Ruth King, Lodge 165; Secretary and will cast my lot in foreign lands." As Anna Neal, Lodge 32; Vice President, she was rich and attractive, it was not long before a titled gentleman from France offered his hand in marriage. She accepted, the marriage ceremony was performed, and she went with her titled husband to Paris, opened a palace, and went in for all the enjoyments of French society. We shall not speak of the many troubles which befell her and the distress which her titled husband brought upon herself and members of her family in America. But the upshot of it is that the count has spent up to this time something like $8,000,000 of her estate, and besides has so outraged her feelings by his attentions to another woman that she has brought suit for divorce. All sisters greatly enjoyed their stay in Trenton and extend their thanks and appreciation to the sisters of Annabell Lodge 165 for the many courtesies and hospitality shown us while their guests. We adjourned hoping to have a larger attendance next year, and extending a cordial welcome and invitation to all to be present. The Eighth Annual State Meeting will be held in Nevada, Mo., June 2, 3 and 4, 1915. JESSIE LEE HAYES, Kirksville, Mo. Love Me Now The other daughter said, “I love the If you are going to love me, love me now, While I can know all the sweet and tensimple life best, and I will consecrate der feeling, myself, my talents, my mind, my woman- Which from real affection flow; hood and my fortune to the good of hu- Love me while I am living, manity." From that day she has found Do not wait until I'm gone; her pleasures in doing good. She has And then chisel it in marblenever been ostentatious; she has never Warm love words on ice cold stone. paraded herself before the public; she If you've dear, sweet thoughts about me, has found no time for the frivolities of Why not whisper them to me? society, for she has been too busy in Don't you know it makes me happy and good works for such diversions. If she as glad as I can be? had any desire for a title, save that which If you wait 'till I am sleeping, belongs to every true American woman, There will be walls of earth between, the public at least had no evidence of it, And I could not hear you then. and yet she has a title. She is known throughout the length and breadth of the land as our uncrowned American queen, and that title which has been voluntarily bestowed upon her by the American public, is a title of honor more rich and worthy than any which has been gained by inheritance or by marriage. Which of these two titled Americans do our American girls most admire? And which has had the happier life?-Loyal Workman. Missouri Annual Meeting. The Seventh Annual State Meeting of the Ladies' Society of the B. of L. F. and E., was held in Trenton, Mo., June 2d, 3d and 4th last. We had a fine attendance, all State officers being present and the majority of the lodges in the State being registered. We were honored in having with us our worthy Grand Vice President, Sister Sadie E. Schoenell, whose company we enjoyed very much, and we derived great benefit from her talks. All business was disposed of in a very satisfactory manner. For a drop of water sweet, New Lodges. Pride of San Diego Lodge 377, San Diego, Calif., was organized July 9, 1914, with eighteen charter members. Organizer Mrs. Stena Ward, Mina, Nev. Gate City Lodge 384, San Bernardino. Calif., was organized June 30, 1914, with twenty-eight charter members. Organizer Mrs. Stena Ward, Mina, Nev. Lily of the Valley Lodge, 344 Aurora, Ill., was organized July 23, 1914, with were eleven charter members. Organizer Mrs. President, Minnie Williams, Peoria, Ill. officers The following State elected for the ensuing year: San Antonio Lodge 381. San Antonio Lodge 381, Ladies' Society, an auxiliary to Alamo Lodge 263, B. of L. F. and E., San Antonio, Tex., was recently organized with twenty-nine charter members, Sister Jannie Barr of Blue Bonnett Lodge 147 acting as organizer. We found Sister Barr not only an able officer but of a very pleasing personality and hope to meet her many times to come in the future. for the good of the order and expressing pleasure and gratification because of the organization of the new lodge were delivered, and before adjourning Brother Barnett gave me a very pleasant surprise by presenting me with a handsome bar pin engraved "B. of L. F. and E., No. 83." I would like to say something specially nice of my visit to Ft. Worth, but can only think of it as one of my most pleasant days among brothers and sisters. This means a great deal, for I find the people of our two organizations always We are only twenty-nine in number, but we are willing to work industriously very good-hearted, congenial and hospitfor the uplift and increase in membership able. I thank them for making it very of our new lodge. After the work of organizing was concluded, ice cream and cake were served. pleasant for me. FANNIE EGGLESTON, We meet the first and third Fridays of each month at 3 o'clock in Reading's Organizer and Instructor, Denison, Tex. Hall. MRS. WILLIE RIDMOND, San Antonio, Tex. Ladies of Trinity Lodge 382. I am glad to announce the advent of another lodge of the Ladies' Society in Texas. The ladies of Trinity Lodge No. 382 was organized