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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Tidbits.
to obtain . Another generation will appreciate them , after the present labourers in the oause shall have passed away . We cannot treasure books too carefully , especially if they relate to Freemasonry , for such works are rarely re-published in after years , and soon hecome so scarce that it is often difficult to procure a copy . Bat I am wandering from the subject of snoh Reports . We must
accept the current facts , but not always the opinions and comments of the compilers of them . The Reporter gives facts , so far as they may come to his knowledge , and often interjects his own opinions and comments , on matters already decided by Grand Masters or Grand Lodges . These Reporters , it should be remembered , are no more infallible than some other Masons , and their opinions are as
open to oriticism as are those of their compeers . They give statements , and faots , and quotations , and then frequently add their own views and inferences . These often throw light on the question , and sometimes mislead the reader ; yet they are valuable as aids in search of the truth ; but in reading them we must learn to discriminate , and even sometimes to discount . The brother who prepares
the Report should be well informed on matters Masonio—especially if they relate to the history , laws , objects , and labours of the Fraternity , its current transactions and characteristics , as well as the biographies of leading members . Tell ns what such men have done for the benefit of Masonry , besides being admitted to the degrees . If they do no more than this , they very soon become idlers in the
hive , or barnacles elinging to onr noble Craft , and impeding the efforts of the active and enterprising members . In regard to the qualifications of a Reporter , one describes his assooiate in such work , when writing of him ; thus : " He is not only an able writer , but a good condenser , and presents his brethren with the cream of the cream . " Suoh , and suoh only , I think , should be appointed to
that important work . Give ns faots , bnt let the reader exercise his own judgment and supply his own comments . Speaking of idlers , —every Mason shonld make a record of active devotion to the interests of the Institution , and of untiring aeal in the promotion of its welfare . This should be engraved upon his banner , and it should be nnbought and unsolicited . The records
of deeds , and of zealous devotion to the cause will constitute his highest eulogy . Everywhore , as well as in the Reports I am writing about , there may be and is sometimes too much pandering to great names , forgetful of the claims they may have to Masonic commendation , and without regard to any benefit they may have been to Freemasonry . They may be great as politicians , or statesmen , or
jurists , or linguists , or clergymen , and they may be Masons , but many obscure and humble persons , from the farm or the workshops , may have done muoh more for Freemasonry in their love of the Institution , and their unwearied efforts to promote its interests , and sometimes those are commended who have not even been members of the Fraternity , but its causeless and unfaltering enemies . Take an example :
One of the very best and most careful and competent of Reporters , in giving the names of the Officers of a Grand Lodge , says : " Clay Webster Taylor , Grand Master , and John Quincey Adams , Depnty Grand Master , a oombination of illustrious name 3 of whioh any Grand Lodge might be proud , " The names are great in the history of the United States in Its earlier days , but what of the men who bore
them ? But why should any Grand Lodge be proud of the names of Henry Clay , Daniel Webster , or John Quincey Adams ? We are justly proud of those names as illustrious in the history of our country . They were eminent aa lawyers , statesmen , orators and patriots . But why commend them in the records of Masonry ? As American oitizens we may well be proud of them , and ready to do all honour
to their memories , —but not in connection with Freemasonry . Adams was a great and far-seeing statesman ; Henry Clay was the peer of Adams , while as an orator he stood pre-eminent . And Daniel Webster , great , stern , massive Daniel Webster , in all respects , I think , he was the greatest man onr country has produced . His very presence was an inspiration , and commanded the homage of all he met . It is
said that once , while walking along a street in London , England ] a gentleman was greatly impressed by his appearance and bearing , and inquired who he was . "Daniel Webster , from the United States , " was the reply . '' Is that the great statesman ? said the querist . " Why he looks like a Cathedral ! " And no better descri ption of the appearance of the great Webster was ever given . All
three of the men named were honoured statesmen , while two of them were among the greatest orators of the age . Every American may well be proud of seeing such illustrious names on the escutcheon of their country , but not in connection with Freemasonry . What did they do for our Institution that their names should be commended on the records of a Grand Lodge ? Another generation who ' knew
not Joseph , " seeing these names mentioned with pride in connection with Masonry , will take it for granted that they were Freemasons . But , from the present standpoint , I ask what claims have they to Masonic commendation ? Let us see . But allow me to suggest that these Reporters are writing for the future , as well as for the present and hence great care should be exercised as to what shonld
, be placed on record . It is this heedlessness of tho past that has created such confusion and contradictions in the history of Freefflasonry . Be careful to make and leave the records accurate , and iu historical matters take nothing for granted that is not susceptible ° f proof .
