The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-02-27
PYTHIARS ROYAL CELEBRATION.
Continued from page 1.

support of conservative business men
and earnest women? When the comps-
tition in life is as close as it Is now,
that he who loses moment cannot hope
to catch up. In times like these you
cannot engage in anything from which
you desire nothing.
"Pythianism," continued the supreme
representative, WAS founded on the
beautiful episode in tho lives Of Damon
and Pythias, those bravo knights of an
Gle Mt Syracuse, one of whom fell under
the tyrsnt Dyametrius, whose displeas-
ure meant their destruction. Damon
thought he was already cut off from all
earthly ties and that his family would
see his face no more, but his friend,
Pythias, sought his side and secured his
liberty by pledging his own life as
hostage that Damon would return after
seeing his loved ones.
Long Damon fingered among his
dear ones and wept over the sweet, sad
parting, but when he went to mount his
steed to 60 to the place Of execution; he
found the horse had been slain by an
over-zealous servant and no failed to
reach the spot In time. Pythias was
led forth to die tainted by the faith
fulness of his friend. But even in the
shadow Of death his loyal heart never
meet it's God he exclaimed: "'Tis sweet
to die for those we love-"
Justice Rathbone, impressed with
their story, determined to start secret
society, with friendship like this for its
corner stone. Cold casualists told him
it was an impossibility and the dream
of visionary, but he succeeded beyond
his most sanguine hopes. At this time
the country was in the throes of cruel
civil war. Passion ruled the hour, and
all the tender sentiments that bind
mems souls together were gone and
hearts were laid bare. That touch of
nature that makes all the world akin
was stronger than the battle shock, and
even across the bloody chasm brothers
hands were clasped, and, when section
alism was darkest, it grew
When Peace reigned Pythianism was
renewed and grew stronger teaching the
blessed truth how good and how pleas
ant it is for brethren to dwell together
in unity When westward the ar OF
empire took it's flight Pythianism was
in the train and the settlers renewed
their vows around the camp fires and
talked OF undying friendship in tho
lonely cabins on the broad prairies.
The little lodge of five mem bers or
gained in Washington in 1864 has
swollen to its millions. While an
American order and Caucasian Ameri
can one at that, it includes every
nationality and people of all political
beliefs, its tricolored flag floating with
the Union Jack in Canada, waving in
Mexico over the ancient halls of the
Montezumas, and has never been hauled
down since first its silken folds was
kissed by the gentle zephyrs of free
America"
The speaker referred to the great op-
portunities Of Pythianism at the present
time, and the comforts and pleasures to
be derived from it. He spoke of some
OF the good works of the knights, and
said: "These deeds, humble though
they be, are more productive of good
than all the speeches that orators have
ever made. No eloquence, no oratory
has had SO much influence on this order
as the tragic death of Samuel Coulter
Hines, which occurred in Virginia"
He then related the circumstances at
tending the death of Hines, who was
sleeping with another Pythian in
Richmond hotel which caught fire.
Hines escaped and thought his friend
did also. When the burning building
was nearly ready to fall in he discov-
cred to his horror that the other knight
was in the flames. Despite the entreat-
les OF friends he rushed in the blazing
mass in vain effort to save his brother
Pythian and died-a martyr. He al
luded to the Hines memorial and asked
Osceola Lodge to contribute to the fund.
The speaker then dwelt upon the
uniform rank, it's origin and its useful
ness, and said: "Should the tccsin Of
war ever sound again we would already
have the neuclus of an array of over
SO, 600 good men and true who are not
only sworn to protect their native land
but to repel invaders from the sanctity
of their homes"
He concluded by describing the bene-
hts OF another BRA nch of Pythianism,
the endowment division, which was OF
inestimable benefit. often to the fami
lies of deceased KIN ghts. His closing
words, May it live forever" was
greeted with loud and prolonged ap-
plause.
The Music and Recitations.
AS his last words died away and the
echo OF the applause was reverbrating
through the building the Machine
Works Bands, which was never in finer
trim, rendered a beautiful selection.
which was followed by recitation,
The Bobolink" by Miss Dorothy Carr,
of Virginia College. This young lady
possesses splendid Evolutionary powers
and her delightful rendering of the
selection was warmly received.
The next number was "Pas lie
Charge" by Misses Leila Howard and
Matte Murphy, two Of the best pianists
in DR.. Harris school, This performance
delighted the audience, and caused the
performers to receive huge bouquets Of
lovely flowers, as did all the young
ladies' from the college who were on the
"Bill Smith" was the subject OF reel.
tation from little Miss Alma Young. of
the Virginia College, and, while she