A communication was read from Great Incohonee Thomas G. Harrison, expressing his regret at not being able to be present and appointing Great Minewa, Thomas J. Smith as his representative.
The Deputy or Acting Great Incohonee was announced in the Forest and Past Great Sachems Willie Walker, Ellerkamp and John D. Walker were appointed as escorts, when he was admitted with the usual honors.
Great Sachem McFarlan presented his long talk in print, from which the following extracts are made:—
"We have much for which to extend thanks to the Great Spirit who has so kindly 'blessed us with plenty' and 'rewarded our labors two-fold'; at least have we not to be content with present conditions which everywhere indicate that the affairs of the Order are in splendid condition; that the affairs of the Great Council are in safe hands and that the rank and file is made up of indefatigable and competent workers, who are filled with enthusiasm and an earnest desire to advance the Order to that high and prominent position which it must eventually occupy and which every Red Man wishes it to attain. From every source comes to me good tidings of noble work being carried on; of palefaces being adopted; of a search for a better understanding of the fundamental principles and laws of the Order; Peace and harmony; good fellowship and brotherhood. I believe we can safely say that during the next Great Sun our membership will be increased to the extent that we shall have a larger representation in the Great Council of the United States. I wish that I could say my administration was one of perfection.
'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, giving to 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.