The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1892-05-23

This is an ago Of iraternal and patri-
o!lc organizations in the United States
and tho number Of them 10 constantly
increasing. Tho demand for them does
not seem to diminish in tho least, and
every now order finds a field to work In.
Some Of the orders now in existence arc
purely iraternal or patriotic Others arc
purely benevolent or protective; still
others are especially attractive by rea-
son Of their life insurance or sick bene-
fit features, while all arc in some degree
mutually beneficial.
Most Of them have boon in existence
for a number Of years and are popular
and prosperous because thoy have
demonstrated that the mutual plan OF
insurance Is not only safe but is the
cheapest Of any. Profiting by tho ex-
pcrlence OF those that have existed pre-
viously, tits not q wonder that the or
ganizers OF new orders OF this character
should be able to evolve more perfect
plans, and that each succeeding Organi-
cation secns to possess all the good fea-
lures OF the older ones perfected and
sllnplified. Tho latest and what will
strike tho investigator MS tho best OF all
these orders yet devised, is destined 10
be one OF tho most prosperous and pop
ular Of all, because it not only combines
all the good features OF its predecessors,
bnt introduces new ones that commend
themselves to the public. Taken alto.
gcther it may DO said to be the most
perfect and satisfactory in its plans and
purposes OF any yet devised.
The fact that this now order, the
American Union League, ia starting of
in its career under tho most favorable
auspices is a matter which should cause
no little local pride among Wheeling
people, for it was here it was organized
and here it has its national headquar-
tiers. Here is organized the first local
lodge in the Uniietl States and from
here will 60 out all over this broad land
the influences which will create in the
country an organization, national in its
character, and founded upon principles,
patriotic land fraternal, so noble as to
attract American citizens to it wherever
1t gains a foothold.
Among the gentlemen who may be
called the organizers OF the League, and
who are interesting themselves in
formulating its plans, may DO named
Prof. F. h. Crago, the national presl-
dent; II. 9. Brannen, NJ. D., the national
secretary: G. II. Dowler, the national
treasurer; Fl. B. Baguley, NJ. D., the
medical referee; Hon. j. B. Sommer-
vile, national counsellor; Charles II.
fancy, and others, all OF Wheeling;
and W. A. Caldwell, NJ. D., OF Washing
ton, D. c.; William Heinmann. OF
Cleveland, Ohio; R. p. Findley, Of Gin
%cinnati, and many others. So favorably
did the whole plan OF the new order
commend itself to Wheeling people
that there was no difficulty whatever in
organizing the first local lodge, and
wherever it has been brought to the
attention Of people the League has
found encouragement.
PLANS y PURPOSES.
The objects OF the American Union
League are most laudable. 1t is a pa
%triotic, fraternal, benevolent and pro-
tective order, and is intended for the
mutual benefit and protection of Amer
lean citizens, native born and natural
lied. Its'raims differ somewhat from
many such orders, since they are prac-
tical and not sentimental, educational
rather than social, though the social
feature lie not ignored by any means;
while the insurance feature is based on
scientific principles, the result OF actu-
arial experiences. Its work is non
political and non sectarian, and is based
wholly on American ideas, tho object
being to educate and instruct American
citizens in the principles OF American
government, to inspire and preserve
loyalty to the country. In other words,
tho objects are to Americanizc Ameri.
cans; to teach a knowledge OF the
country's laws, its traditions and Gus.
toms, and to instruct members in 4
knowledge of their duties and privi-
leges as citizens"
The fraternal character Of the league
is n OF its chief attractions. 1t is de-
signed to be more complete than the
fr%aternal feeling which exists in most
other orders. The very nature OF the
order makes this possible.
THE INSURANCE FEATURE
OF the Union League is perhaps the
best Of any that has ever been devised.
It Is a departure from the old plan of
mutual or assessment orders, and ia
based upon the result Of long experience
and practical business and scientific
principles. Unlike other assessment
plans the member does not have to die
to reap the benefits, but may receive
the amount Of his policy, which is not
to exceed $1,000, upon attaining the age
Of aeventy-ive years, or upon becoming
permanently and totally disabled from
following any occupation.
The plan, as it has been fully ex-
planned to the 1~NTELIIaEScER, cannot
help but impress one with the fact that
it is the most equitable OF n that has
yet been adopted. 1t is so arranged
that every member bears an equal share
OF the burden. This equitable plan may
be briefly described as follows:
First, persons are assessed on the
basis OF their natural expectancy. For
instance, a mar OF twenty-five, if he
lives his full expectancy, although as
sessed at a lower rate, will pay in the
end an amount equal to a man who is
much older and who lives out his OK
pectancy.
Second, there'are the limitations by
age. Young men, under twenty-four,
while forming their habits, and during
the time hereditary diseases are most
apt to ~develope, are limited in tho
amount otinsurance. Those from twen-
ty-ive to thirty-seven, from whom most
desirable risks are obtained, are taken
for the full amount. Persons beyond