The Annual Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Kansas AF&AM - 1880 to 1884

GRAND LODGE of KANSAS A.F.&A.M.

GRAND LODGE

2018

THE ANNUAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE

A.D.1880 - 1884 A.L. 5880 - 5884

OF

KANSAS ANCIENT

FREE & ACCEPTED

MASONS

1880 - Not Held 1881 - Topeka 1881 - Topeka 1882 - Topeka 1883 - Topeka 1884 - Lawrence

Page 5 Page 279 Page 553 Page 833 Page 1155

PROCEEDINGS

M-.W-. GRAND LODGE STATE OF KANSAS.

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. H E L D IN T H E . CITY O F T O P E K A , pEBKUARr 16, 17 AND 1 8 , A . D . 1 8 8 1 , A . L . 5 8 8 1 .

M.-.W.-. W I L L I A M C O W G I L L , G R A N D MASTER, F R E D O M A . R.-.W.-. J O H N H. BROWN, G R A N D SECRETARY, WYANDOTTE.

LEAVENIVORTH: KF.TCHESON'S STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTING HOUSE.

i88i.-

GRAND O F F I C E R S F O R 1881-2.

M.-.W.-. WILLIAM COWGILL

.-Grand

Master

Fredonia.'

R.-. W.-. ALISER'T D . MCCON'AUGHY-/P^/;i/y Grand Master

Atchison.

R.-. W,-. GEORGE S. GUEEN

Manhattan.

Grand Senior Warden

R.-. W.-. SAMQEL R . PETERS

Grand Junior. Warden

R.-.W.-. CHRISTIAN BECK

.Grand

R.'. W.'. JOHN H . BKOWN

_.Newton.

Treasurer

Leavenworth

Grand Secretary

Wyandotte.

W.-. THOMAS BURROWS

Grand Chaplain

:

Emporia. •

W.-. A. H. ELLIS

Grand Senior Deacon

Beloit.

W.-. WILLIAM JULIEN

Grand Junior Deacon

Olathe.

W.-. A. M. SwiTZER

Grand Senior Steward

Hutchinson.

W.'. E. L. FosTER_-

Grand Junior Steward

Coffeyville.

W.'. JoH.\' L. JONES

Grand Sword Bearer

Neosho Falls.

W.\ F R A N K J. BROWN

Grand Marshal

W.'. H. D . PALMER

Grand Pursuivant

Russell. .

W.-. F R I T Z MAGERS

Grand Tyler

Leavenworth

,

Mii.scotah.

C O M M I T T E E ON CORRESPONDENCE. J O H N H . BROWN, Chairman,

•

-

-

Wyandotte.

B O A R D OF C U S T O D I A N S . LEVI P . MASON,

-

E D W I N D . HILLYER, J. M. KECK,

-

-

-

North Lawrence, Douglas County. -

-

Valley Falls, Jefferson County. Neodesha, Wilson County,

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. ToPEKA, KAS., February i6, 1881. The Twenty-fifth Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of ANCIENT, F R E E AND A C C E P T E D MASONS of the State^ of Kansas, with the following Grand Officers present and occupying their respective stations, viz : GRAND OFFICERS. M.-.W.-. J O S E P H D. M c C L E V E R T Y R.-.W.-. W I L L I A M C O W G I L L R.-.W.-. A L B E R T D. McCONAUGHY R.-.W.-. M A T H E W M. M I L L E R R.-.W.-. C H R I S T I A N BECK . R.-.W.-. J O H N H. .BROWN W.-. T H O M A S B U R R O W S W.-. J A C O B D E W I T T W.-. B. F . EVANS W.-. J. S. B A R T O N ^ W.-. G E O R G E F. F O R D W.-. P. C. G A R V I N W.-. W." W/. FRITZ MAGERS

^

Grand Master. -Deputy Grand I^aster. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. ^-.Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Chaplain. a s G r a n d Senior Deacon. as Grand Junior Deacon. as Grand Senior Steward. as Grand Junior Steward. Grand Sword Bearer. Grand Marshal. Grand Pursuivant. Grand Tyler. /

R O L L O F LODGES.

The M.'.W.'. Grand Master called the brethren to order, and directed the Grand Secretary to call the roll of Lodges, and a quorum responding, the Grand Master directed the further call of the roll of Lodges to be dispensed with. G R A N D LODGE O P E N E D .

The M.'.W. •. Grand Master, assisted by his subordinate officers, proceeded and opened the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Kansas in AMPLE FORM, the Grand Chaplain repeating the

4

Proceedings of the

February,

Lord's prayer. Ori motion of Brother G U T H R I E , the reading of the minutes of the last Annual Communication was dispensed with. CREDENTIALS.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master appointed Brothers FKANK DRUMMOND, J.

