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Since Mr. Haggerty's condition precluded his
continuation in office, Louis P. Caillouet of Thibodaux Council was
nominated for State Deputy, but Mr. Sandoz of Opelousas presented Mr.
Haggerty for reelection. The vote favored Judge Caillouet, who became the
third State Deputy. Mr. Amiss of Baton Rouge was reelected State Secretary
for the fourth term, and Mr. Park of Ascension Council was reelected State
Treasurer by acclamation.
Charles L. Wise of Morgan City Council was elected
State Advocate, and Fred O'Donnell, Council No. 714, State Warden. Mr.
Sandoz of Opelousas Council and Judge Fisher of No. 714 were elected |
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representatives
to the Supreme Convention. Judge Leche was chosen alternate to the
State Deputy, and C. O. Mouton, G. P. Whittington and J. J. McMeel were
elected alternates. Alexandria, Lake Charles and Plaquemine were proposed
as locales for the next state meeting. Lake Charles was selected by one
vote over Alexandria.
During the following month, Judge Caillouet took up
his duties ,as State Deputy, only to face some serious problems, the first
of many that demanded of him as well as of succeeding holders of that post
good judgment, tact and capable leadership. The establishment of the
Knights in the state had ridden on a wave of enthusiasm and first zeal.
Now were to come the first reaction and conditions that required the
exercise of authority by the State Deputy and the State Council.
Judge Caillouet instituted only four new councils
during his administration - Jeanerette, Marquette, Franklin, and St. John
the Baptist at Edgard. After the establishment of the Edgard Council in
February, 1911, no other councils were organized until the end of 1913.
The 1910 increase in membership for the state over 1909 was 326, the
smallest since establishment of the State Council. In 1911, the increase
was only 42.
Just what happened is disclosed concretely in
Judge Caillouet's report to the State Council meeting at Lake Charles, May
10, 1910. After mentioning that only two new councils had been formed
since the Shreveport convention, the State Deputy reminded the assembly
that Louisiana had been admitted into the insurance territory of the
order, and charters were issued only for insurance councils. In compliance
with the resolution adopted at Shreveport which had caused so much
discussion, Judge Caillouet communicated in June, 1909, with Dr. E. W.
Buckley, National Physician, submitting the State Council resolution. In
addition, Judge Caillouet, together with District Deputy Sandoz and Past
State Deputy George Young, appeared before the Supreme Board of Directors,
when that group met for the first time at New Orleans in August, 1909, and
laid Louisiana's claim for insurance privileges before that body. At a
meeting in October, 1909, the board met again and voted that the
recommendations of the National Physician for the admission of Louisiana
to the insurance jurisdiction, and for the writing of insurance in the
full amount, be concurred in. National Secretary William J. McGinley on
October 19, 1909, so notified State Deputy Caillouet and State Secretary
Amiss. All Grand Knights were promptly notified three days later, and in
addition, the State Deputy directed a letter to each Grand Knight calling
his attention to the new status, and that "the question of insurance
be taken seriously, with a view of turning the new situation of things to
the best advantage, for the good of the order."'
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