M P M 8 H 1 • F r i -OF THE- Sìxtb | M Ì W St \ te Coaijcil - O F THE- m n p u i s OF n i of Pennsylvania, Held in Philadelphia, September 18th and 19th, 1894. PHILADELPHIA HIBEBNIAK PRINT. m U KIIKUKÌ - O F THE— Sixtb Bi-Ewkl State CoüDcil —OF THE— ßPTPLIG P J I 3 OF m » of Pennsylvania, Held in Philadelphia, September 18th and 19th, 1894. PHILADELPHIA HIBERNIAN P R I N T . | f Spadal 1] l̂ CoMionsffl PROCEEDINGS. PHILADHLFHIA, September 18th, 1894. The Sixth Bi-ennial State Council of Pennsylvania, Catholic Knights of America, was convened on September 18th 1894, at Philadelphia. The delegates assembled at the headquarters, Hanover Hotel, 12th and Arch Streets, and escorted by a delegation of Philadelphia Knights proceeded to St. John's Church, 18th Street above Chestnut Street, where Solemn High Mass was. celebrated by the State Spiritual Director, Rev. Bernard A. Conway w-ith Rev. James A. Flanagan, Deacon, and Rev. P. F. McNulty, Sub-Deacon. At the Post Communion, Father Conway in a few words w e l c o m e d the visiting delegates and advised harmony in the Council. After the Mass the delegates proceeded to the Philopatrian Hall, on 12th Street below Walnut Street, where the proceedings of the Council were opened by the State Spiritual Director with prayer^ On the roll call of officers all answered to their names as follows: Spiritual Director, Rev. B. A. Conway; President, James F. Sherry; Vice-President, M. P. McLoughlm; Secretary, Thomas McComeskey; Treasurer, Henry Drueding. 4 The President appointed the following Committee on Credentials : R. J . McQuillen, of Branch 509, John A. Baumgardner, of Branch 118, and Rev. Thomas J . Barry, of Branch 122. John J . O'R'ourke of Branch 146, moved that the names of the officers and delegates be printed on slips for the use of the delegates, and that the Secretary select the printer. Carried. On motion of Brother O'Rourke, seconded by Rev. Thos. Barry, the Secretary was instructed to correspond with the Supreme Secretary and procure the membership of the Branches-in the Statg from him on September 1st, 1894, and that the per capita tax be levied according to the membership so reported. On motion of ¥ m . Earley, of Branch 118, a committee of five were appointed to revise the State Constitution. The President appointed the following to act on this committee: Wm. Earley, of Branch 118; Rev. Thos. Barry, of Branch 122; Rev. B. A. Conway, of Branch 539; Jacob A. Will, of Branch 598; "Wm. Dwyer, of Branch 226. The Committee on Credentials reported as follows : To President and Delegates Pennsylvania State Con- vention of C. K. of A., of 1894. Your Committee having examined the Credentials of the Delegates report that the following named are entitled to be admitted as delegates to the Council: Branch. No. 30—W". F. O'Donnell, Blossburg. No. 56—'William Kerford, Philadelphia. No. 98—R. L. Graves, Erie. No. 118—J. A. Baumgardner, Philadelphia. No. 118—W. Earley, Philadelphia. 5 No 118—Charles J . Bigley, Philadelphia. N o 118—H. B. Coyle, Philadelphia. No' 122—John A. Toy, Philadelphia. No 122—Rev. Thomas Barry, Philadelphia. 146—J. J . O'Rourke, Philadelphia. No 2 2 6 — W i l l i a m Dwyer, Oil City. No. 286—James J . Bonner, Philadelphia. N o 393—H. L. Spiesman, Corry. No. 468—George T. Haben, McKeesport. N o 4 8 9 _ R e v . William Graham, Latrobe. Ho' 509—R. J . McQuillen, Philadelphia. No 530—W. J . Buckley, Philadelphia. No 589—James M. Dalton, Philadelphia. No 549—Jamös F. Maxwell, Carbondale. No. 555—John V. Travers, New Castle, jfo. 572—Andrew Moyer, Harrisburg. No' 593—John P. Leichti, Greensburg. No. 598—Jacob A. Will, Altoona. No. 612—J. C. Purcell, Pottsville. js[0i 674—Frank Grambo, Scranton. jf0 ' . 676—L. C. Kuhn, Latrobe. 680—P. M. Brannon, Connellsville. No' 706—Neal J . Mcllvain, Bristol. No". 720—John Z. Roederer, Philadelphia. The following Branches are not represented in the Council by delegates: Branches, 57, 546, 548 and 667. Respectfully submitted, R. J . McQuillen, Thomas Barry, John A. Baumgardner, Committee. On motion the report was accepted. 6 A P P O I N T M E N T OF C O M M I T T E E S . The State President appointed the following com- mittees : v On Resolutions:—J. J . O'Rourke, R. L. Graves, H. B. Coyle, Andrew Moyer and 1ST. J . Mcllvain. On Good of the Order :—Rev. Bernard A. Conway, Rev. Thomas J . Barry, L. C. Kuhn and J . Z. Roederer. On Auditing and Finances:—John A. Toy, J . J . Bonner, George T. Haben, John P. Leichti and J. A. Baumgardner.' On Printing and Supplies :—H. L. Spiesman, Charles J . Bigley, Frank Grambo, M. P. McLouffhlin and R J McQuillen. On Appeals and Grievances :—Rev. William Graham, P. M. Brannon, W. J . Buckley, Jacob A. Will and J. M'. Dal ton. On Mileage and Per Diem :—H. G. Drueding, "William Earley, William Dwyer, John V. Travers,.and James F . Maxwell. On motion at 12.15 P. M. the Council took a recess until 2 P. M. AFTERNOON SESSION. At 2.15 P. M. the President called the Council to order. On motion a recess was taken for 30 minutes in order to give time for the various committees to prepare their reports. The minutes of the preceding Council were then read, and with the amendment that the Badges for the delegates to the present Council be secured at ten cents each be added, the minutes were adopted as published. The report of the Treasurer was then presented as follows, and on motion was referred to the Committee on Audit. 7 PHILADELPHIA, September 18th, 1894. To the President and Members of State Council 0. K, of A. of Pennsylvania. GENTLEMEN AND BROTHERS : Your Treasurer respectfully submits the following re- port for last term. 1892. , * 4 eo Sept . 20, B y Ba lance as per r e p o r t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • • • • Oct . 29, B y cash S ta te Secre tary P e r Capi ta , B r a n c h 674 ^ 00 ^ « 530"!... 