St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-12-02

with the members of Branch No. 81, the
pioneer Branch of New England, and the
first to realize the fruits of its iabers.
This we might call a family reunion.
Most of the old faces are with us, and
as we grasp them by the hand many
pleasant memories of the past are re-
yived, and we again renew our friend
ship and our fraternal relations. There
are some vacant chairs, and we are re-
minded that some of our friends will be
seen no mOre-that they have been
called to higher order. In the recent
loss of one of the charter members of
this Branch, William IL. Martin, many
OF US feel that we have lost true friend,
man that was strong in his friend
ships, always ready to defend a friend,
aman OF ability and sterling integrity.
He was one OF the leading spirits in
starting the Iron Hall in this city, and
has done much toward placing on firm
footing the Order that has been OF so
much benefit to the citizens of this city
and state.
The early struggles of the Iron Ball
are familiar to most of you, and the
charter members Of No. 81 are entitled
to credit for the successful manner in
which the work has been carried for
ward. From branch OF forty mem
bers have sprung other branches until
every state in New England flies the
banner OF the Iron Hall, and thousands
of its citizens have felt and appreciated
its benefits. Their good work still con-
tinues, and / trust their friends will
feel the force of assisting to still greater
success. Men should be placed in our
legislative halls who are in favor of
building up these fraternal societies,
that they may not be hampered but as
sisted and encouraged. The Order of
the Iron Hall is intended for the
relief OF all thoughtful men and women,
believers in self-protection, and this
protection is offered to ali who will ac-
slight demands upon them. Never will
this order if rightly managed be
instrumental in defrauding any one out
Of a farthing, and although you
may not now believe it, you will find
that its plans will perfect themselves
and be perpetuated even as time Itself
is perpetuated. 1t is source Of graft
fication to me to be able to be present
at this, your first celebration and the
delivery of the rewards Of merit to the
faithful few who have stood by the
principles of our noble order in your
city during its struggles for existence
in the past seven years. 1t is always
pleasure to speak for the Iron Hall.
Its struggles and its triumphS are mat
ters Of history, and | feel free to say to-
night that its standing is as high and it
is as well known in this broad land OF
ours as any other fraternai organization.
1t is essentially an American idea, an
American institution, and we should
feel proud of our own birth-right as an
American citizen. Can we name another
country with such beneicent laws as
ours, where each one stands free and
equal and where every opportunity is
given for man to better his condition
and rise in the scale of progress in the
measure of his ability? Look at cur
ffaternal organizations, our building
associations, and hundred other
kindred associations, all designed to
better the condition of the people, pro-
vide them with homes. the means of
education, so that they may be able to
better appreciate the advantages OF life
and the practical enforcement of the
Golden Rule.
Under the protective care of our gov
eminent, all these fraternal and beneG
cent associations thrive and prosper.
Why should we not, those of us who
know the good accomplished by these
their influence and bring them within
the reach of our neighbors? We owe it
to them to do 50, that they as well as we
should receive the benefits of such in
situations as the Iron Hall. The extra
ordinary growth and wonderful sue
cess OF our noble order has been liter
ally as the grain of mustard seed, and
our thanks are due to the noble brain
that conceived the idea and planted the
seed, from which has grown the tree
whose branches overShadow the whole
land, and whose fruits are seen III the
good it has dispensed among mankind.
Its idea is original and occupies new
field, but over $4,000 of its members
have reiOlced and appreciated its bene
fits in their hour of distress and need;
while many of its members, like some
Of you here tonight, by their faithful
ness to the Order have been provided
with means whereby they are enabled to
rescue their homes from debt or to
make the first start toward the purchase
of house of their own IN which they
may pass their old age in peace and
comfort. The American idea and the
general tendency of the day ana age
in this country is to make the people
dependent on their daily means indie
pendent. and by the protection ex-
tended enable them to own their own
homes and provide their children with
all the advantages of an education, en-
abing them in turn to lead higher and
purer lives and increasing their value
as citizens. We should all study these
matters and give our best energies
when opportunity offers to advance the
interests of such noble institutions as
the Iron Hall. 1t is not necessary for
me to enlarge on the grand work the
Iron Hall is doing, for l would prolong
the hour, and there is much yet to be
done, but its mission is grand one.
and all should endeavor to build it up
rather than destroy it; study its meth
DDS, lay aside all WORKOUT theories and
prejudices. and you will then realize
the resistless force of co-operation and
the good that can be accomplished by
combining the means of many.
HON. W. e. RUSSELL.
Mr.. Lander was followed. after
pleasant introduction from the chair
man, by Mayor w. E. Russell. who said,