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as District Deputy, and assure them of full co-operation in every possible way for the good of the order.

To the Worthy State Deputy and Delegates in State Council Assemoled (sic), in Kearney, Nebr.:
     I am glad to report at this time that the general condition of the Councils in my jurisdiction have shown some improvement since last year, although no actual increase in membership has taken place as yet.
     McCook Council No. 1123 has been, since its installation, a very active and growing council. Grand Knight Charles E. Sullivan reports that they have 64 insurance members, representing a loss of 4 members from last year and 121 associate members representing a loss of 12 from last year's report, with 1 insurance member and 13 associate members suspended. The cash balance on hand as shown by the report is $625.18. I am also glad to report that the city of McCook has very recently started to construct a very fine up-to-date hospital, and it is to the credit not only of the members of the Knights of Columbus who have so generously supported the hospital movement but a credit to the community there at large, non-Catholic as well as Catholic, and in this connection I am glad to mention with pride that grand old man, whose generosity knows no limit when the interests of the Church are at stake, Pat Walsh of McCook.
     In Immaculate Conception Council, No. 1666, at Sutton, Nebr., reports through Frank Weston, Grand Knight, and M. E. Fleming, financial secretary, that their present insurance membership is 25, showing a net loss of 2 from last year, and the present associate membership is 32, showing a net loss of 7 from last year. Suspensions from the insurance class 20, from the associate class 5. The report also shows a balance on hand of $236.56 cash. I am glad to say the Sutton Council has shown a very marked increase in the interest and in prospects for the future.
     Father Crowe Council No. 1737, located at Friend, Nebr., reports through P. J. Mullen, Grand Knight, and John W. Ahern, Financial Secretary, a present insurance membership of 30, a loss of 4 from last year, and a present associate membership of 70, a net loss of 10 from last year, also showing suspensions from the insurance class of 3 and from the associate class of 7. Cash on hand, $525.00.
     Orleans Council No. 2373, located at Orleans, Nebraska, through Owen C. Carroll, Grand Knight, and Richard W. Carroll, Financial Secretary, shows a present insurance membership of 36, a net loss of 2 from last year, and a net associate membership of 52, showing no loss whatever in the associate membership. Suspensions showing 1 from the insurance class and 1 from the associate class, and cash on hand $522.68. I am very proud of this council at Orleans as the loss in membership reported shows it to be the banner council in the district.

     St. Stephen Council No. 1906, Lawrence, Nebr., reports through Dr. J. B. Dierker, Grand Knight, and E. J. Barrett, Financial Secretary, a membership in the insurance class of 51, being a loss of 2 from last year, and an associate membership of 85, being a loss of 4 from last year; also reports 1 suspension from the insurance class and 4 from the associate class, and showing a cash balance on hand of $541.07. This council is one of the most substantial councils in the state and great strides are being made in Lawrence in upbuilding the church property. Already there is one of the finest school buildings in the state and there is now under construction a very fine church building estimated to cost more than $100,000.00. The conditions are very gratifying for this council.
     Hastings Council No. 1126, located at Hastings, Nebr., reports through George Laughlin, Grand Knight, and Octave Le Blanc, Financial Secretary, a present membership of 84 in the Insurance class, representing an increase of 5 over last year, and present associate membership et 243, being an increase over last year of 2, and no suspensions in either class. I am proud indeed of the Hastings Council, which also shows cash on hand of $586.80.
     In our District we have made special efforts during the past year to get reinstatements of suspended members and very happy results are already shown. I recommend that the efforts be directed along this line for the coming year

