The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-08-22
RODE THE ORANGE GOAT.
An Applicant to a Lodge branded
and ScOurged.
From the Philadelphia Record.


From the Philadelphia Record
Waltham, Mass, Aug ls.-The most
unique case ever tried in the district court
came up this morning before Judge Luce.
when an alleged expose was made upon
the witness stand of the rites and ordeals
through which a candidate must pass to
become a fuII-hedged Orangeman.
Frank A. Preble was the first witness
He was one of the candidates who
thought the initiatOry ceremony was
cruel, and was seeking legal satisfaction
for his experience.
It was on the evening Of July %. 1896.
that he received his initial honorary de-
gree in Orange Lodge Of Waltham. He
swore that his troubles began on the min
ute that he passed the mystic portals. He
was compelled TO discard all raiment ex-
cept his underwear, which, the night be-
ing hot, was Of gauzy texture. one arm
was stripped Of its sleeve, his drawers
were rolled above his knees. and he was
given pair of Overalls, which also were
rolled above his knees. Then, as he saws
he was blindfolded aud led into the larger
lodge room by Brothers Daniel Tracey
and William Mabie, who acted as conduc-
tors.
There he was compelled 10 halt and get
down upon his knees and repeat the
Lords Prayer. Then he had to Chamber
over lot of rough blocks. was struck
several times with whips, and finally
posed upon what seemed to him a step
ladder
An obligation was imposed. after
which the ladder was suddenly pulled
from under him, and he was pitched
into a canvas blanket. in which he was
bounced around for awhile
Then he was placed on his knees again
and several people, he says, literally gave
10
marching followed. and he was made to
carry what felt like a bag of rocks.
Finally Mabie told him to raise his
hands and try TO find "the serpent"
Brother Graham then cried: you did
not find it, but it has found you" and
then, he states, branding iron was
applied twice to his breast. After that
he was seated, and the rest was easy.
He talked with Mr.. Nicholson, an
other member and both agreed that he
has been cruelty treated. He alleged
that one reason that he had received
such harsh trea tment was probably be-
cause someone had blackballed him The
witness breast was badly burned and the
wounds were raw for ten days. and his
legs were discolored from the violence
of some of the blows he received from
the whips. The only time he protested
was while they were removing his cloth
ing. Witness declared that he belonged
10 the Grand Army, the Red Men, the
A. P. A. and the Pilgrim Fathers.
Edward Arch was the next witness. He
had witnessed Preble's ordeal in getting
his degree. He said Brothers Tracey and
Mabie guarded the candidate. Brother
ONeil heated the branding iron, and
Brother Graham applied it.
Brother Nickerson had objected that
the iTon was too hot. but O'Neil heated
it further and said they would give the
candidate id good roast"
Arch had not interfered to protect Pre-
BILE, because he knew it would do no good.
His own legs were whipped harder than
Prebles had been; but his own back had
escaped more lightly.
No evidence was put in for the defense,
but counsel argued that no proof had been
given that any departure had been made
from the regular form g limitations suf-
ficient to constitute an assault. Preble
having applied for initiation, and having
been willing to abide by the consequences,
no crime had been committed, and coun-
sci asked that the lodge be discharged
as mot guilty"
Judge Luce, in. his decision, fined six
officers of the lodge $S5 each. They were
John G. Graham, G. o. Nickerson, Ed
ward ONeil, Daniel Tracey, Leander
Weatherbee and Wilfred Mabie, all OF
whom appealed