Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-10-02

The knights of the Golden Eagle is one of
the most hourishing and progressive Orders
ticial, social and emi-military institution, and
was founded in Baltimore, Nd, February 9,
1873. 1t was introduced into Pennsylvania,
October |, 1915, by the institution of Keystone
Castle, No. /, of Philadelphia.
OBJECTS OF THE ORDER.
The primary objects of the Order are to
promote the principles of true benevolence,
by assocating its members together for the
purpose of mutual relief against the trials
and difficulties attending sickness, distress
and death, so far as they may be mtigated
by sympathy and pecuniary assistance; to
care for and protect the widows and orphans,
to assist those out of employment, to en-
courage each other in business, to ameliorate
the condition of humanity in every possible
ture, and by wholesome precepts, fraternal
counsel and social intercourse to elevate the
membership and advance towards higher
and nobler life, and for the inculcation and
dissemination of the principles of benevo-
lence and charity as taught by the Order
No person can be admitted to membership
or be initiated into mysteries of the Order
who is not white male, of good moral char
acter, a believer in the existence of Su-
preme Being, and in the Christian faith, free
from any mental or bodily infirmity; COM
petent to support himself and family, and
having sufficient education to sign his own
application for membership. The age of
Each Castle is permitted to determine the
maximum ma age Of applicants for membership.
the natives of different climes and men
speaking many tongues. The great majority
are young men from the various walks in
life, from the trades as well as the profess
sons, and physicians, clergymen, mechanics,
and artisans generally, with clerks and mer-
chants, join hand-in-hand in advancing the
principles of common brotherhood. The
pleasure and welfare of the members. The
meetings are held for the transaction of bust
ness of moral, benevolent and charitable
character. 1t seeks to elevate mankind gen.
orally.
The military feature is one of the most
pleasant and attractive and adds greatly to the
! popularity of the Order. The officers of Sub
ordinate Castles wear fatigue cap, sword
with cross handle and white metal scab-
bard and belt of red enamelled leather with
clasp of appropriate design. The military
exercises are beautiful. Although it is not
obligatory for the Sir Knights to participate
| i'll this feature, the thousands of young men
in the Order look upon it ms one worthy of
being encouraged and advanced, and Com
manderies are being organized in almost
are separate organizations, formed after the
style of military companies and equipped
with regulation or fatigue uniforms, as they
may prefer.
The regalia of the Order Is simple and
| beautiful, 1t consists of silk ribbon badge
worn upon the left breast. Suspended from
the ribbon is medallion, containing the
representation OF an angel crowning Knight.
BUSINESS FEATURES.
Each Castle possesses the power to regu-
late its own dues, benefits, assessments and
fees Castles may be beneficial or other
wise, as may be determined by a vote of the
members. All business, except hulloting
for and comforting the higher degrees of the
Order, is transacted in the First, or Pilgrims
Degree. There is only one password, which
is issued semi-annualy. A member of this
Order oan, at pleasure, visit any Castle in
the United States or Canada, provided he is
in possession of the term password.
GROWTH OF THE ORDER,
The Order is now in successful operation
in 80 States in the United States and also In
Canada, and efforts are being made to intro
duce ii into several other States, The pro-
gress of the Order was very slow until within
the past five years, during which time its
growth has been almost marvellous.
From January /, 1885, the progress of the
been unprecedented In the history of kindred
organizations. During that period 639 Cas-
ties were instituted, the membership increased
over 5000 and the Order introduced into 81
States
The present membership of the Order is over
5000, divived among G69 Castles
In Pennsylvania there are 3S1 Castles and
80, ,4G3 members. The Order in this State is To-
Gated in forty-five counties In Philadel-
phia there are 50 Castles and l0l5l members
There are Castles in Pennsylvania which
work in the German language.
During the four years-lSS6 1887, 1883 and
18S9-27t Castles We're instituted in fennsyl-
vana and the membership Increased 249A
Since the introduction of the Order into this
State $3l5 49l .35 has been expended for the relief
I widows and orphans and the burial of the dead,