Omaha daily bee., 1912-03-04
BERNSTEIN REPLIES ON RATE
Declares Beech Camp Action Does
Not Reflect Real Sentiment.
HE SAYS FIGHT WAS EXPECTED
Realizes that Tremendous Maehin-
cry of Head Officers aud Salaried
Employees Arc Set 20 Work
Against oppose ton.

| Advised OF the action taken by Beech
camp at its meeting Friday night. Nathan
Bernstein had this TO say: I'VE did not
so into this struggle and expect to find
our pathway strewn with roses. We
realized the tremendous machinery
OF the head offices with its hundreds Of
paid officers and its millions OF dollars
contributed by the membership. 10 say
nothing OF those interested in other fra
ternal orders. and working in their in
terests while members OF the Modern
Woodmen OF America
Personally l do not think IL right to
mention matters which take place on the
camp floor and consequently have not
done so. but certainly must correct c.
c. Kehm. the worthy advisor Of Beech
camp. when he says l predicted a scrap.
/ knew nothing of the proposed action of
the camp until my attention was called
to IL In the papers, and even then
hardly felt 1t worthy Of serious atten-
ton because OF the almost unanimous
action of the camp in favor OF opposition
to the new rates.
Even yet I scarcely think this last
action reflects the real sentiment of
Beech camp. When one reflects, that il
has a membership OF 500 members and
that at this meeting there were not more
than forty present when the vote was
taken, and that among these were head
camp officials. some who either have or
hope TO have benefits from the head
camp. to say nothing Of deputies. whose
influence was directly or indirectly felt
\ h. a.
bership Of Beech camp. nor do l feel any
resentment toward those who are hon
estly in favor of the new rates. but do
not believe that many such are to be
found in Nebraska or even In the jurls-
dictIon.
Members OF the order say that even
IL not obJecting to the Chicago action. yet
they should have been allowed to know
what the rates were before being forced
TO adopt them. ] doubt II any OF the
delegates TO the convention knew what
these rates were to be until arriving In
Chicago and a few days (some delegates
say hours) are indeed too short a time In
which to discuss so tremendous a matter
as fraternal insurance.
Some delegates say that the head
camp was afraid TO trust the matter to
action Of the local camps. hardly
think these officers could intend to 90
insult the intelligence OF the great body
OF Modern woodmen. II sounds too much
like the utterances Of some OF our trust
magnates. II is true the people make
mistakes. but the existence OF our rcpub-
lie IL a refutation OF the above doctrine
AS to the proposition to bring a men,
Der OF the head camp here to explain the
new rates. many members are saying that
they understand them. alas, too we'll II
may be good move, but many think that
the cost Of sending these people all over
the country might be better applied 10
more urgent necessities. Some of the so
called Insurgents are accused OF want
ing to wreck The order. on the contrary.
inspired by q sacred sense OF duty and
regard for acquired rights under legal
contract, their one aim Ia TO preserve
the order in its present glory and
strength.
THE same 10000 men have seifishly.
perhaps, said that II the new rates go
into effect. they must perforce because Of
inability TO afford Il leave the order
anyway. 80 II matters little to them what
happens. But We feel that this great
order which has done so much good will
not be allowed to perish simply TO crafty
personal ambition and that some way will
be devised whereby harmony will be re-
stored At any rate we have an illustrl-
GUS precedent IN famous general, who
said: We will have peace II we have to
fight for IT."
0berfelder Explains Rates.
SIDNEY, Neb., March Especial Tele-
ram.)-Joseph oberfelder addressed the
members OF Dalton camp. Modern Wood
men OF America, yesterday on the new
revision OF rates and the majority ex-
pressed themselves pleased with the
adequate rates adopted at Chicago last
month. Mr.. obcrfelders explanation
put different phase on the matter en-
tirely.
II you have anything to exchange adj
vertise 1t in The Bee Want Ad columns.