Digest of the constitutions, laws and decisions...

Contents

Chapter. Vfegt.

n. Grand Lodges in General 21

IIL Grand Lodges under the Immediate Jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge • 38

Appendix

Forms used in the Order. •••••••• 137

Act of Incorporation. •••••••••••• 160

DIGEST OF THE LAWS Af^D DECISIONS

OP THE fl$m$ OUP^ OF UNITED WOUKMBHj

CHAPTER L

THE SUPREME LODGE.

NAME AND STYLE.

1. This body shall be known by the name and style of the u Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen."— Const, Art L

POWERS.

2. The Supreme Lodge, when convened agreeably to the provisions of its Constitution, has original and exclusive jurisdiction over all subjects pertaining to the welfare of the Order, and appellate jurisdiction from the decisions of Grand Lodges and of Subordinate Lodges under its immediate jurisdiction ; and its enactments and decisions, upon all questions, are the supreme law of the Order. Under these restrictions, the Supreme Lodge may hear and determine all matters of controversy or grievance which may be brought before it by appeal or otherwise ; issue Charters to Grand Lodges, and to Subordinate Lodges in territory not under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge ; reprove and punish the misconduct of Grand Lodges and of Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge; adopt laws and regulations of general application for the government of the Grand Lodges, and of the Subordinate Lodges under its immediate jurisdiction, and alter, amend or abrogate the same-; regulate and control the unwritten work of the Order, which shall not be altered or amended except by a two-thirds vote of the Representatives present at an annual meeting ; establish, prim and provide all charters, rituals of the Order, and clearance, traveling and final cards ; make such assessments for revenue as may be necessary to defray the expense of the Supreme Lodge ; and generally, do all things right and proper for the promotion of tbe honor, dignity and weltare of the order. — Const, Art. IV, Seel.

3. The Supreme Lodge may adopt such regulations and general laws as may be deemed necessary for the welfare of the Order, not inconsistent with the provisions of its Constitution, and alter, amend or abrogate the same. — Const, Art XL

4. The Supreme Lodge shall issue, or cause to be issued, all certificates of the Beneficiary Fund. — Const, Art VIII, Sec. 4.

5. Note. — The Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, Laws Applicable to Grand Lodges, and Laws of General Application, having been adopted by the Supreme Lodge in accordance with its powers as above enumerated, are of binding force on the entire Order, and can only be altered or amended by the Supreme Lodge. All Grand Lodges (those set apart as separate jurisdictions, as well as those under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lod^e) having been granted power to issue Beneficiary Certificates, subject to the same laws, rules and regulations as those prescribed for the government of Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodise, it follows that the provisions of Article VII of the Supreme Lodge Constitution, and all otber laws, rules and regulations of the Supreme Lodge in regard to the Beneficiary Fund, are of binding force in every jurisdiction throughout the Order. They can be modified only to adapt them to Grand Jurisdictions, but cannot be altered, repealed or amended except by the Supreme Lodge. In this view, the following laws are general, and cannot be altered or amended by Grand Lodges :

1. The Beneficiary Laws, Rules and Regulations.

2. Laws Applicable to Grand Lodges.

3. Laws of General Application.

6. To the Supreme Lodge is reserved the power to establish the Ancient Order of United Workmen in States and Countries where the same does not exist. — Pro. 3d An. Sess. S. L. p. 146.

7. To the Supreme Lodge belongs the exclusive power to design and regulate all the regalia, tools, emblems, and other paraphernalia for the work of the Order. — lb., p. 147.

8. The Supreme Lodge has, and of right should have, absolute control over all the secret and ritualistic work of the Order. — Pro. 6th An. Sess. S. L., p. 367.

9. The Supreme Lodge has the power to correct a Grand Lodge Constitution submitted for its approval, so as to make it conform to the Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, and the Laws of General Application, regulations and decisions thereof. — Pro, Mh An. Sess. S. L., p. 204.

OF WHOM COMP08ED.

