A special session of the Great Council was called at Louisville on the 5th sun of Hunting Moon, G. S. D. 408, and the Council fire was kindled by special dispensation from the Great Incohonee in the absence of the Charter of the Great Council. Great Senior Sagamore Willie Walker presided.
The special session had been called for two purposes. First, to investigate charges that had been preferred against Great Sachem W. C. Diederich, accusing him of having conspired with certain organizers to do illegal acts, and to have otherwise acted in violation of the law respecting the organization and institution of Tribes. Second, to adjust a dissention among the chiefs and members of Hiawatha Tribe.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 14.
After due investigation of the charges against Great Sachem Diederich, it was ordered that they be withdrawn, and the same being done, Great Sachem Diederich was conducted to his stump amidst applause.
The commissions of J. B. VanZandt and W. E. Fite as organizers were revoked.
After a thorough investigation of the affairs of Hiawatha Tribe, the same were adjusted, and the council fire of this special session was quenched.
Regular Session.
The sixth Great Sun Council Fire was kindled in the Hunting Grounds of Lexington, at the 10th run, rising of the 8th Sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 409.
All Great Chiefs were present and the representatives of 27 Tribes. The gross attendance was 95 Past Sachems.
Great Sachem W. C. Diederich then read his long talk, in which he said, "I entered upon the duties of the office with a firm determination to devote my best endeavor to the upbuilding of our beloved Order in the Great Reservation. Finding I had not much time to devote to the upbuilding of our Order, I had the pleasure of appointing Brother John B. VanZandt as my Organizer, and the progress he has made will be seen in his report. I have, during my term, had some unpleasantness. It has not all been smooth sailing, but now peace and harmony reign once more. I have tried to fulfil my obligations to the best of my ability and the Great Spirit has safely guided me through."