"To fully enjoy and defend our American citizenship; to cultivate the mind through the exchange of knowledge; to effect a higher character among the members; and to sincerely observe and practice the principles of brotherly love and mutual help. No members are permitted to have sectional, clannish, tong, or party prejudices against one another, or to use such influences to oppress a fellow member."

-- from 1895 Articles of Incorporation, Native Sons of the Golden State