ADAMS —WEBSTER—CLAY . —The mother of Adams was a noble woman—far above the sanctimonious pretensions of the earlier New Englander . Her husband was in Philadelphia as a member of Congress at the time of tho Bunker Hill battle , at which the Grand Master Bro . Dr . Warren , was slain . Soon after , Mrs . Adams wrote to her husband , giving the details and results of the conflict . In this
letter she says : " We heard from a deserter that onr valued friend , Bro . Warren , dear to us in death , was not treated with any more respect than the common soldier ; but the savage wretches called officers , consulted together , and agreed to sever his head from his bod y and carry it in triumph to Gage ( the British General ) . What humanity could not obtain tbe rites and ceremonies of a MASON demanded ,. An Officer who , it scorns , was one of the Brotherhood ,
requested that , as a Mason , he might have the body unmangled , and find a decent interment for it . He obtained hia request , but upon returning to seoure it , he found it already thrown into the earth , only with the ceremony of being first placed there , with many bodies over him . " That woman , who wrote so kindly of Masonry , was the mother of John Quincy Adams , ono of tho most vindictive
Anti-Masons of his day . When the Morgan excitement began , he , with others , caught the contagion and joined the " army of invasion . " He wrote a large volume in a series of " Letters on Masonry and anti-Masonry , " in whioh the Institution was condemned in terms of unrelenting hostility . He denounced Freemasonry , and said all he could to injure it and bring it into disrepute . Bnt neither his high political
standing , nor great name and great abilities could avail . Freemasonry lived on and prospered , and will live and prosper after its defamera shall be forgotten . But why we shonld now place on the records of a Grand Lodge , and in commendatory terms , the names of a vindictive anti-Mason , I cannot conceive . Distinguished as he deservedly was as a statesman , he was also distinguished as an enemy to
Freemasonry . Daniel Webster , in some respects , had few , if any , equals in his day , —or before or since . Intellectually he was "head and shoulders " above his contemporaries , though he lived in an age of great men . He was not a Freemason , and on one occasion , at least , treated the Fraternity with great contempt , if not insult . The present
Monument on Bunker Hill was dedicated 17 th June 1843 . It was erected , not by the Craft , but by an association of patriotic oitizens , who revered and wished to honour the memory of Warren . Fifty years before , in 1794 , King Solomon ' s Lodge , at Charlestown , secured a donation of the ground , and erected a monument upon it in memory of their Grand Master Warren . The square and compasses , with
other Masonio emblems , and an appropriate inscription , were engraved upon the shaft . John Foley jun ., was Master of the Lodge , and at the dedication of the monument delivered an address . In 1825 the " Bunker Hill Monument Association " was organised to erect on the ground a mnch more massive and imposing structure . By mutual arrangement the ground and obelisk were transferred
to the new Association , with the condition that an exact copy of the original shaft , greatly reduced in size , should be placed within the pedestal of the new Monument , and there preserved . The new Monument , as stated above , was dedicated 17 th June 1843 . The President of the United States , with his Cabinet , distinguished citizens , and a vast concourse of people were present , aud
there , too , was King Solomon ' s Lodge , in full regalia , and at his head was the same John Foley jun ., who had officiated as Master and delivered an address at the dedication of the original Monument erected by his Lodge . Daniel Webster pronounced an oration ou the occasion , one of tho most eloquent that ever fell from his lips . But while patriotism
heroism , Warren aud battle were all brought into review , not a word about Freemasonry . There was the model of the first Monument built by the Lodge ; around him were the members of that Lodge ; by his side on the platform was the venerable Foley , in costume , who , nearly fifty years before , had dedicated the first Monument . Mr . Webster could not have been ignorant of the facts , nor
of the historical events connected with the structure , but he uttered not one word on the subject , nor alluded to the Craft in any way , in its connection with the imposing obelisk before him . The Lodge and the Craft were left severely alone—treated with silent contempt ! Why ? It is difficult to tell . It may have been from prejudices imbibed by the earlier years of the anti-Masonic
excitement , but iu 1843 there was little danger to be apprehended by a politician ; and besides , Mr . Webster had , or ought to have had , too much stern good sense to be influenced by such thoughts . His studious failure to refer to the Craft , and to Dr . Warren as Grand Master when he laid down hi 3 life for his conntry , must have been intentional , but his reason for it now slumbers with him in the grave .
