MASONIC INTELLIGENCE.

ILLINOIS.

WE present below several extracts from the able report of the Committee on foreign correspondence, in the Grand Lodge of Illinois, submitted at the annual communication in October last. There are some points in the report in which we do not fully concur, but we have neither room nor time to refer to them at present.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES.

The subject of the pre-requisite Physical and Mental qualifications of candidates for initiation has been widely discussed within the past year.

The views of the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, R. W. Harvey W. Walter, upon this subject, are so in harmony with those entertained by your Committee, that leave is begged to present them at length. The following question elicited the expression intended to be submitted:

"Would the loss of either of the three senses, feeling, seeing, or hearing, bar a candidate from the Degrees, or would the loss of sight prevent his initiation ?" "I think, Brethren," is the reply, "this question may be stript of all difficul→ ties, by reference to the character of our work as Masons. Óriginally, it was, strictly operative, and more attention was paid to the physical than mental condition of the candidate. In reference to this point, the Old Constitutions provide, that, 'every candidate for the mysteries of Masonry, shall be upright in body, not deformed or dismembered at the time of making, but hale and of entire limbs.' The Grand Lodge of Kentucky has adopted a rule more congenial to the present spirit of Masonry, where it declares, that, if the deformity of a candidate for initiation is not such as to prevent him from being instructed in the arts and mysteries of Freemasonry, his admission will not be an infringement upon the landmarks, but will be perfectly consistent with the spirit of our Institution.' Such, I conceive, will also be the opinion of every intelligent Mason, who reflects upon the great change which has taken place in the character of our work within the last two centuries. Physical labor has been superseded by mental action; and the man who retains these external senses, and is possessed of a good mental capacity, but of a weak and emaciated or even maimed body, would now be considered an eligible candidate, whereas he would formerly have been rejected; in other words, Masonry now requires of its votaries more of mind, and less of flesh and form, than it originally did. I think, Brethren, that we may safely conclude that, a loss or partial deprivation of those physical organs which minister ALONE to the action of the BODY do not disqualify,--but that the loss of those upon which the MIND depends for its ideas of external objects, certainly would. We have then only to determine, to which of these classes the eye, the ear and the nerves belong, to settle this difficulty. I cannot conceive how the mind could be very sanitive, deprived of all these, or how it could attain perfection with the loss of either of the first two. They are all its obedient slaves, and minister to it all the information upon which it depends for vigorous and healthy action. They are called, by way of eminence, the three Masonic senses, for reasons that will readily suggest themselves to the mind of every Brother familiar with our work. Indeed, Brethren, I cannot conceive how a person deprived of them, or either of them, would efficiently discharge the duties, or perform the labor required at his hands. Intricate and embarrassing as the subject confessedly is, I have no doubt but that calm and serious reflection will enable you to adjudicate it correctly."

The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin had embodied nearly the same views, and, quite the same principles in her Constitution, some time previously. "By the ancient regulations," says the article, "the physical deformity of an individual operates as a bar to his admission into the Fraternity. But in view of the fact, that this regulation was adopted for the government of the Craft, at a period when they united the character of operative with that of speculative Masons, this Grand Lodge, in common, it is believed, with most of her sister Grand Lodges in

this country and in Europe, has authorized such a construction of the regulation, as that, where the deformity does not amount to an inability honestly to acquire the means of subsistence, it constitutes no hindrance to initiation."

Your Committee learn from the Committee on Correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, that the Grand Lodge of Alabama has adopted as a resolution, "That being maimed, as by the loss of a leg, or an arm, does not disqualify a man from receiving the degrees in Masonry, when there is no other objection except that of being maimed;" upon which that Committee remarks:

"This has been, and still is, a matter of controversy among the Fraternity; and is one which the Grand Lodges should decide, so that uniformity of practice may prevail among the Lodges. This question affords arguments worthy of consideration for and against justifying the difference of opinion prevailing among the Fraternity, and from this division your Committee are not exempt. In opposition to this resolution of the Grand Lodge of Alabama, we have an ancient regulation couched in language positive and unequivocal. In answer to this objection, or as a reason why it should not be rigidly observed, it is, and may, with force, be urged, that a subsequent part of the same regulation, couched in language equally clear and unequivocal, is not observed, nor has its observance been advocated within our knowledge; that is, to keep an apprentice seven years. Many more reasons might be urged against this law did the nature of this report admit of such discussion. Your Committee will merely give the general declaration, that the philanthropic principles inculcated by the Institution, are at variance and seem to forbid the rigid observance of this rule. They are not unanimous in the opinion that the language of the Alabama resolution is fully admissible; although Masonry has assumed the speculative character, they are not certain that the operative should be entirely discarded."

