The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-03-23
THE FRATERNAL PRESS.

One of the most important questions
! affecting the fraternities today is the
necessity of harmonious relations among
themselves. The representation of this
subject resulted in the enaction at the
laws providing for a committee on fra
ternal ethics. Following this action of
the congress, special committee on fra
ternal press ethics was appointed by the
president of the Fraternal Press Associa-
ton at the close of the session. While
the duties of the committee are not de-
fined the object of the president was
doubtless for the purpose of bringing
to the attention of the press section by
that means the question of the relations
OF the journals as class in advocating
fraternal principles, and their duty to
fraternity as a common ground.
Although established to advocate the
principles of fraternity. we too often find
the columns of many of our fraternal pa
pers filled with unkind, abusive refer
ences to sister organizations. We have
often heard it said that fraternal socie-
ties. although travelling different roads.
all lead to the same goal, the protection
of the home. and the alleviaticl of suffer-
ing and distress. The foundation upon
which the fraternaIs stand is OF such a
nature that, should it be weakened il
one. it affects the whole structure. II
the fraternal press would fill its columns
with good things about the society it rep
resents, kind things about sister organ
izations and promulgate through this me-
dunn, healthy, readable educational in
formation pertaining to the underlying
principles, both from fraternal and bus
mess standpoint the interests Of the So
members would be better satisfied and the
ciety would be better conserved the
fraternity would profit thereby. The
ethics of the fraterEal press would well
be considered by its representatives.
What the individual member wants is
something for his good and eulighten-
ment, something to bring him in closer
touch with the order and its management.
something to aid him in his local work,
in presenting the value of his order to the
public, to know what the other subordi-
nate lodges are doing, and the standing
of his own order before the public. To
build up his own edifice il is not neces-
sary for him TO tear down his neighbours
to secure the material because his neigh
Dor may, in turn, prey upon him. That
Journal makes mistake which fills its
columns with reference of an uncompli-
mentary nature to other orders II may
better devote its space to building up its
own. and defending the system, which, as
a whole, it represents.
We are hoping great things from the
fraternal press. 1t has wonderful latent
force, which has never yet been exerted
Set this force in motion for a higher bel
ter fraternalism, for 4 campaign of edu-
cation and enlightenment build II on a
foundation of literary merit make it in
teresting to its readers. and there is no
reform its powers cannot accomplish.
Vigorous, energetic, aggressive, vital
force. is what our fraternal journals need
find its way into our fraternal press. The
ideas We advocate. the questions we
know TO be right, the convictions we feel,
the subjects up for consideration, should
he presented to the members of our fra
ternites, and through what better me-
dunn than this can they be carried?
1t is unnecessary for me to elaborate
in glowing words on the power of the fra
terual press. As medium of distribu-
tion Of traternal practices and business
principles its field is limitless. Its power
in the past has been eXempliied. Its
standards are higher The good feeling
end friendly attitude OF the journals TO-
ward one another is an indication of har-
monious concerted action. The fraternal
press is destined to be the factor to unite
the orders in harmonious accord. to build
n better future for the fraternities in the
business world, and to be in the van,
leading onward in the path of progress.
BINA NJ. WEST.
Editor the Ladies' Review" Supreme
Record-keeper, l.. o. 7. n.