Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1888-05-22
THE MASONIC WAR.

COmmotiOn I'm Masonic C1rcles-Talk
of Forming n District or Branch
COmmandery.
To the Editor Of the JOURNAL AND COURIER:
The big chestnut, which was planted at
the head OF the graves of the defeated Grand
lodge men by "Old Hiram" No. 1, last year
to mark the resting place of the conquered
heroes" who fell in the great Masonic con-
test then being vigorously waged between
the two bodies, and where it was thought
by many of the brethren it would bloom un-
interrupted for an indefinite period, has, it
seems, with the return of springs cheerful
| sunlight burst forth from it's cracking shell
| into new life. a mighty voice is heard pro-
claiming in mystic words, go ye forth to
battle, your enemy has again appeared, and
| is even now within your barriers bidding de-
fance to the braves and leading away CAP
tives, your young men. Let the mighty
men of Gilsad buckle on their armor and
draw the sword of justice that peace may be
restored TO the house of Israel.
The second edition of the Masonic fight,
which has just been resumed, is promulgated
by an interference of the higher bodies of
Masons in this city known as the Chapter
and Commandery, who are Iamenting their
sad condition and slim attendance at regular
meetings, the few applications for member
ship, etc., all brought upon themselves by
their having joined hands with the Grand
lodge in its recent attempt in boycotting
"Old Hiram" These higher bodies, through
their presiding officers, several months ago
refused to admit Hiram members to their
meetings, there being nearly hundred mem
bers of Hiram lodge belonging to the COM
mandery of this city, whose absence has been
SO damaging that recent attempt has been
made by the leading commandery men, in
one way and another, to influence as far as
possible some of the Hiram members to re-
turn to their ranks, but success in this direc-
ton has been but very limited
Whereupon it has been deemed advisable
by the Hiram members of the commandery
to have meeting at an early date and decide
upon plan that will be for their best inter
ests In the future. Among several of the
ideas suggested is to form themselves into
branch commandery, in which case COM
pany of over seventv-6ve would be immedi-
ately enlisted who are already commandery
members from Hiram lodge, and should it be
decided to have degree work four or five
hundred aore of Hiram's men would join, in
which case the new commandery would prob
ably be one Of the largest in the United States.
AS it is, a large part of the new Hiram COM
mandery, those who have been active are
of Hiram lodge, and the higher
bodies generally have drawn their support
for new members, ETC., each year in great
degree from Hiram's membership As
commandery man recently said, 'FThere have
been no parades or donation visits as hereto
fore by the Knights since Hiram members
have dropped out and comparatively but lit
tie degree work either in the chapter or the
and he did not blame Hiram
members for the steps they were about to
take, fer it would benefit many who would
like to take the higher degrees"
paper has been circulated requesting Sir
Knight James D. Dewell to call a meeting of
Hiram lodge members belonging to the com
mandery. The document was signed by
Hon. Colin M. Ingersoll, Ex-Governor II. B.
Harrison. Enos S. Kimberly, Henry w. San
ford, Councilman S. S. THOMPSON, L. B.
Hinman, William Hillhouse, Leonard Bost-
wick and number of others. Sin Knight
Dewell has accordingly called the meetiHg for
Thursday evening, May 31st, at s O'Clock, in
the lodge room, Masonic Temple, corner of
Chapel and Union streets, and there will in
all probability be a large attendance.