. Laflin Milwaukee. Wyoming Wm. L. Kuykendall Saratoga. Belgium Charles Marchal Brussels. , British Columbia Wm. J.Quinlan Nelson. i6 GRAND LODGE. GRAND SECRETARY. RESIDBNCE, Canada John J. Mason Hamilton, Ont. Cuba A Aurelio Miranda Havana. Denmark . . . .■ Rasmus O. Neilsen Copenhagen. Electic Union Emil Wenz Frankfort-on-Main. England Edward Letchworth London. Germany .... W. Rabe ... Berlin. Hungary. Alexander Fraenkel Budapest. Ireland Henry E. Flavelle Dublin. Manitoba Wm. G. Scott Winnipeg. Mexico New Brunswick J. Twining Hartt St. John. New South Wales Arthur H. Bray Sydney. New Zealand Wm. Ronaldson Christchurch. Norway Aug. C. Mohr Christiania. Nova Scotia William Ross Halifax. Peru > Manuel J. C^ceies Lima. Porto Rico Jose Claudio Biera San Juan. Prince Edwards Island Neil MacKelvie Summerside. Quebec. John H. Isaacson Montreal. Royal York Karl A. Bouche Berlin. Saxony F. G. Stubler Dresden. Scotland D. Murray Lyon Edinburgh. South Australia John H. Cunningham Adelaide. Sweden . S. H. B. Svensson Stockholm. Switzerland G. Naf St. Gallen. Tasmania John Hamilton Hobart. Three Globes Johannes Schumann Berlin. Victoria John Braim Melbourne. Zur Eintracht Carl Nies Worms. Zur Sonne George H. Fischer Bayreuth. OFFICERS. President Richard B. Hungerford, London, Canada. First Vice-President. L. T. Christian, No. 1012 East Broad St., Richmond, Va. Second Vice-President T. John Newton, Department State, Washington, D. C. Secretary John R. Pope, No. 224 East 25th St., New York. Treasurer William Delamater, No. 300 Mulberry St., New York. Advisory Board. Thomas Moore, New York ; James Fyfe, Montreal, Canada ; Charles F. Stirm, Buffalo, N. Y. ; Lurtin R. GiNX, Washington, D. C. ; John H. Cowles, Louis- ville, Ky. 17 HISTORY OF THE MASONIC RELIEF ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. Impositions upon benevolence have always been a serious obstacle to the progress and usefulness of charitable institutions, more especially so in the cases of those which are not conducted upon business principles or managed by methods adopted in all successful business transactions, rather than with the idea of merely accomplishing a beneficent purpose. Never has the spirit of pure benevolence been broken by fraudulent practices upon it, nor has money been lacking to carry on any eleemosynary work when that work is or has been performed faithfully and in accordance with ihe best judgment of experienced men. That there is and has been in the world a necessity for co-operation in, order to secure the best results in any special direction is steadily growing to be the general opinion of prudent men, in view of the recognized fact that however wise the individual may be, the combined wisdom of many men is of far greater potency and influence. It is noticeable that, at the present time, there are very few men who will pretend that their unsupported efforts to relieve the distresses of mankind are effective in any large degree ; while, on the other hand, the many organized institulions of relief throughout our country (successfully conducted) speak most favorably in support of organization as against individual effort. The fact is that much disappointment has been an education in this respect, and too much suc- cessful imposition has produced a revolution in methods, from which the deserving are very properly getting the benefit. Every association, having for its principal object the protection and welfare of its con- tributing workers, as well as for the worthy poor, has a story to tell, either of success, failure, or fluctuating hopes. It is the good fortune of this association to be able to record an unbroken success, from the initiatory steps of formation to the present time ; and not only a continued success, but an undeviatirig growth in strength, favor and usefulness. This growth has been such as to inspire a confidence that does not admit a fear of disap- pointment. The institution of Free and Accepted Masonry, whose fundamental principle is charity, has for many years, in this country and in Europe, carried on the work of charitable relief in a manner that encouraged mendicancy and, in a measure, tended to increase the fast multiplying class that seeks to live without mental or physical effort. The mere application of a man, who claimed membership in the fraternity, for money was amply suf- ficient to accomplish the desired effect, and many unscrupulous men (women also), with improper claims, have managed to secure a good living upon the well-known benevolent desires of the craft. The majority of masons now living remember the time when the legitimate business of every lodge session was interrupted by an applicant for relief at the lodge door, which was always followed by the appointment of a committee to wait upon the applicant, the report of the committee after a necessarily superficial examination, and then the invariable contri- bution, with all the necessary routine in connection therewith. Though this practice is still in operation in the small towns and villages of the country, nearly every city has learned and adopted a wiser and better plan of giving relief. In almost every large centre of population there is now a Masonic Board of Relief, organized upon a systematic basis. and managed by Masons of experience and good judgment. The majority of these Boards of Relief are operating upon a system recommended by this Association and by bretnern who have made Masonic relief a study of years, so that the practical part of the general plan is become a matter of uniform action. Though these Boards of Relief, when operating according to the recommendations made, have proven the value of organization and method, and have succeeded in reducing the aggregate of donations to the improper claimants, and thus accomplished a saving that cannot, for obvious reasons, be accurately stated, but which is vast, still an isoJaled Board of Relief, acting independently, is incapable in itself of affording protection to the funds placed at its disposal for charitable disbursement against more than a small fraction of the unworthy. The reason for this inability is sufficiently clear to need little explanation beyond that given in the monthly circulars now issued. Several of these early formed Boards of Relief were so fortunate as to be officered by masons who had practical opinions upon Masonic relief, instead of theoretical or sympa- thetic views. Early in the eighties they adopted the plan of printing lists of the discovered unworthy and sending them to each other. It is believed the New York City Board of Relief was the first to adopt this plan. Certainly that Board printed lists in 1880 and sent them to New York City lodges before it began correspondence with other boards. However this may be, Baltimore and Buffalo were little, if any, behind New York in this particular. Within thiee or four years otner Boards of Relief followed the example, and thus began an interchange of ideas upon relief matters which resulted in the organization of the General Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada. Before the organization of this Association it was found, by comparison of notes, that at least sixty per cent, of the applicants for relief were unworthy for various reasons, chiefly because of unaffiliation — the greatest of all evils masonry has had to contend against in its progressive march. The fact that Lodges and Grand Lodges keep no records of charitable disbursement which are collated and classified, and from which a fair estimate might be made as to the relief given to the different classes of applicants, prevented a satisfactory showing, in any State in the Union, of the relative amounts given to the worthy and to the unworthy ; and the further fact that little or no effort was made 10 establish the truth or falsehood ot an applicant's statements, rendered it impossible to effect an organization, basing its necessity upon financial grounds alone. Notwithstanding the lack of reliable information upon these points, it was believed by the more experienced that the unworthy were getting the larger share of the brethrens' charity offering. The conditions attending the disbursement of charitable funds, and the necessity of establishing some kind of a check upon the demands of the unworthy, were laid before several Grand Lodges with the view to securing some authorized or concerted action whereby relief might be systematized, with little effect however. It was generally held then, as it Is now, that Masonic relief was either an individual or a Lodge matter, and with It Grand Lodges had nothing to do, either by advice or compulsory legislation. The Grand Lodge of Maryland was the first to take official action upon the subject. At the annual communication of that Grand Lodge, held on May 22, 1885, Bro. D. F. Penington, President of the Lodge of Rehef at Baltimore, presented the annual report of that organization, in which appeared the following : " Numerous requests have been received from Lodges of Relief in the various jurisdic- tions in the United States requesting us to take the initiative step towards calling a Convention of Representatives for the purpose of establishing a more thorough system of dispensing relief. We respectfully ask permission to invite the convention to meet in the 19 Masonic Temple in this City, at such time as may be agreed upon." This request was granted. Having permission of a Grand Lodge to call a convention of Masons, little time was lost in securing signatures to a circular calling attention to the objects in view, and in sending the same to every known Board of Relief and Grand Lodge in the United States and Canada. This circular follows : Baltimore, Md., May 30, 1885. Dear Sir and Brother— Believing by united effort on the part of Boards of Relief aai other Masonic Bodies through the United States and Canada, that the Masonic Tramp, impostor and adventurer may be brought to a sense of justice by concentrated action on the part of the said bodies, and for the purpose of devising a suitable plan, and providing ways and means to maintain an organization lor such purpose, you are hereby earnestly requested to send a delegate to represent your interests in a convention to be held in the Masonic Temple, Baltimore, Md., August JI, 1885, when the subject in question will be fully discussed upon its merits, and a prdpeir plan adopted in accordance therewith. Fraternally, D. F. 'Ssxav.GTOV,. President, Lodge of Relief , Baltimore ; Charles R. Fitzgerald, Secretary, Masonic Board of Relief, Buffalo; L. B. Jarvis, Secretaiy, Masonic Board of Relief , Wilmington, Del.; Martin Collins, President, Board of Relief, St. Louis, JMo.; William Delamater, Secretary, Board of Relief , New York City ; H. D. yifxas,. President, JUasonic Relief Association, Cincinnati. Pursuant to the above call the convention assembled on the evening of August 31, 1885, in the Masonic Temple at Baltimore. As many of the delegates were business men, coming long distances, at considerable personal expense in time and money, and that there might be all the haste possible, consistent with good judgment, the evening was selected for the preliminary meeting. There was littlp delay in ascertaining who were present, and no time wasted in making acquaintances. Each delegate upon entering the meeting-room was invited to the desk and there gave his name, without form or ceremony. It was soon found that the following-named brethem were enthusiastic enough to travel hundreds of miles in a summer month, and to a City not distinguished for arctic temperature, in order to effect an organization for the accomplishment of a benevolent Masonic purpose : D. F. Penington, G. F. Blensinger and J. II. Kirwin, of the Lodge of Relief, Baltimore. Martin Collins, of St. Louis Board of Relief. J. R. Pope, Thomas Moore and William Delamater, of the New York City Board of Relief. William B. Isaacs, Grand Secretary of Virginia and of the Richmond Board of Relief. Rev. H. D. Moore and D. H. Pottinger, of the Cincinnati Board of Relief. Alfred Shaw, of the New Orleans Board of Relief, Martin J. Higgins, of the Milwaukee Board of Relief. I. W. Hirsch, of the Charleston, S. C, Board of Relief. M. J. Parker, of Committee on Charity, Grand Lodge, Massachusetts. L. C. Williamson, of the Washington, D. C, Board of Relief. James Mitchell, of the Montreal, Canada, Board of Relief. L. B. Jervis, of the Wilmington, Del., Board of Relief. The Convention was called to order by Bro. Penington and welcomed by M. W. Bro, J. S. Tyson, Grand Master of Maryland, and by Mr. F. C. Latrobe, Mayor of Baltimore. The Preliminary organization was effected by the selection of Bro. Penington as Chairman and Bro. Delamater as Secretary. Without discussion, a committee of five was 20 appointed to consider the matters suggested in the call, with directions to report with as little delay as practicable. These necessary proceedings occupied less than one hour's time, and the Convention adjourned at 9.30 p. M., the Committee agreeing to meet one hour later at the CarroUton House for consultation. The Committee met as provided, and was joined very soon by nearly all the delegates. A long discussion ensued relative to the methods in practice in different cities in giving relief to deserving applicants, and to the means used in discovering fraudulent applicants, but no practical methods were suggested as to the matters particu- larly stated in the circular calling the Convention. A brother, not a member of the Com- mittee, quietly listened to the discussion which tended toward an experience meeting, and at last rose and asked the privilege of drafting, then and there, a plan of organization. Being granted the privilege, he sat down at a table and prepared a code of by-laws under