cilitated intercourse, correspondence, all friendly offices, all dispatches of business; it has enabled man to descend to the depths of the sea, to soar in the air, to penetrate unhurt into the noxious recesses of the earth, to traverse the land on cars whirling along without horses, and the ocean in ships without sails. These are a part of its fruits; for it is a philosophy, says the same writer, that never sleeps, its law is progress; a point which yesterday was invisible, is its goal to day, and its starting place to-morrow.'"

MASONIC INTELLIGENCE.

MICHIGAN.

We have received a copy of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, had at its annual communication, held in the city of Detroit, in January last. The transactions were chiefly of a local character; indicating, however, that the Grand Lodge is in a prosperous condition, and rapidly multiplying the number of its Lodges. The officers were all in their places, and the Lodges, we infer, were mostly represented, though we cannot ascertain from the proceedings, the number in the State. Reference is made to Western Star Lodge, No. ten, and we suppose there are at least that number on the roll of the Grand Lodge. We make the following extract from the excellent and spirited report of the committee on foreign correspondence :

Your committee cannot withhold an expression of sincere pleasure when they look at the condition of our own Jurisdiction, and contrast it with the condition we were in a few years since. Many of you have not forgotten, nor ever will forget, the fiery ordeal the Fraternity have passed through in Michigan. Antimasonry, like a desolating storm, swept our fair state, as with a besom of destruction, and laid the fair fabric of our institution in "utter desolation.” Perhaps no where, in the civilized world, (if we except Western N. York,) were the Fraternity followed with more virulent hatred, or more unrelenting persecution, than in Michigan. Every where the stoutest heart was made to quail and sink, and gloom and despondency pervaded every breast. The Masonic harp was left unstrung upon the willow trees, and for nearly fourteen years the Masonic lamp was quenched upon all our altars save one, and even there, it burned so feeble and sickly, it made the surrounding darkness more visible.

In 1841, the storm had passed away, and here and there might be seen a solitary workman searching amidst the ruins for the implements of the Craft, to rebuild the fallen Temple-one encouraged another until the timid were made bold. The Grand Lodge was reorganized-dormant subordinate Lodges were revived-new ones chartered-and we proceeded in trimming and relighting our Masonic lamps, as all believed, according to Masonic usage.

Some of our sister Grand Lodges doubted the correctness of our proceedings, others condemned them altogether, and but few were willing to give us the right hand of fellowship. At this crisis, the conservative principles of our beloved institution prevailed in the counsels of our Brethren; all personal feelings, and private opinions were laid aside, and complete harmony and peace prevailed throughout our Jurisdiction. By the advice and kind assistance of a sister Grand Lodge, we were enabled to retrace our steps, and reorganize our Grand Lodge upon true Masonic principles, and ancient and approved usage; and we have the satisfaction of knowing that our work is approved by the whole Fraternity.

MISSOURI.

R. W. Br. Carnegy closes his final report to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, as agent of the Masonic College, submitted at the annual communication in October last, as follows:

He has thus exhibited, as far as he knows and believes, a correct, explicit statement of his agency to this day, as far as the collection of money is concerned. He regrets, however, that he has neither room, ability nor time to state all that might be said in connection with the duties thus devolved upon him. Let it suffice to say, with the exception of less than one dozen of all he has seen and conversed with, all have spoken of our school in terms of the highest commendation. And he takes pleasure in expressing the most ardent gratitude of heart towards the liberal and benevolent from whom he received so much kindness and aid. He would gladly specify the names and residence of those who were foremost in their kind endeavors, but they are too numerous to mention. The foregoing list must suffice.

In connection with the foregoing, your agent feels it his duty to state also, that in discharge of what he felt it his duty to perform, he has kept a constant and vigilant eye upon all that related to the College, and is happy to add his to the oft repeated testimony of other officers of the Grand Lodge, of the able, efficient services of the Faculty, the Steward, and all, except perhaps, some of the Curators. He states that the College, in all its departments, bids fair to fill our most sanguine hopes.

The students (for the most part) are studious, moral and obedient, and their conduct (the ten thousand slanderous tales that envy, malice and ambition have set afloat upon the winds, to the contrary notwithstanding) will bear a favorable comparison with that of any other equal number of students any where; some irregularities have taken place, but the Faculty have done their duty and either reclaimed or expelled the vicious.

From the tabular statement of the Grand Secretary, it appears that there were initiated in the State, the past year, in 36 Lodges, from which returns were made, two hundred and six candidates. There are fifty Lodges in the State, including five Working by Dispensation.

INDIANA.

