Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1892-12-30
EASTERN TRADE UNION
THE IDEA ORIGINATED AMONG
THE ORiENTALS.
solemn Cerem onies Attending the Initia-
tiOn at DamSscus-The Work and
Character of the Applicant
Considered.

The average American may be sur ]
brised ut learning OF the existence OF !,
trades unions among the artisans OF
the Orient 1t is nevertheless fact
that the workingmen 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 aud united ef-
tort for protection and self-improve.
menL The Traditional rules and usa.
ges governing these unions are prlm-
tive 20 be sure yet do not lack orig
inality and wisdom when taking into
consideration their surroundings and
conditions OF life and compared with
their more favored brethren Of Chris
tian lands.
Some 90 as far as TO assert that these
owe much 10 their Eastern fellows for
their regulations. Others 60 further
and say that the very idea OF secret
societies wa organized and put into
,ecution among the workingmen OF
the Fast 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 workmeu before he could
be admitted to the ranks OF the mas
tiers Of his craft were ar too e act
ing 10 be looked upon with favor by
the workman OF the nineteenth cen.
fury and yet the results. both TO the
man himself and the craft he repre-
scented we're worth the trouble, rs
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 uncn had its own officers.
who combined to form a grand com
Gil, composed of grand master
workman and his assistants. a grand
marshal and assistant a grand deputy
and his assistant. and all the master
workmen OF the different trades OF the
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-
ter weavers. who agreed upon his
promotion and SO reported to the
master workman OF the trade. lie
sent his deputy TO inform the candi-
date by handing him the traditional
olive branch." or its substitute II
bouquet OF flowers. which he kissed
thankfully declaring ut the same time
his unworthiness OF the great honor
in store for him.
The ceremony OF initiation took
rlace a, the house OF the grand mas.
ter work. man of all the trades in de-
ference to the wishes OF the candidate,
il he were willing TO pay for the UNI
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 TO raise your associate to the
honorable rank OF MASTER and to bind
him to US with the mystic tie aud in
, trust him with the grand and preciou,
secret Of our brotherhood. What say
err trade? The work and behavior,
as we'll as the character OF the caudi-
date, whose conduct | have ascer'
tanned from ali members OF our trade
, and found IL TO be good. entitle him &c
r great honor. Here is a sample OF thu
? worn; let the brethren judge TO
: themselves.
Then an elegant silk shawl wa
> passed around and the decision wa
made.
Tho candidate was then led into tn
room by four masters from his owl
; trade followed by his champion thu
: master workman OF his own union
n who carried Il large apron. togethe
C with additional samples OF the candi
dates work and was made to knee
IL in the middle OF the room durinl
the ceremony. When the chanting
of various selections from the kOra
a, was through, the candidate wa
n prompted in giving the usual greet
ID ings to all workmen in these terms
o. Il greet all the toilers OF the East
e. those OF the West of the North an
e. South. with thousand salaams
Of Thousand greetings to all the gene,
:. Gus aud faithful brothers, The can
IN didate was then made to stand an
salute In the four points OF the CON
pass. Then the master of his trad
brought the apron and wrapped
III, around him twice. muttering th
Il blessings OF Allah ali the time
n The grand master workman OF u
the trades gave long and instru'
tive lecture telling the candidate
:; be loyal to the interests OF his follow
and those OF his trade. whose secrs
processes lie must never betray. II
I've then took long towel and requisite
Nv all present 10 bow their heads an
T. keep perfect lence The candidate
10 who was kneeling on the right knee
In extended his right hand to recel,
IN the grip from the hand OF the gran
no master workman which vas covere
rom view by the towel This WI