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Article THE RECENT ADDRESSES FROM THE VIRTUOSI LODGE, 90, OF LEGHORN. ← Page 2 of 2 Article WEEKLY SUMMARY. Page 1 of 1 Article WEEKLY SUMMARY. Page 1 of 1 Article THE CONVIVIAL BOARD. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Recent Addresses From The Virtuosi Lodge, 90, Of Leghorn.
Freemasonry against the unwise attacks of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy in Brazil . In admitting such addressess into the columns of The Freemason , we are not bound or affected
in any way , either by their verbiage or their opinions . But , in order to prevent any possible misconstruction , or misconception , we think it rig ht to notice them to
day , and to add , that we in this country , have nothing to do as' Freemasons , with any matter appertaining to either politics or religion , as such . We neither express any opinion , nor do we in
any way interfere or tolerate a discussion of the passing polemics of the hour , whether party or denominational . When then the Italian " Orator , " our worthy
Bro . " Carpi , " states boldly that such an address ? s offered to Mr . Henry Richards , M . P ., on account of the triumph of the " Grand Masonic idea of permanent international arbitration , "
we can only point out to our readers to day , that , whatever may be the " Grand Masonic Id-ea , " of the Italian Freemasons on the subject , we have no such" idea , " as we are not warranted in
expressing such an opinion , as English Freemasons . The question of" International Arbitration , " is a passing political subject , with which we have no connection , and about which we could not
legitimately express our views as Freemasons , and we are entirely of opinion , that the less Freemasons concern themselves with such matters , which belong to other lawfully constituted
assemblies , properly to discuss andsettle , the better it will be for Freemasonry . All Freemasons are lovers of peace , and opponents of war , but we are not at all prepared
to say that any particular view of arbitration is "the grand idea of Masonry , " as , though Freemasons , we are still Englishmen , and as such we most surely object , and probably alwavs will
object to " peace at any price . " But , as we said before , we do not feel that , as Freemasons , we have a right to discuss the matter at all , which may well be left to competent authorities and a proper tribunal .
We sympathize deeply with the Brazilian Freemasons in their unjust persecution by the mistaken policy of the Roman Catholic prelates in that country .
We do not think it wise to adopt all the strong expressions of our good and energetic Bro . Carpi , as we feel ourselves persuaded , that , so great is the justice of our cause , as Freemasons ,
and so self-evident the folly and perversity which actuate the present Roman Catholic attack on our Order , that , we can afford to meet
it in all forbearance and dignity , and self-restraint , remembering ever the good old adage , " magna est Veritas et prcvvalebit . "
Weekly Summary.
WEEKLY SUMMARY .
The Queen is still at Osborne , where H . R . H . Prince Arthur remains on a visit . The Duke de la Rouchfoucauld Bisaccia French Ambassador to this country , has been ¦ presented to her Majesty by Earl Granville .
The Prince and Princess of Wales are still at Sandringham , but leave for St . Petersburgh on the ioth of January . H . R . H . the Duke of Edinburgh left England last week on his happy journey , and a telegram
Weekly Summary.
announces his safe arrival at St . Pe'ersburgh . May all of good attend his august Fiancee and himself on their matrimonial voyage . The usual kindly distribution of Christmas g ifts to the labourers and domestics in the Royal households have takenplace at Oiborne , Windsor , and Sandringham .
The marriage of Miss Gladstone , daughter of the Premier , with the Rev . E . Wickham , headmaster of Wellington College , has taken place at Hawarden . And the marriage of the Duke of St . Alban ' s with Grace , second daughter of the well-known Mr . Bernal Osborne , M . P ., has also been celebrated at Killaloan Church , Newton Anner , Clonmel .
Mr . Pettie has been elected R . A ., to fill the p lace of the lamented Sir E . Landseer whose remarkable pictures are now collected by the Royal Academy for public inspection . The Hay man correspondence continues in profuse quantity without , as it appears to us , much practical good . If
anything is' proved , it is the very questionable value of the system of " governing bodies " of our public schools . A somewhat similar controversy seems to be beginning at Eton , with reference to the proposed " supersession " of some of the under teachers bv Dr . Hornby .
