“‘Mrs. Thorn and our president have just completed the transferring of the property to the society. We know all our members will be pleased to learn that we now own the land our principal buildings are on, as well as the buildings themselves. I also wish to draw attention to the increase of the society’s wealth in being able to secure this land in such a short time since we began our society. It proves the theory of concentrated effort as well as the combined industry of us all. Our old obligations to Mrs. Thorn are the same as to any other member. She now owns sufficient shares in the permanent wealth to entitle her to a three-room apartment. These shares are in the names of her three children, giving her a life interest in said shares. Besides, she receives a pension during her life. This places her in a better position than when she only received the rent, securing for her a better home than she had before. Her apartments have a hot water bath and other conveniences and are heated; then, like all the other tenants, she has the use of the dining room and kitchen, public parlor, etc., in fact, it makes her independent for life and secures to her two married daughters as well as to her son a home during their lives, after her death, of at least one room each, they having become members so as to entitle them to that privilege. Our business transactions have been very satisfactory with her and we take great pleasure in recommending her for the title we are about to confer on all honorable members, and this is the first publication of her name. The society is about to confer the title of “The Honorable” to Mrs. Thorn’s name, if there are no just reasons why such title should not be given. This notice will be published in regard to her and the other members, for three months, and the list will be found on the second page of this paper.
“‘All members who have proven themselves to be honest and trustworthy in their lives and an honor to our cause during the past two years are eligible. Their past life up to two years ago we do not hold against them, as we believe this society enables all to live honestly. If, however, it is proved that any who have applied for the honors we wish to confer upon them are unworthy, or if they in any way break the law of the country, they cannot receive these titles until they have reformed. Again, no person in our society can retain any title if at any time proven unworthy. These titles cannot be transferred to any other person, nor are they hereditary, nor can a husband confer a title upon his wife. A wife cannot give this title to her husband. They are issued to our honorable members to give them prominence over the idle and the undeserving, also to show our respect for all labor. We believe that in this way the generations of the future may become equal. We know they are not at the present day. We are treating facts as we find them and intend doing our duty by honoring the best among us by titles. Those who do not come up to the standard we do not condemn, but silently ignore in all business transactions where they could get the best of us or disgrace us. They are not allowed to hold office nor to help make the laws or to sit in the Council of this society. Therefore, the title gives to the society a dignity that is required in the present time on account of the dishonesty that prevails among all classes. We are sure that all honest people will appreciate these titles, for by them they will be known.’
“Quite an article, don’t you think so?”
“Why, yes, indeed, but it will be years before we can use them; that is, you and I. We would be ridiculed in the store or illustrating house where you are. Just think, if it were known that you are ‘The Honorable’ Scoris Vivian, for now you are considered only a good servant by the firm, and nothing more.”
“Oh, yes, of course,” Scoris replied, “still it is a good deal in our private life to be held worthy of the honor. It will always give us a standing among the best class of people, and to be known as an honorable person is a protection for us in that class. Holding a title will show where we belong socially, no matter what our employment may be. In the present time, if we do certain kinds of work, we lose caste, because labor is not honored as it should be. See the position I am in—illustrating for a firm that gets the benefit of my talent and ability. I have no opportunity of enjoying the triumphs; all is the work of the firm and they can be depended upon—the public says. ‘According to the opinions of the money class this is as it should be. This woman is only too glad to find employment. We who have money have a right to dictate.’ I think differently. It is mine and I should have the benefit of my own creations and industry, and it is hard to bear when some rare illustration has been used for common advertising.”
“Yes, Scoris, I know it is harder for you than my position is for me, but I would sooner do anything else. When I mentioned the fact to Libra she begged me not to do so or it would disgrace her if it became known among her set. I hate to be on my feet all day, bowing and saying polite things to the people I serve in that store, and then to think I only receive a bare living. I know I have talent and it makes me almost despise myself to be subjected to it.”
“Patience, Helen dear, the times are changing and you are doing your share. That article you wrote last week was a rousing good one and I have been complimented on having such a clever sister who was capable of expressing herself so fearlessly in the cause of right. Keep up your writings until you are better known and sufficient returns come in to justify you in making it your life’s work. You are not the first or the last to be placed in an unpleasant position.”
“And just think, Scoris, so many have asked me how I ever got such a nice position. Oh, well, every one to their taste.”
“Here is a letter from Nellie,” Scoris said, “and she and Tom are coming to make us a visit.”
“I don’t suppose we will see very much of them for already the different members are arranging to entertain them. Tom will change places for two weeks with the city manager and will be very busy. I am glad they are coming,” Helen replied.