country, and will, no doubt, receive your serious consideration. It has heretofore been more than once agitated, but always unsuccessfully. Distinguished names have been arrayed on both sides of the question. Without intending to express a decided opinion upon its policy, I am inclined to view the proposal with favor, if a representation analogous to that of the States in the electoral college for President, can be secured.

I submit to you a communication from the Grand Lodge of Texas, recommending the appointment of resident delegates near each Grand Lodge, and a letter from the M. W. Grand Master of Louisiana upon the same subject. I have declined to act upon this matter in any wise, without the express authority of this Grand Lodge.

At our last Annual Communication, upon the representation and request of many Master Masons residing in the State of Louisiana, a committee was appointed to visit and confer with the Grand Lodge of Louisiana or its officers, and to obtain as far as practicable, personal information upon the subjects referred to them, and I was requested, should said committee deem it necessary upon conferring with me, to call a special meeting of the Grand Lodge for the purpose of receiving their report and of acting thereon. As required by the resolution, a majority of the committee visited New Orleans, but I am not informed of the result of their mission, as no conference was had with me upon the subject, the committee doubtless deeming it unnecessary to make their report until this regular Communication. In the meantime, the subjects which gave rise to their mission, have assumed additional interest from the more formal action of Lodges and bodies of Masons in our sister State, some of which have been transmitted to us. I beg leave to lay before you the memorials, resolutions and letters in relation to this matter which have been received, and to recommend the whole subject to the most deliberate and serious consideration of this Grand Lodge. With the report of the committee which visited New Orleans, and the documents submitted, you will have all the requisite information. I will add, that in my opinion it is due to the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, as well as to the respectable memorialists and petitioners, that we should take deliberate, but final and decisive action upon this delicate subject.

I have thus briefly touched upon the leading matters which have been presented during the recess of the Grand Lodge. For other details, I refer you to the reports of the Grand Treasurer and Secretary.

May that ALL-SEEING EYE which for so many centuries has watched over our ancient and honorable Order, see nothing in the proceedings of this body, which wisdom or virtue would desire to blot out.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The following Brethren were elected to fill the offices of the Grand Lodge for the current year:

John A. Quitman, M. W. G. Master; Benj. S. Tappan, R. W. D. G. M.; S. H. Johnson, G. S. W.; Wm. H. Stevens, G. J. W.; Wm. F. Stearns, G. O.; Dan'l L. Russell, M. R. G. Chap.; C. A. Lacoste, R. W. G. Treas.; Wm. P. Mellen, G. Sec'ry.

NORTH CAROLINA.

We continue below our extracts from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, had at its last annual communication:

ADMISSION OF SOJOURNERS.

Resolved, That no Lodge, working under authority of this Grand Lodge, be allowed to admit a candidate applying from another jurisdiction, either within this or any other State, and whether he be rejected or not, without first obtaining the consent of such nearer Lodge, or from the Grand Lodge of the State from which he hails.

GRAND LODGE CERTIFICATES.

"The attention of your committee has been called to consider the importance of Grand Lodge certificates, as alluded to in the address of our M. W. Grand Master: They would urge the necessity of a provision being made for the convenience and benefit of the members of all subordinate Lodges within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. Therefore,

Resolved, That the Grand Secretary, under the direction of the M. W. Grand Master, have printed a suitable number of Grand Lodge certificates, in proper form, to be furnished to the subordinate Lodges in such quantities as may be required, at 50 cents apiece; one-half of which amount shall be as a fee for the Grand Secretary, and the other half as funds of the Grand Lodge."

EDUCATION.

"The committee on Education, to whom was referred so much of the Annual Communication of the M. W. Grand Master as relates to the scheme for establishing a Charity School by this Grand Lodge, and to the duty of subordinate Lodges in regard to the education of poor children within the limits of their jurisdiction, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully report:

1st. In regard to the North Carolina Masonic Charity School, that it is a matter much to be regretted, that nothing has been done during the past year to further this great and noble object. This, however, is no cause of discouragement; it can only retard, not prevent, ultimate success. The benign and benevolent institution proposed to be established is too important, opens too wide a field for the useful operation of the distinguishing principle of Masonry, and promises too rich a harvest of glory and substantial benefits to our venerable Order, to be abandoned for any, much less for light and transient causes. And it is a matter of heartfelt gratulation, that there is no necessity for even the temporary suspension of efforts to provide the means of carrying it into execution, suggested in the first communication of our M. W. Grand Master, that able and vigilant officer, from information received subsequent to its delivery, having been convinced that continued, persevering and judicious efforts must be finally crowned with

success.

