Morris tribune., 1896-04-08

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to the Knights of Pythias, as its dog
NAUTICAL principles contain nothing to
which the most critical could object.
The order was founded originally
at Washington, D. G., in 1864, by JUS
| tus Rathborne, at the time when the
country was involved in a terrible
civil strife. Mr.. Rathborne had found
in Grecian history the germ of an
order, that if successfully launched,
would prove power in dispelling
warmth of sectional strife and restore
the hearts of men to basis OF uni
versal brotherhood. The reign of
Dionysius, the Elder, marked an era
Of selfshness in the worlds history.
Following the example of tyrant,
the adherents in the Isle Of Sicily
wed in obliterating from the tablets
of the memory every vestage of that
noblest principles of manhood which
recognizes mems feality to his fellows.
Damon, senator at Syracuse, by his
opposition to Dionysius, in his
attempted usurpation of power, was
placed under sentence to immediate
death. Pythias, the time-tried friend
of Damon, besought the tyrant to
grant him respite that he might
bid a last farwell to those he loved.
The denial of this respite was follow
ed by the most striking exemplifca-
of pure friendship that has ever illum-
mated the pages of history. Pythias
offered himself as a hostage for
Damon while he should visit his wife
and child once more before his exc
cution. The chains were taken from
the limbs of Damon and placed about
Pythias. Damon was soon at his
home; he babe his wife and little one
an affectionate farewell, and called
lOI LIS uOlS0 III OIuSI " I0IuIu III llIll0
to redeem his pledge to Pythias. He
found that his horse had been killed
by his servant in order to prevent his
return, but he secures another horse
and flies to Syracuse. In meantime
Pythias has been tempted to escape
the doom which seems to threaten
him; but no, he insists upon the terms
Of hostage being carried out to the
letter. He exclaimed, 1T is sweet to
die for those we love-" The time is
fast passing, and still Damon does
not appear. The block is erected, the
the crowds are gathering in the square
the funeral procession is formed, and
Pythias is led forth to seal his friend
ship with his blood. With soldierlY
courage and iron nerve he wends his
way, cheerfully to die for his friend.
In that awful moment the clatter of
horses hoofs is heard tan ce
and soon Damon falls exhausted at the
feet of his friend. This display of
manhood and true courage led captive
the tyrant's heart, who, remitting the
death sentence of Damon, sought ad-
mission to their friendship. This
bright spot upon the pages of the
past was the corner stone upon which
Brother Rathborne "builded wiser
than he knew" For years the fires
burned low upon the altar of the
young and struggling brotherhood
but it's present is high noon, when
from every hilltop the shields of the
brave and gallant knights make
bright the day of promise. The
secret work of the lodge consists of
three ranks, which are symbolical
of the three principles of the order,
namely: Friendship, Charity and
Benevolence. The three ranks, page.
squire and knight, are seperate, but it
is necessary to be initiated into all of
these to come to just appreciation
Of the extent and scope of what this
order comprehends and teaches. The
instructions given in the several ranks
are part of the secret society. and
they are conferred upon all who be-
come members, that they may come
to a correct understanding of the
basis upon which the order is built
The Uniformed Rank is obtainable
only by members of the Knights Rank,
and is of semi military character, with
its own impressive ceremony and
ritualistic work. It's members are
uniform, being equipped with hemlets
and swords, sword belt and distinc
tive dress of the rank and engage in
drill and marching manoevers, as we'll
as providing an additional benefit to /