Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1879-06-26

gavel was the signal for order, and the
Rev. Ezra Hingely of Cambridge, Grand
Chaplain of the day, invoked the bless
ing of Heaven upon the multitude, after
which the Rev. A. G. Byers of Columbus,
Secretary of the State Board of Chari-
ties, and gentleman wide and favora-
bly known, was introduced and held the
wrapt attention of the immense crowd
for more than half an IOur, by the fol-
lowing address, which should be read
and pondered over by every citizen of
Ohio: t.aJ
BRETHREN OF THE MASONIC FRATER-
NIFTY, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
This is festival day of Free Mason
ry. 1t is celebrated by the Craft as the
anniversary of st. John the Baptist.
The day is one ordinarily "set apart by
the fraternity to worship the Grand
Architect of the Universe; to implore
his blessing upon the great family of
mankind and to partake of the feast of
brOtherly affection" When observed as
festival day merely the occasion is not
without its Importance. 1t meets de-
mand of our physical and social life by
affording rest and recreation and giving
opportunity for the cultivation of social
and moral virtues. The present is how
ever more than Il festival occasion. An
important duty has been ASST med to our
hands add "labor" as well us refresh
ment," duty as well as enjoyment, must
Iex- l.lf Il
ty of the hour as pertaining to the COM
munity at large rather than to the spe-
cial significance of the occasion as per-
tanning to the Craft l have the honor
now to ask your respectful consideration.
Prompted by a common interest in an
enterprise of the highest social import
ance we come together as private benev-
olent associations and private members
of community to give our expression of
approval to those who are engaged in
the discharge of praisewOrthy public
duty.
Such are our recognized moral obliga-
tiOns and social relations, and such the
nature of the civil compact under which
we live, that that which affects the in
terest of the Observation-Disclosures weak
or Obscure-affects in its measure the
interest of community at large. 1t has
been said that "it is the ordination of
Divine wisdom that man cannot suffer
from the neglect of man without mutu-
al hurt, and that by species of moral
retribution society is punished by its
omission of duties to the ignorant and
guilty"
1t would be pleasant task, and prop
- 10 = l,n
steps of Om Christian civilization by
which the recognition of this intimacy
of duty, relation and interest has been
reached. Nor would it be without profit.
possibly, if in the light of such review
weshould seek to discern more clearly
our present obligations and forecast the
rightful demands of generations that are
to come after us.
We must, however. turn away from
such path, inviting as it might be, and
seek to improve the time by the consid-
Grafton of such personal and public du-
ties as are suggested by the occasion
which brings us together
We have now laid, with imposing GER
emonies, the cornerstone of building
being erected and hereafter to be MAIN
tanned at public cost, and to be known
as the Children's Home of Belmont
County.
The title under which this institution
is to be organized indicates sufficiently
its nature and object.
This title is embodied in the civil en-
actment authorizing county commission
ers "when in their opinion the interests
of the public demand it, to provide for
hn Of a fnl cif fn nd 70
erection of the necessary buildings, to be
styled the 'Children's Home for such
county, and to provide means by taxa
tion for such purchase and for the sup
port of the same"
More recent laws authorize District
Homes" two or more, not exceeding four
counties, uniting (under laws in such
case made and provided) to accomplish
the same purpose. Still later legislation
| requires the submission of such pro-
vision by counties to vote of the quail
flied electors. Thus far the requirements
of the law upon the part of the County
Commissioners have been met, and the
people, by a popular vote, have expressed
their approval. So that this new form
of public benevolence has the recognition
of law, and takes its place with other
| organized charities as an expression of
public beneficence, and as recognition
upon the part of our citizens of our civil
obligations to organize and administer
such charity.
| To Protestant civilization we are in
debted for the recognition of this func-
tion of civil government. Ordinarily we
conceive of law as an exhibition of JUS
tice, affording protection to the weak,
attaching penalties and enforcing pun
ishment against wrong.
| A higher civilization has added the
| function of benevolent care as well, and
thus clothed law with the attribute of
mercy.
While we attribute the utmost SINGER
ity of motive and applaud the religious
conviction of such as claim for the
church exclusive jurisdiction in the Or
ganiZation and maintainance of charit-
able institutions, we may assert a politi-
cal propriety as well as a sound social
philosophy, in the duty assumed under
the genius of our Christian civilization
and our form of government, recognizing
the political economy as well as the
moral obligation of civil communities to
provide care, culture and cure for its de-
pendent, defective and afflicted classes.
In the instance now before us the State
obeys Divine behest in providing to
"show mercy" to the child, that it may
afterward IDEAL Justly" with the citizen.
This institution will embody the high
est form of benevolent care, and if wise
ly administered will secure to its bene-
ticiaries the best results possible from
human organizations. 1t is to be Home.
A Home for children that would other
wise be neglected or outcast.
A Home! Let this fact be remember
ed. Only as it is borne in mind will this
Institution assume its real character;
and shall our hopes be realized in the re-
suit its work is designed to accomplish.
A Home, nota prison, not a reformatory,
not a refuge, nor yet an asylum, save as
features of these several institutions
may, and sometimes do, properly pertain
to the organization disciDline and cI1l-