MEXICAN MASONS DENOUNCED

New Zealand Tablet, 28 March 1918, Page 29

MEXICAN MASONS DENOUNCED

Jurisdiction of France, Italy, and Portugal. . They have no connection, except the common signs of recognition and salutation, with the American Masonic bodies. Their

systematic warfare on the Church and all forms of Christianity is in accord with their fountain-head: the Supreme Light of the Grand Orient in Paris.

The Masonic Tidings, one of the leading publications of the American Masonic fraternity, has joined in the general denunciation of the acts of the "Latin" or "Oriental" Masons in Mexico, and makes it clear that American Masons desire to disown any affiliation with the actions of certain Masonic leaders in Mexico. ' The following is from a recent issue of the Masonic Tidings. "We have the authority of the Masonic Standard of New York City that recently, in this country, Right Worshipful Egon Edward Schoenwald, of Mexico City, made the statement that nearly all men of prominence and influence in the Republic of Mexico were members of . the Masonic fraternity ; that Scottish Rite Masonry was the strongest power recognised in that country. Moreover, he makes the remarkable statement that nearly every Governor in Mexico is a thirty-second degree Mason ; that Gen. Bernard Reyes and Felix Diaz were thirtysecond degree Masons ; that Madero, who was the President of Mexico, was a thirty-second degree Mason, and that, at the time he captured Diaz and Reyes (rebels against the Government), he ordered them shot that they were finally saved the death penalty and ordered to be imprisoned for life, because, as states Brother Schoenwald, they were Masons. "He further states that Huerta, who also was a thirty-second degree Mason, when he captured. Madero, ordered him shot, and for this act was expelled from the institution of Freemasonry. "We have no doubt that these statements made by Brother Schoenwald were true and historically correct ; made with the best intentions solely to convey the idea that these distinguished citizens and Masons represent, the most patriotic sentiment of their country ; that if Mexico was to be saved from barbaric rule, these were the class of men to bring about a better condition of affairs. "We, however, are not so much interested in these dignitaries, nor are we particularly interested in the recital of these horrible deeds, for murder has grown to be a pastime with the people of Mexico. What most interests us is that a particular class of men, so influential and powerful in Mexico, acknowledged Masons, should be arch conspirators and perpetrators in sanctioning and committing the crime of murder. "Let us then emphasise the fact that Latin Masonry in many respects has little in common with Masonry as practised in the United States; that Freemasons and Freemasonry in this country never will, never has countenanced the hideous atrocities and crimes committed as set forth in the Schoenwald statement. As a fraternity we object to being judged by such standards." . The Latin Masons of Mexico are affiliated with the Grand Orient e F