CIMPORTANTS TO THE DEPUTY: READ THIS IN YOUR LODGE. est beers to those a little stronger, con- "SOFT DRINKS", AND GAMES sequently under all circumstances I dis- PROHIBITED. countenance the use of the drinks above named. As questions frequently arise in our Every true Good Templar should be lodges, especially at this season of the willing to shun even appearances of evil year, as to the meaning of the word in this direction. "beer" as used in our Obligation, I take this opportunity of expressing my opinion Of late my attention has been called for the benefit of the lodges. several times to lodges that persist in In answer to my inquiry as to the per playing games prohibited by our Con- cent. of alcohol contained in the follow- stitution. Thinking that some may not ing drinks, also the minimum per cent. understand, I cite Sec. 12, Art. IX, Grand of alcohol in a drink to constitute it in- Lodge Cont. page 22, of the Constitution toxicating, Prof. F. C. Robinson, of and By-Laws, which reads: "Miscellane- Brunswick, says: "Most of the prepara- ous exercises, literary or otherwise, which tions you name, for example, Root Beers, may tend to increase the interest or profit Moxie, Ginger Beer, and Ginger Ale, of the meetings of the Lodges, may from contain none, or only a trace of alcohol, time to time be introduced, provided as put up for the trade. They consist of that no subject of a partisan or sectarian flavored syrups charged mechanically nature be discussed, neither shall danc- with gas. When they are made by pri- ing, or card-playing, or games such as vate parties taking the liquid or powder 'copenhagen', &c., be admissible." and following directions, they may con- The "&c" means, "tucker", "chase the tain more, as the gas in them then comes from the termentation of the sugar added. squirrel", and all kindred games. Our "A beer containing several per cent. Order was not originated for the purpose can easily thus be made. Though prob of assembling light minded people, who ably not over two per cent. is usually care only for games and frivolity, but formed. rather for the laudable motive of elevat- "The Hop Beers such as 'Uno', Lithia, &c., contain as a rule a little under two ing to a nobler, purer life. per cent. alcohol. Experience has repeatedly shown us "I regard three per cent. as intoxicat- the wisdom of the law prohibiting these ing, and some men may get 'full' on 2 1/2 games, by the lack of influence and final per cent." disaster of the lodges, that persist in its Of course labeling a concoction, which violation. contains no alcohol, "beer" would not Many a lodge is deprived of the sup- bring it under the purview of the Good port of those who would give it tone and Templars' Obligation. stability, by the games it indulges in, in Plainly any mixture that can be drank violation of the Constitution, and thus in sufficient quantity to produce any de- the lodge becomes ineffectual, and the gree of intoxication is prohibited. principles of the Order so distorted as to The per centage of alcohol contained be a hindrance or a reproach to Good in "small beers", &c., depends upon its Templary. Better to have thirty mem- age, and the quantity of sugar that enters bers in a lodge, who are true to our prin- into its composition. ciples, than one hundred who care only Root Beers, &c., can be made intoxi- for frivolity and are disloyal to the Order. cating. Whether drinking them would Better 200 true Good Templar Lodges in be a violation of the Obligation would Maine, than 300 that are loosely run. depend on these circumstances. Cider The continuance of games prohibited is prohibited even just running from the by our Constitution will be sufficient press. I would not drink these "beers", &c. grounds for revoking the charter. Observation has repeatedly proven that GRANT ROGERS, G.C.T. it is only half a step from even the light- Richmond, Me., July 15, 1897.