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Article Obituary. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE CROWN PRINCE OF PRUSSIA AS A MASON. Page 1 of 1 Article THE CROWN PRINCE OF PRUSSIA AS A MASON. Page 1 of 1 Article THE CROWN PRINCE OF PRUSSIA AS A MASON. Page 1 of 1 Article THE ROYAL BANK OF IRELAND. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Obituary.
the medical , legal , and clerical professions , with one a student at St . Bartholomew ' s Hospital . The funeral of the deceased took place in Holywell Cemetery , and was attended by the Mayor and members of the Corporation , robed , and preceded by the civic mace , together with a large number of the brethren and of private friends .
The Crown Prince Of Prussia As A Mason.
THE CROWN PRINCE OF PRUSSIA AS A MASON .
A rare opportunity recently offered itself to the Crown Prince of Prussia to give expression to the ideas of liberal progression Which he is said _ to entertain . The occasion was the celebration of the centenary of the Masonic Grand
Lodge of Germany , at Berlin , and if his acts in political life are to be governed by the sentiments which he then and there enunciated , the people whose destinies will , in all human probability , be guided by him at no distant day , may rest satisfied . It is safe to assume that the address was
not gotten up merely to gain popularity , inasmuch as the proceedings of Masonic lodges , particularly in Germany , are never given to the public . _ The ideas advanced by the Crown Prince in his address are the more remarkable .
as the Grand Lodge of Germany is proverbially the most conservative of the three occupying , to-day , the same position in every respect , which it occupied a century ago . Other Grand Lodges have long ago discarded the idea that all and
everything pertaining to the history , principles , laws , and regulations of Masonry must be carefully concealed from the eye of the public . And there is now almost nothing , if we expect the ritual , but what is accessible to him who desires
to investigate it . The result of these investigations is readily perceived in this country , particularly in the immense increase of lodges and members , and the fear is not unfrequently expressed by Masons that the great danger
which now threatens the Fraternity is a too-great popularity . The Grand Lodge of Germany , at Berlin , is not , as might be inferred from its title , the Grand Lodge of the whole of Germany , but simply one of the three co-ordinate bodies which the
Prussian Government permit in its dominions . The ritual practised by this Grand Lodge is the socalled " Swedish System , " and differs in many essentials from that practised by other Masonic bodies . It was brought from Sweden to Berlin
by Von Zinnerdorf , in 1776 . According to this system , there is an independent Inner Council or Directory , which guides and controls the affairs of the Grand Lodge . It was but the day previous to the delivery of the Crown Prince's
address that the Grand Master addressed the Grand Lodge in a most orthodox strain , closely adhering to the traditions which , he said , had been brought to them a century previous from Sweden . And when the Crown Prince , who is
GrandMaster of the OrderinPrussia , made known his progressive ideas , it is said that some of the more conservative gentlemen were so much overcome by the heresies of his Royal Highness , that they have not recovered from the effect to
the present day . Without , however , inquiring into the truth of this report , it is nevertheless certain that the address has created quite an excitement in the Masonic circles of Germany . It is of great length , and is as remarkable for the
bold positions it assumes as for its favour and liberality ; the latter evidently the result of conviction . There is no doubt that the Masonic Fraternity will find it as interesting as that of Germany found it startling , and we regret that
we are compelled to limit ourselves to a short synopsis of it . After an appropriate introduction , the Crown Prince remarked that the three Grand Lodges of Prussia were alike near to him , and that according to his convictions there exists but one
Masonry , represented in all systems , through different forms only . Explaining why Masonry conveys ideas by symbols , he said that it was possible that they may be variously interpreted , as the traditions of the Order have been handed down through various channels . The past century was not wanting in violent struggles between
The Crown Prince Of Prussia As A Mason.
