The Decisions of the Founders.
The flood of votes from Founders shows that the original members of the Order are as interested as ever in its welfare. The Order is, it may be well to explain, conducted by its members, and finally by its Founders, who vote on all important matters. Three questions were put to the Founders. 1. Should the eighteen-year age limit be abolished? 2. Should there be a new membership certificate to be called a "Patent"—a patent of noble chivalry? 3. Should the Order have a new badge?
On the first question very sound judgment was exercised, we think. Indeed, you showed a keener insight and greater breadth than we expected. There is no doubt about the decision, for it is a three-to-one one. It is that the eighteen-year age limit be retained; but once a member, always a member, without age restriction. That is, members do not cease to be members upon reaching their eighteenth birthday.
Founders in very large numbers urge the admission of persons of any age, upon application, to be styled not Knights and Ladies, but Patrons of the Order. We think this a happy solution of the problem, and shall, unless we hear objection, provide a Patron Patent, similar in design to the member's patent.
The second point is unanimously agreed, and so is the third, save that many ask that badge designs be submitted. To this we agree, and will submit the same as soon as possible. When the new patents and badges are ready we will announce the fact, and old members may have new Patents by asking for them. The prices of the new badges cannot be told until the design is selected: but an effort will be made to have one at ten cents, and one in gold at somewhere between fifty cents and $1. So many new readers have come to us lately, that as early as we can find space, we will print again the objects of the Order, how to join it, the story of the Good Will School, etc. The Order is to have some splendid prize and other offers soon.