The Washington times., 1906-09-23
THURSDAY.

With young and vigorous officers df-
recting the affairs of the independent
Order Mechanics plans are coming
way 10 inaugurate at the coming semi
annual session OF the grand lodge an
aggressive campaign with the avowed
purpose Of not only materially increaz-
ing the membership, but of adding two
subordinate lodges to this grand 5lris-
uiction. This meeting viii be held Wed
pesday evening In the hall Of Lafayette
Godge No. IS. at 419 Tenth street north
5Vest.
III the rhi-ty-hve years during which
Nhis order has operated IN the District
or Columbia there have been two grand
periods OF activity, in the course OF one
OF which the membership was increas-
ed 10 over l,250 While for various rea-
eons this showing has fallen TO about
800 at the present time, confidence is ex- /
pressed by those who are In a position
10 know the workings Of the order and
sThat II has to offer that the present
movement viii carry the membership TO
figures in excess Of any heretofore at
1ained.
The Independent Order Mechanics
IS a peculiar organization. in that its
organization resulted from an excess of
available cash In the hands OF a limit
ed group OF men and women rather
than the necessity being apparent for
the accumulation of a fund.
Objects of the Order.
In reeiting the schedule OF underlying
principles upon which the Independent
Order Mechanics base their existence
idheir declared purpose is 10 amellorate
the condition OF man. 10 cultivate the
virtues OF philanthropy. charity and be- /
,hevolence; 20 break down the icy fetters
OF selhshness aud Cistrust, which con- /
Vine the social spirit of mankind 10 soII- /
Eary and lonely cells dlv0rcing them I.
zrom enJOyments the most rational and Z
Ealutary IN their effects; TO lead men to /
Teel and act toward their fellows as
brothers Of the same great family. s
a work taught by reason and revelation. /
.Rnd will be rewarded by the approving .
smiles OF Heaven. Such is the work for .
(which the Independent Order Ne
5chanics was instituted. These are the .
Fnotives which drew to their respective |
Hodges the faithful and devoted mem 4
bers Of the order.
T. The Independent Order Mechanics .
IS an American institution, having origi- /
mated in the city Of Baltimore during .
es Of a large manufacturing establish
ment IN Baltimore desiring 10 improve
fheir moral condition, organized them
Selves into a society for mutual I'm
Provement pledging the members to alb
stain from dinner-hour drinking, pro-
tenity and other vices; and for the vio-
zation OF the pledge a fine was imposed.
Origin of the Fund
Through the weaknesses Of humanity
quite fund accumulated. The question
OF the best means Of dispOsing OF the /
Eund being considered. II was decided
that the receipts from dues and fines
should be devoted to the relief of such
or their fellow -workmen as might meet
with misfortune or be found in dis
IreSsed ch cumstances- Finding that \,
they were in this manner doing some
sH'hE lot humanity. they agreed TO en-
.arse IheIr Held of labor. and accord !
ahF'y determined upon the organization
"a i" thoroughly benevolent order 4
aiiaJoIl'y OF Ihelr number being mechan-
les. the name Independent Order Ne
chanics was adopted. the ..of,. batu,aaD :
"Order' and 'Mechanics' heinp omitted !
as distinction from the orber orders Z
similarly named. and MARYLAND T.o5ee
No l was organized IN the CITY Of Pal
Jmore April 70. lS6s with a cbarta, iz
sued by the State authorities of ATar,,- j.
land. They adopted as their cardiraI I
principles, Friendship. Truth and To.,s c
and as their objects: e
First: To create a high degree of mo-
ralitv and Tespectability and 10 avoid S
Rl that Is disrespectable or calculated I
q demean the man or lower the iignf- =
" of the order. a
Second; To aid or assist each other
IN sickness or adversely.
Third; To act IN just and equitable
manner in all dealings with members of q
che order
Qualifications of Members. {
Following are qualifications for mem g.
fbership:
: To be a believer Is a Supreme Being.
e be OF coed moral character, 10 be Ia ,