Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1898-04-28

age OF the membership is less than
ever being 1916 years-the paradox
OF being younger now than at our
birth. In 1897 the average death rate
per thousand was only 4.35. less than
it has been for eight years. In 1897
it gained 53.04S members. and since
January l, 1898. it had net gain of
80. 900 members.
| This true story reads like fairy
tale. The men from the farms and
shops and offices. send in each month
small payments. which in the aggre-
gate amount to quarter of a million
dollars monthly. and this is sent out
to make desolate places glad. to wipe
the tear from the cheek of the widow.
to feed and clothe little children and
send them to school. Ii is a great
organized charity that goes directly
to the right place. 1t follows death
in crossing the threshold of the home
and binds up the wounds it has made.
But the insurance is only one part of
the objects of this great society
There is something in the brother
hood of man. There is something in
the sympathy in times of distress. the
kindly visit from neighbor when we
lie on sick bed, and the help given
to our families when we are so unfor-
tunate as to he not able to help them
| ourselves. None of us are so strong
or so fortunately situated that there
may not come to us dark hour when
we need kindly hand to help us.
| And this does not come to us as char
ity. for we have right to it; we
| would do the same ourselves for other
| neighbors in distress. and we have Il
right to expect the same from them
One stick is easily broken. but bum
die of sticks is .invincible. 1t is a
grand thought that 800. 900 neighbors
are bound together rs with common
| cord. for mutual benefit and protec-
ton.
This magnificent assemblage here
today is but type of the many gath
| erings under the banner of Woodcraft.
| wish YOU could go with me on my
travels and witness these magnificent
demonstrations From the hot winds
of Oklahoma on the southern border
of Kansas northwari to the pincries
OF Michigan and Wisconsin. from the
table'ands of Ohio, through Indiana.
across the prairies of Illinois. through
he golden harvest-ticlds of Iowa. into
the cornfields of Nebraska. every
where and in every state. is heard the
music of Woodcraft, magnificent men.
wearing its badges. keeping step to
its music. marching under its SPLEEN
did banners. Wonderful is the en-
dorsement that it receives from the
people. They love it because it pro-
tects their homes and teaches the
grand lessons of charity and bencvo-
lence. The OminOus crescent of the
Saracene was never more awe-inspir-
ing. or the cross of the crusader more
worshipful than this great banner of
Woodcraft lifted up in or midst to
protect and guard our homes.
Standing here today under the in
spiration of this magnificent gather
ing, we look into the future with con-
| fidcnce and hope. We see. as the
years go by. the people ilocking to our
standard. We see camps organized
from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We
see two millions of men clasping
hands in the great band of brother
hood. We see the Modern Woodmen
of America the greatest organization
the world has ever known
Mr.. Northcott in conclusion pro-
posed three cheers for Mr.. Bryan. and
they were enthusiastically given. and
the gentleman so honored Immediately
returned the compliment by propos-
ing three cheers for Head Consul
NorthcOtt and the Woodmen order.
which likewise met with hearty re-
Spouse.
Bleuer's band played the clio sing
number.
The Reception at the Court House.
The distinguished guests were then
escorted to the court house, where
they took their position in the center
of the rotunda. and the doors at the
south end We're thrown open that the
public might pass through and meet
Mr.. Bryan. Lieut.. Gov. Northcott and
| Others. There was perfect lam
during the time that the reception
lasted, the people thronging through
and making exit through the north
doors. Hon. William McEnirv made
| the presentat ions.
THE BANQUET AT THE INN.