Mistaken Views Of Charity.

MISTAKEN VIEWS OF CHARITY .

SOME very peculiar ideas force themselves forward from time to time touching upon the social status of those who are to be considered as eligible for the Educational Institutions of English Freemasonry , and although , as a rule , little . differences of opinion can be

smoothed over , and amicably adjusted , there are some occasions when something approaching open rupture seems probable , while remembrance of harsh words uttered in the heat of argument may serve to create a

feeling very far removed from that which should exist amongst those who are labouring in the sacred cause of charity and , beyond that , are bound together by the ties of Freemasonry . Forget and forgive is a maxim

all very well in its way , but when statements are made which materially affect others , as w ell as ourselves , it is often desirable to sift them to the end , in order to

put matters on a proper footing , and endeavour to discover what foundation really existed for anything that was said .

We are strongly of opinion that the greatest care should be taken to keep up the very highest standard of morals and behaviour among the pupils of the two

Institutions , but that does not mean that the claims of Masonic Brotherhood are to be ignored on behalf of the orphan of a deceased Brother , simply because his walk in life was somewhat outside the " visiting- " limits

of others who are associated , directly or indirectly , with the Funds so liberally supported by the Craftsmen of England . In other words , the children of any person who was deemed good enough to be received into the

Craft should be good enough to associate with the best of those educated by charity , at either of the Masonic Institutions , provided they or their friends can secure the necessary votes , and there is nothing absolutely wrong to charge against them .

We are led to these observations on hearing that a distinguished Craftsman , one who takes a lively interest in the Girls School , on being appealed to on behalf of a recent candidate , by a Brother wearing the

uniform of a soldier , at once refused all help , and added something to the effect that he did not intend to help them at all , as he considered that Soldier ' s children should not be eligible , their place being as general

servants . As it happened the child appealed for was in no way associated with the military , except that she happened to enlist the sympathy of a few Brethren who possessed the true Masonic heart , despite the fact that

they wore the Queen ' s uniform . We are prepared to hear that this uncharitable observation was merely the opinion of the Brother in question , and not that of the Craft at large , but the Brother who made this remark

occupies so prominent a position in our midst that it is impossible to pass over his utterances as one would the remarks of an outsider ; besides which we know that his views are endorsed by others , and it is just as well to have an understanding on the point before any actual

Mistaken Views Of Charity.

harm occurs , or at least to offer a protest on behalf of those who are aggrieved at such treatment , or are in such a position as to be unable to utter a word on their own behalf .

We remember years ago the scandal that occurred in connection with the regular visits of a pupil ' s mother , who drove up to the Institution in her carriage and pair ; and then it was argued there was nothing

blameworthy in such a proceeding , the Institutions being intended for those who were reduced in circumstances , rather than for those who were so poor as to be actually in want of food , clothing , and the necessaries of life . So

far so good ; as was argued at the time , there could be no objection even to keeping the Schools for young ladies and young gentlemen , provided that only those in a like station were asked to subscribe , but to appeal

for subscriptions and to receive donations from those a shade lower in the social scale , and then refuse the benefits . of the Institutions to their children , is hardly

consistent , and certainly far removed from general ideas in regard to what constitutes true Charity , or what are regarded as two of the principles of the Craft—Brotherly Love and Relief .

It is not our place to attempt to defend the large number of Military Brethren who have been so greatly insulted by the remarks and the sentiments in question

—they are eminently able to take care of themselvesbut we cannot help regretting that a prominent past Officer of Grand Lodge should so far forget himself as to associate such clannish ideas with the work of

Freemasonry , or , with the experience he possesses , should for one moment think of preaching anything like class distinction as a bar or otherwise to either of the great Institutions of the Craft . Like Freemasonry itself they

are free to one and all possessing certain qualifications and who can , at the same time , enlist sufficient support to carry an election . It would , indeed , be a misfortune to English Freemasonry as a body if any other system was introduced in connection with them .

Most of those who , like ourselves , have spent any time with Brethren of the Mystic Tie , who are also Soldiers of the Queen , will endorse our opinion that some of the very best exponents of true Masonry are

to be found in the army , even among the non-commissioned officers ; and to say that the orphan daughters of such Brethren are to be deprived—by reason of their parent ' s profession—from all or any of the

privileges of Freemasonry is not only to depart from the true principles of the Order , but displays a spirit oi selfishness we should have regarded as impossible in an active member of the Masonic Brotherhood .

The new " Edward Terry" Lodge , number 2 , 722 , will , it is expected , be consecrated at the end of the month . The well known actor , Past Grand Treasurer of England , who gives his name to the Lodge is the W . M .-designate , with Bros . S . W . Lambert P . P . G . Reg . Surrey and J . E . Anderson as his chief Officers . Bro . W . T . Peat is acting as Secretary .