Omaha daily bee., 1896-03-08

Ever since II became known In Omaha
that the grand lodge OF Nebraska, 4. o. U.
W., was likely to be called together for tho
purpose OF reducing the initiation fee CT this
jurisdiction, agitation of the subject by local
members OF the order has been carried on in
a vigorous manner. Many Of the local lodges
decided that the best interests Of the order
demanded that there SHOULD he no change
In the initiation fee, but II became evident
that the lodges outside Of Douglas county
had SO carefully canvassed the Jurisdiction
that the passage by the grand lodge of such
a law. AS is now known, the grand lodge
passed the resolution to reduce the initiation
fee, making 1t n minimum OF so per cent
less than formerly. Omaha lodges at once
went to the limit of the reduction, but
nevertheless there has been a great deal of
discussion as TO the advisability Of the low
ering OF the fee. This discussion Is now
bearing fruit.
At a recent meeting q one OF the oldest
and strongest lodges in Omaha a suggestion
was made to the effect that It would be
advisable to have a committee appointed to
confer with like committee from the other
lodges in this city, with the view Of keeping
up the initiation fee to the old rate. In
support Of this 1t was shown that there are
many more attractions, and, consequently. ex-
penses attached to the metropolitan lodges
than there are to the provincial lodges
Throughout Nebraska. 1t was also shown
that better results are obtained by a care
fully selected membership at a higher in
itiation fee than would be the case at a
low fee. II was argued that by a higher
initiation fee a more desirable class OF can
didates could be obtained. and that undesir-
able ones could be kept out. The recent
tremendous growth Of the order was alluded
to to prove that the cid fee was considered
extremely low according to the benefit de-
rived.
1t is anticipated that there will be some
opposition to this scheme, and that the
local lodges will have difficulty in agreeing
upon a compromise fee in case that the old
fee Is not accepted. In such an event II is
the intention Of those supporting the plan
to set to work to form a lodge OF the order
in the city, the initiation fee of which shall
not be less than s25.
This is said to be no visionary idea. 1t
is supported by members who are known to
have the interests of the order at heart,
and who have devoted their time to up
building the order. They have expressed
themselves as desiring that the order should
be composed of men of the highest integrity
and honor. and believe that the membership
can be made 50 only by the imposition Of a
restrictive initiation fee.
A large number of the active workers in
local lodges have signifed an intention of
Joining such a lodge, should 1t become a
reality. 1t is said that one is almost GER
tain to be instituted in case that the initia-
tion fee in the city is not raised.
The agitation of this subject is not con-
fined to the lodge room entirely. and there
is considerable anxiety manifested in certain
lodge circles as to the outcome of the matter.
Last Friday night Union Pacific lodge No.
II, Ancient Order Of United Workmen, in
itiated a number Of candidates in the junior
workman and workman degrees. The new
ritual was used and a good sized attendance
was present.
Considerable interest is felt in Workman
circles concerning a minstrel show to be given
by the members of Union Pacific lodge in
May. The arrangements are being perfected
by the Magullian degree of the lodge and it
has already developed that there are quite
a number of Workmen who have great gifts
az burnt cork artists. 1t has leaked out
that the Magullians have secured a we'll
known. retired minstrel performer, who will
coach the participants in their work. Wash
ington hall has been secured and everything
points toward a successful entertainment.
- Union Pacific lodge has more young men
members than has any lodge in this jurisdic-
tion and they are %devoting a great deal of
time working for the good Of the order. The
constant and increasing number of applica-
tons for membership Is largely the result
CT the efforts of the young men Of this
lodge.
i A new lodge of the order is to be insti-
tuted in the city shortly. Its membership
Is to be composed mainly of Hebrews. The
charter list already contains thirty names.