which an organization could be eilected and a working plan of operations. On its completion the Committee at once adopted the whole as written, and submitted the same to the Convention the following morning. These By-Laws were adopted without change in word or syllable, and are to-day, except in a few minor particulars, hereinafter noted, the By-Laws of the Association. While the Committee was considering the proposed By-Laws, the brother above referred to prepared the report of the Committee, which was adopted, as follows : " The Committee appointed to consider and report upon the matters arising from the call for a Convention of Masonic Relief Boards, fraternally submits the following : "That it is deemed advisable to establish a central organization for the purpose of facilitating the discovery and exposure of persons traveling about the country and imposing upon the charities of Masons. " That the methods now in operation for the disbursement of Masonic charity, differing as they must according to locality and class ^plying for relief, should not in any manner be interfered with. " That local Boards and Committees of Grand Lodges in the various States should be governed by their own needs and circumstances, and should not be restricted in exercising such discretion in their several localities as shall seem to them best. "That a General Board of Relief is a necessity which has grown in importance, and that this Convention should take deliberate and wise action, looking to the best charitable interests of the fraternity, and believmg these interests caw be promoted by this Convention, offer the following sketch of a proposed organization for the consideration of this body." The By-Laws provided, briefly : For the name of the organization " General Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada" ; the titles of officers, how and when to be elected ; for time and place of annual meetings, and how fixed ; the duties of officers ; for compensation to Secretary (amount not fixed) ; for membership, how secured, and sup- port of the Association ; manner and form of information to be published for the benefit of subscribers, and representation in Convention of subscribing bodies. A few other working details completed the code. As before stated, these By-Laws were adopted without change, nevertheless there was some discussion, more in exi>lanation than otherwise, especially with regard to the annual per capita tax, which was fixed at one cent upon the membership of all bodies co-operating and supporting the Association. Naturally there was some difference of opinion upon this point, the majority believing at first that the tax was too light to pay the expense of printing and postage— the largest anticipated expenditures. The amount stated was, however soon fixed, and has proven more than sufficient for all purposes, economically administered. On the adjournment of the Convention, September i, the delegates were entertained by their Baltimore brethren during the remainder of the day. The sail down the Bay and the 21 dinner at Bath Beach were thoroughly enjoyed by all, and duly acknowledged by appropriate action on the day following. On September 2, the following officers were elected : Martin Collins, St. Louis, President. John R. Pope, New York, First Vice-President. James Mitchell, Montreal, Second Vice-President. D. F. Penington, Baltimore, Secretary. William Delamater, New York, Treasurer. M. J. Higgins, Milwaukee, \ William B. Isaacs, Richmond, >• Advisory Board. I. W. Hirsch, Charleston, ) A resolution of thanks to Bro. William Delamater, for valuable services rendered, was adopted. The matter of compensation to the Secretary, and fixing the time and place for the next meeting were duly arranged for, and the Convention not only adjourned, but the Association entered upon a career of success and usefulness which has few parallels in the history of similar organizations in this or any other country. . / In view of the importance of the work of the Association, the place it has taken in Masonry throughout North America, the wonderful results accomplished by it in reducing the outlay to unworthy applicants and the general support and confidence it has received, it was deemed proper to state somewhat fully the proceedings of the first meeting, harmo- nious and extraordinary as they were, that they might appear upon' an historical record . There was, and had been for years, a need for just such an organization ; all felt that need as individuals and as a fraternity ; but that it was effected so easily and readily was a new and pleasurable experience, for men from remote sections of the country and from widely separated portions of Canada are not prone to quick and enthusiastic action upon matters usually regarded as merely sentimental. Certainly, the fraternal bond which unites mem- bers of the fraternity one to another may well be considered as the basis of harmonious action in this as in other matters that come before the craft from time to time, but necessity was the spur to activity in this instance. It should be stated, by way of explanation, as to the unusual activity shown in the matter of organization, that several of the delegates had served many years in Masonic relief matters, and were practical men in this sphere of human action as well as in the business world. , Of these men, Bro. Martin Collins had, perhaps, the most extended experience, so far as years of service were concerned. He had been President of the St. Louis Board of Relief for twenty or more years, and is at this time occupying the same position. Bro. D. F. Penington had been President of the Baltimore Board for several years, and is still engaged in the work. Bro. William B. Isaacs had been closely identified with relief matters in Virginia, and to the day of his death never lost interest in the cause. Besides, he was an able man in many respects. Bro. William Delamater was practically the organizer of the present New York City Board of Relief, and to him must be credited the methods and the principles upon which that Board has proceeded since its foundation, and upon whose plans the various boards of relief are now largely conducted. Others of large experience as to the needs of the fraternity were present and lent their willing assistance. When it is con- sidered that there was but one salaried oificer of a board of relief present, and that all volunteered their time and paid their own expenses to and from Baltimore, and while there, too much cannot be said by way of approval of the action taken at Baltimore. 22 From this point the story of the Association wilKbe told under suitable captions so that the subject matter of each may be readily seen without scanning the whole. The first of these will be : MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION. The first annual session of the Association was held in the city of St. Louis, Mo., on the 17th day of November, 1886. The following cities, not represented at the organization at Baltimore, had delegates present. London and Toronto, Province of Ontario ; Louisville, Ky., Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Mo., St. Charles, Mo., and Cairo, 111. Bro. John Ross Robertson, of Toronto, since Grand Master of Ontario, and Bro. R. B. Hungerford, of London, Ontario, and since Deputy Grand Master of that province, and others less prom- inent, though equally as enthusiastic in Masonic affairs, were for the first time delegates, and ' have been warm advocates of our Association since that time. Letters of sympathy with the objects of the Association from Grand Masters of the following jurisdictions, were received and read : Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachu- setts, Nebraska, Maryland, Indiana, Ontario-Canada, Dakota, Kansas, Maine, Ohio, Virginia, Quebec-Canada, Louisiana and California. After an address of welcome by M. W. Bro. N. M. Givan, P. G. M. , of Missouri, the President of the Association read his annual report from which the following extracts are taken : " Masonic Lodges and individual Masons and Boards of Relief have been plundered of thousands upon thousands of dollars year after year, and the freebooters of Freemasonry have carried away their spoils in the name and under the cloak of charity — charity that has been crippled and stabbed almost to death by the midnight marauders. They are organized. They hunt m pairs and gangs, under living names of good repute, and names copied from the tombstones of honored Masons — these sacrilegious vampires. They are still attacking our good-natured credulity and' our unguarded treasures at all points, and young and enthusiabtic Masons are especially liable to become their easy prey. It was time that we organized against them for self-protection. The General Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada was not formed a day too soon. " Let us survey the field that we occupy and are in sacred duty bound to protect, if we can. It extends from Canada to California, and from Nova Scotia to Louisiana and Texas. The territory is wider and richer than the jurisdiction of any single Masonic Grand Lodge or system of Grand Lodges in the world. It is the field of what may be called the American System of Grand Lodges, which have a common interest.in the healthful being and develop- ment of the body and soul of Freemasonry. " So many Grand Lodges as compose this system, and are harmonized in fraternal com- munion, have found it necessary 10 define their several jurisdictions, and make other regulations to preserve their individual existence and promote friendly relations and inter- course with each other. They have provided for their protection and maintenance, and conduct their business according to the business methods and ways of the world. The subordinate Lodges must do the same in the enforcement and collection of dues, and unloading the burden of non-contributing and unworthy members. Thus the Lodges and Grand Lodges protect themselves in their financial affairs by casting out the dead-heads and drones, and hedging in their treasuries. That is business which they must practice if they would live and thrive ! That is protection against the 'ravages of the wild beasts of the field.' " The charity funds of Freemasonry have no such protection — in fact, they have little protection at all. Almost anybody's hand can go into our treasuries, set apart for the relief of our needy and worthy Master Masons, their widows and orphans, and draw out what they will. We are thus exposed to the ravages of the wild beasts. " This great wrong to ourselves, and those rightfully depending upon us, must stop. We owe this reform to an Order which we love and the enlightenment of the age in which we live. " The far-scattered Boards of Relief, laboring diligently, zealously and effectively,, have gained costly information for themselves. Each Board paid dearly for its own 23 experience and knowledge. The lessons had to be learned over and over again in widely- separated districts, and so the money flowed to support idleness and treachery and enable the ' tramps ' to travel from place to place, from State to State, in the practice of their Impositions. Suddenly the scene changes : A General Masonic Relief Association springs into life, which promises to place the valuable information obtained by all of the Boards of Relief and Lodges, in the possession of each, and every Board of Relief and Lodge and individual Mason becoming contributing members of the organization. I am gratified to be able lo state that, in all human probability, judging by what we have already accomplished and present prospects, this promise will be performed and our hopes fulfilled. " I wish to express my heartiest congratulation to The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada upon its grand achievements during the first year of its existence. It is a noble organization, a movement for the general good of the Masonic Order in the right direction, and time will prove that we builded better than we knew. As evidence of this -we have already detected and expo.sed 205 impostors, or unworthy Masons, not entitled to relief, and so the rich returns of faithful work are coming in from all quarters of our Masonic field, and the waste places are blossoming to bear abund9nt fruit." These extracts are made for the purpose of showing the condition of Masonic charitable matters, and though the expressions are sometimes strong and deal with the unworthy applicant for rehef in terms not at all gentle, still they are forcible in showing the despicable character of the raiders upon Masonic benevolence, and commendable for this reason. At this meeting a few minor amendments were made to the By-Laws, without in any sense changing the simplicity of the original enactment. A Committee was appointed to consider and report upon the question of " Uniformity in the Distribution of Charity." The report of this Committee, which was unanimously adopted, is of such far-reaching importance that it is here inserted : Your Committee, appointed to consider and report upon the advisability of adopting a uniform system for the examination of applicants, and granting relief to the same, respect- fully report as follows : Granting relief immediately upon application, without careful investigation and close examination, has a bad tendency, and encourages the individual we are organized to detect and expose. The experience of those best informed in Masonic relief leads to the conclusion that at least seventy per cent, of the applicants have no legitimate or proper claim. It is, therefore, fair to assume in original applications, that they are unworthy, and to act with that idea continually in mind, though we should always treat an unknown applicant with kindness and courtesy. It is recommended that in cases of original applicants, their statements be taken upon a printed form, a copy of which is hereto attached. These should be, when practicable, bound in book form and indexed so as to make a complete record. After the answers are filled in by the examiner, endeavor at once, by telegram or letter, to ascertain the truth of the •Statement. In the meantime only such relief as the circumstances may require, and not a penny more, should be given. In any case (on first appearance) money should not be given if possible to avoid it. 1 In cases of foreigners, or where speedy information cannot be obtatned, it is always safe to refuse relief unless a certificate and receipt for dues are shown. A certificate aione is not sufficient to insure the worthiness of an applicant — a receipt of recent date is better evidence. Even with the latter in view, caution should be observed. Letters should be at once written to the Lodges claimed by foreign applicants. The liberality with which relief should be given must be governed by three considera- tions : 1st, the necessities of the case ; 2d, the ability of the Board or Lodge granting aid, and, 3d, the degree of worthiness of the applicant. The third consideration is of great importance and should, perhaps, govern in every case. For instance : A Mason in g-ood standing deserves generous aid ; a Mason more than two years in arrears for dues, though borne on the rolls of the Lodge, should be guardedly helped ; an unaffiliate (for any cause whatsoever), or one against whom charges of a serious character have been preferred, should not be aided at all, except in cases (very rare) where mitigating circumstances may be clearly apparent. Charity, to be effective and just, must be bestowed in a business and not in a sentimental way. Money should never be given when other relief is available, for it is money alone that is sought by the fraud and impostor. 