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Financial Secretaries meeting, K. of C. hall, 1:00 P. M.
State Assembly Fourth Degree, McCloud Hotel, 8:00 P. M.

9:00 A. M.--Pontifical High Mass.
10:30 A. M.--Opening session of convention.
10:45 A. M.--Second Session Financial Secretaries.
1:00 P.M.--Luncheon by Catholic Ladies' Club
2:00 P.M.--Second session of convention.
6:30 P. M.--Banquet, Hotel McCloud.
8:00 P.M.--Entertainment, Sun Theater.

State Deputy William J. McNichols, Lexington
State Chaplain Mons. L. A. Dunphy, Sutton
State Treasurer James F. Burke, Sutton
State Advocate John H. Barry, Wahoo
State Warden W. H. Laughlin, Grand Island
State Secretary Mark Burke, Columbus

     On Monday evening the State Assembly of the Fourth Degree, as guests of Worthy Master George F. Corcoran, assembled around a banquet table in the main dining room of the McCloud Hotel at 8:00 p. m. Every local assembly in the state was represented and Martin H. Carmody, Deputy Supreme Knight, of Grand Rapids, Mich., was guest of honor. The meeting was one of Interest to all present and adjourned at midnight.

     The Financial :Secretaries met In the parlor of the Hotel McCloud with a large delegation present, Ralph Seguin in the chair and E. C. Cogan, secretary, Deputy Supreme Auditor Albert A. Kjar being present.

     The eighteenth annual state convention of the Knights of Columbus of Nebraska convened in accordance with the action of the last State Council, at York, Neb.

     The convention was called to order by State Deputy William J. McNichols, at 10:30 a. m.

     Roll call, and all officers present.

     The State Deputy then appointed Dr. Leo Phalen of Grand Island assistant to the State Warden.

     State Warden W. H. Laughlin then reported all present entitled to remain during the meeting.

     Delegates from the new Councils of Wood River and Orleans reported without credentials and by vote of the convention were seated as delegates.

     State Deputy McNichols then announced the following committees:
     Credentials--P. A. Tomek, F. J. Herbert, John J. Gross, P. C. Mullen and Mark Burke.
     Resolutions--W. M. Whalen, Harry Reardon, W. F. Kloke, John J. Bogan and W. H. Laughlin.
     Audit--William Rooney, J. Howard Heine and J. E. Hugg.
     Mileage and Assessment--P. H. Gillespie, E. P. Ryan and John Hopkins.

     Voted, that we proceed with reports of state officers while waiting for the committees.

To the Officers and Members of the Nebraska State Council, Knights of Columbus.
     Dear Brothers:
     Your State Deputy begs to make to the State Council of the Knights of Columbus, in convention assembled at York, Neb., the following report:
     At the time our state convention met at Lincoln last year, I was

just recovering from an operation, and it was not my pleasure to meet personally all of the delegates to the convention. Since that time I have visited a great many councils and am delighted to say that the most of them are in a flourishing condition. I am desirous at this time, of voicing my appreciation to the Knights of Columbus for the wonderful tribute paid to me for electing me to the high office of State Deputy. I wish to thank the officers and members of the individual councils for their splendid support and loyalty during this administration. I am especially grateful to the councils who ably assisted in the initiation work of the various classes. As time goes on, and in the after years it will always be one of my greatest pleasures to turn back the pages of life's book and dwell with those pleasant memories. I feel that I would be an ingrate if I did not thank those brothers who so willingly aided in every possible way in advancing our beloved order by their ever willing, tireless and unfailing work, and to them the honor belongs for the steps of advancement we have taken during the last year. The hierarchy and clergy have given me their co-operation and assistance at all times, and I am indeed grateful for that support.

