Indiana State sentinel., 1861-06-05
Masonic.

ton from the subordinate Lodges was as fuu as
usual on the first day of the annual communica-
ton. The Grand Master, Judge Downey, deliv-
cred his address, which was listened to with
marked attention. We give below the introduc
tory portion of the address, in which he aludes to
the existing difficulties in the country, and refers
to the Masonic law bearing upon the subject. 1t is
well worthy of a careful and attentive perusal.
Brethren ofthe Grand Lodge:
We are again permitted to meet in annual
communication for which, and for the other
blessings bestowed upon US, we should be CRATE
full to the supreme Ruler. When We separated q
year ago peace and quiet prevailed in all the land.
Though evil had been predicted of our Govern
ment, at various periods, and dissolution of the
Union foretold, no one anticipated that the state
of things which now exists would so soon be upon
US. Then our nation united and prosperous
at home and respected and honored abroad.
The husbandmln, che mechanic, the merchant
and the professional man were engaged in the
profitable pursuits of their various vocations. Ag-
riculture, commerce and the arts were hourishing
they had not at any prior period in our coun-
trys history. The Union which had been formed
by our fathers, and cemented with their blood,
was regarded by US as a priceless heritage, which
was not to be surrendered up without the most
urgent necessity. We we're wont to regard our
selves as having progressed beyond the period of
war and bloodshed, and as being under the milder
dominion of reason and philosophy.
Now, how changed the scene. Thousands and
tens of thousands of our fellow citizens of the
United States are in arms, prepared for deadly
conflict They have abandoned the peaceful
pursuits of life-their plows, their shops. their
counting rooms, and their Offices to engage in the
contest. Even the union of the States and the
perpetuity of the National Government are
threatened with destruction by one portion of the
confederacy.
And why is all this? Ask our brethren of the
South and you will receive for answer, that they
have been deprived of their constitutional rights
in the Union. Ask the North and they will tell
you that they have not denied, and do not wish
to deny to the South any of their constitutional
rights.
In this state of the case how forcibly does the
question suggest itself to every patriot and phi
lanthropist; why are not some measures taken,
in peaceful way, to ascertain and secure these
rights, and thus to avoid the shedding of fra
ternal blood? As provision is made in the organic
law of the nation for its own amendment, why not
resort to that remedy? Ifit requires amendment
to adapt il to the present position and wants of
the country why not amend it? If it has fallen
into misinterpretation, why not correct it in a
peaceful wayg Why do our brethren in the
South take up arms against us as their enemies,
before they have asked us, or given us an Oppor.
tunty, in a constitutional way to reason with
| them, and assure them of our disposition to do
them no wrong?
How much of Misrepresentation and unfounded
| prejudice exist, may, in part, be seen from the
fact that the people on the borders of the free and
slave States are even now, comparatively at a
good understanding. They mingle together and
understand each others sentiments and purposes,
while the farther you 90 from the borders the
more intense become he feelings of enmity and
| hostility. So certa;,- am / that most of these
| troubles result from Misrepresentation and mis-
understanding, and so much do / know of the
| feelings and purposes of the people on the Dor
| ders of the free and slave States, that if they
could be the arbiters between the contending
parties, they would satisfactorily adjust every
real cause of difference in twenty -four hours
| time. 1t is true that there are troubles on the
borders at some points. but they did not originate
with the people residing there.
| These political complications give rise to new
questions, and make it proper to refer to the an
cient usages of the fraternity for light to guide
us. The fraternity in the United States have had
occasion. more than once, to consider their rela
tions and duties to their Government in time oil
war, and the names of eminent Masons on the
pages of our country's history will show how the
duty has been performed This contest may diff
| fer, however from those to which have alluded
They were contests with a foreign foe. while
those who have now taken up arms against us
brethren. citizens of the United States, rs
we In this the present contest may be, by
some, regarded as assuming new features
What are the duties of Masons in Indiana, un-
der these circumstances?
Our ancient charges say, "a Mason is to be a
peaceabe subject to the civil powers. wherever he
may reside work. and is never to be concerned
in plots and conspiracies against the peace ard
welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself un-
dutfully to inferior magistrates; for as Masonry
hath been always injured by war, bloodshed and
confusion, so ancient kings and princes have been
much disposed to encourage the craftsmen because
OF their peaceibenesS and loyalty. whereby they
practically answered the cavs Of their adverse
ries, and promoted the honor of the fraternity;
who ever fiourished in times of peace"
So, too, the initiate is solemnly charged that in
the state he is to be quiet and peaceable sub
ject, true to his government and just to his
try, that he is not to countcnance disloyalty OF
rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority
and conform with cheerfulness to the government
of the country in which he lives.
As an organization we do not discuss or decide
political questions. We 10 not, such. engage
in wars, civil or foreign. But individuals we
have not given up the freedom of Speech nor the
right of judging and acting for ourselves. are
we deprived of the privilege, or exempt from the
outy of obedience and loyalty to the government
under which we live.
Notwithstanding the explicit declarations re-
ferred to, enjonng obedience and loyalty upon
Masons, it is not to be denied that there may be
circumstances under which twould be their privil-
ege and duty to resist Should the Government
become tyranny, and destroy the rights which
it ought to protect; should redress be sought in
the proper manner and denied, and should re-
sort to resistance and revolution be the only
means ofrelief, he would be a cravn, and unfit
| for Mason. who would not resist.
| But whether there is or is not sufficient cause
to Justify resistance, is question which may not
be drawn into dlsunion in our lodges This is In.
dicated by further quotation from the ancient
charges, where it is said:
80 that if brother should be a rebel against
the State, he is not to be countenanced in his re
bellon, however he may be ptied unhappy
man; and if convicted of no other crime, though
the loyal brotherhood must and ought to disown
his rebellion, and give no umbrage ground OF
political jealousy to the Government for the time
being, they can not expel him from the lodge,
and his relation to it remains indefeasible"
Should the political acts of brother be made
the foundation of charges against him, il would
at once introduce into the lodge the discussion
and determination of political questions which
our regulations and usages have ever excluded.
have received printed letter signed by the
officers of the VI. W. G. L. of Tennessee. of a
recent date, deploring the unhappy condition of
our country, and urging this G. L. to cooperate
with them in procuring cessation of the strife,
and peaceful solution of the questions now agi-
tatng the minds Of the people. lay this letter
before you that it may receive such consideration
as the Importance of the subject demands.
| H Not less than one thousand six hundred
steamboats, upon the Mississippi river and its
tributaries. The total value of these is estimated
at sixty million dollars.
And not only the sixty millions of dollars
worth of steamboats, but the vastly greater value
of the commerce carried on through them upon