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Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Cor . respondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications .
IMPOSTORS . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Is it not high time that some steps should be taken by constitutional authority to stop the flood of imposture which has of late so greatly increased , and which calls forth so mnch justifiable condemnation / rom our various Lodges ? It is known that we are not the men to send away from onr gatherings , empty handed ,
those who deservedly claim our sympathy and assistance . Our " refreshment after labour " would choke us if we had to think that a worthy "Lazarus" had been refused and was in want whilst we fared sumptuously . There is no reason whatever to enter into argument as to our willingness , and even desire to aid suffering and distressed brethren . But , the desire is checked and warm feelings of
sympathy and brotherly love are chilled by the frequency of the impostures to which we are subject from tbe most unworthy of those who have been admitted ( why admitted , or how admitted it is bootless to enquire now ) to the light of onr mysteries . Kindly insert the following letters , which I copy , verbatim et literatim , from originals in my possession : — No . 1 . Note paper , in pencil , printed heading —(?) how obtained .
Parish of St . Giles , Camberwell , Board of Guardians , Peckham Koad , Camberwell , S . E . 14 th Feby . 1884 .
C . S . STEVENS , Clerk . Worshipful Sir & bro . I am an Irish bro in great distress through afliotion have been 3 months in the Ophthalmic Hospital & 3 wks in the above
Infirmary awaiting the descission of the G . L . of Ireland which I hope to hear from soon . I shall feel for ever grateful if your Lodge will grant me a little Belief Bro Frere who visied me at the Infirmary advised me to make the case known to your Lodge which he told me meets to-night
I have the honour & o . Yours fraternally J . DONOVAN . 555 Fermoy Co . Cork .
Awaiting an answer . This letter it appears ( the italics are mine ) was presented on the date , 14 th February , to the Macdonald Lodge , No . 1216 , at Camberwell , and , as 1 understand , relief was voted to J . Donovan from the Lodge funds . At this moment and without reference I cannot say whether
or not I was present at Lodge on that occasion ; but , at any rate , I had either not known , or had forgotten the existence of such letter or its writer , when , on the 9 th instant , our W . M . asked me to examine , and ascertain the particulars of distress from an applicant who had sent into Lodge , just as it had closed , the following letter : — No . 2 . Plain note paper , written in ink , no address heading .
9 th October 1884 . Worshipful Master , I am Just come out of the Eoyal Ophthalmic Hospital SufFeriug from the worse kind of Retinitis Pigmentosa—My Mother Lodge has my case in hands to bring before the Orand Lodge in Dublin at their
next meeting when I hope something permanent will be done for me . W . Sir , I am in great distress in fact starving . I shall feel for ever grateful for a little relief . Bro . Allsopp advised me to make my case known to your Lodge which he told me met here to-night . Shall be glad to answer any qnestion which may be put to me . W . Sir , you
may depend that the Architect of the Universe will prosper yon in all your undertakings seeing that you have relieved an infirm Mason , being one of God ' s afflicted through his devine will . I applied to a Lodge at Longhboro Junction they even proved me in all the degrees and then took my address stating that they wonld send me some
money in a few days but I have had to leave the Lodgings through not being able to pay and had to walk about this last 3 nights . I never knew a bro being sent away empty from any Lodge in Ireland . I have the honor to remain ,
Yours fraternally , JNO . CKOWLET , Late H . M . R . I . Cameronians 26 . Constabulary .
