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Correspondence.
not seen . If "SERRIC" had read tho circular calling tho meeting , ho would havo seen , under tho heading of " Main objects of the Fund , " tho vory proposals whioh ho characterises aa " monstrous exaggerations , " as well as others . I havo a copy of the circular now lying before mo , signed by tho names of " Dick Eadclyffo and W . W .
Morgan jun ., " with seven distinct paragraphs on the top of the second page , where theso " monstrous exaggerations " are sot forth aa the proposed pnproses of tho Fund . Perhaps " S EURIC " will obtain one ( I retain mine for special
reasons of my own ) , and having informed his mind , will do me the justice , and himself tho honour , of withdrawing the unjust and unfounded statements ho was permitted to make in your columns last week . At tho least , aa a presumod and unknown brother I expect this at his liands . Yours obedioutly and faithfully , JOHN WHILE . P . M . 228 .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Great consternation must provail among tho promoters and supporter of tho above fund . " We want no such ' fund , ' " says Bro . Whilo , and Bro . ' Whilo 13 an authority on everything Masonio and non-Masonic . What matters ib if the Grand Mastor , his brothers Prince Leopold ' and tho Duke of Connaught
tho Pro and Dep . G . Masters and tho G . M . ' s of Ireland and Scotland , and a mnltitudo of other Masonio dignitaries say an assistance fund is desirable ? Bro . While , who is a host in himself , says the contrary , and that of course settles the whole question . Bro . While , from his connection with tho daily press , must be in a position to know every , thing . Wero I a politician , I should accept hia opinion aa to the
probable result of the elections . As a member of the Stock Exchange , I should consult him as to the funds rising or falling . If I were a man of science , I should quote him as an authority on all its branches , while , aa a literary man or man of taste , I could not do better , it seoms , than adopt his language and mode of treatment . Omniscience , howorer , when ifc is tho attribute of a common mortal ,
haa ono great drawbaok . Every other common mortal claims to be its possessor , that is , if ho haa anything like a small modicum of prudence . "I know that we Masons want no Assistance Fund , " oracularly says Bro . While tho omniscient , " for I know that if there aro any cases which require help it will be forthcoming . " " And I know , " saya Lord Eosslyn , " that something of the kind ia wanted .
Last year I talked matters over with the Head Mastor of tho Boys ' School , and the opinion I came to was that the admirable work done by tho School ia incomplete , inasmuch aa many pupila when they leave school find themselves without mean 3 to profit by the excellent education they have received , " and this opinion is shared by a large number of brethren . Still there stands Bro . While , like the
dauntless three who kept the bridge so valiantly in tho brave days of old against the gallant hosts of Lars Porsena of Clusinm , and who dare utter an opinion that is contrary to his ? And yet I daro , I an humble Mason , who am not omniscient , not omnipresent , and not omnivorous , that is , I do not swallow everything that is told me , even when ifc emanates from so potent , grave
and reverend an authority aa Bro . While . Shall I account for my audacity ? Well , Bro . While's remarks at the meeting wero met with cries of " No , no . " This much has been admitted by himself , and when , with the knowle-Jge I possess of the matter , I find that these remarks wero challenged by the rest of the meeting , which included the Deputy Grand Master of England , the Past Grand Master
of Scotland , to whose casual suggestion—made , however , be ifc remembered , with a full senso of responsibility and at a public gatheringand some forty or fifty other brethren , I ask myself the plain question , do not these worthy brethren know their own minds better than Bro . While , who omnisciently claims to interpret them ? Then I am told , on the same authority , that " tho proposals were not even
' damned with faint praise , for the common sense of every one plainly expressed that , when not Quixotic , the proposals were idiotic . " The words " Quixotic" and " idiotic" are " epitaphs " in common use among people who do not understand their meaning . Only a Don Quixote would make a " Quixotic" proposal , and only an idiot one that was " idiotic ; " and I have yet to learn that Lord Skelmersdale ,
Lord Eosslyn , Bro . F . Binckes , Eer . C . J . Martyn , Bro . James Terry , are either Don Quixotes or idiots . Their names are on the Committee , and it is very likely thoy do nob see the force or adrisability of many among the suggestions whioh hare been thrown out for consideration ; but they know enough of the proposal as originally promoted to give ifc their countenance and support , and when they find anything