May 5th, 1924

To the Officers and Members of the Nebraska State Council of the Knights of Columbus:
     A report which begins with an apology might possibly better be left unwritten. Nevertheless, relying upon the degree of charity with which members of the Order are accustomed to regard the faults of their brothers, I am emboldened to submit this report premising it with an apoligy (sic).
     I regret that I find it entirely impossible to be present at the State Convention and submit my report of the condition of the Second District of Nebraska in person. I am, however, and on the date of the State Convention will still be, engaged in the trial of a case in our local district court which makes it utterly impossible for me to be at Kearney.
     The year 1923 and 1924, so far as the condition of the Order in the District comprising the councils located at Lincoln, Falls City, Auburn, Beatrice, Wymore and Hebron is concerned, has been one of stabilization. Peculiar psychological and financial conditions following the war, which closed in 1918, and whose effects are still actively with us, brought into the organization an unprecedented number of members, some of whom entered with an enthusiasm bordering on hysteria, but whose membership was hardly of that stable character which forms the foundation of a permanent society. With the passage of conditions leading up to this fluctuation in membership, there has come to a large extent a decline of interest on the part of the members added to the Order during the period mentioned. Naturally a

number of them have permitted their membership to lapse, and in the condition of general apathy which has been noticed by all societies, still others have become lazy as it were and have dropped from the Order, the lapse of whose membership is really a distinct loss. This condition has been peculiarly true to the larger councils. The smaller ones, whose membership is more closely knit, have not experienced the difficulty in question to the same degree. I add, without any thought of boasting, that in the Beatrice Council, of which I am a member, there has been practically no lapsation, This I attribute, however, to the almost superhuman activity of the secretary of the council, Mr. A. J. Woelke.
     During the year just past, there have been no initiations held within this District. Two exemplifications are scheduled during May, one at Falls City and one at Hebron, and in the early fall another will be conducted at Wymore, in which the councils located at Wymore and Beatrice will participate.
     The financial condition of all councils in this District is entirely healthy.
     A healthy spirit of co-operation is apparent among the membership of all of the councils.
     With some minor exceptions, reports have been made promptly by the Council officers in accordance with the rules of the Order and the laws of the Order have been properly complied with.
     I personally believe that financial conditions in the communities covered by the Second District are more favorable than a year ago, and that the psychological attitude of the members of the Order is far more auspicious, and with these features as the foundation of my statement, I would say that I confidently expect to see the year 1924 and 1925 a very prosperous one for the Order in the District.

State Council, in Convention Assembled, Kearney, Nebraska.
Gentlemen:
     I herewith beg leave to submit the following report of the ocuncils (sic) in my District:
     The District comprises Hartington Council at Hartington, Nebr.; Wayne Council at Wayne, Nebr.; Phil Sheridan Council at Fremont, Nebr.; St. Joseph Council at West Point, Nebr.; Wahoo Council at Wahoo, Nebr.; Ava Maria Council at Humphrey, Nebr.
     The conditions in nearly all the councils in the District show first of all a decline in membership through suspensions. This I attribute to two causes: The absence of any concrete, pressing problem which would arouse concerted or united action, and a financial depression in the agricultural districts, which necessitates choosing between that which is absolutely essential and which is only laudable and to be desired.
     In the second place, that spirit of fraternity which has built up great insurance organization, that spirit which has expressed itself in the building up of powerful lodges having rituals and ceremonies. It seems to me, is fast dying out. Ceremonials and rituals, and

initiations, have not the appeal and the pull on our imaginations that we experienced a generation ago. This leads me to the conclusion that if we would grow and prosper we must find new stimulants for unity and fraternity.
     Another fact that, in my judgment, militates against the Knights of Columbus, as a Catholic organization, is the, fact that a large portion of the hierarchy of the church are, to say the least, indifferent to our organization. I cannot understand the cause of this, for surely no period of history in America can point to more pronounced progress in the Catholic Church than that which runs parallel with the history of the Knights of Columbus. And indifference is more difficult to combat than avowed opposition, for opposition can be met and won over, whereas indifference, where there should be active interest and encouragement, soon saps the life of its victim.
     I have attached hereto a report from the respective councils showing in detail the membership, together with the receipts and disbursements, all of which I respectfully submit.