The news from the Gold Coast is not much , though any day may bring us some important tidings . The troops are at sea , awaiting an order to land , in good health , and we may be quite certain * " ready for the fray . " We
have to deplore the loss of Lieutenant Alfred Charteris , of the Coldstream Guards , on the staff" of the army , the gallant son of a gallant father , who died at sea of fever on board the Simoom . Much sympathy will be felt for Lord Elcho .
The investigation as to the loss of the Ville du Havre has taken place , and it seems as if in the collision , that unfortunate ship had ' starboarded " instead of " ported " her helm , and so the Loch Earn struck her nearly " amidships . "
Abroad the news is very limited , but the French Government has requested the prelates to moderate their language when dealing with matters which affect their neighbours , but otherwise all is tranquil in France .
There is nothing new from Germany , except that the ecclesiastical and civil controversy continues to be vehemently urged , and that happily the Emperor of Germany is much better . In Spain a military coup d ' etat has put an end near Cromwelliano , to the Constituent Cortez , and the Castelar Administration . General
Pavia and Marshal Serrano , ( the Duke de La Torre ) seem to be masters of the situation , so far . It is not impossible that Don Al phonso , the son of Queen Isabella , may be raised to the throne by the Spanish army . In the meantime the bombardment of Carthagena continues , and General Moriones seems to be in a scrape , as the Carlists are apparently again surrounding him .
The surviving crew and passengers of the Virginius have been given up to the American officer commanding the J uniata , Commander Braine , much to their joy . They were in a deplorable state from dirt and neglect , and want
of clothes , but were warmly received and most kindly treated , by the American officers and sailors . The Virginius itself has in the meanwhile foundered at sea , and we have no doubt , but that " Uncle Sam " indulges in a quiet chuckle .
We have to announce the death of General Sir A . Roberts , Colonel of the ioist regiment ; of General Robert Sloper Piper , and of Major John Bent , of Exeter , an old officer of the 5 th Fusiliers , who died the other day , aged 92 . Sir Richard Glasse ' s death is also mentioned , who was well-known for his successful labours
in connection with the first Atlantic Cable . The medical profession has suffered a loss b y the sudden decease of Dr . F . C . Webb , the editor of the Medical Times and Gazette . Mr . Mark Phillips has also passed away , formerly well known in Parliament as member for Manchester .
The Convivial Board.
THE CONVIVIAL BOARD .
On this interesting subject we have received the subjoined communication from the versatile pan of onr esteemed friend and brother , William Kilpatrick , of Hiram ' s ( symbolic ) Lodge , No . 97 , England ( now of this city ) .
The topic is one with which we claim some familiarity . It will bear ventilation in this country , and as the Craft here are no strangers when called " from labour to substantial refreshment , " the question will come home to Masons of the Hautes GratU-s . as well as those of the
inferior and more populous bodies : He , nce we , with great pleasure , give place to the entire article in this department , and shall be pleaafd to hear from those who differ with its conclusions , or of any suggestions to make in the way of response :
While Freemasonry is the same aM the world over in its essentia ! elements of brotherhood and charity , there is a very great difference in the manner of conducting the business of the organisation ia various countries . For instance , in America , or at le ; , st in the State of New York ,
it is the law that " no lodge shall introduce intoxicating liquors with hi its lodge-room , or any room adjoining ,- " ( vide Constitution , Art . XI ., Sec . 25 ) , while in England , Ireland , and Scotland , the " convivial board" is a sine qua 71111—if the expression be permitted—at every regular
meeting of the lodge . True , lodges are not to meet in taverns or public houses where it is practicable to meet elsewhere , n » r are intoxicating liquors admitted into the lodge-room ; but the prevailing rule is that a " refreshment " room
adjoins the lodge-room , and at the close of labour the brethren are galled to refreshment , in the actual sense of the term . In fact , a very important part of the lodge furniture are the utensils used at the convivial board—the
decanters , glasses , punch kettles , sugar bowls and tongs , and all the other etceteras necessary at a carouse . And at the annual elections of lodge officers the position of Steward is considered one of considerable importance , his duty being to keep the cupboard well stocked with the "
ardent and the edibles required for the different palates . There are few of your readers who have not read Douglas Jerrold ' s famous " Curtain Lectures , " first published in the columns of the London Punch . The indignation of Mrs .
