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Article ANOTHER SIDE TO THE PICTURE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PEACE. Page 1 of 1 Article THE PRO GRAND MASTER Page 1 of 1 Article THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE Page 1 of 1 Article THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Another Side To The Picture.
no good ever has come to any in this world by adopting a cynical or lachrymose tone , and that our duty and mission seem to be never to forget our professions , and above all , to endeavour to carry into practice those truths we declare that we admire , and which in the concrete as in the abstract , undoubtedly are for the happiness and comfort of our race .
Peace.
PEACE .
We have always been among those , who sincerely hoped that a stop some time might be put , to a barbarous and mournful war . But though we are anxious for Peace , and though we dep lore War , yet we are not " Peace-at-any-price " men . We quite admit that at times in the
history of our race , War is patriotic , War is honourable , War is absolutely needful to vindicate the rig hts of a people , or to uphold the true interests of humanity . We rejoice to be able now to advert to the fact that the War in the East is for the time at an end , that an armistice
has been agreed to , and that we may ere long expect the assurance of happier Peace It is no part of our duty , nor does it consort with our inclination , to dilate here upon the political aspects of the case , the controversies of Governments , or the " pourparlers " of statesmen ? We
simply as patient and not uninterested observers , Freemasons that we be , of the world's progress and the world's affairs , record the fact , that a state of War in the far Orient has been exchanged , happily , for prospect of Peace . Such a fact deserves to be noted and commended in our pages .
Peace is a good thing forthe world and for all , for trade and industry , and as peaceful Freemasons , rejoicing in the onward tranquil march of our race , we are bound as it appears to us to rejoice when we are told to-day that War , with all its attendant horrors , is about to give way to the vivifying blessings of Peace .
The Pro Grand Master
THE PRO GRAND MASTER
All our brethren will have heard with deep regret of the resignation of our distinguished brother of his high office in the service of the Crown . We are all well aware of his many qualities of head and heart , his statesmanlike views , and his sincere honesty , and we shall all
deplore that at such a crisis the country is deprived of his great abilities and that the councils ofthe Sovereign have lost his presence . We know enough ] of him , however , to be sure that he has acted most conscientiously , and we feel that we cannot well say more to day . We call attention to a communication on the same subject elsewhere .
The Grand Orient Of France
THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
We publish this letter with great pleasure . We heartily sympathize with Bros . Hubert and Lechaut and those seventy-six brethren who voted in the minority . Any help that we can give them with be gladly offered , and any representations of theirs will always find place in the Freemason . We are with them heart and soul All honour to Bro . Hubert .
To the Editor of the " Freemason , " Respected Sir and Brother , — Knowing , as I do , the deep and brotherly interest you bear towards those French Masons who will not abandon the strength and " raison d ' etre " of our noble and humanitarian
Institution , and feeling sure that you will sustain us in our legal and loyal fight against the revolutionary intruders that made so disastrous work last September , I take the liberty to address you and I hasten to inform you , that last Monday , the 21 st inst ., our esteetred Bro .
Hubert , the able and devoted editor of the "Chaine d'Union , " although unanimously elected W . M . of the Lodge " Le Temple des Amis de l'Honneur Francais , " over which he has presided so efficiently during many consecutive years , has declined to accept the proffered
honour , on account of his principles , and the utter impossibility for his conscience to adhere to the Grand Orient of France , in its departure from the great and universal principles that lay at the foundation of our Order , and give to it strength , wisdom , and beauty .
The Grand Orient Of France
In taking such a resolution Bro . Hubert was deeply and sadly moved , and so were all the brethren present , but duty spoke and its stern dictates had to be obeyed . As we mean to stay with our brethren of the mystic tie all over the civilized and religious world , we hope and pray that you will not forsake us in this dutiful , but hard and painful
contest . With much respect , I remain dear brother , fraternally yours , LUDOVIC LECHAUT . 16 , Rue de Grammont , Paris . January , 24 th , 1878 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—wi hin certain necessary imits—free discussion . —ED . *!