There let it remain , for great men sometimes have failings , as well as less prominent ones , and there is use in all for " The broad mantle of Masonic charity . " Bnt why the name of Webster , great and patriotic as he was , should receive honourable mention on the records of the Grand Lodge is beyond my comprehension . I honour the man as a orator aud statesman , but he is entitled to no special regard
in connection with Freemasonry . Henry Clay , " The great commoner , " one of the most eloquent men of his day , and every pulsation of whose heart throbbed for freedom and his country , was a Mason in early life , and " did well for a season ; " bnt political life and aspirations and anti-Masonry caused him to neglect and then
to ignore the Fraternity . When the antis desired a candidate for the Presidency , they wrote Mr . Clay to know if he waB a Mason , and what were his views about the Institution . His reply , substantially , was—that when young he had become a Freemason , but he had given it no attention for so long a time that he did not think he could gain admission to a Lodge . Cold shoulder again ! But what an admission for a Past Grand Master ! And why should snch men
now have honourable mention on the records of a Grand Lodge , however much we may honour them in other relations ? The brethren referred to by the Reporter , as bearing these names , are doubtless good men and true Masons , but they did not select their names , and I am only writing of men of other days known by auch names ; of men who had no olaim upon the Institution , and yet receive flatter , ing notice on the records of a Grand Lodge .
Ad01101
DANCING . —To Those Who Have Never Learnt to Dance . —Bro . and Mrs . JACQUES "VVYNMANN receive daily , and undertake to teach ladies and gentlemen , who have never had the slightest previous knowledge or instruction , to go through every fashionable ball-dance in a few easy lessons . Private lessons any hour . Homing and evening classes . PROSPECTUS OS APPIIOATIOIT . ACADEMY—74 NEWMAN STREET , OXFORD STREET , W . Bao . JACQUES WyKsiAKir witt BE HAPPY IO TAKB THE MASAGBMEirr or KSM ASOSIC BAILS . FIBBI-CLASS BAHDS PBOVIDED .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Tidbits.
to obtain . Another generation will appreciate them , after the present labourers in the oause shall have passed away . We cannot treasure books too carefully , especially if they relate to Freemasonry , for such works are rarely re-published in after years , and soon hecome so scarce that it is often difficult to procure a copy . Bat I am wandering from the subject of snoh Reports . We must
accept the current facts , but not always the opinions and comments of the compilers of them . The Reporter gives facts , so far as they may come to his knowledge , and often interjects his own opinions and comments , on matters already decided by Grand Masters or Grand Lodges . These Reporters , it should be remembered , are no more infallible than some other Masons , and their opinions are as
open to oriticism as are those of their compeers . They give statements , and faots , and quotations , and then frequently add their own views and inferences . These often throw light on the question , and sometimes mislead the reader ; yet they are valuable as aids in search of the truth ; but in reading them we must learn to discriminate , and even sometimes to discount . The brother who prepares
the Report should be well informed on matters Masonio—especially if they relate to the history , laws , objects , and labours of the Fraternity , its current transactions and characteristics , as well as the biographies of leading members . Tell ns what such men have done for the benefit of Masonry , besides being admitted to the degrees . If they do no more than this , they very soon become idlers in the
hive , or barnacles elinging to onr noble Craft , and impeding the efforts of the active and enterprising members . In regard to the qualifications of a Reporter , one describes his assooiate in such work , when writing of him ; thus : " He is not only an able writer , but a good condenser , and presents his brethren with the cream of the cream . " Suoh , and suoh only , I think , should be appointed to
that important work . Give ns faots , bnt let the reader exercise his own judgment and supply his own comments . Speaking of idlers , —every Mason shonld make a record of active devotion to the interests of the Institution , and of untiring aeal in the promotion of its welfare . This should be engraved upon his banner , and it should be nnbought and unsolicited . The records
of deeds , and of zealous devotion to the cause will constitute his highest eulogy . Everywhore , as well as in the Reports I am writing about , there may be and is sometimes too much pandering to great names , forgetful of the claims they may have to Masonic commendation , and without regard to any benefit they may have been to Freemasonry . They may be great as politicians , or statesmen , or
