= law! ee “4 anf 2 VOLUME IL. . BELOIT, KANSAS, \ e 4 LIN Y at SHBOR. SEPTEMBER, 1901. NUMBER 9. Strength Not Weakness. [From National Fraternal Press Association. ] Those who did not desire the success of the fraternities were pleased when the discussion of mortality tables and rates began in our societies. They thought that the weakness of the fra- ternal beneficiary system would become so apparent that the whole structure would fall to the ground; this has not been the case, however. ‘‘Strength, not weakness, has been shown. ’’ The more the question of adequate rates has been discussed, the stronger the fraternities have become, and the| end is not yet. The discussion will con- tinue until the matter is properly and rightly settled. Strength has been shown because some of the societies have made radical changes, and the intelligence of the membership has en- abled them to see the necessity of the change and to accept itin proper man- ner. Other societies will, in the near future, make the needed changes, and one after another until al] of them are on a proper basis. While this is be- ing done the membership will steadily increase; the increase much of it will come from those who have not had faith in the outcome of the fraternal insurance business but owing to the substantial foundation on which it will be standing will be attracted to them. True, some will lapse and fall by the wayside. These will be the heed- less, those who will not read or listen to the presentation of the facts, those who will continue to cling to one or the other of tine old and erroneous ideas which were entertained in the beginning of the work. There are other business features that will be added that will invite the attention of those seeking insurance, features that will add strength to the fraternities. Societies will not con- . fine themselves to a single line of work ; the field will be broadened. The time will come, and it will not be far distant, when you will find two or more rates used by the same society. That is, a person desiring to join a given society can take his choice of a fixed payment or a step rate or some modified rate being a part of both these plans. The idea that this society or that one has the only plan will very soon have had its day and will be a thing of the past. All rates or tables will be figured from a stand- ard mortality table, presumably that of the National Fraternal Congress, hence no difference which one you se- lect, it will of necessity be correct. Therefore, the option of selection will be with the applicant. Another source of strength is the retention in the management of effi- cient men. Every lover of the frater- nities ought to hail with delight this feature. The passing of the offices around is a source of weakness. Other lines of business only make changes for cause. Our opponents view with alarm the strength which is being shown by some of our societies by the retention of worthy men in the manage- ment. We all ought to rejoice in the re-election for the fifth time worthy a officers in one of our societies. Aye, for the twentieth time in another. With correct mortality tables to cal- culate from, with proper and adequate rates, with the extension of our field of work, with the politics eliminated and good and successful management retained year after year, there will come a strength to the fraternities which will overcome obstacles and command the business of protecting our homes against all opposition. He who thinks that the fraternal beneficiary society has nearly lived out ing and evening than to occupy the chair of any bank president we ever knew and we have known several. There are farmers leading a slavish life but they alone are to blame. There may be contentment and smiles on the farm. Gratified With Success. A Neighbor from Spring Green, Wis., writes: ‘‘The fact, that an ex- change of thoughts and opinions not and enthuse—coupled with the pleas- Our New Supreme Physician, DR. ELNORA GILSON-WHITMORE, 804 Topeka Avenue, Topeka, Kansas. its day of usefulness will find himself sadly mistaken. Valuable as has been the work of the past, the future will be more prolific of good. All lines of life insurance will be compelled to rec- ognize the usefulness of the fraterni- ties in the betterment of social and fi- nancial conditions. The average farmer is a grumbler. He complains and thinks he has the most unbearable lot in life. Most farmers think they would like to oc- cupy the bank ‘president’s chair, live in town and wear good clothes. We would rather ride the seat of a sulky plow eight hours a day and then sit on a milking stool two hours each morn- ure afforded by reading the communi- cations from our various neighboring camps--prompts us to chronicle the progress and some of the doings of Ar- bor Camp, 2145. Our camp was or- ganized in May, 1900, with twenty- two charter members ; we now number ber thirty-seven, of which number six- teen are beneficiaries, seven new mem- bers having been admitted since Janu- ary 1. It is needless to say all of our meetings have been very enjoyable as well as instructive. We have added to our local fund by giving several socials and entertainments. On Independ- ence day we figured conspicuously in the entertainment given, when a par- only enlightens, but tends to encourage | ty. ade of floats was arranged, represent- ing the different industries and fra- ternities of our town. Our float, beau- tifully draped in purple and white, in- termingled with the National colors, stars and stripes, and drawn by four horses decked with purple and white plumes, made a fine showing. It con- stituted the officers of our lodge, draped in Grecian robes of white, with pur- ple shoulder scarfs, wearing crowns and bearing the emblems of our socie- They were arranged in pyramid form, with oracle at the apex. It made an ideal living picture, beautiful to look upon, so much so, that it secured us the first prize of $5 awarded by the judges, which decision was sanctioned universally. With an eye to business. we also arranged a booth in which we served refreshments, ice cream, etce., the proceeds of which increased our local fund to the snug sum of $83.25. The harmony and good cheer which prevailed among the neighbors that day made itself contagious even beyond the circle of our soci- ety. We feel gratified with the suc- cess attained in our every effort to further the best interests of our camp, and fraternity at large, and attribute that success to the efficient and untir- ing energy exerted by our worthy or- acle and the hearty co-cperation of our minor officers and members, and it is the earnest desire of all that we continue to labor and build up our cause by each being willing to be our own best self—which is all that is re- quired of us—remembering that a full pint measure, is as full as a full quart; and by being willing to over- come the environments and ignore the rocks ani chasms which obstruct the way.’ A Northcott Flower Social. Danville, Ill.—It has been a little over a year since you received the lit- tle message from Northcott Camp of Royal Neigbors and I wish to remind you that our camp is progressing rap- idly. We have a membership of eighty and are gaining all the time. In con- nection with our camp we have our ‘‘Northcott Flower Society.’’ I wish to tell you of only a few of the many good times we have. Our society was organized at Mrs. J.F. Depke’s on May 17, 1900. On last May 17, Mrs. Depke gave us one of the largest banquets ever given in our city; in honor of our first anniversary. Mrs. Depke is oar camp marshal. We now havea mem- bership of thirty. Last April six united and gave us a big banquet at Mrs. Baily’s, it being their birthday. The svuciety gave four otf them pins and two of them gold fruit spoons. Since we have been organized we have _ bought ten Royal Neighbor pins for those who have had birthday anniversaries. We have sent flowers and delicacies to fourteen sick Neighbors. At each place we meet we leave a nice quilt as a me- mento of our visit. Our society has greatly benefited our camp. We meet twice a month and it helps us to re- member all our Neighbors and keeps the good times going on. Our Brother Woodmen are always ready to help. Everything is in our favor. We would be glad to welcome any visiting Royal Mrs. EMMA KITTLE. Neighbor.