The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1876-05-26
WOMEN IN BENEFICIAL ORGANI-
ZATIONS,

To THE EDITOR OF THE NEW NORTHWEST:
The question has been asked whether
the attempt to build up the Order of
Champions of the Red Cross in this ju-
risdiction promises to be successful.
We answer, that although we have not
met with the success we have desired,
nor the encouragement we had right
to expect, we are not disappointed, nor
doubtful as to the permanency of the
Order here. For, since ours is the first
secret Order that has ever attempted to
confer its benefits equally upon its
members irrespective of sex, is itstrange
that the public should regard the exper-
iment as doubtful one? Especially
when we remember that women gener-
ally have no means at their own dispo-
sal, we cannot wonder that people re-
gard them as being untitled for the pro-
visions of a beneficial organization.
Orders composed exclusively of men,
for obvious reasons, require, as pre-
requisite to membership, that the candi-
date should have some visible means of
support; but under the present state of
things, few women are acknowledged to
be thus fortunately situated.
Yet I am proud to say that all the
Encampments of our Order are required
by constitutional law to provide sick
benefits alike to all their members, and
since the Order is steadily growing and
crystallizing under this regime, we feel
justified in saying that the practicable
! ity of the measure has been demon
strated, public opinion to the contrary
Notwithstanding.
In this jurisdiction, some of the En-
campments, in consideration of the
shameful inequality in mems and wom-
EMS wages, have in the kindness of
their hearts discrimatedi in favor of their
lady members both in fees and dues.
These Companions were doubtless actu-
ated by the kindest motives, yet 1 think
it mistaken policy. We, of couse, de-
sire equal privileges and equal benefits
with our brothers, but wish them only
on equal terms. We wish to perform
our parts fully, and each count as much
as brother in sustaining our Encamp-
meuts. We know that one dollar rep
resents as much of our time and labor
as four times that amount does of theirs
but we also know that one dollar of oul
money will go no farther in sustaining
the enterprises of the Order than thai
amount of theirs, and hence submit tc
this hardship until the "good time
coming comes" when we shall be re-
leased from the odious cOUertItre and al
lowed to stand before the world as iladi
UidudlS when our right to invest oul
money in a way to insure ourselve:
against the danger of want shall be uni
versally acknowledged and respected.
And does not an Order founded on tht
eternal principles of right, and taking
this advanced position before the world
merit the support of all those who arr
laboring to lift the unjust weights from
the shoulders of the women of our land
: Our husbands and brothers are appro
priating means to insure themselves il
organizations where we are not admit
ted, for which 1 do not blame them; bu
have not we an equal right to max,
like provision for ourselves? 1 would
| not urge my sisters to join US in GU
great mission and work, were 1 not fully
! satisfied that all the pure and gooc
would be more than pleased with it
: teachings and work, and ultimatel,
reap great benefit from the alliance will
, us.
, do not wish to convey the impres
; sion that it is any part of the direc
, work of the Order to promote the polit
! 'ical enfranchisement of women, for it i
, in no sense a political organization; bu
, 1 do assert that our laws and usage
= fully recognize the principle that tn
one sex is entitled to precisely the sam
rights as the other.
, When we consider the full scope ant
character of the Order in question, w
, could not expect nor desire for it a rapi,
, growth; but we do expect-and hav
: seen it demonstrated-that it will tax
; firm and permanent hold upon the af
fections of those who desire the welfar
of their race, and we believe that th
day is not far distant when its bounda
ries will encircle the civilized world
Then, brothers and sisters, take cour
age! You who have stood up so faith
) fully for the Order amid the thousan
/ obstacles we have had to encounter, de
serve a nobler name than the victor il
; a hundred battles, for the organization
you have so persistently labored to plan
and sustain, will, we trust, live and pros
: per after your work is finished-live t
, bless the millions yet unborn!
CELIA.
Portland, May %, 1876.
TTn1naT CnATun11nTa-r