" Quixotic or " idiotic ia expected of them , I hare no manner of doubt they will decline the proposal , being , as they aro , men of sound common sense aud gentlemen . Lord Eosslyn " expressed hig astonishment at the proposals , and virtually withdrew from them . " His lordship did express surprise at what ifc was afterwards explained were " suggestions " for future
consideration , as being far in excess of tho idea originally propounded by him , but as ho is a member of the interim Committee he cannot hare withdrawn from the scheme . Again , Bro . While has no idea of connecting himself " with any cut and dried organisation , " for it is within his experience that in such cases " all the Committee are merely so many puppets for some clerer manipulator to conjure with . "
Doubt-Jess , tho Grand Master , the Pro Grand Master , Lord Eosslyn , Lord Skelmersdale , and the rest will bo highly gratified in discoreriug tbat , in the opinion of Bro . While the omniscient , they are merely so many " pnppets " for somo " clerer manipulator " to conjure with . The Boys' School , with its Patrons , Vice Patrons , Vice Presidents ,
Ac , must bo equally gratified to know that if the education it gives " does not fit tho boy at sixteon to commence the start in life , " it is , in Bro . While ' s opinion , " so much tho worso for the School , " and " it is time to consider whether the wholo itself is not a mistake . " Indeed , the whole Craft will , I am sure , be delighted to hear that Bro .
Correspondence.
While considers our Boys' School aa " small potatoes" indeed , aa schools go now-a-days . And tho boys—thoy had " many and influential friends , " or they could not havo obtained admission into tho School . What , in tho name of Heaven , can they want further ; what business have they to want anything further ; or to be without friends to sot them going ? Well , appointments are not to bo had for the asking
and for those to bo had there is tho severest possible competition . Therefore , even a boy who has received the best education in the world , and leaves no stono unturned in order to obtain employment , may still bo disappointed , and , in the event of his having no friends , he will find disappointment is not very fattening . Bnt I am forgetting mysolf . The boy had many friends who voted him into the
School , and thoy were cruel enough to desert him . I sympathise with the poor boy , but as for the friends who voted him into tho School , and who , from the fact of their having votes to givo him , must have contributed to clothe , educate , and maintain him for a term of years—to these I have nothing else to say than , most ompha . tically , anathema maranatha . How dare such people live who aro
guilty of so grave a dereliotion of duty ? Of the " blessings of a paid Secretariat" I need say little . I refer Bro . Whilo to Bro . Binckes of tho Boys' School , Bro . Terry of tho Benevolent , and Bro . Hedges of the Girls' School . Heretofore thoy havo been spoken of respeotfnlly as men who do thoir dnty and earn tho salaries which are paid them . Now they aro made the subject of
a" goak , " and perhaps will be known henceforward as the three Masonic " blessings . " lam sure they must fool complimented at finding themselves so highly placed in the estimation of Bro . Whilo . Well , I have now noted the salient points in Bro . While's letter to your contemporary . I hope he is proud of his production . I am sure , after the lavish and well nigh impartial manner in which he has
distributed his compliments , he is entitled to the thanks of tho whole Masonio community . I have half a mind to start a fund for tho maintenance and education of Masonio Fleas , and if I do carry tho idea further , I shall make a point of trying to enlist the sympathy aud assistance of Bro While . They will be so valuable . N . B . —This is a " goak . " Fraternally yours , 0 SI SIC OMNES .
A PLEA FOR AGED MASONS AND THEIR WIDOWS .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I was present at tho meeting of the Pupils' Assistance Fund on . the 11 th March , when tho chair was so ably filled by Lord Skelmersdale , and the objects of tho Fund so clearly explained by Earl Eosslyn . 'I hopo the suggestion I am
about to make will be carried out . At the various meetings afc which our esteemed Brother Terry is present , in responding to tho toast of tho Masonic Charities , he always advocates tho cause of the two Masonio Schools , but ho likewise—and very naturally—advocates , iu eloquent and forcible language , the cause of tho Aged Masons and their
Widows . Perhaps those brethren who have placed their names and money at the disposal of the Pupils' Assistance Fund would havo little objection to assist those who are unsuccessful afc tho elections of the Eoyal Masonio Benevolent Institution . Nono are eligible under sixty years of age ; thoy cannot work ; many have outlived their
iends and relations ; and a little assistance to them would bo a great ion . Ifc is not yet too late to alter the title of tho Fund . All three istitutions require our aid , aud why , then , leave out tho Benevolent i 1 spite of the cold water thrown on tho noble efforts of the Comittee by the Times and in other quarters , I feel certain the Func ill eventually be crowned with success .