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I am much obliged to you for your report of the proceedings arising out of my motion at thc Quarterly Court j >{ the Girls'School , and for your comments thereupon . My remarks , however , were not intended to convey
that " too much attention was paid to the elementary education , " on the contrary , I said , or intended to say , that there were people — subscribers — who objected to tlie growing tendency to make fine ladies of the pupils , by teaching them Latin , geometry , French , drawing , & c , & c , and to disregard such essentials as plain needlework , cutting out , getting up linen , cooking , & c .
I was glad to find from the observations of the Chairman that all these receive due attention , and I trust , therefore , that those who carp at the system of education will now cease to animadvert . I am glad also to know through you that the girls get on creditably after they leave the school , but I have often asked myself what kind of positions do the majority procure .
I feel sure that good must result from the discussion upon the motion ; indeed , I think it has already done good , as witness your suggestion that the pupils should have instruction by a qualified cook . We all know how difficult it is to get domestic servants in these days , and I believe it arises in a great measurenot because they are educated morally , religiously , or
intellectually—but because they are educated above their position in life . I was sorry that my remarks were supposed to be directed against the House Committee , nothing was farther from my intention . My sole object was to call attention to the
fact that there were people who entertained thc idea that accomplishments , and not practical instruction in housewifery duties were the aim of those who conducted the education at the school , and I am glad to have the assurance of the Chairman and yourself that this is not so . Yours faithfully , RAYNHAM W . STEWART .
THE ANCIENT CHIVALRIC ORDER OF CONSTANTINE . Dear Bro . Kenning , — I have recently being perusing the " General Statutes of the Imperial Ecclesiastical and Military Order of Knights of the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine , " and as I feel strongly that certain " points " in such
statutes might be greatly amended , for the good of the Order , I think it well to trouble you with my ideas , valuable or worthless it matters not , on the subject . I know you are t ] uite alive to the necessity now-a-days , everything being " realistic " in the highest degree , and equally with myself , would object to anything which might cause an appearance of incongruity or absurdity to attach to our
own Masonic , or any quasi-Masonic Order 1 I do not see in the first place that it need be contended that any Masonic connection exists as between the Order of Constantine and Craft Masonry . There certainly is none properly , neither need any be assumed , as each has its own object , so to say , of work and utility . If we concede , as 1 think we fairly may , the consis
tency of a Christian Order , with a partly Masonic organization , the whole controversy is at an end . It may indeed , be said that the universal theory and the limited theory arc not consistent . No more they are , but all that can be alleged after all , is a greater or less degree of inconsistency in us most consistent mortals . I object , imprimis , to the assumption of the knightly
character . The assertion that any knighthood can be conferred in a council or conclave is absurd . As all the old heraldic writers would tell you , ( ask our distinguished Bro . Sir Albert Woods ) , the " Soverayne is the onlye true fountayne of honoure . " And though it is true that the sovereign can delegate the power of conferring knighthood to a vice roy or special representative , yet
that is an exception to the rule . In olden times knighthood was conferred on the field of battle , by sovereigns or great commanders , whether under the banners ( hence Knights Banneret ) , merely as Knights Military . But beyond this no creation of knighthood was known . In the days of chivalry , distinguished knights conferred the honour on young aspirants with the sovereign ' s
permission , but that habit by degrees passed away . The statement that the Grand Masters of the Military Orders conferred knighthood is not or as far as we know , correct . No one could be admitted into those Orders , except knights as such , and if esquires were ever raised to the knighthood , it was in Palestine on the field of battle , for great deeds of daring , and then they must bc of kni ghtly birth .
Original Correspondence.
