The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1871-04-26

49,. importance as social amelio-
no less worthy of notice. It now
Numbers constituency of more than 400, 900,
ana annually expends, in relief for its mem
bers, about $50O,0UO. Men of the FIRST
standing in the community are enrolled in
ito Ranks, and its character and position are
in every respect upexcep tionsble. Much OF
thisrsspeetability aud elevation is attriouta>
bic 90 its Ameriosn growth, and TO the distinct
i've features IN Its Organization, growing ont
offs disconaection with the parent Society.
One of the most important Of which may be
traced TO the abrogation, By the American
branch, Of ell its Objectionable convivisl
tendencies. The Americas Order ensorces
strictly temperance principles in it's meet
ings. The adaptation, too, of its organizA.
ton to the character Of the institu.ions 10
der which we live, and the sys.ematized
form OF sound government, necessarily
induced BY this adaptation, are aiso main
causes in producing the present elevated
state ofthe Order.
THE GOVERNMENT OF LODGES.
Each Lodgeis governed by its own code
of by-laws, and, within certain limits, be
comes an independent power within itself,
subject to the Grand Lodge Of its own State,
which is again : limited sovereign power,
Amenabie only 10 the sushority vested in
the Grand Lodge Of the United sssses, which
is the highest legislative power recognized
by the Order. The highest executive
authority is vested in chief officer desig-
mated q "Grand Sire" elected every swo
years, and the several States are presided
over by "Grand Master" in each iurisdic
ton. Intermediate subordinate functiona-
ries are entrusted with executive powers,
and serve 70 produce q thorough and well,
disciplined system of government that works
with admirable regularity and precision,
insuring stability and cohereney to the body
corporate. The osteusible EMISSION" of
Odd Fellowship, which is protested in com
mon by the other benevolent associations
10 to afford "mutnal help and support to
the members, and to promote the growth Of
philanthropic principles. To secure the
former, ample funds are raised in each sub
ordinate lodge, by weekly payments, and
from this stock sick and distressed mem bers
are entitled to relief, and are insured q com
petent burial tee on the death Of themselves
or their wives. The regulations of each
lodge prsscribes certain provisions TO be
made for the education Of orphans, and the
relief OF widows Of deceased mem hers
These praisewOrshy objects are faithfully
and rigidly performed.
A vast amount of human suffering hA
doubtless been mitigsted by the agency o
this and similarly constituted associations
and the praise cannot be denied to them o
fostering, by their agency, practical benev
olence in the habits and dispositions of shei
members. To induce such feelings, all thei
formulAries and ceremonies are framed, an,
these constantly practically enforced an
carried into action by the aid Of systematic,
rules, enforcing personal attention toward
the sick and needy of their brethren.
OBJECTIONS URGED AGAINST SECRET BENEvo.
LENT SOCIETIES.
We cannot dismiss our subjec, withon
noticing the objections commonly urget
against these secret benevolent societies
By numerous body of our citizens they ar
held to be dangerous innovations, liable Il
1 IL -
Objectionable from their want of Identified
ton with any definitely expressed religion
sentiment. Their advocates meet al thes
BY pointing to the character and standing
of their leading members, comprising a
they do some of the lesdiag statesrnen o
the country, men in high oI.eial station
clergymen of every denomination. and infu
entail citizens of every creed in politics AnC
religion, who could not be supposed to iden
fifty themselves with any association tina
by any possible contingency might be mad,
subversive of the duties every good citizeI
owes to religion and the law.
On the charge of Antsgenistic religion
principles inherent in these associations
much argument has been expended by oppo
nents and advocates. The recognition of
first great cause il the fundamental basis O
their association, and the great ChristiA
precept of charity is enjoined upon thei
members and practically carried into action
The opponents argue that this is but
spurious kind of religious sentiment, calcu.
| ated to produce infdels and, further, tina
it assumes prerogativeS exclusively belong.
ing to SHE Church" from which alon
organized systems of charity and benevo
lence should issue.
We leave the question in the hands of tn
Casuits, simply, however, noticing the fact
that late movements among several bodie
Of Christian denominations appear 20 ind
cate that the Church is rousing itself to
sense of its duty by providing for the ply.
> icsl as well As the spiritual wants Of its mem
bers.
mutual Benefit Societies" are now in CD
> GRAFTON, in connection with sc ,erAl churches
t and others are in the course of formation
I affording conclusive evidence OF the m light
influence of this 'neD motiUe pOloer" @
associated effort, which is gradually difui
log its benefit throughout the world, o pOwe
= that, if kept within proper restraint, ant
J, Invested of ultraistio theories, may lead {
:. the extinction of many of the existing evil
B, of our social condition.
KIM a go