Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

326 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS Iv -'"i's^'i
/ Nov. 18, 1913.
strictest economy will be necessary for the next year or more in
order to clear off the indebtedness. I feel that some changes ought to
be made in different directions, but, before doing so, I am looking the
ground over very carefully and endeavoring to get in personal touch
with each individual canton, therefore I do not propose to make any of
these changes until 1 am sure of my position, and that they will be
for the good of the army in the Department. I expected to meet with
friction on assuming command, owing to a rigorous line of discipline,
and a strict observance of the code being established, but, instead, I
am gratified to report that, instead of being considered a martinet,
the rank and file have admitted that the course adopted was a correct
one. and it is having good effect. Promptness and attentiveness are
points upon which I insist on strict observance and I try to impress
upon the Department the words of a once great general, 'That he who
would command must first have learned to obey,' and also, realizing
that example is a better teacher than precept, I have my office kept up
to the most rigid lines of promptness and dispatch, all correspondence
being attended to the same day as received, while strict attention is
also given to the minutest detail connected with the Department.
This gives work, and plenty of it, but ultimately I feel assured that it
will lead to success, and my great aim is to carry the Department
along upon lines which I feel sure will one day place it among the most
prominent of the divisions of the army, and that it may be noted for
its enthusiasm and efficiency, as well as numerical .strength. My
predecessor clothed the army of the Patriarchs Militant in. the Department
of Illinois with the dignity which it demands, and in this
respect I intend to follow in his steps. I hope next year to be able to
give you a more satisfactory and complete report, and in the meantime
desire to assure you that the interests of the Patriarchs Militant in
this Department will be looked after to the best of my ability."
Illinois—Geo. B. Roller, Grand Patriarch, writes: "In accord with
your request of January 2 in regard to smoking and drinking in and
about the lodge room, I have sent notices to each Encampment Deputy
and have replies from nearly all. With very few exceptions they report
that they were observing the law in that regard, and the few
that were in the habit of smoking under 'good of Order' say that,
when the letter was brought to their notice, they were willing to
obey the law in that respect. My observation is that the Patriarchs
of Illinois are law abiding, yet there are quite a number who believe
that each Encampment should be allowed to regulate themselves in
regard to smoking, holding that the Encampment is more of a social
than a beneficiary branch, and those that desired should have the
privilege of smoking under good of the Order; however, they agree
that so long as the law remains they will obey it."