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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following: First-In receiving petitions for initiation, and after referring them to committees, suffering them to be withdrawn.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 espe cially 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

hin with a salary for one year, sufficient to enable him to visit every Lodge in the State, during the year, and I 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.

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.

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