The italics in this copy are mine , the handwriting of both letters corresponds , and the expressions used in both are so nearly alike that there cannot be a doubt that Donovan and Crowley aro one and the same person . Bnt this conld not be known to me when I carried out our W . M . 's behest on Thursday last . In the ante-room I found a
smooth-shaven man with moustache , who may possibly be thirty years of age or a little more , shabby , badly shod , and certainly afflicted in respect of eye-sight , so much so that I can be positive he could not distinguish my featnres except in a certain light . This fact appealed so much to sympathy that beyond " proving , " hearing what he had to say as to the cause of his distress , and being assured
by him that he was not making Masonry serve an un-. vorthy purpose in his case , I was not over pressing , and on my return to the Lod <* e room sus » i » ested that he should have relief . The Lodge was closed but the brethren had arranged that an advance should be made from Lodge funds , and the vote carried at next meeting j and amongst themselves " whipped round " for present emergenoy . Then our
Secretary , Bro . Messenger , had to see the man , and at once declared to me that we had been imposed on , for the same person had been relieved in Febuary last , and that he could produce the written appli . cation whioh wonld be amongst his papers at home . Crowley stoutl y denied that he hud ever before applied , or that he had been in London more than four months . He had the benefit of the doubt , and on his
undertaking to see Bro . Potter ( our Tyler ) in the morning , with a letter from the medical man who had attended him in hospital , part of the subscribed money was handed to him , with a promise that if he could make the required assurance he should have the balance , and further help from another quarter . Bro . Messenger sent me letter No . 1 the day after , and said he did not anticipate I should have much
trouble in coming to a oonolusion that the same hand wrote both . Nor have I ; and I feel sure that none of your readers will arrive at any other conclusion . Crowley oould not present the letter he proposed to produce , but he did present himself in the other quarter referred to , probably I hinking to further impose . But he had a " short shrift " for the balance of the amount subscribed for him on
the 14 th was handed over to him with directions for his speedy departure , and an assurance that he might consider his " little game " quite at an end as far as those Lodges whioh will take warning are concerned . Excuse this lengthy narration , but it has been necessary to properly to explain all the circumstances relating to the " Donovan alias
Crowley " imposition , and to further impress upon the Craft generally the absolute necessity for adopting some measures whereby these unworthy brethren shall be preveuted from successfully pursuing their avocation , for avocation is the only proper word by whioh their begging appeals can be characterised . If it is said prevention is impossible , and it is not at all unusual when improvement in Masonio
matters is suggested to find that word freely used ; then I say the means have not been tried , and our organisation must be very defective indeed if our Lodges cannot be assisted in their earnest endeavours to discriminate and decide where they ought to refuse and where they ought to give assistance . I may write again on this subject , and probably put forth a scheme for consideration of those interested .
Yours faithfully and fraternally , JAMES STEVENS P . M . P . Z . Clapham , 14 th October 1884 .
We extract the following from the Canadian Craftsman , GRAND LODGB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA .
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As an old Colonist , I have been observing with interest the various xaovements that have taken place in Australia for the purpose of forming independent Masonic governing bodies . In New South Wales and Victoria the leaders of such movements have permitted their ardour to outrun their discretion , and the consequences have been most lamentable . When the so-called Grand Lodge of New South Wales was formed there
wero in all oighty-six Lodges in that colony , mado np of forty-seven under the English , thirty under the Scotch , and nine under the Irish Constitutions . Only twelve of these Lodges , and not one of the English Lodges , joined in tho movement . Iu Victoria there were ninety-five Lodges , seventy under the English Constitution , ten under the Scotch , and fifteen under the Irish . Only eighteen of these combined to form the so-called Grand Lodgo of Victoria . Under snch circumstances there could be no manner of doubt
whatever as to the course ; to be pursued by the mother Grand Lodges of England , Scotland , and Ireland , and the illegally formed bodies in Australia ave occupying at this moment a most unenviable position . The formation of the Grand Lodge of South Australia has , on the other hand , been condncted ou quite a different plan . In that
colony there are thirty-three Lodges , thirty of which resolve to form a Grand Lodge . The thirty-three Lodges aro made up of twenty English , six Scotch , and seven Irish Lodges . Of the three Lodges who were not content to join , two were Irish and one English , and one of these two Irish Lodges was virtually extinct—at any rate , it wa 3 not working . The movement , therefore , in South Australia , has
been practically unanimous , aud I am glad to observe that there is apparently every chance of the new governing body receiving complete recognition by the authorities at home . In reading your editorial notes on the subject on Saturday last , I observe , as has been tho case on former occasions , an obvious reluctance to admit either the ri ght or the advantage of our colonial
brethren to become Masonically independent . I sincerely hope that there is no wide-spread feeling of this kind . The Grand Lodge of England is enormously strong , but the retention under its rale of any unwilling section of tho Brotherhood cannot add either to its influence or strength . I do not know what the ostensible reasons for independence are which you declare to be utterly baseless and
untenable ; but I kuow quite well what are the real reasons which lead colonies to desire self-government in Masonic matters , and I am well aware that those reasons are exceedingly ample . You say that " a minority in each English Lodge decline to join the movement . " I do not see that this in any degree affect 3 the question of recognition
or otherwise . If it does , then we must proceed at once to expunge that portion of our printed charge which tells us that " a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions passed by a majority of the brethren " is the imperative duty of every Freemason . But if recognition is to bo accorded at all , it should bo granted unconditionally . To make any reservations , as suggested by yoa ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Cor . respondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications .
IMPOSTORS . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Is it not high time that some steps should be taken by constitutional authority to stop the flood of imposture which has of late so greatly increased , and which calls forth so mnch justifiable condemnation / rom our various Lodges ? It is known that we are not the men to send away from onr gatherings , empty handed ,
those who deservedly claim our sympathy and assistance . Our " refreshment after labour " would choke us if we had to think that a worthy "Lazarus" had been refused and was in want whilst we fared sumptuously . There is no reason whatever to enter into argument as to our willingness , and even desire to aid suffering and distressed brethren . But , the desire is checked and warm feelings of
sympathy and brotherly love are chilled by the frequency of the impostures to which we are subject from tbe most unworthy of those who have been admitted ( why admitted , or how admitted it is bootless to enquire now ) to the light of onr mysteries . Kindly insert the following letters , which I copy , verbatim et literatim , from originals in my possession : — No . 1 . Note paper , in pencil , printed heading —(?) how obtained .
Parish of St . Giles , Camberwell , Board of Guardians , Peckham Koad , Camberwell , S . E . 14 th Feby . 1884 .
C . S . STEVENS , Clerk . Worshipful Sir & bro . I am an Irish bro in great distress through afliotion have been 3 months in the Ophthalmic Hospital & 3 wks in the above
Infirmary awaiting the descission of the G . L . of Ireland which I hope to hear from soon . I shall feel for ever grateful if your Lodge will grant me a little Belief Bro Frere who visied me at the Infirmary advised me to make the case known to your Lodge which he told me meets to-night
I have the honour & o . Yours fraternally J . DONOVAN . 555 Fermoy Co . Cork .
Awaiting an answer . This letter it appears ( the italics are mine ) was presented on the date , 14 th February , to the Macdonald Lodge , No . 1216 , at Camberwell , and , as 1 understand , relief was voted to J . Donovan from the Lodge funds . At this moment and without reference I cannot say whether
or not I was present at Lodge on that occasion ; but , at any rate , I had either not known , or had forgotten the existence of such letter or its writer , when , on the 9 th instant , our W . M . asked me to examine , and ascertain the particulars of distress from an applicant who had sent into Lodge , just as it had closed , the following letter : — No . 2 . Plain note paper , written in ink , no address heading .
9 th October 1884 . Worshipful Master , I am Just come out of the Eoyal Ophthalmic Hospital SufFeriug from the worse kind of Retinitis Pigmentosa—My Mother Lodge has my case in hands to bring before the Orand Lodge in Dublin at their
next meeting when I hope something permanent will be done for me . W . Sir , I am in great distress in fact starving . I shall feel for ever grateful for a little relief . Bro . Allsopp advised me to make my case known to your Lodge which he told me met here to-night . Shall be glad to answer any qnestion which may be put to me . W . Sir , you
may depend that the Architect of the Universe will prosper yon in all your undertakings seeing that you have relieved an infirm Mason , being one of God ' s afflicted through his devine will . I applied to a Lodge at Longhboro Junction they even proved me in all the degrees and then took my address stating that they wonld send me some
money in a few days but I have had to leave the Lodgings through not being able to pay and had to walk about this last 3 nights . I never knew a bro being sent away empty from any Lodge in Ireland . I have the honor to remain ,
Yours fraternally , JNO . CKOWLET , Late H . M . R . I . Cameronians 26 . Constabulary .
