The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-06-23
THE KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
Address OF Geo. w. Lawson, Grand Reporter.
al the McCool Picnic, June 3, 1886.

bkolhEk hNi6HfS, LADIES AND FkNfLbNbN:
After spending days, weeks and months
writing up journal and ledger, filing
orders, and answering communications,
to be able to spend day or two in re
creation, and to meet for the first time
large number of brothers cf family
made such by adoption, and to be greet
ed by a hearty welcome, as shown by
the facial expression and hearty shak-
ing of the hands, a feeling of Joy fills
the heart which is deeply felt, but can
not be expressed by words. There is
nothing selfish about true Knight of
Honor. He desires that all men who
stand upon the same broad platform of
principles with himself-men of social,
charitable principles, Of good moral
character, and of healthy, physical
system should be allowed the same adj
vantages, both socially and financially.
Will all the Knights present, who are in
good standing in the Order, please rise
to their feet for moment? Thank you,
brethren, please he seated.
Ladies and gentlemen, l, personally,
am a stranger to most of you, but you
see | have large number of true friends
present. There is not one of that num-
tress and needed assistance, that would
not cheerfully render me all the aid in
his power, should simply speak word
or make a sign to attract his attention.
VIII any rational mind then tell me
that member of this Order is not fully
compensated for the time, talents, and
money given to keep him in good stand
ing?
| have been honored by an invitation
to participate in this social gathering of
Knights, their families and friends
and invited to say something for the
good of the Order. |, therefore, ask
your indulgence and attention for about
fifteen minutes, while | shall present
for veur consideration few facts and
principles that should, in my opinion,
be known by every man, woman and
child in America, especially the young
men and young ladies. For no man
should attempt to address an intelligent
audience unless he can present some
fact, truth or principle for their benefit.
In very ancient times, when man,
intellectually, was in his infancy, some
one asserted that he-man-was the
noblest act of creation. Advancing to
higher plane of intelligence during
the period of youth, and mistaking APP
pearanees for realities, his mental vision
being obscured by the deceptive, yellow
light of the physical man, he still af-
firmed that man was the noblest act of
creation. But passing the probation of
youth, and entering the higher state of
manhood, he examined into the myste
ries of matter and mind, and aided by
the higher wisdom of experience, he
clearly perceived the error of his former
hypothesis, and grasping the truth,
proudly proclaimed to the world that
,coBtdn is the noblest part of creation.
What words can enter quicker and pen
citrate deeper into the heart of a true
man, than mother, sister, wife, daugh-
ter? What, during the varying seasons,
the heat of summer and cold of win
ter-causes an honest man to toll and
labor more than desire to feed, clothe,
shelter and render comfortable and
happy those loved ones dependent upon
him? What calms the excited, angry
man quicker than the pleasant smiles,
and gentle touch of mother, or a
| wife? What constitutes a garden of
Eden, or approximates heaven in social
enjoyment and happiness, better than a
| family circle consisting of good, moral
man, surrounded with noble mother,
true wife, and refined, intelligent
daughters and sisters? And what, .
| unfortunate mani causes deeper pang
| in the heart of an honest man--when
he realizes that the end o. his earthly
| pilgrimage is drawing to close, than
the thought tina. those dear ones whose
lives he has rendered comfortable and
/ 10 lafr <r.f ~, al.n
| ties of a cold world without means for
a support, and without friends TO aid
| them in their dire necessities?
Considering these facts, is it to De
wondered at, then, that men of philo
sophical and practical minds-a few
years back-deyoted their mental ener-
gies to formulating a plan of co opera
tive insurance by which, al the smallest
| reasonable cost, 4 man may provide
means and friends to aid aud assist his
widow and orphans in their time oil
greatest need? 1t is true there are in
surance companies with large reserve
j funds in hand TO be distributed to bene
ficiaries after deducting large amounts
i for high-salaried officers and agents, and
i after, in a majority of cases, costly lit
il iration and then a compromise. But
i these companies are for the benefit ol
4 only a select few, men of sufficient
means to pay large premiums upon
policies. But the problem presented fol
solution, required plan that wa.
adapted to the small means of that large
class of men who are the bone and
! sinew of the land the healthy, mora
, men of every occupation and profession
4 in life. No doubt but that natures