DRUIDS, The United Ancient Order of. This fraternal and benevolent society takes its name and nomenclature from the history of the Druids of Gaul and Britain. They were the religious guides of the people and the chief guardians and expounders of the law. They taught the immortality of the soul. Their chosen retreats were groves of oaks, and the remains of their temples are circular cromlechs' and dolmens of immense stones. They attained their greatest influence in Britain shortly before the Roman invasion, during the last century ac. They were believed to have incited the patriotic revolt of the Britons against Roman rule; and Agricola, when governor of Britain, cut down their sacred groves and destroyed their temples, when the Druids who escaped fled to the island of Iona. Upon the conversion of the Britons to Christianity, Druidism became only a venerable memory and tradition. Its nomenclature and traditions form the pictur esque background of the ceremonies of the modern order of fraternity and benevolence. The modern order was formed in England in 1781 and its centennial was celebrated in Amer ica by enthusiastic meetings and addresses in a number of cities. It was introduced into the United States about 1830, but the earliest so ciety died out. A permanent beginning, how ever, was made in George Washington Lodge, No. 1, instituted in New York in 1839. The order has reached now a membership in the United States of 30,968; in England, Austra lasia and Germany, 302,247; total membership, 333,215. The order has paid since its introduc tion in the United States in sick benefit and other relief the sum of $7,141,772.53. The relief granted during the fiscal year 1915 was $103, 776.53. In the nomenclature of the order the name Grove is used commonly as the name -lodge in other orders. The higher body in a State is called a Grand Grove and different Grand Groves are under the Supreme Grove, which is the head of the Order, with full power to make laws for its own government and for the government of its State, Grand and Sub ordinate Groves. The Order is in union with
the Order in England, Australia and Germany. The Order is a moral, social and beneficial society. Its principles and teachings are derived from Ancient Druidism and are founded on reason and sound morality. They do not con flict with any of the established systems of religion and are perfectly compatible with the peace and welfare of the State. No oaths are administered by the Order binding its members to any creed or faction; in becoming Druids they are still free men. Its so-called secrecy is not a cloak for evil but simply a protection against abuse of its beneficial provisions. Its objects are: to unite men together, irrespective of nation, tongue or creed, for mutual protec tion and improvement; to assist socially and materially by timely counsel and instructive lessons; by encouragement in business and as sistance to obtain employment for those in need; and to foster among its members the spirit of fraternity and good fellowship. Its well-regulated system of dues and benefits pro vides for the relief of the sick and destitute, the burial of the dead and the protection of the widows and orphans of deceased members. Members of subordinate Groves must be males of 18 years and upwards, of sound health and character, and are elected on the proposal of members. To promote the prosperity of the Order and cultivate the perfection of its mem bers, Druidic Chapters have been organized. All members in good standing, who have at tained the third degree, are eligible. In order to provide women an opportunity to partici pate in the benevolent work, Circles have been established, to which Druids in good standing and all acceptable women 18 years of age are eligible.