The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1879-01-10
ADDRESS RYIR WALKnp.

ADDRESS BY j. K. WALKUP.
The following are the remarks made
by J. r. Walkup, upon assuming the
Office of Dictator Of Central lodge &. of
H, on New Years night:
LADIES, Grand Lodge officers of the
state of Kansas, and members of Central
Lodge No. 1871:
Permit me upon assuming the execu-
tive chair of this lodge, to return my ac-
acknowledgements for the great honor you
have conferred upon me. feel deeply
the responsibility of the position, and
bearance in my endeavOrs to fulfill its
duties. 1t is not my desire or intention
to weary you with any extended remarks
upon this occasion. This is not the
time for lengthy harangue, and with a
good supper awaiting us, it would be a
tax upon your forbearance that will
not presume to levy. Still, a few
thoughts briefly expressed upon the OBJ
jects, history and plans of our order,
may not be taken amiss. The order of
knights of Honor is a secret benevolent
society, composed of supreme, grand,
and subordinate lodges. 1t was estab-
lished in the month of June, 1878, by
persons who felt that the various systems
of reliefto the families of deceased mem
bers as adopted by other orders were de
ficient in important respects, and who
believed that an order established with a
purpose ofpaYing death benefit as one of
its main objects would meet with APP
prevail and success. The astonishing
growth of the order has confirmed the wis
dom of Its projectors. The objects of the
order are to unite fraternally, all ac-
ceptable white men of every profes
all moral and material aid in its
power to members of the order,
by holding moral, instructive and scien-
tIfic lectures, encouraging each other in
business, and by assisting one another to
obtain employment; to establish bene-
| fit fund from which a sum not exceed
ing $4,000 shall be paid at the death of
| member to his family, or to be disposed
of as he may direct, and to establish a
fund for the relief of sick or distressed
members. The order is not in the field
as rival to kindred institutions, but as
an ally to them. Recognizing the good
work which they have done, and are do
| ing, it claims to meet a special want in
the community not supplied by other
societies Neither is it an opponent of
life insurance associations, as it reiter-
ates the arguments which reveal the alb
sOlute necessity in many cases of some
sort of insurance. The man who dies
and leaves family without means of
education or support, at the period in
life when they most need such aid, is
looked upon in this enlightened age as
guilty of willful neglect, at least There
are so many methods by which he may
provide against such a calamity if he is
prudent and considerate, that the public
seems plyjustifed in entertaining such
an opinion. Our order has grown rap
idly from its first inception. It numbers
now in the different states about 60,OO0
and its members are mostly men of the
highest standing in masonry, Odd-fellow-
ship and other organizations. It's per-
manency is now conceded by all familiar
with its plans and methods, and the most
skeptical have been compelled to admit
/ its grand success as a beneficial order
i Intelligent mem bers who have studied
its methods and principles, have entire
faith in its permanency and usefulness
This lodge of ours-NO. 7S1-was or
| ganized something over one year ago
with seventeen charter members. 1t has
| grown steadily ever since. 1t now mum.
bers ninety-seven members and appli
Giants. By looking over this hall tonight
you can see what kind of material our
lodge is composed of. / claim that our
i
city and vicinity. We have had one
death in our lodge since its organization
that of Bro. VIM. Wicks-whOse in
surance was promptly paid. No doubt
that some of us think that the assess.
ments have been coming in pretty fast
/ for the last three months. But we should
bear in mind that the most of these
deaths occurred in the yellow fever dis
tricts in the south, and we, as true Knights
of Honor, should feel thankful that we
have been blessed with the means to help
the widows and orphans of our deceased
brethren of the south in their time OF
need and distress.
| Now, brothers, in conclusion, feel
the honor m being elevated to the office
of Dictator of this lodge, and the great
responsibility of the position, and will
endeavor to discharge the duties of the
Office faithfully and impartially. 1t is
admitted that we have the banner lodge
of the State, and let me insist upon
you, one and all, to try to make il
more interesting as it grows older. Let
us show to the world by our deeds and
actions that we are indeed true knights
of Honor. And now, ladies, we thank you
for your presence this evening. True
KnighthOod has no prouder Significance
than its respect to woman. Our wives
sisters, and daughters, are our pride and
| joy, the light of our firesides. Oul
mothers, who guided our footsteps in
infancy, shall have their declining
years cared for with the tenderest solici
tude and be held in true reverence
Palsied be the tongue and blasted the
life Of him who thinks differently
Thanking you, for your kindness and
patience, take pleasue in announcing
that when we adjourn this evening i
will be to proceed to the Park Place
hotel, to partake of a supper provided
in honor of our lady guests, whom W,
will always be happy to receive ant
entertain to the best of our ability.