CHAPTER XXIX.

THE MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
This society is oath-bound, secret, of a religious char- acter and this is Masonic in its teaching and ceremonial. The proofs of it are found in Woodman's Handbook and in the Ritual, both published in 1894, by order of the Head Camp. The order is an Illinois corporation, work- ing under a charter granted May 5, 1884. It was founded at Lyons, low-a, in 1883, by Joseph C. Root, a prominent Freemason, an Odd-Fellow, a Knight of Pytliias, member of the American Legion of Honor and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. That ^lasonic teaching was adopted is clear, from the fol- lowing, which is found on page XLIV of the "Selected Literature" part of the Handbook. There we read : * * * "The fellowsliips of religion are the strongest and deepest, the sweetest and most satisfying of all the unions and fraternities of man. But for some reason or other the churches have not attracted to their fellow- ship the toiling masses ; the strong and big-hearted men of our day are not always found in the pews. Where is the fault ? Is the church's light too pale, or her heart throbs too faint, her blood too thin and cold, her sym- ])athy too perfunctory and heartless? And why does she not draw within her walls the brawn and muscle
167
of our land? Why are not the rugged, sturdy toilers attracted to her shrine for the sympathy and fello\\^ship their hearts crave? Why are not the young men warm- ing their neglected and shivering hearts at her sacred altar? Because the church has not used her oppor- tunity, iior been the place and home it should be to satisfy the cravings and restless throbs of humanity's great and famished heart. Fraternities like the Modern Woodmen of America respond to the need of the human heart; strong, toiling men binding themselves together to bear each other's sorrows, and contribute to ^^ach other's joys. In their humanity, their warmth, their thoughtful consideration for the emergencies and neces- sities of this world they stand in strihing contrast to that religion whose only thought and investment is in the next world * * * "
According to this the Church has outlived her use- fulness and the Lodges or Camps are to take her place.
On page 179 of the Handbook we read : "Through our lodge system and the obligations and teachings of our rituals we bind our organizations closely together in bonds of fraternal support, aid and S3anpathy."
The framer of the ritual has this to say on page 265 of the Handbook ; * * * "Having determined upon creating the fabric, the next question was, what shall be its form, shape and name? Various conceptions of a: form of ceremoiiies came to mind, but every one lacked newness or originality. In one, Odd-Fellowship sug- gested the idea, in another ^lasonry had already con- ceived the form, the test, the ceremony. In that treasury of ancient mystery, the magic numbefs and mj^stic sym- bols of Pythagoras, the rose cross of Kosenkreutz, the
168
grand Eleiisyan rites, the exoteric and esoteric doctrines of Greece, and the Dyonysian ceremonies had been studied by generations of master minds, to add to the knowledge of the ancient craft the wisdom and the in- ventions of hundreds of years' experience in secret work designed to impress men by the grandeur of its exempli- fication of noble trutlis by symbolic ceremonials and dramatic spectacles, requiring a keen mind, a bright in- tellect, and a manly courage to enter and remain within its inner vale. The lessons of that immortal drama of Damon and Pythias were recalled, with its God-like U's- sons of friendship, self-devotion, and self-sacrifice, but another pretentious order had already ma^le use of that. Thus it became to the willing mind, ready to devise a ritual, a confusion of scenes, teachings and ideas that were needed to formulate his conception of that which was necessary for an order which he hoped and believed, if properly prepared and panoplied, would commend itself to the judgment of practical men, Avhen their at- tention should be called to it."
. Page 2C)9 : "The author, in his ritual, has two or three ideas that he wished to permeate it. One was that the objection that was raised against some secret societies of being a semi-religious body should not be pertinent to the Modern Woodmen of America. Tlie belief of an applicant in matters of Deity or religion has no bearing upon the object of Woodcraft, as defined in the ritual. The fact that he is a moral man, of temperate habits and good physical and mental condition, are all the pre- requisites of a useful member. The fraternity should not arrogate to itself to select the Christian and reject the unbeliever, or to favor the Republican and frown
upon the Democrat. If a man has no regard for the Bible, he should not be required to insult its sacredness in the eyes of his venerating neighbor by refusing to be obligated upon it. So it were better to dispense with such a requirement. * * * The doors are then left open to the Jew and Gentile, the Catholic and Protest- ant. * * * •'
On page 16 of the ritual we read: "Escort (to can- didate), before you become one with us it will be neces- sary for you to be regularly adopted as a Son and Neighbor. I will assure you, however, that nothing will violate your political or religious obligations, or hurt your self-respect, but a valuable lesson will be taught you by the ceremonies peculiar to our Fraternity."
The man did not know what he was saying when he wrote the above, or he wilfully and knowingly told a flagrant falsehood. Extracts from the Bible are used, religious hymns are said or sung. Does such not inter- fere with the applicant's religion if he is a Catholic? Most assuredly it does. And how is it consistent with "self-respect" to be dressed ns a mendicant, hurled around the hall on the goat; and all the bobby-hobby as pre- scribed by the ritual ? Is it consistent with an American citizen's self-respect to blindly obey ?
Among the heathens it was a custoni to mark their slaves by branding their seals or escutcheons on their forehead, so that they might remain constantly in the service of their master, and in case they ran away that it might easily be known to what master they belonged.
The Modern Woodmen brand, or pretend to brand their members. And as to the oath ; it is not less than a curse which can never be pronounced under grievous
170
sin. But let mc quote at IcDgtli from the ritual. On
page 35ff. the following is found :
../Forest Patriarch (Adviser) : '^Whither do you
jpurney?"
Escort: "We are seeking the Camp of the Modern Woodmen, that we may possess the Arcana."
Forest Patriarch: "Strangers, your ambition is a laudable one, but know you not that tl^Q way is one of secJ:ecy?" ■ . ..:' i;. ■■■:■, ^
Escort: "We come before you willing to do as others have done before us."
Forest Patriarch: "You are strangers, without friends, in a strange land; you liave many weary miles to travel before you can reacli the summit of your ambi- tion ; you will , be hungr}' and thirsty, and you may be beset by great dan gcvs. I know of the Order you ^eek; e^qn now f rom their battlements, on yonder mountaj n I see their ])anner, and upon it is inscribed the words-: 'Peace, Liglit and Safety.' Before you resume; youp journey, I will ask .you to partake with me of this frnitc (Offers him fruit. Stranger eats. Watchman and as- sistants pass fruit to all present. During this cere- mony all the Foresters repeat in concert the following:) (Taken from the Bible.)
"As the apple tree among the trees of wood, so is my beloved among the sons. 1 sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste."
"Awake, 0, north wind, and come thou south ; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come unto his garden and eat his pleasant fruits."
"The mandrakes give a sweet smell, and at our gates
171
are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, 0, my beloved."
Soon thereafter the Forest Patriarch offers water and the candidate and Escort drink the water offered them whilst the Foresters say in concert:
"Thine own friend and thy father's friend forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity ; for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother that is far off."
"Love worketh no ill to his neigbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
"Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification."
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
"Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, nor rob him."
And again, page 31: "Who is my neighbor? It is he that succored the wounded man after the Priest and Levite had passed him to the other side. He that showed mercy to him. Go and do likewise."
CEREMONY OF ADOPTION.
FRATERNAL DEGREE OF M. W. OF A. FART I.
[The hall should be prepared as during meetings. The Saw, Saw-buck, Stick of Wood, Camp Goat, Ladle and Quicksilver, the Branding Iron and the false wine or beer glasses should all be in readiness, but out of sight of candidate. The Consul remains robed as Venerable Father.]
(Escort and candidate wear their regular clothing;
172
advance to the door, give three raps, and Watchman repeats three raps.)
Watchman (opens door) : "Why would you enter here?"
Escort: "That we may receive farther instructions in Woodcraft."
Watchman : "Then advance seriously to yonder sta- tion, and receive your final obligation.
(The Foresters have already ranged themselves in open ranks with present axes at the outer door, and as the Escort and candidate march through the ranks the Foresters march with them around the hall and again open ranks in front of the Adviser's station, and the Escort and stranger march through the ranks and stand in front of the Adviser.)
Escort : "Worthy Adviser, having made our vows twice, we now come before you to receive our third and final obligation."
Adviser: "Then take this fragile vessel in your right hand. Obey my commands, and you sball receive the Arcana of our Camp."
(Hands fragile vessel that may be easily broken to stranger, who shall take it in his right hand ; place table, chair or bucket, so that he can readily break it at the proper time. An egg shell, after the contents have been removed, or an old lamj) chimney, make the best fragile vessels. Consul gives three raps.)
I, (your name), in the presence of our Venerable Consul and these witnesses, on my sacred honor as a man, promise and declare that I will not wrong or de- fraud the fi'aternity in its treasur}', nor a member in his purse; that I will promptly pay all dues and death
173
assessments, and thus do my duty to the widow, the fatherless, and the orphan; that I will not propose for membership any person whom I know to be of unsound health, of bad repute, or irregular habits; that I will not reveal any transactions of the Camp, or the signs, ciphers, words, symbols, grip or Avritten work of the fraternity to any person not lawfully entitled to the same. And that, under no circumstances and condi- tions in which I may be placed, will I, though threatened with dire calamity, or tempted with great reward, ever reveal the pass-w^ords of this Fraternity, except to those who are entitled to receive the same in a regularly con- stituted Camp of Modern Woodmen, or when I may be acting as Venerable Consul of the Camp, Deputy Head Consul, or Head Consul. May I be dashed to pieces as I now dash this fragile vessel into fragments, if I prom- ise not the truth.
(Stranger casts vessel intc receptacle provided. Which being done) :
"To all this I sincerely and in honor promise. ^^
Adviser: "Livy informs us that the sanctity of an obligation had more influence with the ancient Romans than the fears of laws and punishments. A true Wood- man will never disregard his obligations. Escort, you will now conduct the candidate to the Venerable Con- sults station."
(Consul gives one rap. Escort, candidate and Forest- ers march around the hall and then to the Consul's station ; the Foresters standing in two ranks facing each other, with axes presented.)
Escort: "Venerable Consul, this candidate has re-
174
ceived the final obligation^, and comes before you for fur- ther direction/'
Consul: "My Son, before you can receive the full mysteries of Woodcraft, you must undergo a test of your physical ability to do the practical work of a Wood- man. I now place you in the hands of these Merry Foresters. Go with them, obey them, and fear not."
(The candidate is hoodwinked, placed upon the Camp Goat, and rode rapidly around the Camp hall three or four times, care being taken not to be too rough, while all the neighbors sing the '^Banner of Woodcraft.")
(After this the candidate is taken from his "fiery steed," and the hoodwink removed. He is then placed over the saw-buck and a stick of wood, with a saw in his hand.)
Chief Forester: "We will now test your ability by giving you two minutes in whicli to saw in tv;o this stick of wood. Go to work."
(The Chief Forester takes out his watch and times the candidate, whilst tlic Foresters sing a song. The stick of wood should be a very tough one, and if the saw is dull the task is more difficult.)
(Whilst the candidate is sawing the wood one of the Foresters is pretending to be heating the ladle over the fire; the bottom of the ladle is painted rcnl, to make it look as though it is red-hot, and it contains quicksilver, which resembles melted lead. As the stick is sawed through, the Chief Forester says:)
Chief Forester: "Well done, noble Woodman; we will now try your courage."
(Foresters bring the test.)
(The Foresters then form a circle around their chief
175
and the candidate, while one of the Foresters brings the ladle and presents it to candidate:)
Chief Forester : "Woodman, if you are a brave man, you will place your finger in this meltted lead, and thus show to these Foresters that you are worthy of the com- panionship of brave men; and that you are obedient to the command of your Chief."
(If the candidate refuses, the Chief Forester will say: "I will give you until I count three to obey me." If candidate still refuses the Foresters shall all say : "Noble Chief, forbear the test." If candidate complies with the request, the Chief Forester shall grasp him by the hand and say : "Thou art truly a brave man and well worthy." )
Chief Forester : "My Son, you must now receive the brand of Woodcraft, for all true Woodmen must be so marked that they may be known among men. This not only enables you to be identified when you need help, but it protects the order against fraudulent death claims. In every case of deatji the body can be identified.
Escort : "Worthy Chief, we have with us a Woodman who has already been adopted, but, owing to sickness, could inot; be branded at the last meeting. Shall he be branded ,now ?"
Chief Forester : "Bring him forth." ; (Escort brings forward a Woodman, whose coat and vest are taken off, his shirt opened, displaying his naked back; when in position.)
Chief Forester : "Forester, bring forth the branding iron."
(A Forester brings forward the branding iron, which is painted and made to look like red-hot iron, and so
176
that the smoke is forced out when it touches the back.)
Chief Forester: ^"Woodman, art thou prepared to undergo this test, in order to become one of us, and that you may be known among Woodmen ?"
Woodman : "I am/'
Chief Forester : "Forester, do 3^our duty."
(While two of the Foresters hold the Woodman, the Forester strikes the back with the branding iron, making the letters ^M. W. A.' The supposed victim yells with pain, and the smoke arises from the back.)
Chief Forester (turning to candidate) : You will now prepare for this test.''
(If candidate refuses, one of the Foresters suggests that he be permitted to be branded at another meeting, when he has recovered from the eifects of the present scene. Which, of course, .is granted. If he consents, he is stripped to the bare back, ana' the Forester ordered to use the branding iron ; if the candidate does not flinch, the Chief Forester shall say : "0, twice brave man, and twice welcome to our Camp," Before the Chief Forester says this, however, he says: "Forester, strike the brand deep into the flesh," and the Forester strikes the back with a piece of ice, which gives a burning sensation.)
Chief Forester: "Foresters, we will now conduct the stranger to the Venerable Consul."
(Fscort and canrlidate, with the Foresters, march and countermarch around the hall to the Consul's station.)
Chief Forester: "Venerable Consul, we present you this candidate, who has undergone successfully all physi- cal tests."
Consul : "^[y Son, I congratulate you upon your
177
courage and endurance. You have earned the riglit to work in the forest."
(The Escort pretends to pour colored liquid into two glasses, the glasses being so made as to look as though the}^ contained the liquid, but really when held to tlie lips nothing flows from them. The Escort hands the glass to Consul.)
Consul : "My Son, 1 now ask you to drink with me to your health and future success. (Handing glass to can- didate, and pretends to drink himself.)
(If candidate attempts to drink, of course he fails, and the Venerable Consul says) :
Consul : "My Son, this incident is to teach you the deceptiveness of the wine-cup. Let it be a lesson to you in sobriety. I will now read to you a portion of our Fundamental Laws, which should be a guide to you in your future conduct. (He reads from Section "B" ol Division "0" Fundamental Laws), as follows: "If com- plaint is made to the Head Consul that a Neighbor is notoriously intemperate or immoral, or has engaged in a business or occupation on the prohibited list, except as provided in Division 'V, Section ^B' he may require the Camp to proceed to investigate the matter, in accordance with Division 'E', Standard Local Camp By-Laws. Should the Camp fail to expel him, the Head Consul shall investigate the matter, and if he finds that the Neighbor is guilty as charged, he may suspend said Camp and all its members until said Camp shall expel said accused."
(If the stranger refuses to drink, the Venerable Con- sul says) : . .
Consul : "My Son, by this act you have given us great
178
evidence of your sol)riety. May your conduct continue in the line of virtue and temperance." (Here the Consul reads from Section ^B", Division "0", as above.)
Consul : "Escort, you will now conduct the stranger to the ante-room, and afterwards attend him in his fur- ther steps in Woodcraft.''
(Escort and stranger march and countermarch with the Foresters to the ante- room.)
PAKT II.
(Escort and candidate are now clothed in the uni- form of the Foresters. The Escort advancing to the inner door, gives three raps; the Watchman repeats three ra})S, and opens door.)
Watchman : ^'What means this intrusion ?"
Escort : "We are seeking further instruction in Wood- craft.''
Watchman : "Advance to the station of the Venerable Consul, and be careful that you heed his admonition."
(The Foresters meet the Escort and candidate at the inner door, and march with them to the Consul's station."
Escort: "This candidate comes before you, Vener- able Consul, for further instruction."
Consul : "My Son, I will now give you the secrets of Woodcraft, that you may possess more of the Arcana, and be in full fellowship with these Foresters."
(Takes with his right hand the right hand of candi- date, and teaches him the grip.)
This being done and explanations made about the signs and countersigns, the Consul says :
"The Thracians every evening before they slept, were
179
accustomed to cast into an urn a white pebble if the day had been passed pleasant!}', but if not, a black one. At their death, by counting the pebbles, their lives were judged to have been happy or otherwise.
"The Modern Woodmen are expected at each meeting of the Camp to deposit a pebble. If they have been happy and comfortable during the time intervening since the last meeting, a white pebble will be deposited ; if otherwise, a black one. At the proper time each evening the pebbles will be counted and discussed. Aftel* depositing the pebble you will be at liberty to take a seat with your Neighbors of the Camp.
"The working tools of this Camp are the Beetle, Axe and Wedge. By practical artisans these tools have been used to clear the forests and let civilization, commerce arid arts occupy the ground. They fitly symbolize in- dustry, power and progress. Drones can see no poetry in the homely appliances of labor, but the philosopher sees in them subjects for thought and practical demon- stration. The branches of palm, the five stars and shield are also emblems of our Fraternity. The palm
signifies peace, the five stars light and the shield safety. ♦ * « ^?
(A recess is now taken for about five minutes, and the Venerable Consul calls the Camp to order), and says :
"My Son, you will please take your position at the altar. (Candidate is placed in position by the Escort.) Are you now a Woodman and ready to assume a Wood- man's duties?''
Candidate: "lam."
Consul : "My Son, you are now to be tried by a more
180
severe test than any yet given you. You must act with fortitude and moral courage, and all will he well. You will he conducted hy the Escort and these Foresters to the camp-fire, and you will ohey the instruction of the Chief Forester."
(The candidate is now hoodwinked and marched^ around the hall with the Foresters to the camp-fire, which has heen prepared while the candidate is hood- winked. Lityjits are turned down in the hall and the camp-fire is lighted. The saw mill is placed in position a little way from the camp-fire. The brush and stake at which the Escort is to he burned is concealed in readi- ness. The Foresters form a circle, with the Chief, Escort and stranger in the centre. The hoodwink is then taken from the stranger.)
Chief Forester: "Woodman, we are now getting into the forest of Brotlierly Ijovc, for our daily work, and you and your friendly Escort are to remain here to watch the camp-fire and protect the same. In this forest is a band of outlaws, that prey on their fellow men. They have long desired the secrets of Woodcraft, that they might pass unmolested through the different parts of the forest. You must always he on your guard, never to divulge to them the secrets of Woodcraft. Will you be true to your obligation ?"
Candidate: "T will."'
Chief Forester: "We will now leave you and go to our work."
(The Foresters now form and march out, singing one verse of the "Woodnum-s Jubilee Song" and chorus. The Escort and stranger seat themselves by the camp- fire.)
181
Escort: "Stranger, in the dark recess of this forest, where we have j^itched this Camp, the solitude is to me awe-inspiring. I dread the approach of the outlaws, who have sworn to obtain the secrets of Woodcraft, even by murder, if necessary. Hark; I hear footsteps arid voices."
(With wild yells, the outlaws enter the camp, and bind the stranger and the Escort. These outlaws may be from four to six, according to the size of the Camp, and if the Camp is very small, some of those who acted as Foresters can disguise themselves and re-appear as outlaws. The outlaws should wear black masks, and assume the disguise fitted to the part.)
Chief Outlaw: "We demand the secrets of Wood- craft. Be quick ; we have no time to parley."
Escort: "We will not give them to you."
Chief Outlaw: "Bring this man to the stake, and we will see if his spirit is stronger than his flesh."
(The Escort is bound to the stake and some brush piled around him, and tlie candidate is now hood- winked. )
Chief Outlaw: "Men, apply the torch."
(A light is then made, by burning a newspaper in a tin bucket of some sort, or by red fire, and the Escort cries in a loud voice, I-H-L-T-B-C-Help ! Help ! Help ! Or I die.)
Chief Outlaw : "You shall die and no one can help you."
(The Escort is now unbound from the stake and laid upon the floor and covered with a sheet. Instead of the brush formerly used around the stake, it is replaced
182
by half-burned brush, which has been prepared before- hand. The hoodwink is taken from the candidate.
Chief Outlaw: "Behold the funeral pyre of your dead comrade. (Pointing to the stake.) There lies his dead body. (Pointing to the sheet.) Now will you give me the secrets of Woodcraft?"
Candidate: (Makes his own answer, or, perhaps, refuses to answer.)
Chief Outlaw: '"Think not you will escape so easily as with even the horrible death of your companion. We know how to torture, and we must have the secrets of Woodcraft. Men, prepare the rack."
(The candidate is again hoodwinked, and bound to the carriage, and the saw is started in motion, and the candidate slowly approaches the saw, the hoodwink being removed.)
Chief Outlaw : (The Chief Forester's whistle is heard in the distance.) '^Men, the Woodmen are coming. (Leaning over the Woodman on tlic carriage.) Give me the word, and I will release you, if you do not, I will leave you here to die this horrible death before the For- esters can return."
(If the candidate still refuses, one of the outlaws wliispers to the Chief Outlaw, so that he can be over- lioard ])}' tlie candidate: "Are you sure the machine is all right?" The other whispers: 'T suppose so." The outlaws then withdraw. All is perfectly still, and the carriage slowly moves the candidate closer to the revolv- ing saw. Just as the body of the candidate is about to touch the saw the Foresters return. The saw is .stopped in the motion, and the candidate unbound and released.)
183
Chief Forester : "You have proven a worthy Neigh- bor, and that you would give your life rather than betray the secrets of Woodcraft/^
(The candidate is now conducted to the position in front of the Venerable Consul. The lights are turned up, and the Camp hall put in order.)
Chief Forester: "Venerable Consul, we return this man with our approbation. He has worthily undergone the great test."
Consul: "My Son, you are now at the end of your journey. (Dips his hand in perfume, and showers it gently over the candidate.) By the token of this fragrant perfume, I welcome you at our camp-fire. May the happiness of you and yours be augmented by this act. May your life as a Woodman be worthy of the confidence we bestow upon you as our Neighbor ; and, like sweet in- cense and the odor of this perfume, may your influence be pleasant to all about you, and honorable to the Fra- ternity to which you now belong."
The founder of the Modern Woodmen, J. C. Root, in June, 1890, at Omaha, Neb., founded the Woodmen of the World." But there is no relation between the two orders, except that the same man founded both, that they employ similar emblems, and based on the same Masonic spirit.
Royal Neighbors of America is the Woman Branch of the Woodmens' Fraternity.
Surely, Catholics reading carefully what I say about this Order understand readily how much they have been deceived when they joined the Order and how they should lose no time in severing their connection there- with.
184
OWLS OF WOODCRAFT.
About the Owls of Woodcraft, the following explains itself :
"From tlie correspondence that has come to my desk and applications for copies of the ritual, I am satisfied the membership of the ]\rodern Woodmen wants the boy's auxiliary, the l^atriotic Owls of Woodcraft. There was some delay in printin changes I deemed it advisable to make. The Fraternity is founded upon principles of patriotism and honor, and seeks to inculcate tliese principles, while at the same time it contains dramatic and military incidents which are intended to attract and hold the youth. I want the ritual carefully examined, and am willing to trust any Woodman to haw access to it. Hence, any Woodman who sends me oiu' (k)]lar, together \vitli a certificate from his Cam]) CMerk. will receive a copy. The receipt for this one dollar will l)e received in part payment for a charter, the price of which, with supplies, is fifteen dollars.
"I have yet to hear othe?' than words of praise for the proposition, and I have faith to believe it will prove a potent factor in the advancement of Woodcraft. Address all communications to,
''C. K. WIIELAX,
"Madison, Wisconsin." CHAPTFK XXX.
IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEX.
This society claims to be the oldest secret society of purely American origin in existence. This claim rests on its being a virtual continuation of the Sons of
185
Liberty, formed prior to the War of the Eevolution, and the secret societies to which the latter gave birth.
In 1765 Colonel Barre made the memorable . speech in the House of Commons against taxation of the Ameri-. cans. In reply to Charles Townshend's assertion that the colonies had beea cared for and nourished by the indulgence of the British Government, Barre scornfully denied it, saying that care was exercised in sending unfit persons as Governors to rule over them — men wliose be- havior on many occasions had caused the blood of those ^'Sons of Liberty" to recoil within them. A secret or- ganization had been formed of citizens of Maryland in 1764-65 to protest against the unjust and oppressive British legislation affecting the xVmerican colonies. Hearing of the speech of Barre, they at once assumed the name ^'Sons of liberty.^' 1'he activity of the Sons of Liberty at Baltimore and elsewhere in Maryland as early as 1766-77, gave rise to the organization of St. George's, 8t. Andrew's and St. David's societies, in that state, composed of those who were loyal to the British crown, and it is explained that in order to ridicule those organi- zations, the Sons of Liberty claimed the patronage of an nndoubted American, an Indian Chief named "Tamina," whose life and exploits they professed to trace from his own descendants. They called themselves Sons of St. Tamina, afterwards Tamnumy. Meml)ers of this so- ciety, in 1813, organized the Order of lied Men, and from this the Improved Order of Red Men was estab- lished, in 1834, at Baltimore. Their ritual was framed on Masonic principles and the nomenclature, legends, customs and ceremonies of the aboriginal Americans in- troduced. Thus we have anions: the officers : Great
18t)
Incohonee, Great Sachem, Sagamore, Sannap, Prophet, Braves and Hunters. The members are said to attend a Council, in a Wigwam, on a certain Sun of a certain Moon of the Great Sun (year of discover}-, i. e. discovery of America; from which they take their date). The Great Sun commences on the first Cold Council. Fire is kindled, instead of the meeting being opened, and the close is described as the quenching of the Council Fire. Fathoms, feet and inches stand for dollars, dimes and cents. Every adopted paleface receives a new name, often that of an animal, bird, or some quality or char- acteristic of mind or body. The Council opens and closes with prayer.
At the proper time, the Sachem says : ^^Brothers, you will now rise, while our beloved Prophet invokes the Great Spirit."
The Prophet will approach the place of the council brand and repeat the following:
"0, Thou Great Spirit of the universe, good and powerful as Thou art, whose power is displayed in the splendor of the sun, the glories of the night, the foliage of the forest, the roaring of the rivers and the great waters of the deep, look down from Thy majestic throne of grace and shed Thy bounties upon all Eed Men of the forest. Do Thou, Great Spirit, inspire each Ped Man's breast with that holy courage that will teach him to paddle his canoe safely to 'that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler returns.' Teach him truth, wisdom and 1)rotherly love towards his fellow Ped Men. Grant that our walks be upright and pleasing in Thy sight. Banish all discord from our councils, that our Council Fire may forever burn to Thy glory. Bless
1S7
us with plent}', and reward our labors two-fold. May the Red Man and the paleface be friends. Enable us to prove by our good works that we are brethren, and show the stranger that with us virtue, charity, love, peace, freedom and friendship dwell. Inspire our Oreat Councils with wisdom, that they may be able to guide their respective Tribes in the right path, that they do not go astray and follow the path of the evil spirit. Preserve our homes from danger, and make us wise and virtuous. Teach us the trail we must follow while we live in this forest, and when it is Thy will that we shall cross the river of death, take us to Thyself, where Thy Council Fire of Love and Glory burneth forever in righteousness. 0 Thou, Great Spirit, hear us."
Brothers respond: "0 Thou, Great Spirit, hear us."
The initiation is similar to what takes place in other lodges. The candidate is partly undressed, blindfolded, a rope tied around his waist and moccasins put on his feet. Having gone through some preliminary perform- ances, the following takes place:
Guard of Wigwam : ^'Who comes there?"
Junior Sagamore: ^'The Junior Sagamore, with a pale face, whom the hunters have captured in the forest."
(The Guard advances in the direction of Senior Saga- more, and says) :
Guard of WigAvam: '^Senior Sagamore, the Junior reports the capture of a pale face, found astray in the sacred home of the Red ^lan."
Senior Sagamore : '^ Admit them."
(Enter Junior with Braves, Warriors, paleface and Scouts. The Scouts remain standing at the inner wicket. The First Sannap leaves his position, and
188
watches evcrv movement of tlie Chiefs. The others trail once around .the council chamber, halting a short dis- tance in front of the Senior's tepee, who, beholding the captive, rushes towards him with up-lifted knife, but is intercepted by the Junior, who says) :
Junior Sagamore: "Hold Senior. Our Warriors and Braves have decided that the captive shall ])e tortured at the stake."
Senior Sagamore. "At the stake I Then let us pro- ceed. Pale face, you have been caj^tured by the Braves, and unless some Chief interposes, you perish at the stake. Why do you tem})t your fate; or is it you wish to becomi? a I^^d ^lan?"
(The pale face must answer affirmatively, or he can- not proceed.)
Senior Sagamore: "Know, tlien, that Iicd Men are without fear, and none but such can be adopted by our Tribe. Are you a man of courage?"
(Pale face answers.)
Senior Sagamore: "Tlien, before you can be ad- mitted, you must prove yourself such. The honest and brave man meets death with a smile; the guilty tremble at the very thought.
"Warriors seize your prisoiuT — biiul iiini to the stake."
(The warriors seize i)ale face and bind him to the stake with thongs.)
Senior Sagamore : "Too often have we been deceived by pale faces, who professed friendship and bravery, but who repaid our hos}>itality with ingratitude and treacli- ery. What they have been, 1 fear he is — a spy. There- fore, prepare your keenest and brightest scalping knives,
189
and your weightiest war clubs. Our brave Junior Saga- more will superintend the execution/'^
Junior Sagamore : "Warriors, prepare for the execu- tion. Braves, make read}- and pile high the fagots. He has declared he is a man without fear. The flames from the fagots will test his boasted courage. Proceed."
(The warriors will secure their war clubs, the braves will gather the fagots, and place them at the feet of the pale face and around the stake ; they will place two cones of red fire on cacli side of the stake. When this is done, the Junior says) :
Junior Sagamore : "Braves, light the fagots."
(Two of the Braves will light the cones, and, at a signal from the Junior, the Warriors and Braves, led by the Junior, will perform a scalp dance around the pale face. The First Sannap, having observed what was taking place, hurries to the Prophets tepee, and explains by signs the situation to him. The Prophet, leaving his tepee and coming nearer the scene, perceiving the danger of the pale face, exclaims) :
Prophet : "Hold." . (He rushes into the group and to the captive, scatters che fagots, and seizing a knife from the Junior Saga- more, cuts the thongs that bind the pale face, and, look- ing at the Warriors and Braves, says) :
Prophet: "Is it fit that you should execute on sus- picion alone? Is it not more becoming of Red Men to show mercy to the stranger who has been found astray in the forest ? The tomahawk has been buried, and the innocence of his intent has been proven by his courage. I pronounce him a man without fear. Eetire. (Turn- ing to the captive, he continues) : Pale face. Kishe Man-
]90
itu saw fit to create the red skin and the white, there- fore they should be brothers ; but the speaking books of the pale faces teach them wisdom, which makes them mistrustful and covetous. With the children of the forest it is otherwise. All their wealth and stock be- longs to the Tribe in common. Honor is given to whom honor is due; and they hold it to be their duty, in every case of difficulty and danger to assist a brother.
"Pale face, I understand that you have said that you wished to be numbered with our Tribe; if so, I would advise our well-tried Junior Sagamore to refer your case to our Sachem, and, if accepted by him, he will impart to you that which will make the forest as free to you as the air is to the eagle, and every Ked ^[an you meet will know you as a brother.
"Pale face, I have done.''
(Prophet now retires to his station, and the Junior Sagamore steps up to the pale face.)
Junior Sagamore: "At the recommendation of our Prophet I will refer your case to our Sachem. What says our Senior Sagamore?''
Senior Sagamore: "What the Prophet says is good. To your care, caution and bravery, I commit the cap- tive."
Junior Sagamore: "Know, then, that no paleface dare approach the presence of our Sachem until he shall have ol)ligcd himself to lock up, in the inmost recess of his bosom, all he may hear and see, in the council cham- ber, which is to be kept secret from all persons not members of the Improved Order of Eed Men. Are you willing to take this pledge of honor? (Answers.) Braves, conduct the paleface to our beloved l^rophet." (Braves
191
conduct the paleface to the Prophet, when the Junior introduces him thus:)
Junior Sagamore: "Venerable Prophet, this is the paleface whose life you caused to be spared. He wishes to take the pledge of honor."
Prophet: "Paleface, it is a duty incumbent on me, before you can be introduced to our Sachenl to adminis- ter to you a sacred pledge of honor, one which I assure you will in no wise conflict with your civil or religious liberty. Let your thoughts be seriously upon your pledge, while you repeat it after me.
"Therefore, place your left hand over your heart, ex- tend your right hand toward heaven, palm outward, and
repeat, saying your name when I say mine : ^I
being desirous of becoming acquainted with the mys- teries of the Improved Order of Ped Men, do hereby solemnly promise and declare, that I will keep secret from all persons, except such as shall prove to be Im- proved Pcd ^len, all signs, passwords, and other matters that are to be kept secret. And I do further promise, that I will never attempt to kindle a council fire unless I am duly and regularly authorized so to do, or assist, or participate in any council, the fire of which has been kindled by a suspended or expelled brother, or any per- son not authorized by the Great Council of the United States to kindle the same. To all this I promise and pledge my sacred honor, without intending any evasion whatsoever. So help me the Great Spirit.'
(The Prophet v^ill continue:)
Prophet: "Your pledge of honor has been given, which we in faith accept. A token of my favor you must bear and to our Sachem give, ere all the signs and
192
mysteries of this degree are revealed. (Presents him with eagle's plume.) Behold — the eagle's plume— fit emblem to bear to him to gain the knowledge voii erave. May the Great Spirit bU'ss and safely guide you.'
"Junior Sagamore: "Braves, eonduct the paleface to our Sacliem.''
(Tlie braves conduct him within a short distance of the tepee, and then retire to rear of paleface. The war- riors all rise suddeidy, and with nplifted clubs rush to- ward paleface, the Junior warding off the threatened blows. )
The ])aleface is soon instructed in the secret work and declared a member of the tribe. Besides the Adoption Degree there are the Hunters' Degree, the Warriors' De- gree and the Chief's Degree. For brevity's sake I will give only the ceremonies of the highest or Chief's De- gree.
The degree ap])lication having bwn balloted for. the Sacheui will dii'ect the Sanna}) to retire to tlie foivst, where, finding the candidate for exaltation, he will ))re- sent him with the Ked Tomahawk and White Feathered Arrow. All the lights in the wigwam must be extin- guished except the council fire. After a few breaths, the Sachem wall say:
Sachem: ''(Uiard the wicket, let the warning be given.''
Sanna]): '''J'he Sannaj) and a runner from the War- rior's Council, bearing a message to the Chiefs."
Sachem : "I^et them be admitted."
(As soon as they have entered the wigwam, the two
Pow-wows will advance and receive the warrior
the Prophet will remove the outer covering from en-
193
trance to his tent, which Avill then be screened only by the transparency of a human skeleton, lie will light the council brand behind the skeleton and exclaim:)
Prophet: "The Great Spirit is offended at his red children, and has withdrawn the visible symbol of his pleasure. The spirit of darkness has gone abroad, and spread its sable mantle over the once smiling bosoms of creation. The azure heaven above, the green earth be- neath, the pleasing foliage of the forest, the shining bosoms of the lakes, the rippling Avaters of the swift running rivers, and the variegated hues of the angry waves of the great ocean which surround our land — all, all have merged into darkness and disappeared. The beasts of prey have gone forth, the ravenous Avolf breaks the dismal gloom with his sanguinary bark, the stealthy pantlier utters his piteous but deceptive cries; all, all is darkness and desolation. Let us invoke the Great Spirit for mercy, for life, for light." (The Prophet removes the skeleton and says:) ''Oh, thou Great Spirit, bless every heart sincere in freedom's cause. Bless our frater- nal band; in friendship may it stand. Extend it thro' the land, by Thy Almighty power."
(A few more verses of similar incantations are said and a Wampum Belt is given to paleface.)
Sannap: ''Venerable Prophet, the tomahawk has been buried, and the brother returns with the sacred Wampum Belt."
Prophet : "My son, hearken to the voice of the Prophet. The Great Spirit loves the Ped Man and He is One. Let our words go quickly forth, and assemble our chiefs to- gether, to witness the entering of this brother into the covenant of faith, which shall never be broken; that we
194
also may be one, and have but one war club, one council fire, and one voice."
(The Sachem, Senior and Junior Sagamores will now advance to the Prophet, bringing from their stumps the council brands, which the Prophet will receive, and unit- ing them in one flame, continues :)
Prophet : "By the blending of these fires, fit emblems of purification, vigor and life, by which the primitive red men symbolized the mysterious union into which the}' were bound in the strong bonds of amity and love, let us also symbolize the inseparable ties of fraternity whieli shall henceforth bind us.
"As this fire is consuming, so let the sordid and grosser passions of our nature be flestroyed, as it is warm and invigorating, so let the fire of love burn within us, to nourish and stimulate us; and as its rays dispel the darkness and gloom from our midst, so may the divine law. emanating from the Great Spirit, illuminate our souls, and shed its hallowed rays upon our path."
( Liii'bting the calumet, the Prophet continues:)
1^'ophet : "As the smoke from this calumet, ascend- ing- to the Great Spirit, blends together, so may our affV'ctions blend together in this covenant of faith, which shall not be broken. You shall keep our secrets, and we will keep yours; you shall administer to our wants, and wc will administer to yours. These are our words, they have o-one forth from our mouths and shall not return.
And now, as a token and pledge of your fidelity to us, that you will fulfill to the utmost of your ability, with- out equivocation or mental reservation, the various re- quirements of this degree, its doctrines and teachings, wi' extend to vou the calumet, by which was solemnized
195
the most sacred compacts among the primitive Eed Men."
The calumet is smoked, the signs and grips explained, and an instruction on the symbols given.
Surely, the above is sufficient to prove that a Christian cannot belong to the Improved Order of Eed Men.