'It surely was my profit had I known,It would have been my pleasure had I seen.
'It surely was my profit had I known,It would have been my pleasure had I seen.
'It surely was my profit had I known,It would have been my pleasure had I seen.
"There have been sent to me words of encouragement; words of discouragement; words of hope; words of despair; words of praise; words of censure; but through all, gathering to himself the flowers of love, patience, kindness and sympathy, he has pressed on, givingto you his sincerest and best efforts, and now, extending to his brothers his thanks for these flowers, he greets you in truth, in Freedom, Friendship and Charity."
The Great Sachem recounted the institution of ten new Tribes and two new Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas, as well as the relighting of the council brand of Sagwa Tribe, No. 69, at Lawrenceburg.
He recited a long list of decisions, nearly all of which met with approval.
Concerning the Degree of Pocahontas he said:—"My report would be both inadequate and insufficient, indeed, should I fail to make some mention of the Degree of Pocahontas, now an important factor in our great American Order, and whose members are actuated and inspired to noble work by those cardinal principles we as Red Men hold so dear, Freedom, Friendship and Charity. The auxiliary is certainly becoming popular, and is now in a prosperous condition, and from information I can advisedly say that wherever it is established properly will prove a valuable adjunct to our work. I might add by way of suggestion or recommendation that it would be a wise move to establish as soon as practicable in this Reservation a Great Council of the Degree of Pocahontas, believing it is due them, and that much more good can come from this branch of the Order if they have the right and privilege extended them to counsel and legislate. * * * I note that the Great Incohonee in his report very pertinently remarks: 'This Degree deserves from the Great Council its wisest consideration, and no pains should be spared in any matters which may effect the interests and increase the usefulness of our Councils.'"
Cherokee Tribe, No. 8 and Hiawatha Tribe, No. 7, both of Louisville met with the misfortune to lose their charters and effects in the burning of the Masonic Temple on the 20th of Beaver Moon, G. S. D. 412, and the Great Sachem granted both Tribes dispensations to work without a charter until the Great Council should grant then new Charters.
On the 18th of Worm Moon, G. S. D. 413, by invitation of Great Sachem McFarlan, Great Incohonee Thos. G, Harrison made a visit to Kentucky, and a reception and banquet was given in his honor at the Louisville Hotel. More than two hundred guests were entertained, and the occasion was one of particular moment to Redmanship in this Reservation. In his Long Talk, the Great Sachem records extracts from many of the addresses, words of wisdom, encouragement and commendation.
From the Long Talk of Great Chief of Records Ray, the following statistics of the Order are taken:—Adopted since last report, 1152; admitted by card, 60; reinstated, 11; suspended, 594; expelled,19; withdrawn, 50; deceased, 41; disbursed for relief, $9,015.29; for burial of the dead, $1,969.89; for other purposes, $14,396.12; invested by Tribes, $17,895.60; Total fund of Tribes, $35,589.28; number of working tribes, 73; number of Councils Degree of Pocahontas, 7.
The Great Keeper of Wampum reported the cash balance on hand as being $2,191.95.
An election for Assistant Great Chief of Records was then entered into with the result that Past Sachem Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 was re-elected, Past Sachem J. Robin Garr, of No. 99 being also in nomination.
A committee was appointed, Acting Great Incohonee Thos. J. Smith, presiding, to draft resolutions of sympathy and condolence on account of the recent death of the infant son of Great Sachem McFarlan, the following serving in that capacity:—N. G. Mothershead, of No. 57; C. P. Harding, of No. 5 and Claude B. Terrell, of No. 90.
The Great Council then went into the election of Great Chiefs with the following results:—
Horace J. McFarlan, of No. 33, was unanimously elected Great Prophet.
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 was elected Great Sachem without opposition.
Lewis L. Bebout, of No. 60 was elected Great Senior Sagamore, there being no other nominations.
Dan H. Russell, of No. 10 was elected Great Junior Sagamore, other nominees being Robert Lee Page, of No. 80, and Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14, the latter asking that his name be withdrawn.
Henry W. Ray, of No. 3 was elected Great Chief of Records for the second time, without opposition.
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 was unanimously elected Great Keeper of Wampum for the third time. Dr. Harry J. Phillips was nominated for this position, but he refused to become a candidate.
Horace J. McFarlan, Robert Lee Page and Lawrence S. Leopold were elected Great Representatives for two great suns each, the other candidates in nomination being G. A. Ellerkamp, of No. 8; Ben H. Shrader, of No. 5; John D. Walker, and Willie Walker, of No. 1.
At the request of Acting Great Incohonee Thos. J. Smith, State Exemplifier, Frank L. Smith, the recognized custodian of the work in Kentucky exemplified the unwritten work of the Order.
Frankfort was unanimously accepted as the hunting grounds in which the next Great Sun Council fire should be kindled.
The Great Council of the United States having adopted a new Code of laws embracing a new Constitution governing State GreatCouncils, it was ordered that the incoming committee on Law and Usage be augmented by the addition of two members, and they to prepare a new code of laws governing the Great Council of Kentucky and the Tribes under its jurisdiction, to report in print to the various Tribes, and their report to be reviewed at the next Great Sun Council.
The contract for the printing for the ensuing Great Sun was let to the Louisville Anzeiger Co. at $1.10 per page.
The amendment to the law laid over from last Great Council making electioneering a penal act was adopted.
The Great Council refused to change the time for holding the Great Sun Council from Flower Moon to Hot Moon.
It was ordered that each Past Great Sachem of the Great Council be presented with Past Great Sachem's Jewel, to cost no more than 25 fathoms each.
The Committee which had been previously appointed to prepare new Articles of Incorporation not having reported, the Great Sachem was authorized to appoint another Committee.
The Finance Committee recommended the payment of mileage to Great Chiefs, Representatives and members of standing committees, 82 in number, amounting to $1,403.19, averaging $17.11 each.
The Great Council then went into the Committee of the Whole for the consideration of amendments to the laws.
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee the following appropriations were made:—
To the Tribe entertaining the Great Council each Great sun, $150.00.
To the Assistant Great Chief of Records for services, $75.00.
To the Great Sachem for the use of himself and State Exemplifier, $1,250.
