The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1882-02-09

come to the Alamo City. Let us hope that
your visit will do good and that it will find
place in the store-house of your memory, and
that these incidents being recalled may pro-
duce in you desire to revisit our city. But
we must not forget that while the glowing orb
rises in the eastern skies it sheds its departing
rays on the western; the polar star is a safe
guide to the mariner as the order is to its
members. Though separated by distance
they are of one loving family and their love
can in no way be diminished by distance.
The bonds Of brotherhood draw them safely
into the haven of common love. We greet you
to-day with pleasure and tomorrow part with
you again, looking forward to a happy re-
union. Cheers.
Grand Master Gibson said it needed no
demonstration nor appropriate addresses of
welcome such as the had received to-day to
show that the Odd Fellows were welcome to
the city of San Antonio. The smile of glad
ness on the faces Of those who received
them the grip of the hand, and the arrangements
made for their reception all proved that, and
showed that your reputation for hospitality was
we'll deserved. We are hattered because we
| regard it As compliment to the noble order
in whose interest the Grand Lodge is assem-
bled in this historic city. II is expected that
shall say something upon this institution, its
aim and object. In tracingits origin we need
not search the records of antiquity, nor seek
it record in the pages of ancient authors. 1t
was not heralded by silver trumpets, nor was
its objects the emanation of great men.
No princely degree authorized the order,
but it sprang from men Of humble birth, and it
would surprise them now if they could learn
that its members numbered hundreds of thou
sands and extended over the whole of tie civil
lied world. A committee of five laid the
foundation of Odd Fellowship on the 10th
of April, 1919, from which ithas so grown.
do not want to uphold my own order at the ex-
pense of others, ands want you bear this in
mind because we are all aiming at the same
end, although young, by different ways.
Wherever | find a man whose heart throbs
for his fellow-man-who is willing to devote
time and substance to the relief of distress
can wish him God speed and rejoice in my
heart without asking whether he is Mason or
of any kindred society. We aim to alleviate
sufferings to bring the brotherhood in closer
relation. might tell you more of this, but to
understand and appreciate it you must pass
| through the order yourself. Wherever dis
| tress is among the brethren there we find scope
for work, but we do not propose to create a
new world or to reorganize society, but to
| pluck out some of the thorns of the flowers of
life. To assuage grief, ease oppression,
disarm malicious hate, strengthen good reso-
luton, make virtue practical, vice odious, and
to erect an altar Of friendship in the hearts of
men.
Objections are made to the order, but when
members are looking for the last time on this
world, when the frail bark embarks upon the
mysterious ocean, whose shores are unknown,
it is comforting to feel that kind friends will
sooth the dying pillow and see that the NOR
tai remains are carefully placed in their last
resting place; and when this is done to know
that those friend. are careing for the
widow and I'D orphan. What if
we work in secret we should glory
in it. Our order is based upon friendship,
love and truth, the first essence Of Him who
| should influence our souls; our temples are
sufficient testimony of our care for the orphans
and many are the prayers Of the widows that
ascend in thanks for assistance in this direc-
ton. We do not offer these pecuniary relief as
inducements 10 become members, and he who
joins us with that view, will be woefully de-
ceived; we rise above ourselves to
attain the end we have in view;
our temples are cemented by friendly
love and truth, founded on faith, love and
charity, and are under the law of universal
pIo'heihoou. DlethIen, De lalth1ul 10 your
obligation, live such lives that your going
down here, shall be but rising there. When
the great battle of life is drawn, let your place
be near the flashing of the guns, press on, and
lead such lives as shall show you are full of
friendship, love and truth.
am SO glad to see so many ladies' here To-.
day; their praise is at all times the best evil
dence of our good work, and no presence is
calculated to do so much good anywhere than
that of good woman.
To the ladies, to the inhabitants of the city,
permit me to thank you in behalf Of the order,
and to hope that your future may be as bright
as you yourself could wish it.
Gland Orator Russell then made some ap-
proPrlate remarks, which for want Of space
we are compelled to omit.
hebands of the Goldens and 22nd infantry
gave some excellent music.