Wilmington expositor. (Wilmington, Del.) 1831-18??, 1832-02-24

the Committee present had agreed with some
of the masons Of the Town of Providence, be-
fore the examination commenced, that they
should not be required to state any OF the Sc
crets of masonry, which they did not feel at
liberty to disclose.
The consequence of this arrangement was.
that some of the most material facts relating
to the effects of the masonic institution on the
community, and the construction of the oaths,
as is believed by the undersigned, were not,
and could not be developod--the examination
on one part being greatly restricted: and so far.
the object of the Assembly, that of allaying
public excitement entirely defeated. 1t is be-
lieved by the undersigned, and so far as the
three first degrees are concerned, he asserts
/ from his own personal knowledge, that the
/ signs and ceremonies of those degrees, are We
ny material, in showing the nature of the oaths,
and the construction intended to be put upon
them, particularly in reference to the penalties
for their violation.
The power vested III the committee by the
terms of the Resolution, by which it was ap-
pointed, extended, as has been stated, to SEN
ding for Books, &c. Yet it is not within the
knowledge of the undersigned, that ali inspec-
ton of any such was ever made by the COM
mittee, and it is known, that it was denied to
some who were DESTROYS of making the ex-
animation. by those who had such books in
charge.
The undersigned would further state, that
| from the debate which took place at the time
die Resolution appointing this Committee was
adopted, and from frequent illusions then, and
subsequently made. to charges brought against
masonry and masons in this State, conviction
was felt. that this investigation had reference.
lexclusively,t TO allegations contained in Me-
mortal, presented to the General Assembly at
| It's January Session, A. d. 1881. by Com
nittee appointed by an Antimasonic Conven-
lion, holden at Providence, on the goth day Of
| December. A. d. 1880, containing charges and
specifications against the masonic institution
| 1t is, however, to be remarked, that, so far as
the undersigned was consulted, no notice was
issued. either to that Convention, or its Com
mittee to attend before this Committee and
make good those charges, or to examine, OF
cross examine such witnesses. as might be
| brought forward on the part of masons, to dis
/ pl owe them:-Nor was that Memorial Gas the
undersigned believes,) ever alluded to. but on
lone occasion in the Committee, nd then. as il
seemed. only for the purpose of disparaging a
witness, whose name. was affixed to the Me-
mortal, and who was then under examination.
Il The charges contained in that memorial
i which went to show, that the masonic instltu.
.ltion was one of dangerous tendency.'if not al
Iready an engine of power striking Mt the foun
fldation of our civil liberty, and therefore re-
lquiring Legislative interposition, may be thu
Enumerated. and embrace the principal charges
and allegation made against masonry and ma
$ sons. in this State.
Il FIRsT.-That the Charters granted to ma
+, sonic bodies in this State, were asked Tor anc
lgranted, exclusively as charitable Associations
n when in fact, they had other objects in view
and were governed by principles, and regulated
I lbv practices incompatible with charity and be
> lnevoence.
u SEcoNp.-That the principles and design
g Of these Corporations were not disclosed t
the Legislature at the time OF granting tn
h charters. and that the members thereof. wer
n sworn to keep the Legislature, unless they wei
{ masons, in entire ignorance of the transaction
% of their Lodge Rooms.
l. THIRp.-that the provision in those charte
N requiring conformity, in the conduct of sue
As Corporations, to the laws of the State, was
!, fact rendered nugatorv and of no avail, prov
n ded the Legislature should sanction the pri
ne ciple, that mason was protected by his m
thl sonic oath, against a disclosure under civ
n oath, of the oaths, obligations, secrets, Lodg
anu
BY FouRTH.-Th the principles. practices,
.irl sages, laws, customs. oaths and obligations,
ed the several corporate bodies in this Sta
&C. SHOWN as Chapters and Lodges of free al
vel accepted masons, arein direct violation of t
constitution and laws of the United States, a
of Eof the laws of this State.
M FIrTH.--rhat no corporate body, amenat
mt to the General Assembly, ought to exist, wit
i'd out the Assembly having ample means OF lie;
le- lining its acquisitions upon its members. {
as form and mode of initiation or admission
Elm members, the obligations assumed by them.a
tn Iby whom. and in what terms and with wi
rel ceremonies they are administered.
the SIXTH That there was much reason to
ole llieve that the funds of these Societies ha
civ lbeen wasted in festivals, unmeaning ceren
es- MES, and useless parades, or have gone to sw
M the revenues of higher masonic powers, inste
the of being devoted exclusively to charitable p