     Bro, Patterson announced that the ladies of St. James Parish would serve a luncheon at the K. of C. hall.

     On motion of Bro. J. F. Webster of St. Paul adjournment was taken at 11:30 a. m. until 1 p. m.

     The State Council reconvened at 2 p. m. with State Deputy Matthews in the chair.

     State Warden Dr. J. C. Tighe, assisted by Bro. E. C. Cogan, then took up the password.

     The State Deputy read a telegram from Supreme Advocate Luke E. Hart giving news of his sudden illness and consequent inability to attend the convention as expected.

     On motion of Past State Deputy. McNichols, the State Deputy appointed a committee composed of Past State Deputy McNichols, Rev. Anton Link and the State Secretary to draft a reply expressing regret of the State Council and their best wishes for the speedy recovery of the Supreme Advocate.

     The Committee on Audit reported as follows:

     We, the Auditing Committee, find the report of J. Howard Heine correct and approve the same as read.

(Signed) AUDITING COMMITTEE.

C. V. DUNN, JOHN L. BEHA, W. J. PUETZ.

     Bro. Wm. Whelan reported on behalf of the Retreat Committee as follows:

Honorable Francis P. Matthews, State Deputy.
Dear Sir and Brother:
     We, the undersigned committee appointed by the State Council at the meeting held at Sidney, Nebraska, 1923, to arrange for holding a

retreat for men under the auspices of the State Council of the K. of C., respectively submit the following report.
     The retreat held during the year 1922 was the first of its kind held in the State of Nebraska and was in the nature of an experiment. During that year the State Council, which met at York, gave the movement its hearty endorsement and also appropriated $100.00 to help defray the expenses of promoting the retreat. During that year the retreat was held at the Immaculate Conception Academy at Hastings, Nebraska, on August 26, 27 and 28, under the direction of Father Kuhlman, S. J., St. Marys, Kansas. The attendance, although small, was very encouraging. There were on the average of about 34 men who made this retreat; among them was a non-Catholic man who expressed great appreciation of the privilege he had enjoyed. The total money received in addition to the $100.00 contributed by the State Council was $541.50, which was contributed by the men who attended the retreat, making a total of $641.50. Of this sum the committee paid out to the good Sister of St. Dominic, in charge of the Academy and who furnished us board and lodging, the sum of $300.00. Also paid to Father Kuhlman $150.00. For expense of advertising, postage, etc., $109.82. Making a total of $559.82. This left a balance on hand from the year 1922 of $81.68.
     The committee was greatly encouraged by the result of this first retreat, and undertook to arrange for the retreat held during the year 1923, and at the meeting of the State Council held at Sidney in that year the retreat movement was again heartily indorsed (sic) by the delegates and another generous contribution of $100.00 was given to assist the committee in provoting (sic) the Laymen's Retreat, and the committee appointed at that time to arrange for the retreat consisted of W. M. Whelan, Francis P. Matthews, E. J. Lambe, Frank M. Colfer and Dr. E. G. Zimmerer. The committee made every effort last year to interest a wider and more representative attendance at the retreat, and an elaborate campaign of advertising was carried out. But for some unaccountable reason the attendance at the retreat was very slightly increased over the previous year. Last year the attendance averaged about 42 men. The results of the retreat to those in attendance were highly gratifying, but it has been hoped that we could have at least 100 members of the order make these retreats annually.
     The retreat during 1923 shows the following financial statement:

To the Sisters for board, lodging and supplies	$400.00
To Father Kuhlman	250.00
Expenses of the canteen	18.40
Advertising:
True Voice	46,20
Tribune	6.30
Renner and Serf	3.00
Democrat	6.50
Log-Book	35.95

