Kansas Odd-Fellow from Belle Plaine, Kansas • 4

KANSAS ODD FELLOW Tno lust national houso of representatives consisted of 152 republicans and 130 democrats; tho next house will consist of 191 democrats and 119 republicans. President Arthur on Saturday pardoned Sargcant Mason, who has now served over a year's imprisonment rublished tho 1st and 15th of Every Month, at Hello Plaino, Kausas. One Dollar a Year. J.J. BURNS, Publisher.

Entered at tho Postoilioo Bolio 1'luina Kansas, as kocond Class Matter. KliLIiK PXjAInk, Kan. )L 1, 1883. A 0 JES. San Francisco Call While the Robekah Deg reo has not reached the success that its adherents years ago desired, and while it is hampered and retarded by several unwise and laws and customs, yet must not bo supposed that it is a dead letter or that is not doing a good work, notwithstanding its disadvantages.

Grand Secretary Boss reports to the S. G. L. that these Lodges number 995 with 19,242 brothers and 20,553 sisters. Thcro aro also 4,790 brothers and 5,251 sisters who arc not members of an It.

P. lodge. Tho total of the degree December 31, 1882, was 49,842, as December 31, 1881. During 1': there weee admitted 3, -767 broth Pi i and 3,318 sisters, while 1,070 brothers withdrew or died as did 1,722 sisters. Last year these lodges relieved 72 brothers, 367 sisters, 30 widows and 11 orphans, and buried 126 brothers and 158 sisters, at an expense of $11,345.95.

In New York the details are as follows: 63 lodges, 1,688 brothers, 1,961 sisters; total, 8648 making New York fifth in rank. On December 31, 1831, the total membership was 2,961. For relief tho 11. 1). lodges expended in New York $4,810.79.

In this term the New York 11. 1). lodges far exceeded all others, for the next largest jurisdiction is California, which disbursed $1,163.75 in relief. for attempting to shoot Guitcau. Betty and tho baby aro entirely happy again.

An Otnaha preacher 6ays the prot-estnuts embrace three times as many womeu as men. Prof. Hodge's statistics ot the growing popularity of tho church can now be accounted, for on entirely unobjectionable grouuds. Joaquin Miller has purchased a lot on the heights north of Washington, and lit eposes to erect thereon a log cabin, fac-siniile of that in which he spout ni.n.youuger days. Its floor is to be covered with skins and furs, trophies of his Rocky mountain hunt.

Its walls are to be hung with bows, arrows, rifb wampum in a word, all sorts ot elics of his long sojourn among tho Mo Iocs. His bed is to be a grass hammock, and his writing desk the only sigu of civilization about the establishment. Dr. Billings, of Washington, who mace the estimates for the census, says the death for the whole country in the year of 1880 was not less', thau 17 per 1000, aud not more than 19 per 1,000, while the rate for Washington is 17.4. Among the white population of the country Mr.

Billings estimates the annual death rate per 1,000 during the census year at about 15, and among the colored population at about 18 per 1,000. Taking the cities alone, the average death rate in the cities of 150,000 inhabitants or greater, ranges much higher than in Washington, being over 21 per 1,000, instead of 17.4 as in that city, while if the colored population there were cut down to tho percentage which obtains The Slate Teacher's association will hold its twenty-fourth annual session in Topeka, beginning Wednesday, December 26. The programme as pres ared by Superintendent Speer is an excellent one and will be very interesting. Reduced rates have been secured at all of the Topeka hotels, a large attendance is expected. The Emporia Normal school, through Miss L.

F. Iloxie, professor of drawing, invites the co-operation of all institutions and schools Kansas in making a special exhibit of work in this department of education, at the association meeting, with a view to arousing a more general interest in the subject. For information regarding plan of same, address the state superintendent, Topeka, or Miss L. F. Emporia.

Wellington, Nov. 26. A fire broke out iu a millinery shop in the middle of the business portion of this city this morning at 7:30 Seven business houses were destroyed, with a loss of about insurance, 6,000. A large part of the stocks of merchandise were saved. The total loss on stock is insurance, $12,000.