If the history of this Order can be traced hick to the Abbe' Giustiniani , it is quite clear that his claim as a Grand Cross , to confer the Red Cross , is very doubtful indeed , and I know of no collection of " statutes " which gives any such power . I for one cannot believe , therefore , that any such authority exists , except by express sanction of the Sovereign ,
and certainly I cannot understand how Sir Knight Thomas Tipperton , excellent man as he is , can affect to confer the honour of Knighthood on our worthy brother , Samuel Higginbothom . I fear that the assertion of such unfounded claims , and the fact of such questionable usurpation of sovereign power , excites the risibility of the serious , and perpetuates the tendency in the outer world ,
to laugh at many worthy brethren who continue such usages , however much within " two walls . " But the gist of my long letter is , that I do not sec why the Order may not be made very useful and still more expansive . Sweep away all the paraphernalia of alleged knighthood . Make it a chapter of the companions of the rescuscitated Order of the Red Cross . Do away with the
Sovereign , leave the ruling authority to the Grand Master , and declare the object of the fraternity to be the perpetuation of the promulgation of Christianity by Constantine , and the relief of decayed companions and their widows , anel the Christian education of their orphan children of both sexes . Such an order would have both a definite aim and a distinct status , it would be divested of all unreality . and would
commend itself to many who now keep aloof from it , in consequence of doubts as to its historical , its authentic , and its veritable character . I think I see how it can become a world-wide Christian order of great utility . I may be wrong , but I venture to submit my humble opinion to you to-day , and am , dear Brother Kenning , yours , A LOVER OF REALITY AND TRUTH .
A QUESTION OF LAW . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In the case referrcel to in this week ' s Freemason I should have remarked that the W . M . ' s contention was "' that he acted in accordance with the wish of the proposer of the candidate . * ' I presume that even were this the case it
wou'd not alter the legality of the action , and that his decision would be equally unjustifiable as their ( the proposer ) wish cannot be allowed to cancel and supersede the lodge ' s prerogative to act on the proposition in regular course . Is this view correct ? The constitution is simply this—that under no circumstances can a proposition for membership that has been duly
received by a lodge , be withheld from the usual course of procedure by thc mere dictum of the W . Master . With many apologies for again troubling you . 1 am , yours fraternally , A MEMBER OF THE LODGE . [ In principle we agree with our worthy correspondent ; practically if the W . M . acted in accordance with the wishes of the proposer and seconder , it no doubt does somewhat affect the main question . —Eo . 1
A QUERY . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Would you be kind enough to inform me 1 . What is the meaning of " Mark " Mason ? 2 . Is there any means of joining an English Lodge and so obtain the Royal Arch or Rose Croix Degree under the
English Granel Lodge , without going to England ? lt is understood that I have my honourable discharge from Cadiz Lodge working under the Sup . Con . of France as M . M ., and possess the necessary qualifications and knowledge for the degrees alluded to . Yours very truly and fraternally , SEVILLE . P
THE GRAND LODGE OF CUBA . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I forward per book post to your address a collection of our Official Masonic Review " The Voice of Hiram . " This paper will post you fully regarding the situation
and prospects of the fraternity in this country . The Grand Loilge of the Island of Cuba , founded on the 6 th Aug ., 1876 , by the ' thirteen lodges of Havana , Matanzasand Cardenas , which were tired of a fruitless life under the rule of the Supreme Council of the A . and A . S . Rite , has been recognised by " . the Grand Lodges of New York , Pennsylvania
Delaware , Maryland , Rhoele Islanel , Colorado , Idaho and Manitoba . I am , dear Sir , fraternally yours , J UAN DE LA C . PEREZ , Grand Lecturer . [ We are glad to publish this letter from our esteemed correspondent . —Er . ]
TRURO CATHEDRAL . To the Editor of Ihe " Royal Cornwall Gazette . " Sir , —I have read with great i merest the account of the meeting held at Truro last week on the subject of the Cathedral .
It has struck me that tt would be well to try and rouse the feeling of the whole eliocese , so as to build an edifice worthy of Cornwall . I venture to suggest , therefore , that each parish should be separately canvassed for subscriptions , and that every beneficed clergyman should be appointed local secretary
for his own particular district . The Bishop's generous proposal to give himself £ 100 a year for ten years , I trust , will be met by many like offers , and I , for one , should bc very happy to give £ 5 a year for the same period towards so good an object . Another idea suggests itself to me as worthy of consideration . The Freemasons are a large and , I suppose , influential boel y . They have done some
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Another Side To The Picture.
no good ever has come to any in this world by adopting a cynical or lachrymose tone , and that our duty and mission seem to be never to forget our professions , and above all , to endeavour to carry into practice those truths we declare that we admire , and which in the concrete as in the abstract , undoubtedly are for the happiness and comfort of our race .
