The New Era

DUELLING—MASONIC.

The following resolutions on this subject, were adopted by the Grand Lodge, of Mississippi, assembled at Natchez on the 19th ult:

"Therefore be it Resolved, That this barbarous relic, the offspring of the savage custom of trial by combat, being neither a test of courage nor a fair adjudication of questions at issue, should be discouraged by all true and worthy masons.

"Resolved, That as masons, we hereby promise to use every means in our power to abolish the false code of honor, and now call upon our brethren throughout the Union to aid us in effecting this desirable end."

We are glad to perceive that public sentiment in this country, is so generally being brought to bear against a practice so revolting to every principle of humanity. It has ever been among the foul blots upon our National character, that this relique of the "dark ages" should secure countenance, and be regarded indeed as highly honorable in any parties of this country. It indicates a recklessness of human life and an ascendancy of the baser passions of our nature, which accord much better with a savage and barbarous, than with an enlightened and professedly christian state of society

Such an expression as is contained in these resolutions is therefore to be regarded as pointing to the dawn of a brighter day. And this is not a
solitary indication upon the subject. Louisiana, too, has spoken most emphatically in condemnation of this 'false code of honor.' By adopting into her new Constitution an article rendering ineligible to public office, any person who shall hereafter be engaged in a duel, she has reflected much credit upon herself and set an example whose influence will be felt throughout the country. -New Haven (Ct.) Democrat.