I am , Dear Sir and Brother , Fraternally yours , A PAST MASTER .
GRAND LODGE AND BRO . STEVENS' MOTION
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIB AND BROTHER , —I have read Bro . Stevens' letter in your week ' s issue with all the care so well-balanced and moderate a communication demands , and the conclusion I havo arrived at is that it would hardly have been possible for any ono to have stated hia case more clearly , and at the same time more forcibly . While he
makes allowance for thoso differences of opinion among brethreu which are inevitable , he yets holds firmly , and I thiuk with justice , to his riew of the circumstances . There is po doubt whntever that in December 1869 Grand Lodge did affirm the principle of Bro . Stevous ' motion , and did agree to the appointment of the Committee asked for . At the meeting in March 1870 , the minutes were confirmed , and
the principle re-asserted , bnfc the appointment of tho Committee was deferred , and the motion has remained a dead letter ever since . But a law , even though it may never be enforced , remains a law still , and therefore the resolution affirmed by Grand Lodgo in December 1869 , and re-affirmed in March 1870 , is still in force ; nor do I see how tho proceedings of 1879-80 can in any way lessen its virtue . But while I hold that , as far as argument is concerned , Bro . Stevens has by far
the best of it , I think ho will do well if he lets . matters rost a 3 thoy are . He has done his best , and in a perfectly constitutional matter , to promote " uniformity of working" or " unity of essentials , " as somo call it . Grand Lodge has twice accepted his motion for inquiry , or in other words ha 3 twice acknowledged that thoro are prinvl facie grounds for instituting one , but there ifc stops short , and declines to appoint a committee . This may be churlish , or an net of solf-sfcultification , or it may be , as I am sorry to see Bro . Stevens has sug ^
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
not seen . If "SERRIC" had read tho circular calling tho meeting , ho would havo seen , under tho heading of " Main objects of the Fund , " tho vory proposals whioh ho characterises aa " monstrous exaggerations , " as well as others . I havo a copy of the circular now lying before mo , signed by tho names of " Dick Eadclyffo and W . W .
Morgan jun ., " with seven distinct paragraphs on the top of the second page , where theso " monstrous exaggerations " are sot forth aa the proposed pnproses of tho Fund . Perhaps " S EURIC " will obtain one ( I retain mine for special
reasons of my own ) , and having informed his mind , will do me the justice , and himself tho honour , of withdrawing the unjust and unfounded statements ho was permitted to make in your columns last week . At tho least , aa a presumod and unknown brother I expect this at his liands . Yours obedioutly and faithfully , JOHN WHILE . P . M . 228 .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Great consternation must provail among tho promoters and supporter of tho above fund . " We want no such ' fund , ' " says Bro . Whilo , and Bro . ' Whilo 13 an authority on everything Masonio and non-Masonic . What matters ib if the Grand Mastor , his brothers Prince Leopold ' and tho Duke of Connaught
tho Pro and Dep . G . Masters and tho G . M . ' s of Ireland and Scotland , and a mnltitudo of other Masonio dignitaries say an assistance fund is desirable ? Bro . While , who is a host in himself , says the contrary , and that of course settles the whole question . Bro . While , from his connection with tho daily press , must be in a position to know every , thing . Wero I a politician , I should accept hia opinion aa to the
probable result of the elections . As a member of the Stock Exchange , I should consult him as to the funds rising or falling . If I were a man of science , I should quote him as an authority on all its branches , while , aa a literary man or man of taste , I could not do better , it seoms , than adopt his language and mode of treatment . Omniscience , howorer , when ifc is tho attribute of a common mortal ,
haa ono great drawbaok . Every other common mortal claims to be its possessor , that is , if ho haa anything like a small modicum of prudence . "I know that we Masons want no Assistance Fund , " oracularly says Bro . While tho omniscient , " for I know that if there aro any cases which require help it will be forthcoming . " " And I know , " saya Lord Eosslyn , " that something of the kind ia wanted .