Your Committee will take leave of this subject, by repeating that their views are in coincidence with those which have been thus adduced, and notifying that they intend to submit a resolution embracing the same, which was adopted by the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, and ask for its adoption by this Grand Lodge.

GRAND LODGE JURISDICTION.

To your Committee it seems clear that, under our circumstances, the very notion of Grand Lodge jurisdiction, in any sense, carries with it that of a specific territory within which, such jurisdiction may be exercised. What, indeed, signifies the title by which this or that particular Grand Lodge is designated? What is denoted by "The Grand Lodge of Maryland;" "The Grand Lodge of New York;" "The Grand Lodge of Ohio;" "The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin ?" What, but that each is a Grand Lodge for the State whose name distinguishes it? Is not this idea inherent in every such organization? It is submitted, whether, when a Grand Lodge is organized, it be not emphatically and expressly to take cognizance of the interests of Freemasonry in a given district-to exercise jurisdiction in the State or Territory, in which it is formed, and whose name it assumes. If this be not so, then is each Grand Lodge an organization, having a name simply to denote its locality, with powers at large, and the free right to exercise its functions in every Territory, State, County, City, Town, or Village throughout the land, without let or hindrance from opposing principle; and candidates in any community are, by consequence, free to choose the superior body, under whose cognizance they will severally come. Each particular community might thus have established, and in exercise, within it, several concurrent Masonic governments, as many as there are or may be Grand Lodges in the Union, or in the world. And what, in this case would be the limit for the formation of Grand Lodges? If a Grand Lodge, when formed, be not for a specific State or Territory, what shall prevent the formation of an indefinite number of Grand Lodges; as many as fancy or caprice may suggest? And thus we should be thrown back upon the early principle of the independence of each particular Lodge, derived through the inherent rights vested in the Fraternity at large, to meet, act, and work, as to them should seem good and proper within the limits of the "Ancient Charges."

This, then, is the ultimate ground to be re-chosen; or we must stand firmly by the principle of confederation, for which it has been long abandoned. There is, there can be, no middle way; either the principle of confederation, which we have professedly chosen, must be rigidly adhered to, or we must go back upon the ancient ground, long since practically yielded. This, it is believed, is nowhere meditated; and if it were, would be found impracticable. By the principle we have professed to adopt, must we therefore be governed; by this principle interpreted in its application, by the very notion of a Grand Lodge, by the name it bears, by practical results, by ecclesiastical, civil, and all sorts of usage, and by common sense. By this principle, in the length of it, and in the breadth of it, do your Committee recommend that this Grand Lodge take her stand, and insist that her territorial jurisdiction is co-extensive with the civil jurisdiction of the State of Illinois; beyond which, in any State or Territory in which there may be a Grand Lodge established, she will not exercise her powers or privileges; within which, she will not patiently endure that another Grand Lodge shall establish, exercise, and maintain jurisdiction.

GENERAL GRAND LODGE.

Your Committee desire not to conceal, that the Workings of the General Grand Masonic bodies already in existence in the United States, have come before them in this connection, and delighted them with the agreeable contrast which they have presented to all that is here set forth.

