Daily Republican., 1880-02-18
pI,LAIylpMIA LETrER.

' ---~-- aa-a-
knights or efAtIantes-TheI Irish Ne
HeT Fund--Tho Chestnut stree
Theatre Hsusiness on the In
erease-I.analeFds On tho Raise
Real Estate GetiinK N fost Held
Special Correspondence of Republican.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 16, 1880.
During last week q new Order stylet
"Knights Of Atlantes," was introduced
into this city, the object of which be
side paying weekly allowance 10 sicl
members is To pay at brothers. death
the sum OF $4,000 20 his surviving rela
tions. The Order is confined | believe
to members OF the Masonic fraternity
There are now several Orders Of thii
beneficial nature In this city, but none
whose aims are on so large q scale. The
Knights Of Birmingham, also Masonic,
pay $1,000 as funeral benefits; the
Knights Of Honor, $1,000; the Ancient
Order Of Workingmen, $4,000. The
membership Of these Orders Is very
large and extends all over the State.
In case of q death, the Grand Secretary
leviss In the district where II occurs, a
general assessment on his Order Of 81
per member, and generally has enough
left to pay one or two subsequent bene-
fits. Judging by this, 1t would appear
that this part Of the secret Order bill
were pretty well supplied. However,
$4,000 is large sum and may tempt
enough applicants to make the aims
of the Knights Of Atlantes practicable.
The Irish Relief fund is giving rise
to more or less discussion among peo-
pie as to its merits. The assertion in
a French Journal some time since that
Parnell's mission in this country was
to gather money for political purposes,
under cover OF charity, finds many to
echo the cry; and even our own promi'
nent business men are accused of tax
ing . hand in the matter simply be-
cause it gives them prominence and
advertises their business. Besides, 1t
Is held that Ireland's distress don't
concern America, and, even admitting
from human standpoint, that it did
concern this country, that there are
we'll to do Irish among us to
attend to the wants of their country
men without going beyond their own
circle. In spite Of such croakings, how.
ever, the charitably-disposed are re-
spending to the call with spirit that
rises above national prejudice, and the
Indications are that Philadelphia will
give the usual good account Of her
self.
The Chestnut Street Theatre Is now
under the joint management Of Messrs.
Bum and third party. The
new 6rm intend "to spend money to
make money" Next fall Mr.. Gemmill
goes to Boston and New York to play
Hamlet"
Business appears to be quietly getting
better. There is growing demand for
alor the complaint of "hard up" is
lying out, and the indications generally
re that we are ON new career Of pros.
'erity. Landlords are beginning to
ak about higher rents and higher
'rices for property. 1t is also evident
hat all kinds Of merchandise has touch
ID "bottom" prices, and in some in
tances there is an upward tendency.
he lesson of the decade Just passed
houla bs well impressed upon all, and
specially upon those who depend on
Iaily employment for a living; for,
hough good times u!ay come again,
ark seasons will as surely follow, and
0 lay by suitable store for such seasons
) not only sensible, but a duty every
nan owps himaalf GtrJRy,,rs