10. The Supreme Lodge shall consist of the following officers : Past Supreme Master Workman, Supreme Master Workman, Supreme Foreman, Supreme Overseer, Supreme Recorder, Supreme Receiver, Supreme Guide, Supreme Watchman, and three Trustees. Also, of the duly tlected Representatives of Grand Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. All Past Supreme Master Workmen, other than the one in office as such, shall be entitled to all the rights of membership in the Supreme Lodge, except the right to vote, while they remain members of the Order in good standing. — Const., Art. II, Sec. 1.

ANNUAL MEETINGS.

11. The Supreme Lodge shall meet annually, on the third Tuesday in March, at such place as may be designated at the preceding annual meeting ; provided, the time may be otherwise fixed by resolution passed at the preceding annual meeting. Should unavoidable circumstances arise, which, in the opinion of the Supreme Master Workman and a majority of the officers of the Supreme Lodge, would prevent a majority of the members from attending an annual meeting, he may postpone the same until such attendance can be had (not to exceed three months), due notice thereof being given to the members. — Const., Art. Ill, Seel.

SPECIAL MEETINGS.

12. Special meetings of the Supreme Lodge shall be called by the Supreme Master Workman when requested so to do by a majority of the Representatives from one- third of the Grand Lodges. Const., Art. Ill, Sec. 2.

QUORUM FOR BUSINESS.

13. No business shall be transacted in the Supreme Lodge except the admission of members and adjourning from time to time, unless there be present one or more of the Representatives from a majority of the Grand Lodges entitled to representation therein. Const., Art. Ill, Sec. 3.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND TERMS OF OFFICE.

14. All the officers of the Supreme Lodge (except the Trustees, one of whom shall be elected each year to serve for three years) shall be chosen at each annual meeting by a majority of the votes cast, but no vote shall be counted which may be given for any one not in nomination. When only one nomination shall be made for an office, the Supreme Lodge may dispense with the ballot and elect by acclamation. — Const., Art. IV, Sec. 2.

REPORTS TO BE MADE BEFORE ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

15. The election of officers of the Supreme Lodge shall not take place until all officers required to make reports to the Lodge have done so, and said reports have been referred to appropriate committees, and by them reported upon to the Lodge. — Pro. 2d An. Seas. 8. L., p. 63.

SALARIES TO BE FIXED BEFORE ELECTION.

16. Officers of the Supreme Lodge to whom emoluments are paid, shall not be elected until the amount of salary for such office is first named. — Pro. 1th An. Sess. S. Z. f p. 115.

OFFICE, ELIGIBILITY TO.

17. Any Past Grand Master Workman in good standing, who is a member of a Grand Lodge, shall be eligible to any office in the Supreme Lodge. — Const., Art. II, Sec. 1.

OFFICER MAY ACT AS REPRESENTATIVE.

18. A brother may simultaneously act in the double capacity of an officer of the Supreme Lodge and a Representative from a Grand Lodge.— Pro. 1th An. Sess. S. £., p. 107.

RANK OF OFFICERS.

19. The officers of the Supreme Lodge rank in the following order : 1. Past Supreme Master Workman ; 2. Supreme Master Workman; 3. Supreme Foreman ; 4. Supreme Overseer ; 5. Supreme Recorder; 6. Supreme Receiver; 7. Supreme Guide ; 8. Supreme Watchman. — Const., Art. II, Sec. 1.

20. Of the Trustees, the oldest in office ranks first and acts as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

21. Past Supreme Master Workmen (other than the one in office) hold honorary rank, and take precedence according to priority of date of attaining the honors of the office.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS.

22. The installation of officers is the first business in order after their election. The Senior Past Supreme Master Workman present (according to rank) officiates, using the prescribed form for installation as required by the Ritual of the Order.

23. Note. — If any officer is not present at the time for installation, it is within the power of the Supreme Lodge to declare his office vacant, and proceed forthwith to fill the vacancy.

BONDS OF OFFICERS.

24. The Supreme Recorder shall, when required to do so by the Supreme Lodge, execute a bond in such penalty as may be fixed by it, for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. — Const, Art. V> Sec. 3.