A new code of laws governing the organization and institution of Tribes was adopted. Up to this time the matter of organization had been conducted much upon the "go as you please" plan, each Great Sachem using his own judgment in the matter. The adoption of definite laws governing this matter was a boon to following Great Sachems.
A regulation was adopted requiring financial chiefs of the Great Council and Tribes and Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas to be bonded in such indemnity company as might be selected by the Finance Committee from time to time.
An amendment was offered to be considered at the next Great Sun Council providing for the nomination and election of Great Chiefs on the second sun of the session instead of the first.
An amendment was offered defining the bounds of DeputyGreat Sachems, providing for districts, and for the holding of district meetings for the purpose of exemplification, but same was laid over for one great sun.
Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Charters the following named Tribes and Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas were granted charters:—Niagara, No. 96, Orangeburg; Kenawha, No. 97, Vanceburg; Pontiac, No. 98, Louisville; Wauneeka, No. 99, Louisville; Buffalo, No. 100, Sardis; Raritan, No. 101, Worthville; Modoc, No. 102, Louisville; Ute, No. 103, Torrent; Lackawanna, No. 4, Salt Lick; Catawba, No. 105, Prestonville; Tamina, No. 106, Jennings; Ramona Council, No. 7, Augusta; Hiawatha Council, No. 8, Fourmile; Mojave Council, No. 9, Maysville; Charters were also ordered issued to Cherokee, No. 8, and Hiawatha, No. 7, both of Louisville, both having been lost by fire.
It was ordered that a special committee be appointed to take charge of any orphan matters, to investigate, and take the proper steps to secure them the benefits of the Orphans' Guardian Fund. The Great Sachem appointed Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14; O. R. King, of No. 1; A. C. Fahrenberg, of No. 10.
Acting Great Incohonee Thomas J. Smith proceeded to raise the elective and appointive Great Chiefs, with the assistance of Past Great Sachem Willie Walker, of No. 1, Acting Great Tocakon.
The special committee on Orphans reported they had performed the duties intrusted to them and asked to be discharged, which was done, and it was ordered that the Great Sachem appoint another committee to continue the work ad interim.
The following committees were announced to serve the ensuing Great Sun:—
Finance—H. J. Northcutt, of No. 37; Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; J. H. Kemper, of No. 18.
Law and Usage—George W. Hinesley, of No. 8; John W. Riley, of No. 11; Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of No. 8; O. R. King, of No. 1; J. W. Matthews, of No. 67.
Returns and Reports—T. J. Tierney, of No. 80; J. H. Adams, of No. 83; Hugh Johnson, of No. 81.
State of the Order—J. J. Freundlich, of No. 60; N. G. Mothershead, of No. 57; J. M. Clifford, of No. 10.
Appeals—C. H. Morris, of No. 33; C. P. Harding, of No. 5; John Hafendorfer, of No. 14.
After tendering a rising vote of thanks to Otego Tribe No. 60 for their more than hospitable treatment of the Great Council and its members while in their hunting grounds, and when the Great Prophet had said a prayer, the council fire was quenched.
The eleventh Great Sun Council fire of the Great Council of Kentucky was kindled in the Council Chamber of Blackfoot Tribe, No. 67, Hunting Grounds of Frankfort, at the 11th run, 30th breath, rising of the 9th Sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 414. Previous to the kindling of the Council Fire addresses of welcome, with responses, interspersed with music, were delivered by Hon. James Darnell, Mayor; Great Sachem H. H. Denhardt; Bro. T. H. Crockett, of No. 67; Great Senior Sagamore L. L. Bebout. When the friends and guests had departed, the regular session began, all the elective Great Chiefs being present, and 90 Past Sachems.
The Great Sachem appointed the following to fill vacancies for the session:—
Ben. C. Nunn, of No. 14, Great Sannap.
M. M. Harbeson, of No. 7, Great Mishinewa.
Chintz Royalty, of No. 38, Great Guard of Wigwam.
To assist the Great Junior Sagamore in the examination of credentials the Great Sachem appointed W. M. Toomey, of No. 83; and Frank Wagner, of No. 14.
A communication was received from Great Incohonee J. W. Cherry, announcing that Great Guard of the Forest Jas. H. Cook had been commissioned to represent him at this session, and he being announced as being in the forest, Great Representatives Louis Vissman, John H. Buschemeyer and Robt. Lee Page were appointed to escort him into the Council Chamber.
Acting Great Incohonee James H. Cook was formally introduced and greeted with the honors of the Order.
It was agreed that the representatives of Tribes so recently instituted as not to be legally entitled to representation be admitted and allowed mileage.
Upon the recommendation of Great Junior Sagamore D. H.Russell, 66 Past Sachems in waiting were introduced and received the Great Council Degree.
Upon the recommendation of the same Great Chief, the credentials of the representatives of 67 Tribes, and they being present were accorded seats as such in the Great Council.
The total attendance at this session was 145.
The following were appointed to fill vacancies on Committees:—
Judiciary—M. B. Wallerstein, of No. 60.
Orphans—E. M. Wallace, of No. 5 and J. G. Renaker, of No. 37.
Charters—J. C. Lykins, of No. 113; M. M. Redding, of No. 64; W. H. McDonald, of No. 111.
Great Sachem H. H. Denhardt, as was now the custom, presented his Long Talk in print, and the following extracts will be of interest:—
"As the members of the Great Council of Kentucky assemble in peace and harmony around this Great Sun's Council fire, we can congratulate ourselves upon the close of the most prosperous year in the history of the Order in Kentucky. From Paducah our runners swiftly to their Tribes returned spreading the spirit of true fraternity there engendered into every wigwam in our Reservation, and as a result the council fires of the various Tribes have been kept brightly burning; discord has been banished from their midst; and the braves and warriors have become accustomed to assemble not for the purpose of wrangling among themselves, of gaining some petty advantage over another brother or over another Tribe, but plans for the capturing of palefaces were discussed and as a result at least two thousand palefaces' scalps are dangling at the belts of our warriors and braves.
This Great Sun has been one fraught with many blessings and pleasures. The propitious sky has occasionally been obscured by a fleeting cloud, but the passing shadow only intensified the brightness that followed.