     I may say that there is no fixed charge made for the men attending these retreats but a voluntary contribution is made, and these contributions have ranged from $5.00 up to $100.00, according to a man's desire and personal wishes. I may say also that out of the amount that has been turned over to the Dominican Sisters they have been able to educate two girls, who otherwise would not be able to secure education under Catholic auspices, and this is the plan which the Sisters will continue to carry out. They do not ask anything for their services to us. We have tried to compensate them for the splendid way in which they provided for the men while in attendance, and any excess over and above that they utilize for the work of education. Likewise with Father Kuhlman, the retreat master; he makes no fixed charge but leaves it to the wishes of the men what they care to contribute. If the work is to be continued under the auspices of the K. of C., your committee feels that there ought to be a more generous response from the different councils in the state, and that practically every council should make some arrangements to send at least two men to make the retreat.

Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) W. M. WHELAN,

EDWARD J. LAMBE, EDMUND G. ZIMMERER, FRANCIS P. MATTHEWS, FRANK COLFER.

     The Committee on Creighton University Stadium and Nebraska University Project, reported as follows:
     "In as much as the proceedings of this committee have been amply covered by the report of the State Deputy, we feel it unnecessary to make any further report, ercept (sic) to ask that the erpense (sic) of the committee be allowed and the committee discharged."

     On motion the report of the committee was accepted and the committee discharged with thanks of the State Council.

     On motion the legitimate expense incurred by the committee was allowed.

     The Committee on Mileage and Per Capita reported as follows:
     "Careful examination has been made of the mileage report and expense accounts and submitted to the State Treasurer.
     "Committee suggests a per capita tax of forty cents (40c) per year.

     Bro. Chaney of Falls City moved that report of committee be accepted.

     On motion to amend by Brother Pieper of Albion, it was voted that since 40c per capita seemed to be insufficient to cover expense

that State Officers be authorized to levy whatever sum they deemed necessary for the coming year.

     At that time Bro. Fred V. Milan, Special Supreme Agent, addressed the convention on the work of the order.

     On motion of Brother Mark Burke of Columbus, the State Secretary was authorized to purchase a filing case for properly caring for the records of the State Council.

     On, motion of Past State Deputy Judge George F. Corcoran, it was voted to hold the laymen's retreat in connection with the next annual convention at such time as might be determined by the State Officers after conference with the Sisters at the Immaculate Conception Academy.

     Brother Wm. M. Whelan read telegrams from Mayor Ingraham, of Hastings, President Borden of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, and Ralph Bryant, manager of the Clarke Hotel, inviting the State Council to hold their 1925 meeting at Hastings.

     Telegrams were then read from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and from E. J. Grail of Grand Island, inviting the convention to their respective cities for 1925.

     A lively discussion ensued between the delegates from these cities and others. Past State Deputy Corcoran, in fairness to the contending cities, asked for a reconsideration of his motion regarding the holding of a retreat and with the consent of the convention it was withdrawn.

     On motion a ballot was taken and the invitation of Hastings to hold the 1925 convention in that city was accepted.

     On motion of Bro. Judge Barry of Wahoo suitable acknowledgement was made of the invitations of the Chamber of Commerce and others in Omaha and Grand Island.

     Bro. James Keefe of North Platte presented the report of the Resolutions Committee, which was adopted as follows:

     We, the undersigned committee on resolutions of the 20th annual State Council Meeting of the Nebraska State Council, Knights of Columbus, do respectfully report as follows:
     1. Be it resolved that this State Council extend its thanks to the members of St. James Council, No. 1728, of Kearney for the splendid entertainment and many thoughtful courtesies extended to the members of this body while their guests during this Council meeting, and to Rt. Rev. Bishop James A. Duffy, to Rev. Father Muenstermann and other clergymen assisting him, we wish to express our grateful appreciation for the impressive services arranged for our edification which constituted such an appropriate introduction for this Convention.
     2. Whereas, it is apparent that appropriate steps should be taken to stimulate the acquisition of new members in this State, and that this result can be accomplished by arousing the interest of our present members in our organization and creating enthusiasm among them, and that this result can be accomplished by providing means of more frequent and closer contact with one another, he it resolved by the State Council in Convention assembled, and he is hereby authorized and empowered as assemble, the District Deputies at some convenient place for mutual consulation (sic) and advice at least once, and in case

