The Savannah morning news., 1901-05-23
M'KINLEY TALKS TO MASoNS.
Tells Them of Great brotherhood of
American Citizenship.

San Francisco, May PA reception to
President Mckinley by the Knights Tenn
plar was the feature OF the presidential
programme for to-day. The reception.
which was held in Mechanics Pavilion,
was preceded by parade of knights from
all parts of the state. Gen. w. Fl. l..
Barnes presided at the pavilion and in
troduced the guests of the day. A chorus
of $50 knights chanted the Lords Prayer
President Mckinley responded with a
stirring speech, after which nearly l2,O0O
voices sang America" TO the waving of
flags
President Mckinley received as sou
venir of the occasion handsome silk
flag enclosed in a case of morocco. bear
ing handsome emblems of the order.
President Talks to Masons.
In his address the President said
1--WE have every variety of association
in the United States. In this land of
liberty we enjoy the freedom of associa-
ton together for worthy and noble pur-
poses We have our fraternal societies;
we have our church associations; we have
our political connections: but we all be-
long to brotherhood to which we are
love and devotion-the brotherhood of
American citizenship under a common
constitution, engaged in securing the
highest rewards for free people by pur-
suing the paths of duty and honor.
Great applause) A brotherhood that rep
resents the highest hopes, not of
the people of the United States
alone, but we believe the best
hopes of humanity. A brotherhood
that can never be broken. 1t stood a
great trial 80 years ago. 1t was tried in
! the awful crucible of war and the fra
| ternity dedicated to freedom gloriocsly
| triumphs. So now it Is closer, dearer, more
sacred than it has ever been before in all
| our history. Great applause) 1t is a
brotherhood devoted to human rights and
| the development of the best that Is in
man. American liberty does not change
its quality and American freedmen would
rot change their cheer wherever they go
or wherever they may reside, whether on
the sea or on land. 1t is that quality and
! cheer that scatters its benefits wherever
! 1t goes. Liberty, freedom of conscience,
i equality and opportunity are It's pass
words.( Great applause).
The Work of the Fathers.
What noble conception 1t Was OF the
fathers. The founding of this government,
not upon the win and judgment of the
| and conscience Of the many;
| government in which all the people
OF every state participate in a citizenship
| that is equal everywhere; equal citizen
| ship, equal in states In union that has
never been equalled. Great applause.)
And whether American manhood and
American liberty go to Cuba or to Porto
Rico or to Hawaii or to the Philippines
| 1t raises the same standard. (Great ap-
/ nlanGa1 Ina h. .ts.ot-
| pies that for a century and a quarter
this self-governing people have enjoyed.
And II Is this government. my fellow cit
izels, this government Of the people and
| by the people that is submitted to the
safe and sacred keeping of the men of
this generation and the women of this
generation. Great applause). And good
Masons make good citizens. (AppIause).
And good citizens everywhere. Masons or
| no Masons. will forever preserve this
| jewel of liberty in the family of nations"
| (Great applause).