New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-18
OFFICIAL.
BY TIE GRAND MASTER

December Il, 1895.
j. weaherwaS General Delivery New,YOk &, c s
cember II. applying to me to assist you IN my OF
ea eapacy III pac OF se DGhs wash
brethren of this Jurisdiction ,..,osos .,s
lester %q go Gs
thereto except for the questions you ask Of me
with such evident sincerity and with such evident
desire for frank answer
You ask what effect our unfortunate position IN
regard to negro Masonry will have on you (me)
and the Grand Lodge of your (my) state and you
ask whether it Will, In my judgment. foreclose an
efforts ours yours interest the Grand l.odse
and also the subordinate lodges at this time he
porting that the Grand secreary has yVe
near your Jurisdiction, you ask DOCS that a io A.
shadow. the same action that Kentucky ana Ar
note your further statement that If you, can !.
give up your present mission. and wait time I'M,
When our your Grand Lodge shall either be fo,
lowed shall have seen the error OF us ways a""
have reversed its recent action. so
our Grand Representative near the Grand Lodge
some time ago. bur the Grand RepresentauVSe "a
the Grand Lodge Of h in tR w msar s"G my
brother. and the county judge OF TINS county uiu,
lo { ff%e' wh bess this
shadows action by our Grand Lodge similar lot 700 TO
no@ to saw II does seem to me. however. that the
nosition the Grand Lodge OF Washington has taken
Grand Lodge Of New York and by all other Grand
Lodges in the United States as clandestine. does
interest our Grand Lodge. or our subordnate
lodges I'm subscribing for the bonds OF the Masonic
Jennie Association at Seattle, Wash.
Lei me from yQ Was mns 5ne VIII Y be "1Re
lowed by other Grand Lodges IL accoruk ~
negroes greater rights and privileges tham are a ac
corded TO white men Kegulat M"s ,'n5endn1 who
committed offences. who have been suspemuqIu o,
hav been expelled or who have been Otherwise ou
have been rregularly received into regular ioSse
have ofttimes been healed but no whte Han nv hy
any edict Of any Grand Lodge. whose only CAIN
thereto was the fact that he had passed thr no
some sor, Of Ceremonies In some kind OF an, ~
sfitutiOn not holding a charter from any recognize"
Grand Lodge. -. 1,so,s
although they claim to be such. The Grand Lodge
Hamburg once attempted 10 erect "a !2dse o o.,
who joined that lodge are not Free Masons, ana
never became such except tney ie ,rir,lated INTO
a regular lodge. Different views may be enter enter
eamalitv with the negro. but however much they
may be moved by sentiment to assist the negroes
to follow them in granting to negroes that which
Will never be given to white men-namey' recosm
ton and welcome as Masons. without previous
The action Of the Grand Lodge Of Washington
he resnay of the e soa led negro lodges scarcely
approaches the dignity OF sophistry and is so
destitute of basis as to call for no answer: /
predict that this unfortunate action on the part Of
your Grand Lodge will meet with universal con-
domination. and that all other Grand Lodges IN me
United states. with greater or less calmness VII!
withdraw their support from your Grand Lodge.
Noting your suggestion that your own Grand
Lodge may some time see the error Of its ways, !
venture the prediction that sooner or later the
action OF your Grand Lodge taken last June will be
wholly and forever rescinded and revoked.
In view of the foregoing and OF your courteous
and proper inquiries. and in the hope that may
give you substantial assistance. venture the sug
geston that upon your return TO the State of Wash
lngton you endeavor 10 persuade your Grand Mas
ter to convene his Grand Lodge in special
munication at the earliest possible date for the
purpose Of retractng the unfortunate declarations
promulgated vour last annual communication
You may be sure that when your Grand Lodge
places Itself In proper position receive assistance
your Masonic brethren throughout the Union will
extend fraernal hands with ready assistance as of
yore. Very truly and fraternally yours.
W. 4. SUTHERLAND Grand Master.