C. BENNETT and' GEORGE C . KENYON,

Committee on Credentials, who in due time presented a partial report, which was accepted, and the committee continued during the session, reporting from time to time the names of late arriving delegates. Appended is the full report of Committee on Credentials : . " To the M.\ W.-. Grand Lodge of

Kansas:

Your Committee on Credentials beg leave respectfully to report that we find by the Grand Secretary's annual fuiancial report, that the Lodges named below have paid the annual dues, and in all other respects complied with the Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Regulations of this Grand Lodge in relation thereto, and are therefore entitled to representation. We also find present several Past Grand Officers who are entitled to seats in the Grand Lodge. Fraternally submitted, F R A N K DRUMMOND, JAS. C. B E N N E T T , GEO. C. K E N Y O N , Committee. Leavenworth,

No. 2 — J O H N E . WALSTROM, S. W . , and proxy for W. M.

and J. W. Wyandotte,

No. j—JAMES

S . CLARK, proxy for W. M.; JAMES SNEDDEN,

proxy for S. W. and J. W. iVashington,

No. s—THOMAS

M . PRICE, proxy for W. M.; A. P. T E N N E Y ,

S. W . ; L. 0 . BERRYMAN, J. W.

Lawrence, No. 6—L. P. MASON, proxy for W. M., S. W . and J. W. Rising

Sun, No. 8—SIDNEY

P. TRESSLAR, W . M . ; B . E . LANGDON, J. W.,

and proxy for S. W. Oskaloosa, No. 14—B. P. FuNCHES, W. M., and proxy for S. W.; J. M. HASTINGS, J. W .

Great Bend, No. / f — A . ,T. HOISINGTON, proxy for W. M . ; W. W. P. CLEMENT,

Lafayette,

S. W.; M. B . F E T T S , S . W .

No. lb—GEO.

S . G R E E N E , W . M . ; H . C. CAMP, proxy for S. W . '

S. M. Fox, J. W. Topeka,

No. / ; — B . M C M U R T R I E , W . M . ; L . E . ESHELMAN, S, W . ; W . S .

RANKIN, J, W,

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

5

Franklin, No. 18—D. H . M C G E E , S . W . , and proxy for W. M. and J . W. Olathe, No. /p^FRANK MALTBY, W . M . , and proxy for J. W.; T. B. L E N TER, S. W .

Palmyra, No. ^ j — E . E. GADDIS, W . M . , and proxy for S. W, and J. W . Neosho, No. 2y—JAS.

A.

H O L L O W A Y , W . M . , and

proxy for S. W . ; B.

WOOD, j . W . Auburn,

No. 32—JOHN

L . P R I C E , proxy, for W. M^, S. W. and J . W .

Mound

City, No. 33—D. UNDERBILL, W . M . ; A. F. ELY, proxy for S. W . and J. W. Council Grove, No. 36—J. W. NoLAND, W. M.; H . W. G I L D E M E I S T E R , S . W . ; W. H . W H I T E , J. W.

Pao/.a, No. j 7 — E . W. RoBiNSON, W. M.; W I L L I A M GANO, S . W . ; G . A. COLTER, J. W .

'

Tola, No. 38—W. G . ALLISON, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W. , DeSoto, No. 40—A.

R. MILLER, W . M . , and proxy for S. W . ; J A S . C .

ABBOTT, J . W .

Delphian, No. 44—J. L. KERCHEVAL, W . M., and proxy for S. W. and J. W . Monrovia, No. 48—FRANK Orient, No. ^i—FRANK

E . CLOYES, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J . W.

BROOKS, W . M . ; C H A S . SPALDING, proxy for S. W . ;

S. W A K E L I N G , J . W . Shawnee,

No. ^4—GEO.

W . BLANTON, W - M . , and proxy for S. W.; P. G.

CROSS, J . W.

Troy, No. •S5—G\L0. W. W O O D , proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. -W. Spring Hill, No. 5 6 — A L E X . DAVIS, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J; W. Salina, No. 60—JACOB

D E W I T T , proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. *

Adams, No. 63—H. C. CooK, W. M., and proxy for J. W.; W. B. GLASS, S . W . Wathena, A'o. 64—ROBERT

P E R I G O , proxy for W. M., S. W. and J, W.

Frankfort,

W I L S O N , W . ' M . ; LOYD R. M C L A N E , proxy for

No. 67—JOSEPH

S. W. and J. W. Hiram, No. 68—GEORGE

K O H N , W . M . , and proxy for S. W . and J . W .

Carbondale, No. 70—J. M. GIDDINGS, S. W . , and proxy for W. M. and J . W. Mystic Tie, No. 74—H. D. H I L L , W . M . , and proxy for J . W . ; L. V E I T , S . W . Wamego, No. 75—ROBERT

B E A T T I E , W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J . W .