12 SO S ' „ " ' « « . . . . . . " . . . . 489 52 00 NOV. 1 6 . . . . v . . . . . . a „ 689 . . . - r . . 10 40 l I » ' " " ¡0 V. « « . . . . 6 7 6 9 60 „ 1 M » " " . . . . . . . 30 24 00 - . . ." M M 1 146 40 N o v ' 1 8 E l i „ « « 2 8 6 . . . . . . 29 60 | P * 1 ' < " " . . " . . . . 598 22 40 I I I « - • : ; ; ; ; ; ; . » . . . . . . . . « . . . . 393 ieso 1 1 1 ml " . " . . . . 572 15 20 ( l „ " " " a « " . . . . 4 6 8 9 60 , t l „ « ! " " « / . . . . " . . . . 509 11 20 ;4 „ "•••• 122 67 20 1 8 9 3 < ([ a u . . . . " . . . . 549 46 40 J a n - 7 ' 1 , t « •«'•' 146 43 20 (i « « " 1 1 « " ' 9 548 35 20 „ 17,', „ « « 226 19 20 , , , I i i « » . . . . . . . . " . . . . 6 1 2 . . . . . . 15 20 F e b . . . . . . . . . . 5 6 . . . . . . 3120 1 8 9 4 > 1 „ I « . 98 54 40 i n f c g .. • • • • » • • • ; : : : x . . . 477 9 6 0 I I «••••'•• '"» ; ; ; . . « H 57 3120 „ g „ " ' V " " . . . . " . . . . 680. 15 20 V M S m i i I "•••• 667 n 20 y ,« I - " " . . . . 5 7 6 8 80 „" ' „ «"".'.'.'.'.'...." "•••• 555 15 20 Prof i t a n d Loss , 1 00 $793 60 8 1892. Sept. 22, No. 1, Dec. 17, " 9, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20, 22, 23, 8, 12, 15, 6, 16, 21, 25, 13, V, 13, DisbursGENTLEMEN AND BROTHERS ; > Your Committee on Mileage and Per Diem report as follows : B r a n c h . 30 56 57 98 118 122 146 226 286 393 468 489 509 530 539 549 555 572 593 598 612 «74 €76 680 706 720 N a m e and L o c a t i o n . Days . Miles. Rev . B e r n a r d Conway, Ph i l a . , 2 J a m e s F . Sher ry , Phi ladelphia , 2 M . P . McLough l in , Pottsvil le, 3 186 T h o m a s McComeskey, Phi la . , 2 H . G . Drueding , Phi ladelphia , 2 W . P . O 'Donnel l , Blossburg, 4 644 W m . K e r f o r d , Philadelphia, 2 Char les P a y , Ph i lade lph ia , 2 R . L . Graves , Er ie , 4 892 ffm. E a r l e y , Phi ladelphia , 2 H u g h B. Coyle, Ph i lade lphia , 2 Char les J . Bigley, Phi lade lphia , 2 J o h n A. B a u m g a r d n e r , Phila. , 2 Rev . T h o m a s J . Bar ry , Ph i l a . , 2 J o h n A . Toy, Phi lade lphia , 2 J o h n J . O ' R o u r k e , Ph i lade lph ia , 2 W m . Dwyer , Oil Ci ty , 4 970 J . J . Bonne r , Phi lade lphia , 2 H . L . Spiesman, Corry, 4 844 George T . H a b e n , McKeespor t , 4 708 Rev . W m . G r a h a m , La t robe , 4 647 R . J . McQui l len , Phi lade lphia , 2 W m . J . Buck ley Phi ladelphia , 2 J . M . Dal ton , Philadelphia, 2 J a m e s P . Maxwel l , Carbondale, 3 346 J o h n B . Travers , N e w Castle, 4 814 A n d r e w Moyer , Ha r r i sbu rg , 3 212 J o h n P . Liecht i , Greensburg , 4 646 J a c o b A . Wi l l , Al toona , 3 474 J . C. Purce l l , Pot tsvi l le , 3 186 P r a n k G r a m b o , Scranton , 3 314 L . C. K u h n , La t robe , 4 647 P . M . Brannon , Connellsville, 4 796 STeal J . M c l l v a i n , Bristol, 2 40 J o h n Z . Rodere r , Ph i lade lph ia 2 T o t a l . 5 00 5 00 13 08 5 00 5 00 29 32 5 00 5 00 36 76 00 00 00 00 00 5 00 5 00 39 10 5 00 35 32 31 24 29 02 5 00 5 00 5 00 17 88 34 42 13 86 29 38 21 72 13 08 16 92 29 02 33 88 6 20 5 00 $520 20 13 The membership is 1088, and we therefore recommend a Per Capita Tax of 60 cents, which will leave a surplus of $132.60 for general expenses. Fraternally Yours, HENRY G; DRUEDING, JAMES F. MAXWELL, JOHN V. TRAVERS, WM. EARLEY, W. HWYER. On motion the report of the Committee was received. Brother Baumgardner moved that the per capita tax of 60 cents, as reported by the Committee,, be amended to read $1.00. Brother O'Rourke moved a further amendment that the per capita be fixed at 80 cents. Father Barry moved that the Supreme Council be asked to apply the interest of the Sinking Fund for organization purposes among the States. The amendments after considerable discussion were- voted down and the report of the Committee as presented was adopted. The Committee on Appeals and Grievances reported verbally that there were no appeals or grievances presented, hence they had nothing to take action on. John J . O'Rourke, Supreme Delegate to the last Supreme Council held in Chicago, Ills., May, 1893, presented the following report which was on motion received. Philadelphia, September 10th, 1894. DEAR SIRS AHD BROTHERS : Your Supreme Delegate respectfully submits report as follows: As your Supreme Delegate 1 attended, with my colleague, J . C. Purcell, of Pottsville, Pa., the Supreme Council meetings, and in addition to the published official proceedings, report as follows the action of your Supreme Delegates: 14 J . C. Purcell as a member of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances, fulfilled the arduous duties incumbent on that office to the entire satisfaction of the Council. Many hours of anxious labor between the sessions of the Council were required and cheerfully accorded. The report of Supreme Delegates to 1891 Council (Rev. T. J . Barry and John J . O'Rourke) and their subsequent efforts to discover why we were robbed by M. J . O'Brien, and to-unmask the criminal collusion, if any, that enabled him to filch the Order of $76,000, was submitted to the last State Couucil, and by vote duly adopted and approved, was made part of the proceedings of that State Council meeting. The report was signed by Rev. T. J . Barry and John J . O'Rourke and the original sent to State Secretary McComeskey some time after the Council adjourned. The State Secretary characterizes this formal report in his printed proceedings (which are without the endorsement of the State President) as " a lengthy paper read by John J . O'Rourke on Ex-Supreme Treasurer O'Brien's defalcation, charging Supreme President Coleman and Supreme Secre- tary Barr with gross negligence and incompetency, thereby allowing a defalcation possible." Later on in these proceed- ings the State Secretary states that " William Earley was allowed the privilege to reply to John J . O'Rourke's attacks on Supreme