of emergencies more than once during the year, and be it further resolved that the expense of the District Deputies in attending such meetings if not paid by the Supreme Council, be paid by the State Council.
     3. Be it resolved that no further and promote personal contact among the officers and members in the order, the State Deputy be, and he is hereby authorized, empowered and instructed to arrange for district meetings in each of the districts in the State of Nebraska during the coming year on dates designated by him, by which meetings every member of the Order shall be welcome and at which appropriate programs, instructive and entertaining, shall be rendered.
     4. Be is resolved that the "True Voice" be designated as the official paper of the Nebraska State Council of the Knights of Columbus, that the State Secretary arrange for two columns of space in each issue of publication and that copy of same be furnished to the editor of "True Voice" each week, and that every effort be put forth by the officers of the State Council and the subordinate Councils of the State, to place the "True Voice" in the home of every member of the Order in Nebraska.
     5. Whereas it appears that the records of the Minutes of the State Council Meetings since 1905, are in a more or less incomplete and unsatisfactory condition, and that they are in danger of being lost, and this written history of the Order in Nebraska, be so destroyed and whereas it appears that these records should be safeguarded and perpetuated for the best interests of the organization in this authorized, empowered and instructed to arrange for the publication of the Minutes of the first twenty annual State Council meetings in one volume appropriately bound, and that in a fitting manner the volume, when published, be dedicated as a memorial to the memory of the First and Second State Deputies of Nebraska, Timothy J. Mohoney and Constantine J. Smyth, and he it further resolved that the Minutes of the first twenty annual State Council Meetings, when so found, be made available for purchase by all the members of the Order, or others interested, and that the expense of said publication be paid by the State Council so far as may be necessary.
     6. Whereas it appears that the State By-Laws of Nebraska State Council of the Knights of Columbus, were adopted in 1906, and with a single amendment adopted in 1916, have remained unchanged since that time, and are inadequate for the needs of the State Council now and should be improved and brought down to date, be it resolved that the State Deputy be and he is hereby authorized, empowered and instructed to appoint a committee of three members of the Order in the State to prepare and submit for the consideration of the State Council in 1925, a new set of State By-Laws and Rules.
     7. Whereas it appears that by reason of the increase in the amount of funds in the hands of the State Treasurer that the present bond provided that the State Treasurer is inadequate, therefore, be it resolved that the State Treasurer in the future be required to furnish a bond of $5,000.00 for the protection of the State Council funds in his hands.
     8. Whereas it appears that the Supreme Council in embarking upon a comprehensive program of "Boy Activities" which will make it essential for experienced leaders in Boy Work to be available and whereas as it appears that a post graduate course in Boy Leadership

