Page 82 - Cornelius Hedges Story

69 The Cornelius Hedges Story

“I returned along the narrow rim of this partition between a hot
spring and the lake and catching sight of some expectant trout
lying in easy reach, I solicited their attention to a transfixed
grasshopper, and meeting an early and energetic response, I am
tempted to land my prize beyond the spring, but unfortunately
for the fish, he escaped the hook to plunge into this boiling
spring. As soon as possible I relieved the agonized creature by
throwing him out with my pole, and though his contortions were
not fully ended, his skin came off and he had all the appearance
of being boiled through. The incident, the fish excusable as an
incident, was too shocking to repeat.”247
One unique quality in his life was his attitude concerning office
seeking. Hedges said:
“There is one, and only one Masonic way to seek office and
that is by best deserving it. Office gained and held by merit is
an honor to the bearer, and to those who bestow it, otherwise
a dishonor…There is more satisfying enjoyment to the well
balanced and trained soul in deserving success, though not
attained, than anyone can feel by attaining it undeserved.”248
It was therefore said of him at his death:
“His record speaks for him and tells in unmistakable terms that be
had “sounded all the depths and shoals of honor” at the call of his
brethren. He sought not preferment, and his honors were literally
thrust upon him in recognition of disinterested and distinguished
devotion to the order of Masonry.”249
He also had his own ideas on the value of money. On May 6,
1884, after he had given his wife Edna a pair of diamond earrings for
her birthday in the early morning which “made her happy all day”.
Hedges recorded in his journal: “Really can the value of money be
better estimated than by the satisfaction it affords.”250
When our nation turned its eyes toward the Pacific and the
Caribbean areas in an era known as that of “expansionism,” Hedges
decisively defended his expansionist views. Two selections from his
Masonic writings state his beliefs well. In 1899, he wrote:
“We are not ashamed to confess that we are an “expansionist,”
especially for the expansion of Masonic charity and the
extension of Masonic influence for peace among nations.”251