at Ft. Worth, Tex., June 17, 1914, with fourteen charter members, every one of whom are alive and full of interest in the work. A Question of Interest. I read with interest the articles appearing in our department of the Magazine and always look forward to its coming with pleasure. I have thought it would be a good plan to discuss different things that come up in conventions through our columns, but as yet have seen no letters from any of the sisters along these lines. We met in the B. of L. F. and E. hall, which is the property of the brothers, Now, one of the questions of interest is and one of the most perfectly equipped as to whether or not we should have five lodge rooms I have ever been in. Broth- Grand Vice Presidents or have instructors ers Barnett, Weatherford, Minton and as we do now? others were on hand to see that everyIt is my opinion that it is better to have thing was provided for our confort, and only one, the same as at present, for as it is needless to say we were very grate- it is, our Grand President can appoint ful for the interest shown by the brothers her instructors and if she finds they are in the new lodge. I feel sure it will not doing good work she can remove them prosper and the sisters will fulfill the at will with very little expense to the purpose of our society in "rendering as- Grand Lodge for instructors. If there sistance, encouraging the Brotherhood of were five Grand Vice Presidents elected by Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen in the convention, each would have to be its good work, extending the hand of paid a salary and each would be elected charity and helping each other in times for a period of three years, and if they of need, and elevating their social and should do poor work, they could not be intellectual standing, also in cultivating removed for the full three years and our a spirit of harmony, promoting socia- Grand President would be powerless to do bility and drawing into friendly and af- anything, while as it is she is in a posifectionate relationship the lady members tion to judge who will make the best of the Brotherhood." instructors. In the election of the five I was glad indeed to greet five sisters Grand Vice Presidents she would have no of Evergreen Lodge No. 21 of Longview, choice but would have to use those elected Tex., who came up as guests of the new by the convention whether they were lodge, and wish to thank them for assist- good or poor workers for the Ladies' ing me in many ways. As plans where- Society. by we were to have had a social meeting with the brothers in the evening could not be carried out, the brothers took charge of affairs at the close of the or ganization and served us with delicious our Ladies' Society. ice cream and cake. Many splendid talks I should like to hear from other sister lodges on this point and also on any other subject that will be of interest to our members and for the betterment of MRS. D. FRANKS, No. 66. Pride of San Diego, Ladies Society, 377. A new lodge of the Ladies' Society was organized in San Diego, Cal., which is an auxiliary to Ramona Lodge 386, B. of L. F. and E., San Diego, Cal. Pride of San Diego Lodge 377 was organized July 9, 1914, with Sister Stena Ward of Mina, Nev., acting as organizer. The lodge room was beautifully decorated in our lodge colors and flowers. When the ceremonies of organization were completed a light lunch was served, ater which we were again called to order and the installation of officers took place. We have eighteen names on our charter roll and we are looking forward to a larger membership in the near future. Sister Mary Mans was made the mother of our lodge, and Sister Julia Calloway our presiding officer. We meet in K. of P. Hall on the evening of the last Saturday of each month. MRS. EDITH SEYMOUR, Star of Perfection Lodge 380. Star of Perfection Lodge No. 380 of Argentine, Kansas City, Kans., was organized June 3, 1914, with twelve charter members-Organizer Sister Minnie Dickens of Kansas City, assisted by Sisters Davenport and Barnett, also of Kansas City. The meeting was held in the B. of L. F. and E. hall, and was called to order at 2:30 p. m. After being instructed as to our several duties, officers were elected and duly installed by our organizer. We adjourned with a feeling that our lodge could not do otherwise than meet with success. We have already added several new members and have five more to initiate at our next meeting. We meet the second and fourth Thursdays at 2 p. m., and visitors are always welcome. We have bright prospects before us and we hope to steadily increase our membership. I trust that when you hear from us again we will be one of the many flourishing lodges. OREL B. KELLEY, Argentine, Kans. Gate City Lodge 384. Gate City Lodge No. 384 was organized at San Bernardino, Cal., June 29, 1914, with a charter membership of twenty-six. Sister Stena Ward of Mina, Nev., acted as organizer. We found Sister Ward a have her with us many times again. We very able and pleasing officer and hope to expect to have a membership of seventyfive or a hundred within a very short time. After the work of organizing was completed we were served with ice cream, which was presented by the brothers. A very beautiful basket of carnations and the new lodge. ferns was presented to Sister Ward by On July 6th we held our first meeting in the afternoon at the Odd Fellows' Hall. On the same date in the evening the brother firemen held their regular meeting and after their meeting was adjourned the sisters surprised them with a banquet. Dancing and games concluded the program of the evening. The sisters wish to thank the brothers for their help in organizing our new lodge. MAGAZINE CORRESPONENT. Are We Doing Our Best? When this message finds its way into print, our glorious summer will be on the wane and the frosty tang of fall reminding us that even the most perfect season cannot last, and so sure as the night followeth the morning likewise passes away the changing seasons, leaving only the memories of what they held for you and for me Let us in retrospect review them and ask ourselves the question are we doing our best in our lodge work, and to be conscientious about it from the beginning of the year until the present time must be our backward glance. Have officers and members alike remembered the beautiful promise we made at the beginning of the year when we placed our newly-elected officers in charge of our affairs for the year of 1914? We agreed we were satisfied with our choice and they promised to work for our interest to their utmost ability. If both have lived up to our agreement, then we have done our best. First, I would ask, have we upheld and sustained those officers in all of their efforts to faithfully perform their duties? If we have cheerfully and willingly given them our support then even the poorest has made good. If we have not then the smartest and best must receive censure that does not rightfully belong upon their achievements. Members, your own hearts must answer that question, are you doing your best? So much for the members. Now, sis can exist only in a civilized community where there are laws regulating its government. Where there are no laws there can be no crime. Changes in laws are made from year to year with the progress of nations. What was a crime a century ago may not be so considered now. In other words laws are being added to our statute books every year making new crimes possible. ter officers, have you faithfully performed years. The number of crimes committed your part? Yours was a solemn obliga- naturally increases with the increase in tion and somewhere and some time for- the number of laws, which are an acgotten pledges must be accounted for. companiment of civilization, while better Have you made a business of your office, police protection renders detection of or have you simply made it child's play? crime more frequent. If your members have done their part Crime may be defined as a grave of and you have failed in yours, then you fense against morality or social order and have misplaced the loving confidence your sisters proudly placed upon you when they gave you the best they had to offer, and the best means every office in the lodge work. Each one has a dignity of its own. If at any time you imagine the minor offices are not of much account, remember the woman who annointed the Saviour's feet. Her name has gone down the ages throughout the religious world. There is no child's play attached to the work of the Ladies' Society-our ritual is from beginning to close a sweetly solemn thought. Its purpose is our mutual benefit. Our prayers originated from hearts that lived and suffered and loved, and were written to comfort other hearts that must ache and sorrow, also it is for us to place the halo around the entire work of our order that shall radiate as precious gems for all of time. Officers and members, are you doing your best? If you are then the best will return to you. IMOGENE BATES. The Problem of Today. Not many years ago the insane were supposed to be possessed by devils and were scourged and chained like wild beasts, and I believe the time is coming when the criminal problem and its solution no longer will be restricted to the processes of law but will be considered from a medical standpoint as well. Great advance already has been made in the humane treatment of the criminal, and methods are now adopted to secure reformation rather than to secure the infliction of punishment. An enlightened public is beginning to understand that the criminal is confined not so much for punishment as to insure society against his depredations. It is also true that the various forms of mental alienation, epilepsy and defectiveness, are more quickly recognized and the unfortunate persons suffering from such defects more speedily placed in institutions for treatment than formerly. The very fact of the existence of such humane treatment tends to prolong the lives of those in the public institutions; therefore, society of today is not protected by the natural law of the "survival of the fittest," as was the case in the earlier Crime is the expression of criminality, which may be acquired or inherited. In hereditary criminality we find it in its most incurable form. This implies moral depravity-lack of the ethical sense. A person may break a law, thus committing a crime, and not be morally depraved. Criminality is a diseased condition existing before a crime is committed and continuing after its detection. A criminal has been defined as one whose powers of resistance are less than the stimuli that arises from the active motor impulse excited by excessive selfishness, malice, passion or misunderstanding of environment. For the cost of crime read Mr. Eugene Smith's "Cost of Crime," also Davenport in his "Eugenics," also Dugdale's carefully prepared genealogy of a criminal family by the name of "Jukes," and many, many others. Dr. F. W. Robertson says: "I have never known and I do not recall any reported case where imbecile parents have produced a normal child. So far as I have been able to observe the marriage of imbeciles has been followed by the birth of defective children. Nor can I find recorded anything to alter the generally accepted opinion that the army of mental defectives with all its attendant criminality is largely recruited from this source, there being a close relation between imbecility and criminality." Maudsley rightly says of the criminal class: "Crime is a sort of an outlet in which their unsound tendencies are discharged. They would go mad if they were not criminals, and they do not go mad because they are criminals." Some accidental criminals may be like the normal man, but no more fallacious conclusion could be reached than one that contends that the hereditary or instinctive criminal may, by being placed in a proper environment for a short time, be con- Lodge 377 L. S. Instituted. verted into a normal individual. Two characteristics of the criminal and defective classes are, the small amount of self control they exhibit and the absence of fixed purposes or perseverance. Excluding from consideration the moral and ethical endowment, it is the lack of these two qualities that place a large number of defectives in the ranks of the criminal. Having no purpose in life nor the perseverance to follow any undertaking, they drift around, eager for adventure; and without the self restraint or will power to resist a temptation, they readily yield to crime and soon exhibit their hereditary criminality. There is probability of the reformation of the accidental criminal but very little for the hereditary type. We have been paying too much attention to environment and not enough to cause. Every public-spirited citizen should be interested in the improvement of the Call this improvement eugenics, or whatever you like, the necessity for its consideration is unaltered. race. MARGARET BOSTIC. A Pilgrim's Prayer. Guard Thou me, gentle Saviour, 'till my Claim Thou, Thy own, my soul is Thine, Let me but do Thy will, dear Lord, all sinful thoughts expel; Control my mind, let it direct to keep me free from stain, To do Thy heav'nly will, O Lord; let me from sin refrain. Guard Thou my tongue, let it speak peace, and never let it pain Another by an unkind word, dear Lord, my tongue restrain; Guide my aberrant feet through life, lest they lead me astray; Guide them along the narrow path, from Guard Thou my hands, let them be used Thee, sweet Saviour, let them see Thy thorn-crowned brow, Thy bloody wounds, Who died for love of me; Guard Thou my ears, let Thy voice reach my heart teach me to pray; Without Thy help, how soon we drift from Thee, dear Lord, away. On Thursday, July 9, 1914, a new sister lodge was instituted in this beautiful city by the Pacific Ocean, named Pride of San Diego, Lodge No. 377, with eighteen charter members. Lodge 386 is as proud of this new lodge as we would be of a new-born babe in our family. We wish them all kinds of success and we will help them all we D. L. MARRS, Recording Secretary 386, B. of L. F. and E. can. Gossip. A woman tells of a little happening carried along from the days of childhood because of its simple impressiveness and because of the way it often changed an impulse once she called it to mind. When she was a very small maid she came home from school one day all astir with excitement over a story another little miss had told concerning a third, a mutual friend. All eagerness to repeat the childish gossip she hurried to the room where her mother and grandmother were sitting and with quite apparent relish told the details from start to finish, but the keen edge of her pleasure was gone at the reception of the story by her mother, who listened to the recital with head well bent over her work and with lips tightshut. Dismayed a bit, she still hoped for better things from her indulgent grandmother, to whom she turned for the ex pected comment, but it came in a surprisawhile, after a moment's thought, becking way for the grandmother, silent for oned the little girl to her side, and sug gested that they go up to her room to gether. When they reached the quiet shelter of the upstairs room-the little maid whose life was all before her and the white-haired woman who was on the sunset side of the hill-the grandmother told the child she had something for her which would win many friends as the years went by. Wonderingly, the child waited for the magic something that sounded like a gift from fairyland, but all that came to her was a little white card. On it, in brilliant letters of blue and gold, she read the words: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? And then came the grandmother-sermon, which sank deep-down in the littlegirl mind, and the little-girl heart as well. |