Evening star., 1902-08-12
Grand Exalted Ruler Speaks
at Salt Lake..
EULOGIZES THE ORDER
IN HARMONY WITH PROGRESS OF
THE AGE.
Its Watchword is Charity for All-Its
Portals Stand Open to the
Good.

thousand Elks from every state in the
Union gathered in the great tabernacle OF
the Mormon Church this morning to at
tend the formal opening of the annual re-
union of the Grand Lodge of Elks. A large
proportion of those present were clad In the
white and purple Uniform of the order.
o. NJ. Powers of Salt Lake, as master OF
ceremonies, called the meeting to order
and introduced Governor Wells Of Utah,
who delivered the opening speech Of well
come.
All night and all day trains loaded with
Elks continued to arrive until the streets
resembled a kaleidoscope in color and it
is estimated that nearly 20.0O0 visitors are
in the city.
Preceding the opening meeting was the
civic and military parade, which marked
the formal opening of the three days re-
union. In this were included battalon
of infantry and two batteries of artillery
from Fort Douglass, and a troop of cav
airy and battery A, Light Artillery, Ma
tional Guard of Utah Then came uni
formed members of all Utah lodges of Elks
and dozens of other civic, military and fra
ternal organizations in uniforms, accom-
panied by a score of bands and many pic
turesque floats.
Perfect weather prevails and the parade
was witnessed by thousands of people, who
formed a solid mass on both sides of the
streets.
The exercises at the Auditorium were
brief. though impressive. After prayer and
a selection on the great organ, Grand EX-
alted Ruler Pickett of Waterloo, Iowa, de-
livered his annual address. He spoke in
part as follows:
Address by Charles E. Pickett.
Mr. Pickett said: After preaching the
gospel of Elkdom at frequent intervals dur
ing the year past, it might seem that the
subject would become trite one. 1t is said
by those who have been privileged to gaze
upon the works of the great masters that
the longer you behold them and the more
YOU compare them with other works of art
the more beauties are unfolded to your
eyes. The more.I study the birth and his
tory and principles of Elkdom and the more
] compare it with other great civic organl-
cations, the more | see in it to admire, to
cherish and to love. 1t is not the creature
of accident. 1t IS not for the passing day.
1t has permanent abiding place among the
enduring forces of progress. The centuries
preceding make it possible. 1t was foreor-
dalned by the irresistible logic of human
advancement.
There is among all the forces of civiliZa-
tion an independence and close relationship.
An analysis of progress reveals broaden
ing In all human thought The definition
of freedom is being enlarged in scope and
comprehension as the years go by. The
emancipated seem anxious to atone for the
bigotry of former times. On every side
may be seen the manifestation Of a higher
life, a broader thought. more humane
conception of the relations of man to man.
Keeping Step With Progress.
In perfect harmony and sympathy with
the influences that have wrought these
wonderful changes and keeping step with
the grand army of progress stands today
the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. Elkdom should commend itself to
the judgment'of all honest minds. 1T pos
sesses many possibilities for good. It is a
acter, it differs from all fraternal organiza-
tions. 1t has no prototype. 1t is an Amer
lean order. Born beneath the stars and
stripes of our own republic, in every in
stinct it is American. Its paramount prin-
ciples are symbolical of our people.
Elkdom believes in charity. teaches char
ity. practices charity. Not the charity
that can be estimated in dollars and cents,
not the charity that seeks reward through
public applause. but doing good for its own
sake. Charity without ostentation is the
great law of our order. But we believe in
a higher charity. Charity in speech, III
conduct. in friendship, in love, in all the
relations of man to man. True charity up
lifts the fallen strengthens the weak. as
sists the unfortunate, forgfves the erring,
befriends the friendless and clasps within
It's loving arms all who need the warmth
and sympathy and love of human hearts.
Portals Open Wide.
The portals of Elkdom are thrown wide
to all manly applicants. 1t draws no dis
tinctions. In the republicanism of our gov
ernment and democracy of our ideas all are
equal. Our order Is constructive and not
destructive. The spirit of iconoclasm dwells
not within its circles. 1t molests no temple
desecrates no altar, profanes no sanctuary.
1t robs no man of his faith, attacks no
creed, criticises no sect. 1t shadows no
dawn, darkens no hope, saddens no love.
1t does not seek to supplant the church or
usurp its functions It's religion is huma nj
ty. It's creed is friendship, its golden rule
the love of fellow men, which embraces and
includes within itself the best. the noblest,
the truest impulses of the human heart.
The first meeting of the Grand Lodge
was held in the assembly hall this after
noon. when the actual work of the Grand
Lodge of Eiks began. After the preselta-
ton of the annual reports the election of
officers will take place and possibly the
selection of the meeting place for the next
annual will be decided. The fight seems 10
have narrowed down to Baltimore and
Saratoga, with Baltimore apparently in
the lead.
There is a possibility Of lively fight over
some of the offices.