The Waynesburg Republican. [volume] (Waynesburg, Pa.) 1867-18??, 1868-07-15
WAYNESBI'RG, PENNA~ WEDNESDAY, July i5, 1868 w a

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| Uicdi association. They know, and ev-
cry mason knows, that political ques-
tions are never carried into the Lodge.
| But how shall the uninitiated know this?
tits demonstrated by the fact, that men
of opposite political parties unite togeth-
er, in the same Masonic association. 4,
There Is one remark Which may be
made here, in regard to the phrase "se-
cret society,"" ifit is Intended to indi-
cate that Freemasonry seeks to conceal
itsexistence, It's principles, or its designs,
nothing can be farther from the truth.
1t declares, everywhere, Its existence,
principles, and designs; it gives to the
world the names of its officers; it builds
its temples in towns'and cities; and it
exhibits its members in public process
sions. True, there are secrets belonging
to the order; but they are only such MS
are necessary to guard its privileges,
and to perpetuate Its identity. aI
3. Another objection to Freemasonry
is, that "females are excluded from its
communion" We are told by the ohr
ljector, that "there must be something
wrong in that association, from the PRIV
ileges Of which our wives, mothers, Sis
ters, and daughters are excluded
Objectionable as this view of the sub
Iject may appear to some, q few plain
statements will place 1t, before every
candid mind, in "a very different light.
Let it then be distinctly understood, in
the first place, that Freemasonry origin
| ated with q class OF working men; and
hence, in it's origin, it could no more
have included women, than they could
now be included in asociety cooperative
blachsmiths or carpenters. And when
to this we add the fact, that freemason-
ry, mall its distinctive features, Is IKE
"the law OF the Medes and Persians,
(which altereth not,'h we have "a very
natural and easy solution OF the ques-
: tion, respecting the exclusion OF women
from membership in the craft. H..
But there Is '0nothsr tact which may
be stated here, as furnishing good and
sufficient reason, for THIS exclusive regu-
iation of the order. 1T is this,-.-its Sc
cret meetings are customarify held i'll
the night. Now, in view of this fact,
VINO does not see, that I'd ADMIT Womea
as well as men,, would give occasion to
the tongue of SANDER to circulate n
! thousand evil reports, which might dis
tufb the peace Of society, and greatly in
iure the reputation of the order. Hence
we regard it as a wise and prudent ar
rangement, and one which must be in
perfect accordance with the purest die
tates of female delicaty, to admit none
but mento the communion of Freema-
; sonry. IL is Therefore by the law OF
pr0priety alone, that women are exclu-
ded rom participating in the labors and
But are we to conclude, as the bblec-
thDt hnpnylCn thny
are not invited TO share the secrets OF
Masonry and dispense Its mysteries,
/ they are therefore excluded ffom itsben-
etsts: Certainly not. AS well might we
argue that they are excluded from the
| Deheiits OF our ciNll goverhnehp, because
they are not allowed to exercise the
elective franchise, or to occupy seats ~
It's several departments. AS well might
we argue that they are excluded rom
the benefits OF revealed religion, because
thcy were excluded rom the Jewish
> priesthood, ana are not employed III the
christian ministry
t women are not excluded nom the
, benefits OF Ircenaspnry. IT Is utterly
: Impossible that the dearest earthly OBJ
lects OF mans tender rcgard-they WhC
| are his constant soiace IN tunes or aillic-
tloh-lhe Wiling companions OF ms sor'
: rows, MS well rs ms Joys, should nc for
f gotten IN the prescriDed duties OF the or
| der; Nay verify; 1t places In the iront
> rank ofthose who may claim Its benefits
Q the mothers, sisters, ana dauShters OF
| froemasois, ana INVITES, especially, tho
: WIDOWS OF departed members, 10 lean
t with confidence upon W. supporting
arm. 10 say, therefore, that Freema
: sonry is regardless OF the rights Of wo
: men, or tnat 1t excludes them from it'
Dcnefits, Isl siaader upon the lnStitl-
: tion. '.
. 4. There Is one other objection some
4 times urged, which may be worthy of
: passing notice. 1t Is, that WFreemasOn
ry is selfish and partial in the bestow.
menrt of its favors." "lf there is any
c real good in it," say some. why doe
f it not throw open its door, that all per
r sons, indriscrsmlnately, may partake o
| its benelits"' ~ few remarks Will place
\ this question IN proper light, and show
t that the objection is "baseless fabric
5 /. The very idea OF a benevolent in
t stituti0n implies restrictions, both as t.
5 the ends proposed, ana the means to be
g employed; nor can any. one operate
e beyond its prescribed sphere, withou
violating the very principles on which
: it is founded. mus, an ASYLUM for thu
: insane mas no Tignt 70 appropriate it
1 iunds ioI tac rehet OF tne bilild; nor have
G the infaoitants OF one state or country
{ any Just clam upon the benevolent in
V stltutlons OF another. =.
:. freenlasoNry, IKE otherbenevolen
s associations, mas proposed 10 accomplish
t certain ehds; ana iorthe eaccompllshmen
= OF thcsc ,r ehdS IL mas ADOPTED certain
e means. Inc ohiy questi9n 10 DC settlet
: is this;.Hase men right 20 form AZ
h ASSOCIATION, lor tneir mutual benetit? IL
y say thcy nave NOT, Is al once 70 condemn
i all partnerships IN traue. IL Is 10 say