The Washington times., 1902-02-16

ization. which is one of the most char
table fraternities in the distribution of
its bounties. 1t has been many years
being understood The idea prevailed
that as the origin of the order was at
tTibutablc to the histrionic profession,
very naturally it must be composed only
of those whose motto is Live while you
live and give to pleasure every passing
hour" The B. p. o. e. needs no apology
for its beginning, as no matter what has
been its source, il has developed into an
order of men united for the purpose OF
good, having charity for its foundation
and principle. From n mere handful OF
originators in the city of New York it has
grown to be in extent. as an American or
der. one of the largest in the country.
Its membership this year exceeds l0O,0Ou,
each member being a citizen of the United
States. Besides charity in its most prac-
teal meaning and beneTactions in emer-
gencies, * has other principles which IN
still good fellowship, fraternalism ano
brotherly love among this large body OF
men, selected now from every walk IN
life The minister, the doctor. the law
yer. the merchant, the capitalist and the
bread winner of every class are on its
rolls. From the No. 1 Lodge of the met
rOpolis it has instituted and maintains
lodges now in upward of 700 cities of the
Union. with one far distant, but yet under
the flag, in Hawaii.
The great exalted ruler this year is
Mr.. Charles L. Pickett, of Waterloo, Ia,
distinguished lawyer and statesman ana
one of the most effective and brilliant
lecturers of this day. The other officers
of the Grand Lodge are representative
men of cities in various parts of the
United States. 1t is becoming popular in
many features that reach the heart. Al
Christmastide the widows and orphans
and the children of the needy poor are
made recipients of feastings. festivals ana
donations to remind them Of the time
In periods of calamity. il has been hrst
in the field to alleviate suffering and re
lieve distress, and has ever softened =!
its presence in innumerablc ways the
hard realization of sorrow. While the
living are to this order a matter of great
it is mindful also of the dead.
and by the law of the Order there has been
set apart the first Sunday In the month OF
December as a memorial day when, I'D
every lodge 4 gathering is expected TO pay
tribute to the departed brethren.
While it is loyal to its main object to
do good. it does not propose to banish
but to enjoy it in a I'D
eral yet temperate way. Washington
Lodge has a membership of more than 500
representing some of the largest
and most generous hearts that beat in the
breasts of any of our citizens. 1t owns
its lodge room which has lately been re-
fitted and refurnisbed SO that it is
gem. The activity of its membership
has been demonstrated by the extraordin-
iry undertaking of carrying on a carnival
and exhibition for its charity fund in our |
city for a period of two weeks. The ex-
Dcnse of this undertaking has been great,
and while the returns are gratifying. yet, |
Tor such n cause. they are not common
surate with the outlay of money, time.
experience and labor bestowed upon such,
mammoth entertainment for the people
IF Washington. EDWIN B. HAY,
Past Grand Exalted Ruler.