The Daily Phoenix

Masonic Mission.—We are pleased to learn that the Masonic fraternity of our capital city of Columbia, whose lodges and material have all been destroyed in the late disaster which has befallen that city, have appointed a commission, consisting of the Hon. W. Gilmore Simms, LL.D. and Mr. Robert S. Bruns, to proceed to the chief cities of the North, with the hope to obtain from the liberality of the fraternity the succor which will enable them to rebuild their ruined shrines and habitations, and resume the proper working of their several lodges. We trust that this mission of fraternity will be duly welcomed and properly appreciated by the country. It is, briefly, in the case of so powerful a body as the Masons, the most important step towards reconciliation which has yet been made, and is inferior to none in its probable effects upon both sections. These gentlemen will proceed by sea in the steamer Moneka direct for New York. We are pleased to record the fact that the freedom of the railroads has been accorded them, and that Messrs. Willis & Chisholm, hearing of their mission, have tendered them also the freedom of their line of steamers, both going and returning. These handsome tributes, the evidence of equal liberality and policy, are worthy of remembrance. Mr. Sims is well known as one of the most gifted minds and ablest writers in the country.—Charleston Courier.