jurists , or linguists , or clergymen , and they may be Masons , but many obscure and humble persons , from the farm or the workshops , may have done muoh more for Freemasonry in their love of the Institution , and their unwearied efforts to promote its interests , and sometimes those are commended who have not even been members of the Fraternity , but its causeless and unfaltering enemies . Take an example :
One of the very best and most careful and competent of Reporters , in giving the names of the Officers of a Grand Lodge , says : " Clay Webster Taylor , Grand Master , and John Quincey Adams , Depnty Grand Master , a oombination of illustrious name 3 of whioh any Grand Lodge might be proud , " The names are great in the history of the United States in Its earlier days , but what of the men who bore
them ? But why should any Grand Lodge be proud of the names of Henry Clay , Daniel Webster , or John Quincey Adams ? We are justly proud of those names as illustrious in the history of our country . They were eminent aa lawyers , statesmen , orators and patriots . But why commend them in the records of Masonry ? As American oitizens we may well be proud of them , and ready to do all honour
to their memories , —but not in connection with Freemasonry . Adams was a great and far-seeing statesman ; Henry Clay was the peer of Adams , while as an orator he stood pre-eminent . And Daniel Webster , great , stern , massive Daniel Webster , in all respects , I think , he was the greatest man onr country has produced . His very presence was an inspiration , and commanded the homage of all he met . It is
said that once , while walking along a street in London , England ] a gentleman was greatly impressed by his appearance and bearing , and inquired who he was . "Daniel Webster , from the United States , " was the reply . '' Is that the great statesman ? said the querist . " Why he looks like a Cathedral ! " And no better descri ption of the appearance of the great Webster was ever given . All
three of the men named were honoured statesmen , while two of them were among the greatest orators of the age . Every American may well be proud of seeing such illustrious names on the escutcheon of their country , but not in connection with Freemasonry . What did they do for our Institution that their names should be commended on the records of a Grand Lodge ? Another generation who ' knew
not Joseph , " seeing these names mentioned with pride in connection with Masonry , will take it for granted that they were Freemasons . But , from the present standpoint , I ask what claims have they to Masonic commendation ? Let us see . But allow me to suggest that these Reporters are writing for the future , as well as for the present and hence great care should be exercised as to what shonld
, be placed on record . It is this heedlessness of tho past that has created such confusion and contradictions in the history of Freefflasonry . Be careful to make and leave the records accurate , and iu historical matters take nothing for granted that is not susceptible ° f proof .
ADAMS —WEBSTER—CLAY . —The mother of Adams was a noble woman—far above the sanctimonious pretensions of the earlier New Englander . Her husband was in Philadelphia as a member of Congress at the time of tho Bunker Hill battle , at which the Grand Master Bro . Dr . Warren , was slain . Soon after , Mrs . Adams wrote to her husband , giving the details and results of the conflict . In this
letter she says : " We heard from a deserter that onr valued friend , Bro . Warren , dear to us in death , was not treated with any more respect than the common soldier ; but the savage wretches called officers , consulted together , and agreed to sever his head from his bod y and carry it in triumph to Gage ( the British General ) . What humanity could not obtain tbe rites and ceremonies of a MASON demanded ,. An Officer who , it scorns , was one of the Brotherhood ,
requested that , as a Mason , he might have the body unmangled , and find a decent interment for it . He obtained hia request , but upon returning to seoure it , he found it already thrown into the earth , only with the ceremony of being first placed there , with many bodies over him . " That woman , who wrote so kindly of Masonry , was the mother of John Quincy Adams , ono of tho most vindictive
Anti-Masons of his day . When the Morgan excitement began , he , with others , caught the contagion and joined the " army of invasion . " He wrote a large volume in a series of " Letters on Masonry and anti-Masonry , " in whioh the Institution was condemned in terms of unrelenting hostility . He denounced Freemasonry , and said all he could to injure it and bring it into disrepute . Bnt neither his high political
standing , nor great name and great abilities could avail . Freemasonry lived on and prospered , and will live and prosper after its defamera shall be forgotten . But why we shonld now place on the records of a Grand Lodge , and in commendatory terms , the names of a vindictive anti-Mason , I cannot conceive . Distinguished as he deservedly was as a statesman , he was also distinguished as an enemy to
