The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-01
!, v.so, or THE LATE EPIDEMIC.


We have been deeply interested In the
perusal of that part of Col. Powers re-
port to the Grand Lodge, relating to the
contributions to our late yellow fever sur
ferers by the Masons and Odd FELLOWS
throughout the country. If anybody has
allowed any doubts or misgivings 70 resi-
upon his mind as to the real benevolenoe
and nobility of purpose which animate
these benevolent institutions, 1t seem 10
us, that no ought now to dismiss 'henn
forever as unworthy OF Judgment among
liberal and just thoughts.
The record which the Masons and odd
Fellows have made during the dark period
of our suffering, is one of moral grandeur,
and MANY. many are the greatful shower OF
tears which will fall upon and cause u 70
bloom long in the nursery OF thanklui
hearts. No man can read the account OF
the transfer of little Horace Walters from
New Orleans to San Francisco, under the
all-protecting aegis of Masonry, without
having TO the noble brotherhood who could
perform this tender office so well the
tribute of tear in recognition OF their
goodness and touching charity
According to Col. Powers report the
srm of S75.472. So was contributed mainly
Inv the Masons and Odd Fellows for the
Fever Sufferers in Mississippi. Reports
from other States similarly afflicted Will
probably show similar munihcence from
their hands. And to show that this gfana
charity was not narrowed by any selfish
mass or its benefits intended to be con"
Gred 70 the brotherhood, but given for
the suffering wherever found and whatever
NAV have been their creeds or professlns.
Here is a letter from the Grand" Secretary
of the Grand Lodge of New York, which
contributed so, 46l.6S. Itspeaks for itself;
n, r w. l.. Popsr, Grand Secretary:
Tn order that it may not be charged against
| Tho Fraternity that the funds romitted to
The Masonic authC rites in the South are ex-
nended for the benefit of Freemasons only,
| The Grand Master directs me to request
tbot YOU will, if the means at your disposai
will hermit, consult with the Howard Asso-
| c;otions so that the relief afforded may De
os General az possible. The Grand Master
makes this request at the instance OF Dretn-
ron who believe that Mason's charity
| sbould be as extensive as the wants OF SUI
ferinp humanity. This sentiment Is douot,
less rs universal with you as with US; sui
we must guard against the misapprehensiohs
| of o,,r friends, as well as the misrepreSenm-
,ons of the enemies of our ancient anu
hone rable institution.
Fraternally yours,
JAMES NJ. AUSTIN,
Grand Secretary.
While speaking of this melancholy
snbiect it affords us sad pleasure to accord
the need of praise to our home heroes
Wherever the pestilence ragged there were
heroes who rose up to combat it. Many OF
them fell in the encounter. Ministers and
physicians were especially noted for their
timely work of love, their contempt for per-
sonal danger, and their eagerness to arrest
the hand of the destroyer. Here in Jack
son. the names of Drs. Craft, Johnston, Bal
lev. Harrington, Hough and others OF the
medical army are entitled to unstlnted
praise. The conduct of Col j. D. Stewart
and his CONDUCTORS Of the Howard Associa-
tion covers them all with honor. COL
Power by his activity and promptitude has
won the plaudit "well done" from all quar-
tiers. Capital State Bank deserves special
praise for cashing all drafts without discount
or brokerage,
The lesson which we draw from this and
other princely gifts from our Northern and
Western brethren is, that when our people
come to understand each other " strong
bond Of sympathy and fraternity is found
to hold them together, and that this bond
: hencetorward to be recognized and strength
ened, so that all sections of our Union may
serve as mutually protecting braces for the
! grand central column.