White Cloud, No. 78—RussELT, M. WILLIAMS, proxy for W. M., S. W . a n d J. W. Corinthian, No. 7g—JOHN M C P H I L L E N N Y , W . M . ; J. J . PLAYFORD, S . W . ; THOMAS F E N T O N , J . W . • Tuscan, No. 82—JOHN

L . J O N E S , W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

6

Proceedings

of the

February,

Golden Rule, No. 90—SAMUEL DOLMAN, proxy for W . M. and S. W . ; H. C. BOWEN, proxy for J . W. Mission, No. 9 2 — E L I J A H CRAVENS, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. Girard,

No. gs—MVRON

A. W O O D , W . M . ; J A M E S A. S M I T H , S. W . ; W . R .

V A N F R A N K , proxy for J. W.

Hartnony,

No. 9^—J. M. KECK, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W .

Delaware, No. 9 6 — D A N I E L G R I N T E R , proxy for W . M., S. W. and J. W . Patmos, No. g7—VL. C. F I T C H , W . M . ; C . P. STRONG, proxy for S. W.; E. N. S M I T H , proxy for J. W. Benevolent,

No. 9 ^ — G E O R G E C . K E N Y O N , W . M . ; M. C. HEMINWAV, proxy

for S. W . ; T . S. BARTON, proxy for J. W. IVichita, No. gg—GEO. Prudence,

E . H A R R I S , W . M . , and proxy for S. W . and J. W.

No. 100—C. D. NICHOLS, W . M ^ ; A. J . JAMERSON, proxy for S.

W.; H . C. PURCELL, proxy for J. W. Keystone, No. 102—E. L . FOSTER, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. Solomon City, No. loj—C.

W. ADAMS, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W"

Fortitude, No. 107—¥. H. AMSDEN, W . M . ; H. M. W A T E R S , proxy for S. W . ; A L E X . MOORE, proxy for J. W.

Americus, No. log—D.

A. STAHL, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J . W.

•Adelphi, No. iio—U.

G. TROOP, proxy for W. M. and J. W . ; C. C. BLACK,

proxy for S. W. Hesperian,

No. iti—RICHARD

Blue Valley, No. ii2—LEVI

BINNS, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

CHASK, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

St. Johns, No. / / J — T H O M A S L A I N G , W . M . ; W M . E . R E I D , proxy for S W.; G E O . C . SEARL, proxy for J. W . Excelsior, No. x/j—WM. Muscotah,

J. COCHRAN, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

No. 116—FRANK

J. BROWN, proxy for W. M. and S. \V.; B. B.

B E L L , T- W . Parsons,

No. 117—D.

BRONSON,

W . M . , and

proxy for S. W . ; D A V I D

K E L S O , proxy for J. W. Altoona, No. irS—T.

F . C. D O D D , W . M . and proxy for S. W.; R. M. R I C H -

ARDSON, proxy for J. W.

Cherokee, No. itg—E. Halcyon,

A. PERRY, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

No. 120—JAMES

STEWART, W . M . ; C H A R L E S BROWN, S. W . ; JAMES

S T E W A R T , proxy for J. W.

Woodson, No. 121—S. R. KELLOGG, W . M . , a n d proxy and S. W. and J. W. Godfrey, No. 124—0.

F . POND, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J . W.

Palestine, No. 127—rR. WOLFEY, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. VV. Crescent, Na, r^a-r-Q, M, ScOTT, S, W., and proxy for W. M. and J. W.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge .of Kansas.

1

Clay Center, No. 1^4—M. M. MILLER, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J . W. Vesper, No. 136—J. D. M C B R I A N , W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W. Sedgwick, No. ijg—J. . CAN, S. W .

S. TUCKER, W . M . , and proxy for J . W.; P. M. MoR-

Reno, No. 140—A. M. SWITZER, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W. Signal, No. 141—W. L. ScHENCK, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. Newton, No. 142—SAMUEL R . PETERS, W . M . ; SAMUEL SAYLOR, proxy for S. W.; A. BECKER, proxy for J. W.

Minneapolis, No. 14J—W. D. THOMPSON, proxy for W. M.; W. A. JOHNSON, proxy for S. W . ; W. FREEMAN, proxy for J. W. • Gilead, No. 144—GEO. FABER, W . M . ; J. E. PICKETT, proxy for S. W.; J. M. JEVVETT, J. W.

Mt. Vernon, No. J4S—^.S.

SEARCH, W . M . ; T . F . ROSS, proxy for S. W . ;

A. H . E L L I S , proxy for J. W.

Ellsworth, No. 146—H. F. HOESMAN, proxy for W. M. and S. W.; GEORGE HAYOKE; proxy for J . W.

Wellington, A^o. ijo—T. Cato, No. ijj—J.

R. LoWE, S. W., and proxy for W. M. and J. W.

W. SWAN, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Lincoln, No. iS4—D.

H . MALONE, W . M . ; D . W . HENDERSON, S . W . ; M.

