Bisbee daily review., 1906-08-29
CHINESE LODGE. IN CITY .0F
 CANANEA
Is Composed of Largest Body of Representative Chinese
 in America.

If a person having an average amount of information on general sub- jects were told that a lodge represent ing a membership of 6,000,000 persons and having a treasury fund of s6OO,- 900 900, at the lowest estimate, whose object is the uplifting of race and the upbuilding of an ancient empire to the plane of its former greatness and civilization, was to be found here, they would be inclined to disbelief, and would remain so until all the facts were given, says the Cananea Herald.
 The Chinese Empire Reform Asso- ciatiop" has 1n Cananea one small branch of the great order referred to, the local branch having its officers and transacting their business in reg ular manner
 The most wonderful part of the story has not been told. as this order. having the greatest present member ship of any in the world, started lit tie ever eight years ago with six members, men af enlightenment and culture, resolved to do or die for their country. The remarkable growth of the order puts to shame any figures that may be shown by other orders, as each of these men have, as it were, a million progeny, each endeavoring to spread civilization 10 his neighbor. and as many more active sympathizers working fo- the cause.
 With each member acting as a mis- sionary, the doctrine of q Greater and Better China" has been spread over the world until wherever Chinese may be found there are those to whom the doctrine has at least been told.
 This has been accomplished in the face of most strenuous opposition on the part of the present ruler, Empress Tze, who fears the approach of an en- lishtened age. Prosecutions have been loaded on the followers of the new or der, and for that reason in China the very name of the lodge is not spoken above whisper.
 The funds of the association are not going to waste. as is shown by the re gently completed railroad extending from Hankow to Canton. several hun dred miles in length, having equipment of the most modern pattern and al ready paying investment
 Schools are being established con stantly over the empire. with Euro pean and American teachers. to bring out what is best in the Chinaman. These are rapidly eradicating the an cient superstitions of the people and advancing civilization. This may 1..e ;,ll sr ment of mining. The people have until lately been afraid to burrow in the earth, fearing the fierce dragon sup posed to dwell in the ground. who would devour all disturbing him in his home. Mining properties are now being opened steadily and are show ing China to be richly endowed with mineral.
 The secrecy surrounding the order is TO more evidenced in any way than by the fact that the name of the pres ident is not known to any except the chosen few.
 They are political plotters in a way, as their chief desire is to deDose the empress and place upon the throne the Prince Rang Tze, an active sym pathiZer, although not a member of the order. When this has been ac- ccmplished they believe that instead of a small secret body, as compared with their total population of nearly 45O,O0O,OO0 people, they will be power ful and able to work in the open and spread their great gospel throughout the empire.
 The local lodge of the order has a membership of 150 and 4 well filled treasury. The officers are prosperous merchants, respected by all having dealings with them. They are Chang Chee, president; Lee Foo Chung. treas urer; NJ. M. Ahanna, secretary. That the lodge will fulfill the hopes of the men who are doing all in taeir power to aid its growth can. hardly be doubt ed, and there is not doubt that there will some day be greater and better China to acknowledge its beneficent influence.