Evening star., 1901-11-13
A MASONIC VISITATION
INTERESTING EXERCISES At FED
ERAL LODGE, NO. 1.


Charles Emory Smith, Postmaster General
of the United States, was the principal
speaker at thesexercises attending the an
nual visitation of the grand master and
officers of the Grand Lodge to Federal
Lodge No. 1. F. and A NJ. at the Masonic
Temple last evening. There was the GUS
tomary inspection preceding the program,
which included music and speeches. The
hall was artistcally decorated. When the
officers of the Grand Lodge marched into
the room to the music of the orchestra the
audience welcomed them standing.
Mr.. Francis Nye worshipful master of
Federal Lodge, delivered the address of well
come. which was responded to by Mr.. Har-
ry Standiford,s most worshipful grand mas
ter. The latter said that the constitution
Of the Masonic order required the grand
master and officers to visit lodges for in
spection. and. to seensure where they might
find occasion, but I'm this case he was happy
to say that there was no ground for fault
finding. He Acengra ratulated Federal Lodge
on the good record 1T had made during
the year and expressed hope for it's con-
tfnued prosperity.
Postmaster General Smith.
After vocal solo bysM Nellie Wilson
Shir-Clif, the Postmaster General was in
troduced. Mr.. Smith congratulated the
lodge on the brilliant occasion, which he
had found to be much more brilliant than
he had anticipated. He regretted that he
had not words fitting and worthy such a
gathering but he had been deeply absorbed
in the preparation Of a piece of light liter
ature and thrilling fiction known as Pub
Doc. No. S." or the Postmaster Generals
to
a speech. He asked his hearers to accept
the spontaneous expressions as they might
spring to his lips under the occasion. He
had found time just before coming to the
temple to RUN over history placed in his
hands of Federal Lodge and had been
deeply impressed by it's altogether UNIQUE
character. The life Of the lodge spans the
whole existence of the national capital and
practically Of the government What a
contrast between the little tmprovised lodge
room of 1893 and the present stately temple
The first worthy master of the lodge was
the supervising architect Of the Capitol
and of the White House. The lodge partic-
ipated in the laying of the corner stone of
the Capitol, and the speaker had observed
that the account rather quantity says, as
the members marched along PENNSYLVANIA
avenue, they We're compelled to limit them
selves to front Of two abreast.
Il assumed. indeed, knew" the Post
master General continued Since Masons
constituted such considerable part of the
procession, that 1t was due to the condition
of the avenue. not to the condition of the
nnacaaa marchers. What Vs.. contrast with the
avenue now. The life Of the lodge covers
the whole period during which the conspic-
uous leaders and statesmen of the republic
in the Capitol and in the White House
have made their own fame and built up
the nation.
Reference to President Mckinley.
Mr.. Smith pictured some OF the leaders
uyIn he
Guiding Alexander Hamilton, Jefferson, the
elder Adams. Jackson, Lincoln, Grant and
others. He referred to the fact that the
lodge had been associated with Washing
ton on public occasions. and had partici-
pated in his Masonic funeral at Mt Yer
non, and he could not but associate with
that relation to the first President of the
republic similar relation to the late Presi-
dent Mckinley, who was also true and
worthy Mason.
I'VE stand yet In the shadow of the aw-
full tragedy at Buffalo" the Postmaster
General said in conclusion. 1--WE are per-
picked at thet mystery Of that execrable
crime and unfathomabie dispensation. It
still seems like cruel and horrid night
mare which must pass away. 1t is hard to
realize that that gehtle kindly. loving and
lovable spirit viii never more be with us
except In his undyfng memories and immor-
tai influence. How gracious ai,d consider
ate he was in all relations. How tender
and thoughtful and sympathetic. How he
loved little children and drew them to him.
How knightly. chiyalric and atfectionate in
his devotion to the companion of his life.
How he smoothed sand composed political
differences How byshis great policy and his
noble example be 2b1iterated sectional feel.
ing How inestimable his service to the na-
ton and to humanity in being called as he
was by an unmistaAAble Providential over
ruling to lead the way In a new epoch of
national development and greatness and
glory. sfs4Na
washington and Mckinley are associ-
ated in Masonic memories and In national
history. In honoring Masonry we can proud
Iy point to our late revered and beloved
chief as the highest embodiment and in
carnation Of the true Masonic virtues"
A Presentation.
Mr.. Smiths remarks were weM received
and elected great applause. Mr. H F.
Darneitle, the District assessor, spoke
briefly and presented the Postmaster Gem
eraI with basket OF flowers In the name
of Federal Lodge. Mr.. j.. Walter Humphrey
sang a bass solo. after which Mr. Thomas
C. Noyes In brief but felicitous speech.
presented in behalf OF the lodge to Most
WorshipfuI Grand Master Harry Stamford
q beautiful silver pitcher Mr.. Stamford
Mrs William r Reed sang song as did
also the Masonic quartet, and the exercises
were declared at an end.