Peace.
PEACE .
We have always been among those , who sincerely hoped that a stop some time might be put , to a barbarous and mournful war . But though we are anxious for Peace , and though we dep lore War , yet we are not " Peace-at-any-price " men . We quite admit that at times in the
history of our race , War is patriotic , War is honourable , War is absolutely needful to vindicate the rig hts of a people , or to uphold the true interests of humanity . We rejoice to be able now to advert to the fact that the War in the East is for the time at an end , that an armistice
has been agreed to , and that we may ere long expect the assurance of happier Peace It is no part of our duty , nor does it consort with our inclination , to dilate here upon the political aspects of the case , the controversies of Governments , or the " pourparlers " of statesmen ? We
simply as patient and not uninterested observers , Freemasons that we be , of the world's progress and the world's affairs , record the fact , that a state of War in the far Orient has been exchanged , happily , for prospect of Peace . Such a fact deserves to be noted and commended in our pages .
Peace is a good thing forthe world and for all , for trade and industry , and as peaceful Freemasons , rejoicing in the onward tranquil march of our race , we are bound as it appears to us to rejoice when we are told to-day that War , with all its attendant horrors , is about to give way to the vivifying blessings of Peace .
The Pro Grand Master
THE PRO GRAND MASTER
All our brethren will have heard with deep regret of the resignation of our distinguished brother of his high office in the service of the Crown . We are all well aware of his many qualities of head and heart , his statesmanlike views , and his sincere honesty , and we shall all
deplore that at such a crisis the country is deprived of his great abilities and that the councils ofthe Sovereign have lost his presence . We know enough ] of him , however , to be sure that he has acted most conscientiously , and we feel that we cannot well say more to day . We call attention to a communication on the same subject elsewhere .
The Grand Orient Of France
THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE
We publish this letter with great pleasure . We heartily sympathize with Bros . Hubert and Lechaut and those seventy-six brethren who voted in the minority . Any help that we can give them with be gladly offered , and any representations of theirs will always find place in the Freemason . We are with them heart and soul All honour to Bro . Hubert .
To the Editor of the " Freemason , " Respected Sir and Brother , — Knowing , as I do , the deep and brotherly interest you bear towards those French Masons who will not abandon the strength and " raison d ' etre " of our noble and humanitarian
Institution , and feeling sure that you will sustain us in our legal and loyal fight against the revolutionary intruders that made so disastrous work last September , I take the liberty to address you and I hasten to inform you , that last Monday , the 21 st inst ., our esteetred Bro .
Hubert , the able and devoted editor of the "Chaine d'Union , " although unanimously elected W . M . of the Lodge " Le Temple des Amis de l'Honneur Francais , " over which he has presided so efficiently during many consecutive years , has declined to accept the proffered
honour , on account of his principles , and the utter impossibility for his conscience to adhere to the Grand Orient of France , in its departure from the great and universal principles that lay at the foundation of our Order , and give to it strength , wisdom , and beauty .
The Grand Orient Of France
In taking such a resolution Bro . Hubert was deeply and sadly moved , and so were all the brethren present , but duty spoke and its stern dictates had to be obeyed . As we mean to stay with our brethren of the mystic tie all over the civilized and religious world , we hope and pray that you will not forsake us in this dutiful , but hard and painful
contest . With much respect , I remain dear brother , fraternally yours , LUDOVIC LECHAUT . 16 , Rue de Grammont , Paris . January , 24 th , 1878 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—wi hin certain necessary imits—free discussion . —ED . *!
