Daily Yellowstone journal., 1888-10-12
Masonry in Montana,
An Extract From the Address
Made by Grand Orator
Chas. H. Gould,
At Missoula, Upon the Subject
of Masonry the Pioneer of
Civilization.
MASONRY
The Pioneer Of Civilization

Z
its twenty-fourth annual conclave
beld at MissoulA that is q gem. His
subject was masonry the Pioneer of
Civilization" and we regret space for
bids the reproduction of the entire ad-
dress. Below will be found that por.
tion relating particularly to these lat
ter days and TO Montana:
The influence OF Free Masonry
upon the growth Of civilization in
Montana, cannot be measured by any
ordinary standard. Few Masons are
aware Of the Influence IL exerted In
our early days, and still less number
appreciate it. But that noble band of
brothers who freely gave the best
years OF their early manhood, or the
counsel of their ripper years TO the pro.
lection of society and The advancement
Of every lawful interest of the terri
tory-which was houOred beyond
compare by their presence and in
flusnce-should receive the profound
gratitude Of every citizen Of our beau
tiful territory. Their courage was of a
type akin 10 that OF q Douglass, and
their self-denisl would have bonored
the early martyrs.
The bilIows of q boisterous ocean
rolled between the residence OF Pit
cairns Island and civilization, but
that ocean was navigable and a pass
ing sail might remind those voluntary
exiles that succor could reach them in
case of distress and the laws might
hold them accountability for mlsde-
meanors. Not 30 with the Argonsunts
Of Montana. Between them and the
states, TO whom they might look for
succor or protection. rolled the green
pillows Of boundless wilderness. The
treacherous red man OF the prairie
formed gauntlet Of death through
which relief must come and through
whose fiery wall they must dash, did
they seek protection Of the honorable
law, or did their weary hearts desire
to back in the sunlight of home. To
men thus situated self.preservation
said, Protect yourselves" To obey
such natural command may seem to
Us an ordinary affair, but to them it
WAS fraught with grave responsibilities.
Ii required the statesmanship of a
Washington and the diplomacy Of &
Richelieu TO guide our frsil bark OF
civil government through the tumult-
Gus breakers OF lawlessness which sur
rounded il. Never in the history Of
America had there gathered together
such heterogeneous mass OF human.
ity. Here met the loyal citizen and
the outlaw; the criminal and natures
nOblcmaD; uncompromising honor
and unblushing villainy; southern
chievslry and northern valor; infidel
and Christian; men of all climates and
. compilations; and among them dis.
,, trust born Of mixed society and
troublesome times.
A country officcred by road agent,
and directed by foot-pads organized
for crime would be spectacle for Goi'
and men; such would approximate tn,
! then state Cf things in some portions
] Of Montana now happily bssking in
the sunshine Of peace. How good
and how pleasant" II must have beer
at such time 10 hail the token recog.
nlzed as well in the midnight dark
ness as in the glare OF the noonds,
sun. How like the precious ointment
upon the head" 10 meet brother e
whom the weary soul could unburder
ITSELF whose sympathetic ear would b'
open to the cry OF distress; who's,
strong arm would he ready TO defend
and the counsel Of whose lips ws'
wisdom. A sign; tokec; and a few
Masons gathered together No matter
from whence they came their sigu
language was the same. No matieI
where they met; II might be In th'
rude cabin Of some brothor whose rs
mote .habitation gave n promise o
secrecy; or in the twilight hush o
some moss carpeted canyon whos'
rocky and prscipitious sides presented
a barrier against eovesdroppers. o
on some mountains side wher
natures granduer inspired thei
| hearts with renewed zeal, and wher
the solemn pines stood guard aeains
the approach Of towards, each hear
stirred with n sincere desire 30 Pre-
mote the dublic veal, How thes
gatherings formed the nucleus OF
= society that proved 90 be the shield q