The weekly tribune., 1891-09-19

are benevolent, and shall be to aid and
protect it's members and their families
and to promote friendship and social in
tercourse; and the subordinate lodges
shall accumulate funds for these pur
poses.
Only one lodge OF Elks is permitted in
any town or city. This is done to pre-
vent the rivalry, conflict and jealousy
that 30 often embarrass and injure Sc
cret societies. The order is not benefi-
cial, but it expends more in secret and
unostentatious charity than any organi-
zation in the world. There are no ranks,
titles or emouments in the order. All
Elks have equal rights under their laws.
To Join the Order of Elks the applicant
must be man IN good health, 81 years
of age, believe in supreme being, be a
citizen of the United States, and have
some honorable occupation or visible
means of support. An application for a
lodge in any town or city where no lodge
exists must be signed by twenty-five or
more applicants and the petition must
be signed by three devout Elks.
At the institution of this order, in 1867,
it was composed only of few gentlemen
of the theatrical profession drawn to-
gether for social intercourse. 1t has now
developed into a widespread and power
full order OF benevOlence and charity,
with lodges in over 200 of the principal
cities of the union.
Born of brotherly love it is designed
to offer it's members the certainty OF
warm hearts and welcome hearts in the
various cities to which business or pleas
ure may summon them. One can we'll
realize the satisfaction in finding in
every city little circle of kindred minds,
kind, appreciative. and intelligent
friends, social spirits, who, linked to-
gether by the mystic tie, extend the
right hand of fellowship and greet you
with the kindly smile Of brotherhood.
The idea has become prevalent that
none but members of the theatrical pro-
fesson and its dependencies are eligible
to membership in the order. This is
erroneous. 1t is true that nearly all OF
the reputable male portion of the pro-
fession are members, but on the roll OF
membership will be found the names OF
prominent officials, merchants, bankers
journalists, legal and medical men, and
many of the bright lights of the world
in art, literature, and music.
The social connection, the opportunity
to bring the brothers into clearer con
ception of the true claims for considera-
ton of its members, is only one object OF
the order of Elks Brotherly love and
justice are not the brightest jewels ir
the crown of a worthy member. Charity
shines forth prominently in all their &C
tions. the beacon light that guides then
from the shoals of reckless liberality ant
the quicksands of proverbial prodigal
ity 1t is needless to refer to the
well known generous charity Of this or
der whenever occasion demands its aid
Scarcely can the cry of distress echo OF
the air. the wall of misfortune or tht
moan of despair summon assistance err
the Elks tender the best efforts to ail
and relieve, questioning neither countr,
nor creed. doctrine nor belief.
1t would be almost an endless task t.
enumerate the acts of charity done b,
this order, and mention of this is onl,
made to show that. if the order appeal t.
the world at large, they give to the same
ant. thanks to a generous public. thei
annual benefits never fail to meet with ;
bountiful response from the profession
. the press and the public. The order il
a purely charitable organization, seekins
to do it's charity in silence, that th
proud spirit that suffers in secret, fear
, ing more the blush of shame that come
of asking than the pangs of hunger, ma
feel that ne yer will its sore need, nor th'
manner of its alleviation, be publishes
= to the world, and that the faults, tn
frailties. the necessities and the help eN
/. tended will remain as sacred confidence
never to be divulged. And this fully ex
plains the reason for and the secrecy o
the organization. Charity, justice
brotherly love and fidelity are the watch
. words of the order. and humanity it
keynote. Its motto is 1.-The faults q
our brothers we should write upon tn
sands, their virtues on the tablets O
l. love and memory" Daily and hOurl
do the prayers of the widow and orpha
ascend to the throne of grace, cravin
y blessings on the magnanimous and bone
ticient order of Elks.
who hath tears of pity and hands
Open as day for melting charity
My Brothers: Pardon me if war
you to beware of the enemies of ever
;. organization. namely, the twin evils Ii
difference, and Lukewarmness Ihes
}. have wrecked and stranded many
promising society which started unde
favorable auspices. Therefore, if yo
love the principles of the noble order yo
'' | nave dsSOCldttti N'tI oiie Wv
sire its success, you should adopt as
rule. never unless for good cause)
miss meeting of your lodge.
h Your list of members comprises some {
If the most prominent and respectabl
It citizens of this young and prosperol
s metropolis of northern Montana. Cal
IT in the selection of members, fealty to tt
n order and good example of punctuali'
! by the officers will be the means OF buil'
ing up lodge that will be source {
pride and pleasure to yourselves and
credit to the order at large.
Your cordial welcome has filled l
. with Joy and is as highly appreciated !
~ the smile on lovely woman 5 lips. lou
: hospitality is as broad and generous
Is the dancing waters of the mighty Mi
souri," which lovingly kiss your ia
ID city's shore. Judging from the smilir
TO faces around this festive board, ] mu'
in conclude that all are enjoying themselv
!, ~ and are prepared to listen to the feast
III reason and flow of soul which is to fC
1t low. In the name of our brethren
90