The italics in this copy are mine , the handwriting of both letters corresponds , and the expressions used in both are so nearly alike that there cannot be a doubt that Donovan and Crowley aro one and the same person . Bnt this conld not be known to me when I carried out our W . M . 's behest on Thursday last . In the ante-room I found a
smooth-shaven man with moustache , who may possibly be thirty years of age or a little more , shabby , badly shod , and certainly afflicted in respect of eye-sight , so much so that I can be positive he could not distinguish my featnres except in a certain light . This fact appealed so much to sympathy that beyond " proving , " hearing what he had to say as to the cause of his distress , and being assured
by him that he was not making Masonry serve an un-. vorthy purpose in his case , I was not over pressing , and on my return to the Lod <* e room sus » i » ested that he should have relief . The Lodge was closed but the brethren had arranged that an advance should be made from Lodge funds , and the vote carried at next meeting j and amongst themselves " whipped round " for present emergenoy . Then our
Secretary , Bro . Messenger , had to see the man , and at once declared to me that we had been imposed on , for the same person had been relieved in Febuary last , and that he could produce the written appli . cation whioh wonld be amongst his papers at home . Crowley stoutl y denied that he hud ever before applied , or that he had been in London more than four months . He had the benefit of the doubt , and on his
undertaking to see Bro . Potter ( our Tyler ) in the morning , with a letter from the medical man who had attended him in hospital , part of the subscribed money was handed to him , with a promise that if he could make the required assurance he should have the balance , and further help from another quarter . Bro . Messenger sent me letter No . 1 the day after , and said he did not anticipate I should have much
trouble in coming to a oonolusion that the same hand wrote both . Nor have I ; and I feel sure that none of your readers will arrive at any other conclusion . Crowley oould not present the letter he proposed to produce , but he did present himself in the other quarter referred to , probably I hinking to further impose . But he had a " short shrift " for the balance of the amount subscribed for him on
the 14 th was handed over to him with directions for his speedy departure , and an assurance that he might consider his " little game " quite at an end as far as those Lodges whioh will take warning are concerned . Excuse this lengthy narration , but it has been necessary to properly to explain all the circumstances relating to the " Donovan alias
Crowley " imposition , and to further impress upon the Craft generally the absolute necessity for adopting some measures whereby these unworthy brethren shall be preveuted from successfully pursuing their avocation , for avocation is the only proper word by whioh their begging appeals can be characterised . If it is said prevention is impossible , and it is not at all unusual when improvement in Masonio
matters is suggested to find that word freely used ; then I say the means have not been tried , and our organisation must be very defective indeed if our Lodges cannot be assisted in their earnest endeavours to discriminate and decide where they ought to refuse and where they ought to give assistance . I may write again on this subject , and probably put forth a scheme for consideration of those interested .
Yours faithfully and fraternally , JAMES STEVENS P . M . P . Z . Clapham , 14 th October 1884 .
We extract the following from the Canadian Craftsman , GRAND LODGB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA .
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As an old Colonist , I have been observing with interest the various xaovements that have taken place in Australia for the purpose of forming independent Masonic governing bodies . In New South Wales and Victoria the leaders of such movements have permitted their ardour to outrun their discretion , and the consequences have been most lamentable . When the so-called Grand Lodge of New South Wales was formed there
wero in all oighty-six Lodges in that colony , mado np of forty-seven under the English , thirty under the Scotch , and nine under the Irish Constitutions . Only twelve of these Lodges , and not one of the English Lodges , joined in tho movement . Iu Victoria there were ninety-five Lodges , seventy under the English Constitution , ten under the Scotch , and fifteen under the Irish . Only eighteen of these combined to form the so-called Grand Lodgo of Victoria . Under snch circumstances there could be no manner of doubt
whatever as to the course ; to be pursued by the mother Grand Lodges of England , Scotland , and Ireland , and the illegally formed bodies in Australia ave occupying at this moment a most unenviable position . The formation of the Grand Lodge of South Australia has , on the other hand , been condncted ou quite a different plan . In that
colony there are thirty-three Lodges , thirty of which resolve to form a Grand Lodge . The thirty-three Lodges aro made up of twenty English , six Scotch , and seven Irish Lodges . Of the three Lodges who were not content to join , two were Irish and one English , and one of these two Irish Lodges was virtually extinct—at any rate , it wa 3 not working . The movement , therefore , in South Australia , has
been practically unanimous , aud I am glad to observe that there is apparently every chance of the new governing body receiving complete recognition by the authorities at home . In reading your editorial notes on the subject on Saturday last , I observe , as has been tho case on former occasions , an obvious reluctance to admit either the ri ght or the advantage of our colonial
brethren to become Masonically independent . I sincerely hope that there is no wide-spread feeling of this kind . The Grand Lodge of England is enormously strong , but the retention under its rale of any unwilling section of tho Brotherhood cannot add either to its influence or strength . I do not know what the ostensible reasons for independence are which you declare to be utterly baseless and
untenable ; but I kuow quite well what are the real reasons which lead colonies to desire self-government in Masonic matters , and I am well aware that those reasons are exceedingly ample . You say that " a minority in each English Lodge decline to join the movement . " I do not see that this in any degree affect 3 the question of recognition
or otherwise . If it does , then we must proceed at once to expunge that portion of our printed charge which tells us that " a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions passed by a majority of the brethren " is the imperative duty of every Freemason . But if recognition is to bo accorded at all , it should bo granted unconditionally . To make any reservations , as suggested by yoa ,