Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-08-06

philosophers up to a certain
point and with a special bias toward
the philosophy of individualism. We
say that if there should come into our
lives crisis, whether Of our own max
ing or not, which, as it were, cuts q
clean line of demarcation through our
careers, dividing all that is to come
from all that is gone; that if by reason
Of financial ruin, or social disgrace, OF
crime, we are confronted with dishonCr
or degradation-we say, then, that we
are justified in refusing to continue our
lives upon an altered and a lower level
Life comes to us not a cur own bid
ding and often remains with US without
our desire. Therefore we see no sin
nor any shame in having some voice
ourselves as to it's continuance. Mind,
the text OF our justification is hopeless
ness. If retrieval of name or fortune
be possible we do not sanction suicide.
ANY member proposing to take this
final step must state his case to three
members of the club, and only with
their consent must he take his life.
Further, we do not accept as members
married men except under special cir
cumstances, or men having families or
relatives dependent upon them. Our
object is simply to prevent moral and
physical retrogresslon. We say that
we owe it to ourselves to die in the
same status as we have lived. The
natural bent of all our lives should be
development. When circumstances de-
cree that development must cease and
retrOgresSiOn commence, then comes
the time when we sanction and, in fact,
advocate suicid ;; That is our position,
as clearly as | am able to state it on
the spur of the moment and in a few
words. AS to the more material part
CT the business, the entrance fee and
subscription of our club is a trifle high.
Massinger can tell you the figures. If
you wish to join us you can be pro-
posed tonight, and there are enough
here to elect you, but you are not al
lowed to avail yourself of any Of the
privileges of the club for at least
twenty-four hours. Have l left out
anything, Grimshaw?"
The barriSter shook his head.
You have spoken like an oracle" he
declared. You should explain to Lord
Marlborough, though, that we are prop
erly registered as a private club under
the name of the 'Epicureans.'
THAT is So" Lord Dynock assented.
1--WE are in reality a secret society, but
OutWardly We are orthodox and have
recognized existence. Is there any
question you would like to ask?'
Lord Marlborough stood up. His
eyes were veg bright and his cheeks
were flushed.
DO you often have suicides in con-
nection with this club?" he asked.
HIS kinsman shook his head.
Not very often. There has been one
this year You remember Capt. Black
mores AFFAIR.""
"Of course"
He was a member. Three of US sat
on his case and authorized the extreme
measure. He came for our decision,
gave princely dinner here, took
hanson home and blew his brains out.
OF course we do not allow anything of
the sort upon the club premises"
And suppOsing a member commits
suicide without consulting any one?"
Lord Marlborough asked
Dyncck shrugged his shoulders.
'Of course we can't prevent it. The
rule exists so that the thing may not
become abused, but naturally no one
is bound by it,
And can [ be elected tonight?''
Certainly. Do you wish to join us?''
Lord Marlborough drew a deep breath.
Yes"
Kindly turn your face the other way
a moment, then" Dynock said. Our
manner Of election is simple but eff
fectual. Gentlemen, are you unani-
nous in voting for Lord Harborough's
election? A nod is quite sufficient
Thanks. Marlborough, l congratulate
you. You are elected a member of
club, the most unique, l believe, in Eu-
rope. Say and have a deviled bone
and a bottle of wine"
Lord Marlborough shook his head.
mot tonight" he said; Il must re-
turn the day after tomorrow in all
probability and will sup with you"