The copper era and Morenci leader., 1918-03-22
WEE SMA' HOURS
 BEFORE HOUR OF fl
CLIFTON ELkS STAGE BIGGEST INITIATION EVER PULLED OFF
 IN ARIZONA-TWENTY-FIVE INI- HATED.

The big event in local Elkdom has now passed into history, but the re- membrance of which will finger long with every Elk, old and new. Perhaps the largest class ever initiated in the state was that which the Clifton lodge staged at the High School Audi torium last Saturday night. This event has been looked forward to for many days by every member of the local lodge, for it was realized that during the initiation. The >fledglings were of the best material, most of whom have been Mavericks" for a long time, and what fresh five-year- old broncho is to the experienced cowboy is the tanning of one of the seasoned Mavericks" who has been mingling with the heard at intervals, but never coming close enough to feel the touch of the lariat, or have the flesh scared as the branding iron of identity is placed to his qufvering flesh Yes, the material was good, and the riding was exciting. The lodge goat was at his best, and as the 18th noviate was brought into the arena he seemed as fresh and ready for the affray as he was in the begin ming. In fact his metal seemed to get better the longer the exercises lasted. But the bunch that was cut into the herd was game. They stood gaff like thoroughbreds.
 The candidates were introduced by Messrs. Pete Riley, Dave Ling, A. R. I.ynch, A. w Liddell, Frank B. La1ne, George Reitzer, E. A. Wood, B. R. Mo Pheeters, J. G. Cooper, and J. C. Gaines. Each made appropriate in- troductory talks, vouching for the fitness of the candidates, and assuring the lodge that each bore clean bill of health. The Exalted Ruler, to as suage any apprehensions that might exist in the minds of the candidates for initiation that they might not sur vive the perilous journey on whlcn tbey were entering, admonished them that they had yet rough ana rocky road to travel, but assured them with the consolation that the officers or the law would not handle them on account tof the treatment they would receive. With this assurance the services were commenced, and each of the twnety- five then started on that road or many nerils the end of which gave them the right to wear the antlers.
 The morning was young when the s.clock struck the hour of eleven, hui all felt that Clifton Lodge nao reason to be proud of the occasion as it was, the biggest event recorded Ill Clifton Elkdom.
 The events of the evening were brought to close by oanquet; which in itself was complete and or sufficient importance to be character ized as an independent function. But if was only the finale of memoraDie event. that will hardly be obiiteratea i from the minds of every ELK present so long as life lasts.
 Clifton Lodge is one of the most nrosperous in the state, and certainly the most f1ourishing in the district, notwithstanding many of the locai Elks are now in the national army serving their country.
 Besides the members of the locai lodge. those from Metcalf and Mo renci and neighboring towns who have their membership here, many of whim were in attendance, many of the lodges of this and neighboring states were represented at the big in1- tiation Saturday night. Those whose memberships are in other lodges, who were present on this occasion, were P. L. Simmons, St. Louis; T. l.. Vandavcer, Goldfield, New; c. B. Mar shall, Apollo, Pa.; W. H. Pansing, Middletown, Ohio: w. w. McMillen, Durango, Colo; F. J. Cromwell, San Pedro, Calf: ]. R. Bai!e Shm G'Neal. ". F. Seidel, w. B. Kelly, Bisbee; W'm. M. Stickney, Long Beach, Calif.; H. A. Hitt, Trinidad, Colo. c. P. Pcrkins, San Marcus, Texas; J. C.. Millman, Council Bluff, la; w. R. Tritle, Phoerix; c. M. Simon, Ouray, Colo; E. H. Ppensel, Los Angees; J. L. Feeney, Globe; Sol Litz, Trini- dad, Colo; and J. E. Madsen, Salt Lake City.