24 The following rules are suggested as proper to be applied in all cases : 1. Examine the applicant in accordance with form. Any attempt to evade reply may betaken as ground for suspicion. 2. On first application, in all cases give tickets (no money) for meals and lodging, until Lodge can be communicated with. 3. Immediately telegraph, or write, where telegraph cannot be used, to Master or Secretary (using title only) of Lodge for information, as follows : " Blank wants relief. Is he a member and worthy?" or "Shall we assist Blank of your Lodge?— wire immediately." 4. Send the usual blank at once to the Secretary of the General Association. Send inlormation received from Lodge as soon as possible. 5. Make arrangements with steamboat and railroad lines, and make your own purchase of tickets. 6. Particular care should be taken in cases of widows and orphans. A person over twenty-one years of age cannot be regarded as an orphan, Masonic or otherwise ; and the widow of a Mason who had not been in good standing is certamly not entitled to aid more than the husband was. 7. It should be insisted upon that widows have certificates, under seal of Lodge, that their husbands were in good standing at the time of death. Othei; identification is neces- sary and advisable, and should not be neglected. 8. The schedule of questions should not be permitted to be disclosed to any person except those connected wilh the Board of Relief or Lodge using it. g. When reporting a fraud to the General Secretary be explicit in giving every particu- lar, so that he may be readily detected. 10. Impostors frequently change their names. A complete index of names of applicants, and of the Lodges from which they claim to hail, should be kept. 11. Committees of Boards of Relief should have a place of meeting at least once a week and have records properly kept. Where the members of a committee act independ- ently, they should be furnished with blank forms and directed to fill them out when application is made. There must be system in this matter in order to secure uniformity and effectiveness. Resolved, That a copy of the above instructions and the blank form referred to therein be sent to each contributing Grand Lodge, Board of Relief and Lodge, with request that they carefully observe each direction with ihe view to secure uniformity of method and action. A form for examination of applicants accompanied the report and was recommended to the contributors as proper to be used by all Boards of Relief and by all Lodges whenever it could be conveniently done. A telegraph code was also authorized to be drawn. This was afterward done, but never came into general use for the reason that the officers of Boards of Relief and Lodges were continually changing and the code was not always at hand. At the close of the first year's business it was found that the membership of the Associa- tion included 3 Grand Lodges, 20 Boards of Relief and 331 isolated Lodges. Thirty States of the United States, and Canada (Province of Quebec) were represented in this member- shin. The receipts for the year (hereinafter more fully stated) were $529.34 nnd the dis- bursements $393.32, leaving a balance of $136.62. " Thus from an exceedingly small beginning, and with little enthusiasm or encourage- ment at the start, we have grown largely in contributors and in the respect and confidence ■ of the entire Fraternity. Our labors have won the hearty appreciation of Masons every- where, and what is of far greater importance, the unworthy Masonic fraud and beggar has been made to feel the power of an organization founded and destined to cut snort his infamous practices." — Extract from report of the Treasurer. During the year 184 fraudulent and unworthy applicants were discovered and published to the contributors in monthly circulars. Down to this time (the close of the first year) the methods of the Association were not so thoroughly systematized as afterwards they becanje, nevertheless, both in the financial exhibit and in the publications, there was sufiicient encouragement to hope for better results — a hope verified, as will hereinafter appear. 25 The following officers were elected : Martin Collins, St. Louis, President. John R. Pope, New York, First Vice-President. John Ross Robertson, Toronto, Second Vice-President. D. F. Peuington, Baltimore, Secretarj-. William Delanjater, New York, Treasurer. M> J. Higgins, Milwaukee, ] L.C.Williamson^ Washington, D.C., VAdvisory Board. H. R. Mitchell, Louisville, J The Second Annual Convention of the Association met in the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, on the 28th day of September, 1887, and adjourned on the 29th of September. Many new faces were seen at this convention, [including, among others, Rev. Bro. Willi^ D. Engle, of Indianapolis, who had for many years been identihed with Masonic charitable disbursement in that city ; M. W. Bro. Harry Robertson, Grand Master, and E.-.W.-.Bro.J.J. Mason, Grand Secretary, of the Province of Ontario. The report of the Secretary showed a decided increase in the number of Grand Lodges and Boards of Relief as contributors to the Association, and a slight decrease in the con- tributing lodges. In fact the membership had nearly doubled. The report of the Treasurer was a gratifying exhibit of Snancial success as the table hereto appended will show. At this session there was no legislation so far as the laws were concerned. Certain resolutions, having in view the business transactions of the Asssociation and affecting only the Secretary and Treasurer, were adopted. A suggestion of the President in his first address, at St. Louis, relative to an increase in the per capita tax, and then laid aside, and a recommendation of the President that the per capita tax be decreased to Grand Lodges, as an inducement to co-operate with us, was considered, and it was deemed " that such a change would not, at this period of our existence, be expedient or wise,'' though it was believed the time would come when a decrease in the tax would be proper. The officers were all re-elected, with the exception of Bro. Higgins, and Bro. R. B. Hungerford was substituted for him on the Advisory Board. Soon after the close of the session the death of Bro. Higgins was reported. The Third Annual Convention of the Association was held in the City of Louisville, Ky., on September 18 and 19, 1888. Every officer was in attendance, besides many new faces. The address of the President was able and interesting, especially so as to the sug- gestions therein contained relative to the necessity of earnest and thorough co-operation. The committee to which the address was referred commented at length upon the matters alluded to by the President, from which comments the following extracts are made : "As this Association is in its infancy and still has to be guarded against the evils arising from carelessness and imprudence, it is fraternally urged that every care should be taken to practice such economy as shall nurse our finances, while at the same time being wisely generous. * =^ * It is fraternally submitted that upon the efficiency of Board of Relief officers depends, in great measure, the effectiveness of this Association. Our chiefest duty is to collect and publish the names, etc., of impostors and those undeserving Masonic charity. * * * yif^ believe that our work must be constantly in the minds of our various boards, that they must be taught the value of cooperation, and that unity of action is necessary to complete success." Legislation was had with the view to establishing a more complete system of report and publication ; also of direction to the Secretary as to his correspondence, fixing the 26 number of delegates from Grand Lodges and Boards of Relief, and recommending the use of the methods adopted at St. Louis relative to examination of applicants for assistance. The result of the annual election was as follows : John R. Pope, New York, President. J. Ross Robertson, Toronto, First Vice-President. H. R. Mitchell, Louisville, Second Vice-President. D. F. Penington, Baltimore, Secretary. » William Delamater, New York, Treasurer. L. Cabell Williamson, Washington, D. C, \ R. B. Hungerlord, London, Ontario, [-Advisory Board. H. B. Hutchinson, St. Louis, ) A resolution of commendation and congratulation to the retiring President was adopted. The Fourth Annual Convention of the Association was held in the City of New York, on September 3, 4 and 5, 1889. Bro. H. R. Mitchell, Second Vice-President, was absent, and Bro. Gus. V. R. Mechin represented Bro. H. B. Hutchinson, who had resigned, on the Advisory Board. All the other officers were present. The Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia, of Canada (Province of Ontario and of Province of Quebec) and the following Boards of Relief were represented by one or more delegates : New York City, N. Y. ; Wash- ington, D. C. ; Toronto and London (Ontario) ; Baltimore, Md. ; Montreal, Can. ; Albany, N. Y. ; Charleston, S. C. ; Williamsburg, N. Y. , and the 7th Masonic District of New J ersey. The President submitted his annual address which contains many valuable recom- mendations, some of which are here stated : " The report of the Secretary specially mentions the action of the Grand Lodge of Ohio relative to the work of this Association. Though immediate steps were taken to secure the membership of Ohio Lodges, in accordance with the said recommendations, the accessions were not as numerous as expected, owing, no doubt, to the prevailing idea that the Lodges were able to perform the work of detecting impostors. That this idea is an erroneous one experience and good judgment amply show. Assuming that Lodges are very careful in their disbursement of charity to strange applicants, the chances of imposition are many times increased by reason of the fact that the Lodge applied to has not been fore- warned. If a Lodge be careful and prudent it must send a telegram for information ; pending an answer to which a temporary small sum must be given for temporary need. Add the cost of telegram, the probable cost of answer, and the sum donated while waiting for return, and it will be found that the aggregate is greater than one year's subscription to our Association. And this, to say nothing of time lost and sympathy wasted. Our warning circulars are a saving of time, money and labor to our contributors ; they give more ready and complete information than a telegraphic inquiry would bring, and we are in every conceivable way a vast improvement upon the old-time methods. Besides, there rests upon every Lodge a moral responsibility in this matter of Masonic charitable relief. If an appli- cant is found unworthy by a Lodge, it is the bounden duty of that Lodge to protect all its sisters from imposition by that applicant. How can this plain and manifest duty be performed except through such an Association as ours? Common justice, as well as our fraternal obligations, demands that the widest possible publicity be given to a man or woman who wilfully attempts to defraud us of even a single penny. To the intelligent Mason, one who reflects upon the evils resulting from mendicancy within our body, there is no argument needed to show the propriety, yea, the necessity, of a Masonic protective organization, which is what we claim to be. "As the Secretary has stated, the correspondence of the year has been large. Person- ally, I have conimunicated with Grand Lodge officers. Masters of Lodges and brethren of distinction within the fraternity, and have urged an active co-operation with us. I have been encouraged by very flattering words as to the good effects of our organized labors, and have been promised assistance to my efforts to increase our membership. In my own State 27 the membership of lodges has largely increased, as will be seen