Evening star., 1921-04-20
PRESIDENT tAUDS
PyTH|AN TENETS
Says FraternaI Order Teach
ings, if " Generally Ac-
cepted, Would Bar Wars.
ADDRESSES LOCAL LODGE
Welcomed by Large Gathering at
Anniversary Celebration, Follow
ing His Return From New York.


Warning among nations of the world
would end and the distress and misery
and suffering among the world yeoples
would be removed, If fraternallsm.
such as is taught by the Knights of
Pythias, could be instituted as the
guiding ideal and principle in every
land, was the declaration made by
President Harding last night before
a large gathering of local Pythians
in old Temperance Hall, E street be-
tween 9th and 10th streets.
The occasion was the celebration of
the f1fty-seventh anniversary of the
knights of Pythias by Webster Lodge.
No. Z, of the District of Columbia. The
President, or Brother Harding" as he
was introduced, is a member of Candy
Lodge, No. 81, Marion, Ohio, and he
spoke with deep feeling as he lauded
fraternalism and the principles of
this order. He was in the hall only a
short time, going directly there from
the Union Station on his return from
New York at 1880 o'clock. and he and
the several members of his party who
accompanied him on the New York
trip received a rousing welcome as
they entered.
Proud of His Membership.
"My membership in the knights of
Pythias is one of my proudest possess
sions," the President said Il have al
ways cherished its teachings as an in
spiration for good and as dedication
to honesty, liberty and justice. 1 am a
firm believer in fraternal organizations.
They so far toward the making of bet
ter citizens and sounder and finer ma
TONS 1 am happy to be here tonight
to address you on the occasion of this
notables celebration, to speak of my
pride and faith in hte order
II have Travelled 500 miles today to
preach the gospel Of fraternalism among
nations"
The President, who was accompanied
by his secretary. George Christian, and
his personal physician. Brig, Gen.
Charles E Sawyer. returned to the
Hhite Houe at midnight.
Large Class Initiated.
Preceding the arrival of the Presi-
four candidates was initiated into the
order. This, according to officials.
is the largest class ever initiated
at one time in the history of the or
ganiZation. John B. Dickman. su-
preme representative of Pythians in
this city. presided as master of cere-
monies: Fred Wheaton, supreme keep
er of the seals OF. the order, gave an
interesting narrative of the founding
of the Knights of Pythias in the very
han in which last nights celebration
was being held.
Otnef SPEAKERS ana Theme8.
Other speakers on the program with
President Harding were: Tom Con-
nally, deputy supreme chancellor,
"Pythianism. Its Growth and Glory;
Fred B. Wheaton, supreme keeper of
records and seal, "The Genesis of
Knighthood"; Edgar c. Snyder. ''The
Founding Of Pythianism"; William F.
Broening, supreme representative,
"Pythian Friendship; Col John Tenn
pie Graves, "Fraternalism"; Maj. Ed
ward Dunn. past supreme chancellor,
''The Olden Time: Oden B. Gray,
grand chancellor, "Present-day Pyth-
ianism in the District of Columbia:
Albert kahlert, supreme representa-
der-A Nationaf~ Pythian Temple in
Washington; Perry P. Patrick, past
grand chancellor. ''The Immortal
Thirteen; John NJ. Kline, past su-
preme representative, "Reminis-
cences"; William A. Kimmel, past
grand chancellor, ~Our Future; Ben
jamin F. Shaffer, past grand chan
cellor Of Maryland. "Win Damon Re-
turn?"
The audience included members of
Congress and Secretary of Labor John
J. Davis.