Through the sunshine and the shadows, the pleasures and trials, our beloved Order has grown until now it has taken rank as one of the most prosperous fraternal societies in Kentucky.
I have brought to the performance of the duties devolving upon me my best energies, my untiring efforts and all the zeal and industry I could command. It, no doubt, is true that I have not measured up to the full requirements of the high and important Chieftaincy to which your over-kindness has elevated me; I have, however, labored with an eye single to the advancement of our Order. I have tried to be diligent, sought to be impartial and endeavored to be zealous and faithful."
Concerning Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas he said:—"I have done what I could to promote the welfare of this most excellentbranch of our order. Some progress has been made, but still there is need of encouragement being given those who are striving to push forward the cause of this Degree."
He reported the institution of twenty-one new Tribes and two Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas, as well as the resuscitation of four Tribes and one Council D. of P.
Concerning the Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund he said:—"It seemed to be almost the unanimous opinion of those to whom I talked concerning this matter that the time for the creation of this fund had arrived even at the last Great Council; however, no action was taken. I believe that the movement to establish a Home for the Widows and Orphans of Kentucky Red Men is the greatest work ever undertaken by our beloved Order in Kentucky. When we establish a Home of this sort we are doing some real good in the world and that is what our Order exists for, and that is, or should be, the aim of every member of the Order."
After publishing a list of subscriptions to the Home Fund amounting to $438.30, and having recounted a long list of visitations, he said—
"The Angel of Death has laid his hand heavily on our Order during the past Great Sun. Mary McFarlan, wife of Horace J. McFarlan, Great Prophet of the Great Council of Kentucky, died on the 15th Sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 413.
Thomas Alden Hornsey, Past Great Sachem of the Great Council of Kentucky died on the 12th Sleep of Beaver Moon, G. S. D. 413.
Thomas H. Watts, Great Incohonee of the Great Council of the United States, died on the 29th Sun of Worm Moon, G. S. D. 414.
Past Sachem M. J. Madden, member of the Widows' and Orphans' Committee of this Great Council died on the 17th Sun of Worm Moon, G. S. D. 414."
After an account of dispensations granted, decisions made, and details of minor transactions, the Great Sachem closes with thanks to his associates and to the Great Council.
The Great Chief of Record's Long Talk affords the following information:—Adopted since last report, 1,994; admitted by card, 118; reinstated, 13; suspended, 643; expelled, 14; withdrawn, 81; deceased, 72; present membership, 6,993; disbursed for relief, $10,958.09; for burials, $3,436.31; for other purposes, $25,326.71; invested, $24,107.60; total fund of Tribes, $46,302.86; Tribes instituted since last report, 21; number of working Tribes 91.
The Great Keeper of Wampum reported the cash balance in the Great Council wampum belt as being $1,886.30; in the Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund, $438.30.
The election for Great Chiefs resulted as follows:—
Lewis L. Bebout, of No. 60 was elected Great Sachem unanimously.
Dan. H. Russell, of No. 10 was elected Great Senior Sagamore without opposition.
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 was elected Great Prophet, by acclamation, there being no other nominees.
Robert Lee Page, of No. 80 was elected Great Junior Sagamore, Past Sachem J. W. Matthews, of No. 67 being also in nomination. J. H. Kemper of No. 18 had been nominated, but desired his name to be withdrawn.
Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3 was unanimously elected Great Chief of Records for the third consecutive term.
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 was, upon motion of O. R. King, of No. 1, who had been placed in nomination against him, unanimously re-elected Great Keeper of Wampum for the fourth consecutive term. Past Sachem King declined to be a candidate.
Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of No. 8; John H. Buschemeyer, of No. 8; W. A. Crader, of No. 8, and M. B. Wallerstein, of No. 60 were elected Great Representatives to the Great Council of the United States for two Great Suns each. Other candidates in nomination were Lawrence S. Leopold, of No. 8; Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 and C. P. Harding of No. 5.
The Great Council agreed unanimously to return to Frankfort one Great Sun hence and again kindle its Great Sun Council fire in the Capitol City.
Past Sachem Albert Miller of No. 1 presented the Great Council with a magnificent Great Sachem's Stump, carved from the solid wood in representation of a Chieftain's bust, decorated with feathers and emblems of the Order.
The Committee on Revision of the Laws, which had been appointed at the previous Great Council, now presented its report in print. Shortly after the adjournment one great sun ago, the committee had met, and realizing the magnitude of the work before them, expressed its belief that one brother could accomplish the desired result with less difficulty and in a shorter time than a number, and agreed to employ Past Sachem Frank L. Smith, of No. 1, to do the work, if he would undertake it. That chief accepting the commission, submitted his report to the full committee in Sturgeon Moon, G. S. D. 413, and with slight changes was adopted by the committee.
This report, embracing an entirely new code of law, founded upon the general plan outlined by the Great Council of the United States, making an entire separation of the legislative, executive and judicial departments, was now before the Great Council, whichwent into the Committee of the Whole for its consideration. Upon the rising of the committee, the laws as presented by the Revision Committee were adopted, with the exception of that article relating to the establishment of the Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund. This article was made a special order of business, and was the subject of earnest debate.
Those opposing the adoption of the law were not adverse to the principle, but to the method of applying relief to the needy, their plan, which they wished to substitute for a Widows' and Orphans' Home, was the establishment of an Endowment Fund, the income from which should be used to defray the expenses of its beneficiaries in private homes rather than in an institution. After protracted debate, the law as presented by the Committee on Revision, establishing the Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund, with some slight technical alterations, was adopted by an almost unanimous vote. The law as finally adopted was almost identical with that presented at the previous Great Council and which was then tabled.
The Committee on Incorporation of the Great Council presented a verbal report, stating that articles had been prepared and would be submitted when properly recorded. The articles prepared by this committee, while published as preface to the new code of laws, were never recorded, and consequently never were in operation.