Last year I talked matters over with the Head Mastor of tho Boys ' School , and the opinion I came to was that the admirable work done by tho School ia incomplete , inasmuch aa many pupila when they leave school find themselves without mean 3 to profit by the excellent education they have received , " and this opinion is shared by a large number of brethren . Still there stands Bro . While , like the
dauntless three who kept the bridge so valiantly in tho brave days of old against the gallant hosts of Lars Porsena of Clusinm , and who dare utter an opinion that is contrary to his ? And yet I daro , I an humble Mason , who am not omniscient , not omnipresent , and not omnivorous , that is , I do not swallow everything that is told me , even when ifc emanates from so potent , grave
and reverend an authority aa Bro . While . Shall I account for my audacity ? Well , Bro . While's remarks at the meeting wero met with cries of " No , no . " This much has been admitted by himself , and when , with the knowle-Jge I possess of the matter , I find that these remarks wero challenged by the rest of the meeting , which included the Deputy Grand Master of England , the Past Grand Master
of Scotland , to whose casual suggestion—made , however , be ifc remembered , with a full senso of responsibility and at a public gatheringand some forty or fifty other brethren , I ask myself the plain question , do not these worthy brethren know their own minds better than Bro . While , who omnisciently claims to interpret them ? Then I am told , on the same authority , that " tho proposals were not even
' damned with faint praise , for the common sense of every one plainly expressed that , when not Quixotic , the proposals were idiotic . " The words " Quixotic" and " idiotic" are " epitaphs " in common use among people who do not understand their meaning . Only a Don Quixote would make a " Quixotic" proposal , and only an idiot one that was " idiotic ; " and I have yet to learn that Lord Skelmersdale ,
Lord Eosslyn , Bro . F . Binckes , Eer . C . J . Martyn , Bro . James Terry , are either Don Quixotes or idiots . Their names are on the Committee , and it is very likely thoy do nob see the force or adrisability of many among the suggestions whioh hare been thrown out for consideration ; but they know enough of the proposal as originally promoted to give ifc their countenance and support , and when they find anything
" Quixotic or " idiotic ia expected of them , I hare no manner of doubt they will decline the proposal , being , as they aro , men of sound common sense aud gentlemen . Lord Eosslyn " expressed hig astonishment at the proposals , and virtually withdrew from them . " His lordship did express surprise at what ifc was afterwards explained were " suggestions " for future
consideration , as being far in excess of tho idea originally propounded by him , but as ho is a member of the interim Committee he cannot hare withdrawn from the scheme . Again , Bro . While has no idea of connecting himself " with any cut and dried organisation , " for it is within his experience that in such cases " all the Committee are merely so many puppets for some clerer manipulator to conjure with . "
Doubt-Jess , tho Grand Master , the Pro Grand Master , Lord Eosslyn , Lord Skelmersdale , and the rest will bo highly gratified in discoreriug tbat , in the opinion of Bro . While the omniscient , they are merely so many " pnppets " for somo " clerer manipulator " to conjure with . The Boys' School , with its Patrons , Vice Patrons , Vice Presidents ,
Ac , must bo equally gratified to know that if the education it gives " does not fit tho boy at sixteon to commence the start in life , " it is , in Bro . While ' s opinion , " so much tho worso for the School , " and " it is time to consider whether the wholo itself is not a mistake . " Indeed , the whole Craft will , I am sure , be delighted to hear that Bro .
Correspondence.