by the report of the Secretary. " In connection with the statement of Bro. Penington, with regard to the imprisonment of a fraudulent applicant in Massachusetts, I think it would be well, at this session, to dis- cuss the advisability of this organization assuming the responsibility and expense of the prosecution of all swindlers published by it. I am thoroughly convinced as to the duty of every Mason in this matter, and am satisfied of the efficacy of stern measures in stamping out the evils wrought by the impositions upon Masonic charities. The matter of expense, it seems to me, is the only one to be seriously considered ; the vast good accomplished by the publication of frauds is conceded, and there can be no good grounds for hesitancy in punishing these people. In everv State the laws provide for the punishment of persons convicted of obtaining money from charitable institutions under false pretenses, and I believe the general disposition is to deal severely with this class of swindlers in order to more effectually wipe out the evil. We should take advantage of this disposition and these laws and resort to the methods suggested by them in order to better protect our contributors and the charitable funds of the craft. I fraternally suggest a careful and earnest consideration of this subject. " Inasmuch as our delegal^es assemble from widely separated portions of North America, and the cost to each in time and money is considerable, I suggest the propriety of adopting a law providing for biennial sessions. Our Association is now established upon such a basis of apparent permanency as not to actually need the annual meeting. Power ought to be given to officers to act in special matters and the By-Laws changed so as to meet all prob- able emergencies. I would not advocate a change in our methods of work ; indeed, I am of the opinion that, though our laws as framed at Baltimore in 1885 are simple and pos- sibly crude, they are comprehensive enough to meet every requirement of the Association. We have secured a membership in nearly every State and in almost every part of Canada, and this will, if properly taken advantage of, be a sufficient nucleus for a larger membership if our delegates will make the proper effort. "Your attention is called to the report of the Treasurer, and especially to his sugges- tion as to economy in expenditure. We are yet, notwithstanding an existence of four years, an organization not so widely known and appreciated as our merits deserve, and must be exceedingly careful not to invite criticism by extravagance or wastefulness. Where expenditure is necessary and in the interest of the Association, make it with due regard to its prot)able effect. " I feel assured of the future of this organization, if its affairs be carefully, economic- ally and intelligently managed. The objects we have in view are as commendable as any aim of the great fraternity we seek to benefit, and I am confident each one of us has given his best efforts to accomplish those objects. We must not pause in our labors or grow faint in the task yet before us, but with the determination of men enlisted in a good cause per- severe until we conquer the success we desire. " In this Association there is sufficient ability and integrity of purpose, if properly applied, to accomplish great aims, and we should exert all our power and influence in their promotion. We should not forget the one great purpose of our existence, the discovery and punishment of imposition upon Masonic charity, in order that the worthy may be bene- fited." ~ The address of the President was referred to a committee which submitted the follow- ing, which was adopted : REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. " Your Committee appointed 'to consider, report and recommend' upon the subjects specially mentioned in the address of the President, fraternally submit the following : " First — As to the prosecution of impostors at the expense of this Association : " The propriety, not to say the necessity, of prosecuting impostors is too obvious to require argument. We believe that the evil of fraudulent applications for Masonic relief can be checked only by persistent effort to punish such applicants, at least until such time as all the Lodges in North America, through Grand Lodges and Boards of Relief, are in communication with this Association. Several of our Boards have successfully prosecuted impostons, and the effect has been to render such Boards practically exempt from fraudulent applications. The Board of Relief of New York City has been so active in this matter that 28 impostors cannot be induced to apply to it for aid. It must be remembered that men who seek to impose upon the fraternity are shrewd and sharp scoundrels, as well posted as to our proceedings as we are, and that we cannot afford to oppose that sharpness by a poUcy of mdecision and weakness. In our judgment, this Association ought to encourage, by every means within its power, the arrest, prosecution and punishment of Masonic impostors ; but the expense involved in such proceedings ought not be borne by this Association, except in cases wherein the evidence is furnished by its own records and officers. The evidence in the possession of this Association is almost entirely written, and not verified by affidavit. This, as a matter of course, would not be sufficient to secure conviction in the majority of our courts. Therefore, upon the Boards of Relief and Lodges authorizing or , making an arrest must rest the burden of procuring the evidence necessary to convict. How far this Association would be justified at this time in bearing the expense of these prosecutions, which in some cases might be very I heavy, is a matter of considerable moment. It seems to us that a general authorization to prosecute and send bill to this Association would be injudicious, in view of our limited income. We, however, feel that some advice should be given to our contributors on this subject, and recommend the following : " Resolved, That we advise all contributing Boards of Relief and Lodges to arrest and secure I he conviction of every person known or found to be obtaining money from the fraternity on the false pretense of being a member thereof, and entitled to such benefits, provided the laws in (heir respective localities sire framed for tlie punishment of such offenders, to the end that fraud may be prevented and our friends protected. " Second — As to Biennial Sessions. " The expense to the delegates m attendance upon our Annual Sessions is considerable of a burden upon them. Hotel bills, railroad fares, and the time taken from business, together tend to reduce the number who would be willing to incur such obligations if the sessions were less frequent. It is believed that the affairs of the Association could be as well conducted, and would prosper as well, if the sessions were two years apart. As this, if concurred in, would involve a change in the By-Laws and the adoption of certain rules for the government of the officers for an extend,ed term, it is recommended that this subject be referred to a Special Committee, with direction to submit their report at the next Annual Meeting. This recommendation is made in the belief that the matter is too important to be hastily acted upon, and in view of the fact that we are yet too young an association to risk the failure that might be avoided by frequent sessions. " Third — As to the Acceptance of a Resignation of an Officer by the President and the Appointment of Another for the Unexpired Term. " There is no By-Law of the Association which specifically defines the powers and duties of the President in an emergency such as is here referred to. The resignation of Bro. Hutchinson was peremptory in its terms, and his inability to serve as a member of the Advisory Board necessitated the appointment of some one to act in his stead. We are of the opinion that Section i. Article 5 of the By-Laws may properly be construed to justify the President in his action, though if this be not the general view, a similar emergency can be met by the following resolutions which are submitted for approval : "Resolved, That the action of the President in accepting the resignation of Bro. H. B. Hutchinson as a member of the Advisory Board, and appointing Bro. Gus V. R. Mechin to fill the vacancy, be and is hereby approved. " Resolved, That the President be empowered to accept the resignation of the Secre- tary and members of the Advisory Board, and to fill vacancies that may occur in those offices. That vacancies occurring in the office of a Vice-President be filled only by election. That the resignation of the Treasurer be accepted only by the concurrence of a majority of the entire Board of Officers, and any vacancy that may occur in that office be filled in like manner for the unexpired term. ^'■Resolved, That when any vacancy shall occur in the office of Treasurer, the Presi- dent and Advisory Board shall constitute a committee with power to examine the accounts of that officer, receive all moneys and documents of the Association in his possession, and turn over the same to the person selected to fill that office for the unexpired term,.^ " Your Committee feels impelled to offer these resolutions because of the possible difficulties suggested by the resignation and appointment referred to. 29 " Fourth — As to Increasing the Membership of this Association. ',^ While we feel that all has been done that could well be done to increase our mem- bership, we deem it within the scope of our duty to suggest further specific efforts in that direction. We believe a circular can be framed which will set forth in very strong terms the advantages to be derived from connection with us. The address of the President upon this point contains matter which, if put in argumentative form, wouM tend to convince every intelligent Mason that our organization is not only a necessity, but that it is the duty of Lodges to support it. We think it advisable to empower the incoming President, on a conference with his associate officers, to issue and distribute such a concise statement of the objects and merits of this Association as shall meet every probable objection to its methods and existence, to the end that an inquiry may be roused and co-operation enlisted. " Fifth — As to Publishing the Warnings in Book Form, Properly Indexed. " Independent of a possible revenue from this source, such a publication would be of incalculable benefit to Boards of Relief and Lodges. There have been published since our organization (in 1885) no less than 782 impostors, each one fully described, and witli infor- mation necessary in each case to establish identity. Very few of uur Boards and Lodges are so methodical as to index all these names, and the Lodges claimed by each ; conse- quently there is a manifest danger that these published impostors will renew and continue their impositions. Such a book, however, should be prepared with great care, and sold only to contributors and to individuals having membership in contributing Lodges, in order that our per capita income may not be endangered. That the idea may be carried out, as suggested by the President, we offer the following : " Resolved, That the President be authorized and empowered, if, in his judgment, it be deemed proper, to prepare and publish at the expense of the Association an edition of the Warnings already issued, in such form as he shall decide, and that such publication be sold for account of the Association, and the proceeds thereof made a separate and distinct account, though applied to the necessary expenses of the Association. " In closing this report your Committee feels impelled to state that it iS their undivided opinion, formed after due consideration of all the facts and circumstances, that it needs a strong and intelligent effort on the part of all members of the Association, and especially so on the part of officers, whose duty it is to come more immediately into contact with Lodges and Boards of Relief by correspondence and otherwise, to place the affairs of the organiza- tion on a more secure and prosperous basis. Our welfare should be the concern of all, and we have the right to expect, as we have had heretofore, faithful and able management. We are confident of the future of this Association because of its manifest necessity and merit, but we are equally confident that the success we desire is only to be had by earnest, hearty and harmonious effort. ' ' The above resolutions and amendments to the Constitution were adopted. The Con- stitution was referred to the Advisory Board, with instructions to modify, arrange and report at the next annual session. M. W. Bro. John W. Vrooman, Grand Master, and R. ■. W. •. Bro. E. M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary, State of New York, addressed the Convention on the third day of its session. The following officers were elected : John R. Pope, New York, President. J. Ross Robertson, Toronto, First Vice-President. Gus V. R. Mechin, St. Louis, Second Vice-President. D. F. Penington, Baltimore, Secretary. William Delam'ater, New York, Treasurer. L. Cabell Williamson, Washington, D. C," R. B. Hungerford, London, Ontario, James Fyfe, Montreal, ^Advisory Board, A. Doty, Charleston, S. C, C. R. Rudolphy, Hoboken, N. J., 3° The Fifth Annual Convention of the Association was held in the City of Montreal, Canada, on September i6 and 17, i8go. There were present all the ofiScers except Bro. J. Ross Robertson, First Vice-President. The delegates were welcomed in an address by M. W. Bro. J. H. Sterns, Grand Master of Quebec. As this Convention was in many particulars the most important held to this time, it is deemed proper to recite more in detail the matters