Upon the recommendation of the Committee, charters were ordered issued to the following named Tribes: Juanita, No. 107, Ghent; Kenton, No. 108, Artemus; Wautauga, No. 109, Bosworth; Wabash, No. 110, Nicholasville; Tchoupitoulas, No. 111, Barbourville; Winnebago, No. 112, Henderson; Ocono, No. 113, Campton; Tonawanda, No. 114, Grayson; Minnehaha, No. 115, Cropper; Saco, No. 116, West Liberty; Neponset, No. 117, Jackson; Akkeewassa, No. 118, Cannel City; Ganoga, No. 119, Gratz; Navajo, No. 120, Sandy Hook; Tacoma, No. 121, Hazel Green; Oseetah, No. 122, Redwine; Kinniconick, No. 125, Bowen; Seminole, No. 126, Denniston; Apache, No. 127, Robbins; Indianola Council, No. 10, D. of P., Carrollton. A new charter was also granted Calumet Tribe, No. 18, theirs having been destroyed by fire.
The Committee on Appeals rendered several decisions, which were approved, but it is not thought best to here record them, they being of a personal nature.
The Finance Committee recommended the payment of mileage to 100 Great Chiefs, Representatives and members of Standing Committees, amounting to $661.32, being an average of $6.6123 per member paid.
That committee recommended a Bonding Company; that the printing be awarded to the Louisville Anzeiger Co.; that the salaryof the Assistant Great Chief of Records be increased to $150.00; all of which were approved.
The Assistant Great Chief of Records now being an appointee of the Great Chief of Records, G. C. of R. Ray appointed Frank L. Smith, of No. 1, to that position.
The Great Chief of Records presented to the Great Council the set of jewels said to have been in use by the old Great Council of Kentucky at the time of its demise, they having been secured through the efforts of the members of Miami Tribe, No. 17, and Mingo Tribe, No. 93, both of Newport, and it was agreed they should be worn by the Chiefs of the present Great Council. The jewels, however, proved not to be Great Council Jewels, being of silver, but the regulation Tribal Jewels.
Acting Great Incohonee Jas. H. Cook, having appointed Past Great Sachem G. A. Ellerkamp as Great Tocakon, raised the following elective and appointive Great Chiefs:
The Great Sachem announced the following appointments:
Board of Appeals—Geo. W. Hinesley, of No. 8, three great suns; J. J. Freundlich, of No. 60, two great suns; O. R. King, of No. 1, one great sun.
Trustees of Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund—Henry C. Yunker, of No. 7, three great suns; G. W. Griffith, of No. 11, two great suns; C. Royalty, of No. 38, one great sun.
Finance—H. J. Northcutt, of No. 37; J. H. Kemper, of No. 18; T. J. Tierney, of No. 80.
Judiciary—J. W. Mathews, of No. 67; Jos. C. Lykins, of No. 113; N. G. Mothershead, of No. 57.
State of the Order—Sebastian Stone, of No. 56; W. H. McDonald, of No. 111; Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14.
Returns and Reports—J. M. Clifford, of No. 10; Duke White, of No. 3; C. F. Melton, of No. 70.
State Exemplifier—Frank L. Smith, of No. 1.
Past Great Sachem's Jewels were presented to the following Past Great Sachems: Thos. A. Davis, of No. 3; John I. Winter,of No. 3; W. C. Diederich, of No. 19; Willie Walker, of No. 1; Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of No. 8; John D. Walker, of No. 1; W. C. Pelham, of No. 3; C. E. Lyddane, of No. 2; H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33; H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11.
After appropriate resolutions of thanks, and when the Great Prophet had invoked the Great Spirit, the council fire was quenched.
The Code of Laws as adopted at the Eleventh Great Sun Council was approved by the Judiciary Committee of the Great Council of the United States, entire, yet when that Great Council met in Great Sun Council in Corn Moon, G. S. D. 414, the committee recommended that its action be reversed in approving that part of the Laws of the Great Council of Kentucky relating to the establishment of the Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund. Appeal was taken to the Great Board of Appeals of the Great Council of the United States, and that Great Board ruled the whole matter in conflict with the Constitution of the Great Council of the United States, which Great Council reserved unto itself the exclusive right to legislate concerning the maintenance of orphans.
The effect of this ruling was to make nul and void all legislation by the Great Council of Kentucky concerning the Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund. The laws as enacted at the eleventh Great Council were again submitted to the Judiciary Committee of the Great Council of the United States, minus any reference to a Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund, and were then approved and published.
The Twelfth Great Sun Council fire of the Great Council of Kentucky was kindled in the Legislative Hall of the State Capitol, hunting grounds of Frankfort, by courtesy of Blackfoot Tribe, No. 67, at the 11th run, 40th breath, rising of the 8th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 415.
Prior to the kindling of the council fire, addresses of welcome and responses were delivered by Gov. J. C. W. Beckham, Mayor E. E. Hume, Col. G. B. Harper, Great Sachem L. L. Bebout, Great Senior Sagamore D. H. Russell, Representative T. Hiter Crockett, Great Junior Sagamore Robert L. Page, Past Great Sachem H. H. Denhardt, and Wilson Brooks, Great Chief of Records of the Great Council of the United States.
After the visitors had retired, the council fire was kindled inample form, all elective Great Chiefs being present, seven Great Representatives, five Past Great Sachems and 112 Past Sachems.
Great Chief of Records Ray appointed F. L. Smith as Assistant Great Chief of Records.
Great Sachem Bebout appointed Claude B. Terrell, of No. 90, and Con. Trauth, of No. 7, to assist the Great Junior Sagamore in the examination of credentials. He also appointed Harry J. Richardson, of No. 3, to fill a vacancy on Committee on Returns and Reports, all other members of Standing Committees being present.
Upon the recommendation of the Credential Committee, 102 Past Sachems were admitted for the first time. The total attendance at this session was 204.
The roll call of representatives revealed the presence of a representative from each of 83 Tribes out of 109 entitled to representation.
Great Sachem Bebout presented his long talk in print, as usual, and the following extracts reveal the general condition of the Order at that time:
"Our runners have been busy in paying visitations to the various hunting grounds in this reservation, and from each hunting ground where a Tribe of our Order exists comes the glad tidings that our brothers are dwelling in peace and harmony.
No longer does the pale face nation look with distrust upon our warriors, but truly the "tomahawk has been buried" and the Red Men and pale face meet as friends.
