Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1892-12-16
EASTERN TRADE UNION
THE IDEA ORIGINATED AMONG
THE ORIENTALS.
Solemn Ceremonies Attending tho Initia-
tion mt Damascus-The Work and
Character of the Applicant
Considered.

trades unions among the artisans OF
the Orient 1t Is nevertheless fact
that the workingrnen OF that old and
historic city. Damascus are not only
up in such matters with their breth-
rem OF Western countries. but can be
considered among the pioneers in the
industrial organization and united ef-
fort for protection and self-improve-
ment The traditional rules and usa.
ges governing these unions are prim-
tive. to be sure yet do not lack orig
inality and dom when taking into
consideration their surroundings and
conditions OF life and compared with
their more favored brethren of Chris
tian lands.
Some go as far as to assert that these
owe much to their Eastern fellows for
their regulations Others GO further
and say that the very idea of secret
societies was organized and put into
execution among the workingmen of
the East who long before Europe
was civilized and America discovered
banded themselves into well-governed
organizations for mutual improve
ment and protection.
The decree OF skill required. the
crucial tests imposed. the standing
man was compelled to have among
his fellow workmen before he could
be admitted to the ranks OF the mas
tiers OF his craft were lar too enact
ing 10 be looked upon with favor by
the workman OF the nineteenth cen
tury and yet the results. both to the
man himself and the craft he repre-
scented were worth the trouble as n
man who had been admitted to the
ranks OF the masters was held in high
respect and the products OF his labor
were always in demand.
Each unicn had its own officers
who combined to form a grand coun-
Gil composed OF grand master
workman and his assistants grand
marshal and assistant u grand deputy
and his assistant aud all the master
workmen of the different trades OF tho
city. A silk weaver. desiring TO De
raised to the grade OF master made
application TO the council A sample
OF his work was submitted for criti-
cism and examination TO all the mas
ter weavers who agreed upon his
promotion and so reported to the
master workman OF the trade. He
sent his deputy TO inform the candi-
date by handing him the traditional
'olive branch" Oh its substitute.
bouquet OF flowers, which he kissed
thankfully. declaring at the same time
his unworthiness OF the great honor
in store for him.
The ceremony OF initiation TOOK
place at the house OF the grand mas
ter workman OF all the trades. in de-
ference to the wishes OF the candidate.
If he were willing to pay for the I'M
usual honor and favor. Assembling
at the house the candidate was placed
in room apart from the others. and
the grand master workman. having
secured the respectful attention OF the
masters who were present said TO
them: I'VE have assembled. brethren.
in order 10 raise your associate to the
honorable rank of master and TO bind
him to us with the mystic tie and in
trust him with the grand and precious
secret OF our brotherhood. What say
lOlh uld1bgL NOEh llou vi bilO SIN WCuN-
ers trade? The work and behavior
as we'll as the character OF the candi-
date, whose conduct l have ascer-
tanned from all members of our trade
and found it 10 be good. entitle him to
great honor. Here is sample OF the
work; let the brethren Judge for
themselves
Then an elegant silk shawl was
passed around and the decision was
made.
The candidate was then led into the
room by four masters from his own
trade followed by his champion the
master workman OF his own union.
who carried a largo apron. together
with additional samples OF the candi-
dates work. aud was made TO kneel
in the middle OF the room during
the ceremony. When the chanting
OF various selections from the Koran
was through. the candidate was
prompted in giving the usual greet
ings 10 all workmen in these terms:
Il greet all the toilers OF the East
those OF the West OF The North and
South. with thousand salaamsl
Thousand greetings to all the gener.
GUS and faithful brothers!' The can
didate was then made to stand and
salute In the four points OF the CON-
pass. Then the master OF his trade
brought the apron and wrapped it
around him twice muttering the
blessings OF Allah ali the time.
The grand master workman of all
the trades gave long and instruc-
tive lecture telling the candidate to
be loyal TO the interests OF his fellows
and those OF his trade. whose secret
processes he must never betray. He
then took long towel and requested
all present 10 bow their heads and
keep perfect silence The candidate
who was kneeling on the right knee.
extended his right hand TO receive
the grip from the hand OF the grand
master workman which was covered
from view by the towel. This was
followed by the bending OF the grand
master workman toward the candi-
date ear and whispering to him
solemnly the covenant and the great
secret word
The ceremonies closed with the