We have had a copy of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Indiana sometime on hand, but have not been able to find room to notice them at an earlier period. The session was opened by the Deputy Grand Master, R. W. ISAAC BARTLETT, Esq., the Grand Master being prevented by illness from attending the meeting. He however forwarded an address to the Grand Lodge, from which we make the following extract:

Although considerable advancement has been made in Masonic intelligence within our jurisdiction, it must be admitted that we are behind the age in which we live. The most prompt and efficient measures should be taken to enlarge our stock of Masonic Intelligence. Notwithstanding the limited means of the Grand Lodge, I do most earnestly recommend that the Grand Lodge appoint a Grand Lecturer, and endow him for one year with a small salary, and require him to devote as much of his time in instructing the subordinate Lodges as the means allowed him would justify. No doubt is entertained that if this course be adopted, the desire of instruction will prompt a voluntary contribution on the part of the subordinate Lodges; which, together with the amount given by the Grand Lodge, would enable a liberal individual to visit and lecture most of the Lodges in a year. If the plan be approved and adopted, great care is necessary in the selec

tion of an individual. No one but an individual known for his moral worth and sound Masonic intelligence should be selected for the station. The Grand Lecturer, in the course of his labors, could collect a mass of facts and matters of interest, which could be embodied in a report, and rendered interesting to the Fraternity.

While on the subject of lectures, I cannot help recommending the importance and advantages that would result from well delivered lectures in the Lodge room on the practical branches of science. Our ancient Brethren stand highest in the scale of intelligence and usefulness. Science unfolds the human mind, and enlarges our sphere of understanding, and fits man for usefulness in all the walks of

life.

The erection of neat Masonic domicils in each village where we have a Lodge would add greatly to the comfort and convenience of the Craft. A well selected site, and the erection of a well arranged building, the lower room used as a school room, church, or town-hall, supported by a virtuous and enlightened body of Masons, would be but carrying out those great principles embodied in our Masonic Ritual. The foregoing objects accomplished, the Fraternity would be a living witness of the utility of the Masonic Craftsman, and the admiration of the intelligent and good.

APPOINTMENT OF GRAND LECTURER.

The committee on this subject submitted the following report :

That they have bestowed upon the subject referred to them, as much deliberation as their limited time would allow. There is much of humiliating truth in the remark of the W. G. Master, "that we are behind the age in which we live, in respect to the amount of Masonic intelligence within our jurisdiction." While evidences of the increasing favor of Masonry in the community are multiplying daily, and while in some parts of our jurisdiction, unexampled accessions are making to our numbers, it seems meet and proper to this committee that corresponding efforts should be made to render our Institution more worthy of the generous favor extended towards her, by elevating the standard of Masonic intelligence in the subordinate Lodges, by an infusion of greater zeal, and by the correction of irregularities in their mode of working. It seems to the committee that no better method of effecting these desirable objects can be pointed out, than that recommended in the Message. The labors of a competent Grand Lecturer, such as is recommended by the W. G. Master, would go far to harmonize the differences in the modes of labor prevailing in the different Lodges, produce uniformity, and re-establish ancient land-marks-an object, in the estimation of this committee, of paramount importance. It is not doubted that the Lodges would hail with pleasure the approach of such an instructor, and contribute liberally for his pay.

A Grand Lecturer was subsequently appointed in accordance with the recommendation of the committee.

MASONIC HALL.

Whereas, It is very desirable to build a Grand Masonic Hall for the use of the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, and for the purpose of purchasing a lot and of building said Hall, Therefore

Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary to collect all the funds, debts, dues and demands (except Bank stock,) due said Grand Lodge, of every name, kind and description, as soon as the same can be done with safety to said funds, and pay the same over to the Grand Treasurer, whose duty it is hereby made to invest the sum in Bank stock for the use of said Lodge.

Resolved, That this Grand Lodge do recommend to the several subordinate Lodges to open a subscription for the purpose of aiding the said Grand Lodge to build said Hall. It is further recommended that the several W. Masters solicit subscriptions from individual members of their respective Lodges for said pur

pose, and that they send up to this Grand Lodge the said several sums so raised, at their next regular Communication; also, such pledges to pay hereafter in annual installments as they may obtain.

ALABAMA.

WE continue our extracts from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of AlabaThe following are from the report of the committee on foreign correspondence:

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MASONIC JURISDICTION.

The next subject to which your committee will invite your attention, is that of Masonic Jurisdiction. Under this head we bring up the subject of conferring the Masonic degrees on citizens of other States. This is a delicate subject, creating a large amount of evil, and calculated to produce feelings any other than Masonic, between Brethren throughout the Union. In the correspondence before them, they have found complaints from several sister Grand Lodges on this subject. Among the cases mentioned as grounds of complaint, is that of a citizen of Little Rock, Arkansas, who was rejected by Western Star Lodge, and was afterwards made a Mason in North Alabama, whilst on a visit there. Similar complaints are made by Ohio, against New York; Maryland against South Carolina; and lastly, Alabama against New York. The evil, in the opinion of your committee, is a serious one, which ought to be met and remedied.