D. G R E E N E , J. W.

Haven, No. iS7—J. W. HAMILTON, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. Larned, No. 167—B. F. EVANS, W . M . ; GEO. K . BURTON, proxy for S. W . ; F . C. H A W K I N S , J . W.

Parkeiville, No. 168—A. MOSER, proxy for W. M.; J. F. CRESS, proxy for 8. W.; H . CAMPBELL, proxy for J. W.

Sterling, No. 171—W. M. LAMB, W . M . , and proxy for J. W.; H E M AN L . MILLARD, S. W .

McPherson, No. 172—A. E. BONHAM, proxy for S. W.; D. C. W E L C H , J. W. Prairie Queen, No. 176—EDWARD

MACK, W . M . ; D A V I D T U R N E R ,

S. W . ;

W M . BROWN, J. W.

Russell, N'o. J77—H.

D . PALMER, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Mt. Moriah, No. 17^—G. W. MILNER, S. W . , and proxy for W. M. and J. W. Loiiisburg, No. iSo—J.

H . DAVIS, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Pittsburg, No. 187—CHAS.

W. and J. W.

W . LONG, W . M . ; J. W. JENNINGS, proxy for S.

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Proceedings of the

February,

GRAND OFFICERS PRESENT. M.'.W.-. JOSEPH D . MCCLEVERTY R.-. W . \ W I L L I A M COWGILL . R.'.W.-. ALBERT D . MCCONAUGHY R.'. W.-. C H R I S T I A N BECK R.'. W.-. J O H N H . ' BROWN W.-. THOMAS BURROWS

Grand Master... Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Chaplain.

-

W.-. B . F . EVANS

i Grand Junior Deacon.

W.-. F R I T Z M A G E K S . ^

Grand Tyler.

PAST G R A N D O F F I C E R S . M.-.W.'. J O H N H . BROWN M.-.W.'. O W E N A. BASSETT M.'.W.-. J O H N G U T H R I E ^ R.-. W.-. GEO. W . HOGEBOOM R.-.W.-. CHARLES C . KELLAM R.-. W . - . D W I G H T BYINGTON • R.-.W.'. W. F . JOHNSTON R.-.W.-. E. T . CARR

i

Past Past Past Past Past Past Past Past

Grand Master. • Grand Master. Grand Master. Deputy Gr. Master. Deputy Gr. Master. Deputy Gr. Master. Gr. Junior Warden. Gr. Junior Warden. '

PAST M A S T E R S P R E S E N T . J A M E S SNEDDEN and J A M E S S. C L A R K , W y a n d o t t e , No. 3 ; THOMAS M . P R I C E , Washington, No. 5 ; ' L .

P. M A S O N ,

Lawrence,

No. 6 ; J A M E S C .

B E N N E T T , J . J . BUCK, Emporia, No. 12; R. W . J E N K I N S , Nemaha, No. 13; W M . J. P I C K E R I N G , G E O . W . MINNOCK, Great Bend, No. 15 ; A. M. CALLAHAM, D . W. N E L L I S , T H O M A S J. A N D E R S O N , S . E . S H E L D O N , A. H. V A N C E , S. P. W A D E , S . E . M A R T I N , E . P. K E L L A M , Topeka, No. 17; W M . J U L I A N ,

Olathe, No. 19; JOHN L . PRICE, Auburn, No. 3 2 ; A. F . E L Y , Mound City, No. 3 3 ; L . C. C R I T T E N D E N , Paola, No. 37; J AS. B . ABBOTT, DeSoto, No. 40; P E T E R D . COOK, F R A N K DRU'MMOND, T H E O . P. R O G E R S , ROBERT E D WARDS, Orient, No. 51 ; JACOB D E W I T T , Salina, No. 6 0 ; P . C. GARVIN, Frankfort, No. 6 7 ; J A M E S H E L L E R , Corinthian, No. 79; J A M E S D . W A T E R S ,

Evergreen, No. 86; SAMUEL DOLMAN, G E O . SWARTZ, Golden Rule, No. 9 0 ; J. M. K E C K , Harmony, No. 94; C. N . J A M E S ; E . N . S M I T H , Patmos, No. 97; T . N . T R I C K E Y , Wichita, No. 99; H . C . P U R C E L L , A. J. JAMISON, Prudence, No. 100; E. L. FOSTER, Keystone, No. 102; A L E X . MOORE, Fortitude, No. 107; M . J . T R O O P , C H A R L E S C . BLACK, Adelphi, No. n o ; W M . E . R E I D , St. J o h n s , No. I I 3 ; W M . J. COCHRAN, Excelsior, No. 115; R. N. R I C H A R D -

SON, Altoona, No. 118; P. M. MORGAN, Sedgwick, No. 139; N. T . P. R O B INSON, W . Ri BROWN, Reno, No. 140; W. L. SCHENCK, Signal, No. 141; S A M U E L SAYLOR, Newton, No. 142; W. C INGRAM, Mt. Vernon, No. 145; J A M E S H O L L A N D , Wellington, N o . 150; J . W. H A M I L T O N , H a v e n , No. 157 ; G I L B E R T BEDELL, A. A. T H O R P E , L a m e d , No. 167; J O H N G R A Y , Sterling,

No. 171.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

9

ANNUAL ADDRESS.