While considers our Boys' School aa " small potatoes" indeed , aa schools go now-a-days . And tho boys—thoy had " many and influential friends , " or they could not havo obtained admission into tho School . What , in tho name of Heaven , can they want further ; what business have they to want anything further ; or to be without friends to sot them going ? Well , appointments are not to bo had for the asking
and for those to bo had there is tho severest possible competition . Therefore , even a boy who has received the best education in the world , and leaves no stono unturned in order to obtain employment , may still bo disappointed , and , in the event of his having no friends , he will find disappointment is not very fattening . Bnt I am forgetting mysolf . The boy had many friends who voted him into the
School , and thoy were cruel enough to desert him . I sympathise with the poor boy , but as for the friends who voted him into tho School , and who , from the fact of their having votes to givo him , must have contributed to clothe , educate , and maintain him for a term of years—to these I have nothing else to say than , most ompha . tically , anathema maranatha . How dare such people live who aro
guilty of so grave a dereliotion of duty ? Of the " blessings of a paid Secretariat" I need say little . I refer Bro . Whilo to Bro . Binckes of tho Boys' School , Bro . Terry of tho Benevolent , and Bro . Hedges of the Girls' School . Heretofore thoy havo been spoken of respeotfnlly as men who do thoir dnty and earn tho salaries which are paid them . Now they aro made the subject of
a" goak , " and perhaps will be known henceforward as the three Masonic " blessings . " lam sure they must fool complimented at finding themselves so highly placed in the estimation of Bro . Whilo . Well , I have now noted the salient points in Bro . While's letter to your contemporary . I hope he is proud of his production . I am sure , after the lavish and well nigh impartial manner in which he has
distributed his compliments , he is entitled to the thanks of tho whole Masonio community . I have half a mind to start a fund for tho maintenance and education of Masonio Fleas , and if I do carry tho idea further , I shall make a point of trying to enlist the sympathy aud assistance of Bro While . They will be so valuable . N . B . —This is a " goak . " Fraternally yours , 0 SI SIC OMNES .
A PLEA FOR AGED MASONS AND THEIR WIDOWS .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I was present at tho meeting of the Pupils' Assistance Fund on . the 11 th March , when tho chair was so ably filled by Lord Skelmersdale , and the objects of tho Fund so clearly explained by Earl Eosslyn . 'I hopo the suggestion I am
about to make will be carried out . At the various meetings afc which our esteemed Brother Terry is present , in responding to tho toast of tho Masonic Charities , he always advocates tho cause of the two Masonio Schools , but ho likewise—and very naturally—advocates , iu eloquent and forcible language , the cause of tho Aged Masons and their
Widows . Perhaps those brethren who have placed their names and money at the disposal of the Pupils' Assistance Fund would havo little objection to assist those who are unsuccessful afc tho elections of the Eoyal Masonio Benevolent Institution . Nono are eligible under sixty years of age ; thoy cannot work ; many have outlived their
iends and relations ; and a little assistance to them would bo a great ion . Ifc is not yet too late to alter the title of tho Fund . All three istitutions require our aid , aud why , then , leave out tho Benevolent i 1 spite of the cold water thrown on tho noble efforts of the Comittee by the Times and in other quarters , I feel certain the Func ill eventually be crowned with success .
I am , Dear Sir and Brother , Fraternally yours , A PAST MASTER .
GRAND LODGE AND BRO . STEVENS' MOTION
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIB AND BROTHER , —I have read Bro . Stevens' letter in your week ' s issue with all the care so well-balanced and moderate a communication demands , and the conclusion I havo arrived at is that it would hardly have been possible for any ono to have stated hia case more clearly , and at the same time more forcibly . While he
makes allowance for thoso differences of opinion among brethreu which are inevitable , he yets holds firmly , and I thiuk with justice , to his riew of the circumstances . There is po doubt whntever that in December 1869 Grand Lodge did affirm the principle of Bro . Stevous ' motion , and did agree to the appointment of the Committee asked for . At the meeting in March 1870 , the minutes were confirmed , and
the principle re-asserted , bnfc the appointment of tho Committee was deferred , and the motion has remained a dead letter ever since . But a law , even though it may never be enforced , remains a law still , and therefore the resolution affirmed by Grand Lodgo in December 1869 , and re-affirmed in March 1870 , is still in force ; nor do I see how tho proceedings of 1879-80 can in any way lessen its virtue . But while I hold that , as far as argument is concerned , Bro . Stevens has by far
the best of it , I think ho will do well if he lets . matters rost a 3 thoy are . He has done his best , and in a perfectly constitutional matter , to promote " uniformity of working" or " unity of essentials , " as somo call it . Grand Lodge has twice accepted his motion for inquiry , or in other words ha 3 twice acknowledged that thoro are prinvl facie grounds for instituting one , but there ifc stops short , and declines to appoint a committee . This may be churlish , or an net of solf-sfcultification , or it may be , as I am sorry to see Bro . Stevens has sug ^