25. The Supreme Receiver shall, before entering upon the discharge of his duty, execute and file with the Supreme Master Workman, an official bond, in such penalty as may be fixed from time to time by the Supreme Lodge, payable to the Supreme Master Workman and his successors in office, with two or more sufficient sureties, to be approved by the Supreme Master Workman, Supreme Foreman aud Supreme Overseer, conditioned that he will pay or deliver on demand to the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman ot the Supreme Lodge, or to his successor in office, or properly account for, all funds and property of the Supreme Lodge, or on any other account that shall come to his hands as Supreme Receiver and shall in all respects faithfully discharge the duties devolving upon him as Supreme Receiver, under the Constitution and rules and regulations of the Supreme Lodge ; and should the Supreme Receiver fail or refuse, for twenty days after his election, to execute and have approved the bond herein required, it shall be the duty of the Supreme Master Workman, with the approval of the Supreme Foreman and Supreme Overseer, to appoint another Supreme Receiver, who shall execute a bond as herein required, and enter upon the discharge of the duties of the position. — Const, Art. V, JSec. 4.

20. The penalty of the bond of the Supreme Recorder is fixed at ten thousand dollars, and that of the Supreme Receiver at twenty thousand dollars. — Pro. 5th An. Sess. 8. Z., p. 313.

27. The bonds of officers shall contain the following clause : "The Beneficiary Fund which may come into my hands, shall be preserved by me intact, and paid over by me as the law of the Order directs, and in no case shall any claim which I may have against the Order be settled or plead as an offset against the collection from me of any of said fund by suit on this bond." — Oen. Law 31.

28. Note. — The Supreme Master Workman, Supreme Foreman and Supreme Overseer, accept and approve all official bonds required of Supreme Lodge officers. — [See No. 29.]

SUrREME MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES AND POWERS OF.

29. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Master Workman, and he has the power, to preside in the Supreme Lodge ; to exercise and discharge the executive functions of the Supreme Lodge when it is not in session ; to convene any Subordinate Lodge under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge ; to preside therein ; to inspect their proceedings, and require their conformity to the rules and regulations of the Order ; to require the attendance of, and information from, any officer of the Supreme Lodye respecting his office, and, for cause, to suspend such officer and appoint another in his stead to act until the next meeting of the Supreme Lodge; to grant dispensations for the formation of Grand Lodges, and charters for the organization of Subordinate Lodges to be under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, in States and Territories where no Grand Lodge exists. He shall immediately notify the Supreme Recorder of the granting of such dispensations. He may appoint such deputies as may be necessary for the promotion of the interests of the Order, and

In such cases, shall require from each a bond with approved sureties, in such penalty as he may determine, and revoke such appointments at pleasure. At the annual meetings of the Supreme Lodge, he shall present a report, in detail, of bis acts during the recess. He shall establish a pass- word semi-annually, which shall be the same throughout the Order. He shall examine and act upon all appeals submitted to him, first referring them to the Standing Committee on Appeals and Grievances, when in his opinion it is proper to do so. He shall, with the Supreme Foreman and Supreme Overseer, accept and approve all official bonds required of the officers of the Supreme Lodge. He shall sign all official documents emanating from the Supreme Lodge, and perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Supreme Lodge. — Const.,, Art. V, Sec. 1.

30. The Supreme Master Workman shall install or cause to be installed the officers elect of a new Grand Lodge, and forward or cause to be forwarded to the Supreme Recorder, a notice of the organization, and a list of the officers. — Laws Ap. to O. L. t Sec. 8.

31. Note. — The Supreme Master Workman being required " to execute and discharge the executive functions of the Supreme Lodge when it is not in session," it is his duty to exercise supervision over Grand Lodges, and to require compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of the Supreme Lodge.

VACANCY IN OFFICE OF SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN.

32. In case of the death, resignation, absence or inability to act, of the Supreme Master Workman, or of a vacancy in his office, the Supreme Foreman, the Supreme Overseer and the acting Past Supreme Master Workman shall, in succession, succeed to his prerogatives and duties for all purposes, and these officers shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be required of them by the Supreme Lodge. In the absence of all of these officers, the oldest Past Officer of the Supreme Lodge, present, according to rank, shall preside at all meetings. — Const., Art. V t Sec. 2.

SUPREME FOREMAN, DUTIES OF.

