The Washington herald., 1907-10-28
Mr.. WOLFE'S GOLDEN JUBILEE
Half Century in Masonry Observed
by Lafayette Lodge.
Elaborate Programme OF Speeches,
tifuI Gift Carried out.

Mr. Simon VOLTS golden jubilee as a
Mason was celebrated in beftting style
by Lafayette Lodge No. 70, District of
Columbia, Saturday evening. There was
an elaborate programme Of speeches and
music Mr.. Wolf was the recipient of a
beautiful gift in the shape Of a chart,
in honor Of the anniversary week The
presentation was made by Mr. Hart Nom
sen, master Of the lodge, and Mr. VOLTS
response was as follows.
Ny Dear Brethren: Fifty years have
gone into history since I saw the light OF
Free Masonry. In the life of a nation il
is comparatively trifing: in that of an in
0lVldual II practically comprises existence.
/ know of no period in history that has
seen SO many notable events as those that
have Spanued from 1851 70 the present
day
Il was just one year prior 10 the cele-
brated debates between Lincoln and
Douglas. which brought about the cleo
ton Of the great martyr President, the
civil war, the emancipation of the slaves,
the reunlncatlOn OF the States and the
subsequent happiness and unrivaled pros
perity enjoyed by the American people A
comparative small power, they had but
little TO say IN the worlds affairs. We
nave since become recognized as one Of
the important links in the great inJerna-
uOnal chain OF human endeaVOr. and to-
day We are counted in the first class. and
our Presidents bring peace between ma
uOnS, and our moral instinct brings hap
plneSs TO Cuba and eliminates from our
shores the last vestige OF Spanish rule
In the domain Of science and invention,
no period of the worlds history has seen
greater strides. The oceans have been
belted with electricity, and wireless teleg-
raphy has brought human thought TO our
door. The telephone and the gramaphOne
are no longer spoken Of In the thousand
and one nights but have become dOmi-
nant and VltaliZing realiZatiOns.
The second empire Of France crumbled
away, and the new republic, constituted
on American principles, has shown the
world that progress and education, and
destroyed fdnatlCiSm and aUtOCTaCy. Ger
many, for centuries disintegrated and dis
cOrdGnt has been united into one nation
OF homogeneous. intelligent, and educated
people, a COnservaJoT for the worlds
peace. Our navy which had practically
disappeared from all the seas. is now sail
ing in every direction, bringing to the op-
pressed the message Of liberty-lOving
people and spreading the handicraft Of
American industry In all directions In
short, humanity has progressed and
shown a tendency for betterment and
helpfulness, and, therefore, il Is not
strange, but natural, that the great world
organization, the Masonic fraternity
should have kept pace with this stUpen-
dOus forward step.
While still holding on to the basic prln-
CipleS that have constituted the bulwark
of the order, while stin conservative. new
ertheless we have caught the spirit Of the
age and are trying TO keep pace with the
wonderful strides that are being made
along all the lines for which the order
has been the symbol and the example.
No institution conceived by man has ever
contributed more to reCOnciliug differ
ences and bringing into closer touch an
the divergent interests OF humanity than
the Masonic fraternity There is nothing
in its construction, in its teachings, and
IN its eXemplifiCatlOn that disturbs the
thought or belief of any individual: on
the contrary, il is the means Of recOncil-
latlon and assimilation. 1t cements-it Is
constructive, instead Of destructive. II is
uDbuildlng and teaches man love Of his
IelioW-men. An organization so virile
must live and continue its useful work, TO
the end of destroying prejudice and ig-
norance, and make the whole world a
temple OF beauty, wisdom. and peace.
! have in the fifty years of my Masonic
life. in humble way, aimed 70 live up
TO all the traditions and teachings Of our
great organization, and whether at home
or abroad have given evidence of my
fealty to the teachings, and my most de-
voted example to Its exemplifcation. Nv
llttICOuIse Win my IeuOW-memberS In
this city and in other localities has al
ways been Of the most pleasant. courte-
Gus, and COnsiderate character and il IS /
to me the source Of the deepest and keen
est qualification to know that this feeling
of mine for you is heartily and sincerely
reciprocated by you.
To the members Of Lafayette Lodge.
with whom / have been affiliated ever
since my residence in this city, I return
my heartfelt thanks and profound ac-
acknowledgement for this manifestation of
their good viii, in the hope that this
splendid lodge may continue 10 grow, not
only numerically, but intellectually and
The past is secure, the pres
ent assured Of the future there can be no
reasonable doubt, for In that future there
lies imbedded ali the hopes of mankind, |
to the end that men Of all faiths and ali |
natiOnalitieS can stand on a common plat
form equal and free. The United States |
and Free Masonry, one and indivislble