I desire first of all to recall to your minds the motto of our beloved "Old Kentucky", "United we stand, divided we fall," and trust this may be adopted in our deliberations. The Improved Order of Red Men has a mission to perform among our fellow men that we alone can perform.
We are now permited to report the establishment and institution of more tribes within our borders, since the quenching of our last Great Sun Council fire than during any Great Sun since our Order has been in existence."
Great Sachem Bebout is in error. He reports the institution of 29 new Tribes, while during Willie Walkers administration (G. S. D. 409-410) 32 new Tribes were organized.
"Our representatives at our last Great Sun's Council placed upon the pages of our speaking book a law, in accordance with the fundamental teachings of our Order, which provided for the creation of a fund to be used in the establishment of a Home within our borders, which should be a shelter for the unfortunates of our Tribes, who may not be able to withstand the trials and hardshipswhich attend the unprotected in this busy, hustling commercial age in which we live.
In the Great Book of Life we find this expression, 'And a little child shall lead them.' How true this is in this instance. The little children of the membership of Irondequoit Tribe, No. 38, located at Hardinsburg, were the first contributors to this fund.
After the enactment of this law, with the other laws enacted by us, the whole was presented to the Judiciary Committee of the Great Council of the United States for their approval, and having received the approval of that committee were promulgated to the Tribes."
The fate of this measure has already been recorded on these pages, and the Great Council at this time found itself with an overwhelming sentiment in favor of the law as previously passed or a similar one, but without the power of enactment.
Continuing, the Great Sachem said: "Realizing that the desire of our membership is as strong, nay stronger than ever before, for the establishment of a Red Men's Widows' and Orphans' Home in our beloved State, I beg to suggest that your Representatives to the Great Council of the United States be instructed to request that Great Council to pass an enabling act which will permit you to put your desires into execution. This request, properly presented, will, in my opinion, appeal to our brothers, members of our noble order in other reservations, in such a way that your request will be unanimously granted."
After recounting a list of appointments, visitations made, decisions and opinions, the Great Sachem again speaks as follows:
"The members of the Great Council are perhaps aware of the organization of the Great Chief of Records Association of the United States. This organization meets annually at the same time and place of the Great Council of the United States, and is composed of the Great Chiefs of Records of the several reservations. It must be apparent to all that such an organization will be of material advantage to the Order, and I desire to recommend that the Great Council of Kentucky make an allowance and request our Great Chief of Records to attend and become a member of this organization.
Conforming to the organization of the Great Chief of Records Association of the United States, I would recommend the organization of a State Association of Chiefs of Records, to be composed of the Chiefs of Records of all the Tribes in the Reservation, and urge upon all Tribes the importance of such an organization, and to make proper appropriation of wampum for the expense of their Chief of Records in attending these meetings."
Regarding Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas, he said: "I feel that this branch of our work is neglected, and that we should make more effort to assist our sisters in their noble work. I would recommend that a permanent committee to be known as the 'Committee on Degree of Pocahontas' be appointed by the Great Sachem, and the matter of organization and other duties relating to this branch of our order be referred to this committee."
The following statistics are taken from the long talk of Great Chief of Records Henry W. Ray: Adopted since last report, 2,440; admitted by card, 62; reinstated, 45; suspended, 1,336; expelled, 11; withdrawn, by card, 67; deceased, 79; present membership, 7,651; number of Tribes instituted since last report, 29; number of working tribes, 109; disbursed by Tribes for relief, $13,508.73; for burial of dead, $3,513.55; for other purposes, $48,095.02; amount invested by Tribes, $35,472.24; total worth of Tribes $59,569.00.
The Great Council by a unanimous vote instructed its Great Representatives to apply to the Great Council of the United States for an "enabling act" or to so modify its laws as to permit State Great Councils to found Homes for their widows' and orphans. The resolution was offered by Great Senior Sagamore Russell.
A Committee, consisting of Past Great Sachems Willie Walker, Ellerkamp and McFarland was appointed to escort to the Council Chamber Great Chief of Records Wilson Brooks, who had been delegated to represent the Great Incohonee at this session. The committee performed its duties, and Acting Great Incohonee Wilson Brooks was received with due honors.
The Great Sachem appointed the following as a committee on Charters: H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11; D. A. Cross, of No. 60; J. G. Renaker, of No. 37.
Mention had been made by the Great Sachem in his long talk of the terrible disaster to the hunting grounds of San Francisco by earthquake, and of an appeal for aid for sufferers from same. The Great Chief of Records reported that subscriptions to the amount of $295.45 had been received and forwarded to the Great Sachem of the reservation of California.
As at the previous Great Sun's Council an entirely new Code of laws had been adopted, the Judiciary Committee (formerly Committee on Law and Usage) had been instructed to continue as a Committee on Revision, and at this session, quite a number of amendments were reported by that committee, tending to improve and "smooth up" the laws, and were adopted.
Another attempt was made to change the time for kindling the Great Sun Council fire from Flower Moon to Hot Moon but without success.
It was claimed that the Articles of Incorporation as printed in the new Code were faulty, and never having been recorded were not in force. The Great Representatives to the Great Council of the United States were appointed a Committee to prepare new Articles and to have them recorded.
A resolution was offered to amend the laws in such a manner that the voting franchise should be limited to Representatives of Tribes only. This resolution was laid over for one Great Sun, but caused great commotion, as heretofore all Past Sachems had been qualified to vote upon all questions and in the election for chiefs, except when the representative vote might be demanded on a measure of legislation.
The representatives to the Great Council of the United States were instructed to endeavor to have the laws of the G. C. U. S. amended so as to provide for biennial instead of annual sessions.
The Great Council went into the election of Great Chiefs with the following results:
Dan H. Russell, of No. 10 was elected Great Sachem by acclamation.
Robert L. Page, of No. 80 was elected Great Senior Sagamore without opposition.
Joe H. Kemper, of No. 18 was elected Great Junior Sagamore on the first ballot, W. H. McDonald, of No. 111 being also in nomination.
Lewis L. Bebout was unanimously elected Great Prophet.
Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3 was elected Great Chief of Records for the Fourth consecutive term, Ben. C. Nunn, of No. 14, being also in nomination.
