Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-10-19


The voios Of the Free Musonu Of Ohio.
AT the recent Session Of the Grand Lodge |
Of Free Masonry, at Columbus, the NJ. W.
Grand Master, George Rex, made patriotic
address, which was referred to Select Com
mittee.
Brother VIM. B. Hubbard, NJ. W. P. OR.
Master, Chairman Of Select Committee to
which the above was referred, made report as
follows
We have carefully read, and Rttentively
considered, the language of our M. W. Grand
Master, and most heartily approve the patri-
otto and Masonic views expressed by him.
He briefly, but iorcibly brings to our view the
fact, that a portion of the citizens of the Uni
ted States have arrayed themselves in rebel
lion against the Government and its constitu-
tional authorities. We are all, ,as citizens and
Masons, cogniEant of the fact; and history
has already recorded that this rebellion, this
widespread treason, is the result Of a con-
/ spiracy, planned aud organized for the over
throw and destruction of our common gov
ernment and It's lawfully constituted authori-
| ties In this most extraordinary crisis, the
/ question presents itself with force: "What
| is the duty of Free Masons, not in one local
/ ity only, but throughout the whole extent
of our common country ?" The answer is
plain and imperative, and is to be found, not
only in the most ancient charge, but in all
the subsequent teachings of Free Masonry.
"a Mason is a peaceful subject OF the civil
power,n and ''is ReVer TO be concerned in plots
or conspiracies against the peace GaG well
fare of the nation," say these "ancient charg-
es"
And again, tif brother should be q rebel
against the State, he is not TO be cOunte-
nanced in his rebellion, however he may be
pited as I'm unhappy man." This language,
like all the landmarks and teachings of the
fundamental principles Of Masonry is uni
versal among Masons, and obligatory upon
each and all alike.
Loyalty to the Government, then, next to
their duty to Col, has ever been regarded as
the distinguishing characteristic of Free and
Accepted Masons. And the faithful, unyield.
ing practice of those virtues, is enjoined in
every lesson inculcated, in the ethics, or al
, the altar, of our beloved Order. And when
engaged in the discharge of our sacred du-
ties, and in maintaining the trust reposed in
! us, we are enjOined in the most emphatic
manner, to lay down our life, if necessary, il
the defence of our integrity.
Your committee, then, are of the opinion
that all worthy Masons will be iound acting
as a unit in accordance with their Teachings
and professions. That in common with theil
tellow-citizens not in their order, they have
q common government, and liberties in com
mon, now imperilled, to be defended, support
cd, maintained and perpetusted; and tha
they, individually, or as q whole, will b
: found like their fathers of old, arrayeC
o against plots, cOnsp ra;ies and rebellion, an(
ready with all the means with which a mer
ciful God has endowed them, to do or die il
> Just cause. And that as in Olden time, il
England, on the continent and in this cOun
try, among the most ardent defenders of gOot
!, government and liberty, were brothers o
a our order. To their descendants, our broth
ers of this day will be found using thei
battle CRY of Pro Dec ct PdtTid, until tn
present wicked rebellion is oYerthrown, an
a peace and lawful authority shall once more
n and we trust forever, reign over cur then, a
s heretofore, happy land.
In conclusion, your Committee respect
fully offer, for adoption, the following reso
9 lutions;
e /. ResolUed, That this Grand Lodge c
d Free and Accepted MasOns regards the doc
trines of secession as advocated by con
trary class of American politicians as
4 monStrOu GbslEdiy. If acquiesced in, tn
; Constitution of the United States would be
z come teLo de Sc.
S 2. ResOlUsd, That in the present unnatura
: contest, the institution of FREE NAsoNR
: has no attribute that can take side with re
II bellion.
g 3. RESOLVED, That it is the duty of ever,
worthy Mason, in this hour of peril, to stan
I by the General Government even at the ez
y pense of fortune and life; that the blessing
of constitutional liberty and union, as hand
u ed down to US by cur Fathers, may be en-
: joyed by US in our day and generation, an
J be tran5mitted unimpaired to our pOsterit
forever.
The vote of the Grand Lodge on the re
port and resolutions was emphatic-it bein
4 UNANIMOUS.