The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1896-01-18
A TRYING ORDEAL
Which Elm Tree Lodge, No. 35, N. f. o. r.
Underwent Last Night-How it Resulted.

Which Elm Tree Lodge, No. 35, N. e. o. r.
Underwent Last Night-How 1t Resulted.
There was a very large attendance
at the regular meeting Of Elm Tree
lodge No. 35, New England Order of
Protection, in the hall, 400 State street,
last evening. The principal reason for
the large attendance was the vote to
be taken as to the wish of the lodge
members regarding the admission of
women to membership in this particu-
lar lodge.
Secretary Grinnell In bringing up the
question: under the head OF .new bust
ness" said that no matter which way
twas decided, he would willingly abide
by the decision, and further added, that
THE work Elm Tree had done SO far as
male lodge was such that every men,
Der should pride himself in it. 1t
pleased him last night to inform the
members that Elm Tree lodge stood
first among the lodges of the New Eng
land order in point Of members, and
he trusted that every mem Der would en-
deavor to keep the position which they
had so honorably won.
When. the debate was opened Junior
Past Warden Wall was the first to take
the floor. lie spoke strongly in favor of
admitting the ladies, claiming that
their influence was refining and that
there would be a greater interest taken
in the meetings. He thought that the
stand aiken by the lodge in excluding
women from membership was uncon-
Ell o1 oy, a ta.7; 4be
bers would weigh we'll the matter be-
fore depositing their ballots.
Secretary Grinnell spoke briefly
against the admission Of the female
sex and was followed by Past Warden
William H. Ely, New Haven's corpora
ton counsel, who said that he was one
of the original nineteen charter men,
bers of this lodge, and he personally
knew what work they had in assuring
the members of the community who
were interested that this order was
bound to be a success. This is need
less at this time. You to-day are reap
ing the efforts of our labors. Lord
Bacon said that in great government
there should not be chance made unless
utility demands or necessity requires.
I do not see the necessity for change
at this period of our history. We have
made the name of Elm Tree known and
respected throughout the New England
states as a male lodge, and if we at
this time move to admit women the
prominent trait and characteristic of
Elm Tree will be gone. I ask what
reason should there be to make the
change.
Brother E. w. Clifford, ex-oouncilman
of the Sixth ward followed in spirited
talk against the admission of women
and was followed by Past Warden
Langley, who championed the ladies,
winding up with the question: what
kind of an earth would it be if it was
not for the ladies?"
This closed the debate. Past Warden
Wooster and Loveland were appointed
tellers and the ballot being taken, there
was large majority against the ad-
mission to the lodge. The result was
received amid loud applause
Junior Past Warden Wall was then
called upon and presented with a beau
tiful past warden's badge, suitably en-
graved, by Past Warden William H.
Ely. The gift was gratefully acknowl-
edged.
After the lodge meeting refreshments
We're served.