the different systems , but the present time witnesses a different state of affairs , of which the representatives of the various systems present were the living witnesses . He entreated the brethren present to hold firmly to the unity of
Masonry , and admonished them that each should divest himself of the belief that he alone was in possession of the whole truth and the only correct form for the same : that whilst they prided themselves in possessing the most correct
interpretations , they should not fail to solve the true problem of the royal art , and be influenced by the teachings of the Order to practise its precepts in life . There is no value , he said , in the name of " brother , " if the struggle for superiority
leads to the discarding of brotherly sentiments . He warned the brethren against the danger of considering the trivial and unessential the main object of Freemasonry . He said that the Grand Lodge of Germany has been misjudged and
assailed , because its rites , history and regulations were not understood , and asked if something could not be clone to enable larger circles to form a correct judgment . He advised the publication of the history , origin and
development of the Grand Lodge , and urged that body to break through the wall of historical secrecy . He ordered a document to be read , heretofore kept secret , to-wit : the charter of the Grand Lodge obtained by Von Zinnendorf . The
necessity of a revision of the ritual was alluded to , and it was acknowledged that the historical criticism of the day had become a power , from which even the most sacred traditions can no longer escape . That power , he declared , was making demands
upon the Order which could no longer be refused . Satisfactory proof of historical traditions is demanded , and he acknowledged that the requirements of the present time would have to be complied with . Investigation has been
commenced , and would be followed to as atisfactory conclusion . If the traditions were confirmed , doubts would disappear ; and if anything should prove to be untenable , love of truth would give them courage to sacrifice it .
He also demanded a simplification of lodge life , but did not desire reforms at the expense of those old customs which still possess and can diffuse vitality . " Shall the decayed and superfluous , " he asked , " be permitted to smother that
which is good and possesses vitality ? If we permit this , it will be our fault that many brethren will never penetrate to the substance j that some will turn away reluctantly or in derision , while others will use the Order as a means of gratifying selfishness and vanity ; so that it
will become morally corrupted , instead of morally elevated . " " Let us beware , " he said , " that by a too obstinate adherence to old customs , of which we have grown fond , we do not become blind to the necessities of the present , whilst the age progresses with tremendous strides . "
He cautioned the brethren , however , not to proceed indiscreetly , but to see that the Order by its rites and regulations , morally ennobled its members ; for if it did not effect that , their labors , in spite of the richness of the symbolisms
and explanations , would become a useless waste of time and strength , and degenerate into empty phrases and a barren plaything . He directed particular attention to the necessity of imparting sufficient information to the brethren of the
lowest degree to enable them to understand what was offered to them . He did not wish it to be understood , however , that the rites and symbolic acts should be thrown together promiscuously , or that Entered Apprentices should be promoted
to Mastership before the proper time ; hut that a proper understanding should be obtained from the beginning , of what is new and strange to them . The acts and symbols of the Order should warm their hearts , incite their thoughts , and strengthen the conception of the present
time , the indispensable condition for which is a proper understanding ,. " Let us discard the fear , " he said , " that we are doing wrong when we transfer from the teachings of the higher degrees into the lower all that fructifies the latter . It is the best use wc can make of these
higher degrees ; for , in our time , the St . John ' s Lodge is the chief object in Freemasonry , and therefore of the highest importance . "
The Crown Prince Of Prussia As A Mason.
He thought it would be unnecessary to defend himself agahst the suspicion that he wished to . use Masonry for purposes foreign to it upon principle ; he harboured the hope—and thathope kept his interest in the Order alive—that by its
quiet labour it would stimulate a healthful moral life in the people , which it would do most successfully if the germ of its spirit was extended to the largest circles . All knoivlcdge in Masonry : he said : was contained in the first degree , and if
this truth became a reality , it would remove the suspicion that the higher degrees taught anything but St . John ' s Masonry . He requested the brethren to examine his views without prejudice , to move fearlessly and perseveringly with discretion and forbearance , and he assured them that
he would faithfully support them in the important undertaking . " The closing century , " he said , " has left us imperfections ; the coming century will at its close point out the imperfections of our own labours . But let us hope that it will acknowledge that we have honestly tried to act in the sense of those ancestors who deserve the
name of ' the wise , ' and in accordance with the spirit of our time have given the Order that form which is suitable to its noble aims , and which can be valued by the present generation , and will result in its prosperity . "—Buffalo Courier .
The Royal Bank Of Ireland.
THE ROYAL BANK OF IRELAND .
