The weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1883, 1883-05-02

But why make ulstihcliohs isSe'"
that each of the original five was provl-
dentially adapted to the place he filed.
When spring, with dewy fingers cold,
Returns to deck their hallowed mold,
She there shall dress sweeter sod
Then fancy's feet have ever trod.
Why should that which is good be done
in secret? is often insinuatingly asked.
A full answer do not consider Tiny
duty to attempt to give; but we proudly
point to the fruits, open to the scrutiniz-
ing gaze of the whole world, and chal-
lenge the most exacting to show a blot
on the record. In the year 1876 Ameri-
can Odd Fellows, animated by COM
mendable spirit of national pride, dis
played the pillars Of theirstrength at the
Centennial Exhibition-the figures OF
their works of charity and benevolence
during the preceding 40 years. Above
the wonderful evidences Of material pros
perity-the acres groaning with mighty
steam, impelled engines, and the myrlads
of ingenious devices of utility, ornament
or luxury-theses statistical figures glowed
like stars of celestial glory. They appeal
ed to all the finer feelings. They were
angel-fngers, as it were, pointing the
Observers thoughts from earth to heaven.
The sum totals were these Il ,O64 1913
limitations; S16,sS2 brothers relieved
los, 1885 widowed families rescued from
want; s69, 235, 8S9.45 expended in deeds
of charity and benevolence, and nearly
half q million good and true men in har-
ness for the continuance Of the noble
| work. Above all was written in letters
| of gold the proud inscription: "These,
too, are American" Does the world need
a better practical religion?
Imay state, as partial justification OF
the principle of secresy, which underlies
our organization, that the enchanted
ground of mystery has in all ages Of the
world been the nursery-soil in which has
terminated the seeds of the great moral,
social and political revolutions that have
made up the history of humanity. All
organizations must originate in special
conditions the greatest events of his
tory have had their forecastings in type
and allegory. These have underlain all
religious systems. Symbolic acts and
spectacles were the basis of the earliest
Persian system temple, pyramid and
obelisk still stand in time-defying subli-
nifty to tell of the supremacy Of the
Egyptian orders of the selected few who
swayed the minds and ambitions of the
millions; from the sacred temples of
Greece and Rome, yelled in awe-inspir-
ing mystery, we're promulgated the laws
that prince and peasant alike bowed to
in meek submission; the Drottes of
Scandinavia in arbitrating differences
between man and man were believed to
be guided in their judgment by occult
influences insuring superstitious re-
spect for their decisions-and this, it is
said, was the origin Of our modern jury
system; justice and the invisible God
distractions believe of the same idea
have been brought within the limits of
comprehension of all nations through
pictorial and allegorical representations.
Let theories of civil rule be what they
may, in all governments, as a matter OF
fact-not excepting the most democratic
the cornsels and plans ofthe few direct
and control the movements and welfare
of the many. I will not undertake to
draw distinguishing lines between good
and evil influences That is not neces-
sary to the argument, and may be left to
the moralist. The fact stands-as gen.
eral iact-that great objects can only be
accomplished through select organiza-
tons. The primary objects Of Odd Eel
lowship are the moral improvement of
the individual, the happiness of the
family, and the prosperity Of the State.
Are these the chief ends of all good
citizens? Granted, but is it not unques-
tionable that specific results, requiring
large accommodations of means, are I'M
attainable without preconcerted and har-
monious action? The family friends of
the Odd Fellow may rest assured that
the few hours he devotes to his lodge are
well spent. They are given to wider
family circle-one that spreads out like a
sheltering roof to all the fre-sides Of it's
Misunderstanding over each and every
one strong shield of protection, keeping
open and pure the founts Of natural az
lection, and strengthening the ties that
bind together in love husband and wife,
parent and child, sister and brother.
Brother James L. Ridge!y, Historic
grapher of the Order, truly says. "No as
ISOLATION has cultivated literature as have
the Odd Fellows of the United States.
At an early day the call was for maya
zine to defend and proclaim our princi-
pies, and now we are pre-eminent in the
solidity, talent, poweran number OF our
publications. Twill adopt this eminent
brothers words in dealing with this
branch of the subject-the literary and
| intellectual features of Odd Fellowship
'From the first, he tells us, every strug-
gle was for light to illuminate the public
mind each movement of the fathers had
q separate chronicle, an appropriate
statement, formal address. This habit
became constitutional, and descended tc
the children. A lodge-room is school
of instruction, not to be surpassed by
academy or college. Here order is taught
the order of intelligence, rank, and ser
vice respectively. Here symbol and
allegory amuse, inform and edify; here
scenic effects excite establishment and
elevate the fancy here models and e1'
amples inspire the loftiest emulation o.
the highest excellence; here eloquent
sentiments, set to beautiful language and
adorned with truthful imagery, stimulate
to virtue; and here conflicting creeds and
platforms banished beyond the ante
room, are replaced by brotherly love and
unity"
Though necessarily exclusive in its or
ganizationational policy the basial prin
ciples of Odd Fellowship are of the most
liberal, all-embracing character. Ode
Fellows are enjoined to unite with all
good men, it matters not at what altar
| thew uorshin IN what governments they