officers. Bro. Earley in a very able and eloquent manner defended Bro. Coleman and Bro. B^rr from ' any collusion or possible knowledge of O'Brien's rascality, and said he was proud to stand up and defend an absent brother who was not present to defend himself against such a mean and unmanly attack as that of John J . O'Rourke." As the report was not printed as part of the proceedings, your delegates at their own expense had this done, and copies were sent to each Branch Delegate and also placed in the hands of every Supeme Delegate at the opening 15 session of the Supreme Council on May 9th, 1893. The object of this report so placed before the Supreme Council was a challenge to the Supreme Officers to purge them- selves of the charges therein made. I had witnesses, sworn statements ready, and an attorney engaged to see that your Supreme Delegate was legally protected, and expected to be called upon by the Supreme Officers to place the evidence before the Council. The charges were evaded and by advice the charges were not pushed further—but the effect of the report was the defeat of the administration in spite of their utmost efforts for re-election, as they claimed, for a vindica- tion. So your Delegates claim having served you well in being mainly instrumental-in the removal from office of incapable men. Your Delegate submitted a motion which was carried by a large majority, appropriating from the General Fund $5,000, for organizing purposes, to be expended at the discretion of the Supreme Officers. Your Delegate, also, as Chairman of the Mileage and per Diem Committee, acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the Council. Your Delegate also carried through, in the face of strong opposition from the Supreme officers, the measure requiring all future accumulations of the Sinking Fund be invested" in U. S. Government Bonds only (the Supreme Secretary does not credit me with this in the printed proceedings, but I state the fact.) Your Delegate returned entirely satisfied with the work of the Supreme Council, feeling assured that the Order is now rendered secure from defalcations, and that the future is full of promise for the perpetuation and success of our noble Order. As your Supreme Delegate, and as a member of this State Council (representing Branch 146), I recommend the revising of State Council Constitution, and for the greater usefulness of State Council, I particularly recommend that 16 the Council fix a per capita tax so much in excess of present needs as to pay necessary, and legitimate expenses as will place a fund of $250 iu the State Officers' hands to be used for organizing purposes outside of Philadelphia, also that the State Officers réquest the Supreme Officers to transfer to this State $250 out of $5000 appropriated for organizing purposes, as that legislation was affected by your Supreme Delegate, and that this organizing fund be expended by a committee composed of the State President, State Treasurer and State Secretary who may select one or more organizers, as they deem best, for the securing of good members, and establishing new Branchés ; and in this connection, your Supreme Delegate advocates caution in the rush to secure members, so noticeable in other organizations. We should profit by our own experience in the past, and rather look for quality than quantity. I also particularly recommend revision of Art. 6, Sec. 1 State Council, relating to duties of officers, and that both Secretary and Treasurer furnish bonds in reasonable amount for the faithful performance of duty. I also recommend to secure a more equitable division of the State Officers, that no Branch shall be creditable with more than two State Officers, as we now have many members willing to help the order in any capacity. All of which is fraternally submitted, and with my sincere thanks for the honor conferred. JOHN J. O'ROURKE. The Committee on the Revision of the Constitution reported that they had attended to their duties and were now ready to submit their report. As the hoùr was then late, 6.10 P. M., and the united Branches of Philadelphia had invited the visiting delegates and their ladies to attend a banquet that evening, on motion the Council adjourned to meet at 9.30 A. M., Wednesday. Adjourned with prayer 17 "WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION. The Council re-assembled at 9.30 A. M., President Sherry in the chair ; after prayer" and roll call, the Com- mittee on Revision of .the Constitution submitted their report. The various articles and sections were taken up and on motion of Chas. J . Bigley, it was ordered that any article or section to which no objection was presented be considered as, adopted. The discusión on the proposed revised Constitution was continued during the morning session and was concluded at one o'clock when the Consti- tution was adopted. The Council then took a recess until 2.30 P. M. The revised Constitution as now in force will be found in this pamphlet after the proceedings. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. The Council re-assembted at 2.30 P. M., the President in the chair. The bill of. Joseph A. Eslen for 10,000, Comparative Statements, amounting to $10.00; also bill of State Secretary Thomas McComeskey for two years' salary, $50.00, were presented, and on motion of ¥ m . Dwyer, both bills were ordered to be paid. The Committee on Resolutions submitted the following preamble and resolutions, which were received and adopted unanimously: WHEREAS, "We, the Catholic Knights of America, in State Council assembled, proclaim our firm adhesion to that broad and Catholic principle embodied in the Constitution of the United States, " Freedom of conscience and the right to worship God in accordance with ité dictates;" that we demand this natural and guaranteed right for ourselves, and pledge ourselves to do all in our power to Becure and maintain this right for others; and 18 WHEREAS, There are now organizations of large member- ship whose principal business is alleged to be, the disqualification of Roman Catholics from political prefer- ment on account of their religious belief. THEREFORE, be it resolved, That the teachings and practice • of these organizations are both un-Christian and un-Ameri- can. RESOLVED, That we advise our membership in every State and Territory that they oppose by all honorable means every known member of such societies, and— RESOLVED, That notwithstanding representations to the , contrary, while dutiful children of our Holy Mother Church, our patriotism and devotion to every article embodied in the Constitution of the United States are' second to none, and that we stand ready, as we'ever have been, ' to shed, if necessary, our life's blood for our country and for that civil and«religious liberty guaranteed by the Constitution thereof. RESOLVED, That we declare our intention to support the; dissemination • of good Catholic literature, newspapers and periodicals, and we call upon our people everywhere to bring into their homes and to their firesides at least1 one of the many well-edited journals, any of which are now so cheap in price as to make them within reach of all. RESOLVED, That we express our sincere thanks and apprecia- tion to the press of Philadelphia for their many courtesies. Signed, JOHN J . O'ROURKE, HUGH B. COYLE, ANDREW MOYER, R. L. GRAVES, NEAL J . McILYAIN",; t Committee. 19 New business being now in order, John J . O'Rourke moved, seconded by J . J . Bonner, tbat the Board of Officers to be elected by this Council be instructed to request of the Supreme Officers that $250 of the $5,000 appropriated for the organizing of new branches be given to the officers of the Pennsylvania State Council for the same purpose, and said fund shall b£ distributed by the State Treasurer. Carried unanimously. Wm. Earley presented the following resolution: "WHEREAS, Experience has proven that in most cases the object a member has in joining a Life Insurance Society ceases to exist after 20 years; therefore, B E IT RESOLVED, That the Supreme Delegates from this State be instructed to present an Amendment to Supreme Constitution-to the following effect: Where a Brother Member of the Catholic Knights oi America has continued, without interruption, a member in good standing for the period twenty years, he may have the privilege of applying to the Supreme Council for an examination, and if it is found that said applicant is physically disabled from earning a livelihood, or financially unable to keep up his assessment any longer^ that upon satisfactory proofs of same, the Supeme Secre- tary be required to draw an order upon the Widow and Orphan's Fund for one-half the amount of his certificate, and pay the same to the Brother Member, with consent of Beneficiary named in said certificate, and then cancel his Policy and drop his name from the roll as a Benefici- ary Member, but he can continue as a Soeial Member upon complying with all Laws governing same. Respectfully submitted, WM. EARLEY. 20 M. P. McLoughlin proposed to go further in the matter and limit the number of assessments. John J . O'Rourke favored a Disability Fund being created from a percentage taken from the Widow and Orphan's Fund, and also a limit of assessments when the Sinking Fund reached $1,000,000.00. J . A. Baumgardner said the only way to keep assessments down was to increase thte membership, if not assessments will increase. Jacob A. Will suggested that the Order should work to reduce the average age by getting young men to join. Jas. F. Maxwell suggested that the number of assessments should be limited to thirty- six in a year, and that the Supreme Delegates should present the proposition to the Supreme Council. James M. Dalton favored Brother Earley's amendment, as applicants for membership generally ask will they themselves get any- thing alter a given period. Brother Earley spoke in behalf of his resolution, saying that children grow .up, leave home, settle down for themselves, and the member broken in heart or growing aged is unable to support himself and keep paying his assessments. M. P. McLoughlin hoped the resolution would pass and that the Delegates to the Supreme Council would use every exertion to have the amendment, adopted at the meeting in Omaha. John P. Leichti suggested that provision should be made under the same circumstances for smaller amounts after ten and fifteen years respectively. After further discussion the resolution of Brother Earley was unanimously adopted. J . A. Baumgardner moved that the officers of the State Council shall consist of two Vice-Presidents, first and second. Carried. The following resolution offered by Father Barry was unanimously adopted. RESOLVED, That it is the sense of the C. K . of A . of the State of Pennsylvania in Council assembled, that the interest of the Sinking Fund should be applied to the increasing of the Order, and 21 RESOLVED, That our State Secretary be instructed to present an amendment, in the name of this State Council, to the Constitution authorizing the application of said interest to that purpose. Jacob A. Will presented the following communication which was received: Branch 598, through their delegate offers the following: RESOLVED, That the Sinking Fund should be continued for the present, but that tb e interest accruing therefrom should be applied either for payment of Death Benefits or for general expenses, thereby lessening the expenses of the members. Motion passed September 11th, 1894. By order of Branch, Attest, J . A. Will, Recording Secretary. By R. L. Graves, Branch 98, Erie, Pa. RESOLVED, That it is the desire of Branch 98, of Erie, Pa., to have the State Council instruct the Supreme Delegates to use all possible efforts to have the Reserve Fund limited to $250,000.00 and to have its yearly interest applied to the deduction of assessments. R. L. Graves, Branch 98. H. L. Spiesman, Branch 393. James. F. Maxwell, Branch 549. This, on motion of M. P. McLoughlin was laid on the table. William Earley presented the following communications as to the action of the Philadelphia Committee in securing the approbation of his Grace Most Reverend P. J . Ryan, Archbishop of Philadelphia. 