The Adams and Wells Fargo express offices, with all their books, and freight and the Western Union Telegraph office were a total loss. The burnt block is opposite the one burned two years ago this month. It consisted principally ot rickety old frame buildingi, and will be rebuilt immediately substantially. In the meantime the burned out merchants have stored their goods in the skating rink, as there is not a vacant business room in the city. throws a mantle of sympathy over tho failings of a brother, yea it a multitudo of fins.

Love workcth no ill to ones neighbor, but makes ns charitable and kind, gentle and generous. It makes ono self forgetful and self-sacrificing for others. It removes all bitterness, strife and envy and makes us kind 0110 to another. Lovo is heaven-born. It is God-given.

May wo all posess it. Truth. Pilate in a sneering, sarcastic self important manner, asked what As though there was no a Hung. Scales have fallen j'roin the eyes of multiplied millions of our nice since then and men have come to know that notwithstanding tho vast amount of error in the world truth is asserting itself in its triumphs over evil. Truth is the foundation of all we hold most sacred aud valuable in life It is the basis and bond of friendslh.i and love.

It is eternal and unchangeable. It centers in llim who is "from everlasting to everlasting," "the same yesterday, to-day and forever." Truth is precious. One has said, "buy the truth and sell it not." Prov. 23 23. It abhors things low and groveling, things deceptive and dark.

It shrinks not from the closest investigation. Invites the closest scnting, the severest tests. Truth seeks the light. Truth is the great emancipator. It, makes meu free.

It breaks tho shackles which sin has forged and delivers mau from the bondage thereof. It makes men honest in their dealings; in their professions of friendship and in the motives which prompt their actions. The world greatly needs veracity in all that pertains to mortals. Truth crushed to earth will rise again. Truth is mighty, it most prevail.

Shall not our noble Order bear some part in the good triumph of truth over error of right over wrong. As a Brotherhood may we receive in our hearts and practice in our lives these heaven-born principles of our Order. Then shall we not have lived in vain. Our Order will continue to flourish. It will grow in Influence and usefulness.

Millions will riso up to call her blessed. Eeligion will find 111 her a helpmate. Suffering will be relieved. Crime will deminish. Peace and good will take the place of envy and strho and mankind Avill live as the great Creator intended in unity as Brothers.

To do this we must keep our ranks pure, must guard well the entrance to our Orddr, doubtless our worst enemies are to be found in the Brotherhood. To live up to the true spirit of Odd Fellowship, we must needs secure a personal interest in Jesus Christ the good Samaritan the true friend of suffering humanity, the loving Savior who was indeed the truth. May the infinite Father bless and prosper our Brotherhood. May her mission bo extended and become more and more elfieicut until man shall recognize in his fellow man as a brother when peace and good will shall everywhere prevail and when under the influence of Christiauity, religiousness shall cover the earth as the waters over the great deep, when swords shall be beatcu iuto plowshares, and spears into pruuing-hooks; when nations shall lears war no more. Then mankind truly rccogdize the Fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of men.

God speed the day and to him be all the glory. a From Toronto. In traveling over your state I laid over here a few weeks. The most attractive part of Odd Fellowship is seen here where a stranger is made to feel as though he was at home, and I must say that they caunot be excelled even by old lodges for correct work which is, or should be, credited to their D. 1).

G. G. W. Brown, who has not been absent one night since tho lodge was instituted. lie has every word of the unwritten work perfect and knows how to give it correct, lie does not use a charge book in any work, can fill any aud every office in a lodge without a book, or confer the initiatory and all the other degrees without looking in a book.

Such a man is worth any amount of careless inattentive men in a lodge. I must say that cither the grand officers does not know his merits or do not appreciate them. Such a man ought to be kept traveling to instruct the ignorant lodges. T. W.

pretentious land, notwithstanding many difficulties, has grown in numbers, iuflucuce and power so as to challenge and receive tho admiration of the world. I am reminded of your wish to have presented on this occasion some of the aims of Odd Fellowship. I begiu by saying Odd Fellowship is an eminently practical institution. With principles broad and comprehensive a foundation based on eternal truth and 'lid in tho acknowledgement of uni rsal fraternity wo may truly say it 8 aims is to bless tho world. Among tho outward works of tho Otler we note it requires its mem-be to visit the sick.

