Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
A letter on the subject will be found in another part , addressed to the Grand Lodge of Ireland ; and it refers to one very important point , viz . the more than questionable power of the Grand Lodge to entertain the consideration of subjects unconnected with its constitution : yet at the Grand Lodge in February last a motion was put and carried—we will not say it was debated , for it is confessedly acknowledged by both Montagues and Capulets—that the scene , during which this singular drama was enacted , cannot be reported at length , for very shame's sake . The motion was to this effect :
That any persons assembling in Ireland under any denomination of Masonry of any degree , without having a warrant from the Duke of Leinster , shall be declared to be illegal " * The charge in the English constitution declares that no Mason , nor body of Masons , can make innovations in Freemasonry the constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Ireland acknowledged an inherent power to make new regulations for the benefit ofthe Fraternity , always prethe old landmarks
serving , j We should like to know how the above motion corresponds with these essential points . But mark the incongruity : the parties comprised in this anathema were desirous of a warrant—had pleaded for a warrant from his Grace—and even now , at this very moment , will gratefully and gracefully accept it at his hands . Nay more—for the fact cannot be concealed—it is well understood that his Grace does not himself withhold it , but that he is fettered in his kind
disposition by a power behind his chair . The Duke of Leinster was not present at the Grand Lodge in February last—he could not be present . How could the noble , kindhearted Mason personally view such a scene ? Even the Deputy Grand Master , who did his best to rally order , was alarmed , and well he might be . It has been observed that " they order these things better in France ; " we can conscientiously breathe , " England with all thy faults [
love thee still . " Some complaints have been made of the appearance of articles in the Dublin papers . If this system be wrong , both parties are in fault ; for both have resorted to such means of publicity . We fear unless a better spirit prevail , the violence which Masonic principle has so unadvisedly sustained , whereby the bias has been endangered , can only be corrected by " public opinion , " which may restore the balancebut at the cost of a blush from the thoughtless and
un-, guarded of both disputants . We may offend some by a seeming leaning toward the weaker side , but experience does not always approve the stronger ; with us might is not always right ; we claim to express perfect respect for the Grand Master in Ireland , and sincere regret at differing from many whose judgment has for the time been deceived . A journalist should at least be honest ; and although we still hesitate to give an ample exposition of displacent circumstancesit is from no fear that " public
, opinion" will misinterpret our forbearance , but that even at the eleventh hour our warning may not be altogether disregarded ; and praying that " mind , " the great prerogative of man , may resume its moral power , we once more implore both Chapters to remember that
" The suffrage of the wise . The praise that ' s worth ambition , isattain'd tty seme alone , aud dignity of mind . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
A letter on the subject will be found in another part , addressed to the Grand Lodge of Ireland ; and it refers to one very important point , viz . the more than questionable power of the Grand Lodge to entertain the consideration of subjects unconnected with its constitution : yet at the Grand Lodge in February last a motion was put and carried—we will not say it was debated , for it is confessedly acknowledged by both Montagues and Capulets—that the scene , during which this singular drama was enacted , cannot be reported at length , for very shame's sake . The motion was to this effect :
That any persons assembling in Ireland under any denomination of Masonry of any degree , without having a warrant from the Duke of Leinster , shall be declared to be illegal " * The charge in the English constitution declares that no Mason , nor body of Masons , can make innovations in Freemasonry the constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Ireland acknowledged an inherent power to make new regulations for the benefit ofthe Fraternity , always prethe old landmarks
serving , j We should like to know how the above motion corresponds with these essential points . But mark the incongruity : the parties comprised in this anathema were desirous of a warrant—had pleaded for a warrant from his Grace—and even now , at this very moment , will gratefully and gracefully accept it at his hands . Nay more—for the fact cannot be concealed—it is well understood that his Grace does not himself withhold it , but that he is fettered in his kind
disposition by a power behind his chair . The Duke of Leinster was not present at the Grand Lodge in February last—he could not be present . How could the noble , kindhearted Mason personally view such a scene ? Even the Deputy Grand Master , who did his best to rally order , was alarmed , and well he might be . It has been observed that " they order these things better in France ; " we can conscientiously breathe , " England with all thy faults [
love thee still . " Some complaints have been made of the appearance of articles in the Dublin papers . If this system be wrong , both parties are in fault ; for both have resorted to such means of publicity . We fear unless a better spirit prevail , the violence which Masonic principle has so unadvisedly sustained , whereby the bias has been endangered , can only be corrected by " public opinion , " which may restore the balancebut at the cost of a blush from the thoughtless and
un-, guarded of both disputants . We may offend some by a seeming leaning toward the weaker side , but experience does not always approve the stronger ; with us might is not always right ; we claim to express perfect respect for the Grand Master in Ireland , and sincere regret at differing from many whose judgment has for the time been deceived . A journalist should at least be honest ; and although we still hesitate to give an ample exposition of displacent circumstancesit is from no fear that " public
, opinion" will misinterpret our forbearance , but that even at the eleventh hour our warning may not be altogether disregarded ; and praying that " mind , " the great prerogative of man , may resume its moral power , we once more implore both Chapters to remember that
" The suffrage of the wise . The praise that ' s worth ambition , isattain'd tty seme alone , aud dignity of mind . "