This Grand Lodge expressed its opinion on this subject, at its last annual communication, and passed a resolution declaring such conduct unmasonic. This resolution we find adverted to in the proceedings of some of our sister Grand Lodges, as well as in some of the Masonic periodicals referred to us-in some cases sustained, and in others severely criticised. Without stopping here to array the authority on the different sides of this question, we proceed to state what we believe to be the true ground to be occupied on this question.

It is certainly true that the acts, resolutions, or edicts of no Grand Lodge can be obligatory beyond its territorial jurisdiction-and when addressed to foreign jurisdictions they are merely recommendatory. Each Grand Lodge is independent of every other, and each subordinate Lodge is responsible alone to the G. Lodge, under which it works; provided always, however, that they do not violate the ancient land-marks of the Order. It follows then, that when one Grand Lodge or a subordinate Lodge, feels itself aggrieved by the action of another Grand Lodge, or a subordinate Lodge under a foreign jurisdiction, that its only redress so far as the aggressor is concerned, is by way of recommendation or remon

strance.

And it is equally true that the acts, resolutions, and edicts of any Grand Lodge, not subversive of our ancient constitutions, is obligatory upon each subordinate Lodge, and the Craft generally within their respective territorial limits. It therefore follows, that although this Grand Lodge cannot act upon a foreign Lodge, that may confer Masonic degrees upon a person residing within our jurisdiction, and who may be sojourning there, yet we may prescribe such rules and regulations as we may think just and proper, for the government of our subordinate Lodges, in their conduct towards such person upon his return within our jurisdiction, and provide the condition upon which he may be received into Masonic fellowship among us; and by that means remedy all the evils complained of. Your committee would therefore recommend, that such measures be adopted at the present communication of your M. W. Body as will hereafter prevent our own subordinate Lodges from conferring Masonic degrees upon itinerant persons sojourning here, who may be residents within a foreign jurisdiction; and also to prescribe the terms upon which persons residing within our territorial jurisdiction, and who have, or who may hereafter travel into foreign jurisdictions

and receive the degrees, shall be admitted to fellowship here-and also respectfully recommend to our Sister Grand Lodges to adopt similar measures.*

ON WORK.

The committee on work, in Kentucky, in their report declare that they are decidedly of the opinion, that subordinate Lodges should not encourage, nor even tolerate, itinerant Masons lecturing to them; this meets the approbation of your committee, and its adoption by the subordinate Lodges of Alabama, would be more likely to secure uniformity of work, prevent innovations and impositions. They therefore recommend its adoption by this body.

ON EDUCATION.

The following report of the committee on this important subject will be read with satisfaction:

Your committee have anxiously considered the subject in special reference to which they have been appointed, and from the most mature reflection, they have been enabled to bestow upon it, they have concluded that the time has arrived in the history of Masonry in this State, when both your worshipful body and the subordinate Lodges, should cease to speak, and begin to act upon this all-important subject. They are fully satisfied that the friends of education can no longer be amused or pacified by beautiful and able reports upon the subject; but that they imperiously demand such action on the part of your worshipful body, as shall convince them and the world, that we sincerely desire to dissipate the darkness which has so long shrouded the minds of the children of misfortune. Not satisfied with that quiet, and, so far as the world is concerned, indiscernable benevolence, which in the solitudes of sorrow, pours its bounty into the lap of haggard want, and wipes with the hand of compassion the tear with which misery has moistened the cheek of the distressed widow and helpless orphan, the genius of Masonry, and the spirit of the times, call upon us to come forth in the broad light of day, and prove to all that we sincerely desire to ameliorate the condition of our race, to enlighten the minds of the benighted, and elevate man to his proper station in the scale of beings.

How can these expectations, just in themselves, be successfully answered? And by what means can these most valuable ends be accomplished? are questions constantly presenting themselves to the minds of all zealous Masons; among whom, those who compose your worshipful body, we doubt not, may be justly classed. The one must be answered, and the other accomplished, or we furnish to our foes fuel, with which to rekindle the fires of persecution, which, but a few years since, burned so furiously around us, and threatened in many portions of our beloved country, to destroy our temples, and consume our altars.

In the great struggle to which we have just alluded, our principal foe was the ignorance, and our guardian angel, the intelligence of the people. The latter triumphed—and again the Craft is cheered on its way by the wise, while it is feared by the ignorant around us. Let us banish all opposition, by removing its prime cause, and do good to our enemies, even against their will, by pouring forth from seminaries of learning under our own care, troops of intelligent and educated young men, to bless and serve our country.

Are we asked, whence are the necessary means to be obtained? This is our answer-from the ample resources of the sons of light, and from that inexhaustible treasury-Masonic liberality. Both of which, we verily believe, are abundant among us.

*We refer the reader to the article on "Initiation of Sojourners," on a preceding page.— ED