Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-03-07
Rtrt1serossU ggsSetg,


| SATURDAY MORNING, MARCH, 7. Is2D.
.aatt-.udson,c berer.-The extraordinary excite
NEST against the institution of Free Masonry which
displayed itself in the western part of the State
New York, upon the abduction and probable murder
OF VIM. Morgan in 1926, still rnges with unsubduet
hcrcencss, rather believe is on the increase
1t has recently found its way to Vermont, and hu.
swept over that state like whirlwind
The effects of this epidemic have been very singular
Hundreds of Masous have renowned the order ant
disclosed all they know of its secret and mysterious
principles Society has been shaken by this new
species OF party in all its relations but the stranges,
effect OF ALL is that the anti-masons are rendered BY
1t indifferent to other subjects of common and public
interest State and national politics are matters of
complete Indifference unless as they hone to mako
the one or the other subservicnt to their urea,
purpose of abolishing the order of Masonry Except
IN so far connected with this object thew cared
not who was President or who was Governor and
the arch-manager Van Buren, awaiting himself of this
Characteristic, cozcned them into running candidate
OF their own MR. Soutbwick) for governor, and by
TINS DIVISION secured his own election. We believe
the comparison which this hot and single pursuit of
one object suggests, has already been made. but at
all events It is much to the purpose. During the
battle al the Lake Thrasymenus> between Hannibal
and the Romans, an earthquake occurred which
shook down half the cities of Italy, but was upper
celved by the combatants So in the mighty conflict
Tor the Presidency which has just terminated the
anti masons engaged in tracing the fate of Moran
and suppressng the institution of NIasons were
nsensibc to the great convulson of public opinion
We are among those who have felt sympathy with
the anti-masonic excitement. We believe that
William Morgan was forcibly taken from his home
and family, inhumanly treated, and his death caused
by accidental sufocstion. We believe that in YER
mont AL in London cases have occurred of Masons
having their throats CUT for divugnr the secrets IF
the order In whatever execration we may hold those
who would violate obligations of secrecy, imposed
as hiIsoic obligations are supposed to be imposed,
under the most solemn and awful sanctions vet no
man we Imagine, is prepared to tolerate the arbitrary
exercise OF the POWER Of life and death bv secret
societies. We are very far from meaning to involve
the Masonic institution in the guilt of few fanatcal
aud mistaken members btit as there is certainly iust
ground for suspecting that death has been inflicted
upon contumacious Mnsons, by the private authority
OF some of their brethren, is not to be wondered
That the suspicion should create strong sensation and
efforts to interpose the shield of the law for the
prevention OF smilcr ourages in future. We know
that Masonry is founded on charity and benovolence
and that it's principles enjon the subnest morality
Nevertheless, it is susceptible Of abuse has the
effect Of inspiring gifts votares with fanatcism.
and may in some Of its canons, tolerate the infection
Of capital justice without looking to tho law If this
be the fact, it is at least pro tuio, dangerous TO
liberty and humanity.
We have made these observations as nm int reduction
TO the following abstract Of the proceedings of the
recent Anti Masonic Convention in the city Of New
York. Some of the names which figure IN these
proceedings, nre of high standing for TALENTS and
responsibility. Tho first means which ,hcy wish TO
employ for the suppression of Masonry, is I.oois-
lativc prohibition Of the administration Of extra
Judicial oaths.
CONVENTION.
The Anti-hlosonic Convention, adjourned on Sat-
urduy last. On the above day, Henry F.. Yates of
Montgomery, and Major Saterlee Clark, of Oneida
declared their remuneration of Masonry. The follow.
ing abstract ofthc proceedings copy from the Al
bnny Daily Advertiser.
Samuel NJ. Hopkins offered a number Of rcsou-
tons, which were adopted. One Of the resolutions
Is, that Mt every election, VIII thcr general or local
anti mafonc ticket should he run.
On motion Of Saterec Clark. resolution passed
hIshVoWHg the connection OF anti masonry with any
Of the present political parties Of the state nation
Bates Cook, from the committee appointed to in.
cure II Morgans Book, ond the exposure Of the Lc
Roy convention, arc true, reported that in their Iudr
ment they were substantially correct.
WIN. b. STOW, Of Lewis, from the committee on
the subject, offered resolution to appoint commit
tee TO mcmoriaze the legislature to prohibit the ad
ninlgtration ofextra judicial ontbs.
John Crazy Of Washington, said he did not v ISL
20 Interfere with The practice Of administering oath.
under church discipline. The only ohicc' should be-
the destruction Of free masonry.
Albert II Tracy proposed thai NC mfn6ral br
conIIcb ~ 'MaSfrjc ou'bsS"