The question is invuribly asked. Does any ono know of a sick brother? This is no idle question, no mere dead form. Whenever one is sick and in need, of assistance, willing hands and warm hearts hasten to his relief. Those surrounded by friends and the conifortsof home may not fully appreciate this; but to one whose lot is cast among comparative strangers, or whose friends have become wearied by care and constant watching, the presenco of these brothers in the sick room is of more value than gold. Iu-deod money will not purchase the attention and sympathy so much need ed aud so lVcely bestowed.

I requires its members to relieve the distressed. The history of the race as vell as our own observation and experience has taught us, man is not independent of his fellow man. True there are times, when, favored with health and strength, men are, on a measure, independent, not even then we know not what an hour may bring forth. The future moments are veiled in mystery. In this world of constant charge; this busy active age, we know not how soon adversity may overtake us; personal safety may be endangered or financial distress be our portion and we may, need assistance.

Doubtless there are those who are overseusative in adversity; whose pride would prevent them making known their wants who shrink with horror at tho thought of becoming objects of charity. Odd Fellowship relieves from both the cmbarassnient and the real distess. It gladly lends a helping hand. There need be no sense of shame or of humiliation in receiving the benefits of the Order at such a time. It is not charity in the common acceptance of that term.

It is justly due the worthy brother. The recipient is simply receiving that which in his more prosperous days he has regularly and freely contributed. It buries the dead. Death, who so often comes unbidden, and who is no respecter of persons, claims his victims among us. Tho earthly ties which so firmly bind us cannot resist this last enemy of man.

"When a brother is sick wo watch with him we sit by his bedside to cool his fevered brow and moisten his parched lips to carefully administer restoratives prescribed by the faithful physician, and if possible cairn his anxious mind. But alas, ho often, after all that mortal can do, death takes the loved one away. With sorrowful hearts the body is prepared for the tomb. The brotherhood are found among the mourners as the procession winds its way to the silent city of the dead. The casket is placed in the grave, where, alter the beautifully impressive service of the Order, the last sad rites are performed by sympathetic brothers.

Are any left dependent upon this departed brother? Wife? Children? Tho grief-stricken wife finds Odd Fellowship a true friend in her hour of need. Orphan children find protection that is invaluable, oftentimes being supported aud educated by the liberal provisions of the Order. Since its organization there has been paid into the treasuries of subordinate lodges more than eighty eight millions of dollars. Thirty-three millions have been paid out in beuefits. One million Brothers have been relieved.

One hundred and thirty-three thousand families have been assisted and ninety-six thousand Brothers buried. Statistics, astonishing though they be, can never do justice to this subject. Eternity alone can reveal the amount of good done in the silent ministrations of this Brotherhood. The kind council given, encouragement bestowed and innumerable kind offices performed of which no record is kept, save in tho hearts of tho recipients and by llim who watches tio sparrows fall and inspires our hearts to deeds of kindness. These outward works aro highly commendable.

No ouo will presume to say ought against them. All good men must bid them godspeed yet thoso aro but results and pale in comparison wiih her inward works. Odd Fellowship teaches and urges upon her members and the world, great, practical, yes divine lessons, among which we find most promi-ieni tho Fatherhood of God aud the Brotherhood of man. Among tho lirst requirements of the Order is tho recognition of tho Supremo Bslug. It demands of every applicant an expression of trust in God.

No Atheist can honestly gain admission to our ranks. The bible has a prominent place in the lodge room. Its sacred lessons are read and respected among us. Every one is plainly informed that nothing is required of them which will, in any way, interfere with their duties to God, their fellow men, their country or themselves. Man is recognized as a Brother, Odd Fellowship makes no distinction between tho rich and the poor.

All meet on an equality. All are alike honored. We are Brothers. To encourage aud promote the growth of true Brotherhood, she writes over the arch of her temples and inscribes upon her bauuers, the three great cardinal principles of the Order. Frieudehsp, Love and Truth.

A precious combination. He who is guided by these principles will become what every Odd Fellow ought to be, a virtuous and high minded man. These elements will produce the highest possible type of Brotherhood. Friendship is not a mere name, but to the noble aud generous it is a term full of meaning, a blessed vciity. It cements kindred hearts like those of David and Jonathan as manifested at the stone Ezel.