33. The Supreme Foreman is required to perform such duties as are appropriate to his station, and as may from time to time be required of him by the Supreme Lodge. In case of the death, resignation, absence or inability to act, of the Supreme Master Workman, or of a vacancy in his office, the Supreme Foreman shall succeed to his prerogatives and duties for all purposes. — Const. , Art. V, Sees. 2 and 5.

34. It is the duty of the Supreme Foreman to act with the Supreme Master Workman and Supreme Overseer in the acceptance and approval of all official bonds required of the officers of the .Supreme Lodge. — Const., Art. V y Sec. 1.

SUPREME OVERSEER, DUTIES OP.

35. The Supreme Overseer is required to perform such duties as are appropriate to his station, and as may, from time to time, be required of him by the Supreme Lodge. In case of the death, resignation, absence or inability to act, of the Supreme Master Workman, of a vacancy in his office, and of the death or absence of the Supreme Foreman, or his inability to perform the duties of said office, the Supreme Overseer shall succeed to the prerogatives and duties of the Supreme Master Workman for all purposes. — Const, Art. V, Sees. 2 and 5.

36. It is the duty of the Supreme Overseer to act with the Supreme Master Workman and Supreme Foreman in accepting and approving all official bonds required of the officers of the Supreme Lodge. — Const., ArtV, Sec. 1.

SUPREME RECORDER, DUTIES OF.

37. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Recorder to record the transactions of the Supreme Lodge ; to receive, duly file, and safely keep all papers and documents of the Supreme Lodge ; to prepare, sign and certify all charters, dispensations and other instruments emanating from the Supreme Lodge, and when necessary, affix the seal of the Supreme Lodge thereto ; to keep an accurate account of all moneys received and paid out by himself, and of all drafts or warrants drawn on the Supreme Receiver, and to report the same to the Supreme Lodge annually, by items; also the Lodges that have neglected to render proper returns and are in arrears, and such general information as to the state of the Lodges and of the Order, as may be proper for the information or action of the Supreme Lodge ; to conduct the correspondence of the Supreme Lodge ; to attend, with all books and papers under his control, on all meetings of the Supreme Lodge, and perform such other duties as may, from time to time, be required by the Supreme Lodge. He shall, when required so to do by the Supreme Lodge, execute a bond in such penalty as may be fixed by it, for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. — Const, Art V, Sec. 3.

38. The Supreme Recorder shall, on or before the first day of each month, make full statement of all receipts and disbursements of Beneficiary Fund ; the correctness of which statement shall be attested by the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee, and the same sent to each Subordinate Lodge. — Const, Art VIII, Sec. 17.

39. He shall publish on or before the first day of each month, a full statement by Lodges, of all Beneficiary Funds received from each Grand Lodge (not set apart as a separate jurisdiction,) and forward to each Grand Recorder a sufficient number to send each Subordinate Lodge in his jurisdiction one copy The correctness of such statement shall be attested to by the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee. — Const, Art. VII, Sec. 4.

40. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Recorder, in the reports required of him each month, in addition to the receipts and disbursements of Beneficiary Funds of the Supreme Lodge, to include by States, the amount disbursed by separate jurisdictions; also the names of all expelled members ms reported; and he shall send a sufficient number of copies to each separate jurisdiction, to supply each Subordinate Lodge thereof with one copy.— Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 20.

41. Note. — From the three preceding paragraphs it will be seen that the monthly statement of the Supreme Recorder is to contain : (1) a statement, by Lodges, of all receipts for Beneficiary Fund from Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, as well as from those under Grand Lodges not set apart as separate jurisdictions ; (2) a statement of all disbursements of the Beneficiary Fund by the Supreme Lodge ; (3) a statement of the amount of the Beneficiary Fund received and disbursed by each separate jurisdiction ; (4) a list of the names of all expelled members not previously reported ; (5) a statement of the receipts and disbursements of the General Fund of the Supreme Lodge. Each Subordinate Lodge in the entire Order is to receive a copy of this monthly statement.

42. The Grand Recorder of each Grand Lodge set apart as a separate jurisdiction, shall make report in gross to the Supreme Recorder each month of beneficiary moneys received and disbursed in his jurisdiction, and the Supreme Recorder shall make record of the same in the books of the Supreme Lodge. — Const., Art. VI Sec. 4.

