The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1886-07-16

We extract the following from
long but strong appeal in the New
York Dispatch in behalf Of concen-
tration of Masonic charity:
"The world is full of disaster. Ever
since our first parents partook of the
forbidden fruit, and fell from the es-
tate of innocency, there has been evil
on the track of humanity. The legacy
of Adam to us is a sad one, but it is an
inevitable one. There will be those
upon whom the hand of misfortune has
been very heavily placed, and whose
feeble frames will need the shelter
of the stronger. Some men are en-
dowed with faculties for success
others, equally blessed with mental
powers, meet with disappointed hopes
at every turn in the walks of life.
With them nothing seems to go right.
Every action seems to be a mistake.
The result Of this is that when the
last hour comes they lay down the bur-
den in poverty, and leave behind them
for the care of the world a helpless
family. And to those who have met
upon the level and parted upon the
square is often left the jewels-aye,
priceless jewels of brothers life.
"There is in Masonry at the present
day strong feeling, especially in this
country, to show to the world the prac-
teal part of the charity that is pro
claimed as Its foundation, and'we hear
of the proposed establishment of asy
lums where the Brother, overtaken by
misfortune in the battle of life, may
find shelter and the kindly care of low
ing hands; where the widow, left alone
in the world, may receive the protect
ion of loving hearts, and the orphan,
bereft of a defender, be clothed and
fed and educated.
"These institutions are monuments
that will last, when those who lay the
foundation stones have passed to the
reward of well-spent life. Too much
praise cannot be given to the Brethren
OF Kentucky, who are the first to sue
ceed in exemplifying the true spirit of
Masonic charity to those of Illinois,
who have just put into practical shape
the same noble effort to the craft of
Pennsylvania, who have already a
Home Ito Missouri, Maryland and
other jurisdictions, who are moving in
the matter. 1t will be our purpose, in
the future,to note the progress of these
institutions, and by holding up their
successes, to stimulate others to follow
| these noble examn1ps
"The duty that devolves upon the
fraternity to provide such institute ons
is apparent Every brother to-day
should be willing to aid in their estab-
lishmeDt. The donation to day may
be returned thousand fold in the next
generation. Those who are in pros
perity to-day should remember that ad-
versity may come, and the millionaire
of the present hour may yet be buried
by charity. How many thousands OF
wrecked fortunes can be found along
the journey of single life. We
have in mind brother who a few
years ago was at the head of a con-
cern with about S2,00O,O0O. He was
liberal to fault. He gave freely to.
ward the establishment of charitable
institutions. His income was fabulous,
and no one dreamed that he would
ever be in want. His proud spirit re-
volted at the mere suggestion. In the
shrinkage of values, in the depression
of business, in mistaken investments
and sanguine expectations, he was
swamped, and is to-day penniless,
broken spirited man. His large fami
ly, proud of their lofty position in So
cieay, whose every wish and desire, nc
matter how extravagant, was gratifed,
are now in humble, needy circum.
stances, and all this within the las,
five years. So that he who is IN affiu.
ence to-day, may need the helping
hand of brother tomorrow. Then
how wise to provide for the future,
not only of ourselves, but of those
dearer to us than ourselves.
"And how easily these homes can
be established if there is united effort.
The State of New York with its grand
army of Masons, an army that wa.
thought large enough at the beginning
to crush out the late rebellion, could
by the payment of 81 year for five
years, build, equip, and largely endow
an asylum that would be an honor to
the craft, and be of untold benefit tc
those who, by misfortune, had to seel
its shelter And what is true of New
York is true of almost every other ju
risdiction in the country.
"These asylums should be scattered
everywhere, that their benign influence
may be felt in every Masonic house
hold