Caudle , when she discovered that her spouse had become a Mason , was very great . " I suppose , " exclaimed the voluble lady to her lymphatic partner , " I suppose you'll be going to what you call your lodge every night now . Lodge , indeed ! Prettv place it must
be where they don ' t admit women 1 Nice goings on , I dare say . But it ' s only another excuse to get away from your wives and families , that you may feast and drink together , and call one another brethren . Brethren , indeed ! That ' s the
secret , and nothing else . " The truism uttered by the garrulous Mrs . Caudle some thirty years ago is a fact to a large extent at the present day , when the " convivial board" is a flourishing institution as of yore . But the members of the fraternity in the Old
country are beginning to profit by the good example set them on this side the Atlantic , and the clause in the Constitution I have quoted above is being introduced into many of the lodges . An instance of this occurred a few weeks ago in London , where the key-note was sounded , which
is likely to be taken up in every lodge throughout the length and breadth of the land . The brethren of the Great City Lodge met at the Cannon-street Hotel , and , after the usual lodge work was done , they adjourned to their banquet room , where , instead of the accustomed
sumptuous dinner , with the costly concomitants of champagne , etc ., there was spread a frugal meal of bread and cheese and ale . The W . M . presided , and all the officers and visitors partook of the repast , and when the cloth had been removed the president explained to the visitors that the
lodge had determined to give up one banquet ( which cost between 200 and 300 dols . ) , and to give the amount thus saved to the charity fund of the lodge . Most of the visitors , including several prominent Freemasons of England , spoke and expressed their deli ght at the novel banquet ^ and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Recent Addresses From The Virtuosi Lodge, 90, Of Leghorn.
Freemasonry against the unwise attacks of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy in Brazil . In admitting such addressess into the columns of The Freemason , we are not bound or affected
in any way , either by their verbiage or their opinions . But , in order to prevent any possible misconstruction , or misconception , we think it rig ht to notice them to
day , and to add , that we in this country , have nothing to do as' Freemasons , with any matter appertaining to either politics or religion , as such . We neither express any opinion , nor do we in
any way interfere or tolerate a discussion of the passing polemics of the hour , whether party or denominational . When then the Italian " Orator , " our worthy
Bro . " Carpi , " states boldly that such an address ? s offered to Mr . Henry Richards , M . P ., on account of the triumph of the " Grand Masonic idea of permanent international arbitration , "
we can only point out to our readers to day , that , whatever may be the " Grand Masonic Id-ea , " of the Italian Freemasons on the subject , we have no such" idea , " as we are not warranted in
expressing such an opinion , as English Freemasons . The question of" International Arbitration , " is a passing political subject , with which we have no connection , and about which we could not
legitimately express our views as Freemasons , and we are entirely of opinion , that the less Freemasons concern themselves with such matters , which belong to other lawfully constituted
assemblies , properly to discuss andsettle , the better it will be for Freemasonry . All Freemasons are lovers of peace , and opponents of war , but we are not at all prepared
to say that any particular view of arbitration is "the grand idea of Masonry , " as , though Freemasons , we are still Englishmen , and as such we most surely object , and probably alwavs will
object to " peace at any price . " But , as we said before , we do not feel that , as Freemasons , we have a right to discuss the matter at all , which may well be left to competent authorities and a proper tribunal .
We sympathize deeply with the Brazilian Freemasons in their unjust persecution by the mistaken policy of the Roman Catholic prelates in that country .