"To your Committee, therefore, it appears, that the organization of some similar tribunal, with carefully guarded powers-having authority to decide upon, and provide for the means of instruction in the mystic work and ceremonies of Masonry-is probably the best, if not the only means, now remaining to us, whereby the necessary and indispensable uniformity among us can be maintained, and perpetuated; whereby our mystic rites and universal language may be freed from hurtful interpretations, and be continued to us, pure and uncontaminated. To your Committee, it is obvious, that unless a supreme authority shall be established, to whose decision, questions respecting our mysteries and traditions, our constitutions and our principles, may be referred; and whose final judgment shall be obligatory upon all, the greatest and most ruinous disparity must continue to prevail. One form will be adopted and taught hereanother, and different one, there; each refusing to yield to either of those differing from him-each claiming to possess the true light,' will set forth, and contend for his long cherished system; and thus, at no distant period, we shall hear of, not only York and English-French and Scotch rites,' but of N. England Masonry; Missouri Masonry, and Pennsylvania Masonry; of Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia rites-thus rendering that which should be now, and which might be continued to us and our descendants for all time to come, One in form, and precisely similar in expression, as variant in both, as are the features of those that constitute the several Grand Lodges It is time that we should surrender our claim to absolute infallibility, and constitute one supreme power, with adequate authority to decide for all. This, doubtless, constituted a principal reason for the organization of the two Grand Lodges of England, and was afterwards the cause of merging those into one Grand Lodge."

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In short, the opinion is, that this Grand Lodge should not contribute towards the proposed system of Triennial Conventions, but follow out to a consistent result the able argument of our Brethren of Missouri, quoted above at such length, by doing what it may to secure the formation of a General Grand Lodge, on principles similar to those on which the General Grand Chapter and the General Grand Encampment of the United States are based, to exercise powers and to perform offices relative to Ancient Craft Masonry, corresponding with those exercised and performed by those General Grand Bodies with regard to their respective Subordinate Bodies. This General Grand Lodge would be the organ of Foreign Correspondence, the body to be represented and to receive representatives, to correct abuses and irregularities, to hear and determine appeals, and to provide for the supply of all the wants of the several departments of the Insti

tution. It "appears, therefore, to be imperiously demanded, not merely for the welfare of the Craft, but for the preservation of our very existence, as a Fraternity." It is a measure fraught with no horror, in the minds of your Committee; would be submitted to most cheerfully, and its good it is believed, would largely overbalance all the evil that can be anticipated to result from it.

CONFERRING DEGREES.

Your Committee have had great happiness in observing that thoroughness in work appears now to be sought for among the Lodges, equally with uniformity and harmony. A disposition is beginning to be manifested every where, rather to make good and thorough, than to make many Masons; it is now realized that the strength of the Institution, is rather in the quality than the quantity of its members. The practice of hurrying candidates into the Institution after they have petitioned, and when initiated, of carrying them on from one degree to another, irrespective of proficiency in the degree or degrees taken, is undergoing correction in almost every quarter. It is some happiness to know that this comparatively youthful Grand Lodge has been forward in remonstrances against such haste. In 1841-the second year of her existence-she instructed, that "petitions of candidates should not be acted on, unless the same had lain over at least one month ;" and in 1843, pronounced it to be one of the greatest irregularities of which there was reason to complain in certain quarters, that there was a "disposition to push candidates on through the Second and Third Degrees, before they could possibly be skilled in the First or Second," and declared, that the Ancient Landmarks of the Order require, that the Lodge should know that the candidate is well skilled in one Degree, before he is advanced to another;" and in 1844, gave force to her expressions in these regards, by exemplary discipline in the memorable cases of Nauvoo. Several Grand Lodges have adopted the same or similar rules. That of New Hampshire has enacted, that "no candidate for initiation, can be proposed, balloted for, or made a Mason, at a Special Lodge, nor at any time, unless his application has laid over for the consideration of the Members, at least four weeks, before he can be balloted for, without a dispensation for that purpose;" and that "all Entered Apprentices must work five months as such, before they can be admitted to the Degree of Fellow Craft. All Fellow Crafts must work in a Lodge of Crafts three months, before they can be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason: Provided, nevertheless, that if any Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft shall make himself thoroughly acquainted with all the information belonging to his Degree, he may be advanced at an earlier period at the discretion of the Lodge."