Herman V. Cohn, of No. 8 was elected Great Keeper of Wampum, S. C. Moore, of No. 7, who had filled the chieftaincy for four consecutive terms being defeated for re-election by a narrow margin.
L. L. Bebout, of No. 60, Lawrence S. Leopold, of No. 8 and H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33; were elected Great Representatives, the others in nomination being R. L. Page, of No. 80 and Willie Walker, of No. 1.
The Charter committee recommended the issuing of charters to the following named Tribes and Councils: Shawnee, No. 77, Georgetown; Tuscarora, No. 124, Tyrone; Antigo, No. 128, Claysville; Mendota, No. 131, Corinth; Oneida, No. 132, Cherokee; Paduke, No. 133, Murray; Logan, No. 134, Ewing; Wahbee, No. 135, Yocum; Wamsutta, No. 136, Dan; Tuscola, No. 137, Warfield; Connewago, No. 138, Fallsburg; Uppowoc, No. 139, Maytown; Uchees, No. 140, Rockdale; Tonnuluka, No. 141, Millers Creek; Nevada, No. 142, Flat Gap; Chickasaw, No. 143, Paintsville;Algona, No. 144, East Bernstadt; Algonquin, No. 145, Berry; Shawnese, No. 146, Cave City; Elkatawa, No. 147, Ford; Natchez, No. 148, Glenwood; Oniska, No. 149, Middlesboro; Cohota, No. 150, Louisa; Ocono, No. 113, at Campton, to replace one destroyed by fire; Collo Kene Council, No. 11, D. of P.; Chanzeck, No. 129, of Lee City, and Lechawa, No. 130, of Mize, were not granted charters, their council fires having become extinct.
The Finance Committee reported mileage paid to 111 members, amounting to $752.38 being an average of $6.771/2per member.
Lexington was selected as the next place for kindling the Great Sun Council fire, Newport and Frankfort being in nomination.
The question on the limitation of franchise to representatives only was taken up and lost by a Tribal vote of 47 ayes to 16 nays, it requiring a four-fifths vote to pass the resolution.
The bill to limit the franchise was again offered to be considered at the next Great Suns Council.
Acting Great Incohonee Wilson Brooks then raised the Great Chiefs, appointing Past Great Sachem G. A. Ellerkamp as Great Tocakon.
Great Sachem Russell announced his appointments on Standing Committees as follows:
Member of Board of Appeals for three great suns—T. Hiter Crockett, of No. 67.
Trustee of Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund, for three Great Suns—Chintz Royalty, of No. 38.
Finance—Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; T. J. Tierney, of No. 80; Chas. A. Hess, of No. 10.
Judiciary—W. H. McDonald, of No. 111; R. A. Chiles, of No. 18; A. J. Steele, of No. 10.
State of the Order—Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14; Frank Hartman, of No. 5; L. Rosenfield, of No. 98.
Returns and Reports—Jacob Gross, of No. 5; Hugo Schultz, of No. 25; S. T. Rabold, of No. 11.
The appointments of the Great Sachem on Board of Appeals and Trustee of Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund were unanimously approved.
After appropriate resolutions of thanks to Blackfoot Tribe, and when the Great Prophet had said a prayer, the Great Council fire was quenched.
The Thirteenth Great Sun's Council fire of the Great Council of Kentucky was kindled in the Auditorium at Woodland Park, Hunting Grounds of Lexington, under the auspices of Miantonomo Tribe, No. 1, at the 11th run, 30th breath, rising of the 14th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 416.
Before the council fire had been kindled addresses of welcome and response were delivered by Hon. Thos. H. Clay, acting for Mayor Combs, Great Sachem D. H. Russell, Chief Wallace Muir, of No. 1, and Past Sachem T. Hiter Crockett, of No. 67.
All of the Great Chiefs were present, eight Great Representatives, eight Past Great Sachems, and 153 Past Sachems.
Great Chief of Records Henry W. Ray appointed Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 as Assistant Great Chief of Records.
Great Sachem Russell appointed Past Sachem Sam Marcus, of No. 8 as a member of the Committee on Returns and Reports to fill a vacancy.
The same Great Chief appointed the following to constitute a Committee on Charters:—Con. Trouth, of No. 7; H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33; Geo. S. Wiemer, of No. 6.
Great Junior Sagamore Joe H. Kemper reported the presence of 131 Past Sachems in the Forest with proper credentials, and they were admitted and received the Great Council Degree. The total attendance at this Great Council was 268.
The roll call of representatives revealed the presence of the representatives of 110 Tribes out of 145 eligible to representation.
Great Incohonee W. A. S. Bird of the Great Council of the United States was admitted and received with the Grand Honors of the Order.
Great Sachem Russell presented his long talk in print, and the following quotations will be found of interest, revealing the condition of the Order at that time:—
"Our membership now numbers over eleven thousand, with forty-five new Tribes and three new Councils. Redmanship standsin Kentucky unchallenged as one of the greatest benevolent fraternities of modern times, commanding the respect of all acquainted with its accomplishments, the admiration of all who know its purpose and the affection of all who participate around the council brands of our Tribes.
The oldest truly American fraternity has grown greater, stronger and better in our Reservation and its present position fills with pride those who have assisted in its marvelous growth during the past Great Sun, and every member must rejoice in his affiliation with such a powerful thoroughly American organization.
The Great Sachem, assisted by the brothers of all the Tribes in Jefferson County, organized a mammoth class adoption of 500 palefaces, and on the sleep of the 28th of Beaver Moon, G. S. D. 415, in the presence of Great Incohonee W. A. S. Bird, more palefaces were adopted than at any one time in the history of the Order in Kentucky."
The Great Sachem offered many recommendations for the consideration of the Great Council, in the nature of amendments to the laws, particularly regarding the matter of sick and funeral benefits, and among these recommendations the following:—concerning the clause forbidding electioneering:—"This portion of Kentucky Laws is unreasonable, inasmuch as it does not give to the members of our Order the privileges usually accorded to an American citizen. No harm can be done, and no wrong committed by the publicity of the personal wishes of a brother of our Order."