22 At a meeting of the Committee of the PHILADELPHIA BRANCHES, CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF AMERICA, held Sunday afternoon, August 5th, 1894, for the purpose of making preparations for the holding of the State Council in this City, on September 18th, 1894, and the necessary arrangements' for the reception and entertainment of visiting Brother Knights, the following Preamble arid Resolutions were -adopted :— W H E R E A S , This being an Insurance Age, all thinking men feel that in justice to their families and those dependent upon them, certain provisions should be made in the Bhape of Life Insurance as an investment Which can be quickly realized upon in the hour of need, and, owing to the large premiums required to maintain a Policy in°the old line Insurance Companies, which places them out of the reach of a large portion of those requiring protection, a new form' of fraternal insurance organizations sprang up all over the Country, such as the " American Legion, of Honor," " Order of Sparta," " United .Order of Work- men," " Fraternal Guardians," "Knights of the Golden Eagle," "Knights of Pythias," and others. Which Societies offered inducements which brought numbers of Catholics to their fold, notwithstanding many are secret and non-Catholic and all have their secret pass words, Rituals and Chaplains, rendering them dangerous for Catholics to join, and, it may safely be said that some are not only non-Catholic but even anti-Catholic. Firm in the faith that Almighty God and His Church meet all questions and conditions at the proper time and make provisions for them, we sincerely believe that the 10 or 12 men who founded the Society of the Catholic Knights of America, some 16 years ago, were inspired by Him; and encouraged by God's ministers. This organiza- tion of Catholics was formed to give all the benefits which the Societies above quoted could give, with the 23 addition and advantage of associating with men of their own faith ; the rnles of the Order being such that none but Catholics can be admitted and, moreover, after furnishing a Certificate from their Pastor to that effect. | The meetings are opened and closed with prayers pre- ', scribed by the Church, thé " Pater Noster " and the "Ave , Maria;" another provision is that every Branch shall , have a Spiritual Director. The Order has been abundantly blessed and endorsed by a large number of dignitaries of the Church, Arch- ; bishops and Bishops, and has received the benediction of our Holy Father, Leo XIII. It has grown from the small beginning of 10 or 12 members to Twenty-five thousand, and is established in every State and Territory of the Union, having on its rolls men in every station of life, from the humblest laboring man to, the mitred Archbishop and Cardinal, and almost every branch has one and more Priests in its active membership. The Order has met all obligations promptly and with- out contest every beneficiary of a deceased Brother ï receiving the full amount of the Benefit Certificate, whether his Branch was in good standing or not. More than, six and a half millions of dollars have already been paid out to meet these obligations and there is a large reserve fund on hand to provide for future calls and demands, making this,..the Catholic Knights of America, one of the safest organizations in existence ; in view of . the foregoing facts, be ,it RESOLVED, That a Committee be appointed to wait upon that well known and powerful friend of Catholic organiza- tions, whether religiôus, beneficial or fraternal, His Grace, Archbishop P . J . RYAS, for the purpose of laying before /„him the above facts with the object of getting his approval 24 and endorsement of our Order, for whereas, the Catholic Knights of New York, Cincinnati, Chicago, New Orleans, SanJFrancisco, Baltimore and every large City, have not received the endorsement but also count amongst their membership as Honored Members, His Eminence the Cardinal, Archbishops and Bishops, and more, the Catholic Knights of "Washington and of the whole Country have received the approval of His Eminence, Mons. SATOLLI, the Papal Ablegate; it is therefore our earnest desire and sincere hope that the Catholic Knights of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania, will not only have the approval of our beloved Archbishop, but that we will also be able to enroll him as an honored member at least, if not an active one, as we fully realize the importance of such an endorsement, which would better enable us to carry on our noble work of protecting the Widows and Orphans of our deceased Brothers, Be it also RESOLVED, That the Committee be instructed to extend a cordial invitation to His Grace to attend the opening ceremonies of our State Council by participating in the High Mass at St. John's Church, on Tuesday morning, September 18th, 1894, and to attend the Banquet given in honor of the visiting Knights and Ladies, on the evening of the same day. Philadelphia, August 25th, 1894. WM. EARLEY, CHAIRMAN, JAS. F. SHERRY, THOS. McCOMESKEY, REV. THOS. BARRY, CHARLES FAY, WILLIAM KERFORD, • COMMITTEE. \ 25 These resolutions were accompanied by the following letter. PHILADELPHIA, August 31st, 1894. MOST REVEREND AND DEAR SIR : Would your Grace kindly grant at some time most