considered and action taken. The address of the President contained the following : " A brief resume of our work seems at this time appropriate, in view of the interest which has been excited among the fraternity, or that portion of it which has some practical knowledge of our existence. On the first day of September, 1885, there assembled in the City of Baltimore a mere ' Corporal's Guard ' of Masons, who had for some years been identified with the disbursement of charity by and through Masonic Boards of Relief. They were all experienced men, endowed with excellent judgment and a wise discretion, who met with a purpose and object which had long been earnestly considered. The Convention met in the evening. A committee was then and there formed to report a plan of organiza- tion and operation, to be submitted at the session appointed for the following morn- ing. It is sufficient commentary on the earnestness of these men to say, that before a single member of that committee slept a constitution was framed and ■^ plan of operations marked out, all with a unanimity scarcely to be expected in a delibera- tion of comparative strangers. It is further worthy of note, that since the adoption of the Constitution then framed there has been no material change in it ; nothing except to render more clear several matters which haste had made somewhat indistinct. I refer to this, my brethren, merely to show the spirit that animated the first assembly of Masons determined to stamp out the evil of Masonic mendicancy, and to point out 10 you the possibilities that lie before us If we remain united and enthusiastic in the cause which is as important to-day as it was five years ago. Since September i, 1885, we have published to the Masonic world no less than 909 persons who had attempted to swindle our fraternity, many of whom had lived well upon their despicable practice for years. If there were no further justification for our existence than this publication of warnings, our labor has had successful issue and a grand reward. But our coniributors have saved money, economized time, and been satis- fied that their donadons have been worthily bestowed in a greater number of instances. These are considerations of great moment to those engaged in the work of Masonic chari- table relief. Our money has not been saved for hoarding, but that we might give more gen- erously to those who were found worthy and needed it ; our time has been economized, not that we hesitated to employ it "on a worthy brother's errand," but that by meai.s of the warning we were not obliged to waste energies on a wretch mean and undeserving. The feeling of annoyance and disappointment which follows the knowledge that we have aided and encouraged an impostor has not come to us so often in the past few years to harden our hearts and embitter us against all money donations to applicants. In short, when a man applies to us for money and employment on the strength of Masonic connec- tions, we at once turn to our warnings, and if we find his name there, we turn him into the street without conscientious scruple, and if we fail to see his name, we experience a degree of satisfaction that we have probably not been swindled. It is a mistaken idea that we have organized as a Masonic detective society, solely and simply ; on the contrary, we are a protective society — protecting all those who are willing to pay a nominal sum for it against encroachments by unworthy persons upon funds donated for a benevolent purpose by noble- hearted Masons. We are protected from the worst of all foolish wastes, that of giving to men who have no claim, or who, by vicious and unmasonic conduct, have forfeited every right to make a masonic claim. We co-operate for tne good of the entire number of Masons in many directions, ist. By shutting out the unworthy from a share in our charitable funds we make fewer demands upon our generous brethren for donations. 2d. Denying the false we have a more bountiful hand for the true brother. 3d. We discourage unaffiliation by refusing assistance to those who, having been Masons, have relinquished their membership for Masonry's good. 4th. We show how easy it is to be swindled, and how successfully imposture has been carried on for many years. 5th. We show, by the publication of 909 unworthy persons, that large sums of money have been and are diverted from legitimate and proper charitable use. The cost of this protection against fraud has been one cent per 31 ■capita per year for each contributing body — a sum that is not commensurate with the vahrable aid rendered to Boards of Relief and Lodges, and yet amply sufficient to carry on the business of the Association if our work were more widely known and appreciated. " I feel it incumbent upon me, as the presiding officer of this body, to say a few words with regard to the office of Secretary of this Association. Be it understood clearly and distinctly that I consider it no part of my duty, even had I the best of reasons, to criticise the acts of any officer you have placed in station by your votes. It is the office itself of which I desire to speak. The prosperity, stability and worth of an Association such as this depends more upon the ability and zeal of the Secretary than upon any other officer, or all those officers combined. If we would be successful in the accomplishment of the purposes had in view at our organization we must have more work done by that office, or relegate certain duties now performed by it to some other office. The work now performed by the Secretary is certainly laborious, and requires time that he is possibly unable to give without sacrificing other and more fruittul interests. In the present state of our finances we cannot adequately remunerate the Secretary for his services, nor have we the right to demand from him the requisite labor of that position without due provision for its recom- pense. " The address was referred to a Commttee to report thereupon. After due consideration, the Committee submitted its report, which was adopted. A portion of the report is here- with incorporated, as showing the earnestness of the brethren in their efforts to secure the best results with the means in hand; and further, that no proper effort was spared to make the Association successful and of the service to the Craft that was desired. "It appears from the address of the President that the receipts of the year just closed are considerably less than for the two years next preceding, and that the expenditures have been considerably greater. The last is accounted for to some extent in the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer ; but there is no explanation as to the cause of the first, except it be found in either of the two surmises offered — i. e., a falling off in contributions or delay in forwarding them. In the absence of any reliable information your Committee is unable to decide as to the question raised, but is unanimously of the opinion that prompt and strong measures should be at once taken to ascertain the reasons for such a large reduction of receipts and then to apply the remedy. " It is suggested that the Advisory Board be directed to at once make an examination of the books of the Secretary, and prepare a schedule of all contributing Boards of Relief and Lodges, which schedule shall show the dates and amounts of payment made by each for account of membership fees ; and that such schedule shall also show the payments made for other accounts. It is further suggested that the President and Secretary be directed to at once open a correspondence with the Boards of Relief and Lodges which have at any time been contributors and not continued regular contributions, with a view to ascer- taining the reasons for such discontinuance of membership. " Inasmuch as the address of the President calls for serious attention to the probable consequence of too great a reliance upon the merits of our Association, without the rein- forcement of proper publicity of those merits, it seems to be the duty of this Convention to institute measures looking to a wider and more complete co-operation. With this view, it is suggested that a circular letter be at once prepared, printed and forwarded to each Board of Relief and Lodge in the United States and Canada not at present contributing members. " We believe the President is justified in deferring the issue of a circular last year because of the expense in preparing and publishmg the Index, wMch was an unknown figure until after the publication was complete. It is not wise for us to contract obligations for which there are no funds to meet, and the President has, in our judgment, acted prudently in the matter. " The suggestion of the President as to publishing for the benefit of subscribers the names of all applicants for relief, does not at first sight seem to be just and prudent. Yet, on examination of the entire matter, we are impelled to recommend the adoption of his suggestion. By such n. publication we shall have before us for ready reference, the movements of every person who seeks relief more than once, and in different localities. By it also we may find, perhaps, individuals who having once secured relief with little difficulty are encouraged to fall into the condition of chronic mendicancy. This class is as much to be guarded against as the unworthy tramp, who having no claim, attempts to live upon Masonry by imposition and iraud. The benefit of such a publication would be 32 reaped chiefly, if not entirely, by Boards of- Relief in cities where applicants are numerous, and having an organization likely to make a record of all cases. For this reason it does not appear necessary to print a larger number than would supply the contributing Boards. We apprehend some difficulty in carrying out the full purpose of the suggestion, for the reason that secretaries would probably fail or neglect to give the information promptly and regularly. Yet the experiment has so much in its favor that we hope it will be given a patient trial. " The remarks of the President with regard to the position of Secretary are evidently prompted by the best motives, and in the interest of an Association depending almost entirely upon that office not only for success and stability, but for existence itself. We fully recognize all that is implied in the remarks referred to, while at the same time we appreciate the conditions which called them forth. A faithful discharge of duty is, most assuredly, not all that this Association requires at the hands of its officers. There needs, particularly at this time, to be an earnestness and zeal, patience and ability, on the part of every individual interested in our perpetuity, more especially so on the part of those who are charged with the responsibilities of executive office. We feel, notwithstanding what we have said in this connection, that our duty would be ill performed if we failed to give the present incumbent of the office of Secretary that praise which is his just due. He has at all times been patient, courteous and as faithful as his time and necessary occupations would permit. We understand fully the demands upon his time and energies in other directions — ^iemands that family and circumstances compelled him to heed and act upon. At our organization he was active, energetic and a most conspicuous figure, and to him we are in a great measure indebted for the preliminary steps which led to our birth and snbsequent growth. Concedmg all that, and even more than this, the time has come {as the President has intimated) for us to adopt strong measures and make use of the best talent, in order that the work of the past five years may not be lost, and the Asso- ciation, so necessary to Masonic charitable disbursement, fall into decay and final ruin. We trust this Convention will not falsely construe these remarks, but that it will soberly and firmly consider first, last and always, the interests we are met to foster and promote. " We are inclined to the belief that the President has modestly depreciated his efforts in behalf of this organization. Rather it should be said he has done all that in him lay for its success. We feel assured that, whatever may be his future, he will lose no interest here- tofore manifested, and that we shall always find him zealous in our behalf. " In order that the above suggestions may be placed properly before the Convention, we offer the following resolutions and recommend their adoption : " J!esoiveoi9-44- Of this latter amount there has been paid to Secretary for clerical labor the sum of $1,850 and S300 for office rent. The remainder has been for printing, postage, books, and the necessary stationery. It is submitted that no Association doing the amount of work we have done, and embracing so large a field, has ever been conducted with so little expense. It may well be said that the organizers of this Association have labored diligently and earnestly without fee, because they knew the necessity of its existence, and recognized the difficulties to be met and overcome before it could be firmly established. Their only reward has been the satisfaction of putting an end, so far as our contributors are concerned, to the imposi- tions of a portion of the class that had for years been fastened like leeches upon the Masonic fraternity, and who were getting a comfortable livmg without claim and with little effort. " In view of the above brief statement, which necessarily covers only a small part of the ground that might profitably be gone over, we ask a careful consideration of the merits of an organization founded to protect the dearest interests that Masons have at heart. We love to aid the distressed of our Craft, to care for its widows and orphans, to erect homes and asylums in which