43. The Supreme Recorder shall pay over to the Supreme Receiver all monevs belonging to the General Fund, whenever the sum in his hands shall reach fifty dollars. — Pro. 3d An. Sess. S.

44. The Supreme Recorder is required to keep a book in which shall be entered, with appropriate index, all deaths in his jurisdiction.— Pro. Uh An. Sess. S. L. y p. 202.

45. The Supreme Recorder's annual report, closing March 1st. of each year, shall be printed and ready for distribution to the Supreme Locke on the first day of each annual session. — Pro. 1th An, Sess., S. L., p. 56.

Note. — Further provisions in regard to the duties of the Supreme Recorder will be found in the chapters on Beneficiary Certificates, Assessments, Grand Lodges, etc.

SUPREME RECEIVER, DUTIES OF.

46. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Receiver to take charge of all the funds and property of the Supreme Lodge not otherwise disposed of ; pay all orders drawn on him by the Supreme Master Workman, attested by the Supreme Recorder, with the seal of the Supreme Lodge attached, for appropriations made by the Supreme Lodge ; to render in writing to the Supreme Lodge at each annual meeting, and oftener if required by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman, a true and perfect account of his receipts and expenditures, by items, and from whom received and to whom paid, and the amount of funds and property in his hands, and, when required by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman, to deliver to the Finance Committee, for examination, the books and vouchers pertaining to his office. He shall execute a receipt for all moneys coming into his hands, stating therein on what account the same is received, and he shall, in all cases, cause said receipt to be countersigned by the. Supreme Recorder. The Supreme Receiver shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be required of him by the Supreme Lodge. — Const. , Art. V, Sec. 4.

47. The Supreme Receiver shall receipt through the Supreme Recorder for all Beneficiary Funds received by him from Subordinate Lodges.— Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 17.

SUPREME GUIDE, DUTIES OF.

48. The Supreme Guide shall perform such duties as are appropriate to his station, and asjnay from time to time be required by the Supreme Lodge. — Const., Art. V, Sec. 5.

SUPREME WATCHMAN.

49. The Supreme Watchman shall perform such duties as are appropriate to his station, and as may from time to time be required by the Supreme Lodge. — Const, Art V, Sec. 5.

TRUSTEES, DUTIES OP.

50. The Trustees shall perform such duties as may from time to time be required by the Supreme Lodge. — Const, Art V, Sec. 5.

PAST SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES OP, ETC.

51. The acting Past Supreme Master Workman shall perform such duties as are appropriate to his station, and as may from time to time be required by the Supreme Lodge. — Const, Art V, Sec. 5.

52. In case of the death, resignation, absence or inability to act, of the Supreme Master Workman, or of a vacancy in his office, not filled by the Supreme Foreman or Supreme Overseer, the acting Past Supreme Master Workman shall succeed to the prerogatives and duties of the Supreme Master Workman for all purposes. — Const, ArtV, Sec. 2.

53. The Junior Past Supreme Master Workman is an officer and member of the Supreme Ledge, and as such is entitled to a vote. If he is absent from the meetings of the Supreme Lodge, his name not having been enrolled as a member present during the meeting, a vacancy exists for the time in the office, which must be filled. The one appointed to fill the vacancy is entitled to all the rights and privileges of the position, including that of voting as a member of the Supreme Lodge. — Pro. 1th An. Sess., 8, Z., p. 113.

STANDING COMMITTEES.

54. At each annual meeting the Supreme Master Workman shall appoint the following Standing Committees: 1. On Finance; 2. On Appeals and Grievances ; 3. On Laws and Supervision ; 4. On Returns. — Sup. L. Const., Art. IV, Sec. 3.

55. The Committee on Finance and on Laws and Supervision shall be appointed at the close of each annual meeting, to act until the close of the next annual meeting. — Const., Art. IV, Sec. 3.

56. The Standing Committees appointed at the close of each annual meeting, viz : the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Laws and Supervision, are required to meet at the place fixed for the annual meetings of the Supreme Lodge, three days before the meeting, at which time there shall be placed in their hands all business requiring action, and their reports thereon shall be submitted to the Supreme Lodge on or before the second day of the meeting thereof. — Pro. 6th An. Sess. S. L., p. 399.