The thirty-fifth annual meeting of the proprietors of the Royal Bank of Ireland was held on the 27 th ult ., at the Bank House , Foster-place . There was a large attendance of shareholders . Valentine O'Brien O'Connor , Esq ., presided . Mr . John North , Secretary , read the
advertisement convening the meeting . The directors' report , which was published in our last , and which recommends a dividend at the rate of 12 per cent , per annum , was taken as granted . The Chairman then moved the adoption of the report . He said : Gentlemen , in moving the
adoption of the report and accounts , I have to congratulate you on the Royal Bank being able to pay a divident of ^ 12 per cent . Considering the very low rate of interest , this must be deemed very . satisfactory . Few banks are doing better . Wc have discounted over , £ 5 , 900 , 000 of bills , and made no
bad debts this year . I am happy to say that our branches arc succeeding , and that new accounts are continuiilly opening . I would urge upon our shareholders to assist us by getting their friends . to do their business with our bank . This , with the advancing rate of interest , will add much to our
prosperity . As the report is so comprehensive , I need not trouble you with any more details . We have to regret the loss of our valued friend , Mr . Callwell . By his death , and by the retirement of our much esteemed friend Mr . Findlater , two vacancies have occurred on our board . We have been
fortunate in getting the High Sheriff , Mr . Parker , and Mr . Drumiuond , to take their places ; two more efficient gentlemen to act as directors , could not be ' found . 1 conclude by saying that we are much indebted to our managing director , our secretary , and officers , for their great attention and care , which
is the cause of our success . Mr . Archibald M'Comas , in seconding the adoption of the report , said it was extremely gratifying to find that notwithstanding recent monetary crjses , they were able now to give a dividend of 12 per cent , per annum . It was really a thing that they could
not have expected , but yet under the excellent management that w . r adopted he could almost express no wonder . ( Hear , hear . ) With regard to the death of Mr . Callwell . he should say it had Jeft a great blank in their board . He was a gentleman well known to the commercial community . He had
his ( Mr . M'Comas ' s ) confidence for many years , and as years rolled on he esteemed him all the more .-A more honourable man he never knew . He had had many very heavy transactions with him , and from all their dealings the utmost satisfaction resulted . As to Mr . Findlater , he was a gentleman
well known to them all . None could excel him in high-mindedncss and honour , and his vacating his seat on the board was a matter to be deeply regretted . ( Hear , hear . ) Under all the circumstances he thought if it had not been for the gentlemen who had presented themselves as directors in .
the room of these other gentlemen , he was almost going to say they might feel somewhat despondent . But he would not say despondent , because there was no room for despondency as regarded the management , of their property . ( Hear , hear . ) He
saw with pleasure the new names presented , and he hoped the institution would go on prosperous and prospering . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Thomas Dockrell said he had a sort of conditional amendment to propose . He was aware
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Obituary.
the medical , legal , and clerical professions , with one a student at St . Bartholomew ' s Hospital . The funeral of the deceased took place in Holywell Cemetery , and was attended by the Mayor and members of the Corporation , robed , and preceded by the civic mace , together with a large number of the brethren and of private friends .
The Crown Prince Of Prussia As A Mason.
THE CROWN PRINCE OF PRUSSIA AS A MASON .
A rare opportunity recently offered itself to the Crown Prince of Prussia to give expression to the ideas of liberal progression Which he is said _ to entertain . The occasion was the celebration of the centenary of the Masonic Grand
Lodge of Germany , at Berlin , and if his acts in political life are to be governed by the sentiments which he then and there enunciated , the people whose destinies will , in all human probability , be guided by him at no distant day , may rest satisfied . It is safe to assume that the address was
not gotten up merely to gain popularity , inasmuch as the proceedings of Masonic lodges , particularly in Germany , are never given to the public . _ The ideas advanced by the Crown Prince in his address are the more remarkable .
