FORESTERS, The Independent Order of, was organized in 1874 at Newark, N. J. It was reorganized in Canada by the Hon. Dr. Oronhyatekha, a full-blooded Mohawk Indian of scholarly distinction, high character and great ability, who was educated under the pat Yonage of the late king of England, in 1881. In 1:•:1 the Society consisted of 369 members and was in debt. It now numbers 218,074 and has a surplus of $6,700,000 in its treasury, hav ing already paid to widows and orphans of de ceased brethren about $45,861,180. The mem bership extends throughout all of the provinces of Canada, nearly all of the States of the American Union, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Norway, Denmark, France, Belgium, India, Newfoundland and Australia. The Society rejects a large percentage of applicants, being very careful in the selection of its risks. The order is governed by a supreme body, which meets once in three years. The local juris dictions are governed by high Courts of the various States and provinces. The funds, however, are all forwarded to the head office, there being invested under the insurance law of Canada which prevents investment in anything except first-class gilt-edge securities. The last reports show that no losses have ever been made in investments. The head office of the
order is in Toronto, Canada, the building being a magnificent structure, known as the Temple Building, which was built and is owned by the order. In addition to the head office it contains a number of banks, loan companies, insurance companies, and is the headquarters of Masonry for the city of Toronto. The order disbursed in 1915 the sum of $3,950,032 to widows and orphans, and in sick and funeral benefits. The rates of premium may be judged from the following: Age 35; amount $1,000; mortuary premium $1.38 (small court dues in addition). All premiums cease at 70 years of age, or at any time when the members become totally and per manently disabled, at which time they are allowed to take in•cash one-half of the amount of their policy, the balance to be paid to their heirs at death. After 70 years of age members are permitted to draw one tenth of their policy for each of 10 years if they live so long, the balance to go to their beneficiaries at death. The order also has a sick and funeral benefit division. It admits lady members, these being called companions, who are gathered in separate courts. Of its total membership of 218,074:about 20,000 are companion members.