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I am much obliged to you for your report of the proceedings arising out of my motion at thc Quarterly Court j >{ the Girls'School , and for your comments thereupon . My remarks , however , were not intended to convey
that " too much attention was paid to the elementary education , " on the contrary , I said , or intended to say , that there were people — subscribers — who objected to tlie growing tendency to make fine ladies of the pupils , by teaching them Latin , geometry , French , drawing , & c , & c , and to disregard such essentials as plain needlework , cutting out , getting up linen , cooking , & c .
I was glad to find from the observations of the Chairman that all these receive due attention , and I trust , therefore , that those who carp at the system of education will now cease to animadvert . I am glad also to know through you that the girls get on creditably after they leave the school , but I have often asked myself what kind of positions do the majority procure .
I feel sure that good must result from the discussion upon the motion ; indeed , I think it has already done good , as witness your suggestion that the pupils should have instruction by a qualified cook . We all know how difficult it is to get domestic servants in these days , and I believe it arises in a great measurenot because they are educated morally , religiously , or
intellectually—but because they are educated above their position in life . I was sorry that my remarks were supposed to be directed against the House Committee , nothing was farther from my intention . My sole object was to call attention to the
fact that there were people who entertained thc idea that accomplishments , and not practical instruction in housewifery duties were the aim of those who conducted the education at the school , and I am glad to have the assurance of the Chairman and yourself that this is not so . Yours faithfully , RAYNHAM W . STEWART .
THE ANCIENT CHIVALRIC ORDER OF CONSTANTINE . Dear Bro . Kenning , — I have recently being perusing the " General Statutes of the Imperial Ecclesiastical and Military Order of Knights of the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine , " and as I feel strongly that certain " points " in such
statutes might be greatly amended , for the good of the Order , I think it well to trouble you with my ideas , valuable or worthless it matters not , on the subject . I know you are t ] uite alive to the necessity now-a-days , everything being " realistic " in the highest degree , and equally with myself , would object to anything which might cause an appearance of incongruity or absurdity to attach to our
own Masonic , or any quasi-Masonic Order 1 I do not see in the first place that it need be contended that any Masonic connection exists as between the Order of Constantine and Craft Masonry . There certainly is none properly , neither need any be assumed , as each has its own object , so to say , of work and utility . If we concede , as 1 think we fairly may , the consis
tency of a Christian Order , with a partly Masonic organization , the whole controversy is at an end . It may indeed , be said that the universal theory and the limited theory arc not consistent . No more they are , but all that can be alleged after all , is a greater or less degree of inconsistency in us most consistent mortals . I object , imprimis , to the assumption of the knightly
character . The assertion that any knighthood can be conferred in a council or conclave is absurd . As all the old heraldic writers would tell you , ( ask our distinguished Bro . Sir Albert Woods ) , the " Soverayne is the onlye true fountayne of honoure . " And though it is true that the sovereign can delegate the power of conferring knighthood to a vice roy or special representative , yet
that is an exception to the rule . In olden times knighthood was conferred on the field of battle , by sovereigns or great commanders , whether under the banners ( hence Knights Banneret ) , merely as Knights Military . But beyond this no creation of knighthood was known . In the days of chivalry , distinguished knights conferred the honour on young aspirants with the sovereign ' s
permission , but that habit by degrees passed away . The statement that the Grand Masters of the Military Orders conferred knighthood is not or as far as we know , correct . No one could be admitted into those Orders , except knights as such , and if esquires were ever raised to the knighthood , it was in Palestine on the field of battle , for great deeds of daring , and then they must bc of kni ghtly birth .
Original Correspondence.
