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have been issued under the direction of the M. W. Grand Master, as follows, to wit: Wilson Lodge, at Enterprize, county of Clarke; Madison Lodge, at Vernon, county of Madison; Camden Lodge, at Camden, county of Madison; Louisville Lodge, at Louisville, county of Winston.

EXPULSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES.

R. W. Br. Tappan presented the petition of O. Davis, appealing from the decisions of Ripley Lodge, No. 47, suspending and subsequently expelling him from the benefits of Masonry, which, on his motion, was referred to the Committee on Complaints and Appeals, with instructions to report forthwith.

The committee to whom the above petition was referred, submitted the following report, which was adopted:

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"The committee on Complaints and Appeals have had under consideration the appeal of Orlando Davis, of Ripley Lodge, No. 47, and after a careful examination of said appeal, and the memorial accompanying the same, report: That the offence charged upon Bro. O. Davis, being an offence against the By-Laws, (a failure to pay his dues,) was not sufficient, in their opinion, to justify the extreme measure adopted. They, therefore, recommend that the act of expulsion by Ripley Lodge, in said case, be reversed, and that Bro. O. Davis be restored to all the privileges of Masonry, on his paying the amount of dues he may be in arrears to said Lodge. W. COOPER, ELIAS FISHER, C. J. SEARLES,

MASONRY IN LOUISIANA.

Committee.

R. W. Br. Jennings, on behalf of the majority of the committee on the subject, presented the following report:

The committee to whom was referred the controversy between the Ancient York Masons of the State of Louisiana, on the one side, and the Scotch and French Masons of said State on the other, have duly considered the subject, and beg leave to report the following resolutions:

1. Resolved, That no Grand Lodge of Scotch and French, or modern Masonry, can assume jurisdiction over any Ancient York Mason, or body of such.

2. Resolved, That it is not consistent with Ancient York Masonry to unite with Scotch and modern Masonry, or either of them, in the formation of a Lodge, Grand or Subordinate.

3. Resolved, That there is no Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons within the limits of the State of Louisiana.

4. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge has the power, and it is its duty, on proper application, to issue Dispensations and Charters to bodies of Ancient York Masons within the limits of the State of Louisiana, until the constitution of a Grand Lodge within that State.

5. Resolved, That we entertain the highest opinion of the distinguished body known as the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, and are willing to contribute as much as possible, consistent with our obligations, to aid and protect Ancient York Masons, wheresoever dispersed, and to maintain our Order pure and unmingled, to preserve friendly relations with that honorable body.

6. Resolved, That under no possible circumstances would this Grand Lodge assume jurisdiction over a Scotch or modern Mason or body of such, such assumption being alike inconsistent with their rights and our principles.

DUDLEY S. JENNINGS,
R. N. DOWNING,
J. J. DOTY,

Committee.

On motion of Br. Benbrook, the report was received and laid upon the table. R. W. Br. Walter presented the following counter report:

The undersigned, a member of the committee to whom was referred so much of the address of the M. W. Grand Master, as relates to the M. W. Grand Lodge

of Louisiana, and also the verbal report of the committee appointed to visit that M. W. body, begs leave to state, by way of minority report, that the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana was organized exclusively after the Ancient York Rite, and so remained for a number of years, until it accumulated the Scotch and French Rites. Said Grand Lodge is constituted by the free and voluntary meetings of the Subordinate Lodges of the State, represented for life by the Master of each Lodge, who has presided over his Lodge for one year, and temporarily by the Senior and Junior Wardens. According to the information now before the undersigned, there are now in active operation fourteen Lodges working in the Ancient York Rite; four in the Scotch Rite, accumulating the York and Modern Rite, and two in the Modern Rite, accumulating the Scotch and York Rite.

The undersigned would further respectfully submit, that no one of the fourteen Lodges above named, (as the undersigned believes,) has made any official complaint to this body, of any improper or unmasonic conduct on the part of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Louisiana. The undersigned is aware of the fact that St. Albans Lodge, No. 28, Louisiana, did, on the 9th July last, issue a circular addressed to the York Lodges in that State, requesting them to meet in convention and form a Grand Lodge of York Masons. The undersigned has yet to learn that more than one other Lodge of the State of Louisiana, accepted or acted on the proposition of said St. Alban's Lodge. The undersigned would further represent, that the M. W. Grand Lodge of Louisiana was constituted exclusively in the York Rite; that it is still a York Grand Lodge, accumulating the Scotch and Modern Rite; that it grants charters authorizing Masonic work and labor in the York Rite exclusively; and that it also grants charters authorizing work in either the Scotch or French Rite, but invariably requires, in the latter cases, that the York Rite shall always be communicated upon the candidate for the degrees in the latter Lodges. All the Masons in Louisiana are thus strictly Ancient York Masons, though many of them possess also the French and Scotch Rite. These Rites obtain generally throughout the world, and any reflection upon the organization of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Louisiana, would equally reflect upon the conduct and proceedings of the Supreme bodies of Masonry in France, Scotland and other nations, where these Rites are peculiarly esteemed. The undersigned would respectfully submit that this Grand Lodge do respectfully and fraternally remonstrate with the M. W. Grand Lodge of Louisiana upon its tolerance of the use by its Subordinate Lodges, of *******, ***** or their peculiar charts. The following resolutions are submitted:

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1. Resolved, That this G. Lodge finds nothing in the proceedings of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Louisiana, which demands a termination of the Masonic relations heretofore existing between them.

