New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-03
CORRESPONDENCE.

Masonic Editor New-York Tribune.
Sir: Verify there Is truth In the adage that "a
prophet is not without honor in his own coun-
try" And It is the fact that one has to go abroad
to learn what Is going on at home.
In yesterdays Tribune appeared article
credited to 1.-THE Detroit Free Press" which called
attention to the unequaed Masonic library In the
Masonic Hall. and mentioned. with particular In
terest. the collection Of antiquities contained I'm
that building Some Of these articles specified.
though tho writer in THE Press' seems to have
failed to notice the curious and valuable parch-
ments. certificates and aprons Of all degrees In
Masonry Qncuding that worn by Lafayette). many
OF which 60 bach to the last century.
But 1t is not for the purpose OF referring to
omissions in the article that this communication
Is addressed. Probably 1t was not possible to men,
ton all OF the more important objects OF interest
In this collection In the space at the writer's com
mand. 1t Is sufficient to know that the collection
mas been seen and appreciated at its worth even
though by stranger within our gates For as
suredly. 1t has not been so appreciated by the
Masons Of the State OF New-York whose property
1t
1t IL peculiarly fitting that attention should be
directed to this museum of Masonic curios at
moment when tho craft is Borrowing over the
death of Charles T. Mathematician For II was to
his zeal and tirtless labors in gathering together
these articles. and to the benefits of his unrivaed
lection became what it is Without his aid on the
Committee on Antiquities little could have been
accomplished. Yet he ever depored the fact that
so small an interest appeared to he taken in the
labors OF the committee and that its appeals TO the
craft for additions to the collection met with SO
poor a response.
1t Will not be out OF place in this connection to
mention the fact that for over decade this mu-
scum of Masonic curiosities has been under the
charge Of standing committee OF the Grand
Lodge. known as the Committee Antiquities.
The members OF this committee have devoted
much time and labor TO the collection, which has
been catalogued and numbered and displayed to
as much advantage as the space at the commit
tees disposal would permit. The Masonic fratcr-
nifty in this State has reason to he proud OF the
collection IL stands. Many OF the articles are
unique and OF priceless value But such coec-
ton can never be complete. Much remains to be
done. The committee has no fund to draw upon
source IS In the craft, to whom the committee
that these additions do not come. Many lodges
many individual Masons. have in their possession
articles Of general Masonic interest. which the
mittee would gladly receive. and which, II placed
exhibition, would add 10 the knowledge and
enjoyment of the entire fraternity. Yet the owners
seem to prefer to hoard these relics and keep
them hidden In obscurity. where. at the best they
and known by but few and in many In
stances rarely the light Of day. The value Of
is II not far better that they should be placed
where all them. and where they could at
tract the favorable notice OF those capable OF ap-
preciating their real worth-such as the writer in
THE Detroit Free Press:
Brother Editor can you not help the consumma-
ton Of this much to be desired result? w. H. A.
New-York. Dec IS. 1896