If the history of this Order can be traced hick to the Abbe' Giustiniani , it is quite clear that his claim as a Grand Cross , to confer the Red Cross , is very doubtful indeed , and I know of no collection of " statutes " which gives any such power . I for one cannot believe , therefore , that any such authority exists , except by express sanction of the Sovereign ,
and certainly I cannot understand how Sir Knight Thomas Tipperton , excellent man as he is , can affect to confer the honour of Knighthood on our worthy brother , Samuel Higginbothom . I fear that the assertion of such unfounded claims , and the fact of such questionable usurpation of sovereign power , excites the risibility of the serious , and perpetuates the tendency in the outer world ,
to laugh at many worthy brethren who continue such usages , however much within " two walls . " But the gist of my long letter is , that I do not sec why the Order may not be made very useful and still more expansive . Sweep away all the paraphernalia of alleged knighthood . Make it a chapter of the companions of the rescuscitated Order of the Red Cross . Do away with the
Sovereign , leave the ruling authority to the Grand Master , and declare the object of the fraternity to be the perpetuation of the promulgation of Christianity by Constantine , and the relief of decayed companions and their widows , anel the Christian education of their orphan children of both sexes . Such an order would have both a definite aim and a distinct status , it would be divested of all unreality . and would
commend itself to many who now keep aloof from it , in consequence of doubts as to its historical , its authentic , and its veritable character . I think I see how it can become a world-wide Christian order of great utility . I may be wrong , but I venture to submit my humble opinion to you to-day , and am , dear Brother Kenning , yours , A LOVER OF REALITY AND TRUTH .
A QUESTION OF LAW . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In the case referrcel to in this week ' s Freemason I should have remarked that the W . M . ' s contention was "' that he acted in accordance with the wish of the proposer of the candidate . * ' I presume that even were this the case it
wou'd not alter the legality of the action , and that his decision would be equally unjustifiable as their ( the proposer ) wish cannot be allowed to cancel and supersede the lodge ' s prerogative to act on the proposition in regular course . Is this view correct ? The constitution is simply this—that under no circumstances can a proposition for membership that has been duly
received by a lodge , be withheld from the usual course of procedure by thc mere dictum of the W . Master . With many apologies for again troubling you . 1 am , yours fraternally , A MEMBER OF THE LODGE . [ In principle we agree with our worthy correspondent ; practically if the W . M . acted in accordance with the wishes of the proposer and seconder , it no doubt does somewhat affect the main question . —Eo . 1
A QUERY . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Would you be kind enough to inform me 1 . What is the meaning of " Mark " Mason ? 2 . Is there any means of joining an English Lodge and so obtain the Royal Arch or Rose Croix Degree under the
English Granel Lodge , without going to England ? lt is understood that I have my honourable discharge from Cadiz Lodge working under the Sup . Con . of France as M . M ., and possess the necessary qualifications and knowledge for the degrees alluded to . Yours very truly and fraternally , SEVILLE . P
THE GRAND LODGE OF CUBA . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I forward per book post to your address a collection of our Official Masonic Review " The Voice of Hiram . " This paper will post you fully regarding the situation
and prospects of the fraternity in this country . The Grand Loilge of the Island of Cuba , founded on the 6 th Aug ., 1876 , by the ' thirteen lodges of Havana , Matanzasand Cardenas , which were tired of a fruitless life under the rule of the Supreme Council of the A . and A . S . Rite , has been recognised by " . the Grand Lodges of New York , Pennsylvania
Delaware , Maryland , Rhoele Islanel , Colorado , Idaho and Manitoba . I am , dear Sir , fraternally yours , J UAN DE LA C . PEREZ , Grand Lecturer . [ We are glad to publish this letter from our esteemed correspondent . —Er . ]
TRURO CATHEDRAL . To the Editor of Ihe " Royal Cornwall Gazette . " Sir , —I have read with great i merest the account of the meeting held at Truro last week on the subject of the Cathedral .
It has struck me that tt would be well to try and rouse the feeling of the whole eliocese , so as to build an edifice worthy of Cornwall . I venture to suggest , therefore , that each parish should be separately canvassed for subscriptions , and that every beneficed clergyman should be appointed local secretary
for his own particular district . The Bishop's generous proposal to give himself £ 100 a year for ten years , I trust , will be met by many like offers , and I , for one , should bc very happy to give £ 5 a year for the same period towards so good an object . Another idea suggests itself to me as worthy of consideration . The Freemasons are a large and , I suppose , influential boel y . They have done some