here to discuss, much less to determine. Each has done its work in its
own way, and pockets responsibility for results. Common courtesy and
candor suggest that each has been largely animated by highest and
worthiest of motives.


ODD-FELLOWSHIP,

Reared upon the broad catholic principle of brotherhood, extending its
helpful hand from nation to nation, and from continent to continent,
linking its votaries together with the golden triple chain of
Friendship, Love and Truth, can afford to be friendly with each, and
have a kindly word for all societies that reach down after and raise up
a fallen brother, and if possible make him wiser, better and happier.
Should a like courtesy be extended to this order, while it would
certainly constitute a new departure, it would prove none the less
gratifying. But, from certain sources, the order has been the
recipient of a peculiar kind of consideration, so long that "the memory
of man scarce runneth to the contrary." Inflamed appeals and bristling
denunciations have gone out against it, "while great, swelling
words"--swollen with hatred, bigotry, prejudice and superstition--have
assailed it relentlessly and almost uninterruptedly. Mainly, these
assaults have been met with the terse and pointed invocation, "Father,
forgive them; they know not what they do."

That this great and potent brotherhood may not, in all its parts and
jurisdictions, have so deported itself, and so carried forward its
work, as to be justly free from unfavorable criticism and merited
censure, is probably true. As with organizations, there is sometimes
too much haste displayed in gathering, and too little discrimination