The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-11-20
PEOPLES FORUM.
The Passing OF MfsclIicvous Custom

The Passing OF n MisciIicvous Custom
Editor virginian:
sir,-The passing of the social
drinking usages at fraternal-orde fes-
tivities Is credible to the spirit of
brotherly regard. which Is the inspira-
ton of these societies. This reference
does not include the nominal fraterni-
ties. In whose homes practically bar
rooms are operated, or where intoxl-
eating beverages are available TO those
who speak the language of the tribe,
albeit even such social ones viii be
banished Time was when the serv-
| Ing cf dinner 81 a rally of the
| brothers without at least beer or light
wines being included in the menu was
| considered not quite the polite thing.
Now such practice is exceptional,
for the great fraternities have become
/ to realize that It is incongruous. and
! altogether incompatible with true
spirit of fraternity. Many a young
man has headed for the road 10 ruin
| by these innocent" so-called sociahili-
! ties. and it served him to no purpose
to honestly disclsim any intention or
desire to injure him. 1T was the ef-
rect Oh n CAUSE, not VI ali ltlItIiltBlt+
Those who oppose the mischievous
custom did not pose as puritans, nor
assume a "holier- than-thou' attitude,
but they recognized that 1t was I'M
wise to serve even light intoMcants
at a social fraternal gathering. Nor
is this opinion confined to teetotalers,
for many a fraternalist who is not a
total abstainer has been quite willing
to forego his glass at social gatherings
/ out of consideration for the evident
prophecies of the occasion.
| 1t Is the duty of all who recognize
the wisdom of this ever-growing re-
/ form to use their personal Influence
/ to make the new order OF things
Iunanimous--not by ratings, crimina-
/ tons or abuse. but by taking a firm
! and decided stand for the entire eliml-
nation of absolutely all intoxicants at
/ fraternal gatherings. and never COM
promising with Tight wines' or beer.
This principle Is now Incorporated in
the organized law of many of the great
fraternities and before long the others
will follow this good example. Those
who pirate about the weakness" or
lack OF moral stamina of those
who would be endangered by these
Eight refres hments' should remember
| that fraternity signifies projection,
land the nee of II in the spirit OF a
great teachers declaration, 'Ye who
arc strong should bear the informities
Of the weak And In this eonneCtioa
| II is worthy of note that ii Is no sign
| of cowardice for any man to shun
Temptation on his own account, as well
as shielding a brother from a snare,
and no sign of bravery to vaunt ones
| professed ability to trifle with his
appetite with impunity. And. finally,
/ certain fraternal ehtics at least de-
mands the elimination of the drink
usages out of proper respect for
the opinion Of those members who
| hold with this article.
| Yes. the fraternal banners proudly
float over great ranks of great brother
! hoods. Men OF conflicting religious
and political creeds. of different ma
] tionalities. OF the varied professions
and associations meet on common
! level and clasp hands around their
| lodge affairs The genial glow OF the
! fraternal fires warming their hearts
! and making for a better man
/ brot herhood and 1t is neither wise
nor consistent TO allow the foaming
| bowl to be a menace to this spirit.
and a mbing-block for some
brother. Lifting IL burden from a
/ tired brother is better than drink
ing his health"
w NJ, BICKERS.
( Richmond, Va. Nov. 10, 1915.