Redmanship in Kentucky for Fifty Great SunsSmith, Frank L.
History
Redmanship in Kentucky for Fifty Great Suns
Smith, Frank L.
Improved Order of Red Men. Great Council of Kentucky
"A bill, to provide for the support of Widows and Orphans of deceased
Red Men, and of Aged Red Men, and the ultimate establishment of a Home
for the same."
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 $6.77-1/2 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.
The famous "Disfranchisement Bill" was withdrawn and thus came to an end
a measure which promised to cause much dissension.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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