Redmanship in Kentucky for Fifty Great Suns

by Frank L. Smith

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 $6.77¹/₂ to 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.