Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-12-15

ANAOILAo OE GVNOAs
The growth of this benevolent
secret order throughout the United
States in the last few yesrs is without
a precedent or parallel. 1t originated
in Louisville, KY, about the year
1872, and has since spread over more
than two-thirds of the States of the
Union. Three years ago the first lodge
in West Tennessee was organized here
in Memphis. We now have six lodges
with a membership of eight hundred.
There are now over five thousand
knights of Honor in the State of Ten
nessee, and perhaps 100000 in the
United States. The order extends
from Canada to Mexico, from the
the Atlantic to the Pacific. The good
done by this order already. ever were
it not to live a day longer, is incalcu-
liable. Thousands of widows and or
phans have been placed in comfortable
circumstances after their natural pro-
tectors had passed away and
left them little save the
legacy of their membership
in the Knights of Honor. A precious
legacy it has proved in many instances.
The order, however, exercises a great
moral influence, and has even higher
objects than mutual life insurance. 1t
aims to elevate aud ennoble men, to
make them temperate, law-aoiding,
charitable, just. It's precepts lived
up to will make men better, wiser and
more useful. They learn to be sympa-
thetic, liberal and fraterual. In num-
bers there is strength, especially when
united in a common and noble pur-
pose. The conduct Of the knights Of
Honor 10 Memphis during the two re-
cent epidemics elected the admiration
of the world. The Grand lodge of the
State in recognition of their Sacrifices
and heroism bestowed a beautiful
medal upon DR.. Goodyear, one of the
faithful members of the Order, who
particularly distinguished himself in
1878. The opportunity for presenting
this decorate did not occur until a
few days since, when all the lodges in
this city assembled in convention; and
the %glittering badge was bestowed by
the Honorable Fount Smithson, Grand
Dictator of the State. A number of
speeches were made and the ties of
fellowship were greatly strengthened.
The members begin to realize that
they belong to a great and useful
brotherhood, which systematically
works out the amclioratiou Of distress
aud the elevation Of mankind. 1t has
already done much to lessen the mis-
fortunes and add to the happiness Of
the human race. The future of this
Order is full Of promise and great re-
wards for fidelity to duty. No order
ever accomplished so much for good in
so short a time. This is not a mere
impulse Of the hour but the result of
a higher civilization and a better
understanding of the reciprocal
duties between man aud man.
The experience and the wis
dom Of years has been turned to a
practical account, aud theory, senti-
ment and moral ideas most happily
utilized. We are gratifed to know
that the order is in a hourishing fnan-
cial condition. Grand Dictator Smith
son has been here several days look
ing into the condition Of our city
lodges, and incidentally into other
matters which occupy a large share of
public attention. He left last night,
carrying with him favorable, and we
might say, q reclod impressions Of
the state of affairs in Memphis. The
heroic struggle our people have made
and are making under peculiarly ad
verse circumstances will gradually
become understood by the outside
world where Memphis is now misrep-
resented and traduced. To this END
the Knights Of Honor Of Memphis
being in communication and sympathy
with the brotherhood throughout the
country will largely contribute. We
nay confidently look to the Knights
Of Honor as an agency TO disseminate
correct knowledge along with correct
principles, and to greatly assist in set
ting us before the world in a true
light. Coineident to the departure Of