Freemasonry . Daniel Webster , in some respects , had few , if any , equals in his day , —or before or since . Intellectually he was "head and shoulders " above his contemporaries , though he lived in an age of great men . He was not a Freemason , and on one occasion , at least , treated the Fraternity with great contempt , if not insult . The present
Monument on Bunker Hill was dedicated 17 th June 1843 . It was erected , not by the Craft , but by an association of patriotic oitizens , who revered and wished to honour the memory of Warren . Fifty years before , in 1794 , King Solomon ' s Lodge , at Charlestown , secured a donation of the ground , and erected a monument upon it in memory of their Grand Master Warren . The square and compasses , with
other Masonio emblems , and an appropriate inscription , were engraved upon the shaft . John Foley jun ., was Master of the Lodge , and at the dedication of the monument delivered an address . In 1825 the " Bunker Hill Monument Association " was organised to erect on the ground a mnch more massive and imposing structure . By mutual arrangement the ground and obelisk were transferred
to the new Association , with the condition that an exact copy of the original shaft , greatly reduced in size , should be placed within the pedestal of the new Monument , and there preserved . The new Monument , as stated above , was dedicated 17 th June 1843 . The President of the United States , with his Cabinet , distinguished citizens , and a vast concourse of people were present , aud
there , too , was King Solomon ' s Lodge , in full regalia , and at his head was the same John Foley jun ., who had officiated as Master and delivered an address at the dedication of the original Monument erected by his Lodge . Daniel Webster pronounced an oration ou the occasion , one of tho most eloquent that ever fell from his lips . But while patriotism
heroism , Warren aud battle were all brought into review , not a word about Freemasonry . There was the model of the first Monument built by the Lodge ; around him were the members of that Lodge ; by his side on the platform was the venerable Foley , in costume , who , nearly fifty years before , had dedicated the first Monument . Mr . Webster could not have been ignorant of the facts , nor
of the historical events connected with the structure , but he uttered not one word on the subject , nor alluded to the Craft in any way , in its connection with the imposing obelisk before him . The Lodge and the Craft were left severely alone—treated with silent contempt ! Why ? It is difficult to tell . It may have been from prejudices imbibed by the earlier years of the anti-Masonic
excitement , but iu 1843 there was little danger to be apprehended by a politician ; and besides , Mr . Webster had , or ought to have had , too much stern good sense to be influenced by such thoughts . His studious failure to refer to the Craft , and to Dr . Warren as Grand Master when he laid down hi 3 life for his conntry , must have been intentional , but his reason for it now slumbers with him in the grave .
There let it remain , for great men sometimes have failings , as well as less prominent ones , and there is use in all for " The broad mantle of Masonic charity . " Bnt why the name of Webster , great and patriotic as he was , should receive honourable mention on the records of the Grand Lodge is beyond my comprehension . I honour the man as a orator aud statesman , but he is entitled to no special regard
in connection with Freemasonry . Henry Clay , " The great commoner , " one of the most eloquent men of his day , and every pulsation of whose heart throbbed for freedom and his country , was a Mason in early life , and " did well for a season ; " bnt political life and aspirations and anti-Masonry caused him to neglect and then
to ignore the Fraternity . When the antis desired a candidate for the Presidency , they wrote Mr . Clay to know if he waB a Mason , and what were his views about the Institution . His reply , substantially , was—that when young he had become a Freemason , but he had given it no attention for so long a time that he did not think he could gain admission to a Lodge . Cold shoulder again ! But what an admission for a Past Grand Master ! And why should snch men
now have honourable mention on the records of a Grand Lodge , however much we may honour them in other relations ? The brethren referred to by the Reporter , as bearing these names , are doubtless good men and true Masons , but they did not select their names , and I am only writing of men of other days known by auch names ; of men who had no olaim upon the Institution , and yet receive flatter , ing notice on the records of a Grand Lodge .
Ad01101
DANCING . —To Those Who Have Never Learnt to Dance . —Bro . and Mrs . JACQUES "VVYNMANN receive daily , and undertake to teach ladies and gentlemen , who have never had the slightest previous knowledge or instruction , to go through every fashionable ball-dance in a few easy lessons . Private lessons any hour . Homing and evening classes . PROSPECTUS OS APPIIOATIOIT . ACADEMY—74 NEWMAN STREET , OXFORD STREET , W . Bao . JACQUES WyKsiAKir witt BE HAPPY IO TAKB THE MASAGBMEirr or KSM ASOSIC BAILS . FIBBI-CLASS BAHDS PBOVIDED .