We do not think it wise to adopt all the strong expressions of our good and energetic Bro . Carpi , as we feel ourselves persuaded , that , so great is the justice of our cause , as Freemasons ,
and so self-evident the folly and perversity which actuate the present Roman Catholic attack on our Order , that , we can afford to meet
it in all forbearance and dignity , and self-restraint , remembering ever the good old adage , " magna est Veritas et prcvvalebit . "
Weekly Summary.
WEEKLY SUMMARY .
The Queen is still at Osborne , where H . R . H . Prince Arthur remains on a visit . The Duke de la Rouchfoucauld Bisaccia French Ambassador to this country , has been ¦ presented to her Majesty by Earl Granville .
The Prince and Princess of Wales are still at Sandringham , but leave for St . Petersburgh on the ioth of January . H . R . H . the Duke of Edinburgh left England last week on his happy journey , and a telegram
Weekly Summary.
announces his safe arrival at St . Pe'ersburgh . May all of good attend his august Fiancee and himself on their matrimonial voyage . The usual kindly distribution of Christmas g ifts to the labourers and domestics in the Royal households have takenplace at Oiborne , Windsor , and Sandringham .
The marriage of Miss Gladstone , daughter of the Premier , with the Rev . E . Wickham , headmaster of Wellington College , has taken place at Hawarden . And the marriage of the Duke of St . Alban ' s with Grace , second daughter of the well-known Mr . Bernal Osborne , M . P ., has also been celebrated at Killaloan Church , Newton Anner , Clonmel .
Mr . Pettie has been elected R . A ., to fill the p lace of the lamented Sir E . Landseer whose remarkable pictures are now collected by the Royal Academy for public inspection . The Hay man correspondence continues in profuse quantity without , as it appears to us , much practical good . If
anything is' proved , it is the very questionable value of the system of " governing bodies " of our public schools . A somewhat similar controversy seems to be beginning at Eton , with reference to the proposed " supersession " of some of the under teachers bv Dr . Hornby .
The news from the Gold Coast is not much , though any day may bring us some important tidings . The troops are at sea , awaiting an order to land , in good health , and we may be quite certain * " ready for the fray . " We
have to deplore the loss of Lieutenant Alfred Charteris , of the Coldstream Guards , on the staff" of the army , the gallant son of a gallant father , who died at sea of fever on board the Simoom . Much sympathy will be felt for Lord Elcho .
The investigation as to the loss of the Ville du Havre has taken place , and it seems as if in the collision , that unfortunate ship had ' starboarded " instead of " ported " her helm , and so the Loch Earn struck her nearly " amidships . "
Abroad the news is very limited , but the French Government has requested the prelates to moderate their language when dealing with matters which affect their neighbours , but otherwise all is tranquil in France .
There is nothing new from Germany , except that the ecclesiastical and civil controversy continues to be vehemently urged , and that happily the Emperor of Germany is much better . In Spain a military coup d ' etat has put an end near Cromwelliano , to the Constituent Cortez , and the Castelar Administration . General
Pavia and Marshal Serrano , ( the Duke de La Torre ) seem to be masters of the situation , so far . It is not impossible that Don Al phonso , the son of Queen Isabella , may be raised to the throne by the Spanish army . In the meantime the bombardment of Carthagena continues , and General Moriones seems to be in a scrape , as the Carlists are apparently again surrounding him .
The surviving crew and passengers of the Virginius have been given up to the American officer commanding the J uniata , Commander Braine , much to their joy . They were in a deplorable state from dirt and neglect , and want
of clothes , but were warmly received and most kindly treated , by the American officers and sailors . The Virginius itself has in the meanwhile foundered at sea , and we have no doubt , but that " Uncle Sam " indulges in a quiet chuckle .
