KNIGHTS OF THE ROYAL ARCH, The, is an organization which confines its mem bership to white, male persons engaged in the retail liquor business. It was founded in Cali fornia in the year 1901, the first lodge being instituted in the city of Los Angeles. At one period of its existence it had branch lodges in Oregon, Washington, California Arizona and Utah, but owing to the fact that Oregon, Wash ington and Arizona have gone °dr? and that Utah has become a separate State organization, membership is now confined to California ex clusively. The organization consists of a grand lodge, associate membership and 40 sub ordinate lodges, the latter being located in the larger cities and towns of the State. The grand lodge consists of delegates from each subordinate lodge in proportion to its mem bership and holds a convention annually. The associate membership consists of wholesale liquor dealers, brewers and all classes of busi ness which sell goods to the retail liquor dealer. Provision is also made for retail liquor
dealers, in localities where there are not a sufficient number to form a lodge, to become certificate members upon payment of annual dues. The Knights of the Royal Arch is organized for the purpose of mutual protection of its members and elevation of their business and to combat adverse legislation instituted by those opposed to the liquor industry. It also has a fraternal feature and has expended in that direction since its organization, approxi mately $300,000. Its annual disbursements in sick and death benefits and charitable work exceeds $30,000. It has a membership of 4,900 and is supported by monthly dues.