The great object to be accomplished-the education of the poor-meets a hearty response in the bosom of every worthy member of the Fraternity; and the objections raised by some to the proposed plan of aiding in this important and interesting 'labor of love,' from a misapprehension of the means by which it is to be put in operation, and the principles upon which it is to be conducted, are vanishing away like mist before the rising sun. Many who at first opposed it, from this misapprehension, are now among its warmest advocates ; and it is believed, that when the matter shall be well understood by all, every subordinate Lodge in the State will not only approve, but give their cordial co-operation in the work.

There is no reason to the contrary to be found in any of the principles of justice or generosity which govern the actions of individuals or associations. The Grand Lodge proposes to make no application of the funds raised for other purposes to this object-to appropriate to it not a cent of the surplus funds (if it had any, but it has none) raised by dues from subordinate Lodges, without their consent to levy no contributions, to exact no dues for its establishment or support from the subordinate Lodges. Whatever may be done by Lodges or individuals, is to be like the participation in the feast of Ahasuerus, without compulsion-a purely voluntary offering-that the luxury of a willing and disinterested benevolence may by all be enjoyed. The simple proposition is, to raise by subscription, a fund sufficient to establish a seminary of learning, under the direction of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, in which may be educated, free from charge, such poor and destitute orphans and children of living brother Masons, who have not the means to confer this benefit upon their offspring, as may be selected for the purpose, from among those who reside within the territorial limits of the respective Lodges throughout the State. The

question, then, need not be asked, who is opposed to such a scheme? for none can oppose it; but who shall win the imperishable reward of giving to it the warmest, most liberal and efficient support?

2d. The next branch of the subject which claims the attention of your committee, is the education of the poor by the subordinate Lodges. This is of no less importance than that which has already been considered; and since it is shown that the duty will not conflict in the least with the design of the Grand Lodge, which proposes to absorb none of their funds, the committee feel the more free to express their entire concurrence with the views of the Most Worshipful Grand Master on the subject, and to recommend that it be earnestly urged upon all the Lodges under your jurisdiction, to carry out promptly and faithfully the measures recommended. All that is necessary to be said on the importance of moral and intellectual culture, is expressed in his expressive and comprehensive remarks; and the plan of aiding in this important work is also sufficiently indicated.

Let the general institution proposed by the Grand Lodge be established ; let the subordinate Lodges apply their funds and energies to the instruction of youth within their respective districts; let each one strive to show, which, according to its ability, can do the most; let the local send scholars to the general institution; and that they send out teachers to them in return; and it must be obvious to all, that so far from conflicting, they may move on harmoniously and benignly in their respective spheres, as the orbs of heaven, reflecting light and imparting strength and beauty to each other, and conferring incalculable benefits upon the world.

It is true, the times' are rather unpropitious for entering upon enlarged fields of benevolent enterprize; but to the enlarged and liberal zeal, governed by the sublime maxims of Masonry, they present no insuperable barriers. The greatest obstacle to be met with is, that prevailing form of selfishness, and covetousness, which our great light, the word of God, teaches us utterly to discard. Let this be rooted out-let even a few small rivulets be diverted from the river which administers so abundantly to our personal wants, and sent off to irrigate the thirsty gardens of charitable enterprize; and soon “the wilderness and solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose."

Masonry in North Carolina can no longer be satisfied with past parsimony and mismanagement of its means, but is awaking to the claims of enlightened charity and liberality. When this principle is abroad, the plan only is wanting to produce the grand and glorious result. A slight change in the language of a distinguished author, expresses the sentiment here attempted. An ancient writer relates, that the forest of the Pyrenean Mountains being set on fire, and the heat penetrating to the soil, a pure stream of silver gushed forth from the bosom of the earth, and revealed, for the first time, the existence of those rich loads afterwards so celebrated. Covetousness yields up its pelf for benevolent uses as unwillingly as if it were appointed to succeed the earth in the office of holding and concealing it; but let the melting influence of moral and religious obligation be felt; let the fire of genuine Masonry be kindled in the Lodges, and their ample stores shall be seen flowing forth from their hidden recesses, and becoming "the fine gold of the temple."

The Committee conclude by recommending the adoption of the following Resolutions :

Resolved, That a Standing Committee of three be annually appointed by the Grand Master, with authority and instructions to carry into effect as rapidly as practicable, the resolutions heretofore adopted by this Grand Lodge, with the view to the ultimate establishment of a seminary of learning; and that they report their proceedings annually to the Grand Lodge.

Resolved further, That while the Subordinate Lodges and individual Masons are appealed to for voluntary contributions in aid of this great enterprise, they are earnestly and affectionately urged to hold sacred all their initiation fees

especially, for the education of youth and other benevolent purposes; and it is recommended to each Lodge, in accordance with the suggestions of the M. W. Grand Master, to appoint a Standing School Committee, and to take such measures as may be best calculated to advance the cause of education among them.