convenient to yourself a personal interview to thé Committee of the Philadelphia Branches of The Catholic Knights of America, in order that they may have the opportunity of conveying the respects of the Knights of Philadelphia to your Grace, and at the same time the opportunity of carrying Out the instructions conveyed in the enclosed Resolutions. i Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, WILLIAM EARLEY, To His Grace Chairman of Committee. Most Rev. P. J . RYAN, Archbishop. Brother Earley explained that after sending the above letter and resolutions he called upon the Archbishop who received him most kindly, and after a very pleasant inter- view His Grace said he would write him on the matter. The following is the letter received from the Archbishop in his own handwriting. Archbishop's House, Logan Square, PHILADELPHIA, September 13th, 1894. WILLIAM EARLEY ESQ., Chairman of Committee of Catholic Knights of America. M Y DEAR .S IR : As I am obliged to leave the City for a week's Confirmation tour in the interior of the Diocese, I am con- strained to decline the invitation of the Catholic Knights to attend their banquet. 26 I authorize you, however, to add my name to those of the Prelates of the Country who approve your organization. Yours sincerely, P. J . RYAN", Archbishop of Philadelphia. On motion duly seconded the communications were received. On motion the Council proceeded to the nomination and election of officers,to serve for the ensuing two years. The President appointed Rev. B. A. Conway Judge, and H. L. Spiesman and Henry G-. Drueding Tellers. While the bal- lot for Spiritual Director was being cast and counted Rev. Thos. Barry acted as Judge. The first nominations opened were for two Supreme Delegates to represent Pennsylvania in the Supreme Council, to be held in Omaha, Neb., in May, 1895. Rev. Thomas Barry of Branch 122, William Earley of Branch 118, J . C. Purcell of Branch 612, and James F. Maxwell of Branch 549 were placed in nomination. The vote was as follows: William Earley, 20; J . C. Purcell, 13: Rev. Thos. Barry, 12; Jas. F. Maxwell, 5. William Earley and J. C. Purcell were declared elected Supreme Delegates, and Rev. Thos. Barry and James F. Maxwell, alternates. The nominations were then opened for Spiritual Direc- tor, Rev. B. A. Conway of Branch 539 and Rev. William Graham of Branch 489, were nominated. The vote was as follows: Father Conway, 25; Father Graham 8. Father Conway's election was on motion made unani- mous. 27 Nominations for President being in order James F. Sherry of Branch 122, Thomas McComeskey of Branch 286 and William Kerford of Branch 56, were placed in nomina- tion. The vote was as follows : James F. Sherry 15 ; Thos. McComeskey 14; "William Kerford 4. On motion the election of Brother Sherry was made unanimous. Nominations were then made for two Vice-Presidents to be elected, the one receiving the highest vote to be first and the second highest, second Vice-President. William Dwyer of Branch 226, M. P. McLoughlin of Branch 612, and R. L. Graves of Branch 98 were nominated. The vote was as follows; M. P. McLoughlin, 22; Wm. Dwyer, 15; R. L. Graves, 13. M. P. McLoughlin was declared elected First Vice- President and Wm. Dwyer Second Vice-President. James J . Bonner of Branch 286, and John P. Leichti of Branch 593, were placed in nomination for Treasurer. The vote was as follows : James J . Bonner, 22; J . P. Leichti, 11. Brother Bonner was declared elected Treasurer. For Secretary: John J . O'Rourke of Branch 146, and Charles J . Bigley of Branch 118, were placed in nomination. The vote was as follows: Charles J . Bigley, 20; J . J . O'Rourke, 13. Charles J . Bigley was declared elected. On motion duly made all the elections were made unanimous. 28 The selection of a place for the holding of the next State Council being the next matter before the meeting, Brother McLoughlin in a very complimentary address named Philadelphia, while the Philadelphia delegates felt flattered at the kind compliment they thought it would best advance the interest of the Order by selecting some other City. Brother O'Rourke named Scranton, and Brother Kerford, Carbondale. Upon a vote being taken it was decided that the next State Council should meet in Scranton. Upon motion of Brother McLoughlin a rising vote of thanks was given by the out of town delegates to the Philadelphia Knights for their kind and most hospitable reception tendered the visitors. Upon motion of Brother Bigley the thanks of the Council was tendered the retiring officers. Thanks was also tendered his Grace, Most Rev. P. J . Ryan, Archbishop of Philadelphia, for his letter of com- mendation to Father Fisher for his noble and encouraging address at the Banquet, to Father Conway for his wise advice and to the managers of the Lu Lu Temple for the free use of their reception room and the organ. There being no more business before the Council, after prayer by the Spiritual Director, the President declared the Council adjourned, sine die. Attest: JAMES F. SHERRY, CHAS. J . BIGLEY, President, State Council. Secretary, State Council. The foregoing proceedings were prepared by the under- signed from the notes made in the Council by the retiring State Secretary, Brother Thop. McComeskey. CHARLES J . BIGLEY, State Secretary. 