as the Grand Lodge of Germany is proverbially the most conservative of the three occupying , to-day , the same position in every respect , which it occupied a century ago . Other Grand Lodges have long ago discarded the idea that all and
everything pertaining to the history , principles , laws , and regulations of Masonry must be carefully concealed from the eye of the public . And there is now almost nothing , if we expect the ritual , but what is accessible to him who desires
to investigate it . The result of these investigations is readily perceived in this country , particularly in the immense increase of lodges and members , and the fear is not unfrequently expressed by Masons that the great danger
which now threatens the Fraternity is a too-great popularity . The Grand Lodge of Germany , at Berlin , is not , as might be inferred from its title , the Grand Lodge of the whole of Germany , but simply one of the three co-ordinate bodies which the
Prussian Government permit in its dominions . The ritual practised by this Grand Lodge is the socalled " Swedish System , " and differs in many essentials from that practised by other Masonic bodies . It was brought from Sweden to Berlin
by Von Zinnerdorf , in 1776 . According to this system , there is an independent Inner Council or Directory , which guides and controls the affairs of the Grand Lodge . It was but the day previous to the delivery of the Crown Prince's
address that the Grand Master addressed the Grand Lodge in a most orthodox strain , closely adhering to the traditions which , he said , had been brought to them a century previous from Sweden . And when the Crown Prince , who is
GrandMaster of the OrderinPrussia , made known his progressive ideas , it is said that some of the more conservative gentlemen were so much overcome by the heresies of his Royal Highness , that they have not recovered from the effect to
the present day . Without , however , inquiring into the truth of this report , it is nevertheless certain that the address has created quite an excitement in the Masonic circles of Germany . It is of great length , and is as remarkable for the
bold positions it assumes as for its favour and liberality ; the latter evidently the result of conviction . There is no doubt that the Masonic Fraternity will find it as interesting as that of Germany found it startling , and we regret that
we are compelled to limit ourselves to a short synopsis of it . After an appropriate introduction , the Crown Prince remarked that the three Grand Lodges of Prussia were alike near to him , and that according to his convictions there exists but one
Masonry , represented in all systems , through different forms only . Explaining why Masonry conveys ideas by symbols , he said that it was possible that they may be variously interpreted , as the traditions of the Order have been handed down through various channels . The past century was not wanting in violent struggles between
The Crown Prince Of Prussia As A Mason.
the different systems , but the present time witnesses a different state of affairs , of which the representatives of the various systems present were the living witnesses . He entreated the brethren present to hold firmly to the unity of
Masonry , and admonished them that each should divest himself of the belief that he alone was in possession of the whole truth and the only correct form for the same : that whilst they prided themselves in possessing the most correct
interpretations , they should not fail to solve the true problem of the royal art , and be influenced by the teachings of the Order to practise its precepts in life . There is no value , he said , in the name of " brother , " if the struggle for superiority
leads to the discarding of brotherly sentiments . He warned the brethren against the danger of considering the trivial and unessential the main object of Freemasonry . He said that the Grand Lodge of Germany has been misjudged and
assailed , because its rites , history and regulations were not understood , and asked if something could not be clone to enable larger circles to form a correct judgment . He advised the publication of the history , origin and
development of the Grand Lodge , and urged that body to break through the wall of historical secrecy . He ordered a document to be read , heretofore kept secret , to-wit : the charter of the Grand Lodge obtained by Von Zinnendorf . The
necessity of a revision of the ritual was alluded to , and it was acknowledged that the historical criticism of the day had become a power , from which even the most sacred traditions can no longer escape . That power , he declared , was making demands
upon the Order which could no longer be refused . Satisfactory proof of historical traditions is demanded , and he acknowledged that the requirements of the present time would have to be complied with . Investigation has been
commenced , and would be followed to as atisfactory conclusion . If the traditions were confirmed , doubts would disappear ; and if anything should prove to be untenable , love of truth would give them courage to sacrifice it .
He also demanded a simplification of lodge life , but did not desire reforms at the expense of those old customs which still possess and can diffuse vitality . " Shall the decayed and superfluous , " he asked , " be permitted to smother that
which is good and possesses vitality ? If we permit this , it will be our fault that many brethren will never penetrate to the substance j that some will turn away reluctantly or in derision , while others will use the Order as a means of gratifying selfishness and vanity ; so that it
will become morally corrupted , instead of morally elevated . " " Let us beware , " he said , " that by a too obstinate adherence to old customs , of which we have grown fond , we do not become blind to the necessities of the present , whilst the age progresses with tremendous strides . "
He cautioned the brethren , however , not to proceed indiscreetly , but to see that the Order by its rites and regulations , morally ennobled its members ; for if it did not effect that , their labors , in spite of the richness of the symbolisms
and explanations , would become a useless waste of time and strength , and degenerate into empty phrases and a barren plaything . He directed particular attention to the necessity of imparting sufficient information to the brethren of the
lowest degree to enable them to understand what was offered to them . He did not wish it to be understood , however , that the rites and symbolic acts should be thrown together promiscuously , or that Entered Apprentices should be promoted
to Mastership before the proper time ; hut that a proper understanding should be obtained from the beginning , of what is new and strange to them . The acts and symbols of the Order should warm their hearts , incite their thoughts , and strengthen the conception of the present
time , the indispensable condition for which is a proper understanding ,. " Let us discard the fear , " he said , " that we are doing wrong when we transfer from the teachings of the higher degrees into the lower all that fructifies the latter . It is the best use wc can make of these
higher degrees ; for , in our time , the St . John ' s Lodge is the chief object in Freemasonry , and therefore of the highest importance . "
The Crown Prince Of Prussia As A Mason.
