The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-11-10
Che 8utlanl 9ailu Globe.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1874.
MASONIC COLUMN.
Wearing Masonic Jewciry.
IS 1T RIGHT, OR is 1T wRoSG2


This is question which has engaged the
rejecting minds of the craft for several
years, and they are somewhat divided in
opinion, as all find it difficult to draw the
line of demarcation between the proper and
improper use of our symbols; and it is in
fact on that very issue which makes it n
difficult question to discuss. For ourself,
we approach it with diffidence, having doubts
as to our ability to shed any new light, or to
\ offer a practical solution of the question
The custom is not very old one, except
when jewels were worn as charms on the
chain or watch guard, and even in olden
days, they were generally carried in the
pocket, or used as signets on rings. The
habit of adjoining the clothing with our SYM
bols is of very modern date, and has grown
so rapidly as to attrsct the attention of
grand lodge legislation, as an evil which
should be discouraged when carried to ex-
cess.
The first introduction of jewels on cloth
ing arose in the orders of knighthood where
the symbol of the cross was enjoine1 to be
worn as an emblem of faith, and in fact,
since the days of recognized christianity
the cross has been worn as much by women
as men, and it can scarcely be considered
as jewel of any particular order either in
or out of masonic knighthood.
Next came the Keystone with its mark,
which each mark master is expected to be
possessed OF, although without any injunc-
ton as to its being publicly worn. 1t how
ever followed, that as templars were Royal
arch masons also, they blended the two into
one jewel to be worn as the cross. Royal
Arch Masons (not also templars) seeing
their emblem thus displayed by those pos
sessing no better right, adopted the custom
of publicity, although they generally con-
fined their use to the watchguard as n charm,
and not for the purpose of apparent adver
tisement. and even to this day, but few
keystones are worn on shr. bosoms or outer
clothing
We are of the opinion. that had it not
been for the knights Templar, masonic
symbols would be almost unknown to the
public eye, especially those of ancient craft
masonry, which always shrank from public
notoriety. We track the public use OF
lodge jewels first to prominent masons who
were also templars, and when the young
members saw those in authority wearing
them. they naturally initiated the custom,
deeming it perfectly proper, and in fact a
duty, especially if they had particular
! friend who dealt in such jewelry, or had
t been limited to by some travelling agent,
that such emblcms were good things to have
about him. Step by step the custom in.
creased. until now it has become SO COM
mon, and has been so POLITICALLY abused by
imposters, that experienced masons have
begun rapidly to abandon it, and to look
with suspicion upon any stranger having a
lodge jewel particularly exposed on the
person.
From what we have said it will be seen
that templars are expected to wear their
emblems, but even some of them show
4 | ha1 eft n
cross, but the improper places they expose
it.
As to Royal Arch Masons, they all know
they are expected u have mark of Ger
tain value but they should exercise grea
taste in telling the world of it by conspicu
Gus exposure, and it looks better when yer.
small and only worn as charm.
Relative to master masons, we know o
v no law on the subject, except in all thing
let secrecy and silence be the two chief pub
J. lie jewels. In no part of the ritual or worl
are our symbols exposed to the public, ex
cept in the regulation clothing and furniture
of the ledge in procession and under proper
authority. 1t is natural for any one to veal
and be proud of a present, and it is com
mon thinglto receive presents of masonic
character and this has helped to spread thu
use of them. Again they have not beer
instructed, when initiated, as to the propel
use of such things, for we believe moro
young masons nave been outrageous,
swndled by impostors and dead-beat
through the use OF masonic 1eweiry' thai
ID any other cause Ihey shouiu wait a"nii
and learn by experience and Observation
5, that all is not gold that giitters' ana ina
all are not masons VINO profess 10 De, al
,s though as yet not suspended OF eXpeiieu
10 When very young as a mason (like all such
we were very enthusiastic, ana a good PROM
- er gave us breast-pin "a square ana com
pass which we were ior SIX months wiz.
all the pride anu sat,siac'ioh iic'ueht
such an OCCASION Ihat pm though
present, cost US just one huhuIeu anu i,ihe'
= dollars before II was lost III crown, an
that IS the last we ever iau' Now-au ayS
if anybody wants TO ma out wnetaer
are mason' anu II ne mas a"y iisn.
, know IT, ne knows no" 10 hiu ou'' anu
" he don't know, then lie Is not worth waseh
time on. we DO not propose 10 SCI up gu
own opinion or experience ior olhers W
governed by, OF a'c'a'e u the many eoo
men VINO wear rouge Jeweiy, ioi as >"
started OUT we repeat INA. ,nere a'v u'le,
ences OF opinion on inc SUBJECT We VIII
\ however Suggest tha' great care ana peue
" taste be exercised thah is Witnessed 100 o.
ten in the pubic streets, ana IN promlsct
Gus crowds Inc hrst thihg 'ra'ehh
impos'or or anti mason does IN car or o
a boat is to look around ana PICK out SON
- young looking mason with large squar
and compass on ms clothing, ana then b,
gin the pumping OPERATION ana shou