Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-10-25
SECRET BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
ny GEORGE W. GIFT.

wind woos, we wonder why it is that the
gallant ship is numbered with those
massy iron-bound spars; why such pom
derous cordage, and those stiff and un'
yielding sails; why the hull is held
together by bolts, and rivets, beams and
knees2 We ask this when zephyrs fan,
and the vane scarcely tells us from
whence the breezes come. But let the
wind pipe high, and the pillows grow
fierce and threatening, and then we be-
gin to receive answers to our queries.
See the gallant masts strain and the
shrouds and backstays grow taut as the
lutte string, and the bellyiRg sails seem
swelled to their utmost tension, and the
gallant bark groans as she feels the
strokes of the mighty and ponderous
waves, and we know why strength and
beauty have been combined.
So it is with secret soci cites. In or
binary times, when there is no epidemic,
no extraordinary amount of sickness, no
suffering indigence, no n ew-made, help
less widows, no crying orphans, we ask
ourselves, why do these people meet and
practice mummeries by gas light, away
up in the fourth stories of buildings;
why should valuable time be wasted in
meetings Of men together with no further
object than to meet2 The previous
metaphor answers the query; or, if it
does not, the experiences of the past
six weeks does. We know now how
brother may stand to brother, though n o
drop Of kindred blood flows in their
veins, how the sick are nursed, how the
widow is cared for, the orphan given g
home, the dead buried, and misery, pain
and suffering a1leviated. Now we know
that the meetings we're but 10 permit
new members to assume the VOWS OF
brotherhood, and old ones to renew the
covenant. Quietly and secretly they
are building the strong ship which
is to weather fierce gales like that which
now roars about us, and ride securely
over turbulent and towering waves like
those which lash us. They were not
working in vain, but wero perfecting
and adding to organizations which in
time Of need is to make them one fam
lily.
Let us see practically how these Sc
cret organizations have performed their
work. At 1.-THE first outbreak Of the fever
they rallied about their leaders and pre-
pared for the onslaught. No volunteers
we're asked to perform this or that duty,
but veterans were told of to their work
like trained soldiers. A member, or his
wife or children, are reported i'll, aud
straightway the brotherhood 20 to his
succor. 1t matters not how deep they
are in the gulf Of the pestilence, or
dreadful the attack of the infection, the
brothers of the mystic band 1y to the
relief, and remain until all is over, end
then perform the last sad rites which the
living owe to the dead. 1t matters not il
some of these shall fall who 20 out 10 bat
tie, others will promptly close up the gap
and take their places in front Of the
dread enemy. No toll, no danger, no
fatigue deters them. What member Of
secret society has been left 10 suffer-
What Que has been compelled to appeal
TO the public Tor eharity2 Where are
their houseless widows and starving or
phsns? When did you see these socie.
ties asking for assistance from others
than the brotherhood Not here, re-
Gently; but you have heard Of such no.
bic men ss William S. Bruce, who said
to the Odd Fellows, draw on me for an
unlimited amount" Where did be learn
that sentiment Of brotherly love and az
feciion2 Possibly where be was taught
that ell flesh is grass. and must soon
pass away; that man owes duty 70
man, aud that when that duty is per-
formed be may live from youth TO age
and yet not see the righteous forsaken'
nor his seed begging bread. Daring the
present epidemic many Of the brothers
Of the mystic tie have been called from
labor TO refreshment; have been com
handed 70 appear before the Great
Grand Master above. With specimens Of
their Workms nship Nay they Be foand