New Britain herald., 1922-03-14
'SHIFTER' SOCIETY
 PLACED UNDER BAN
heriden H. s. Principal Wants
 None Of It There

Meriden. March 1.-The activities and growth of the Shifter society whose Inembers are nationally known as Holy Shifters," were banned in the Meriden High school when an official edict was issued by Principal Francis l.. Bacon at the weekly as- sembly yesterday, to the effect that the local order of the national society should be discontinued as far as the school pupils were concerned.
 The order, which had been antici- pated by local Shifters several days ago, was received with a mixed feel ing of joy and sorrow; the older mem- bers being little alarmed after days of successful canvassing for membership which netted them very satisfactory material results, but the newer mem- bers are considerably put out' at the banning of the orders activities, especially those who have not gained enough in proceeds from the new members to make up for their own initiation fees.
 Started in New England.
 The Holy Shifters started in a New England high school and the order has been spreading through colleges and high schools with amazing ra- pidity. The order was introduced at Meriden High school but week or two ago, and it was said yesterday that more than half of the pupils had received official Shifter badges, which sign of membership in this locality is brass paper clip worn on the coat lapel or in some conspicuous place.
 There is no doubt that the Shifters would have soon spread to the extent that all pupils would have been members for there is no profit in join ing this unique organization unless you get as many others as possible to join. You get more out of it than you put in," is the motto of the Shifters. The occult ritual of the order runs something as follows: The Secret Oath
 A boy or girl who knows the secretes of the Holy Shifters meets a friend and asks him if he wants to join the Shifters. If the latter is agreeable. as is usually the case, he is initiated then and there He is then solemny given the oath, which runs something like this: q do solemnly swear to honor and obey the rules and regulations of the Secret Order of the Holy Shifters and promise to spread it's power and influence"
 Expensive Procedure. At this point the secret grip is given. This consists of placing the palm of your hand across the palm of the person being initiated, and then putting your hand in your pocket. Following this the novice is asked to repeat these words slowly: "What-do-you want?" And here is where the big secret is out. The person who has initiated his friend, promptly asks for something which being met, he in turn starts and which the initiate owns, or has the means to procure, such as pack age of cigarettes, a sundae, a ticket to the theater, or anything he wants. The newly member is honor bound to grant his initiator's request, which being men, he in turn starts out on a membership canvass and the ritual is repeated.
 Considers It a Joke.
 Principal Bacon said that he con- sidered the Holy Shifter society a joke, and that he expected that the High school pupils would view it in the same light. He pointed out that the organization of secret societies was against the rules and regulations of the High school and that tho Shifter society would have to be for- | gotten.