we can exercise such supervision over the wards of our bounty as that they shall be benefited and succored from adversity. We have regarded this as a sacred duty, and have brought to its performance all the intelligence and generosity of which our natures were capable. It is not less our bounden duty to bar our doors, shut our windows, and put a seal upon our resources against the impostor who seeks to obtain from us that which we are pleased to bestow upon those who are worthy and need our good offices. We can do this only by co-operation, by organization, and by extreme effort. Let us do it for the honor of Masonry — the institution we revere, and the enemies of which we despise and would render harmless." The report of the Committee on President's Address was very full and complete, and its discussion finally resulted in a reduction of the per capita tax to Grand Lodges affiliating to one-half cent. This was a hazardous step to take at this time, though proving itself in the end to be wise and prudent. Owing to the fact that the brethren of the various cities in which the Association had to this time held its meetings had been to a considerable expense in entertaining the dele- gates (which subject shall be duly treated hereinafter), the following preamble and resolution were adopted : Whereas, This Association has been generously entertained by the brethren in the various cities where annual sessions have been held ; and Whereas, It may become necessary or advisable to meet again in one or more of such cities ; therefore be it Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association that its meetings be hereafter held entirely for business, and that all receptions and entertainments involving an outlay of much valuable time, effort and money on the part of brethren of cities where meetings may be held be discouraged and declined, without disparagement to the courtesy and generosity which is characteristic of Masons everywhere. The annual election resulted as follows : J. Ross Robertson, Toronto, President. Gus V. R. Mechin, St. Louis, First Vice-President. D. F. Penington, Baltimore, Second Vice-President. L. Cabell Williamson, Washington, D. C, Secretary. William Delamater, New York City, Treasurer. R. B. Hungerford, London, Ontario,^ Samuel S. Grant, Montreal, T. John Newton, Washington, D. C, ^Advisory Board. H. R. Mitchell, Louisville, Thomas Moore, New York City, 39 The Seventh Annual Session of the Association was held in the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 17th day of October, 1892, and proved to be the shortest session in the history of the Association. The delegates were welcomed by M. W. Bro. Levi C. Goodale, Grand Master of Ohio, in an address heartily endorsing the work of the organization, and promising the affiliation of his Grand Lodge at its session two days later ; a promise fully kept. The address of the President, a very able and convincing paper, dealt' principally with the financial affairs of the organization, the condition of which led him to the statement : ' ' We do not stand at all within range of even the probability of failure. " As to the. growing membership the President said : " This year we are honored by thirteen of these Grand Jurisdictions coming into line, headed by the great Jurisdiction of New York, with its •800 Lodges and its 80,000 Craftsmen. And when we read the roll and see Delaware, the District of Columbia, Indian Territory, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Arizona, Montana and Idaho linking hands with our earlier friends, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Canada, Maryland and Quebec, we are assured that our Associa- tion is appreciated and that before it great opportunities lie." Altogether the address was complete, and deserves a greater space in this story than can well be given. The session was marked by the reading of a paper by the Treasurer, R. -.W. -.Bro. William Delamater, upon the subject : "Masonic Charity — Its Sentimental, Business and Practical Features." This address was pubjished in full in the transactions of the Asso- ciation of this session and may be alluded to as an exhaustive treatment of a subject which has not had the careful consideration it deserves. The election resulted as follows : J. Ross Robertson, Toronto, President. Gus V. R. Mechin, St. Louis, First Vice-President. William B. Isaacs, Richmond, Second Vice-President. L. Cabell Williamson, Washington, D. C, Secretary. William Delamater, New York, Treasurer. Thomas Moore, New York. James Mitchell, Montreal. T. John Newton, Washington, D. C. ^Advisory Board. R. B. Hungerford, London, Ontario. H. R. Mitchell, Louisville. No vitally important business was transacted or discussed at this session, and adjourn- ment was had in order that the officers might attend the session of the Grand Lodge of Ohio at Springfield. The Eighth Annual Session of the Association was held in the City of Boston, Septem- ber 25, 1893, all of the officers being present. Welcome was given the delegates by M. W. Bro. Sereno D. Nickerson, Grand Secretary of Massachusetts. The address of the President, Bro. J. Ross Robertson, was devoted chiefly to the progress of the Association and the increased interest of the Craft everywhere in its success, and of the merits of its work. He reported an increase of 396 Lodges in the membership. The suggestions embraced ia the President's address were against a further reduction of the per capita tax ; in favor of the consolidation of the offices of Secretary and Treasurer ; in favor of a suggestion of the Treasurer that that officer give a bond ; in favor of biennial sessions, and relative to methods for incieasing the co-operating membership of the Association. 40 The Committee on the President's Address, which Committee had long before come to be regarded as the chief source and originator of legislation, submitted a report approving the address and its suggestions, and the question of biennial sessions of the Association became a law. The annnal election of officers resulted as follows : L. Cabell Williamson, Washington, D. C, President. D. F. Penington, Baltimore, First Vice-President. P.. B. Hungerford, London, Ontario, Second Vice-President. John R. Pope, New York, Secretary. William Delamater, New York, Treasurer. Thomas Moore, New York, T. John Newton, Washington, D. C. James Mitchell, Montreal, VAdvisory Board. James Fyfe, Montreal, H. R. Mitchell, Louisville, 1 The Tenth Session of the Association (being the first biennial session) was held in the City of New York, September 10 and il, 1895. The Association was welcomed by M. W. Bro. John Stewart, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York, and the Grand Secretary of that Jurisdiction, R.-.W.-. Bro. E. M. L. Ehlers, who offered congratula- tions and commendations as to the work of the Association. This session was marked by the largest attendance of delegates in its history to this time, representatives being present from the Grand Lodges of Canada, Ontario and Quebec, Grand Lodge of Maryland, Grand Lodge of New York, Grand Lodge of District of Columbia, and from the following Boards of Relief : Albany, N. Y. Baltimore, Buffalo, London — Ontario, Montreal, New York City, Omaha, Richmond, Va. ; St. Louis, Syracuse, N.Y. ; Toronto, Washington, D.C., and Williamsburgh, N. Y. The occasion was the tenth anniversary of the Association and the second session held in the City of New York. The address of the President contained the gratifying fact that, notwithstanding the financial depression and partial demoralization resulting therefrom, the Association had increased its financial strength, and in other respects it was growing. He announced the death of R.-.W. -.Bro. William B. Isaacs, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and one of the foremost in the organization of this Association, on the 9th day of June, 1895. An appropriate tribute and resolution was entered upon the minutes, which was responded to by R.-.W. -.Bro. L. T. Christian, representative of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Bro. Isaacs had endeared himself to many of the older members of the Association by his genial nature, kind heart and enthusiastic ardor in the affairs of the organization. His long career in Masonic official positions and his acknowledged ability in each, commanded the respect of all who knew or had relations with him. He died full of years, having fin- ished a long term of usefulness to the Craft which fully recognized his great merit. An address was prepared and adopted by this Convention for distribution to the Grand Lodges in North America, with the view to a more thorough understanding of the objects of the Association and a more general co-operation. An Index of the Warning Circulars was authorized, and was later prepared by the Secretary and distributed at a nominal cost. The Index is complete and perfect in every 41 detail, has been of great service to Boards of Relief in the discovery of fraudulent applicants. Local Boards of Relief, it is believed, have in many instances failed to keep the Indexes in full form since the issue of the original, and have thus unintentionally crippled their efforts to be of the best service in detection. This is a matter of the first importance, and is so recognized by practical men and those of business experience. It is admitted that much time is necessary in the care and perfectness of an Index of such detail ; but neglect or care- lessness in this particular is likely to prove costly to the organization permitting it as well as to the Association and the Craft at large. M. W. Bro. J. Ross Robertson, Past President, was appointed as the representative of this Association, with direction to lay its methods and objects before the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland, and to endeavor to secure their co-operation. All the officers, except two of the Advisory Board, were re-elected, Bros. L. T. Christian and C. W. Baker taking the places of Bros. James Mitchell and H. R. Mitchell on that Board. The eleventh meeting of the Association (the second biennial) was held in the City of Baltimore on the I2th and 13th of October, 1897. As Baltimore was the city in which the Association had its birth, special interest was taken in this meeting, more particularly by those who participated in the organization four- teen years before. Representatives and delegates were present from the following Grand Lodges : Ontario — Canada, Maryland, Montana, New York, Quebec, Canada, Virginia, , District of Columbia. The following local Boards of Relief were represented : Atlanta, Ga., Baltimore, Binghampton, N. Y., Buffalo, N. Y., Cincinnati, Concord, N. H., Wash- ington, D. C, Dubuque, la., London— Canada, Louisville, Ky., Nashville, Tenn., New York City, Omaha, Richmond, Va., Syracuse, N. Y., Toronto, Williamsburg, N. Y., Wilmington, Del., New Orleans, La., and Milwaukee, Wis. The Convention was addressed during its session by M. W. Bros. John H. Isaacson, of Canada ; S. Stacker Williams, of Ohio ; Theodore D. Parvin, of Iowa, and William C. C. Swain, of Wisconsin, all of whom commended the work of the Association. M. W. Bro. Thomas J. Shyrock, Grand Master of Maryland, extended a hearty welcome to the delegates, both at the Masonic Temple and subsequently at his residence. A notable feature of the meeting was the attendance of every officer of the Association except Bro. L. T. Christian, of Richmond, who was unavoidably detained at home. The vacancy was temporarily filled by the appointment of Bro. Charles A. Nesbitt, also of Richmond. The address of the President briefly recapitulated the work of the preceding two years, and recommended the consideration of the following matters : 1st. The practicability and advisability of publishing the photographs of impostors. 2d. The feasibility and propriety of prosecuting at the expense of the Association all impostors. 3d. The adoption of measures to secure the affiliation of more Grand Lodges and Boards of Relief. 