2. Resolved, That this G. Lodge would not, (at least under present circumstances,) feel itself justified in granting Dispensations or Charters to any body of Masons in the State of Louisiana.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

H. W. WALTER.

On motion of Br. Wilson, the report was received and laid upon the table. R. W. Br. Jennings subsequently called up the above reports, when R. W. Br. Wilson presented a second minority report, as follows:

The undersigned, one of the select committee appointed to take into consideration the matter of the verbal reports of the delegates to the G. Lodge of Louisiana, and also the complaints of a body of Ancient York Masons in that State, and differing from the other members of the committee, begs leave to report separately, to the consideration of this Grand Lodge, the following resolutions, as embodying his views upon the subject:

1. Resolved, That in view of the relations that have subsisted, and do now exist, between this Grand Lodge and the M. W. Grand Lodge of Louisiana, and the recognition by this Grand Lodge, of that as a Grand Masonic Body, it is not deemed proper or expedient at this time, to grant charters or dispensations to

any body of Masons residing within the jurisdiction of the said Grand Lodge of Louisiana.

2. Resolved, That the practice of conferring degrees by the Grand officers of the said Grand Lodge, and the Subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction, by means of ******* charts used in said Lodge, is contrary to a correct and indispensable usage and custom of Masonry, and directly subversive of the distinguishing character of our Order, and if persisted in, will necessarily eventuate in a dissolution of the friendly Masonic relations subsisting between us.

3. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Lodge, the mingling of different rites, as practised under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, ought, properly, to be abandoned.

4. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge do most affectionately and fraternally urge upon the consideration of our sister Grand Lodge of Louisiana, that by conciliation and compromise, they reconcile the difficulties which have arisen and now exist between said Grand Lodge and some Brethren Ancient York Masons in that State.

5. Resolved, That the M. W. Grand Master enter into a correspondence with the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, or with its officers, expressing to them the views of this Grand Lodge in regard to the grievances complained of, and call their immediate attention and consideration to the subject.

Respectfully submitted,

GEORGE A. WILSON.

On motion, the report was received, and on motion of R. W. Br. Wilson, the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That the various reports and documents upon the subject of Masonry in Louisiana, in possession of this Grand Lodge, be referred to the M. W. Grand Master, who is requested to enter into correspondence with the Grand officers of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Louisiana, expressing to them the views of this Grand Lodge, in regard to the grievances complained of, and urge the correction of them to the immediate attention and consideration of the Grand Lodge of Louisi

ana.

We shall refer to these proceedings again.

INDIANA.

The Grand Lodge of Indiana, held its annual communication at Indianapolis, on the 25th May last. The M. W. ISAAC BARTLETT, Grand Master, opened the session in an interesting address, from which we make the following extracts:

"In laying before you such matters as may be worthy of your attention, and necessary for your action, I must premise that your patience will be required, and your judgment invoked, with that earnest devotion which the importance of those subjects may seem to require.

I have the satisfaction to state that since the last annual communication, Masonry appears to have revived in some parts of our State, in which for years it has been apparently dormant. Anxiety appears to exist with many to unite themselves as Brothers among us.

I feel it to be a duty to caution the Brethren to be strict as to whom they admit among them, for if their characters cannot bear the severest test of Masonic scrutiny, they should be rejected, as unworthy of our fellowship. Let not any one,

who has not all the qualifications required by our Constitutions and regulations, be admitted; see that they are perfect men in body and mind; of industrious, temperate habits, desirous of knowledge; above all, of good moral character; obedient to the laws of the land they inhabit, and of the God we adore.

In the mode of conducting the labors of many Lodges, it is gratifying to observe the manifest improvement within the past year; while in others, it is equally a matter of regret to be compelled to say, that this important subject is not only

managed irregularly, but in some cases, directly contrary to the well known charges and regulations of our Order. As an example, candidates have been proposed at a regular meeting of the Lodge, and have been accepted and initiated, and within two weeks received the degrees of Fellow Craft and Master Mason. This is entirely irregular, and contrary to the spirit and laws of our Institution, and must not be permitted.

The officers of such Lodges, and the Lodges themselves, should be held amenable to the Grand Lodge, for such gross violation of duty.

In connection with this irregularity, another of great importance requires your attention. It has been by no means uncommon, notwithstanding the decision of this body, declaring it to be irregular, for a Lodge to confer at the same time, two of the three, and in some instances, the three degrees of ancient Masonry. Such irregular proceedings, with others that I feel it my duty to call your attention to, have greatly contributed to the downfal of Lodges that were in a prosperous condition in our jurisdiction.

Among the most prominent of these irregularities, I mention the following: First-In receiving petitions for initiation, and after referring them to committees, suffering them to be withdrawn.