     We have in Nebraska one of the very best Catholic papers in existence. This paper is published once a week and should receive the support of every member of the state. I am sure that we, as a body, are neglecting a wonderful opportunity when we fail to send in to this paper the Catholic news from our own communities. I have been informed by the editor, Father Cannon, that they gladly publish all news sent to them by the councils. I trust that the coming year will find more councils taking advantage of this opportunity. The membership for the year shows but a slight increase. This is due to the large number of suspensions. A good many of the councils have initiated classes during the year, and the State Secretary's report will give you the total membership in Nebraska at this time. From a report received from the office of the Supreme Secretary, during the month of March, the information was obtained, that our state was among the few showing a small number of suspensions at that time. The order generally did not show as large in increase as in previous years. This can be explained by the depression of business, and the industrial conditions in some states. On account of the new councils and those proposed, I found it necessary to add additional District Deputies. I am pleased to say that their work has been of the highest type. Many of them have staffs for the exemplification of the major degree and from all reports received, all of these staffs have rendered the best of service to the order. Permit me to call your attention to the "Columbia" succeeding the "Columbiad," and soon to close its first year. This is a paper not only interesting to the members of the Knights of Columbus, but of interest to the family as high class, interesting Catholic literature, and other literaure (sic) fit for the best homes. I recommend to you officers of the councils of this state that you recommend to every member of your council, that they subscribe to "The True Voice" of Omaha. This, with the "Columbia," will be at least a starting point for the refinement and education of all. Archbishop Moeller said in a pastoral letter last year:

     "In vain will you form missions and build schools
if you are not able to wield the offensive and defen-
sive weapons of a loyal Catholic press."

     But of course there is no occasion to argue the need of Catholic literature to the Knights of Columbus, it should be necessary only to call it to their attention, in order to have them act in accordance with their beliefs.
     The young men of the order are more and more insistant (sic) upon activity in athletics and every means should be taken to encourage them. It has been intimated that the Supreme Board of Directors will recommend to the coming Supreme convention certain laws tending to regulate athletics to be conducted in our name. We must not only stand for athletics but we must insist upon the best and provide against commercialism and the other dangers that so frequently accompany public sports of all kinds.
     The Historical Commission, created by the last Supreme Council, has been doing a wonderful work. The very names of the members of this committee bespeak its importance--Edward F. McSweeny, chairman, a publicist of high standing; Admiral William S. Benson, U. S. N.; Professor Henry Jones Ford of Princeton University; Hannis Taylor, formerly U. S. Minister to Spain; Professor Charles H. McCarthy, Catholic University of America; Professor George Herman Derry, Union University, and Professor Joseph Dunn of the Catholic University.
     They have been doing a wonderful work and the first book published on the Monroe Doctrine bids fair to become a standard work and will do much to offset the idea that American history is dead. I would call public attention to the fact that in many school histories there are grievous errors or misstatements or lack of statements, the result of which would be to lose this opportunity of inculcating the spirit of the fathers and the spirit of patriotism among the young. In several great cities these books have, upon examination, been stricken from the approved list, and throughout the country, in the educational centers, the books pointed out by the commission are now under discussion.
     With athletics for those so inclined, with the work of the History Commission to interest others, with correspondence schools for perhaps another class, our order is endeavoring to educate, to help, and to elevate not only our members, but those of our faith, and indeed our fellow citizens in general.
     During the year the Knights of Columbus have maintained seventy-five evening schools with an enrollment of 64,905, almost exclusively to ex-service men, free of charge. Thirty-one additional councils have maintained evening schools at their own expense. There are at present 220 men in universities, colleges and higher technical schools. We are engaged in 303 hospitals throughout the country, furnishing the ex-service men with entertainment and other comforts. Our hospital service is, of course, the outstanding work, for we are, in many cases, the only welfare society now administering to these men whose lives have been well-nigh shattered in their service and devotion to the flag.
     At the convention in San Francisco, last year, the Board of Directors were authorized to raise a fund of $1,000,000 for work in Rome and Italy in response to the request of the Holy Father and to

that end they were authorized to levy an assessment. Commencing with the semi-annual assessment of July 1, there will be added the sum of twenty-five cents each six months to create this fund. About $8,000 has already been contributed by individuals. To this work perhaps a word ought to be said.
     When the Knights of Columbus were received by the Holy Father, In August, 1920, our late beloved Pontiff said:

     "That while still doing so much fruitful work in their own beloved country, the Knights of Columbus have thought of extending their action to Italy, too, and in special manner to the city of Rome, dear above all cities to our hearts.
     "We welcome you, Knights of Columbus, to the Holy City. For indeed here, under our very eyes, a shameful propaganda is trying to rob our children nearest to us of the most precious heritage left them by their forefathers, the Catholic faith. There is a very network of endeavor to that shameful end. They are trying to attract our young men who are so inclined to the pleasures of sport Into association which, while they give facilities for satisfying that inclination, tend to make insidious attacks in the hearts of the young men on the sacred nature of Catholic principles."