29 T H E R A L L Y . The United Branches of Philadelphia Knights had a grand rally and collation on Monday evening, September 17, 1894, preceding the Council, to which* the visiting delegates were escorted, at the Hall 1325 Columbia Avenue. Addresses were made by Messrs. Kerford, Sherry, McComeskey, John J. O'Rourke, "Wm. Earley and B. J . Ward. A short address was made by Father Morrisev, of St. Ann's, Port Richmond, followed by Father Hanuigan of Phcenixville, who said that he could imagine the result of the average Irish Catholic citizen belonging to the C. K. of A. It made him more provident, more religious and a better citizen. The amount he received from the C. K. of A., although no great fortune would . be the means of raising his (in many cases) large family, and be the means of enabling the widow to give them some kind of an education. Father Hannigan was followed by J . W. Logue, of the C. T. A. U., who made an address which was listened to with attention considering the late hour. He dwelt on the necessity of the average Catholic belonging to some benefi- cial organization connected with the Church, or, more literally speaking, composed entirely of Catholics, because it was only in that way they would command the respect they were entitled to. Charles J . Bigley recited " A Mother's Triumph," and Daniel Cummings sang several selections, which were re- ceived with applause. In every way the rally and collation was a grand success. T H E B A N Q U E T . On the evening of Tuesday, September 18th, 1894, a banquet was tendered by the local branches to the visiting delegates and invited guests at Lu Lu Temple. About 400 were present, including many of the wives and daughters of the married members and sweethearts of the single ones. The 30 hall was elaborately decorated with flags, bunting and plants, and when the organ recital in the upper hall, which preceeded the banquet, had ceased, those attending repaired to the first floor where tables were set. A table running across the width of the*room and five tables leading down the length of the room accommodated the gathering. When the menu presented for the delectation of the guests was well nigh completed the speech-making began. John A. Baumgardner, chairman of the banquet committee, was toast-master. The other members of the committee were James J . Bonner, Thomas McComeskey, G. Diehl, Charles Fay and P . J . Buckley. The first toast was " Our Church," and was responded to by Rev.,Nevin P. Fisher, rector of the Catholic High School. Michael J . Ryan, Esq. responded to " Our Country," most eloquently. Rev. Jas. F. Loughlin, D. D., Chancellor of the Diocese, responded to " The Catholic Knights of America." He read the regrets of the Archbishop, and in a speech bristling with witticisms presented some great truths. He said that knighthood was the invention of the Catholic Church, and that for 1,600 years Catholic knight- hood was the only form worthy the name." Edmund Burke had said, regarding the treatment accorded the French Queen by the revolutionists, that the days of chivalry had perished. In their insanity they had lost the Catholic faith and ceased to be gentlemen. Speaking of his filling the place of Rev. Thomas Barry, he said, " he was not a knight, but he was chivalrous enough to take the place of a brother when he is hors du combat." The toast 1 Our Guests," was responded to in a few brief but appropriate remarks by State President James F. Sherry. James W. King, of the Philadelphia Press, spoke to the sentiment " The Press," in which he said we must continue to look up to the -press as a great power ; that the dominant virtue of the press was fairness, and its danger that of carrying fairness to a point of infidelity. 31 The true American people are just and fair, though prejudice may be imposed upon them for a time by people beyond our borders, who owe no allegiance to our country. Rev. V m . A. McLoughlin read the letter of Thomas Martindale on " Progressive Philadelphia," who was obliged to be away from the City To the toast " The Ladies," M. P. McLoughlin, Assist- ant District Attorney of Schuylkill County and State Vice \ President, responded. He commended the course of the Knights in having set aside conventional rules and adopted common sense in its place by having the ladies a,t the banquet. He adviBed the unmarried ladies present to see before engaging themselves that their intended husbands held certificates in the Catholic Knights. General St. Clair Mulholland, being called on, made a speech in which he brought forth the historical fact that the Crusaders who recovered the Holy Land, the Barons who forced Magna Charta from King John, Columbus, La Salle, Marquette, Bilboa, the Cabots, Rochanibeau, Pulaski, Kosciusko, Barry, Shields, Corcoran, Mulligan, Foster, Gilmore, Rosecrans, Meagher, Sheridan and others whom the world delights to honor " were all Catholic Knights." In conclusion he said: The American flag will never be in danger from foe, foreign or domestic, but there will be Catholic Knights to pour out their hearts' blood in its defense. At the close of the banquet Mrs. Captain Cusack recited " The Top o' the Mornin' " in an admirable manner. The evening's enjoyment ended with dancing. An orchestra of ten pieces under G. C. Schoenberg, discoursed music during the banquet, between the speeches and for the dancing. The picture of the Delegates and Ladies was kindly loaned by Nicholas M. Griffin, Publisher of Catholic Societies. PENNSYLVANIA STATE CONSTITUTION — O F — C0THOL16 KNIGHT* Of AMERICA. A d o p t e d a t S t a t e (Souneil a t "Phi ladelphia , S e p t e m b e r 19th, 1894. • ARTICLE I. The State Council shall be composed of its Officers and Representatives from all Branches of the Catholic Knights of America in good standing in Pennsylvania. ARTICLE II. The Officers shall consist of a Spiritual Director, Presi- dent, two Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, all of whom shall be elected by ballot, a majority of the votes cast being necessary to elect, and no more than one officer shall be elected from any one Branch. This clause however shall not apply to Supreme Delegates elected by the State Council, as a State Officer and a Supreme Delegate may be elected from the same Branch. ARTICLE HI. Any candidate or nominee for any state office who shall solicit votes from delegates to secure his nomination or election shall be deemed ineligible to hold any State Office. 