Second-In hurrying the applicants from one degree to another, during one month, by adjourned meetings. No higher degree in Masonry should be conferred at a less interval than one month from the candidate's receiving a previous degree, nor until he shall have passed an examination in open Lodge in that degree.

Third-In suspending by-laws to suit certain cases. We have heard the practice contended for, but never knew it to be admitted in any Masonic Lodge. The ancient Constitutions are certainly against the usage.

Fourth-In making cases for emergency for selfish accommodation, in many cases, if not all.

Fifth-Expelling members illegally."

"At the annual Communication in 1842, the subordinate Lodges were especially directed to require the fees for conferring the degrees, to be invariably paid in advance, as provided in our Constitution, and the taking of promissory notes, for fees and dues was illegal and unmasonic, yet sorry I am to inform you that the practice has been continued. Again-all our charters direct that the election for the officers of the Lodges shall be held semi-annually; yet some Lodges have by-laws which make their election annually, and others as a majority of the members shall think proper. This appears to be the result of ignorance, which exists among the Brethren, in relation to the ancient customs and regulations, as well as the regulations of the Grand Lodge, and shows in strong colors the necessity of our annual Communications being often read in the subordinate Lodges, for the information of the members.

There are many other causes to which this lamentable state of affairs may be attributed. From lack of decision in the presiding officers of some of our Lodges, these abuses have been suffered to creep in, and in others, indolent or careless habits have been so long indulged, that they seem no longer possessed of the ability to reform. And it should be the province and duty of all the Brethren who are cognisant of such errors, to report the same to the Grand Officers, that proper action might be had on the matter.

Every Lodge knowingly offending, should receive from the proper authority a suitable rebuke at least, if not lose its charter.

However reluctant I may feel in pointing out these errors to you, yet, a proper sense of duty, as well as a due regard for the interest committed to my trust, will not allow me to pass them by. I hope the Grand Lodge will provide a remedy. And I recommend that the Grand Lodge appoint a Grand Lecturer, and endow

him with a salary for one year, sufficient to enable him to visit every Lodge in the State, during the year, and have no doubt the Lodges would contribute liberally to sustain him, and if the plan be adopted, no one but an individual known for his moral worth and sound Masonic intelligence, should be selected for the important station. The Grand Lecturer, in his labors, would be able to detect the irregularities that exist, and collect a mass of facts, and report them to the Grand Lodge, which, no doubt, would be interesting to the Fraternity."

"A practice has obtained among many Lodges in different parts of the country, of admitting temporary residents to the Order; and that, too, without inquiry into the character and standing of the applicants, further than they happen to be known at the places of such temporary residence. The practice is exceedingly reprehensible, and should be discontinued. I would recommend that you pass an order, forbidding the practice in all the Lodges under this jurisdiction; and, at the same time, that you invite the co-operation of our sister Grand Lodges in the

measure.

The subject of organizing a General Grand Lodge, has often been agitated, and heretofore met with but little favor, and it is well known that there are those who think such a measure unnecessary and inexpedient; yet, it is equally well known that many distinguished Masons favor the scheme, and would be glad to see it perfected. The remarks of the M. W. Augustus Peabody, P. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of Mass., are worthy of your notice, and are full of information for those who oppose the scheme. The M. W. Grand Master of Maryland, also discusses the same subject in a very able and satisfactory manner. The Grand Lodge of Maryland has adopted resolutions conforming to the suggestions of the Grand Master, and requesting those Grand Lodges that agree, to meet in convention for that purpose, in the city of Baltimore, in September, 1847.

I am in favor of establishing a General Grand Lodge, for the purpose of protecting the ancient landmarks and usages of the Order, and of settling all questions that may arise in reference thereto, in preference to any other tribunal that may be set up, whose acts may be broken at will. The difference in work and proceedings of all our Grand Lodges, calls for such an institution. Practices are indulged in by some Grand Lodges, which are denounced by others, and the question naturally arises, who shall decide ?"

"In consequence of information communicated to me by the W. P. Master of Lawrenceburg Lodge, No. 4, of the irregular and unconstitutional proceedings by that Lodge, I felt it my duty to arrest their charter and book of proceedings. On the 13th of March last, I addressed a letter to the D. G. M., ordering him to arrest the Charter and books of said Lodge, which was executed on the 25th."

"I would recommend that the Grand Lodge subscribe for a full set of "The Freemasons' Magazine," to be kept in the Grand Lodge, as books of reference; and I would be highly gratified if every Lodge in our jurisdiction, would enlist in its favor, for it is the best Masonic periodical published in this country, as a book of reference and high Masonic intelligence; and if Brethren will read that work, they will discover many important regulations highly important to the government of the Fraternity."

We have only room to give from the proceedings the officers elected for the current year, viz:

M. W. Johnson Watts, G. M.; R. W. Brs. Caleb Schmidlap, D. G. M.; James L. Hogin, S. G. W.; Lewis Burke, J. G. W.; Anson Clarke, G. Chaplain; John Taylor, G. Lecturer; Austin W. Morris, G. Secretary; John Foster, G. Treas.; Brs. Edward Barrel, S. G. D.; Richard Sopris, J. G. D.; Samuel S. Rooker, G. S, and T.

Further extracts will be given in our next number.

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