The wageworker., 1910-05-06
ElkS AND EAGLES.


Up to date a great deal has been
said in connection with the Eagles.
and the daily newspapers have had
lot to say about recent action taken
in connection with a consignment Of
liquors for that organization. But,
on the other hand, there has been
nothing said or done in regard to an
other organization in this city that
maintains a bar, and which, If the
facts were made known, doubtless
sells as much liquor and beer as are
sold at the Eagles club rooms. There
are some points of difference between
the organization known as Eagles
and the organization known as Elks.
One difference. particularly notice
able in Lincoln, is that the Eagles oc
cupy rented quarters, while the Elks
occupy a handsome building of their
own. The Eagles club rooms are
modestly equipped; the Elks' club
house is lavishly furnished. The
Eagles organization is made up large
ly of men engaged in mechanical
trades. The Elks' organization IS
made up largely of business and pro-
fessional men. and young men whose
fathers have an abundance of money.
Both are fraternal organizations, hav
ing the same benefit features, the
same beneficial objects. In the one
the visitor may see men clad in over
alls; In the other men clad in broad
cloth.
Now, there may be reasons why re-
freshments consigned to the one are
held up while refreshments consigned
to the other are not molested, but #
there be such reasons they have not
been made public by the officials. II
there are adequate reasons for this
very apparent discrimination there
are great many people who would
like to know what they are.
A great deal of condemnation has
been visited upon the Eagles as an
organization, and all because it exer-
cises no censorship over the occupe
ton of its members. Any man who
will subscribe to it's discipline and
abide by its rules, regardless of his
station in life, may become a mem
ber. Its club rules are very strln
gent; its benefits are incalculablC.
The assertion that it is a whisky
club" are absolutely false. There are
scores of local aeries that absolutel.'
refuse to permit the operation of bar,
buffet or locker. The assertion Is
ventured that national convention
OF Eagles is no more marked by cav
ousing than a national convention o.
Elks or Shriners. Just why the local
aerie Of Eagles should be marked
for persecution. and the local lodge
Of Elks exempt. is a mystery to Il
great many.
The editor of this little newspape,
IL an Eagle, and he is proud of his
membership. There are some thing:
about the organization that he would
change If he could, but that is equal:y
true of several other organizations
in which he holds membership. But
1t is not an aristocratic organization
II Is not made up of would be mem.
bers Of a society 400" But it does
look after the sick and afflicted, the
widow and the orphans. 1t does
teach lessons of patriotism. 1t mum
bers in rs membership some of tn :
biggest and best men of this republic
And as an organization made Vi,
largely Of producers it is entitled 70
just as much consideration as any or
ganization made up of those who toi
not. nor spin. yet seek to rival thu
lily in all its glory of habiliment.
This newspaper holds no brief TO
the defense Of the Eagles. That or
ganization needs no defense. But 1
is entitled to fair play. and 1t Shout.
not be Disseminated against.
THE INITIATIVE AND REEEREN