4thi Relative to reduction of per capita tax. 5th. Relative to publishing in our proceedings the names and addresses of all Grand Secretaries and the names of officers of all Boards of Relief ; and 6th. An increase in the compensation of the Secretary. The Committee on President's Address reported resolutions to properly carry into effect the 1st, 3d and 5th recommendations of the President, which were adopted. The 4th recommendation was left for future consideration, and the 6th recommendation laid over 42 for the consideration of the entire body without remarli. With respect to the 2d recom- mendation, the Committee reported : "We believe that inasmuch as the laws differ in the several States, and that the expense of prosecution should properly be borne by the organi- zation or indi\'idual defrauded, our organization should suggest and approve every such prosecution, but ought not bear or be responsible for any portion of an expense which can- not be foreseen." This was approved. Bro. William Delamater, the Treasurer, was appointed a committee of one to prepare a history of the Association. The By-Laws of the Association were amended by striking out the word " General " in the title of the Association, thus making it : " The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada." With the adoption of a resolution fixing London, Ontario, as the place of meeting in 1899, and some other unimportant business, the Convention adjourned. The election resulted as follows : D. F. Penington, Baltimore, President. R. B. Hungerford, London, Canada, First Vice-President. L. T. Christian, Richmond, Va., Second Vice-President. John R. Pope, New York City, Secretary. William Delamater, New York City, Treasurer. Thomas Moore, New York City, T. John Newton, Washington, D. C, James Fyfe, Montreal, Canada, ^Advisory Board. C. W. Baker, Omaha, Charles F. Sturm, Buffalo, These slight sketches of meetings since the organization tell the story of its legislation, the interest taken in the gatherings, those who participated and the exceeding earnestness of the brethren iu all efforts to promote the success of the Association. This portion of our story would not be complete without mentioning the fact that Bros. L. Cabell Williamson and William Delamater were present at every meeting, and the latter its Treasurer, since the beginning The conspicuous faithfulness of these named brethren is closely emulated by several others who have missed but one meeting each, and in these instances of failure to attend the failure was due to circumstances entirely outside their will and pleasure. HOSPITABLE ENTERTAINMENT. There is no society in the world, not excepting the strictly religious ones, more generous and hospitable than is the Masonic organization. To be a Mason in good and regular standing has ever been sufficient claim upon Masonic hospitality all over the world, regardless of every other consideration. The door of every true brother's heart is open to the requirements of hospitable entertainment, as well as to benevolence, and it is not strange that this organization should have experienced at the hands of the Fraternity in the cities visited by it generous entertainment, which, though acknowledged at the proper time, has been a source of pleasure impossible to fully express. As these several receptions and entertainments have been of a character to reflect more than credit upon their originators, this Association would be ungrateful indeed were it not to give them appropriate mention in this story. No record has heretofore been made, aside from the acknowledgment at each Convention, and it is deemed not inappropriate at this 43 time to make such mention of the several receptions as may well be expected from grateful guests. On the occasion of our meeting for organization, in the City of Baltimore, the brethren of that city provided a lengthy programme of entertainment for the visitors. This pro- gramme included a steamboat sail down the river and bay, passing historical fortresses and •other interesting points, to the favorite seaside resort of the Baltimoreans, where an ample fish dinner was provided. Return to the city was by train in the evening. The next day a carriage ride was taken through the splendid Druids Park, which, though at that time incomplete, was the pride of the city. On the third day those of the delegates not yet de- parted gathered in a photographic parlor and posed for a group picture. This group, con- sisting of fifteen persons, five of whom are now (1899) dead, is just as clear and perfect as when taken, though fourteen years have passed away. At St. Louis we were given a reception at the Masonic Temple, which was largely attended by the brethren and their families. The day tollowing we were given a delight- ful ride through the city and to the celebrated horticultural gardens of Mr. .Shaw. In the evening a dinner was given to the delegates by Bro. Martin Collins, President of the Association, at his residence. The brethren of St. Louis seemed to have an earnest desire to excel each other in efforts to entertain, and would have filled every hour of our stay, day and night, with enjoyment. A visit to the famed Anheuser-Busch Brewery was made, and many of the delegates availed themselves of the opportunity to inspect the greatest estab- lishment of the kind known over the world. At Toronto the delegates were received in a most generous manner by all the brethren of that enterprising city. The entertainment included a ride through the town and its suburbs, the principal places and buildmgs pointed out, and in the evening the beautiful and extensive grounds of Bro. J. K. Kerr, P. G. Master of Ontario, were grandly illuminated, and his residence set apart for the occasion in which to honor and regale the visitors. No one who took part in this open and most generous hospitality will easily forget the genial host, his kindly manner, or his gentlemanly tact which placed every one at ease. At Louisville, though three other conventions were held in the city at the time, our Association had an experience of Southern Masonic hospitality entirely new in their experience, though none the less interesting on that account. On the evening of September 19th those of the brethren who desired were taken to the theatre. The following afternoon was spent at the Masonic Home with the children. A fine concert was given by the elder girls and boys in the lecture-room, after which the visitors were entertained in the dining- room, the delegates being waited upon by the girls. Altogether it was most enjoyable. It may be of interest to note here that many friendships were formed in the dining-room, some of which not only exist to this time, but have been the source of much pleasure. Many of the delegates left that Home with a sigh of satisfaction that the good-hearted Masons of Kentucky had, amid much difficulty, founded and maintained successfully so noble an institution, and that the beneficiaries fully appreciated the efiforts made in their behalf. At New York City (the first time) the delegates were received with open arms. In addition to the ride through Central Park and some interesting portions of the now Greater City north of the Park, the delegates were taken to the Manhattan Beach Hotel, Coney Island, by steamboat, and there, by the sea-shore, given a dinner over which a couple of hours were happily spent. Return to the city was made late in the evening by train. This dinner, and its completeness in all details, are not yet forgotten by those who were participants. • 44 The visit to Montreal was in all respects notable. The entertainment of the delegates included a carriage ride through the city and the beautiful Mont Royal Park, from which point the most magnificent views of the city and its outlying attractions were had, a trip by steamer up through the Lachine Canal and down by way of the far-famed Lachine Rapids, and a dinner at the Windsor Hotel. This dinner was attended by many distinguished citi- zens of Montreal, and was most enjoyable by reason of the spontaneous hospitality exhibited by all to the visitors. Nothing could better have exemplified the universality of the Masonic bond than the kindness and generosity of the Montreal brethren on this occasion. Though Washington, D. C, has an earned reputation for open-hearted liberality to visitors on occasions of large annual gatherings of representative bodies, certainly no Masonic gathering was ever more royally entertained than was our Association in September, 1891. The President of the United Stales, Mr. Harrison, was pleased to give us a special reception in the White House. Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, and his final resting- place, the mecca of every true American, was duly visited under the escort of our Washington brethren. The journey to and from this historical place was made by steamer, and an ample opporiunity given to view the many important points along the Potomac river. The Washington Monument was duly visited and ascensions made by all the delegates. The brethren could not let us depart from the "City of Magnificent Distances" without giving us a dinner, which was thoroughly enjoyed. There were many ladies with the delegates, and all participated in the entertainment. The expense involved in these entertainments, to say nothing of the time and labor bestowed upon them, began to attract the attention of some of the " older heads," and, believing it prudent to place a kind of curb upon the generosity of our brethren, which generosity might at some time prove a detriment to our successful progress, the action was taken at the session held in Washington, as hereinabove stated. What effect this action had as a " curbing force " will be seen. The meeting of 1892 was held at Cincinnati, and as for various reasons the business of the Association had to be transacted in one day the delegates set about their task with unusual determination. Notwithstanding tlie fact that the programme of labor was fuUy carried out, the brethren of Cincinnati would not permit the departure of their guests with- out an effort to show they were in no manner lacking the Masonic spirit. A carriage ride to the important points of interest in the city was provided for at a few minutes' notice, and those who participated were carried to their respective trains of departure. It is extremely difficult to dampen the enthusiasm of Masonic hospitality, as this incident proves. At Boston, in September, 1893, there was an unexpressed feeling that the death of the Grand Master of Massachusetts, which occurred at about that time, and which deeply affected the fraternity of Boston, rendered it advisable that nothing in the nature of a fes- tivity should be permitted to have part in the reception of our delegation. The Grand Secretary of Massachusetts (there is no Board of Relief in Boston) had entire charge of the reception and opening of proceedings, and the business of the Association was transacted with as little formality and delay as possible. Nevertheless, a sumptuous lunch was pro- vided by the Grand Lodge officers. At New York City, in September, 1895 (the second visit to that city), nothing was left undone to make pleasant the stay of the visitors. In addition to the provision made at the Temple, a water trip was taken to the famous Glen Island, on Long Island Sound, where a special Rhode Island clam-bake was ready. It is unnecessary to say that the entire trip was thoroughly enjoyed, though the season was late and some of the attractions of the island withdrawn. 45 At Baltimore, in October, 1897, all the brethren of that city, from Grand Master down, surpassed their record as dispensers of hospitality. The programme of reception and entertainment was too long to be here enumerated. It, however, included two special features which deserve more than mere mention. One was the luncheon tendered the delegates at the home of Grand Master Shyrock, and the other the seasonable refreshments offered at the office of Dr. Penington. The first, though democratic in the absence of all formality and restraint, fully sustained the high ideal of hospitality that is a characteristic of gentlemen of the Southern States. The affair was grand in its simplicity. The other ? Perhaps the fewest possible words will best describe it. Indigestion waited upon enjoy- ment, and physicians reaped the reward. The above sketches, all too brief, illustrate most clearly the fraternal spirit that marks the intercourse of Masons wherever located. Neither geographical, political, or other divisions are clear or marked enough to bound by any limitation the line beyond which the hospitality and generosity of the brethren of the mystic tie may not go. The reasons for this are not far to seek, but may readily be found in the teachings of the Craft, with which all the brethren are familiar. WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION. The following schedule exhibits, in concise form, the results of the labor of the Associa- tion from date of organization to and including the month of July, 1899 (Circulars l to 167) : Cases Published by Authority of State. Number. Alabama — Lodges II Arizona — Prescott Board of Relief 3 Arkansas — Lodges I California — Los Angeles Board of Relief. 7 Oakland Board of Relief IS Sacramento Board of Relief I San Diego Board of Relief i San Francisco Board of Relief 9 Stockton Board of Relief 8 41 Colorado — Denver Board of Relief 16 Lodges 2 ^ 18 Connecticut — Lodges 9 Delaware — Wilmington Board of Relief. 18 District of Columbia — Washington Board of Relief lO' 46 State. Number, Georgia — Atlanta Board of Relief. , 4 Lodges 8 — ; '2 Idaho — Lodges 2 Illinois — Cairo Board of Relief .■, 33 Lodges 17 Indiana — Indianapolis Board of Relief. 126 Logansport Board of Relief. 4 Terra Haute Board of Relief 7 Lodges S Indian Territory — Lodges Iowa — Lodges 27 Grand Secretary 4 Kansas — Atchison Board of Relief 8 Dodge City Board of Relief 7 Lodges 25 Individuals I Kentucky — Louisville Board of Relief. 39 Lodges II Louisiana — New Orleans Board of Relief Maine — Portland Board of Relief 3 Grand Secretary I Maryland — Baltimore Board of Relief. 91 Hagerstown Board of Relief 8 Lodges 15 Massachusetts — Lowell Board of Relief 2 Lodges 16 Grand Secretary 18 SO 142 31 41 5° 114 3& 47 . . , ' State, Number, Michigan — Lodges 4 Minnesota — Minneapolis Board of Relief. , . . , i Lodges 2 3- Lodges .' I Missouri — . Independence Board of Relief i Kansas City Board of Relief 7 Prince City Board of Relief. i Sedalia Board of Relief 4 Springfield Board of Relief. i St. Charles Board of Relief. , 4 St. Joseph Board of Relief 5 St. Louis Board of Relief. ; J 266 Walnut Grove Board of Relief i Williamstown Board of Relief. i Lodges 23 314 Montana — Butte Board of Relief '.'. 4 Great Falls Board of Relief. 2 Helena Board of Relief i Lodges 3 10 Nebraska — Lincoln Board of Relief 3 Omaha Board of Relief. 14 Lodges II Grand Secretary i 29 Nevada — Lodges 2 Grand Secretary 1 3 New Hampshire — Concord Board of Relief. 5 Lodges I New Jersey — . Seventh Masonic District Board of Relief. 11 Lodges 32 Grand Secretary i — ■ 44 New Mexico- Lodges 3 48 State. Number. New York — Albany Board of Reliel 8 Auburn Board of Relief i Buffalo Board of Relief. 22 New York City Board of Relief. 575 Syracuse Board of Relief 23 Troy Board of Relief. 5 Williamsburg Board of Relief. 18 Elmira Board of Relief. 