Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1885-02-06
HIRAM LODGE.

Discussion Over Lodge Dues-Argu-
ment of Julius Twiss and Others
The M ,jority Against the Innova-
ton.
At the meeting of Hiram lodge, F. and A.
M, held in Masonic Temple last evening the
proposed bylaw making lodge dues compul-
sorry was taken up and acted upon. There
were a large number of members present,
among them being many old members who
were opposed to lodge dues as being anti
Masonic and not in conformity with the
teachings of the Gathers" The discussion
was participated in by Past Master James D.
Dewel, Professor Honey, John HI. Jones,
William w. Wright and Past Master Julius
Twiss.
In closing his very able address Mr.. Twiss
presented the following reasons among others
against the proposed bylaw:
because, with compulsory dues, the
lodge would probably be compelled to sus-
pend from its roll of membership many whose
names it cannot afford to lose. Such, fol
instance, as those who are scattered in diff
ferent parts of this and other countries
Others would look upon dues as un-Masonic
and an Innovation upon the ancient customs OF
the order, and thereby be offended. We
have names which are worth more to the
lodge than any amount of dues they might
pay, and this silent influence the lodge should
be very careful not to impair.
because with any system of compulsory
dues the lodge would probably not receive
as many and as good candidates for member
ship as at present.
Most men when they contemplate uniting
with any organization usually inquire: Who
are your members? How much does it cost
What will be the surroundings when in? AT
ter such an enquiry the chances are greatly
in favor of old Hiram.
Hence it is that the lodge secures SO many
of our leading and best citize ms.
because with dues believe that the es-
TEEN in which Hiram is held will be lowered
not only in our own estimation, but in the
estimation of the community. The lodge
would thereby admit that it cannot run it
self without compulsion. This would be q
confession of weakness and would injure the
reputation of the lodge. Its members could
no longer say that after over one hundred and
thirty years of successful existence without
dues they never could have place in Hiram
lodge. Take this away and the lodge will
part with an advantage which has always
been one of her leading characteristics and
which she cannot afford to lose.
ITO adopt compulsory dues would be a
breach of good faith, for we have repeatedly
declared that "Old Hiram never has had
dues and never will have them.
All the members have joined with this as
surance, express or implied, and this promise
should be faithfully kept SO long as it is pos
sible to do SO.
because no system of compulsory dues
can be of financial benefit to the lodge.
She is to-day in better financial condition
than she has been for many years, and there
is no reason why she should not continue to
improve that conditions.
The present system of replenishing the
treasury of the lodge has been and undoubt-
eddy will continue to be more successful than
any system of compulsion can be.
6-Why is it that cold Hiram" is SO sue
cessful with her various social, musical and
other entertainments! 1t is because she has
so many members who have influence and
who are always willing to give us the aid
which that influence can bring. Success is
not dependent on mere financial considera-
ton.
Although many of the members do not
regularly attend our weekly communications,
yet do not suppose that they have no interest
in the success of the order with which they
have SO long been connected. Fol-, whenever
the occasion requires it, they always respond
literally and willingly If then, we adopt a
system of compulsion, will these brethren
be as liberal and generous as heretofore and
will it not interfere with the harmony which
now prevails?
Tt is I'M Masonic. 1t is not in accord
ance with the ancient customs, for one of the
cardinal principles of ancient Masonry is
this: HOnce Mason, always a Mason" This
system of dues is creating host of non-afil-
lated Masons, who when cut loose are thus
deprived of their just rights and benefits. Is
not Masonry itself endangered by the exist
ence of such class of men? There is no rec
ord or tradition of any such system or Gus
tom among ancient Masons.
Do you think that these un-Masonic meas
ures would meet with the views or approval
of such men as John G. Anderson, Converse
Prof. Platt, Judge Sanford, Colonel Inger-
soil, Judge Morris, Governor Harrison and a
host of others of our honorable and respected
members and supporters!
S-The financial condition of Hiram is such
that compulsory dues are unnecessary There
is now in the hands of the trustees large
amount of funds, and quite sufficient to
meet all probable future contingencies.
Again, the number of applications for
membership which have been received dur
ing the last month is quite large and indi-
Gates that the year 1885 will be prosperous
one. Besides our present members are abun-
dainty able and willing to assist the lodge
whenever assistance is needed
They have always been its generous sup
porters and I believe that they will remain
such. Hence there is no reason financially
why Hiram lodge should adopt compulsory
dues.
The proposed bylaw was defeated by
large majority.