The M.'.W.'. Grand Master then delivered thefollowing Annual Address: Brethren of the Grand

Lodge:

The many varying changes of human life bring as one of its most pleasant features, the re-union and greeting of old friends, the renewal of old acquaintanceship. Once more this has been vouchsafed to us, and with extremest pleasure I extend to the Craft of Kansas through you a hearty Masonic greeting. A little over twenty-five years ago a mere handful of Masons erected this Grand Lodge. The beautiful plains of Kansas \yere then the scene of many acts of violence, but hopeful of the future, and full of self-reliance, the new Grand Sovereignty entered upon its existence., Through every cloud however dark, the star of hope beamed brightly, and well might the young State adopt as its motto, "Ad Astra per Aspera" as a prophetic inspiration, for we already see the more than fruition of its early hope. The handful, of J 855 has grown to many thousands, while the citizenship of the State is fully a million. Well may we then indulge in a meed .of self-gratulation, nor forget to bow in thankfulness for " the manifold blessings we enjoy." The year just passed has been full of bountiful prosperity to the greater portion of Kansas, but not to all. In the northwestern portion many 'of the new settlers, wholly dependent upon the prosperity of the season, appear to have utterly failed in their crops, and many of them must continue in want until a new crop comes in. Limited though this destitution has been, yet almost daily we hear of self appointed and doubtless dishonest beggars, appealing for aid in the name of a starving State, and in the face of the fact that Kansas has more of the life sustaining productions for sale than anyother State of equal population in the Union. Anxious though I was to aid these sufferers, yet I determined to repress this promiscuous begging, at least so far as the Masonic • fraternity was concerned—and yet was- without sufificient

10

Proceedings of the

February,

vigilance to actually prevent "it. One of our Lodges, or at least one of its members in its name, Mountain Slope Lodge, -No. 186, of Oberlin, Decatur County, prepared a general begging circular, and its Secretary at once began to issue them. Fortunately one of the first fell into the hands of the Grand Secretary of Virginia, who rightly surmising that a wrong was beingÂŤdone the Masons of Kansas, at once sent it to me. Thankful for his timely action, I so expressed myself, and at once issued an order to Mountain Slope Lodge to show cause why its Charter should not be suspended for issuing this circular. But investigation, satisfying me that the Secretary had acted without authority, the Lodge having directed him first to secure my approval, I proceeded no farther than to suppress . the circular. While I hope that but little stigma has fallen upon Kansas .Masons, among our brethren in other States, because of this affair, yet I deem it my duty to report the facts to this Grand Lodge, if for no other purpose than to give voice to our common sentiment of utter condemnation of all these begging expeditions outside the State, and to assure all men that the greatest kindness to Kansas will be to turn from their doors all who claim to be Kansas beggars, and send them to the ample granaries at home. The contributions of Kansas Masons will be amply siifficient to care for the needy in our own Lodges, and this, I am satisfied, is our common sentiment and determination. N E W LODGES.

During the year I have issued Dispensations to fifteen new Lodges, and have refused more than that number of additional applications; but always acting upon what I believed to be good and sufficient reasons in each instance. While great care should at all times be exercised in starting new Lodges, yet I could not be unmindful of the fact that in the great influx of people during late years, many of them were Masons, who naturally enough desired a Masonic home in their new location. I am much gratified to learn that most, if not quite all of these new Lodges have been prudent and moderately

i8So-i.

Orand Lodge of Kansas.

11

careful, though in some instances rather too diligent. Still, no " good man and true " should be denied admission simply because many are seeking to "enter in." I cordially commend these new applicants to the tender mercies of the committee. And yet withal I would advance a word of warning to young and old alike, that they be not too anxious for work. A list of all Dispensations issued, and also of decisions made by me, is appended. L E O T A A N D ONAGA, U. D.