     In this regard it ought to be plainly understood there is no attack on the Y. M. C. A. for its purely welfare work. The objection comes from their religious propaganda. Our Holy Father said in a decree issued concerning this matter:

     "This association displays sincere love for young men, but corrupts their faith, while pretending to purify it, teaching a conception of life above all churches and outside of every religious belief."

     It is the uprooting of the Catholic faith of the people of these stricken countries, under the cloak of welfare work, against which the decree of the Holy Father protests and is obliged to protest.
     I will suggest that all councils pay special attention to Holy Week and Passion Week, and all activities might well be suspended during these last two weeks of Lent and a special endeavor made for the observance of Good Friday. I urge the respective councils to hold a Requiem Mass once a year, at least, for the repose of the souls of the deceased brothers. The number of members making their Easter duty in a body has become so universal that it hardly needs comment. It is one of the demonstrations of the faith of our members, that without laws or regulation almost every council has voluntarily made the Easter duty of its members a council affair. This Is not only a voluntary act, but an open profession of Catholicity which cannot fail to bring its blessings upon the council even as it does upon the individual.

     Large increases are being made from month to month and year to year in the number of insured members. In America today only one man of every eight men carries insurance on his life. In our order we have two men in the Insured class for every five men in the associate class. Every officer of every council should be a militant knight in the great work of the order in providing insurance

protection for Catholic homes. In taking out insurance in the order our members at. once create an estate, a safe and good investment is made and the insured member is thereby relieved of anxiety as to the future of his dependents. In our appraisal of things worth while, let us recognize and have proper appreciation of the value of insurance protection for Catholic homes. Several of the Financial Secretaries of the state have given considerable time to the worthy cause of pointing out the benefits of insurance to new candidates as well as old members. I recall a class I assisted in initiating in Omaha just before Lent, in which more than half of them were insurance applicants. This was the result of the efforts of Ed. Cogan, Financial Secretary of Omaha Council. He appreciates the worth of K. C. Insurance and is desirous of seeing the other members avail themselves of the opportunity. At Albion, only last Sunday, thirty-six out of thirty-nine candidates were received in the insurance class. This was made possible by the efforts of Grand Knight Pleper.
     In a letter received from the Supreme Knight, recently, the following was taken:
     "Worthy State Deputy, permit me to congratulate you upon your success during the past year, and kindly, in my name, extend to the Grand Knights and members of your State Council my most sincere well wishes for the future prosperity of your councils and my prayer that personally they may be favored with all blessings."

     To the Grand Knights, let me say that some of you have exercised great judgment in the selection of men to fill this place.
     Others have not been so careful. The office of Lecturer is filled by appointment, and this appointment is made by the Grand Knight and is subject to removal at any time. The social success is largely in the hands of the Lecturer. Short talks, card parties and other forms of amusement can be had for a small cost and will certainly stimulate interest in the councils.

     On April 23, Wood River Council was instituted, and on May 7, Orleans Council was instituted. Broken Bow Council will be instituted May 28, and several more are in the embrio (sic).
     In closing let me say, with a feeling of regret, that I have not been able to accomplish more, in the way of advancing the order, than I have in the time I have served you as State Deputy. I greatly appreciate the honor you have given me, and I will be ever willing to assist in the good cause of Knighthood. My best wishes and heartfelt thanks I extend to the membership in the state. May God guide the work of the Knights of Columbus.

     Voted, that the report of State Deputy William J. McNichols be accepted and published in the proceeding of this convention.

     At this time the State Deputy called on the Worthy Past State Deputy and Master of the Fourth Degree, George F. Corcoran, for remarks.

