Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-06-08


me the honor to address to me, on the
general subject of Masonry, and Anti
masonry, and making some inquiries OF
me in relation to it. do not know, that
the views which entertain upon either
topic, can be of more Importance, than
those OF any other individual, who may
have taken the trouble to inform himself
on the passing events of tue day, and to
reflect upon them. But as you are
pleased to invite an expression of those
views, will not withhold them. When
a citizen may have adopted, on sufficient
IdclbcratIon, opinions upon any public
question, they seem Of right, to belong
to whomsoevcr may think them worth
asking for Ny opinions having been
made up neither hastily nor very recent
ly on those which your letter embraces,
| willingly proceed, without occupying
time by any further introduction, to pre-
sent them to you, with the grounds on
which they are founded.
| see objections To secret societies, be-
cause, pursuing objects not known to the
public, through means not known to the
public, they act under diminished rGspon-
sibilitcs to the public. lfthe objects be
good, why not state them; if bad, they
ought to be known. Our Legislative halls
are all open, and our courts; so all the
acts of our people, that may come to al
feet the interests of the body political, or
social. \ Not Il bridge company, not n
turnpike company, no bank; scarcely an
association of any kind, for whatever
purpose existing, whether for the adj
vancement of charity, or learning, or re-
ligion, or any Of the common business of
life, and whether incorporated by the
laws or not, but renders lis statements TO
the public, either voluntarily, or by COM
mand of the laws. If the latter do not
positively enioin publicity, a competent
share Of information regarding the OBJ
iJects of any such associations, is rarely
or ever withheld, on proper inquiry being
made. Societies, then, profoundly secret,
by the first element of their constitution,
whatever their ostensibc ends, cannot be
too closely watched, in Il country whose
primary princi pies Of political and social
action, are all in the face of day. The
mystery should appear to have good
cause, and be free from all suspicion of
abuse. lfsuch societies guard their Sc
crets by strong penalties, if they have
numbers and antiquity on their sides; if
their out-posts are but links of chain
stretching from nation to nation; if the
sense Of affiliated attachment and Ynion
among them is perceived to be exceed
ingly energetic and Jealous; if their
whole scheme of discipline, improved
throughout ages, has become in degree
imposing, even terrifying, their opera
tons will naturally have the more scope,
and should be watched with the more
care. Free Masonry is such society.
Great and good men have belonged to it,
| know; and do belong to it, at this mo-
mcnt; yet, recent disclosures in the Uni
ted States, have, think, shown the dan
ger of which the society may become the
parent, through the agency Of bad men. 1
OF all governments existing, ours is the
one which would be most justified in
watching, with constant and scrupulous
care, the conduct of societies profoundly
secret Most, or all other governments,
admit the princi pie Of secrecy, & them
selves practice it, at least to some cx-
tent. Ours, never All its operations are,
sooner or later, laid before the grand, o.
riginal, constituent body-thc people; the
only fountain, with us, Of all influence
and sovereignty and power. These arc
obvious principles Of our system. Free
Masonry puts forth an exception to them.
1t is hence, the right and duty of the pco-
pie, to exercise strict censorship over Il
body, which moves in an element so con-
trary to their own They arc the high
er, and entitled to the undispucd con-
troll. 1t is as much general truth in
morals as in government, that it is vice,
not virtue, which needs veil.
In saying that recent disclosures have
shown the dangers of masonry in the l.
nited States, let us see if am not right
| desire to be guided by facts, and look
at them vigorously. Your enquiries are
broad, and should be met broadly. But
facts shall be my basis, and wish TO deal
with them practically, as | have really
beheld them. You apply to me, as citi-
zens, taking an actual part in the affairs
around. | am to answer you in that ca
pacity, as a member olthc same commu-
nifty.
The public all know, that certain trials
have been held from time to time in the
state of New York, for the discovery of
the authors of the abduction and murder
of William Morgan. Against this mans
liberty and life, an extensive and iormid-
able conspiracy had been laId, which
ended in the destruction of both. lie
was native of Virginia, and had re-
..---..---l .--L- n A,..-L L. .----. H.