MASSACHUSETTS.

At the quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth in Sept., 1845, the following report was adopted:

REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM.

The Committee to whom was referred a communication from the Grand Lodge of Texas, proposing an exchange of representatives, with instructions to consider the whole subject of the representative system, having attended to the duty assigned them, ask leave to submit the following

REPORT.

This subject, the Representative System, as it is called, has heretofore been considered by the Grand Lodge. It came before us upon the report of a committee to whom had been referred the proceedings of the National Masonic Convention. That report was made and accepted in September, 1842. Most of the measures proposed by that Convention, received the approval and sanction of this Grand Lodge. The Representative system, however, though recommended by them, was rejected. The committee, having attentively considered the subject in all its bearings, and listened to arguments adduced both from the friends and opponents of the measure, have come to the conclusion that it is not expedient at present, for the Grand Lodge to change the policy adopted by her in the year 1842. Should a representative be received from the Grand Lodge of Texas, it would be expected that we should reciprocate the courtesy, by appointing some Brother to represent us in that Grand Lodge; thus establishing a sort of diplomatic intercourse; and, should we receive such representative from one Grand Lodge, on what ground could we refuse to receive representatives from all the Grand Lodges in the Union, should they desire to send them? And should such representatives be received, should we not feel bound, on the principle of reciprocity, to commission and send to those Grand Lodges an equal number of representatives?

This representative system is yet in its infancy, having been adopted, as we understand, by only three or four Grand Lodges in the U. States. Sufficient time has not yet elapsed to decide upon its practical utility. Those Grand Lodges who have adopted the system, have furnished each representative with a sash, apron, collar, jewel, and the banner of the Lodge-the whole expense of the outfit in each case, being, probably, not much less than fifty dollars. Other objections to the system might be offered, but we deem those already stated, sufficient.

The same committee to whom the foregoing communication from the Grand Lodge of Texas was referred, were also directed to consider the following resolution, submitted by R. W. Br. Charles W. Moore, with full powers to act thereon, to wit:

"That Rev. Br. William James Carver, of England, be commissioned as the Representative of this Grand Lodge in the Grand Lodge of England."

Your committee were of opinion that the foregoing resolution ought to be adopted; and they gave information thereof to the Recording Grand Secretary. The committee having been vested with full powers, as before stated, no farther action is required of the Grand Lodge.

It may be alleged that the committee are chargeable with inconsistency, in sanctioning the appointment of a representative to the Grand Lodge of England, while they recommend an adherence to the policy adopted by this Grand Lodge in 1842. But we think no such charge could be sustained. Our relation with the Grand Lodge of England, is different from any that exists between us and our sister Grand Lodges on the American continent. The Grand Lodge of England may be considered as the parent of this Grand Lodge. Before the American Revolution, we were under her protection, and owed her allegiance. From her, we have received our knowledge of the work, lectures, and the whole ritual of the Order, and have ever been taught to look up to her for information, guidance and authority, in all matters pertaining to the Craft. And when we consider the

extent of her jurisdiction, not only in England, but also in British possessions scattered over almost every portion of the habitable globe, and when we reflect on the "vast social and moral influence which she exercises," we must regard her as the "most august Masonic body in the world." For these reasons, we consented to the appointment above mentioned, and as it is a peculiar case, we trust it will not be construed into a precedent to govern us in our social intercourse with our sister Grand Lodges in the United States. THOMAS TOLman, THOMAS POWER, WINSLOW LEWIS, Jr.

Boston, Sept. 9th, 1845.

CONDITION OF MASONRY IN THE STATE.

Com.

The Grand Master, S. W. ROBINSON, Esq., opened the session in March last, with an appropriate address, from which we take the following:

"In meeting you again, my Brethren, after an interval of several months, I beg leave to congratulate you upon the continued happy and prosperous condition of the Masonic Institution. Without being exempted from the vicissitudes to which all human institutions are liable, its great and important interests are in a condition which demands our grateful acknowledgements to the great and beneficent Author of our being.

The Lodges under this jurisdiction, are in a healthy state, and exhibit a degree of activity but rarely equalled. Many of them, which, but a few years since, were lifeless, and regarded as useless branches, have been revived, and are now among the most active and prosperous of any in the Commonwealth. The sound of the Gavel is every where heard, and at no former period were the prospects of the Institution more flattering. It has worked its way to public favor, and is no longer regarded as useless, or of doubtful utility; but its influence for good, and its claims to universal respect and confidence, are generally felt and acknowledged. Such is the present happy and prosperous condition of our ancient Institution; and to us is confided the care, and upon us rests the responsibility, of maintaining its elevated character, and of transmitting it unimpaired to our successors."

FOREIGN LETTERS.

At the June session, the following letters were received and read:

To the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, the Grand Officers, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in the United States of America: Respected Brethren :-Allow me to return my most grateful acknowledgements for the high honor you have conferred upon me, by allowing me to assume the rank of a Past Deputy Grand Master.

It was with no common degree of satisfaction that I received your Diploma, because it conveys an assurance to my mind that my continued labors in the cause of our noble science, have had the good fortune to secure your approbation.

The sole object I have had in view has been, to place Freemasonry in its legitimate rank, as a genial Institution, and to extend the influence of religion among all ranks of society, by means of a right understanding of its beneficial tendency.

