Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
China.
CHINA .
The Zetland Lodge of Freemasons , instead of a banquet confined to the Brethren , gave a ball , which afforded the uninitiated , of both sexes , the privilege of participating in the celebration of the festival of St . John . The club rooms were handsomely fitted up for the occasion , and every provision in their power was made by the Masons for the gratification of their guests , the only want being the inevitable one of a disproportion of ladies . They were not the less thought of on that account ; and , after a splendid supper , the W . M ., the Hon . W . T .
HONGKONG .
Mercer , Esq ., D . P . G . M ., delivered an eloquent and effective speech , to the following effect : —Ladies—The Zetland Lodge greets you once more . , On a previous occasion , I recollect having the distinguished privilege of addressing a few remarks to you , and of leading the cheers in your honour , when you graced our festival with your presence . The task again devolves upon me , and , as a duty , I do not shrink from it—though , I confess , I think it would come more appropriately from a matrimonial gentleman . I think more justice would be done to it by one of the eloquent husbands I see around me . The toast , somehow or
other , is always committed to a bachelor—I think unwisely ; for what can a poor bachelor have to say in honour of those whom he knows only at a respectful distance % How can he enlarge on bliss denied him ? How can he expatiate upon comforts to which he is a stranger % How can he duly estimate that happiness which he has only contemplated , as it were , through the bars of a closed portal ? How can he describe , in fitting terms , the value of that domestic prize , which he may have often sought , but , alas ! has never won ? He has , however , one consolation—that the subjects of his theme are so universally appreciated , so highly
honoured , and so deeply loved , that no assistance from him is requisite to make known their virtues . Ladies , I have alluded to the time when formerly you honoured our feast . I remember I then endeavoured to reconcile you to Masonry , and I explained your exclusion from our order , giving you two reasons for it—the one embodying a tribute to your charms , the other giving proof of our care and regard for you . These reasons , I think , must have been satisfactory , as married
men have since been permitted to join our ranks . For this concession , ladies , we thank you . But , ladies and gentlemen , there may be those present who still shake the doubtful head , and marvel at the seeming inconsistency of merry meetings like the present , with the seriousness and the gravity of our professed principles . Well—it is a poor heart that never rejoices . We all take occasional relaxation , and , for my part , I care not if it be a little boisterous , I hold somewhat" with Gratiano , in the play : —
" With mirth and laughter let old wnnkles come , And let my liver rather heat with wine Than my heart cool with mortifying groans . Why should the man whose blood is warm within Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster , Sleep when he wakes , and creep into the jaundice By being peevish ?"
I see nothing incongruous , nothing dissonant , between our principles and mirthful recreation ; nothing unpleasing or objectionable in what I see hereto-night , — smiling faces , nimble feet , good cheer , and a kindly welcome from honest hearts . It is usual on St . John ' s night to give a banquet , to which we admit our Brethren ; but this some consider a selfish proceeding . If we give a ball , still we do not escape invidious remarks . I was asked the other day , " Of what use are you ? To give balls ? Well , that is something . " Now , with all deference to the gentleman—he is somewhere here—whose jocular curiosity exceeded his politeness , I
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
China.
CHINA .
The Zetland Lodge of Freemasons , instead of a banquet confined to the Brethren , gave a ball , which afforded the uninitiated , of both sexes , the privilege of participating in the celebration of the festival of St . John . The club rooms were handsomely fitted up for the occasion , and every provision in their power was made by the Masons for the gratification of their guests , the only want being the inevitable one of a disproportion of ladies . They were not the less thought of on that account ; and , after a splendid supper , the W . M ., the Hon . W . T .
HONGKONG .
Mercer , Esq ., D . P . G . M ., delivered an eloquent and effective speech , to the following effect : —Ladies—The Zetland Lodge greets you once more . , On a previous occasion , I recollect having the distinguished privilege of addressing a few remarks to you , and of leading the cheers in your honour , when you graced our festival with your presence . The task again devolves upon me , and , as a duty , I do not shrink from it—though , I confess , I think it would come more appropriately from a matrimonial gentleman . I think more justice would be done to it by one of the eloquent husbands I see around me . The toast , somehow or
other , is always committed to a bachelor—I think unwisely ; for what can a poor bachelor have to say in honour of those whom he knows only at a respectful distance % How can he enlarge on bliss denied him ? How can he expatiate upon comforts to which he is a stranger % How can he duly estimate that happiness which he has only contemplated , as it were , through the bars of a closed portal ? How can he describe , in fitting terms , the value of that domestic prize , which he may have often sought , but , alas ! has never won ? He has , however , one consolation—that the subjects of his theme are so universally appreciated , so highly
honoured , and so deeply loved , that no assistance from him is requisite to make known their virtues . Ladies , I have alluded to the time when formerly you honoured our feast . I remember I then endeavoured to reconcile you to Masonry , and I explained your exclusion from our order , giving you two reasons for it—the one embodying a tribute to your charms , the other giving proof of our care and regard for you . These reasons , I think , must have been satisfactory , as married
men have since been permitted to join our ranks . For this concession , ladies , we thank you . But , ladies and gentlemen , there may be those present who still shake the doubtful head , and marvel at the seeming inconsistency of merry meetings like the present , with the seriousness and the gravity of our professed principles . Well—it is a poor heart that never rejoices . We all take occasional relaxation , and , for my part , I care not if it be a little boisterous , I hold somewhat" with Gratiano , in the play : —
" With mirth and laughter let old wnnkles come , And let my liver rather heat with wine Than my heart cool with mortifying groans . Why should the man whose blood is warm within Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster , Sleep when he wakes , and creep into the jaundice By being peevish ?"
I see nothing incongruous , nothing dissonant , between our principles and mirthful recreation ; nothing unpleasing or objectionable in what I see hereto-night , — smiling faces , nimble feet , good cheer , and a kindly welcome from honest hearts . It is usual on St . John ' s night to give a banquet , to which we admit our Brethren ; but this some consider a selfish proceeding . If we give a ball , still we do not escape invidious remarks . I was asked the other day , " Of what use are you ? To give balls ? Well , that is something . " Now , with all deference to the gentleman—he is somewhere here—whose jocular curiosity exceeded his politeness , I