We have to announce the death of General Sir A . Roberts , Colonel of the ioist regiment ; of General Robert Sloper Piper , and of Major John Bent , of Exeter , an old officer of the 5 th Fusiliers , who died the other day , aged 92 . Sir Richard Glasse ' s death is also mentioned , who was well-known for his successful labours
in connection with the first Atlantic Cable . The medical profession has suffered a loss b y the sudden decease of Dr . F . C . Webb , the editor of the Medical Times and Gazette . Mr . Mark Phillips has also passed away , formerly well known in Parliament as member for Manchester .
The Convivial Board.
THE CONVIVIAL BOARD .
On this interesting subject we have received the subjoined communication from the versatile pan of onr esteemed friend and brother , William Kilpatrick , of Hiram ' s ( symbolic ) Lodge , No . 97 , England ( now of this city ) .
The topic is one with which we claim some familiarity . It will bear ventilation in this country , and as the Craft here are no strangers when called " from labour to substantial refreshment , " the question will come home to Masons of the Hautes GratU-s . as well as those of the
inferior and more populous bodies : He , nce we , with great pleasure , give place to the entire article in this department , and shall be pleaafd to hear from those who differ with its conclusions , or of any suggestions to make in the way of response :
While Freemasonry is the same aM the world over in its essentia ! elements of brotherhood and charity , there is a very great difference in the manner of conducting the business of the organisation ia various countries . For instance , in America , or at le ; , st in the State of New York ,
it is the law that " no lodge shall introduce intoxicating liquors with hi its lodge-room , or any room adjoining ,- " ( vide Constitution , Art . XI ., Sec . 25 ) , while in England , Ireland , and Scotland , the " convivial board" is a sine qua 71111—if the expression be permitted—at every regular
meeting of the lodge . True , lodges are not to meet in taverns or public houses where it is practicable to meet elsewhere , n » r are intoxicating liquors admitted into the lodge-room ; but the prevailing rule is that a " refreshment " room
adjoins the lodge-room , and at the close of labour the brethren are galled to refreshment , in the actual sense of the term . In fact , a very important part of the lodge furniture are the utensils used at the convivial board—the
decanters , glasses , punch kettles , sugar bowls and tongs , and all the other etceteras necessary at a carouse . And at the annual elections of lodge officers the position of Steward is considered one of considerable importance , his duty being to keep the cupboard well stocked with the "
ardent and the edibles required for the different palates . There are few of your readers who have not read Douglas Jerrold ' s famous " Curtain Lectures , " first published in the columns of the London Punch . The indignation of Mrs .
Caudle , when she discovered that her spouse had become a Mason , was very great . " I suppose , " exclaimed the voluble lady to her lymphatic partner , " I suppose you'll be going to what you call your lodge every night now . Lodge , indeed ! Prettv place it must
be where they don ' t admit women 1 Nice goings on , I dare say . But it ' s only another excuse to get away from your wives and families , that you may feast and drink together , and call one another brethren . Brethren , indeed ! That ' s the
secret , and nothing else . " The truism uttered by the garrulous Mrs . Caudle some thirty years ago is a fact to a large extent at the present day , when the " convivial board" is a flourishing institution as of yore . But the members of the fraternity in the Old
country are beginning to profit by the good example set them on this side the Atlantic , and the clause in the Constitution I have quoted above is being introduced into many of the lodges . An instance of this occurred a few weeks ago in London , where the key-note was sounded , which
is likely to be taken up in every lodge throughout the length and breadth of the land . The brethren of the Great City Lodge met at the Cannon-street Hotel , and , after the usual lodge work was done , they adjourned to their banquet room , where , instead of the accustomed
sumptuous dinner , with the costly concomitants of champagne , etc ., there was spread a frugal meal of bread and cheese and ale . The W . M . presided , and all the officers and visitors partook of the repast , and when the cloth had been removed the president explained to the visitors that the
lodge had determined to give up one banquet ( which cost between 200 and 300 dols . ) , and to give the amount thus saved to the charity fund of the lodge . Most of the visitors , including several prominent Freemasons of England , spoke and expressed their deli ght at the novel banquet ^ and