Sam. 20, 17. That man is poor indeed who has no friends. Bacon said "there is little friendship in the world," doubtless this is too true, yet to find a person for whom no one entertains kindly feelings would be a rare exception. Friendship is indispensable to the development of our humanity.

We are social beings aud are so constituted as to require the society of orr fellow men. An isolated person with no desire for or feelings of friendship towards others is scarcely human. Friendship enables and enlarges the understanding, enriches the affections and figures largely in tne formation of character. The true friend is not totally olind to our imperfections, lie will tell us of our faults so kindly we cannot take offense, but, on the contrary, Ave love him the better for it. "Faithful are the words of a friend." Prov.

27, 6. The true friend would guard our reputation in our absence would shield us from the shafts of calumny by pointing to our virtues would be slow to accept unfavorable reports and would always give us the benelit of a doubt. Friendship is constant unwavering. Not only in prosperity, when fortune smiles; when honors are bestowed lavishly; when success crowns every elfort; but in adversity when the darK days come in times of financial disaster followed by social and political defeat when professed friends are turned into friends when man most needs help it is then true friendship asserts herself; then it proves itself a "friend that slickcth closer than a brother." Love, the crowning virtue of our blessed christiauity. The sum of all our duties to our God and to our fellow men.

Thou shalt love tho Lord thy God, Love is the fulfilling of the law the very escense of Deity, most beautifully manifest in the gift of the only begotten Son of God for man's redemption. Love is not confined to the narrow circle of our most intimate friends and acquaintances; not limited to our political party, our lodge room, our church, our family or ourselves. It is a broad, comprehensive, deep-seated affection for all mankind. Love earnestly longs for aud contributes towards the uplifting of suffering humanity. Love sullereth long and is kind.

It rejoiceth not in iniquity yet it 1. 0. O. F. Andreas, By Rev.

II. Waitt at the dedication of the Hall of Belle Phiine Lodge No. 198. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, Bros.

It gives me pleasure to be with you to-day to meet so many old friends so many with whom I as initiated into the mysteries of this noble brotherhood; to mingle with you and enjoy the festivities of this grand triumph of thto live lodge of Odd Fellows. I thank you fur the honor conferred upon me by your kind invitntion to address you at this time. Most gladly do I respond, hoping by so doing to say something of benelit to all present and which may redound to the good of the Order aside. I believe we are working under that head now. It is not my purpose to weary you with an extended account of the orig-on of this Order.

You. Brothers, are, or should be familiar with this. For the benefit of our friends I may say, we, as an organization, lay no claim to great antiquity. Our origin is of comparatively recent date. True, we, with modesty, might mention the'lirst man living Ms an Odd Fellow.

We point with pride to the character of who, in his kindness towards David, acted the principles we hold dear. The parable of the good Samaritan furnishes a lesson we love to study, in that it gives us an ideal of the true Odd Fellow in his labor of love. The principles of Odd Fellowship are older than the world, and emanate from the Giver of every oood and perfect gift. American Odd Fellowship is only sixty-four years of age, only a babe as. yet, young and vigorous with an exceedingly bright future before it.

It was of li limbic origin; of a small and impropitious beginning. Its founders 'were a mere handful of men in the Iowcj walks of life, without money or great influence. They were men acquainted with the ills of life, men familiar with the toil and trials the cares and conflicts of earths less-favored ones. Men who felt the need of huniau sympathy whose hearts were moved with tender compassion towards others whose entire being was thrilled with a burning desire to benefit mankind. Trul-, ''they builded better than they knew" for the weak, obscure, un Dentil From Passion.

Cases in which death results from the phyeical excitement consequent consequent on mental passion are, according to the Lancet, not uncommon. A recent instance has again called attention to the matter. Unfortunately those persons who are prone to sudden and overwhelming outbursts of ill temper do not, as a rule, recognize their propensity or realize the perils to which it exposes them while the stupid idea that such deaths occur in passion, and which are directly caused by it, ought to be ascribed to "the visitation of God," tends to divert attention from the common sense lesson which such deaths should teach. It is most unwise to allow the mind to excite tho brain and body to such extent as to endanger life itself. We do not sufficiently appreciate tho need and value of mental discipline as a corrective of bad habits and a preventive of disturbances by which happiness aud life itself are too oiteu.