Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-16
potent argument once when he said:

IL 10 IL anu uOI JilCol
that confronts us" Unfortunately for
those favoring the proposed readjust-
ment in our order, it is theory and
not condition that confronts us at
the present time. Every argument in
favor of change in rates is COM
PEELED to assume an impending condi-
ton which is not only not here, but
which gives no appreciable warning
of its near approach.
About a year ago Editor Van Calder,
advised our members that when you
hear the members of rival societies
croalling about the dangerous condi-
ton of the Modern Woodmen, just
laugh at them" These editorial ut
terances in the "Woodman" seem to
have a powerful and lasting effect on
it's readers, and they are strongly in
clined to follow the editors advice,
even when the "croaking" comes from
nearer home.
Fixed Rates Guaranteed.
Our advertising literature abounds
with such statements as:
THE rate of assessment does not
increase with age, but remains the
same as at the beginning" and
Assessments are graduated accord
ing to the age of the person joining.
The amount does not increase, but re-
mains the same as at the beginning,
special inducements being thus Of
fered to young and middle aged men, !"
| know it has been said that this
language will not bear the construc-
ton given it, but | think we meant
men to understand this language in
exactly the way in which understand
it and quote it, If the inducement
specified was not rate fixed to entry,
instead of an advancing rate, it would
be well for some one to explain what
the inducement" thus referred to was.
Our members insist that, having ac-
cepted the statements of our solicitors
and of the order in good faith and
having taken advantage of the in
ducement" thus held out, they have a
right to protest against any change
/ in the plan of assessment, and espe-
cially so when it is proposed to change
the entire plan of insurance and when
the necessity for it is not apparent.
Poor Plan offered.
The plan proposed by the readjust-
ment committee not only fails to
evade any of the difficulties, but by
it's peculiar provisions accentuates
them, and not only so but actually
| adds to their number new difficulties
that are as serious as any that are in
herent in our present plant and past
history.
| They come to poor mans fraterni-
| ty and propose table of advancing
rates that would drive every poor man
out of the order before he reaches the
age of fifty years.
They propose to a society of wage
earners a system of compulsory tax
alton for ar old line mathematical re
serve fund amounting to over $4,000,
900 annually, and which our head con
sui estimates at $165,000,000 at its
maximum.
Plea for Poor Men.
They invite an army of poor men
now holding certificates in financia
scheme adjusted to their financial
ability, providing for protection al
current cost, with no accumulations
to exchange this simple system for q
banking and investment business, Of
| proportions that stagger comprehen
| sion, and IN winch they are expected
to furnish the capital and patiently
wait for dividends until they reach the
age of seventy years.
No Fears for Future.
In conclusion let me say that
have no fears for either the present
or the future of our order. We
should all take advice of our gifted
editor and when we hear anyone
croaking about the condition of the
Modern Woodmen just laugh at him.
We have a membership so intelligent
SO loyal, and so jealous of the repu
tation of our institution, that it's in
terests are at all times safe in theil
hands. They know that they are il
no danger of financial difficulty at tn:
present time, and that we have ample
time to consider well, proposed
changes in our plan, and they are de
termined that no changes shall b.
adopted that will swerve us in the flu
ture from the character we have as.
sumed and maintained in the past
that of successful and consisten
fraternal body, offering moderate
priced home protection to the, grea
middle class of our population"
The conclusion of Mr.. Johnson's ad
. i,, Ill