has been arranged at Notre Dome University and it has been recommended that each jurisdiction (State), finance a scholarship in such course for each diocese in its jurisdiction, and whereas we are informed at this time as to the advisability of acting upon this recommendation, he it resolved that the State Deputy he, and he is hereby authorized, empowered and instructed to appoint a committee of three members, one from each diocese in the State, to investigate the merits of the recommendation referred to and the advisability of adopting it in this State, and to report their findings to the State Council Meeting in 1925, for its consideration.
     9. Whereas it appears that a new Bishop is to be installed in the See of Lincoln on May 15, 1924, and that the Knights of Columbus should be officially present and represented on that occasion, be it resolved that the State Deputy be and he is hereby authorized, instructed and empowered to consult with the officers of Fitzgerald Council in Lincoln, Nebr., and make suitable arrangement for having the Knights of Columbus represented at the installation of Bishop Beckman on May 15th.
     10. Resolved that we approve and heartily endorse the laymen's retreat movement which was inaugurated under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus in 1922, and again in 1923, and recommend that the State Deputy be authorized to appoint a committee of five to make all necessary arrangements for conducting the retreat during the coming summer, and further recommends that an appropriation of $100.00 be made out of the General Fund to aid in promoting its movement. We further recommend that for the year 1925 the retreat be conducted in connection with the State Convention.
     11. Whereas, at the State Convention held at Sidney in the year 1923, a resolution was adopted granting to the Council entertaining the State Convention the sum of $300.00 for the purpose of partially defraying the expenses of said convention, and whereas in providing said fund of $300.00, it was the intention of said State Council to assure that ample time would be given for the adequate and proper transaction of the business of said State Council at said convention, and whereas the said present State Council has demonstrated that the time allotted for the business of said convention, namely one day, is entirely inadequate and of necessity, results in slighting of many matters that should be carefully considered by the Council, as for example, the dispensing of reports of District Deputies.
     THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that at least two days be consumed in the future and that the allotment of said $300.00 to the Council entertaining said convention, be paid upon condition that said convention occupy two days in such town.
     Be it further resolved that this resolution shall not apply to the present meeting of State Council.

     On motion of Brother John Guthrie of Alliance it was voted that the State Deputy appoint a committee to draft suitable resolutions on the death of Brother C. J. Smyth, Second State Deputy of Nebraska.

     On motion of Rev. Father Hermes of Broken Bow, it was voted

that the Mission fund be continued for five years and that a tax of 25c per capita be levied annually for such purpose.

     The State Deputy presented a communication embodying resolution adopted by the Financial Secretaries' Association of Nebraska. On motion of Brother E. O. Dugan of Chadron, it was voted to place the resolution on file without further action.

     Brother F. J. Kain of Creighton, read a communication from Brother P. J. Hanley of Portland, Ore., asking financial assistance in the legal fight against the Oregon School Law.

     On motion of Brother Kain, it was voted that the State Council give its approval to this cause and urge that the local counicls (sic) contribute according to their means to this fund.

     On motion of Brother Peter A. Meehan of York, it was voted that all Councils of the State be urged to observe an annual Communion Sunday.

     The next order of business being the election of officers; the following officers were elected by ballot for the coming year:

     Representatives to Supreme Council, Insurance Membership:

Representatives to Supreme Council, Associate Membership:

     The report of the State Chaplain, just received, was read and on motion of Brother Bogan of Lincoln, was adopted as follows:

To the Worthy State Deputy, and to the Members of the K. of C.
     Assembled in State Convention:

     While I regret that I am unable to attend the Convention as I used to, I still feel honored at being called your State Chaplain, and hope that my message to you, though brief, will be received as a sign of my continued interest in the Order, especially in our own State of Nebraska.
     There are many things I could call to the attention of the Convention, and I am sure you would give the same attention to my sugges-

tions as in former years, but on this occasion I will confine myself to bringing to your notice one task I would suggest should be undertaken by the K. of C.--something in the line of missionary activity and support, such as you have attended to so generously in the past.
     The Mexican Catholics, living in scattered settlements, chiefly in railroad centers, are very poorly provided for, and that through no fault of the ecclesiastical authorities. Those people prefer to hold themselves aloof, and feel uncomfortable in the English speaking churches, and every effort is being made by the Bishops to secure the services of priests who can speak Spanish and who can give their services to the Mexicans. I would suggest, therefore, that a resolution be passed, offering the co-operation of the councils of the State, and apportioning some funds to be used by the Bishops in furthering the work among the Mexicans.
     A work of this nature is in line with your activities in supporting poor missions in former years, and is such as to bring a feeling of satisfaction to all members.

     There being no further business to be brought before the convention, Rev. Anton Link, acting State Chaplain, offered prayer and on motion, the twentieth annual convention adjourned at 5:30 p. m.

Attest: EDMUND G. ZIMMERER,
State Secretary.

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