57. Note. — The Committee on Appeals and Grievances, and that on Returns, are appointed at the beginning of each annual meeting, and act only during its continuance.

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, DUTIES OF.

58. It is the duty of the Committee on Finance to examine all bills presented to the Supreme Lodge ; to make out a pay roll showing the mileage and per diem due each member ; to receive from the Supreme Recorder all propositions for printing and supplies ordered by the Supreme Lodge; to direct to whom contracts shall be given ; to fix the price to be paid for supplies ; to examine the books and accounts of the Supreme Recorder and Supreme Receiver whenever required so to do by the Supreme Lodge, or the Supreme Master Workman ; to submit, at each annual meeting, a statement of the property and the assets and liabilities of the Supreme Lodge; and to perform such other duties as may be required by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. — Const, Art. IV, Sec. 3.

59. They shall attest to the correctness of the monthly statements made by the Supreme Recorder of the Beneficiary Funds received from each Grand Lodge. — Const., Art, VH> Sec. 4.

60. The Finance Committee shall attest to the correctness of the monthly statement made by the Supreme Recorder of the receipts and disbursements of the Beneficiary Fund. — Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 17.

61. No order shall be made by the Supreme Recorder upon the Beneficiary Fund in the Subordinate Lodges except with the approval of the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee. — Const, Art VIII, Sec. 17.

62. All bills, previous to payment, must receive the endorsement of the majority of the Finance Committee. — Pro. 3d An. Sess. S. L. y p. 153.

63 In the event that the Chairman of the Finance Committee shall rind it impracticable to secure the attendance of either of the other members of said Committee when required to perform any duty, he may select to assist him in doing so any one or more Master Workman degree members of the Order in good standing.— i>o. 5t7i An. Sess. S. L.,p. 313.

64. During the interim of the sessions of the Supreme Lodge it shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to establish the price of any printed work or supplies not before established, and report their action at the next session of the Supreme Lodge. — Pro. 3d An. Sess. S. L. y p. 143.

COMMITTEE ON APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES, DUTIES OP.

65. It is the duty of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances to examine and report upon all appeals and grievances from Grand or Subordinate Lodges or members thereof, referred to it by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. — Const, Art IV, Sec. 3.

66. Note. — The Committee on Appeals and Grievances is appointed at the beginning of each annual meeting to serve during the meeting. The duty of examining appeals and grievances during the interim, is placed upon the Committee on Laws and Supervision.

COMMITTEE ON LAWS AND SUPERVISION, DUTIES OP.

67. To examine and report upon the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of Grand Lodges, and of Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. When the Supreme Lodge is not in session, their report shall be made to the Supreme Master Workman, and the Constitution, By Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges aforesaid, shall have no binding force until approved by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. — Const , Art IV, Sec. 3.

68. The Committee on Laws and Supervision shall, during the recess of the Supreme Lodge, in addition to other duties required of it, examine and report upon all appeals and grievances from Grand or Subordinate Lodges, or members thereof, referred to it by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. — Const. , Art IV Sec. 3.

COMMITTEE ON RETURNS AND CREDENTIALS, DUTIES OP.

69. It is the duty of the Committee on Returns and Credentials to examine and report upon all returns to the Supreme Lodge and the credentials of the members thereof. — Const., ArU IK Sec. 3.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES.

70. Special Committees may be appointed by the Supreme Lodge, or the Supreme Master Workman, from time to time, as circumstances may require. — Const., Art. IV, Sec. 3.

PAST OFFICERS.

71. All Past Supreme Master Workmen, other than the one in office as such, shall be entitled to all the rights of membership in the Supreme Lodge, except the right to vote, while they remain members of the Order, in good standing. — Const., Art. II, Sec. 1.

72. In the absence of the Supreme Master Workman, the Supreme Foreman, the Supreme Overseer, and the acting Past Supreme Master Workman, the oldest Past Officer of the Supreme Lodge present, according to rank, shall preside at all meetings. Const, Art. V, Sec. 2.