The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1858-10-15
The Club of Honor; or PASSING
the Ordeal.
BY LUTHER G.. RIGGS.

As late as the year 1884, there was in
prosperous existence in many of our larger
cities, as well as in various portions
Of Europe, an association which bore the
name of The Club of Honor" The So
ciety, as is indicated by its name, was or
ganized for the purpose Of promoting Il
more rigid sense of honor than was then,
and is now generally observed. The per-
son who was reputed member Of that
organization was looked upon by society
as gentleman, and as such was he treat
cd neither burst any offer such one
the le. It cause Of proyocation or seeming
insult. In fact, the members generally
were regarded with feeling of dread,
combined with sense of reverence.
While in the metropolis of London,
had alliod ,ayaelf 40 the IesAgo there,
known as "The Royal Club Of Honor" !"
and, on leaving the kingdom for the Uni
ted States, was furnished with certii-
cate Of membership, and recommcnda-
ton 70 g The Washington Lodge, No. Is, ,
Club of Honor" in New York City. On
my arrival in this country, embraced
the earliest opportunity of appearing be-
fore the society and making myself known,
at the same time presenting my European
credentials.
James Clemens was friend Of my
yoath, aud loved him aa only brother
can love. Together we had passed our
boyhood day; together we had roamcd
abroad in the season OF early manhood. -
How many are the recolcctions Of days
aud years of unalloycd bliss enjoyed in
each others society. If there was any
one thing more than another that caused
me anguish in my separation from friends
when | first resolved visiting Europe, it
was the painful recollection that James
Has not to be my companion.
And what was the ccstacy Of my happi-
ness, when upon my return, learned
that my friend was the afiianced husband
Of an only and idolized sister 1t was just
the match | could have wished | felt
had no apprchensons for her future hap
pincss. He was my ideal of manly per-
tcction-shc the goddess of female puri-
ty.
Weeks passed away, and my old friend
was my almost constant companion. In
deed, the synonym of Sismese Twins"
had, on more than one OCCASION, been be-
slowed upon us.
One evening, as we were sitting side by
side upon sofa, III my room, each COM
placently putting the smoke from de-
lightful Havana, James said to me.
"Ah, Edwin . what do. you think j
heard. concerning you, while sp town to-
day 2"
!" Heard of me Why, indeed, can't
possibly think. Nothing bad | hope p
ooh, no, but, on the contrary, quite
flattering. And yet, | can hardly believe
it, for you would surely have spoken to
me about it before this, had it been So"
"Why, James, what in the name of
wonder can you be driving at? Some
thing very strange and mysterious seems
to have appeared to you. What is t?"
why, / was informed that you were a
member of the Washington Club of Hon
or, in this city, aud that you brought cre-
dentiols from Europe ~
DWELL, what Of it? Is there anyt hing
so very astonishing connected with that
fact? 1t is true that | am member of
the club, and have been allied to it for
several years. And most capital organi-
zatiOn it is too, | assure you. l have
never had cause to repent the day that
witnessed my initiation"
I" | am rejoiced to hear it," he replied.
=" You do not know how anxious l have
been to join the club; but did not know
any of its members, and | have been told
that it is next to impossible to gain adj
mission, unless one goes stro gly recon-
mended, and has friends to intercede for