Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
opened the proceedings by charging l * ros . Hercules Ellis , Snowo and Gregg with disrespect to him when presiding at the former meeting of the Grand Lodge . Sir Win . Hour , the Grand Secretary , who was not present at such former meeting , supported Bro . Norman ' s resolution , and moved "that the three Brethren should be expelled . " Several members of the Council of Rites were called on to sustain the
charges , aud although they evidenced so much contradiction on many important points , particularly as to the words used , yet it is believed that had not his Grace been present , they would have succeeded in their unmasonic object . In justice to the accused , it should be stated that they were not made acquainted with the charges until they were read to them in Grand Lodge , consequently it was not in their power to bring forward evidence to
rebut those charges ; they were driven on the instant to repel them , and they did this in a truly Masonic spirit . Bro . ELLIS , in particular , acknowledged that he had been probably too hasty , and that « hen apprised of it he had promptly apologized to Bro . Norman , who had accepted such apology ! and therefore he , Bro . Ellis , was naturally surprised at the charges being afterwards thus gravelentertained . :
y Bros . Ellis , Snowe ' and Gregg then apologized , as gentlemen , for any harshness of expression they had probably used . The meeting became tumultuous , and the Duke was obliged to interfere , and call the Grand Secretary and others frequently to order . His Grace observed , that it was clear to him that there was no intention to offer any disrespect to the presiding Officer at the meeting in question , ¦
and that he as ¦ Grand'Master was perfectly satisfied with the apology , which was so ^ becomingly offered . In this opinion the Grand Lodge acquiesced . ' --The Grand Master observed , that he hoped peace would be restored ; 'and it '^ somehad followed his advice , the reconciliation of all differences would have been effected long ago , ' •'¦> It was then moved that the vote of thanks to Bro . McDona and others be rescinded ; which' his Grace not only over-ruled , but signed the
minutes of the previous Grand Lodge ; and further he directed that a factious circular , entitled " Caution , " should be withdrawn . The Grand Lodge tlidn adjourned . .- ¦¦ - . . ¦ ¦ :.. It is not possible to conclude the notice of these proceedings without a declaration of ' our' grateful sentiments towards his Grace the Urand Master , for the protective power'that he exercised 'on this very trying occasion-: so admirably contrasted with the ; virulent invectives of those ¦
who must view the decision of hisGrace as a < moral admonition , addressed to their-better feelings ' , to retrace' theiristeps and join with him in promoting'the perfect restoration of peace . In this hope . we refrain from other observation to them than that in contrasting their behaviour in Grand Lodge with that oftiie ^ nobie Grand-Master , we proudly point to him as one in whom the graces of the gentleman are united with the virtues of the Masbnl" . ¦ - . ' ¦
There is a third section of the Order to-whom vie would briefly address ourselves—it is to the members of the Grand Chapter of Ireland . Their cause lias been sustained—principle has succeeded ; but to ensure the good effects , let them now eschew all violent expressions . There may be those who consider that the Council of Rites will now attempt to mislead the Grand Chapter into the mazes of incaution and VOL . II . 3 it
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
opened the proceedings by charging l * ros . Hercules Ellis , Snowo and Gregg with disrespect to him when presiding at the former meeting of the Grand Lodge . Sir Win . Hour , the Grand Secretary , who was not present at such former meeting , supported Bro . Norman ' s resolution , and moved "that the three Brethren should be expelled . " Several members of the Council of Rites were called on to sustain the
charges , aud although they evidenced so much contradiction on many important points , particularly as to the words used , yet it is believed that had not his Grace been present , they would have succeeded in their unmasonic object . In justice to the accused , it should be stated that they were not made acquainted with the charges until they were read to them in Grand Lodge , consequently it was not in their power to bring forward evidence to
rebut those charges ; they were driven on the instant to repel them , and they did this in a truly Masonic spirit . Bro . ELLIS , in particular , acknowledged that he had been probably too hasty , and that « hen apprised of it he had promptly apologized to Bro . Norman , who had accepted such apology ! and therefore he , Bro . Ellis , was naturally surprised at the charges being afterwards thus gravelentertained . :
y Bros . Ellis , Snowe ' and Gregg then apologized , as gentlemen , for any harshness of expression they had probably used . The meeting became tumultuous , and the Duke was obliged to interfere , and call the Grand Secretary and others frequently to order . His Grace observed , that it was clear to him that there was no intention to offer any disrespect to the presiding Officer at the meeting in question , ¦
and that he as ¦ Grand'Master was perfectly satisfied with the apology , which was so ^ becomingly offered . In this opinion the Grand Lodge acquiesced . ' --The Grand Master observed , that he hoped peace would be restored ; 'and it '^ somehad followed his advice , the reconciliation of all differences would have been effected long ago , ' •'¦> It was then moved that the vote of thanks to Bro . McDona and others be rescinded ; which' his Grace not only over-ruled , but signed the
minutes of the previous Grand Lodge ; and further he directed that a factious circular , entitled " Caution , " should be withdrawn . The Grand Lodge tlidn adjourned . .- ¦¦ - . . ¦ ¦ :.. It is not possible to conclude the notice of these proceedings without a declaration of ' our' grateful sentiments towards his Grace the Urand Master , for the protective power'that he exercised 'on this very trying occasion-: so admirably contrasted with the ; virulent invectives of those ¦
who must view the decision of hisGrace as a < moral admonition , addressed to their-better feelings ' , to retrace' theiristeps and join with him in promoting'the perfect restoration of peace . In this hope . we refrain from other observation to them than that in contrasting their behaviour in Grand Lodge with that oftiie ^ nobie Grand-Master , we proudly point to him as one in whom the graces of the gentleman are united with the virtues of the Masbnl" . ¦ - . ' ¦
There is a third section of the Order to-whom vie would briefly address ourselves—it is to the members of the Grand Chapter of Ireland . Their cause lias been sustained—principle has succeeded ; but to ensure the good effects , let them now eschew all violent expressions . There may be those who consider that the Council of Rites will now attempt to mislead the Grand Chapter into the mazes of incaution and VOL . II . 3 it