The Weekly Comet

Reminiscences of Bygone Days—Last week we wrote an article which seems to have aroused the ire of bigotry to some extent. In looking over an old paper published in Baton Rouge, November 1822, we find a similar case to that which gave rise to our remarks, under the head of "Peculiar Circumstances." After a few preliminary remarks the editor says:

"The present case is that of a Free Mason, of a man who was counted a gentleman—a good citizen; a faithful friend: a tender husband, and a humane and charitable man, who some time since received into his charge, an orphan girl about two years old, whom he may be said to have snatched from the jaws of death and most certainly from the horrors of poverty: and who a few hours before he breathed his last, gave shelter to another orphan, whom he recommended to the care of his wife: finally, we mean to speak of the funeral of Mr E. Lafmon, a man recommended by himself, recommendable by the respectable family with whom he was connected—a family—one of the first who settled in this country, and that has constantly followed the precepts of our Saviour who recommended charity. A Minister of a God of peace, of mercy! of goodness and tolerance! refused to perform the funeral rites over the body of that worthy man, and for the sole reason, that the society of Free Masons, a body composed of respectable citizens, wished to pay to their departed friend and brother, the last mark of esteem that of accompanying him to the grave in their Masonic Scarfs.—

The scandal caused by this refusal is beyond description; indignation broke forth from every part of the assembly: but the curate 'stood as a rock.' resisted the entreaties of all the family, and of the principal citizens of the place, who vainly represented to him the odium of his conduct. At last the body was lifted and carried to the burying ground preceded by a band of military music, and followed by the masons, the citizens, and the officers of the garrison. When at the grave, the Rev. Mr. Savage, a protestant minister of the gospel, at the request of the deceased's friends confided his remains to the earth. We believe it will not be considered improper here, if we offer to Mr. Savage the tribute of gratitude which he has a right to expect from the Catholics of the community for his very liberal and generous conduct on the occasion; in so doing we are only discharging a duty, and we think anticipating the wishes of the family and friends of the deceased.—

If Mr. Lariron was not interred with, all the ceremonies of the church of Rome, he was at least buried like a Christian. May the earth be light over him! and may we never again witness such a scandal, as that which he was the occasion. We hope that in this country where every sect is tolerated, in a spirit of fraternal brotherhood, no one will attempt to bring back among us the absurd prejudices of the 13th century."