That I have partially succeeded, is evidenced by the testimony of eminent Masons in every quarter of the globe; and none has been more conclusive, or more gratifying to my feelings, than the unequivocal expression of esteem with-which I have been favored by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. I have the honor to be, M. W. Grand Master and Brethren, Your most sincere and faithful Brother,

Scopwick Vicarage, near Lincoln, February 5, 1846.

GEO. OLIVER, D. D.

Grove, Gravesend, 6th Feb., 1846. To the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, the Right Worshipful the Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, and other Grand Officers, together with the members in general, of the Grand Lodge (of Freemasons) of the State of Massachusetts, in the United States of America:

Brethren :-I am too sensitively affected by your appreciation of my conduct as a Mason, to attempt the expression of my acknowledgements for the honor conferred upon me, in any other language than that of truthful sincerity:-1 am grateful.

As an honorary member of your Grand Lodge, with the high rank of Past Senior Grand Warden, but residing in a distant hemisphere, I may not be enabled to render such personal suit and service as may be expected—but in any and in every case, in which an opportunity may be afforded me of maintaining the dignity, honor and reputation of your Grand Lodge, or of sustaining its just privileges and prerogatives, I shall feel myself called upon to act on the moment, or at your suggestion, as the case may require, to the best of my zeal and ability.

With unabated admiration of, and devoted obedience to, the principles and precepts of Freemasonry, and with high personal respect for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts,

I have the honor to remain, Most Worshipful Grand Master,
And Brethren, your faithful servant and Brother,

EXPULSIONS.

ROBT. THOS. CRUCEFIX.

At the same session, the following Brethren were expelled from Masonry: Martin Marsh, Isaac Whiting, and Jonathan H. Cobb, of Dedham.

EXPULSIONS.

At a special communication of Livingston Lodge, No. 51, held in their Hall, in the city of Glasgow, Mo., May 11th, A. L., 5846, the following resolution was offered and adopted:

Resolved, That Bennett B. Bartholomy, a member of this Lodge, be, and he is hereby expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, on account of gross unmasonic conduct; and that the Secretary communicate said resolution to the editor of " Moore's Masonic Magazine," with a request that he publish the same therein. A true copy from the minutes.

WILL. C. NANSON, Sec'ry Livingston Lodge, No. 51.

At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, holden at Concord, June 9th, 1846, on motion of Br. Christie, it was—

Resolved, That the expulsion of Jonathan Robinson and Luther Manson, by St. John's Lodge, No. 1, for unmasonic conduct, is hereby approved; and that the same be published in the "Freemasons' Monthly Magazine," for the information of the Fraternity.

MASONIC CHIT CHAT.

THE GRAND R. A. CHAPTER OF MASSACHUSETTS, held its annual communication in this city, on the 8th ult. The following officers were elected :-M. E. Charles W. Moore, G. H. P.; E. Ruel Baker, D. G. H. P.; E. Gilbert Nurse, G. K.; E. Joel Talbot, G. S.; Comp. John Hews, G. Treas.; Comp. Thos. Waterman, G. Secretary.

The Boston Grand Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, held their annual meeting, and celebrated their annual festival, (autumnal equinox,) in this city, on Monday evening, Sept. 21st. The members took supper together at the American House, and spent a very agreeable hour in discussing the various "creature comforts" before them. The following Brethren were elected to fill the offices for the ensuing year :-Simon W. Robinson, Ill. G. M.; Enoch Hobart, E. G. S. W.; Osgood Eaton, E. G. J. W.; Wm. Bramhall, G. Treas.; Wm. B. Oliver, G. Sec.; J. A. D. Worcester, G. M. of C.; F. C. Raymond, G. C. of G.

Our Southern and Western Brethren need not delay making their remittances from the want of Eastern funds. The receipt of the Postmaster is the safest and best method of remitting their dues, when they do not exceed ten dollars. If this cannot be had, the bills of their best specie-paying banks will

answer.

The inauguration of the splendid monument erected in Prince-street Gardens, Edinburgh, (Scotland,) to the memory of Sir Walter Scott, took place on Saturday, 15th Aug. The statue is a splendid work of art. It represents Sir Walter in a sitting posture, with a shepherd's plaid round his shoulders, and his favorite dog, Maida, at his feet. It is executed in grey Carara marble, of colossal dimensions. The Rev. Dr. Stewart, of Douglass, having offered an appropriate prayer, Lord Glenlyon, Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, performed the usual ceremony.

Our correspondent at Centreville, Ala., Our Calcutta correspondent has furis informed that we make it a rule to send nished us with an interesting letter; but owthe back numbers to all subscribers who sending to shipwreck, it has reached us at a late in their names after the volume has been day. It will appear in our next. We have also a great amount of foreign intelligence on commenced. A different course would leave hand, which shall receive early attention.

broken volumes on our hands.

The Masonic Lodge at Nenagh, (Ireland,) recently presented to Br. D. Leonard, a farewell address, on his departure for America, on a professional tour.

We have one entire set of the Magazine, unbound, which we can dispose of at $14-or the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th vols. will be sold at $12. We have also one complete set bound, which will be sold at the above prices, adding 62 1-2 cents a vol. for the binding.