Great Sachem Russell records a vast amount of business transacted, decisions made, appointments, etc., and concludes the records of a remarkable administration as follows:—
"We come to this Great Council with every Tribe having reported and paid its per capita tax, and when the great number of Tribes in this reservation is considered, it is a remarkable condition, and it is due to the enthusiastic fraternal spirit that exists in the hearts of every Red Man in our Reservation.
The American Flag, the emblem of Freedom, renews in every Red Man's heart the true American spirit that was breathed into the souls of the Sons of Liberty and which later proclaimed for them their Independence.
The spirit of Liberty was the foundation of the greatest fraternity of modern times and this same spirit of freedom that prompted the Sons of Liberty has been given additional force by the presence of the Stars and Stripes in the council chambers of the various Tribes, and engenders more thorough fraternal and patriotic feeling than any one emblem. I suggest that the Great Council of Kentucky give each and every Tribe on the night of institutionthis emblem of freedom, so this same spirit will be injected into the hearts of all the newly adopted brothers."
From the long talk of the Great Chief of Records the following statistics are taken:—adopted since last report, 2,853; admitted by card, 81; reinstated, 145; suspended, 1,623; expelled, 14; withdrawn by card, 95; deceased, 65; present membership, 8,933; Number of tribes last report, 109; new tribes, 31; tribes resuscitated, 5; tribes extinct since last report, 17; whole number of tribes Jan. 1st, 1907, 128. Disbursed for relief, $13,721.55; for burial of the dead, $2,941.50; for other purposes, $41,566.25; invested by Tribes, $49,872.96; Total worth of Tribes, $78,001.86.
The Great Council of the United States had, since the last session of the Great Council of Kentucky, adopted an enabling act, permitting State Great Councils to legislate for the care and maintenance of Widows, Orphans and Aged Red Men, and a bill was now introduced with the following title, being quite similar to the one previously enacted by the Great Council of Kentucky, but which had been declared unconstitutional by the supreme authority:—
"A bill, to provide for the support of Widows and Orphans of deceased Red Men, and of Aged Red Men, and the ultimate establishment of a Home for the same."
In one respect the bill was quite different from the former, in that it provided for the immediate relief of beneficiaries, a portion of the tax proposed to be levied to be set aside for that purpose.
As has been recorded on these pages, there were two factions in the Great Council, each eager for the adoption of relief laws, but with different ideas as to the application of the same. On the one side were those who desired the immediate establishment of a Home or Institution, while on the other was the party desiring the care and support of its beneficiaries within the homes of individuals. The bill now presented provided for the trial of the latter plan, while a fund was being accumulated for the adoption of the former in the future. After discussion in the Committee of the whole and protracted debate on the floor of the Great Council the bill was adopted by a Tribal vote of 85 ayes to 11 nays.
The per capita tax was increased from 60 inches per great sun to 80 inches, fifteen inches of which to be set aside for the relief fund, and 5 inches of this to be devoted to immediate relief if required.
Great Sachem Russell immediately appointed the three members of the Board of Trustees of the Widows', Orphans' and Aged Red Men's Relief Fund, as provided in the enactment, as follows:—H. C. Yunker, of No. 7 for one Great Sun; Ben Rosenthall, of No.14 for two Great Suns and Sam Marcus, of No. 8 for three Great Suns, the Great Sachem and Great Chief of Records being also members of the Board ex-officio.
A bill was presented providing for the reduction of the commission to be paid to organizers of new Tribes, but it failed to pass.
The contract for printing for the ensuing great sun was awarded to the Louisville Anzeiger Company of Louisville.
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee mileage was paid to 147 Great Chiefs, Representatives and members of Standing Committees, amounting to $970.86, being an average of $6.771/2to each.
The old committee on Widows and Orphans reported having in its possession the sum of $472.68.
A bill was presented for future consideration providing for a maximum amount to be paid for benefits when the dues of the beneficiary are paid in advance, and a minimum when not so paid.
Great Sachem Russell was presented with a beautiful emblematic ring, on behalf of his many friends in the Order.
The famous "Disfranchisement Bill" was withdrawn and thus came to an end a measure which promised to cause much dissension.
The Committee recommended that charters be issued to the following named forty-five Tribes and three Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas, which was the largest number of Tribes ever instituted under the administration of any Great Sachem of Kentucky, and the only list excelling in number that under the administration of Willie Walker, in 1901. This record also excelled any record ever made by any other State Great Council.
Minnewa, No. 151, Whitehouse; Ontario, No. 152, Flat Lick; Black Eagle, No. 154, Gray; Rowena, No. 155, Hopkinsville; Stillwater, No. 156, Russellville; Delaware, No. 157, Blanche; Metacom, No. 158, Corbin; Shenandoah, No. 159, Logmont; Saranac, No. 160, Richardson; Iron Star, No. 161, Trosper; Yazoo, No. 162, Boston; Chicora, No. 163, Shepherdsville; Tuskeno, No. 164, Hellier; Ouray, No. 165, Oakdale; Geronimo, No. 166, London; Silver Arrow, No. 167, Lebanon Junction; Susquehanna, No. 168, Inez; Spotted Elk, No. 169, Island; White Bear, No. 170, Williamsburg; Red Crow, No. 171, Rockhold; Kill Buck, No. 172, Elizabethtown; Choctaw, No. 173, Wilton; Washtella, No. 174, Fonde; Wanalanset, No. 175, Sadieville; Cheyenne, No. 176, Chenoa; Kiowa, No. 177, Osie; Lackawaxen, No. 178, Borderland; Pewakee, No. 179, Luzerne; Uncas, No. 180, Bolts, Fork; Piute, No. 181, Culbertson; Maumee, No. 182, Graham; Cahoosic, No. 183, Leitchfield; Scioto, No. 184, Covington;Kickapoo, No. 185, Big Clifty; Potomac, No. 186, Glasgow; Sequepah, No. 187, Drakesboro; Ohio, No. 188, Hartford; Conanchet, No. 189, Halsey; Tawawa, No. 190, Centertown; Owasso, No. 191, Cleaton; Bogohama, No. 192, Princeton; Mashingomisha, No. 193, Blaine; Oklahoma, No. 194, Chambers; Trade Water, No. 195, Dawson Springs; Wenonah Council, No. 12, Tyrone; Wahneta, Council, No. 13, Blanche; Nenemoosha Council, No. 41, Bell Jellico.
