The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1867-09-11
Something Decidedly Rich.
WHY CANNOT A WOMAN BECOME A MASON


At the late anniversary celebration ofthe
Masons of Austin, Nevada, the orator OF
the day thus discoarsed upon this much
vexed question:
Woman sometimes complains that she is
not permitted to enter our lodges and work
with the craft in their labors, and learn all
there is to be learned in the institution
Wewill explain the reason. We learn that
before the Almighty had finished His work,
He was in some doubt about creating Eve.
The creation of every living and creeping
thing had been accomplished, and the Al
mighty had made Adam (who was the first
Mason) and erected for him the first lodge
| in the world, and called it Paradise No. l.
He then caused all the beasts OF the held
and fowls of the air to pass before Adam
for him to name them, which was piece OF
work he had to do alone, so that no confu-
sion might hereafter arise from Eve, whom
He knew Wodld make trouble ifshe was al
lowed to participate in it, He created her
beforehand. ., :,
Adam being veryImuch fatigued with. the
labors Of his first task. fell into deep sleep,
and when he awoke he found Eve in the
lodge with him. Adam, being Senior War
den, placed Eve DIS the pillar of beauty in
the South, and they received their instruc-
tions from the Grand Master in the East
f which, when finished, she Immediately call
ed the craft from labor to refreshment. In
stead of attending to the duties OF her office
: as she ought, she left her station, violated
y her obligation, and let In an expelled Ma
son, who had no business there, and went
f around with him, leaving Adam to look at
o ter the Jewels. This fellow had been expell
i ed from the Grand Lodge with several 9th
r ers. some time before. But hearing TIM
) footsteps of the Grand Master, he suddenl!
Is took his leave, telling Eve to 60 to maxim!
q aprons, as she and Adam were not in prope
e regalia. She went and told Adam, ant
e when the Grand Master returned to tn
" lodge he found bis gavel had been stolen.
q lie called for the senior and Junior wal
% dens, who had neglected to guard the doo'
re and found them absent. After searchln
i. some time, he came to where they hid, an
es demanded of Adam what he was dom
r. there, instead Of occupying his official ST.
of ton. Adam replied he was waiting Il
at Eve to call the craft from refreshment
ed labor again, and that the craft was M
m properly clothed, which they were maklr
nd provisions for. Turning to Eve, he aske
NJ her what she had to offer in excuse tor h
sk unofficial and unmasonic conduct She r
70. pljed that a fellow, passing himself off as
al grand lecturer, had been giving her instru
%, ttions, and she thought it was no harm
al learn them. The Grand Master thereup'
Of asked her what had become OF his gave
I'VE she said she didn't know unless that lell(
TIL had carried itaway.
We. Finding that Eve was no longer tru
i a worthy, and that she had caused Adam an,
lies neglect his duty, and had let in one wh(
th- he had expelled, the Grand Master
ms closed the lodge, and turning them out,
the a faithful tyler to guard the door wit
ari. flaming sword. Adam, repenting OF
are folly, went to word like man and a &c
nan Mason, in order to get relnstated aga
ntv. Not SO with Eve she got angry about
nv N . and commenced raising Cain. Adam,
ion. account of his reformation, was permit
hat to establish lodges and work in the To-
to q degrees and while Eve was allowed
war ioip him in works of charity outside,
,fin was never again to be admitted to assls
the regular work Of the craft. Hence
reason why woman cannot become an
side Mason. e.ls..