The Evening critic., 1882-02-06
II. p. q, Y.
Formation ora New lodge OF n Grow
ing order iu This city.

ing order In This city.
The Benevolent and Protective order OF Elks
which includes among its membership actors,
musicians, artists, journalists, and, indeed,
men Of every business and occupation aud the
Influence Of which is making itself appre-
ciated in every section OF this country and
abroad, has laid the foundation for another
lodge in this city. Tho roll OF tho charter
members Of the new lodge-washington No.
15-closed here last evening. 1t consisted OF
thirty-nvo mombers, representing handsome
cash fund. These members, Mr.. Dennis o'Neii
presiding, Mr.. John Ward secretary, mot at
Toumcy's Hall last night, whore letters and
kilograms from prominent Elks ana actors
were read, expressing good feeling AMI the bcst
wishes for the successful birth OF tho infant.
washington Lodge, No. rs,
will be duly Installed next Sunday. on that
day Mr.. Frank Girard, Deputy Grand Ruler,
with delegation from the parent lodge In
New YORK, tho Baltimore lodge and delegates
Pittsburgh, 81. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati and
Indianapolis, Will be present. The iustalla-
tion ceremonies will last all day, aud that
evening the event viii conclude with q ban
quot, 10 which number OF distinguished peo-
pie outside of the order Will bo invited. Mr..
Ward, In his address before tho lodge last
night, gave n graphic history of the progress
OF the order IN this country, its origin dating
back TO 1868, and referred especially TO the
Wide Scope That Had Been Taken
since tnen IN the matter or extending tho
privileges OF entering tho order beyond tho
then strictly.drawn lines of tho theatrical pro-
fession. He said: "The Benevolent and Pro-
tcctive Order OF Elks at present is composed OF
almost every grade OF business men, and the
more professional grade has grown so formid-
able in numbers and strength, comprising,
IL does, the best material in all branches of
the merchantile trade as to mako that portion
the strong foundation Of the order" Contlnu-
ing, Mr.. Ward SAID of
The Objects of the Order:
"The order OF Elks is an institution founded
upon morality, and having for Its objects tho
design OF practically applying tho sublime
teaching OF the golden rule, DO unto others
as ye would have others do unto you,' and In
the midst OF innocent social pleasures every
brother is taught TO practice the fundamental
prime iples OF the order, charity, Justice, broth
erly love and fidelity, to soothe the unhappy, to
sympathize with their misfortunes, to compass
sionate their sorrows, and to render material
aid to those In pecuniary distress. Some arc
of the opinion that tho Elks is q purely social
organization. Such is not the case. 1t is true
their social sessions are prominent feature
of such Of their proceedings as come before
the public eye, but these are merely auxiliary
TO the main object.
s'At the social gatherings strong friendships
may be cemented and new attachments formed,
and opportunities offered at getting at tho
true status Of its member and finding out
who are worthy and who arc not and there
fore the social feature should not be looked
upon as q frivolous passing away Of so much
useless time, but as q commingling of good,
honest hearts, on the broad platform of BROTH
erly love. And here let me state that IL in 50
compact an organization-banded together in
truth and honesty-a mean aud dishonest
member should be found, he should be ex-
PEELED from the brotherhood at once; there
fore IL behooves us to be very careful at tho
outset, and make strict investigation. The
sick benefits of our lodge and order are not In
| accordance with other orders of beneficial
| characteristic payment of certain weekly
| allowance, established by law, and there an
| end; but if one of our brothers is IN indlgent
| circumstances, and wanting for tue necessarios
of1 % o+p rfn ~ 1pI ,ttrfT1 1oI
| extent Of the treasury may be placed at his
| disposal.
land and none TO care for him, he is placed In O
hospital, the best of medical attendance pro
cured, and If the fates are not proptious In his
| behalf and "grtm death should claim him
| for Its own, Christian burial is accorded him
| in place especially selected by all lodges and
| designated the Elks Rest" Mra Ward gave NJ
interesting account OF how the order had SO
cured and dedicated handsome burial grounds
and referring to benefits, said;
| ''Hn the Matter of Benefits,
| one advantage we have over other orders of {
| beneficial character is the means at our com
| mand OF adding to the strength of our fund
| We give theatrical performance every yeal
| as benefit TO our lodge, and have the entir,
operate, dramatic and variety profession t.
| one in talent, great or small, give their In
dividual services and OF their compauis
gratutiously, entailing no expense, and con
slider II an honor likewise"
Mr.. Ward reviewed benefit performances
and their handsome results that had beei
given in other cities, and concluding, said o
Washington Lodge No. Is: 81 hope and trus
1t will be an honor to its parent and locke,
upon with pride by the large family through
out the Union. This, my prospective brothers
rests entirely with ourselves.
"Let us, when we become ono OF tn
circle, strive to make the new lodge tn
crowning effort of the order-be copy for al
TO initiate. Great things are expected of u
located in the Capital of the Nation. Out
| siders think we have the entire Adminlstra
| tion TO recruit from. As we have not, let u
do the next best thing--compact ourselves q
| II we had" AT the conclusion OF Mr.. Ward
address various business matters were dis
posed of, and the meeting consequently ad
/ Journed.