A Foreign Grand Lodge, that of Hanover, has ordained, that "an Apprentice shall remain two years in that Degree, and a Fellow Craft one year in that Degree;" and the M. W. Grand Master decides against any deviation from the rule, on the ground, that "notwithstanding any assertion to the contrary, it is absolutely impossible for a Brother, let his capacity or assiduity be what it may, to acquire in a shorter space, the knowledge of his Degree, even in regard to its forms and customs. To neglect this regulation," says he, "and advance, at the expiration of a few months, nay sometimes a few days, a newly initiated member to the Master's Degree, is an intolerable abuse; and it has likewise this fault, that it strips away all the merit from that Degree, which is the most sublime one, and ought never to be attained, but as a reward for zeal, aptness and perseverance."

The Grand Lodge of Indiana provides, that a candidate shall not be initiated in less than one month from the time of the filing of his petition;" and that" more than one Degree shall not be conferred upon the same candidate in less than one month." Our youthful sister of Iowa has decreed that "no Lodge shall receive any petition for initiation or admission, except on the day of a stated regular monthly meeting thereof; and no ballot shall be taken upon such petition, except seven members are present, nor until the next monthly meeting after the date of its presentation; nor shall a candidate be advanced to a superior Degree without satisfactory examination as to his proficiency in the last Degree he took." The provisions of the Grand Lodges of Michigan and Wisconsin are in effect the

same. "The practice of examining candidates in the prior Degrees, before admission to the higher," says an able Grand Master, the want of the proceedings of whose Grand Lodge has already been noticed-M. W. A. H. Robertson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York-" in order to ascertain their proficiency, is gaining the favorable notice of Masters of Lodges, and cannot be too highly recommended to Lodges in this jurisdiction. It necessarily requires the novitiate to reflect upon the bearing of all that has been so far taught him, and consequently to impress upon his mind the beauty and utility of those sublime truths, which have been illustrated in the course of the ceremonies he has witnessed in his progress in the mystic art. In a word, it will be the means of making competent overseers of the work-and no candidate should be advanced until he has satisfied the Lodge by such an examination, that he has made the necessary proficiency in the lower Degree-those made under dispensation only excepted.

These views formed the basis of the resolution already adopted by this Grand Lodge, to the strict observance of which it is trusted the Subordinate Lodges will be held. It certainly had become necessary that the demand of "suitable proficiency" in a previous Degree, prior to further promotion, should be authoritatively defined; for, practically, it had well nigh lost all significancy. The definition given by this Grand Lodge, it will be seen from the above, is in accordance with the formed expression of a large and most intelligent portion of the Fraternity; i. e. that perfection in the preceding Degree is necessary to satisfy the demand. By concurring with sister Grand Lodges in enforcing this rule, the Grand Lodge of Illinois will contribute much towards raising the standard of Masonry, and harmonizing its practice with its theory and its principles, for she will make Masons, not merely ceremonially, but intellectually and morally.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

WE acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, for 1845. We give such portions as we have room for, and as seem to possess a general interest. At the meeting in February, 1845, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted :—

DEATH OF P. G. M. ECKHARD.

Whereas, it has pleased the Supreme Grand Architect of the Universe, in whose hands are the issues of life and death, to withdraw our beloved Brother GEORGE B. ECKHARD, late Most Worshipful Past Grand Master of this jurisdiction, from the labors of this earthly Lodge, to a seat among the just made perfect, there to participate in the eternal refreshments of his celestial Lodge :

Therefore, Resolved, That this Grand Lodge, while it bows in humble resignation to the inscrutable decree of Providence, yet deplores the death of its late Brother, as a loss to the Judiciary of an able and impartial expounder of the laws; to the State of an upright and useful citizen; and to the Fraternity of a virtuous Mason and pure Acacian.

Resolved, That this Grand Lodge sincerely sympathizes with the relatives of him, whose life exemplified the virtues of the dutiful son and the affectionate Brother, and whose death, though to him it has been a gain, is to them an irreparable loss.

Resolved, That this Grand Lodge at its next quarterly communication, be clothed in black, and that the members be requested to wear the usual mourning for thirty days.

Resolved, That a copy of this Preamble and these Resolutions be transmitted by the Grand Secretary to the aged mother of the deceased, and that the same be published in the papers of the city.

Br. Eckhard was buried by the Grand Lodge in Masonic form.

GRAND LECTURER.

At the meeting in March, 1845, R W. Br. ALBERT G. MACKEY was elected Grand Lecturer, under the following instructions: