on the wooded bank of some lake, with an open field back of it for a drill or parade ground.

The lake front could be sub-divided into a sufficient number of lots to furnish one to each commandery, and reserve some for future commanderies.

Grand Commandery could build a central pavilion for its conclaves, and as each commandery should be ready to build a cottage, it might choose a lot for the same, and have it assigned to that commandery, the grand body retaining the vacant lots until each commandery should have its own cottage, which would become a resort for its members and families all summer, and a home for the commandery during State encampment.

We should thus have abundant opportunities for military drill, interspersed with the usual recreations of a summer resort, and at no greater expense than each commandery should see fit to incur.

GRIEVANCE.

On December 8, 1891, I received a letter from the Eminent Commander of Charlotte commandery, No. 37, complaining of Battle Creek commandery, No. 33, for trespassing upon the jurisdiction of Charlotte commandery, in receiving and acting upon the petition of a companion resident at Bellevue, said companion having previously petitioned Charlotte commandery, and been rejected.

I immediately wrote the Eminent Commander of Battle Creek commandery, to suspend all action in the premises, and state his side of the question.

My letter was answered by the Recorder of Battle Creek commandery, who claimed that Bellevue lies within the jurisdiction of Battle Creek commandery.

As Charlotte commandery makes the same claim, and as I am unable to determine which commandery is nearest to Bellevue, I enjoined both commanderies from acting upon any petitions coming from residents of Bellevue until the cause shall be determined by Grand Commandery, or until

an amicable settlement between themselves should be reached.

The entire correspondence is ready to be placed in the hands of your committee, and it is hoped that an equitable and satisfactory settlement may be reached at this conclave.

PETITION FOR COMMANDERY AT CRYSTAL FALLS.

The Sir Knights of Crystal Falls and vicinity will present a petition for a charter to form and open a commandery to be stationed at Crystal Falls.

I bespeak for the petitioners a respectful hearing, and recommend such action as will be for the best interest of templarism.

OFFICIAL COMPLIMENT.

On July 22, 1891, I received an invitation for myself and staff to attend the annual conclave of the Grand Commandery of Ohio, held at Cincinnati, September 23 and 24, 1891, and a very cordial personal letter from R. E. Grand Commander WILLIAM B. MELISH, urging me to accept the same.

He desired to secure the attendance of the Grand Commanders of all the adjoining jurisdictions-Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Michigan.

It was with great reluctance that I felt compelled to decline this most pressing and courteous invitation, feeling that all the time I could spare from business should be devoted to visiting our own commanderies.

OUR STANDARD.

The General Regulations of the Grand Commandery of Michigan provides that "The great standard of the order is a white banner of woolen stuff," etc.

The banner facing me at this moment, of which we are all proud, is scarcely in conformity with this regulation, and as I believe none would wish the banner to conform to the regulation, would it not be well to make the regulation conform to the banner?

This can readily be done by striking out the words "of woolen stuff," and thus legalize the use of silken banners.

NON-PAYMENT OF DUES.

Article VII of the statutes to be adopted by subordinate commanderies, printed with our code, provides that "Any member neglecting to pay his dues for one year, the commandery, after giving him due notice, may forfeit his membership." I would recommend that this article be so amended as to make a trial and conviction necessary before forfeiting his membership.

Article VI, section 6, provides for trial before expulsion or suspension, except for non-payment of dues, but I believe that no Sir Knight should be deprived of any of his masonic rights, without first being afforded an opportunity to be heard in his defense.

MASONIC HOME.

This beneficent institution continues to occupy a share of the attention of all masons, of whatever grade, in our State. It continues to perform the functions for which it was founded, and proves an inestimable blessing to the few unfortunates consigned to its care.

The Grand Lodge made munificent provision for its maintenance—at least for the current year—and the Home is commended to the thoughtful attention of all philanthropic templars.

THE XXV TRIENNIAL.

Your triennial committee will report progress at this meeting. They have made excellent progress. Having sent a member of the committee to Denver, they were fortunate in securing desirable quarters at the "Albany," upon reasonable terms.

THE AMERICAN TYLER.

Believing that all matters of general templar or masonic interest are cognizable in a paper of this nature, I wish to record here my personal appreciation and hearty commendation of the American Tyler.

This purely masonic paper, started in our midst, has by the power of ability, brightness and pluck, forced its way to the front, until now it is conceded to be one of the very best masonic journals in the country.

It is a matter of congratulation that this State has by far the best masonic paper ever published within our borders, and it is a valuable factor in keeping us abreast of the most advanced masonic thought of the day.

COURTESY APPRECIATED.

To the grand officers I wish to express my appreciation of their uniform courtesy to me, and more especially to our Grand Recorder, Right Eminent Sir WILLIAM P. INNES, whose prompt and cordial assistance has ever been rendered at my call, and whose vast stores of templar knowledge and ripe templar experience I have been permitted to draw upon at sight.

To the Eminent Commanders and Sir Knights throughout the State who have extended to me such profuse hospitality, I am under lasting obligations.

CLOSING.

Sir Knights, when one year ago I was installed in this high office, I felt like one who stands upon the summit of some high mountain toward which he has long been traveling. Gazing about me I seemed to see the whole panorama of the beautiful valley I was to cross, spread out before me with its shady groves, its quiet lakes and its occasional turbulent streams; while beyond all and above all I could plainly perceive the opposite mountain called Repose.

I was not unconscious that the streams might be difficult to pass, the lakes might prove to be obstructions, and the groves might conceal brambles; but on the whole the prospect was a pleasing one, and ever before me as I surveyed the road I was to travel, rose the summit beyond the valley. Such was the first broad view of the field to be traversed; but after commencing the journey the prospect at once

became more contracted, and confined to the objects more nearly surrounding me.

The difficulties have been less than I had expected. The brambles have been those that accompany roses. The turbulence of the streams has proved to be mere froth. I have been courteously helped over all the difficult places. My pathway has been strewn with the flowers of courtesy and kindness, and the year's journey has been altogether delightful.

And now, as I approach the opposite side of the valley, my only yearning is to merit your approval as I take my seat among the distinguished knights who have traveled this route before me, on the calm summit of Repose. EDWARD C. SMITH,

Grand Commander.

DIVISION AND REFERENCE.

On motion of Sir HENRY P. ADAMS, the address of the Grand Commander was referred to a special committee of three for division and reference.

COMMITTEE.

The R. E. Grand Commander appointed as such committee:

Sir HENRY P. ADAMS, Past Eminent Commander.

Sir AARON B. AVERY, Eminent Commander.

Sir WILLIAM S. SMITH, Past Eminent Commander.

GRAND RECORDER'S REPORT.

Grand Recorder Sir WILLIAM P. INNES, Past Grand Commander, then submitted his report as follows, which was accepted, adopted and ordered printed with the proceedings:

To the R. E. Grand Commander, Officers and Members of the Grand Commandery, K. T. of Michigan:

The constitution and regulations assign certain duties to the Grand Recorder, all of which I hope I have complied with.