     Brother Frank M. Colfer, of McCook, then addressed the convention regarding a laymen's retreat for the state of Nebraska.

     At this time the Warden announced Brother Martin H. Carmody, Deputy Supreme Knight, at the door. After introduction to the Council by the State Deputy, Brother Carmody gave a most interesting talk on the Knights of Columbus War Fund and the expenditures, and the wonderful work done by the Knights of Columbus during the late war.

     Brother Carmody then announced that he would be pleased to answer any questions that members of the Council might wish to ask. Brother L. G. Brian, of Lincoln, inquired about the Catholic Welfare Council, and was answered that the organization had determined its existence to meet again only at the call of the Holy Father.

     At this time the Warden announced Mons. L. A. Dunphy, State Chaplain, at the door. Brother Dunphy was escorted to the rostrum through lines of standing, admiring delegates.

     Brother Matthews of Omaha, and Brother Colfer, of McCook, then asked many other questions of Brother Carmody, and as the questions and answers would take up much space in these proceedings, the delegates can explain to their home Councils this interesting part of the meeting.

     Brother Carmody was then greeted by a rising vote of thanks by the convention.

     It now being 1:40 p. m., it was voted that we adjourn for lunch.

     The Council reassembled at 3:15 p. m., with State Deputy McNichols in the chair, and the Committee on Credentials stated they were ready to report.

Worthy State Deputy and Members of the Convention:
     We, your Credentials Committee, beg to report that we have carefully examined the credentials of the delegates and find the following state officers and delegates are entitled to a vote in the convention:
     Geo. F. Corcoran, Past State Deputy, York.
     William J. McNichols, State Deputy, Lexington,
     Mark Burke, State Secretary Columbus.
     James F. Burke, State Treasurer, Sutton.
     Mons. L. A. Dunphy, State Chaplain,
     Sutton. John H. Barry, State Advocate, Wahoo.
     W. H. Laughlin, State Warden, Grand Island.

Councils--

652, Omaha--John H. Hopkins, F. P. Matthews.
701, O'Neill--H. J. Reardon, W. H. Harley.
833, Lincoln--E. G. Zimmerer, D. G. O'Connor.
938, Columbus--W. J. Gregorious, F. W. Leonard.
975, Alliance--E. F. Shields, J. W. Guthrie.
1123, Hastings--P. J. Franey, J. J. Helmes.
1126, McCook--F. M. Colfer.

1128, Chadron--C. J. Kennedy, H. E. Barrett.
1159, Grand Island--E. P. Ryan, Wm. Goettsche.
1211, North Platte--J. J. DeRolf, J. T. Keefe.
1233, Hartington--J. H. Reifenrach, P. H. Gillispie.
1238, Creighton--Frank J. Kain, J. P. Ryan.
1295, Wymore--Theo. A. Helmig, W. F. Masek.
1309, Emerson--D. F. Sheehan, J. M. Liewer.
1312, Greeley--H. M. Sampson, J. M. Lanigan.
1336, Falls City--C. C. Rowley, Phil Horans.
1497, Fremont--M. H. Thernes, H. J. Barrett.
1666, Sutton--F. E. Weston.
1708, York--Peter A. Meehan, J. E. Friel.
1717, David City--P. A. Tomek H. Fricke.
1723, Beatrice--John W. Delehant, J. E. Lang.
1728, Kearney--T. A. Costello, B. H. Patterson.
1737, Friend
1739, Albion--J. H. Pieper, M. V. Ruddy.
1788, Madison--J. C. Tighe.
1793, Norfolk--J. A. Erwin, F. J. Hartlieb.
1794, Humphrey--J. E. Hugg, C. J. Thielen.
1833, Wahoo--Rev. M. Nemec, F. J. Polak.
1861, Sidney--F. J. Herbert, L. A. Donoghue.
1904, Hebron--A. J. Burbach, J. Helfrech.
1906, Lawrence Fred Brockman, Mathias Friend.
1918, St. Paul--J. C. Zovholl, J. T. Webster.
1966, Plattsmouth--J. J. Elaider, J. A. Fogerty.
2040, Lexington--J. V. O'Donald, J. H. Maher.
2272, West Point--John J. Gross, R. J. Brozda.
2292, Ord--P. J. Melia, E. J. Gruber.
2351, Wood River--T. D. Sullivan, Andrew P. Finan.

