The Palatka daily news. (Palatka, Fla.) 1884-1888, 1886-09-16


Order-Candidates and Ceremonies of
Initiation-Lodge Room Equaiity-sIor-
a,ity Required by the Laws.
Tho origin of the system of secret political
societies, known in Italy as Carbonari, or tho
actual date of its inception, is as little known
that of the Nehm Gerichte. Indeed, the
Ncapolitan Carbonari have tradition that
it existed during the middle ages, and after
ward spread over the Netherlands and France.
The Able Barruel states that it was estab-
lis.cd and in fun force in France during the
reign of Francis |, while NJ. Charles Noder
ailiuns that the secret asSociation of Char
bonniers charcoal burners had existed III tho
Jura for ages
The grand lodge of Carbonai was com
posed of delegates from province lodges and
of members at large, or honorary members.
Its seat was in the city Of Naples, and it was
constantly iii session. Its business was 10
grant charters and dispensations for new
lodges, revising and confirming, or rejecting,
rules and regulations submitted 10y subor-
dinate lodges, and, in short, exercising a gen
eral governing supervision over the order
similar to that of the Masonic grand lodges,
after which it was closely patterned.
INFLUENCE OF MASONRY.
indeed, Masonry seems TO have given not
only the CarbonaIi, but almost every one Of
SctIGI vi
times, their forms of internal government and
organization. One can trace its influence in
the illuminate and Tugendbund of Germany,
the Phiiadelphians of France, and the Carlo
mari of Italy, with equal certainty and clear
ness. If proof of the influence of Masonry on
the Carbonari, other than the Internal econ
omy of the lodges, were wanted, it is found
in the fact that all Masons were admitted To
the order simply 10y ballot, and were not
4 81. a
ton and probation to which ordinary candi-
dates were subjected The order was profcs-
sedly founded ON principles of virtue. All
profane language was strictly prohibited and
punShmentS were provided for infractionS
or morality. The uninitiated were called pa
cans; the initiated, "gooI cousins" The lat
ter were divided into apprentices and masters
an apprenticeship of six months being
quired before "a member could be elevated to
the masters degree. All We're required to oh
serve the most inviolable secrosy as To what
transpired in the lodge, the members of one
body not being allowed To communicate these
things even 10 aiiiiates or other lodges
The lodge room was plain and devoid of
ornaments The master of the lodge sat at
the head Of the room opposite tho main en-
trance. Before him was Il block of wood,
which served IA desk, and upon which lay
n CruciiX and the paraphernalia used in in
shaped like that of an cXecutioner, which he
used as a gaveL To his right and left, behind
similar blocks, sat the secretary and orator
The masters occupied benches ranged along
the right side of the master of the lodge and
the apprentices similar benches ON the left
From the ceiL-Ig hung triangular Transparent
cies bearing Carbonari symbols. In the lodge
room perfect equality prevailed. Social dis
tinctions We're set aside, and prince and peas
rio, =. n.
benches
CEREMONIES OF INITIATION.
The initiation OF an entered apprentice was
very simple, the candidate being questioned
as to motives of joining mode of life, etc, and
taking the oath of secresy. He was blindfoldc,l
before taking the oath, the hOodwinks being re
moved at the last words of the VOW He
found the master of the lodge and masters
standing over him with cleaning axes, and
was told that these weapons would defend
him SO long as he lived true to his oath, and
punish him if he ever became dcrclict or
forsworn. The second degree was much
more elaborate, and consisted Of IA dramatic
representation of the trial, torments, etc. of
Christ. The candidate, who was an apprcn-
tice, of course, was made to pray, to drink n
cup of bitter fluid to wear n crown of
thorns, to hold reed in his hand and have Il
cross on his back. He finally took an oath
10 the was invested with
black, blue and red scarf, and instructed in
the words, grips and signs of the masters de
gree. The colors of the scarf were symbol
cal of charcoal smoke and fire The sacred
words of the first rank We're faith, hope and
charity, and the second honor, virtue and
probity. The apprentices had no Itlss words.
The masters word was Fern" and the coun-
tersign "Nettle."
The records OF the grand lodge consisted of
two books, the golden and the black. The
first contained the laws of the order willie
the second was a register of all those who had
tried, but failed, To become members, with
minute information concerning them. The
"back book also contained "A list of all cx-
PEELED and apostate members, with details Of
their history.
The laws of the Carbonari are remarkable
for their austerity toward those offenscs uSu-
ally considered as mere trifles in the dissolute
society of Naples. Any association with dis
solute characters, male or female, was pun
ished by suspension, and, if repeated, by ex-
pulsion An attempt upon the honor of a
female member of the family of a Carbonari
was punished by expulsion. Even to attempt
the virtue of female servant of a Carbonari
was punished by suspension for two years
st Louis Globe Democrat
The Poor Mans Oyster.