Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-02-06

Mr.. G. Allen briefly stated the provi-
sions of the bill-that it provided for the
repeal Of the acts Incorporating those
Masonic Societies, which by the express
terms Of their charters, we're subjected
to the action Of the General Assembly,
viz the Providence Council of Royal
and Select Masters, the Providence En-
campment Of Knight Templas, the Paw
tucket Royal Arch Chapter, No. a, Un-
ion Lodge, No. 10, Evening Star Lodge,
and Laiay cite Lodge. The remaining
sixteen corporations are required to max e
ANNUALLY in May, a return to the Secre-
tary of State, under the oath Of their
presiding officer; of the number and
names oftheir ne W members and officers,
and copy of the obligations by them ta-
ken, and also schedule oftheir proper
ty, under penalty ofa forfeiture oftheir
respective charters. The third section
also provides the way by which the
charters, for such neg gect of the corpo-
rators, may be decrced forfeited by the
Supreme Judicial Court. The corpora
tions, whose charters are by this bill an
nulled. are allowed one year to dispose
of their funds and property, in such legal
manner as they choose.
i Mr.. Titus moved 20 strike out the Sd
section of the bill, and insert as a sub :
stitute section Injecting the respec-
tive corporations TO the penalty of one
hundred dollars, for negIecting to make
an annual return, instead Of forleiting
their charters.
Mr.. Cranston, suggested whether fur
ther time, than one year, should not be
allowed for the corporations TO dispose of
their property-also whether the bill
ought not to be made general IN its pro-
visions, in respect to requiring annual
returns to be made TO the Secretary, so
as to embrace all corporations.
Mr.. Cook, said he would further sug-
gest whether the bill ought not to pro-
vide that upon surrender of the char
ters, they should be exempt from the
provisions of the act lie thought they
should have the option Of ma! ing the re-
turn or surrender their charters.
MIR. Whitaker said he presumed no re-
turn would or could be required, if the
charters were surrendered. That would
put an end to their existence, and moth
ing further could be required ofthe men,
bers of the corporations.
MIR. Cranston said he had not inten-
ded to have taken any part in the adop-
ton Of the course to be pursued in this
business, but let the movers Of it take
their own course. He would, however,
at the request of friend, whom he high
ly respected, move that the bill, with the
amendment, be committed to n select
committee, to report on the whole sub.
jcct. 1t could be by them, better exam
med, than in this House, and would be
atten ended with but little delay.
Mr.. Titus objected to a reference to
committee, as tending to produce delay.
He was disposed to act now, as all the
necessary information had been obtain
ed. 1t could be acted upon as well this
moment, in the House, as before COM
mttee: and he was wholly opposed to
that course, and fully prepared for pre-
sent action on the subject.
Mr.. Hazard, Of Newport, said that he
objected to the phraseology Of the pre-
amblc to the bill. He did not think the
House were prepared to cast the reflec
tions therein contained. They were
wholly gratutous and unnec essary to eli.
feet the desired object. He thought it
should be amended. A part oithe pre-
amble was not true, and well known to
be so, by the members of the House -
1t had always been well known, before
the acts Of incorporation were granted,
that masons had secrets. There were
no deceptions practiced in obtaining their
charters. 1t was true there were objcc-
tions to the obi lgations-they were liable
to be misunderstood, and he thcnght
them, on that account, very improper
But no evil had been proved to exist, or
resulting from their secrets; for anti ma
sons have declared that they have all
been made known, and are now no lon
ger such. We have been furnished with
all the oaths that have been administer
cd by these corporations, and by the act
passed one year ago, the administering
or taking them, is now rendered highly
penal. We have it in evidence that they
have ceased to administer any OATH
For these reasons, he hoped it would be
committed.
Mr.. G. Allen, said he wished no de.
lay-the House were prepared to act
now and needed no committee. The
subject had been long and well consid-
cred, and he saw no objection to the bill
or preamble.
The House refused TO commit the bill.
The amendment by Mr.. Titus was then
adopted, and Mr.. Hazard, of West
Greenwich, moved the bill rs amended,
be now passed.