Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
when all other secret societies were prohibited , a special exception was made to Masonry , they could not see any breach of military disciplinebut notwithstanding all these and other arguments being used , Sir Edward ordered them to return the warrant at once , and cease to meet as Masons . Knowing , sir , your warm feelings towards the Craft , may I beg a space in your columns , hoping through these means , her Majesty ' s uncle , his Grace the Duke of Sussex , may come to the
knowledge of the improper situation he holds as Grand Master ofthe English Craft , and , according to Sir Edward Blakeney ' s views , give up the system altogether . I am , Sir , yours sincerely , " A KNIGHT TEMPLAR . "
<{ It is always with reluctance , in the present case it is with deep regret , that we question or impugn the exercise of military power , not only because of our unfitness to decide on points which the mere civilian is so little qualified for rightly considering in their several bearings , but from a sense of the extreme delicacy with which such topics are to be touched upon , where their interest is limited to the circle of their immediate reference . But the circumstance adverted to in the foregoing letterinvolves so many hiher considerations than the decision of a
, g question strictly military , that we confess we feel ourselves released from all ordinary motives to forbearance , and venture , with every deference to the excellent and distinguished officer on whose order it observes , to submit our humble impressions of the subject thus forced on public attention . "We do not , therefore , hesitate to declare our strong conviction of the impolicy of such an interference with Masonic interests as the mandate
of Sir Edward Blakeney conveys ; because , as we have always understood the character and objects of the institution which the gallant General ' s order would exclude from the army , we can imagine no association so well calculated , under proper government , to advance the interests of the service . The known principles of the Masonic union come powerfully in aid of all the obligations of the soldier no less than
of the citizen ; and so far from having cause to apprehend the introduction of au antagonist control to military rule , from the establishment of a regimental Lodge , we do not know that those in authority could trust to better influences , or employ a higher agency , for every purpose of legitimate command , than those derived from the very association which Sir Edward Blakeney seems to think unfit for soldiers . The laws of the country , and the whole force of public opinion , lend their concurrent sanctions to this institution—the only secret body in this country , be it
observed , exempted from heavy penal liabilities ; and while we are of opinion that it confers at least as much distinction as it can derive from the many illustrious names that grace its annals , we may instance the support it has received , " through evil report and good report , " from such men , as conclusive of the character of the Society with whicli their lives and virtues are identified . In England , Masonry has had amongst the steadiest of its patronsbesides the Princes of the Blood Royalvery
, , many of the elite of her nobility ; and in our own country it maintains a reputation in no respect less favourable . A society with which the Duke of Leinster , as Grand Master of Masons in Ireland , has thought it not unworthy of his exalted rank , and the high social position which he so well fills , to link his name and influence , sufficiently commends itself to the acceptance and support of every friend of peace and order ;
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
when all other secret societies were prohibited , a special exception was made to Masonry , they could not see any breach of military disciplinebut notwithstanding all these and other arguments being used , Sir Edward ordered them to return the warrant at once , and cease to meet as Masons . Knowing , sir , your warm feelings towards the Craft , may I beg a space in your columns , hoping through these means , her Majesty ' s uncle , his Grace the Duke of Sussex , may come to the
knowledge of the improper situation he holds as Grand Master ofthe English Craft , and , according to Sir Edward Blakeney ' s views , give up the system altogether . I am , Sir , yours sincerely , " A KNIGHT TEMPLAR . "
<{ It is always with reluctance , in the present case it is with deep regret , that we question or impugn the exercise of military power , not only because of our unfitness to decide on points which the mere civilian is so little qualified for rightly considering in their several bearings , but from a sense of the extreme delicacy with which such topics are to be touched upon , where their interest is limited to the circle of their immediate reference . But the circumstance adverted to in the foregoing letterinvolves so many hiher considerations than the decision of a
, g question strictly military , that we confess we feel ourselves released from all ordinary motives to forbearance , and venture , with every deference to the excellent and distinguished officer on whose order it observes , to submit our humble impressions of the subject thus forced on public attention . "We do not , therefore , hesitate to declare our strong conviction of the impolicy of such an interference with Masonic interests as the mandate
of Sir Edward Blakeney conveys ; because , as we have always understood the character and objects of the institution which the gallant General ' s order would exclude from the army , we can imagine no association so well calculated , under proper government , to advance the interests of the service . The known principles of the Masonic union come powerfully in aid of all the obligations of the soldier no less than
of the citizen ; and so far from having cause to apprehend the introduction of au antagonist control to military rule , from the establishment of a regimental Lodge , we do not know that those in authority could trust to better influences , or employ a higher agency , for every purpose of legitimate command , than those derived from the very association which Sir Edward Blakeney seems to think unfit for soldiers . The laws of the country , and the whole force of public opinion , lend their concurrent sanctions to this institution—the only secret body in this country , be it
observed , exempted from heavy penal liabilities ; and while we are of opinion that it confers at least as much distinction as it can derive from the many illustrious names that grace its annals , we may instance the support it has received , " through evil report and good report , " from such men , as conclusive of the character of the Society with whicli their lives and virtues are identified . In England , Masonry has had amongst the steadiest of its patronsbesides the Princes of the Blood Royalvery
, , many of the elite of her nobility ; and in our own country it maintains a reputation in no respect less favourable . A society with which the Duke of Leinster , as Grand Master of Masons in Ireland , has thought it not unworthy of his exalted rank , and the high social position which he so well fills , to link his name and influence , sufficiently commends itself to the acceptance and support of every friend of peace and order ;