T. J. LEMAY,

C. W. D. HUTCHINGS."

In conformity to the above Resolutions, recominending the appointment of a Standing Committee on Education, the M. W. Grand Master appointed the following Brethren on that Cominittee: Bros. T. J. Lemay, Thomas Loring and W. Hollister.

THANKS TO THE GRAND MASTER.

The following resolution was submitted by Br. Duncan McPherson, which was read and unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge are due, and are hereby tendered to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, P. W. Fanning, for the able, dignified, and impartial manner in which he has presided over the deliberations of this Grand Lodge during the present Communication, as well as for his uniform zeal and untiring industry at all times, in nobly endeavoring to advance the interests of Masonry.

Upon which, the M. W. G. Master arose and thanked the Brethren, for the unequivocal and unexpected manifestation of their approbation of his bumble efforts to fulfill his responsible duties, as expressed in the very complimentary resolution just adopted; and concluded by remarking, that he had never in all his experience realized, to so happy an extent, how good and how pleasant it was for Brethren to dwell together in unity;' not the least circuinstance having occurred to mar the harmony of their proceedings, or prevent an entire unanimity of sentiment.

EXPULSIONS.

At a special communication of Halifax Hiram Lodge, No. 96, held in the Masonic Hall, at Halifax, Va., on Monday evening, the 20th of April, A. L. 5846, the following resolution was offered and unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That Thomas McCargo, 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,

ED. R. FERRILL, Sec'ry.

At a special communication of Halifax Royal Arch Chapter, No. 28, held in the Masonic Hall, at Halifax, on Thursday evening, April 15th, A. L. 5846, the following resolution was offered and adopted unanimously:

Rrsolved, That Thomas McCargo, a member of this Chapter, be, and he is hereby expelled from all the rights and privileges of Royal Arch 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,

ED. R. FERRILL, Sec'ry pro tem.

MASONIC CHIT CHAT.

The next number will complete the 5th volume of this Magazine. The sixth volume will of course be continued to such as do not give directions to the contrary; and those Brethren who are not now subscribers, but propose to enter their names on our list for the ensuing volume, are desired to do so, if convenient, before the middle of October, in order that we may be enabled to fix, with some degree of certainty, the number of copies that will probably be required for the coming year. We need a considerable increase to our present subscription, and to this end we ask the co-operation of all our agents, and other friends of the work. We have a large amount of money due us from tardy subscribers, some of whom are in arrears for several years. This we also need, and trust we shall not be under the necessity of calling for it again.

JEWISH FREEMASONS.-The Grand Lodge of England has, after a correspondence and remonstrance, conducted by the Earl of Zetland and the Grand Secretary, resolved to withdraw their representative from the Grand Lodge at Berlin, in consequence of the refusal of the Prussian Lodges to admit Jews to their meetings, though such Jews have diplomas of the Grand Lodge of England. The representative of the Grand Lodge of Berlin is to be informed that he can no longer be acknowledged or take his seat in the Grand Lodge of England, in his official character of representative.

We learn that our Brethren at Pawtucket, R. I., will dedicate their new and beautiful Hall, on the fourth Thursday of the present month. A public procession, address, dinner, &c. will be had on the occasion.

The address delivered by Br. Sheppard, at Fitchburg, on the 24th June, may be had at this office.

Br. E. F. Greenleaf, M. D., is an authorized agent for the Magazine, at Alexandria, Mo.

Br. Teulon writes us from Calcutta, that he has recently been taxed $3 25 postage for a printed copy of the proceedings of one of our Grand Lodges, forwarded to him by the overland mail. We state the fact for his benefit, and for the information of the Grand Secretaries, by one of whom the proceedings referred to were forwarded. We will cheerfully take charge of, and forward any documents intended for him, or for the Grand Lodge of Bengal, if they are sent to us free of postage.

We publish in a preceding page, the official announcement of the organization of the Supreme Grand Council 33d degree, for England and Wales. It has been established by the authority of the Supreme Council for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States, and is another and a strong link in the "indissoluble chain" which unites the members of the Fraternity in both countries, into one "sacred band of friends and Brothers."

We have to acknowledge the receipt of copies of several addresses delivered on the late anniversary of St. John.

The request of our correspondent at Beaufort, N. C., shall be complied with on the receipt of the names of the officers of his Lodge.

The Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter of this State, meet the present month,-the latter on Tuesday, the 8th, and the former on Wednesday, the 9th.

We regret that we are under the necessity of informing our Brother at Charleston, Ill., that the diplomas he wishes, are not to be had in this city.

We have been compelled, by press of matter, to defer a large amount of general intelligence, foreign and domestic, which had been prepared for the present number. We shall try to find room for it next month.