     Voted, that the report of the Committee on Credentials be adopted as read.

     To the Officers and Members of the State Council, Knights of Columbus, York, Neb.: We, your Committee on Audit, beg leave to report that we have examined the books and accounts of the State Treasurer and State Secretary and find the following:

Cash on hand in General Fund, May 21, 1921 $ 7,006.65
Received from State Secretary during year 5,061.90
Total $12,068.55
Paid out as per vouchers 3,203.68
Leaving a balance on hand at this date of $ 8,864.87
Cash on hand in Western Mission Fund $ 86.88
Received during the year 1,537.00
Cash on hand $ 1,623.88

     At this time an invitation from the Chamber of Commerce, of Sidney, was read asking the 1923 convention be held in their fair western city, which held many attractions including a shooting ground and swimming pool.

     It was voted that the next state meeting be held in Sidney, Neb.

     State Deputy, William J. McNichols, asked Past State Deputy, George F. Corcoran to preside during the election of officers.

     Brother W. F. Kloke of Norfolk placed in nomination William J. McNichols of Lexington for State Deputy.

     Brother Francis P. Matthews of Omaha seconded the nomination, and moved that the nominations be closed and the State Secretary be instructed to cast the unanimous vote of this convention for William J. McNichols for State Deputy.

     The convention then listened to Brother McNichols' eloquent speech of acceptance, inspiring all with hopes of a year of progress.

     Brother P. A. Tomek of David City then moved that the rules be suspended and State Secretary Mark Burke of Columbus, State Treasurer James F. Burke of Sutton, State Advocate J. H. Barry of Wahoo, and State Warden W. H. Laughlin of Grand Island be elected by unanimous vote of the convention.

     After being duly seconded the motion carried.

     State Deputy McNichols then called the newly elected officers together and Mons. L. A. Dunphy of Sutton was the unanimous choice of the state officers for State Chaplain.

     Two insurance and four associate delegates were to be elected, and the following names presented to the convention: W. F. Kloke of Norfolk, Dr. F. H. Morrow of Columbus, Dr. H. M. Sampson of Greeley, Hon. John A. McGuire of Lincoln, Francis P. Matthews of Omaha, E. L. Kudrna of Wahoo and J. W. Guthrie of Alliance.

     Brothers Kloke, Morrow, McGuire, Matthews and Kudrna being insurance members, it was voted that the two insurance members receiving the most votes would be the insurance delegates to the national convention.

     The first ballot resulted as follows: Morrow fifty, Matthews forty-nine, Kloke forty-three, McGuire thirty-seven, Ruddy thirty-one Samson twenty-seven, Guthrie twenty-one, and Horskey nineteen.

     Morrow and Matthews were elected as insurance delegates, and Kloke and McGuire having a majority were elected associate delegates.

     It took five ballots to elect the other two associate delegates, after which M. V.. Ruddy of Albion and Dr. H. M. Sampson of Greeley were the choice of the convention.

     On motion by P. A. Tomek of David City, duly seconded and carried, that the rules be suspended and the State Secretary be instructed to cast the unanimous vote of this convention for the following brothers as alternates to the delegates to the national convention:

E. L. Kudrna for Past State Deputy Geo. F. Corcoran.

E. F. Shields for State Deputy W. J. McNichols.
Dr. C. J. Reiley for Dr. Frank H. Morrow.
P. H. Gillispie for John A. McGuire.
Ralph Seguin for W. F. Kloke.
J. M. Lanigan for M. V. Ruddy.
J. H. Maher for F. P. Matthews.
J, H. Hopkins for D. H. M. Sampson.

