The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-03-02
The Red Men.
CHERRY HILL, Feb. Is. 1879!

Inc Red Men.
CHERRY HILL, Feb. Is. 1895.
Mr.. EDITOR:
In reading one OF your town paper.
l noticed an article published in one
OF its columns on the Improved Order of Red
Men, and If you can spare space in one OF
your columns, would like to speak of one of
the three cardinal virtues which govern this
noble order, which is charity
That charity which is love, which is ex-
pressed to a brother by the smiles of those
who meet him around the brightly burning
council fire. by the fraternal greeting in which
he feels responsive heart thrill in unison
with the warm clasp OF a brothers hand. by
the sympathy which is pleased at his success.
and which is grieved at his sorrows and dis
apo ntments. Such is the charity we seek
to exemplify, in which the spirit Of brotherly
love and brotherly helpfulness 20 hand in
hand. which cultivates the spirit Of forbear-
ance and good-fellowship. which tends to
harmony. The primary objects of our order
| are to promote among men the exercise and
practice of the true principles of benevolence
widows and orphans of its members, and the
cultivation of friendly relations with those
who have entered its circle The Democrat
influences which attended its birth, teach the
ldea that all men are equal. Friendship, friter-
nifty and hospitality are exempliiied as car
dinal virtues and nowhere are hearts brought
closer together than around the council fires
{ Al IN Ipnl To-, Il. 4.
brother is visited, comforted and assisted and
when the arrow of death has removed him
from his trail on earth, he is buried by his
brothers, who continue watchful. protective
care for his widow and orphans. Our order
Is brotherhood Of individuals whose per
sonal characteristics are not sacrificed, but
whose common interests are maintained and
strengthened as the members harmonize
around our council fires We are proud Of it
for it's past we love it for what it is to us.
and we hope much for its future. As the
American citizen feels the patriotic blood
tingling in his veins while reading the early
pages of his country's history, 50 our hearts
throb as we remember that the societies of
Iamina and of Red Men were II part of that
history. and every true Improved Red Man
feels an added dignity and sense Of RESPONSE
bility because it is so. There is and always
will be much of sorrow, disappointment
and death in this world, and inasmuch as the
Improved Order of Red Men eases the burden
of pain and brightens the pathway of life, it
Is blessing and of value to man. We are
entitled to its being and continuance us We
are to the sunshine from the Great Spirit As
man enters the wigwam of our order, so he
departs a free man. The questions of poll
ties or religion are not allowed to weigh a.
qualifications for membership, it being nee.
essary only that the candidate shall be white
twenty-one years of age, Of good moral chat
acter of sound bodily health. and with
belief III the existence of a Great Spirit in
whom all power exists. If a member travel
ing becomes sick or disabled, and is within
the vicinity OF a tribe of the order the duty
devolves upon said tribe to provide for him
the same rs if he We're at home. Should he
be where there are no tribes and taken i'll, his
benefits would be forwarded to him on pre-
sentation to his tribe from any reputable
physician of Il duly attested certificate of the
facts OF the case.
The Great Council of Red Men of Maryland
convened at Hagerstown on Thursday, Feb
ruary 2lst. The following is "a statement of
their report of benevolences as work done 10y
tlfty-seven tribes in the State:
For the relief of brothers .......... 1884 OF