The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-04-02


of the State, offered n reward, first of
$4,000, then of s., 900, and finally of$10,-
900, for any information which should
lead to the conviction of the guilty par.
| ties" ..... .......
"Well, WELL" interrupted Mr.. Ora
ham, "that was only a ruse to conceal
his real feelings, and his sympathy
| with the perpetrators 81 the horrid
deed. The murderer5 were arrested,
the evidence was clear against them,
but they escaped ~ ....,...
BRO. Graham,' said Judge Winters,
slowly but earnestly, "if nearly the en-
tire legal strength of New York, after
several years trial, found it impossible
to convict u single man charged with
the crime of numbering Morgan, who
have made law the study of my life find
much room for doubt of their guilt
You believe in II God of justice who
will cut off tree that beareth not good
fruit. Freemasonry has survived the
wreck of ages-is today young and
vigorous. Ia not an institution which
God in His infinite wisdom has seen fit
thus to preserve worthy Of your i'm
partial study? Will you allow your
reason, your good sense and judgment
to be warped, nay, controlled by set
of anti Masonic almanacs, which were
spread over the country by misguided,
excited men and unprincipled politi-
clans? What would you say to the fact
that majority Of the ministers in our
Conference are Masons?"
Mr.. Graham started to his feet as if a
viper had stung him; for moment he
stared wildly upon Judge Winters,then
noting a smile upon the Judges lips, he
seemed reassured and said: :
"Bro. Winters, you are trifling. A
lawyer is so fond Of argument that he
will neglect no opportunity of indulg-
ing in it, even at the expense OF his"
- religion, he was going to say, but
he checked himself.
"Be seated, Bro. Graham" said the
Judge, 81 have something more to say
upon this subject; and now prepare to
he surprised, but do not be hasty. I
an, a FrecDidSon, and have been one for
twenty years"
Mr.. Graham turned pale and then
flushed crimson, but he said nothing.
The Judge continued: 81 have never
known Fr .citiasonry to defeat the ends
of justice. have sentenced men TO
years Of toll in the State prison whom
/ knew to he members-although an.
icOrthy ones-0f the Masonic fraternity
The fact OF their connection thereWitl,
did not save them from single hour OF
imprisonment. The man who has been
blessed with hthesublime moral teachings
of IL Masonic Lodge is doubly culpablc
for an immoral act, violation OF his
duty to his neighbor, his country or hi
God. You say you hope to see oul
minister, Bro. Fairbanks, dismissed
from the Conference. 1t will not bt
done. You may prevent his return tt
us, but he will be sent to another con
grcgation, while we shall, perhaps, re
ceive in his place one inferior to him II
both talent and piety." ..t .s.
Judge Winters paused, Mr.. Graham
who had again risen to his feet said: 81
do not believe there are so many Mn
sons as you say in the Methodist Con
ference OF this State. You are Free
mason, and have an interest in defend
ing your institution"
"Well, Bro. Graham" said the Judge
81 will make you a proposition. Maxi
you no further effort at present to excite
antasonistic feeling towards Bro. Fair
banks in the minds Of members OF hi
congregation, and if, before the close o
the Con ierence meeting, to be held
here in October, do not prove TO you
entire salts that II majority of it
members are Masons, will not Me'
object to your plan ofprocedure agains
our minister" ...t .....
Mr.. Graham mused for moment,
"Judge v inters," he said, at length
II accept your proposition. If wha'
you claim in regard to the ministers o
our church be true, it must, of course
effect my prejudices somewhat, for
believe no church embodies more rea
piety than ours. But mind you, Judge
the evidence must be clear, and amount
to positive knowledge" Lido. a.r..
"Yes, yes, Bro, Graham, it shall bt
entirely satisfactory. Meantime, here
is more reliable Masonic library thar
yours (and he glanced at the almanacs
which is entirely at your service. Here
is Masonic history, Jurisprudence ant
textbooks, landmarks, Constitution
and ancient charges Take as many o.
them as you please, and return then
when you have finished their perusal.'
Mr.. Graham did not know how III
could consistently refuse to read som'
of the standard Masonic works, though
, he felt great repugnance to doing so
He therefore, selected history AM
textbook and, bidding the Judge gOo'
evening, left the Office. a
.a. CHATTER IL.
, The early October days We're Lowell,
in the thriving village of IL. 1t
streets presented very unusual mum
ber OF intelligent looking strangers il
black broadcloth and high silk hats
The hotels were filled to overhowing
: and private residences We're throw
open by hospitable owners to rcceiv
the pious men who had devoted thei
(; lives to the service of God and tn
: preaching of His will AS revealed 4
r Scripture. The large new Methods