The Washington bee., 1907-08-17
P. S. Swan Lake Lodge. No. 3IIQ
Box I3I, Decatur. Alabama.


Box I3I, Decatur. Alabama.
Birmingham, Ala, August u, 1907.
Editor of The Bee:
I have just read an article in the last
weeks issue of the Atlanta Independent,
stating that some heartless being had
Mr.. W. L. Houston arrested on the
night Of August ;, 1907, in this city,
just before he began his speech to the
good citizens Of Birmingham at the JET
ferson Theatre. | only wish to say
that the man who had Mr.. Houston ar
rested has a true heart in his breast,
two good legs to carry him along, and
two good hands to work. Now let us
view TIE picture from the other side:
If Mr. Houston's mission to Birmingham
on August g. 1907, had been a just one
and for the common good OF all OF the
good people of Birmingham, l believe
that God would have guided him safely
past all pitfalls of calamity upon the oc-
casion above mentioned; but it goes
without saying that his mission upon
the occasion above mentioned was not
for good results. Now let us see what
the laws of our country say, to wit: The
highest evidence of a mans intentions
is the way he acts. Now here come the
facts as follows. Read for yourself and
keep your eye on w. L. Houston ali
the way through.
First. Some of Alabama's best men
had trouble with a half-dozen chronic
offceseekers trying to get Office in one
OF the greatest societies known TO the
world, and because the members of the
order did not want these men in Office
and would not elect them to office, they
then proceeded to wage war upon the
officers that the members did elect for
their leaders. This did not meet the
approval of the members of the order.
and they would not encourage the ac-
tiOns OF the Oflceseeking parties, and
just as soon as they found out that they
could not control the membership then
they carried the complaint to Mr.. w. L.
Houston. who is regarded as father of
the entire family of the order IN Amer
lea. Now then it appears to me that
Mr.. Houston could have played the
part of a wise father in the case COM
ing to him from the officeseekers of
Alabama. Could he not have called both
OF the boys before him and said, Now,
Brother A. | believe that your state
ment IS worthy of credit. Now, Brother
B., | believe that you have some good
reason for taking the firm stand that you
now take. Now, as a father, and re-
garding you both as my fraternal sons,
hereby direct you both to return to
your homes, keep peace IN the order
until the time for your next annual
election, at which time | as your leader
will be present and see to it that the
will of the members in your State is
carried out, so far as oficeholding is
concerned.
But Mr.. Houston did not do this
but. rather, ordered another GrandLodge
session, to be held out of time. and not
in keeping with the laws OF the order
and against the will OF the members IN
the order
Second He came down here and held
this meeting himself. Now, what are the
results OF this actions? The answer IS
Lawsuits, injunctions, and thousands of
dollars going out of the hands of his
sons and paid into the courts of this
country, and paid to the lawyers of this
country, and the railroads and hotels
come in for their part OF wrecked vaults
contents. What further happened? The
widows and orphans are cut off from
the payment Of moneys left them by the
deceased husbands and fathers. Now,
| ask, in the name of common reason,
does that look like wise fathers work ?