The Knights of Columbus of Nebraska in State Convention Assembled in the City of York, Neb., May 23, 1922:
     We, your Committee on Resolutions, beg to submit the following report:
     It is gratifying to report the gradual and substantial growth of the membership of the order in Nebraska, in spite of prevailing unfavorable financial conditions, which have prevailed during the past two years. Several new Councils have been established, and the general interest in the work of the order gives encouragement to the officers and members for the future.
     Great credit is due for the progress of Knighthood in Nebraska to the officers in general and especially to the splendid and vigorous leadership of our Worthy State Deputy W. J. McNichols. We congratulate the state officers and the officers of the various councils in the state for their hearty support of the great movements that have been undertaken under the direction of the Knights of Columbus covering the period which followed immediately the close of the Great War. This great work is still being carried on, and in every community the Knights of Columbus stand out with a background of a splendid and patriotic record which has met with the general approval and commendation of all classes of our people.
     Whereas, There has been a lack of effective co-operation among the councils of the state in their various activities, because there has been no medium for the dissemination of strictly Knights of Columbus matters.
     Therefore Be It Resolved, That the state convention hereby approves the establishment of a state paper to be devoted to the interests of the members and councils of the state, and which should be mailed to each member monthly, and we recommend that steps be taken to carry out this purpose.
     Be It Further Resolved, That the State Deputy appoint a committee of three to consider the plan and method and probable financial expenses of such a paper, and report their recommendations at the next state convention.
     Whereas, Many of our worthy brothers have been overtaken by sickness and misfortune, and are physically and financially unable to help themselves--in some cases required care of outside charitable organizations--and which does not reflect creditably upon the order
     Be It Resolved, That it is the sense of this resolution that a National Home or Sanatarium (sic) should be erected and equipped by the Knights of Columbus at some point, and at some suitable location, for the care and treatment of our sick and indigent members in good standing.
     Whereas. There exists in many localities and frequently through

the columns of the public press manifestations of intolerance--social, industrial and religious and this spirit of religious intolerance and sectarian hatred is inimical to the best interests of society and of our common country.
     Therefore Be It Resolved, That we, as Knights of Columbus and as patriotic citizens, heartily endorse and commend the broad and patriotic attitude of Mr. Hanford MacNider, head of the American Legion, which was recently expressed through the public press in a communication replying to a narrow and bigoted attack made upon him, and which was based upon the assumption that he was a subject of Rome. MacNider's article was a stinging rebuke to the spirit of narrow-minded bigotry and religious intolerance which unfortunately has found expression in the press, pulpit and platform of our country.
     Be It Further Resolved, That we express our sincere and warm appreciation of the manly and patriotic utterances of Mr. MacNider.
     Be It Further Resolved That in this connection we also express our profound gratitude to President Harding for the timely warning which he recently gave in a public address and placed his great influence on the side of the spirit of religious tolerance.
     Whereas, We are becoming more and more aware of the great importance of enlisting the interest and ambition of our Catholic youth in the direction which leads to better citizenship and higher standards of Christian life.
     Therefore Be It Resolved, That we heartily favor and endorse the Boy Scout movement when properly organized and directed, and we pledge our influence, sympathy and support to these young boys who are growing up to manhood and who are to furnish the future citizenship of our country.
     Whereas. It is noticeably apparent from the reports of suspension coming from the various councils, that something must be done to enlist to a greater degree the individual and collective interests of the members in the social activities of their respective councils;
     And Whereas, This organization has devolved upon the lecturers, who in a great many instances are unprepared to formulate and promote wholesome entertainment and intellectual advancement,
     Therefore Be It Resolved, That we favor a more effective co-operation among the councils of the state to stimulate and promote the social and educational activities among the members of the respective councils. And to this end we favor and recommend the appointment by the State Deputy of a committee of five to investigate thoroughly this very important matter of combining the activities and duties of the lecturers of the various councils into some co-ordinate and effective organization, which shall be under the leadership of capable and qualified directors; and that this committee report with their recommendations at our next state convention.
     Be It Resolved, That we express our deep appreciation for the splendid hospitality which has been accorded us by the city of York, and we are especially grateful to our good friend and brother, the Honorable Geo. F. Corcoran, for his untiring efforts not only in the promotion of the work of the order, but also in his willing and friendly spirit of which his popularity is a permanent testimonial.

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