The morning call., 1890-11-30

defect in the general or leading principles.
The work of organizing such schemes has
been too generally undertaken by men who
have rot had the slightest experience in that
class OF work, and the result was, sooner or
later, 4 partial breakdown or complete
failure. Then dishonest men have some
times managed to get 10 the head of affairs,
and their doings, when made public, have
disguised people almost with life insurance
OF any kind, and sometimes stupidity, bor-
dering on dishonesty, has proved a
stumbling block. But there really seems no
reason why assessment insurance should not
be success, if managed with honesty,
brains and perseverance.
In fact, that is demonstrated by the sue
cess of those which have been in operation
for several years. Among these may be
mentioned an aid association of Chicago,
years, and has paid nearly S5,000,000 to its
benehciaries. 1t has also about 10000 menu
bers scattered all over the country and mas
met every obligation promptly. There is no
reason why similar degree of success
should not be the lot of the Order of Scottish
Clans. The great necessity for the welfare
OF all such institutions is the want OF Gov
eminent or State supervision. Ii the law
compelled assessment insurance companies
to apply for permission to trade, ii their
promoters We're made to give bonds TO the
State for the honorable carrying out OF
with the sanction of the law-advisors of the
State, and the business books were liable
to be examined by some competent officer
at irregular Intervals. We might regard as
sessment Insurance as being as safe as any
other. Fewer companies would then be or
ganiZed, but those which fulfilled all the re-
Quirements would possess stability. We are
certain thai the officers of the Royal Clan
would welcome such a law and would cheer
fully comply with all its requirements. The
management of the order has been clean; 1t
has paid every debt as it has arisen; it has
had no scandals; its officers, except the Sec
rotary. receive no emoluments, and Its mem
bership is selected with care both as re-
CARDS character and physical strength. The
mode OF assessment is by grading. The In
sursnce feature of the order might be that
of any society, but in the subordinate clans
the Scotch element comes to the front.
sCoTsMEN ONLY.
The membership is confined to Scotsmen
and their immediate descendants, and
the moral character of each applicant
is carefully inquired into. The ritual
which is used in the initiation of can
didates is founded ON Scottish his
tory, and when intelligently rendered
is. we are told, both impressive and instruct
i've. The sick allowance in most OF the
clans is S. week, with free medical attend
ance, and these benefits, as well as the work
ing expenses Of the clan, are provided by tie
monthly dues of the members. Nearly
all the clans, too, have funeral
benefit of $50, which Is paid at once.
on intimation of death. The meetings are
generally we'll attended, and are managed
with both order and decorum. Open social
meetings, at which relatives and friends of
members are invited, are frequently given,
and the public balls, concerts and anniver-
sary festivals which some Of the clans have
given have generally been successful.
But this feature, although one of the OBJ
jects laid down in the constitution, has not
been attended to as it should have been.
Each clan has its regala, in which its own
particular tartan predominates, and the ap-
pearauce of the members of the order on
public occasions dressed in the costume is
one of the most gratifying spectacles which
Scotchman in America can see. Any fl
teen Scotsmen or descendants of Scotsmen
meeting together can organize clan.
The Royal Secretary is Peter Kerr, 26
BoyIstor Building, Boston, Mass. AS soon
as the charter is issued the members of the
new society are in direct utilization with the
whole order. They share in all the benefits
and have all the stability which comes from
years of experience. In the short space of
six weeks two clans have been formed, Clan
Fraser, No. rs, of this city, the pioneer Of
this Coast, and Clan Macdonald, No. 70. of
Oakland, and now Clan Cameron Of San
Jose is getting into line. II. f.