These two Lodges were specially placed in my charge at the last session, and knowing that my worthy predecessor was much more familiar with their situation than I could well hope to be, I commissioned him to investigate and determine what it rriight be most advisable to do. H e visited Onaga personally, and recommended a continuance of the Dispensation and some few changes in the officers. Approving his • recommendations, I set the Lodge at work again. Our M.'. W. •. Bro. HiLLYER also started to visit Leota- Lodge, but a business call detaining him, he recommended W.'. Bro. JOHN BissELL, of _ Phillipsburg, in his stead, under whose advice I also continued the Dispensation of this Lodge. In each instance it was hoped that another year of work would put these Lodges in good condition, but I cannot say that my information is very flattering, and especially as to Leota. When Leota Lodge was started, I am informed that Leota was the county seat, but that has since then been .removed to Norton, where there is every probability it will remain. Upon the recommendation of Bro. BISSELL, and also of Bro. L. P. MASON, both of whom visited the place, I started a new Lodge at Norton. While this probably did no injury to Leota Lodge, yet the removal of the county seat did, the distance between them being but a few miles, and I very much doubt if a good healthy Lodge can be sustained at Leota. The Committee, I trust, will give the representatives of both . of these Lodges a patient hearing, and in their report fail not to temper justice with mercy. N E M A H A LODGE, NO. 13.

Nemaha Lodge, No. 13, a near neighbor to Onaga, made

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Proceedings of the

February,

early application for permission to remove from America City to Havensville. The building of a railroad through that section appears to have ruined America City and built up two new towns, one at Soldier City and the other at Havensville. The removal was carried only by a majority of two, the minority favoring Soldier City. Failing entirely to induce harmony among the members of the Lodge, I denied the petition, mainly upon two considerations. To move the Lodge to Soldier City would place it about seven miles from Circleville Lodge, while Havensville is about the same distance from Onaga, and a removal to either place might injure the neighboring Lodge. Which town was most likely to prosper I "did not know, and had no information from which to judge. Besides this, I thought the success of Onaga Lodge doubtful, and that another year's time, together with an investigation by a committee, and a personal explanation by the representatives, a better result might be reached. I am satisfied the Lodge cannot live at America City, and if Havensville has shown itself the most prosperous place, it is probably best to remove it there, and especially so should it be found advisable to recall the Dispensation of Onaga. ^

MOUNT M O R I A H LODGE, NO. 179.-

Immediately after the election of officers in this Lodge, and prior to their installation, complaint was made to me that the election had been carried by unfair means. I at once ordered the Lodge not to install the new officers, and also commissioned Bro. B. F . EVANS, our Grand Junior'Deacon, to visit the Lodge and take such action as he deemed most prudent, at the same time suggesting that the best course might be to set aside the election and hold a new one. Upon his arrival there, the new officers themselves demanded this, and another election resulted in choosing the same persons as before, the attendance being quite full. This was acquiesced in, and harmony and good feeling restored among the members, a result brought about mainly by the wise and conciliatory course of the worthy mediator who consented to act in the premises. I am informed that the

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

13

Q

•real cause of the difficulty was some outside matter of a political nature, which it is unnecessary to suggest should find no place in a Masonic Lodge. AMENDMENTS.

The amendments, proposed last year were promptly adopted by the Subordinate Lodges, and the fact duly proclaimed. The investment of the Grand Lodge funds ordered at the last session, has not been made, for the reason that the Committee thought the premium upon Government bonds made school bonds much more desirable, and these could not be found, though it is probable an investment can soon be made. NON-PAYMENT O F DUES.

Last year I hoped to settle the ever recurring subject of suspension for non-payment of dues, by an amendment, then proposed, allowing such suspension to be made by simple motion, first requiring due notice to be given. The committee and the Grand Lodge took what seemed to me the very strange position, that such suspension could only be had upon formal charges and after due trial. Knowing that much difference existed as to practice, I offered my amendment for the purpose of settling the procedure, believing as I did, that our By-Laws intended a special procedure in such cases, and that Masons generally looked upon this as entirely different from what might be termed a Masonic offense. Lest- irregular practice might still continue, I took early occasion to issue a circular, calling attention, among other matters, to the proper procedure in such cases. I learn that much dissatisfaction exists as to this cumbersome procedure, and it is quite probable that the Committee and the Grand Lodge acted too hastily in deciding that the general principles of Masonic law required a formal trial in such cases. Indeed, in some States the simple practice is adopted of requiring the Secretary to mark each member suspended who is delinquent a certain length of time, and to mark him restored upon payment being made, entering these facts upon his minutes. In but few States

14

Proceedings of the

February,

is any trial required, and probably none should be, unless this ' is to be classed among the list of Masonic offenses. Most persons are apt to believe that when the cfelinquent dues are paid the offense has been removed. The offense usually arises from either poverty or thoughtless neglect, and few will look upon either as an offense. I mention this with every deference, yet hopeful that more mature consideration may lead to some more simple procedure. NON-AFFILIATION.

Another matter fruitful in unpleasantness, isthe duty of the Craft with reference to non-affiliates. That a Mason, simply to save the paltry amount of his dues, should become a nonaffiliate and.a drone, yet claiming good standing, seems almost incredible, and yet is undoubtedly true. All admit this to be a great wrong, yet none suggest a remedy. It is, however, well worthy of an effort. Perhaps an efficient remedy would be to provide that no non-affiliate whose dimit may be more than two years old shall be entitled to any of the benefits of Masonry. Your wisdom, however, should devise some remedy that will, at least, do justice to those who honorably bear their proper share of the common burden. R E V I S I O N O F C O N S T I T U T I O N AND BY-LAWS.

