The Washington times., 1902-09-14
BELIEVE IN cARNIvALs.

The Toledo Elks have just closed
carnival, notwithstanding the edict Of
the Grand Lodge that carnivals, like the
| Chinese. must co. 1t was great sue
cess. Editor Negley d. Cochran, Of the
Toledo Bee," is member of the Toledo
Lodge, B. p. o. E., and was Democratic
candidate for Congress in 1900, and will
probably be again this year. In lead
ing editorial entitled "The Elks' Carni-
val-a Lesson in Government" he says:
There was study in human nature
and self-government at the .EIks' car
nival. 1t was democratic gathering.
Glass distinctions were unknown. With
out regard to what their social positions
might be. all people who behaved them
selves were considered good people.
There was a free and easy air of liberty
about the whole affair. The people did
about as they pleased. and almost with
out exception they pleased to be good
natured and behave themselves. One in
dsvidual received as much. consideration
as another. and all seemed to be dis
posed to get as much fun out of the car
nival as possible without ill-natuTedly
interfering with the enjoyment OF others.
To be sure. there were men and women
there who are outside the pale of So
ciety. but they brushed against their
neighbors. and. except the special few.
none was any the wiser for anothsr's
shortcomings in private life. But this
same mingling OF classes is seen daily
in street cars. stores, on the streets. and
at other public gatherings. and as long
as all are on their coed behavior the law
Lno oI, dicffu ,t
ITO be sure, precautions had been
taken by the Elks themselves, for it was
made plain that they would not per-
NIT liberty to stretch itself to license.
1t was made plain that disorderly char
acters would be promptly barred from
the privileges of attending the carnival
at the very first sign OF improper con-
duct. And the Elks are entitled to great
credit for taking these precautions and
keeping a firm hand on the machinery
of the carnival from start TO finish. The
manner in which this great carnival was
conducted reflects credit on the order,
though no doubt the members are glad
enough that 1t is the last, for the work
was onerous and the responsibility
great. II all of us were to move through
life in the same spirit there would .e
more happiness in the world Perhaps
our country fairs, carniyals, expositions,
and the like gatherings are necessary,
at least useful, part of our education.
II we could but school ourselves to be-
ieve that in the main all men want to
gain happiness honestly and without
taking if from others we might make
less fuss over the little things others
10 which now annoy us and provoke our
wrath. 1t isn't difficult TO be good-na-
.ured, and it's very pleasant and health
ul. 1t is easier to move aside with
smile than to court collision with a
rown. 1t is much pleasanter to look ct
he sunny side of our neighbor than fret
ourselves hunting for the shady side.
Be as exclusive as you please in your
'wn home, but when you go out to min
lie with the throng you'll get along
cry nicely IL armed with nothing more
dangerous than a good-natured smile.
,harity, justice. and brotherly love are
ardinal principles of the Order of Elks,
nd of other fraternal orders as well.
lay they extend these principles of the
'hristian philosophy until their sweet
influence o'erspreads all the peoples of
he EARTH