Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1875-04-05
SECRET SOCIETIES.

concerned, while it would be true of 9TH
ers. Some secret societies have done,
and are doing. much good others have
done much harm. Those orders which
have for an object the mitigation Of evil,
or the elevation Of man to a higher
plane Of morality or intelligence, often
times result in good to the members of
the order and the world other orders,
which are founded for the particular adj
vantage Of their members only, may be
a curse to the society in which they ex.
ist, while their members may be pecuni-
arily or personally benefited.
On general principles we object to all
secret societies For the accomplish
ment of any good purpose, there are few
instances where a secret organization is
better than a public organization; and
if evil can be better concocted OF done
IN the secret councils Of an order than
before the eye of the public. then the
argument is against such secret bodies.
1t is said that certain temperance, phil
anthropic, business and christian enter
prises can be better carried on where
the members meet in secret conclave, to
perfect the plans and carry out the
work in which they are engaged. If the
business is legitimate, what possible
harm is done if the doors are opened,
aud the world is invited to attend. I'm
agiDe as many cases as you please where
some good work may be done, and see
in your own mind if it might not all be
done as we'll publicly as privately by
an organization Of a public character, as
well as by one of a secret nature.
But there arc many who suppose that
by joining an order Of some kind, they
can prosper better in business, enjoy
more social privileges in life and be bet
ter protected in misfortune, than they
would otherwise be. These things may
be true in some instances. COmbina.
tions, secret or public, arc powerful, and
an order that is pledged to mutually aid
and benefit its members, has power to
do so. Trade unions, oranges, clubs or
other bodies, oftentimes are able to eff
feet, by their combinations, ends that
looked at from one standpoint, seem just.
The regulations Of a good order or club,
may be Of such a character as to benefit
its members by keeping them from in
dulgences, away from bad company and
under the influence Of wholesome re-
straints. So far so good, but all this
can be accomplished with open doors.
The argument in regard to the protec-
tion from misfortune, that is afforded in
some lodges, is met. by saying that the
same thing can be done publicly as well
as privately. The protection guaranteed
TO members is nothing more or less thar
sort Of insurance. The members O.
the order vow that they will protec
each other in times Of misfortune or &C
cident; those who are unlucky in regart
to health are lucky in belonging to tn
order, and by being insured in it thos
who are fortunate in regard to acciden
or poverty are unfortunate in beiny
obliged to take care Of the poor and sick
OF course there is nothing wrong in be
ing engaged in an insurance business o
this kind, but those who are frugal ant
industrious have to contribute generous
". sometimes toward the support o
these shiftless brethren who get int
trouble.
Il is said that it is Of great advantag
TO a person who is to 60 out a strange
into the world, if he is q member {
some important order; that he will fin
friends and receive kind treatment, whe
others would be in danger Of their live
or suffer rude treatment. If this is tru
It does not prove to our understandir
that the order, which thus mutually re
ognizes and protects its members Il
world over, is particular blessing
the world. If two strangers call at vol
door, courtesy says that you should ire
both alike if you meet two beggars q
the highway, and you have anything
relieve their distress, you should give
each, notwithstanding one Of them sha
by mystic signs discover himself to y,
as being Of your own order. But {
rules Of the order say, protect 70
brother FIRST. and if you have but t.
pence or two biscuit, give them to t
ono who can answer your grip and 4
motion Of your head, while the otl
equally unfortunate man receives n
ther pence or biscuit
We have only referred to those !
vantages which are claimed for some
the best orders; there are objectic
that may be mentioned. Any organi,
body Of met is able to exercise, by
rect and indirect influences, great D,
er, and when ten, twenty. or one hui
red men form a secret society, pledl
10 work for any purpose. or for nut
benefit, their power is great. Each n
has strength in his own sphere. and
sum total Of the influence Of a lodge
sufficient to accomplish almost anythi
Power is dangerous thing to pOss,
and few men. or few bodies Of men.
L