The many defects in our Constitution and By-Laws, incident to our rapid growth, again suggests the advisability of a general revision. The time is rapidly approaching when it will be impossible for a Grand Ma:5ter to efficiently and promptly perform the duties of his office under our present system. Few would imagine that from three to five hours a "day of actual time would be required of him, and yet for at least one-half the year this does not far escape the truth, while for the other half the labor is also very heavy. This is avoided in many States by having Deputies for convenient districts, to whom are delegated certain powers, and through whom alone the Grand Master can be reached, and then usually on appeal. Any revision that may be made should contain a full digest of approved decisions and such other matter as is

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

15

usual. This, of course, is an important work, and should be placed only in the most skillful hands, to the end that we may have it "well and faithfully, done," and when done, a credit to the Grand Lodge. As the " faithful worker" is ever worthy of his hire, a fair and liberal allowance should be made for the actual time and labor necessary to a proper execution of the work. But to get it well done, some one person should be selected to do the actual labor, with an Advisory Committee • to assist him in laying out the work, and then when finished, to pass upon and prune it. If well done, such a work would be valuable to the Craft of the State, and all expenditures could be reimbursed by the sale of the book to Lodges and individuals. P U B L I C I T Y IN MASONIC M A T T E R S .

Of late years there appears to be too great a publicity in Lodge matters. So common has this become that some of the city papers publish once each week, a statement of all work done during the past week, and to be done in the succeeding one, even specifying degrees, and after stating who did the work or in some way mentioning the officers, thus getting somebody's "name in the papers." If a Mason is put upon trial for some offence, it is frequently common streettalk. If one dies, resolutions are published, lauding indifferently the best and the worst. Equally in kind is the practice of public installations. Now, I cannot but think that all this " bodes no good," and that some such radical. cure might well be adopted, as forbidding any and all publicity, save and except the single and dignified occasion of the burial of a deceased Mason, or when responding, in deference to . some public invitation. This publicity is looked upon, and * often is, merely a kind of cheap advertising, and certainly . Masonry needs nothing of that kind. It operates, too, as a substantial wrong upon the public, since it induces membership by prompting sordid motives and hopes of personal gain, the failure to attain which, in turn, doubtless swells the long list of delinquents. Publicity is not always the indejt of dig nity, solidity or worth, but rather the opposite.

16

Proceedings of the

February,

PER DIEM AND MILEAGE.

At the last session a Committee was appointed to examine and report upon the question of Per Diem a.nd Mileage to representatives to this Grand Lodge. They have doubtless made a painstaking and careful investigation, and will, at this session, report their views and conclusions. Without desiring in the least to trench upon the domain of that Committee, or to forestall its action, yet in view of the serious importance of the subject, it may not be improper to mention it, if only to say a word of warning. The sessions of the Grand Lodge are now the occasion of pleasant, agreeable and instructive re-unions. Those who come up year after year are influenced by no mercenary motives, and in order to lighten the burden upon their respective Lodges, push business rapidly, yet carefully. Each renders an account of his stewardship upon his return and his expenses are, or ought to be, paid by the Lodge he represents. The time of the Grand Lodge is not burdened or harassed by business and unmasonic matters. Make the proposed change, however, and not only will it be necessary to increase our Grand Lodge dues, in order to meet this new demand upon our revenues, but this increased business demand will largely overshadow the legitimate duties of the Grand Lodge. Probably the less we have to do with business and pecuniary matters, the better. The accumulation of large funds and bank accounts, like the ownership of imposing buildings, demands legal protection and invites legal complication. Already, it is no new thing for a Masonic Lodge to be dragged into court or some of its members made the subject of unpleasant discourse, and all because of business affairs which it were better to have avoided. Nothing is more fruitful of discord than money matters, and no such step as this should be taken except upon the most careful consideration. INSURANCE COMPANIES.

Speaking of business matters, leads me to say a word somewhat by way of personal explanation as well as of warn-

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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ing. At different time.s the Grand Lodge has been urged to organize an insurance department, and eafch time wisely voted it down. I find,.however, that one or more of the Mutual Benefit Companies of this State adopt the name of " Masonic," and publish.the names of the three principal officers of the Grand Lodge as an Advisory Committee, a committee, however, which performs no duty, and these are doubtless published purely as evidence of an indorsement by the Grand Lodge. Were I an advocate of this plan of insurance, I might overlook the tacit indorsement which this action appears to give, but not being such, I would suggest that the authority of the Grand Lodge, if any has been given, be so modified as to authorize the publication only of the names of such officers as are desirous or willing to be made members of such a committee. While I have no doubt that the gentlemen managing these companies are perfectly honest and sincere, and also good Masons, yet I very much doubt the wisdom of indorsing this or any other business venture, however laudable may seem its aims, especially in view of the direct refusal of the Grand Lodge to engage in the business itself The best of enterprises may fail, and should that be the history of these, this indorsement by the Grand Lodge would bring it no credit while to indorse one enterprise gives color to the claim for other indorsements, which in time may entail serious consequences. CONCLUSION.

