The daily Alaskan., 1915-02-04
WILL HAVE
 BIG INIzIAZIONE

Every Elk in Skagway will be in attendance at the meeting of the lodge tonight when at least two candidates will be initiated. For the antlered herd an initiation has attractions all its own. One reason why the Elk limitations are always such drawing cards is because of the flexibility of the ceremony. In the matter of initiation the exalted ruler is vested with broad discretior-. ary powers, and consequently the "goat" section of the ceremony is apt to be almost anything the eX- alted rulers caprice may suggest. We'll, it so happens that the pres ent exalted ruler can discount Peck bad boy when it comes to introduc- ing freak stunts for the poor un- suspecting candidate.
 A short time ago an Elk initia- tion almost caused a divorce when q young man, swell known in busi- ness, social and musical circles went home to his wife and baby at an outrageously late hour with his coat adorned with q liberal sprink- ling of long glossy red hairs. An other thing that strengthened his spouse's case against him was the fact that when he left home he had two days growth of beard on his face. It was then 9:S0 when all the barber shops had closed. When he returned he was shaved-that is there was evidence of an attempt at shaving, but the result was anything but an example of tonsorial skill. This led to the further discovery that some lotion other than bay rum or eau de quinine had been used on his hair.
 A week or two later a serious minded young fellow appeared as Q candidate begging for mercy on the ground that he had never before joined any secret order. The kind hearted exalted ruler was moved with sympathy and tenderness, and all that he required of this poor fellow was that he put in 30 min utes doing the "angle worm wiggle.'
 The last time there was an initia- tion, one of the bes5 known citizens of Skagway was the candidate. His friends were all present and there was all kinds of talk of trough stuff" The candidate was about ready to make his last will and tes- lament when he was conducted to the ante room almost as white as sheet. While the candidate was trembling and quaking with fear the door of the lodge opened as if of it's own accord. Two Brother Bills in full dress appeared and escorted the candidate through the portals into the sacred precincts of what seemed like little paradise. The lights were burning brightly, the hall was decorated with beautiful flowers, an orchestra was filling the air with the sweet strains of de lghtful music. The candidate was greeted with smiles from all sides, and was fed on ice cream, bon bons, English maTmalade, and shown the utmost attention aEd courtesy. Af- ter the shortest formality possible the candidate was duly declared all Elk and was flooded with the most hearty congratulations he had re- ceived since his wedding day years ago.
 The new member was then care fully wrapped in tissue paper and baby ribbons and sent home in an automobile in the Gre of kind friends, who wished him happy thoughts till sleep arrives; then pleasant dreams till dawn"
 After 1t was all over every one expressed great satisfaction, and the degree team was complimented up- on the exquisiteneSs and daintiness of the affair which had indeed been an innovation. However, 1t was the concensus of opinion that once in life time Is often enough for that kind of q stunt.
 Tonight the pendulum of initia- tory custom will swing to the other extreme, as nothing will be left un- done to make this ceremony contrast to as great an extent as possible with the last initiation.