Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports.
petitions were always entertained with proper attention , so that there the principle was conceded ; and that they could relieve onl y six out of forty applicants for the Annuity Fund at the last election ; and all must first be provided for . At that rate , a widow never would have a chance , for twenty male applicants would spring up for every one provided for . He should support the motion . Bro . R . G . ALSTONwith every possible desireand deep-felt anxiety
, , , to support the widows of Masons , could not conscientiously do so at the expense of common reason . The Grand Lodge had sanctioned the leading principles of a Benevolent Institution , which the resolution and the amendment would go far to weaken . As soon as time should prove that the public fund would justify annuities for widows , he should be among those who -would advocate in such case so proper a course ; but he , on the present occasion , should vote both against the amendment
and the original motion . Bro . DR . CRUCEFIX . —It would hardly he expected of him to give a silent vote on this most important subject—important equally as to the dignity of the Grand Lodge , as well as to the just , natural , and honourable claims of the widow . He used the word claims—who had higher , stronger , or more just , on the honesty of the Craft ? He regretted to say that when her claims were last brought before the Grand Lod they
ge , were treated with the most shameless disregard of feeling . Could this fell charge be disputed ? What said the opponents of the widow ?•—¦ AVhy this—when we have satisfied the wants of all the brethren , we will then attend to the widow . Matchless effrontery ! He could boldly state that even the provinces felt ashamed of the objections ; and if care were not taken , a great moral lesson would be read that would prove the
truth of his declaration . He felt surprised that a brother hitherto in the van of charity , should have altered his opinion ; also that the Grand Registrar should have propounded views at once irrational and inconsistent . He must remind the worthy mover of the resolution that the suggested sum of 300 / . in annuities for the widow , was in connection with an improved state of dues , and which was carried by a most unmistakeable majority ; and it should be observed , that on the occasion
alluded to , Grand Lodge was not taken by surprise , for the notice of motion had regularly passed through the alembic of no less than two years' consideration . True , it was lost on a confirmation by an equally significant majority . How came this?—He would tell them . The Grand Master thought fit , for the first time , to inform the provinces that such a result had been arrived at , and if they did not like it , they might attend the ensuing Grand Lodge . In the mean time the most
unconstitutional proceedings took place . The significant hint was taken by provincial grand lodges and private lodges , who interassociated , and certainly there was a sufficient majority to prevent the confirmation of the proposed raising of dues . He feared not the truth—it was right to tell it . But he could conscientiously state , that he believed , on sober reflection , the same parties regretted they had not moved an amendment on the duesand carried the annuities to widows . He could stand the
, brunt of an attack in Grand Lodge with greater ease than he could its kindness ; and among all his efforts , he reflected on those two evenings with the most perfect satisfaction . The time would come , and perhaps sooner than friends could wish , or opponents hope for , when the persevering conduct of a honest man would be appreciated . Having on previous occasions entered most full y into the claims of the widow , he VOL . VII . B P .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports.
petitions were always entertained with proper attention , so that there the principle was conceded ; and that they could relieve onl y six out of forty applicants for the Annuity Fund at the last election ; and all must first be provided for . At that rate , a widow never would have a chance , for twenty male applicants would spring up for every one provided for . He should support the motion . Bro . R . G . ALSTONwith every possible desireand deep-felt anxiety
, , , to support the widows of Masons , could not conscientiously do so at the expense of common reason . The Grand Lodge had sanctioned the leading principles of a Benevolent Institution , which the resolution and the amendment would go far to weaken . As soon as time should prove that the public fund would justify annuities for widows , he should be among those who -would advocate in such case so proper a course ; but he , on the present occasion , should vote both against the amendment
and the original motion . Bro . DR . CRUCEFIX . —It would hardly he expected of him to give a silent vote on this most important subject—important equally as to the dignity of the Grand Lodge , as well as to the just , natural , and honourable claims of the widow . He used the word claims—who had higher , stronger , or more just , on the honesty of the Craft ? He regretted to say that when her claims were last brought before the Grand Lod they
ge , were treated with the most shameless disregard of feeling . Could this fell charge be disputed ? What said the opponents of the widow ?•—¦ AVhy this—when we have satisfied the wants of all the brethren , we will then attend to the widow . Matchless effrontery ! He could boldly state that even the provinces felt ashamed of the objections ; and if care were not taken , a great moral lesson would be read that would prove the
truth of his declaration . He felt surprised that a brother hitherto in the van of charity , should have altered his opinion ; also that the Grand Registrar should have propounded views at once irrational and inconsistent . He must remind the worthy mover of the resolution that the suggested sum of 300 / . in annuities for the widow , was in connection with an improved state of dues , and which was carried by a most unmistakeable majority ; and it should be observed , that on the occasion
alluded to , Grand Lodge was not taken by surprise , for the notice of motion had regularly passed through the alembic of no less than two years' consideration . True , it was lost on a confirmation by an equally significant majority . How came this?—He would tell them . The Grand Master thought fit , for the first time , to inform the provinces that such a result had been arrived at , and if they did not like it , they might attend the ensuing Grand Lodge . In the mean time the most
unconstitutional proceedings took place . The significant hint was taken by provincial grand lodges and private lodges , who interassociated , and certainly there was a sufficient majority to prevent the confirmation of the proposed raising of dues . He feared not the truth—it was right to tell it . But he could conscientiously state , that he believed , on sober reflection , the same parties regretted they had not moved an amendment on the duesand carried the annuities to widows . He could stand the
, brunt of an attack in Grand Lodge with greater ease than he could its kindness ; and among all his efforts , he reflected on those two evenings with the most perfect satisfaction . The time would come , and perhaps sooner than friends could wish , or opponents hope for , when the persevering conduct of a honest man would be appreciated . Having on previous occasions entered most full y into the claims of the widow , he VOL . VII . B P .