KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE. Founded in the city of Baltimore, Md., 6 Feb. 1873. Is now located in 22 States. Has a su preme or governing body, 14 Grand or State bodies and more than one thousand subordinate bodies, called castles, with a membership of more than 60,000. A female branch, composed of ladies, relatives of members, with six grand temples and several hundred subordinate bodies with more than 20,000 members. Its motto is °'Fidelity, Valor and Honor for Males, and Faith, Hope and Charity for Females?' It has paid sick benefits amounting to more than $7,000,000. Its objects are to promote the prin ciples of benevolence by associating its mem bers in different locations for purposes of mutual relief against the trials and vicissitudes attending sickness, distress and death, by sym pathy and pecuniary assistance. To assist in business, elevate its membership and aid in advance to higher life. A person qualified to be a beneficial member must be white, of the age of 18 years, of sound body and good moral character, a believer in the Supreme Being and of the Christian Faith, and competent to pur sue some useful and lawful occupation, and not engaged directly or indirectly in the manu facture or sale of spirituous or malt liquors.
It has a feature paying $250 at the death of a member; pays weekly sick benefits and a ben fit for a deceased wife. Has a military branch composed of members formed into command eries, with neat and attractive uniform. Is semi-military in its ritualistic work. Its teach ings are founded upon the history of the Cm sades. Members are known as Sir Knights. Ladies are called Companions. It has a Home and Orphanage, where aged couples are not separated. It maintains a periodical published monthly and seeks to ennoble and refine. The American flag is used in its meetings.