The New York herald., 1876-03-21
SPANNING THE BLOODY CHASM."
Masonic SOUVENIRS FROM THE OLD DOMINION
TO THE OLD BAY sTATE-vIRGISIAE GRATI-
rUDE FOR MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITALITY.

MA5ONIO SOUVENIRS FROM THE OLD DOnANlON
TO THE OLD BAY sTATE-vRGINIAN GRAFT
TUDE FOR MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITALITY.
Bosrox March 90, 1876
II is delightfully."- refreshing in these times of sec
iiona political strife the fact that the public
disturbers at Washington do the feebest sense
represent the feelings OF the who nhabit the
Northern and Southern sections OF the country II Is
only few months ago that OF the MASSACHUSETTS,
and South Carolina militia had fraternal gathering in
Charleston ,he birthplace of the hostilties which
ripencd into rebellion and that OCCASION the vel
which extended to the Eastern visitors was
most cordial This kindly feeling engendered on
the occasion Of the participation by the Carolinians IN
the late centennial celebrations in Massachusetts,. The
latest incident in vindcaton OF the truth that the
"bloody chasm" is being rapidly bridged over Is
afforded by the visit of some
vRGINIAN MAsoNs
now soourning in this city. They constitute com
mittee of the Knights Templars of Richmond, who
were entertained here last June by the De Moay Com
mandery and ST. Andrews Lodge Of the Masonic fra
tcrnty. The committee came, charged by their COM
mandery with the presentation of souvenirs commem-
oratve of their pilgrimage Boston and tokens OF
their appreciation of the cordial welcome they then
received. Both the De Molays and the ST. Andrews
lodge assisted in the reception OF their Richmond
brethren, and there were also many individual coure-
bestowed The gentlemen comprising this visiting
committee from Richmond are Eminent Sir knight
William b. lsaacs. Grand Commander OF the Grand
Commandcry of Virginia; SIR knight William B. Tan
ner OF the Richmond Commandery. and Eminent Com
mander Thomas j. Evans, OF the Richmond Com
mandery
THE SOUVENIRS
which presented TO the Boston brethren Saturday
evening, consisted Of a couple OF spendidly bound
albums containing finely finished photographs, cabinet
size, of each member Of the Richmond Conlmandery,
with autographs annexed. Accompanying the albums
was an elaborately wrought
TESTIMONIAL ADDRESS,
which was read and presented by Mr. lsaacs of the
Virginia Commandery The address, after referring TO
the occasion OF the visit hero last june went on TO
say "that tho pgr mage was not political one, yet,
In the opinion OF many prominent men of our land, II
will tend to remove the prejudice heretofore existing
among the people IN distant sections OF our common
country, and has done much TO promote national and
iraternal feeling among those who ought to be
brothers Our visit was one grand ovation, and while
II is impossible TO record all of the public and private
acts OF kindness and hospitality we desire 10 express
our appreciation. We cannot forget tne noole ana
generous bearing OF the Sir knights OF Boston and
vicinity when they met us at the depot and welcomed
us 10 the bosom OF their beautiful city; nor the teen
ing multitudes who thronged the way 10 welcome and
TO cheer and we marched along the streets adorned
with streaming banners Inscribed with words OF Nv c
come" we felt indeed tnat we were IN a land or
brothers. While went to Boston as pilgrim
strangers in strange land, Of whose fame we had
been taught by Pilgrim Fathers yet we found that
tho halt had not been told u.s. that we were in
land of Oriental splendor, whore the lavish Gores OF
nature had been crowned with the modest monuments
OF art; where plenty wed with beauty IN
delicious rivalry; where wine and oil howed
with perfect sympathy We earnestly trust that our
united hearts, long esranged, may never again be
severed, but may be linked together by inseparable
cnan OF brotherly love, and, like the cable, which,
beneath the swelling pillows of the storm-tossed Al
antic bears intelligence from continent TO continent
may cable, unbroken even by raging storms OF
political strife the crushing turmoil OF continue
bear sweet messages OF love and from heart to
heart.n
The conclusion of tho address follows:-
"Who We have recognized Boston as the cradle
of American independence and the cradle of American
literature since late pilgrimage we confess her to
be the queen city of American hospitality. and here
after the 18th OF Juno will be observed by the Rich
mond Commandory anniversary day in COM
memoraton OF our late vist"
THE ST. Andrews TESTIMONIAL
Mr.. lsaacs then referred 10 another pleasing duty
which he had TO perform reciprocal in feeling OF the
entertainment given the Rchmonds by the ST. An
drew's Lodge, and thereupon presented testimonial
III the form OF resolutions finely executed parch-
ship and good will Accompanying this painting
OF beautiful design. Upon tho damask cover OF a
table lay clay tobacco ppe-the pipe OF peace-and
near ii stood punch bowl, from behind which rose n
standard, upon which was a fac smile OF the Jewel
\ presented to the Richmond Commandery by their
| brothers of the De Molay Commandery and also the
roster of the Richmond Commandery. Tho banner
sta boro the names OF the three organizations indi-
! Gated.
AN EVENING FESTIVITIES
! Following the ceremonies of presentation recorded
above the company down TO banquet, and this in
turn, followed by grand terpsichorean festival in
honor OF the Virginia visitors. Among tho Bostonans
Adams, Hon. Richard rockingham, Rev W. H. H..
Murray and General S. &. Lawrence. The Richmond
visitors will remain in Boston for few days the
guests OF their Masonic brethren.