The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-04-25
IT'S NOW EVERLASTING
How The Order Of Sons Of St. George
Originated.
AN ABLE SPEECH BY MR.. LEES
It Is Not a Political. Organization,
But a Benevolent Society For
Mutual Advantage and
Entertainments.

e.
dress on the history and aims and objects
oil. the Sons of St. George, which was de-
livered by S. j. Lees at the exercises yes
terday afternoon, was unfortunately
crowded out of this mornings STANDARD
by a press of other matter. Mr.. Lees
said: "Self protection is an imperative
law with all men, aud it was under this
necessity for protection that our order
was originated. The men who banded
themselves together for this purpose were
loyal American citizens of English birth
who could not remain passive when their
personal safety was jeopardized, which
was their case in Pennsylvania some "A
years ago, when the first lodge OF the
Sons OF St. George was instituted. These
Englishmen at that time were surrounded
by q lawless, desperate and murderous
set Of men, which compelled them to as
sociate for self defense, and after the
emergency was past they continued the
organization and assembled for social en-
tertainment. Out of this casual circum-
stance grew the Sons of St. George, and it
was decided to extend the organization
and develop 1t.
Though our order takes it's name from
England's honored saint, it is not re-
ligous order nor political organization,
purposes, mutual advantage and social
entertainment. 1t Is liberal brother
hood, drawing inspiration from the en-
liRhtened spirit that distinguishes our
time, not pledged and tied to ancient ira
dtions that cucumber progress, but NOV
ing forward and upward to generous ideas
that elevate and strengthen what is good
in character. Broader views and kindlier
humanity is our aim. To help forward
these desirable ends we are united for the
strength there is in unity, and to encour-
age each the other in earnest endeavor
for betternient, as hopeful brotherhood
who believe in the good times coming.
Men cannot live up to the principles and
requirements of our order without becom-
ing better citizens, better husbands and
fathers, better men in all relations of
life. -.
1--WE are q reciprocal aid society look.
ing after our sick and distressed, extend
ing to them needful help, comfort and
sympathy. This is the foundation and
structural principle of our order, acting
out the example of the good Samaritan,
rendering such assistance as is required.
There is nothing more humanzing and
SO we'll calculated to soften and make
tender the human heart as relieving hui
man suffering. The reports of our sick
committees and the action pertaining to
the sick by our rules is the first of our
lodge business, nor are we permitted on
any account, however urgent, to postpone
this first important duty. How ennobling
ths work, how much is the world bene-
flied, how much suffering is reduced, how
many widows and orphans are relieved
from distress by beneficial societies is not
known nor calculable, but 1t is immense,
and we are performing our share of this
blessed work. We esteem and honor all
beneficial societies, for we know they are
doing like good work as ourselves.
iaI xxfnla 70 -
country as a desirable element. who make
good citizens, and no foreion-born citizens
make better American citizens than those
of England.
"The great liberty of this country is joy
ously acceptable to Englishmen. who
recognize it as the born twin of their own
country, and not only have we a relation
ship with the liberty of this country but
also by kiuship, as the last census re-
ported a majority in these United States
reasons to comfort the English when
they arrive on these shores that reconcile
them to soon feel as if at home. Here is
their language, institutions and traditions
and laws, most of them under which they
have lived, SO at once they are attached
to this country. For this reason they the
more readily become assimilated with the
best of 1.-THE native stock. They have not
to be tutored to prize and value freedom,
for freedom they inherited; it was their
birthright.
$50, as If native and to the manor born,
with conscious dignity, they march on in
line like what they are-freemen, who
comprehend the greatness and glory of
Americas free institutions, nor are they
long here until they yield IN none IN de-
votion to loyalty and patriotism. En-
glishmen, whether of our order or not,
have been nursed by liberty lowing
mothers who to their children sang of
freedom and therefore taught their chill
dren to sing, 'Briton's never shall be
slaves
1.-THE larger number of such men the
more America will have to rely upon if
threatened with invasion, or il from in-
ternal turmoil. Should this sad event
happen these are the citizens who would
rally to arms to defend the stars and
stripes. Not inactive would these men
see conspiring tyranny undermine or re-
duce our liberties nor with indifference
would they see the luster of that glorious
emblem dimmed.
'No. English-American citizens have
courage which would nerve them to strain
every muscle and fiber to repel despotism
in any form. Such are the members of
our order aud as such they are law-abid-
ing, loyal. worthy American citizens of
this blest republic"