Amongst these reunions there are balls and parties given on certain days
in every month, for the introduction of strangers coming from other
parts, who are received in a separate room by the Master of the
Ceremonies, or, as we say, "Introducer of Strangers." Having satisfied
himself of the status of the strangers, this officer announces the name
of the eldest and conducts him round the great room, where all the
company are assembled, which duty performed, he conducts the guest back
to the strangers' room, and then, having returned into the assembly-room,
asks if any one wished to make objection to the stranger's
reception. If none is made, the visitor is escorted back and presented
to the whole company, and the most distinguished amongst them are
expected to take him by the hand and seat him by their side.
This ceremony over, the stranger is allowed to visit every person
present at their residences, where he is received with great
hospitality.
When, however, in answer to the Introducer's question, any one says, "I
do object to be introduced to that person," he is required to state his
reasons, which the "Introducer" writes down, and which the objector is
required to read and sign.
The "Introducer" then proceeds to the strangers' room, and says to the
proposed guest, "We find it will not be agreeable to terminate the
presentation to-night, so we reserve it for another day," which is fixed
accordingly.
On the following day, the most effective means are taken to test the
validity of the objections, and it has been found that the few cases of
objection that have been raised have been almost invariably based on
error, or on exaggerated trifles, which would scarcely bear a moment's
examination.
As a record of every one's career is faithfully kept, we have ready
means of making ourselves acquainted with every one's antecedents and,
consequently, of testing the validity of the "objections."
The objections being removed, the stranger is received with a hearty
welcome. When conducted into the assembly-room, the person who made the
objections having been pointed out to him, he is addressed as
follows:--"In all this great assembly, this is the only person who urged
anything against you, and we find that all he imagined arose from
misconception [or as the case may be]. This we have taken every pains to
rectify, and we leave to you to do what may be pleasing to yourself, in
order to convince him still more completely of his error; and you have
our best wishes that unity, harmony, and peace may exist between you."
This done, the newly-received guest is seated between the principal
personages, and is treated with, if possible, more kindness and
consideration than if no objection had been made. In each class we
follow the same custom, which we find works admirably well. It is
peculiarly adapted to our system.