83 ARTICLE IV. Each Branch shall be represented at the State Council by one Delegate, and when the membership of a Branch reaches one hundred it shall be entitled to two Delegates. Each Delegate shall have one vote and when the membership of the Branch exceeds one hundred, then each delegate shall have one vote in addition for every fifty (50) members in excess of the first one hundred (100) members his Branch may have; that is four (4) votes for a membership of one hundred and fifty ( 1 5 0 ) , six votes for a membership of a two hundred (200) and so on. SECTION 2 . The State Council shall pay mileage to its Officers and Delegates, who may be in attendance at its sessions, at the rate of three cents a mile each way for the distance a member may have to travel, and per diem at the rate of $ 2 . 5 0 for actual attendance at the Council and not more than for two days going and returning in addition. ARTICLE V. All Branches of the order in Pennsylvania shall report in March and September of each year to the State Secretary, the number of members in good standing on its roll, and shall further give detailed report to September the First prior to the meeting of State Council, and the State Secre- tary shall levy the state per capita tax upon this report. SECTION 2 . Branches shall be required to furnish all other information that may be required. SECTION 3. Neglect to comply with the provisions of this article shall debar the Branch of representation in the State Council. ARTICLE VI. The State Council shall meet bi-annually on the third Tuesday of September, at eleven o'clock A. M., at such place as may be selected by a majority of the Represenatives at the Council next preceding. 34 SECTION 2. The State President shall convene the Council at any time upon the written request of one-third of the Branches in the State. ARTICLE VII . . The object of the State Council shall be to have general supervision of the Order in the State (except as to the Widows' and Orphans' Eund); to enforce the laws and usages of the Order; to foster and encourage unity and harrüony among the Branches and members, using all means in its power to increase the membership and form new Branches where needed; also, elect Representatives to Supreme Council. ARTICLE VIII. Duties of Officers. PRESIDENT. The President shall preside at all meetings of State Council. He shall enforce all laws of State Council; appoint all Committees, sign all orders upon the State Treasurer, and have general supervision of the Order in the State. He shall at least once in each year visit all the Branches of the Order in the State without expense to the Order, where in his judgment it is practicable, to see that the business of the Order is being carried on in accordance with the supreme and state laws. He shall report to the State Council the general condition of the Order and the condition of the Branches under his jurisdiction, pointing out where and in what manner the Order can be benefited. SECTION 2. The Vice-Presidents in their order elected, in the absence, death or other disability of. the President, shall discharge the duties of the office. SECTION 3 . State Secretary.—He shall keep an accurate and correct record of all reports and proceedings of the State Council, read all communications, reports, petitions, etc. 35 He shall prepare for publication a copy of the proceed- ings of the State Council, first submitting the same to the State President for his signature. He shall present a clear statement of the condition of the Order and Branches in the state. He shall draw all orders on the State Treasurer and countersign same. He shall notify all Branches of any assessment ordered by the State Council. He shall assist the President in the general supervision of the Order, and visit all Branches with him as often as possible without any expense to the order. For his compensation in addition to the honor conferred on him, he shall receive the sum of twenty-five dollars per annum. SECTION 4. State Treasurer.—He shall receive from Branches all State Per Capita and assessments due by them to State Council; keep a correct account of same; give receipts to Branches for such money received from them; also, notify State Secretary of receipt of same. He shall pay all orders properly drawn by State Secretary, counter- signed by State President, out of such money he may have belonging to State Council; he shall report to State President in January each year the state of the funds in his possession, and make a full and clear report of receipts and expenditures to State Council at its Bi-Annual Session. He shall furnish State President a Trust Company's bond in the sum of $1,000, the same to be increased from time to time as the President or State Council may require, the cost of said Bond to be paid by the Council. ARTICLE IX. All Branches in the Order in the State shall be required to make all returns in money due the State Council to the State Treasurer, and immediately notify State Secretary of the amount remitted; and all moneys shall be paid to State Treasurer within ninety days from call of same by State Secretary. 36 ARTICLE X. The State Spiritual Director is requested to notify all Branch Spiritual Directors, who shall through the Branch Secretaries, notify all members of the Order in Pennsylvania that it is the duty of every member to attend Holy Com- munion on the second Sunday of Lent of each year. ARTICLE XI. The order of business of State Council shall be as pre- scribed in Article 84, Supreme Constitution ARTICLE XII. This Constitution shall go into effect immediately upon the adjournment of the present State Council. Attest : JAMES F. SHERRY, CHAS. J . BIGLEY, State President. State Secretary.