Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-05-24
JOINING THE GOOD IEMPLARS.
Hugh Bedam and His Friend Ike
learn How 10 Works In New York
What Came Of Their Infervfew With
the SROyaI BenxaI,

DEAR SIR: / am not Granger, and
don't intend to join any more societies,
and this is my reason: My friend Ike and
/, while in New York on visit, tried 10
join the Good Templars. We were stop
ping at the Brandreth House, and Ike
wanted to join the Order and then get a
dispensatiOn and organize lodge in Ten
neSsee. We lost the address of lady that
had been given US, but a we'll dressed
stranger kindly offered us his services TO
find one, and said that he wanted to join
one too, and quit drinking.
Our friend had a magnificent diamond
breast pin and finger rings, and Ike whis-
pered to me that we were in luck, that our
new friend was wealthy.
We went 10 a saloon and took number
of farewell drinks. Then started for the
Lodge. At last We found it. in magnifi-
cent building, with a red light over the
door, and number 364 on the transom.
Passing up a flight of stairs handsomely
carpeted, We came to another door at which
our guide gave too peculiar taps, where
upon a little wicket was opened, and a
whispered consultation was held by our
guide and some one inside, when the form
er entered, and We were told TO wait until
he returned.
Ike GOT nervous and insisted on one
more drink for the last time, and when We
returned our guide was waiting for US. He
informed us that we would be ushered into
room with about ten persons seated
around table covered with green cloth:
that we would hear strange ''slang" phrases
used, and words, the meaning of which we
could not understand. That the "Royal
Bengal" presided at the table, and had the
cards of all that wished to join the order in
a small box, and that the persons around
the table were all candidates; that there
were three degrees, and that as they were
called we must put our money on the
table.
The door then opened, and sure enough,
there was the Royal Bengal seated at the
table, with the mysterious little box in
front of him.
Our guide said: "Royal Bengal, these
two strangers and myself wish TO join
your honorable order, and eschew the use
of intoxicating drink"
The Royal Bengal arose and said:
q" Strangers, have you taken your last
drink of intoxicating liquor?"
"No, sir" said Ike, hastily.
Inc luC Slllu W Sup UuL
ii was Of no use.
"Then let the strangers be served" was
the command, and thereupon a servant
brought us a toddy, and Ike was satisfied.
take your seats in silence" was the
next order.
Strangers and friends" said the Royal
Bengal, ''you are now about to try for the
First, or Oriental Degree; should you be
your money will be returned; if
elected, your money will be retained. 1t
costs ten dollars each, for the first degree"
We laid our money down, ouI guide
to be very particular where he
laid his. One man asked me if ever
played before. l told him l had played a
piano for years, he merely said 'aR and no
more. Another of the party told Ike to
PLAY on the deuce Ike told him to mind
bis own business and he would attend TO
his dues at the proper time. One man said
| copper that Another said Il play il
Open,' and spread out his ten dollars To
show the Royal Bengal that it was open.
The Royal Bengal called, sall ready turn
and then said, strangers You have been
elected to the first, or Oriental Degree
then he put our money in the cash drawer.
Ike was so happy he insisted upon taking
another farewell drink, while our guide,
who was rejected and had his money re-
turned, wanted to hug me. l couldn't
why he was so happy.
The Royal Bengal then said prepare for
the Royal Degree, gentlemen. This will
cost you twenty dollars each"
One poor fellow said copper mine on the
ace Our guide whispered that he had
copper mine on the brain think so, too.
Then the Royal Bengal said, 'all readyr
turn and again we were declared elected.
Ike burst into tears of joy and said he
wished his mother could only see him now
and know that her son stood so high. Its
a proud day for me- said he and asked for
another farewell drink.
The Royal Bengal then announced that
all who wished to take the Royal Bengal
HindOo Degree, to put thirty dollars on the
able.
One candidate asked for more checks,
and was given a stack of Iyo-y Buttons
without eyes.
One said copper mine on the tray and
looked at me. l said the nearest copper
mine know of is in East Tennessee. |
watched where our guide put his money and
put mine with his. Again we were de-
clared elected, and our guide was so mad
he could hardly speak, while Ike insistedo..
shaking hands with every one in the room.
The Royal Bengal then arose and said,
Ny Brothers-you can now retire, and in
Dne hour return, and the lodge will be
ready for initiation
Weleft and inquired our way to the hotel.
Our guide said he would meet us there.
He never came; and We couldn't find the
lodge room either, although We hunted for
il until midnight.
The next day We were told that it looked
as if we had been roped into a faro bank.
Ike got very red in the face and scowied
fearfully. HUGH BEDAM.