The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1908-01-10
ADDRESS TO
THE PYTHIANS
Is Made by State Officer w.
Frank Stout at lnstaIIa-
tion at Bridgeport.

Bridgeport Lodge No. 1874. knights
Of Pythias, held a public installation
of officers at X. of P. hall on We'd
nesday night, which was attended by
goodly number of both members
and town people. At intervals, dur
ing the course OF installation. Miss
Ella Stout as organist assisted by the
NJ. P. choir, rendered music, which
was well received.
W. w. willis, grand chancellor
commander; n. L. Fitzhugh, grand
prelate; and w. 7. swiger, grand
master Of arms were the Installing
officers. These gentlemen were cos
TUNED in superb regalia and present.
ed splendid appearance. each per-
forming his part of the ceremony
in a most gratifying manner.
At the conclusion of the installa-
ton rites, the various officers elected
were conducted to their various sta
tons, and the Rev. B. B. Stout, new
ly constituted chancellor commander,
received the insignia of his rank, and
made a brief but inspiring address.
A recess was then taken, at which
time light refreshments were served
and social half hour enjoyed.
Then came the crowning event OF the
occasion. W. Frank Stout, OF Clarks-
burg, who was led through the mys-
tic maze of knighthood at this place
fourteen years ago, and who is now
grand outer guard of the Supreme
Lodge Of West Virginia, made an ell
oquent and interesting address. In
speaking of the friendship between
Damon and Pythlas as one of the
cardinal virtues of the order, Mr.
Stout said in substance as follows:
The friendship of Damon and
Pythias shines through the mists of
centuries, glowing tribute to the
humanity of the past 1t was made
the sweet song of Ancient Greece, and
is immortalized by the permanence
of our order. Damon, a senator Of
Syracuse, had incurred the displeas-
ure Of King Deonesius, was condemn
ed to die. Many delighted to honor
him when he wore the robes Of Of
flee: Now he had but one friend in
all Syracuse-Pythias was true; and
knowing Damon's love of home, he
begged the tyrant to grant his friend
respite, that he might see his wife
and child before he died. A hero OF
many battles. a stranger to the art OF
speech. his love for Damon inspired
a most eloquent appeal: AS thou
art husband and father, hear me!
Let Damon go and see his wife and
child before he dies; for four hours
respite him; put me in chains,
plunge me into his dungeon as pledge
for his return. The fervor of this
strange request touched the heart of
Dionysius. 1t was to him II mystery
He had lived for self alone; he had
sacrificed his friends, his honor up
on the altar of a boundless ambition
for place and for power. The re-
quest was granted, and Pythlas be-
came a hostage for Damon, who has
tened for his home by the distant
sea. BY his own decree Pythias,
faithful friend OF Damon. lay in the
lone dungeon confident of Damon's
return. But VIII Damon return?
The love of home, of wife. the ten
der memories that shine like burn
ing stars through the gathering
gloom. hold him, until, ere he knows
the last hour OF respite is fastening
by. Giving a last fond embrace to
his once happy ones. Damon starts
for Syracuse to redeem his promise
and save his friend. The hour of ex-
ecution is at hand; Damon has not
returned; and Pythias is brought to
the block to suffer in his stead. Py-
thias looks out upon the vast throng
who taunt him with the seeming
falseness of his friend RELYING I'M
on the honor of Damon, trusting in
his word. proud Of his friendship, he
calls upon the gods to prevent his
return; and in response to the cruel
jeers of the mob, proclaims the fidel-
ity of Damon, and turns to meet his
fate. At the last moment, when the
headsman's axe is raised. n horseman
Is seen in the distance. coming with
the speed of the wind. 1t is Da-
mon. he has been. true to his prom
Use; he has saved his friend. At the
strange scene the tyrant looks in
wonderment. and the cruel purpose
OF the hour passes away. and friend
ship sits upon the throne. These he
roes still live while friendship warns
the heart of man. This virtue Is
the corner stone Of the order. Da-
mons return proved his honor and
.confirmen the judgment of PythIas
in the confidence by him reposed.
His example we commend. and we
should endeavor TO emulate that ex-
ample.