New Charters were also granted Petewa Tribe, No. 41, at Central City and Mohawk, No. 20, at Shelbyville.
The election for Great Chiefs resulted as follows:—
Robert Lee Page, of No. 80 was unanimously elected Great Sachem.
Joe H. Kemper, of No. 18 was elected Great Senior Sagamore without opposition.
W. H. McDonald, of No. 111 was elected Great Junior Sagamore on the second ballot, other candidates being H. J. Northcutt, of No. 184 and Harry J. Phillips, of No. 10.
Dan H. Russell, of No. 10 was unanimously chosen Great Prophet.
Henry W. Ray, of No. 3 was unanimously elected Great Chief of Records for the fifth consecutive term.
Herman V. Cohn, of No. 8 was elected Great Keeper of Wampum without opposition for the second consecutive term.
Dan. H. Russell, of No. 10, W. A. Crader, of No. 8, John H. Boschemeyer, of No. 8 and H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 were elected Great Representatives for two Great Suns each, and Chas. A. Hess, of No. 10 and H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33 for one Great Sun each, other candidates being Willie Walker, of No. 1; H. C. Rhodes, of No. 60; Louis Vissman, of No. 8.
Frankfort was selected as the place for kindling the next Great Sun Council fire, though the Finance Committee recommended St. Matthews.
Great Sachem Russell appointed members of the new Committee on Degree of Pocahontas, which had been created by an enactment, as follows: L. H. Roberts, of No. 10; Christ Schwitzer, of No. 17; Warren Wilson, of No. 91.
Great Sachem elect Page announced that he should consider the term of the appointees as having expired with his being raised to the Chieftaincy of Great Sachem, and would then appoint a new Committee.
Great Incohonee W. A. S. Bird, being obliged to leave, authorized Past Great Sachem G. A. Ellerkamp to raise the newly elected Great Chiefs.
The question of quorum was then raised, and it being found that not a quorum was present, further business could not be entertained, and Past Great Sachem Ellerkamp proceeded to raise the Chiefs, first appointing Past Great Sachem Willie Walker as Great Tocakon.
The Great Sachem announced the following appointments of Standing Committees:—
Board of Appeals for three Great Suns—D. A. Cross, of No. 60.
Finance—T. J. Tierney, of No. 80; Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; S. C. Moore, of No. 7.
Judiciary—Sebastian Stone, of No. 56; Joe C. Lykins, of No. 113; R. A. Chiles, of No. 18.
State of the Order—John M. Clifford, of No. 10; Wm. Stoeckel, of No. 93; Geo. S. Weimer, of No. 6.
Degree of Pocahontas—Warren Wilson, of No. 91; H. J. Northcutt, of No. 184; W. E. Coleman, of No. 78.
Returns and Reports—Claude B. Terrell, of No. 90; G. Michael, of No. 22; Chas. Stout, of No. 19.
State Exemplifier—Frank L. Smith, of No. 1.
After suitable resolutions of appreciation of the courtesies shown by Miantonomo Tribe, No. 1, and when the Great Prophet had said a prayer, the council fire was quenched.
At the tenth run, rising of the 12th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 417, there gathered in the Legislative Chamber of the State Capitol, the Past Sachems of the Kentucky Tribes, visiting and local Red Men, when, under the auspices of Blackfoot Tribe, No. 67, of Frankfort, addresses of welcome to the Great Council of Kentucky were delivered by Hon. Jas. T. Buford, in behalf ofMayor Hume, Past Sachem T. Hiter Crockett, of No. 67, and Lieut. Governor Cox, responded to by Great Prophet D. H. Russell, and Great Junior Sagamore W. H. McDonald, of Barbourville.
At the close of the introductory ceremonies, and when the visitors had departed, the Great Sun Council fire was kindled in ample form, all Great Chiefs being present and all Great Representatives, eight past Great Sachems and two hundred and five Past Sachems.
Great Sachem Robert Lee Page appointed Past Great Sachem L. L. Bebout and Past Sachem Henry Yunker to assist Great Junior Sagamore W. H. McDonald in the inspection of credentials.
It being evident that the Legislative Hall was to small to accommodate the Great Council, it already being crowded with the old members, and the new not having been introduced, it was decided to adjourn to the Skating Rink, where the future sessions were held.
The record of the previous Great Council was approved as printed, when the Great Sachem presented his Long Talk, the Credential Committee not being ready to report. The document being in print was distributed and much interest was manifested in its perusal. The following extracts will be of especial interest:—
"My work is done—my labors over. It has been a Great Sun of labor, but a labor of love, and one that has the best efforts of my mind and heart.
I have sought to render efficient and faithful service, and, while the year has not been free from perplexities and responsibilities, I trust that I can return unsullied the regalia you bade me wear. It is an honor to wear the insignia of our Brotherhood—of the Fraternity which has done and is doing so much for man and country, but with power and influence come responsibilities, and this Great Order needs the care, support and helping hand of all who constitute its household.
To your efforts am I able to report the largest gain in membership and the largest number of new Tribes organized than ever before in the history of this Reservation. In fact, it has been said that Kentucky has made the best record of any Reservation in the United States. The Order has prospered beyond precedent or prophecy.
Pure religion and undefiled before the Great Spirit is this—To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
"Inspired by this Spirit, animated by this faith, exemplifying these noble precepts by acts of helpfulness, Redmanship has, for many Great Suns, been a living power within this land, and at theclose of this Great Sun has the confidence of, and dwells in honor among a free, enlightened people.
We honor a wonderful past, and rejoice in a prosperous present, yet we know that the work of the Order has not ended, and that so long as time shall last, and the enemies of society endure, it will be necessary for this and similar Orders to exist. The need of good men, honest men, men who believe in manhood and in brotherhood, who know responsibilities and can assume them, was never greater than today. This Order has given us men who have lifted human burdens and have lived to help, aid and assist their fellow man.
We have a strong, vigorous and constantly expanding organization. The past with its lessons, its struggles, its successes, is ours. We live in sunlight now; fortune has favored us; the skies are bright with promise; surely at the close of this Great Sun, we can sincerely and honestly repeat: