eries appearing in this Grand Body in full dress uniform be adopted, and that no Representative be allowed a seat in this Grand Body without said uniform, unless by unanimous consent.

Sir Charles Cruft, one of the veterans of the corps reportorial, "comes to the front" with his accustomed review, full of good things well selected and said in a Knightly manner. He reviews the transactions of twenty-eight Grand Commanderies and the Grand Encampment. For kind things said of us, and of our Grand Jurisdiction, he has our thanks. Come again, Sir Cruft.

Under his review of Wisconsin, he says:

Correspondence again by Past Grand Commander A. V. H. Carpenter, occupying one hundred and fifteen pages of an appendix. It is a fine paper, in the peculiar brusque and incisive style of that distinguished reviewer. He is a volunteer this time. He says he is no "committee now, and being no longer held to any rule of literary warfare, he sails in "on his own hook," much as a "bush-whacker" or "free-booter," (in a literary sense) is supposed to be privileged to do. His excellent wit, fine appreciation of the ludicrous, broad, catholic, loving heart, honest purposes. excellent sense and learning, stalwart blows, tender sensibilities, and the courage of conviction, makes his review as wonderful a medley of shifting sights as the turning of a kaleidoscope. It is hard to quote from him, because it is almost impossible to segregate a single bright gem or flower from the surrounding mass of brilliancy - and it is not convenient to re-publish the whole report. There are four pages devoted to Indiana in a courteous way three of which appertain to the report on Correspondence, of last year. He "storms" again, metaphorically, at Past Grand Commander Thomas, about his remark as to having 'now a great deal more than we should have'-referring to the Law;" and brings out his "bear" gun with which to demolish what he left of him before. His "optimistical" homily is well enough put, from his standpoint; but the location of the "standpoint" may be wrong, in which case it is not unlike the celebrated attack of the chivalric Don — of glorious memory-on the windmills! That was the import of last year's suggestion, and for which the "doughty" Sir Knight seems half inclined to tender his " wager of battle" and "foment a quarrel Why, dear Sir Knight, "the twain of us may not quarrel in any way. From your out-look your "observation " was all right enough, but (to quote back J. Bunsby on you) "the value of that observation lies in the application on it."

with the humble writer.

66

our

Candidly, it is a matter of regret that Sir Carpenter cannot longer remain with the reportorial guild. He belongs there, and is due there; and he ought to take his

chance on being "shot," and occasionally, at least, "shy his castor" into the reviewing ring, just for the "fun of it," to himself, and the good he is enabled to accomplish thereby for the Orders generally. After a little rest, it is to be hoped that he may be heard from again.

To all of which we say, amen. We do truly regret parting with Sir Carpenter. We know him well, and knowing him, know his worth.

The Committee think there ought to "be a fixed date in the calendar year to which the returns of each Grand Body in the United States should conform, without regard to the Templar or anniversary year of each. This would ensure greater exactness than is at present attainable. No description in words conveys so concise or truthful account of the progress or retrogression of a Commandery as its statistics, or a comparison of them from year to year, and there ought to be more particularity and care taken about this matter than has been done hitherto."

We give his "say so" on what he subheads "Progress," "Rituals," "Creed Test" and "Suggestions;" and we ask for them careful consideration, particularly what he says under the head of "Suggestions":

PROGRESS.

The figures show a good numerical growth in membership, last year-over six times the net increase of 1879. This of itself is gratifying, but does not exhibit all the improvement - the number of Commanderies has increased ten. The reports indicate other improvements. Among these, notably, may be observed that the addresses of Grand Commanders and the reviews of correspondents have been shortened up and rendered more practical; there has been less "fine writing" attempted, and much maudlin sentiment has been dropped. "Gush," historical platitudes, sophomoric "rehashes" of the "Crusades" and the "Knights of Chivalry," are passing away. Theological, hortatory, and historical disquisitions are growing less frequent; extreme and ascetic personal piety is less paraded. The peace and harmony" business is not so much aired. The Code has "knocked in the head" the long-winded bores called "decisions." The literary end of Templarism has surely been improving. If reports can be credited, the last year indicates an improvement also in moral growth, closer practice of the Christian virtues and gentlemanly demeanor on all sides. The Chicago Conclave of the Grand Encampment showed wondrous improvement in the military side of Tem

plarism, not only in evolutions and tactical knowledge, but in grace of movement, personal carriage and soldierly bearing. No finer body of men, physically, has, perhaps, ever assembled in this country than the last escort of the Grand Master. The future looks bright for the association of Knights Templar in the United States. God grant that it may continue to progress in the humanity and moral virtues of life apace with numerical growth.

RITUALS.

It was anticipated that Rituals, for the Order of Malta and the Temple would be settled by the Grand Encampment, at its last conclave. This was not done, however. Progress, nearly to completion, was made in the former, when the matter was "indefinitely postponed." No attempt was made to revise the Templar Ritual. These matters need the attention of the Grand Encampment, and will, probably, have it at the next conclave. With these settled definitely, and some amendments to the edict of 1862 relating to uniform (now in the hands of Sir Knight Carpenter's committee), there will be no matters of controversy remaining.

CREED TEST.

Efforts making, in some quarters, to insist upon profession of the dogma of the Trinity," as a prerequisite to Templar membership, are creating discussion. It is not probable, however, that the views of our English fratres will be adopted in this country, or that the present liberal features of the "American System" will be narrowed down to any mere creed, however ancient or time-honored it may be. The late Grand Master placed this matter on rational grounds, and it is probable that no learned discussions of the subject will change them.

SUGG FSTIONS.

A suggestion or two, modestly put, may not be out of place. They may be adopted or not, according to taste, and the maker of them not be "a horse thief or a liar " either. It is submitted:

1. That Grand Recorders ought to take more pains with their statistics, and regard the rules of Daboll, Pike, Smith and other arithmeticians as to addition and subtraction; and ought to be able to account for gains and losses, and prove all general results by the proper footing up of the details constituting them.

2. That the "item" "stricken from the rolls" is not tolerable or justifiable. There is no legitimate way to get rid of a member except by dimission or death, unless by trial, which results in suspension or expulsion.

3. The use of the word "Orders" is preferable to "Order," as applied to the body of Knights Templar.

4. There are no such things as "degrees" in Templary. To speak of the degree of "Malta," or "Red Cross," or the "Temple," is improper and inexact. It should be Order of Malta, etc. The word "Masonic," as applied to Templar affairs

is probably improperly used. A learned Frater speaks of the Templar Orders as "this department of Masonry," which is incorrect, as well as Masonic Knights Templar," etc. The systems are separate and distinct as well as their nomencla

ture.

Sir John H. Hess of Columbus, was elected Grand Commander.

Sir John M. Bramwell of Indianapolis, was re-elected Grand Recorder.

IOWA.

The Eighteenth Annual Conclave was held at the Asylum of Temple Commandery No. 4, in the city of Des Moines, commencing on Wednesday, October 26, A.D. 1881, A.O. 763.

Sir J. Scott Jenkins, R. E. Grand Commander. Sir William B. Langridge, E. Grand Recorder. Thirty-four subordinate Commanderies were represented. Six Past Grand Commanders were present.

Past Grand Commander Sol. E. Wagoner of Missouri, was introduced into the Grand Commandery, and welcomed with the honors due his rank.

The Grand Commander in his address to the Sir Knights, says:

As has been often said, we meet to-day not as partisans, nor as a convention assembled to legislate for the advancement of any personal interest or end. We come together to help raise to a higher level our common humanity; to assist in introducing the reign of peace and good will, of purity and truth, among mankind; to counsel for the welfare of the human race and the increase of the kingdom of heaven on earth. Let us then, in this spirit, and regarding the responsibility of our position in the light of this our day, see to it that our efforts at least, if not our performance, shall be worthy of the high vocation wherewith we are called.

Our gratitude is due our Heavenly Father for the good degree of health and the returning prosperity which He has vouchsafed to our Order and our State during the past year. We have been called to part with no member of this Grand Body

during the year, and the number of deaths in our subordinates has been only fifteen.

All this, however, is saddened by the great national loss which we, in common with our fellow citizens have suffered in the death of the President of the United States. Although not of our jurisdiction, yet he was of us. Emphatically one of the people, called to his high position by them, and laboring for their welfare, no word can be found to characterize the foul crime which cost him his life. As citizen, as Mason, and as Templar, he was worthy of our admiration and esteem; and the universality of the mourning for his death attests the high admiration and affection everywhere felt for his character. I need not enlarge on this-you have felt it as deeply as I, and I cannot add to his reputation or deepen your feeling by any words of mine.

The following letter was received from Sir Downing Baugh, and read by the Grand Recorder:

--

MY VERY DEAR FRIENDS AND SIR KNIGHTS- I attended the last meeting of our Grand Commandery laboring under severe illness, which has followed me all through the year, frequently causing extreme pain. Still, I have hoped to be able to meet with you at our approaching Grand Conclave; but from my enfeebled body, great age, and darkened vision, it would be unwise for me to attempt so long a journey. This, to me, viewed from a human standpoint, is a sad disappointment. I have hoped once more to meet you in our sacred retreat, where no eye can see but God's, and with you, offer up prayers and oblations to Deity.

And now, Sir Knights, I pray the All-Father that you may have a pleasant meeting, and return to your homes better prepared to battle for the Christian religion than ever before, and that through faith in our Blessed Immanuel, we may all meet at the Grand Headquarters in the Holy Land, and having warred a good warfare, we may all lay hold on eternal life. Amen, and Amen!

Past Grand Commander Waters presented the following resolution, which was received and referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence :

Resolved, That the statutes of this Grand Commandery should be so amended as to make it obligatory on all petitioners for dispensations to establish new Commanderies under its jurisdiction to present with such petition regular dimits from ther respective Commanderies, showing them to have paid all dues and to be in good standing at the date thereof, and that hereafter in all cases dimits must accompany such petitions.

Who reported thereon as follows:

Your Committee believe that the resolution offered by Past Grand Commander