2 Lodges 121 775 North Carolina — Lodges 2 North Dakota — Lodges 4 Ohio- Cincinnati Board of Relief 126 Lodges 72 Individuals 2 200 Oregon — Portland Board of Relief 3 Lodges 9 Grand Secretary 2 14 Pennsylvania — Lodges 43 Rhode Islands Lodges 2 South Carolina — Charleston Board of Relief 36 Lodges I Tennessee — Chattanooga Board of Relief '. 9 Knoxville Board of Relief 2 Memphis Board of Relief 2 Nashville Board of Relief 17 Lodges 3 37 33 Texas — Lodges 2 Utah- Salt Lake City Board of Relief 3 , Lodges 2 Grand Secretary i 49 ,, State. Vermont — Alexandria Board of Relief. 6 Norfolk Board of Relief 6 Richmond Board of Relief 67 Lodges 16 Washington — > Tacoma Board of Relief 15 Lodges 2 Grand Secretary I Wisconsin — Milwaukee Board of Relief. 12 Lodges I West Virginia — Peterstown Board of Relief i Wheeling Board of Relief. 2 Lodges] 4 Wyoming — 1 Lodges Canada. Province Ontario- London Board of Relief. 22 St. Thomas Board of Relief I Toronto Board of Relief 87 Lodges 14 Province Quebec — Montreal Board of Relief. Published on information to President (source not given) " Secretary (source notf given) Number of cases republished cases published, asking information of missing persons " photographs published autographs published RECAPITULATION. Published by President 2 " Secretary 67 ; Boards of Relief 1.939 Lodges 534 " Grand Lodge officers 3° " individuals 3 Number. .95 19 13 124 23 2 67 555 12 21 28 2.575 so Number. Republished > SSS Information desired 12 Photographs published 21 Autographs published 28 616 Total 3.'9i While this exhibit is only the result of work performed, the vast amount of individual labor involved in securing the information in the 3,130 cases published and republished (to say nothing of the very large number of worthy cases considered by the Boards of Relief and Lodges), and of supplying the same in such form as to best check the fraudulent career of the persons named and described in the ciculars issued, has been faithfully and effectually performed by all concerned. A little reflection will suggest the methods by which the results have been accomplished as well as the earnestness of our associates in their attempts to stamp out an evil which had become of vast extent, and which at this time is of such great proportion as to almost stagger the belief of the less informed brethren. The exhibit is full of suggestion to the intelligent brethren who probably had but little practical knowledge of the extent of Masonic beggary by persons having no legitimate or proper claim to either relief or consideration. The 2,575 men and women published {the latter few in number, be it said to their credit) constitute a brigade of mendicants armed and equipped with great assurance and a knowledge of Masonic usage and ritual that together render it a menace to the stability of the institution, and which certainly crippled the Craft in the amount and effectiveness of its charitable disbursement. It may be stated as a general and undeniable proposition that the sum of donations to fraudulent claimants is a wasted appropriation, and that this amount is practically stolen irom a fund unable to bear misappropriation of this character. Beside this is the more alarming and dangerous fact that.donations to this class of applicants are simply so many inconsiderate acts of encouragement to mendicancy, which is acknowledged to be but little less than crime, to which it assuredly leads. Were any argument required to show the necessity for the existence and general sup- port of an association of this kind within the body of Masonry it is clearly given in the above exhibit. We believe, in view of the facts stated, that no argument is needed further than such as is here afforded, and it remains only to draw certain conclusions from the figures that will serve to show more plainly some of the evils this Association is endeavoring to correct and to suggest the remedy for them. The publications of fraudulent applicants authorized by Boards of Relief (1,939) is about 75 per cent, of the total number of original publications ; the number authorized by Lodges, not counted with Boards of Relief (534) is about 20 per cent., and a little less than 5 per cent, came from other sources, as indicated by the recapitulation. Of the number of cases republished (555) the Boards of Relief forwarded the information in at least 95 per cent, of the cases. The photographs and autographs published were furnished entirely by Boards of Relief. These facts establish the value of organization and of experience in the work of relief. Lodges nor individuals have the time or the inclination to make thorough examination of the worthiness of applicants, and if they had, facilities for publication, except in a very limited manner, are not available to them. It is probable that many Lodges in the jurisdiction of Grand Lodges' not in afKliaiion with this Association have little if any knowledge of the existence of our SI organization. This is indicated by the fact that many States are not represented in the exhibit as furnishing information from Lodges, while many populous States have no Masonic Boards of Relief within their borders. This fact, while it is insufficient proof of a lack of Masonic charity, nevertheless is strong evidence that protection to Masonic charitable funds is not deemed a necessity of the time or of the locality. So far as is known there is no Board of Relief in the large cities of Penn.sylvania, Connecticut and several of • the Southern and Western States, while the great State of Illinois has apparently only one Board of Relief, that at Cairo. How and to what extent Masonic charitable relief is managed in these States is simply a matter of conjecture. It is quite clear from the above figures that imposition must thrive in the absence of organization to prevent or check it. If New York City publishes 575 Masonic frauds, is it not fair to assume that at least an equal number have visited and received aid in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburg, Chicago and the large cities of Connecticut ? But it may be said this is an argument which it is desired to avoid in this place, and which the exhibit appears to afford. Still the tact is worthy of much con- sideration, for if lodges in the States and Cilies above mentioned have no protection against fraud, one of three conclusions must be formed : either there is no attempted fraud, no con- cern in the matter, or that the spirit of Masonic charity and its proper bestowal is dormant or dead. It is quite probable that fourteen years of proscription by this Association has had the good effect to relieve the localities referred to of the Masonic fraud to some extent, and for that reason the necessity for protective agencies does not appear to exist, though this is a more favorable construction than the facts will warrant. Whatever be the reason influencing the Craft in certain States against protective organization, this lamentable condi- tion exists — lamentable from the point of view taken by the large majority of brethren as an outcome of more or less costly experience. For many years the evils of Masonic beggary have steadily grown into a monumental shame and disgrace. These evils are, briefly, as follows : Taxation upon the Craft, in the supposed interests of Masonic benevolence, for the benefit of a class that chooses to live without labor ; the excitement of a sympathy undeserved, wasteful, and demoralizing to a degree scarcely understood ; the encouragement of fraud, deceit and the mercenary spirit which is part of the nature of perhaps the majority of men; the loss of interest of good Masons in an institution which, though' founded upon the highest principles of uprightness, fails to see justification in encouraging vice simply because the viciously inclined were once within the circle of good men and true ; and, finally, the knowledge of an extensive swindling army, and the lack of united effort to combat it by authority of the legislative power vested in Grand Lodges. Many minor evils result from failure to regard Masonic fraud as a crime against society, and particularly against the institution which prides itself upon an unbounded charity. The publication of the above exhibit ought to arouse a spirit of resistance against imposition which wilHead to a more thorough and practical effort on the part of Grand Lodges to relieve theCraft of the weight of fraud now resting upon it. Whether it be wise to call a convention of Grand Lodge officers throughout North America for the purpose of considering this and- other questions of great importance is a matter of wide difference of opinion; it is, however, submitted that sooner or later Grand Lodges will be obliged to unite upon some plan of general action which will have the effect to protect their subordin- ates and the individuals of the Craft against the robbers of their funds. It is not the province of this Association to recommend any specific measure for the united action. We have endeavored to make plain the extent of the raid upon Masonic 52 charitable funds, and to protect those co-operating with us so far as it could be done without the authority and support of all the Grand Bodies having the power to legislate for protection as well as upon questions subordinate to it in importance. Until such united action shall have been had, it is earnestly recommended that Boards of Relief be formed in every town and city having two or more Lodges, and that they adopt systematic measures for stamping out fraud as well as for granting relief to the worthy. Grand Lodges should not only encourage the formation of such boards, but should compel their formation by legislative enactment. Annual reporfe should be made to Grand Lodge by each Board, and a complete system insisted upon. If this were done in every State it would check the impostor to some extent, but to be thoroughly effective the system should be extended and definite. By the adoption of this plan, as a beginning, some of the burden of relief would be taken off, and, more than this. Grand Lodges would soon become so familiar with the conditions that a closer unity would result. These figures stare us in the face and we cannot get away from them. They alarm the thinking man, and strike with almost stunning force. Even those of us who are more experienced and having better knowledge of all the conditions are astonished at their magnitude. Month by month our Warning Circulars have grown in length, and we hardly realized how great and important were the results of our labors. It behooves us as honest and honorable men, desiring to relieve distress within our Craft, to study and reflect upon the figures here presented and the suggestions advanced thereupon, brief and incomplete though they be. t FINANCIAL. The following schedules show the receipts and expenditures, the latter being itemized so far as is necessary. The amounts realized by sale of Indexes (of which there were two separate issues) are included in the total collections for each year. The income of the Association consists almost entirely of the per capita tax, which has varied as hereinbefore stated. Receipts. For the year ended August 31, 1886 $529 94 " 31,1887 65726 " 31.1888 ; 1,22269 " 31.1889 ' 975 26 " 31.1890 75813 " 31.1891 1,09331 " 31.1892 1,21867 " 31.1893 1,11637 " 3>. 1894 1,56091 " " 31.1895 1,22966 " 31.1896 1,26601 " 31.1897 1,551" " 31.1898 1,63896 " 31.1898 1,85938 Total $16,677 70 The average yearly receipts has been $1,191.26, which has been exceeded in every year but one since 1891. As will be seen, the annual receipts are gradually increasing. S3 m a X 1 S-S'^S RS8 E;s.g S-5.8>S>S- 1 S g ? S «: g- |. 5 1 ^ 1 "^ R ■* M H M w" M J" cT M Expenses TO Fra- ternal Congress. :::::::: 8 :::: : i ! ; ! ; ! i i ^ i ! ; i i 8 . a s ,3^ 1 ; : : 8 8 8 S 8 : : : : : : t ■ o O o S\ in t '. '. '. '. '. • ■ • .a " " " 1 s << to : S 8 8 S 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 :S,88888S,S'8R888 M « in'**6 meow m-'o 8 1 u i SS-2£'S'8R2S£'S'8S8 •*e M MM H N CO 00 H fO 00 Station- ery. O -Otnotn.o ■ -0 .Qio W-HNCOM-M.- .WW GO 4* • 8 **o o^o^oo « « MOO mcftO r«.M MOO "o»"^o\«s;*=2.3;H.*2.)£'S. 1 :::::::::::: 8 : M : I : ; ; i ! M i 1 : • 8 o cm- :::: ^ ::::::: 8 : ■■■■■■■■ 1 ■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ^ • & .'S.gS.S-S.8?:S.KS88R^ 1 54 The average annual expenditures have been $1,024.44. Iii ^^^ items of printing and postage there is a gradual increase, due to the steadily increasing membership of the Association. The comparatively large expenditure in l8g8 is accounted for by the preparation and production of a very complete and satisfactory index to circulars, an expenditure fiilly warranted by the results obtained. As will be seen, the item of Rent has been eliminated, and the disbursements for that account added to " Secretary's Allowance," which (including " Rent ") has been the small sum of $5,541.66 for the fourteen years, an average of less than S400 per year. It is remarkable that the cost of administration, considering the amount of work performed, has been so small. The cost of preparing and printing this history, which can hardly exceed the cost of getting out the Index in i8g8, is the only item of unusual expenditure anticipated in the near future, and will be fiilly justified both by reason of the amount in the hands of the Treasurer and the enlarged publicity the Association will secure among Masons. Finally, in view of what has been set forth, briefly as economy has demanded, it is believed the Association has won the right to general support and more extended countenance. The work of fourteen years, largely voluntary, has resulted in a great saving of the Craft's benevolent fund, and knowing this we confidently believe the brethren will recognize and support The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada.