As may be said of every modern fraternal society, so may be said of it, that no Lodge meeting may be had in the absence of the Holy Bible, which is always upon its altar, and to which its members are directed for guidance and inspiration.

If there is one sentiment, more than another, taught and emphasized by this institution, it is patriotism. The American Flag is the peculiar sym- ✓ bol of the Order of Elks, and its Ritual teaches love, respect and veneration for the stars and stripes.

"The gentle breezes, with their lingering caress, kiss the folds of no flag that can compare with it in beauty. There is no such red in budding rose, in falling leaf or sparkling wine; no such white in April blossom, in crescent moon or mountain's snow; no such blue in woman's eye, in ocean's depth or heaven's dome, and no such pageantry of clustering stars and streaming light in all the spectrum of the sea and sky."

To the outer world, the Order of Elks is known principally for its devotion to jollity and mirth among its members and to the dissemination of charity to the needy and unfortunate, and on these two grounds alone it claims a right to exist and makes no apology to the public.

Its membership includes the best men of every community, who are not ashamed to wear its emblem, consisting of the elk's head and antlers.

While it is strictly what is commonly a "secret society," much of its work is nece done so openly that the world can but beho applaud.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of as an American institution, is here to stay, a world itself is better for it.

-Written by C. E. Sweet, by requ

CHAPTER IV.

PROTECTION.

We present herewith replies received from Head Officers of the following life associations, as per our request for such information. These have been selected with a view to the developfment of a symposium of all the "features" exploited by life associations in general:

American Insurance Union.

Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 16, 1909.

H. E. Agnew, Dowagiac, Michigan.

Dear Sir: Replying to your letter of August 11th, we submit the following facts in reference to the American Insurance Union, of Columbus, Ohio:

First: The American Insurance Union started business in September, 1894.

Second: The beneficial membership of the order in absolute good standing is 22,334.

Third: We regard the principal feature of the order to be the fact that the rates are founded on a scientific basis, and that the order has the step rate plan, whereby each member pays the cost of his insurance each year.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: As the author did not feel inciined to reveal his identity at this time, the letters of inquiry were sent in my name, but were dictated by the author of the book. It is for that reason only that the answers were addressed to me.-H, E, AGNEW.

Fourth: The benefits offered in case of sickness depend upon the weekly sick benefits provided by the local chapters in their by-laws. The A. I. U. issues a health and accident policy providing benefits for accident and benefits for sickness, and we enclose herewith a circular explaining this feature of the order.

Fifth

(Omitted in your list of questions). Sixth: We hardly understand the meaning of this question. The matter of public demonstrations is one left for the chapters to decide, provided their actions do not infringe upon the laws of the order. The chapters, of course, hold regular stated meetings, and have socials, entertainments and ceremonial sessions.

Seventh: The financial protection offered, of course, is mainly represented by the estate created. by paying the amount of the certificates.

:

Eighth The ritual is not founded on Bible history, and reference to same is only found in the obligation.

We send you with this letter a circular of information, and a constitution, which will give you any further information that you wish.

Yours fraternally,

American Insurance Union.
Geo. W. Hogland, Nat'l. Secy.

The circular referred to follows:

American Insurance Union - What it is: A fraternal order working under the supervision of the Insurance Department of Ohio. The leader in natural premium insurance - the scientific and perpetual system. Founded with unselfish motives on the part of its promoters, conducted on strict business principles, it has all the facilities for successfully

promoting its objects, viz: To form a more perfect union; establish justice; provide for our common good and general welfare; promote patriotism in our country, love and fidelity in our homes and fraternity among men, and secure the blessings of benevolence and protection to ourselves and our posterity.

Why it succeeds: (1) It was founded for a benevolent purpose and has never deviated from that purpose; (2) Its business policy is both conservative and progressive, and the expense of management is economical; (3) Every dollar goes into its proper fund - Benefit, Guarantee or Expense. Every member knows what he is paying for; (4) It is extremely careful in the selection of new members "Only the best need apply; (5) It promptly fulfills every fraternal and financial obligation as fast as they mature.

What it Provides: (1) All the social enjoyments and advantages of any fraternity; (2) All the financial protection of a powerful life insurance corporation, without unnecesary cost and unnecessary accumulation of capital; (3) Death benefits from $250 to $5,000, total disability benefits from $125 to $2,500, old age benefits (age 70) from $125 to $2,500; (4) Sympathy and aid to the member while. living, and at his death prompt payment of amount of his certificate to his bereaved beneficiaries.

How it is Governed: Being a typical American institution, the order has a very liberal representation direct from local chapters to the national chapter. All officers handling funds are required to give satisfactory bonds. There are no classes. There are no high salaried officers and no stockholders. Every officer is a member of a local chapter, and pays his own assessments and dues.