Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
whole matter were left by competent authority to be arranged between Mr . Norman and myself , —judging from what was expressed by that gentleman on the recent occasions above referred to , —I am inclined to believe that , in your next publication , ( in that case the LAST publication upon such subjects , ) you would be able to announce the perfect establishment of a permanent and honourable peace . At present , however , 1 am
hound to say that nothing has been actually decided , —and the greatest prudence , calmness , and good temper , above all , an honest resolution on both sides to adhere , with unwavering strictness to the principle of perfect equality , is still essentially requisite to prevent an instant rupture . Thus far , however , matters promise well and these circumstances , taken in conjunction with the known disposition of the Grand Master to encourage hy every means an adjustment upon terms equal and
honourable to all , afford the brightest promise of a restoration to peace . I regret extremely being obliged to trespass so much upon your valuable columns , but in the hope that more benefit to our extensive fraternity may result in consequence of this frank communication , and that other publications , either in your columns or elsewhere , may be rendered unnecessary , I have allowed myself to expiate at greater length , than perhaps your numerous general readers will be pleased to find devoted in the EXPRESS , to a question which interests ( or at least ought to be allowed to interest ) only the Free-Masonic community .
Before I conclude , I must communicate to you the gratifying intelligence that the course which you seem to have anticipated that the Council of Rites would take , with respect to the disreputable publication , vvas actually in process-while your article must have been in the printer ' s hands . The Council met on the 31 st of December , and unanimously adopted a resolution disclaiming all connection with the '' Brief History of the Spurious Masons , " and declaring that the Council was " disgusted withindignant atand entirely repudiated that publication ; " ancl that
, , it "highly censured and condemned the injurious and slanderous , expressions therein made use of , with respect to various members of the Masonic community . " To this resolution , which reflects honour upon the bod y from which it emanated , was appended another , a part of which was to the effect , that a copy of the foregoing should be transmitted to me ; and for that courteous mark of obliging attention I expressed my gratitude in the
most respectful terms that I could command . I do not suppose it was from any opinion of my personal deserts , or importance , but solely because I hacl been in some previous proceedings the medium of communication between the Council of Rites ancl the Grand Chapter , that I was selected as die person to whom this judicious and graceful disclaimer should be specially forwarded;—but , having been addressed in my individual capacity , in that character I was obliged to send my reply . I remain , Sir , yours faithfully and obliged , January 16 th , 1015 . HENRY O'CONNOR .
P . S . —I had intended to have saicl a " few words " herein , in refutation of the monstrous statements put forth b y Verax ; but on second thoughts , I think it better to avoid the subject—from beginning to end they are all untrue , and amusingly destitute even of the semblance of foundation . Every body knows that I have repeatedly offered the gage of controversy upon these matters ; but I am , "under existing circumstances , " most anxious to resume the glove , and to forget for ever that there was even a difference of opinion among Irish Masons .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
whole matter were left by competent authority to be arranged between Mr . Norman and myself , —judging from what was expressed by that gentleman on the recent occasions above referred to , —I am inclined to believe that , in your next publication , ( in that case the LAST publication upon such subjects , ) you would be able to announce the perfect establishment of a permanent and honourable peace . At present , however , 1 am
hound to say that nothing has been actually decided , —and the greatest prudence , calmness , and good temper , above all , an honest resolution on both sides to adhere , with unwavering strictness to the principle of perfect equality , is still essentially requisite to prevent an instant rupture . Thus far , however , matters promise well and these circumstances , taken in conjunction with the known disposition of the Grand Master to encourage hy every means an adjustment upon terms equal and
honourable to all , afford the brightest promise of a restoration to peace . I regret extremely being obliged to trespass so much upon your valuable columns , but in the hope that more benefit to our extensive fraternity may result in consequence of this frank communication , and that other publications , either in your columns or elsewhere , may be rendered unnecessary , I have allowed myself to expiate at greater length , than perhaps your numerous general readers will be pleased to find devoted in the EXPRESS , to a question which interests ( or at least ought to be allowed to interest ) only the Free-Masonic community .
Before I conclude , I must communicate to you the gratifying intelligence that the course which you seem to have anticipated that the Council of Rites would take , with respect to the disreputable publication , vvas actually in process-while your article must have been in the printer ' s hands . The Council met on the 31 st of December , and unanimously adopted a resolution disclaiming all connection with the '' Brief History of the Spurious Masons , " and declaring that the Council was " disgusted withindignant atand entirely repudiated that publication ; " ancl that
, , it "highly censured and condemned the injurious and slanderous , expressions therein made use of , with respect to various members of the Masonic community . " To this resolution , which reflects honour upon the bod y from which it emanated , was appended another , a part of which was to the effect , that a copy of the foregoing should be transmitted to me ; and for that courteous mark of obliging attention I expressed my gratitude in the
most respectful terms that I could command . I do not suppose it was from any opinion of my personal deserts , or importance , but solely because I hacl been in some previous proceedings the medium of communication between the Council of Rites ancl the Grand Chapter , that I was selected as die person to whom this judicious and graceful disclaimer should be specially forwarded;—but , having been addressed in my individual capacity , in that character I was obliged to send my reply . I remain , Sir , yours faithfully and obliged , January 16 th , 1015 . HENRY O'CONNOR .
P . S . —I had intended to have saicl a " few words " herein , in refutation of the monstrous statements put forth b y Verax ; but on second thoughts , I think it better to avoid the subject—from beginning to end they are all untrue , and amusingly destitute even of the semblance of foundation . Every body knows that I have repeatedly offered the gage of controversy upon these matters ; but I am , "under existing circumstances , " most anxious to resume the glove , and to forget for ever that there was even a difference of opinion among Irish Masons .