He thought it would be unnecessary to defend himself agahst the suspicion that he wished to . use Masonry for purposes foreign to it upon principle ; he harboured the hope—and thathope kept his interest in the Order alive—that by its
quiet labour it would stimulate a healthful moral life in the people , which it would do most successfully if the germ of its spirit was extended to the largest circles . All knoivlcdge in Masonry : he said : was contained in the first degree , and if
this truth became a reality , it would remove the suspicion that the higher degrees taught anything but St . John ' s Masonry . He requested the brethren to examine his views without prejudice , to move fearlessly and perseveringly with discretion and forbearance , and he assured them that
he would faithfully support them in the important undertaking . " The closing century , " he said , " has left us imperfections ; the coming century will at its close point out the imperfections of our own labours . But let us hope that it will acknowledge that we have honestly tried to act in the sense of those ancestors who deserve the
name of ' the wise , ' and in accordance with the spirit of our time have given the Order that form which is suitable to its noble aims , and which can be valued by the present generation , and will result in its prosperity . "—Buffalo Courier .
The Royal Bank Of Ireland.
THE ROYAL BANK OF IRELAND .
The thirty-fifth annual meeting of the proprietors of the Royal Bank of Ireland was held on the 27 th ult ., at the Bank House , Foster-place . There was a large attendance of shareholders . Valentine O'Brien O'Connor , Esq ., presided . Mr . John North , Secretary , read the
advertisement convening the meeting . The directors' report , which was published in our last , and which recommends a dividend at the rate of 12 per cent , per annum , was taken as granted . The Chairman then moved the adoption of the report . He said : Gentlemen , in moving the
adoption of the report and accounts , I have to congratulate you on the Royal Bank being able to pay a divident of ^ 12 per cent . Considering the very low rate of interest , this must be deemed very . satisfactory . Few banks are doing better . Wc have discounted over , £ 5 , 900 , 000 of bills , and made no
bad debts this year . I am happy to say that our branches arc succeeding , and that new accounts are continuiilly opening . I would urge upon our shareholders to assist us by getting their friends . to do their business with our bank . This , with the advancing rate of interest , will add much to our
prosperity . As the report is so comprehensive , I need not trouble you with any more details . We have to regret the loss of our valued friend , Mr . Callwell . By his death , and by the retirement of our much esteemed friend Mr . Findlater , two vacancies have occurred on our board . We have been
fortunate in getting the High Sheriff , Mr . Parker , and Mr . Drumiuond , to take their places ; two more efficient gentlemen to act as directors , could not be ' found . 1 conclude by saying that we are much indebted to our managing director , our secretary , and officers , for their great attention and care , which
is the cause of our success . Mr . Archibald M'Comas , in seconding the adoption of the report , said it was extremely gratifying to find that notwithstanding recent monetary crjses , they were able now to give a dividend of 12 per cent , per annum . It was really a thing that they could
not have expected , but yet under the excellent management that w . r adopted he could almost express no wonder . ( Hear , hear . ) With regard to the death of Mr . Callwell . he should say it had Jeft a great blank in their board . He was a gentleman well known to the commercial community . He had
his ( Mr . M'Comas ' s ) confidence for many years , and as years rolled on he esteemed him all the more .-A more honourable man he never knew . He had had many very heavy transactions with him , and from all their dealings the utmost satisfaction resulted . As to Mr . Findlater , he was a gentleman
well known to them all . None could excel him in high-mindedncss and honour , and his vacating his seat on the board was a matter to be deeply regretted . ( Hear , hear . ) Under all the circumstances he thought if it had not been for the gentlemen who had presented themselves as directors in .
the room of these other gentlemen , he was almost going to say they might feel somewhat despondent . But he would not say despondent , because there was no room for despondency as regarded the management , of their property . ( Hear , hear . ) He
saw with pleasure the new names presented , and he hoped the institution would go on prosperous and prospering . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Thomas Dockrell said he had a sort of conditional amendment to propose . He was aware