During the year I have authorized the removal of a few Lodges'to neighboring points, where the building of new railroads had made the change not only desirable, but in a manner necessary and where the general sense of such Lodges favored removal. I have also had the honor of appointing representatives near the Grand Lodges of New Jersey, Rhode Island and Ohio, and to the latter had the very pleasant opportunity of appointing our W.".Bro. D. W. COXE, Past Grand Chaplain of Kansas, whom most of us remember with so much pleasure and whom I cordially commend to the craft of Ohio.

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Proceedings

of the

February,

Our foreign relations have been undisturbed and pleasant during the year, and in Masonic circles the general tendency seems in this direction. In August last, by special invitation, I accompanied the Kansas Knights to the grand demonstration of Knights Templar at Chicago. Though only a Blue Lodge Mason myself, every courtesy and attention were shown me. The occasion was one long to be remembered. The warm fraternal friendship with which strange Knights greeted each other could not but give one a high opinion of the Order, while to witness the hearty gladness with which the Knights of Kansas welcomed those of Tennessee and Louisiana to their head- • quarters, could not but kindle one's admiration for the teachings of an institution so full of kindliness and friendship. For the kindness shown me, I return to the Kansas Knights my warrnest thanks. In November I also had the pleasure of making a visit to the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory at A-t o-k-a, in company with our R. •. .W.'. Bro. JOHN H . BROWN, and our W.•. Bro. L. P. MASON. The occasion was full of novelty and interest. Our M.-. W.". Bro. MUKROW, Past Grand Master and present Grand Secretary of that Grand Lodge, especially greeted us as only a sincere Mason and kindly Christian gentleman can do, while my old time friend, and one time room-mate, our M.*. W.". Bro. P. J. BYRNE, could find no words warm enough to welcome us, no cheer good enough to offer us. To say that our visit was pleasant and instructive, would scarcely be doing our generous friends full justice^ We found assembled a body of zealous and earnest gentlemen, anxious to learn and propagate the true principles of the Craft, while to the ' infinite and honorable gratification of Bro. MASON, they adopted our work after seeing it exempUfied by him. And now my term is drawing to a close. Though longer than usual, by reaspn of the adoption of the amendment proposed last year, yet it has been full of kindness to me, and if I have passed through the ordeal with any fair degree of satisfaction to you, I shall certainly feel profoundly grateful.

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Cfrand Lodge of Kansas.

19'

It does not often fall to the lot of one so inexperienced to be placed at the head of the Craft in a great and growing Commonwealth like this, and were it not for the kindly forbearance and friendly assistance shown me upon every hand, I fear I must have failed. Bros. J O H N H . BROWN, E . D . H I L L Y E R , L. P. MASON, JOHN BISSELL and B. F. EVANS, are especially deserving of my thanks, nor should I forget our R.".W.'. Deputy Grand Master, who, during my absence for some weeks at one time, was faithful in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him, while the Craft generally have evinced the rnost kindly friendship. Carry with you, then, to your homes, my warmest thanks and kindliest wishes, together with the hope that time may yet full often aford us renewed and pleasant greetings. J. D,

MCCLEVERTY, Grand

Master.

S P E C I A L D I S P E N S A T I O N S ISSUED. October', 28, 1879, to R.-.W.-. Bro. A. D. MCCONAUGHY, Grand Senior Warden, to unveil monument of late R.-.W.-. J O H N W . SMITH, Past Deputy Grand Master. October 28, to Adams Lodge, No. 63, to dedicate-Lodge room. November 14, to M.-.W.-. Bro. E. U. HILLYER, Past Grand iVIaster, to visit Onaga and Leota Lodges, U. D; ' November 18, to Oanga Lodge, U. D., continuing Dispensation, appointing certain officers of said Lodge and empowering it to act upon certain petitions for affiliation. November 24, to Holton Lodge, No. 42, to confer the third Degree) waiving time. December i, to Ottawa Lodge, No. 28, to confer the third Degree, waiving time. December 11, to Lamed Lodge, No. 167, to act'upon petition for affiliation of Bro. B. F. EVANS, waiving time and to elect Worshipful Master from floor. January 2, 1880, to W.-. Bro. B. F. EVANS, to visit Mt. Moriah, No. 179. February 4, to Newahcuba Lodge, U. D., to affiliate certain persons named. = 2

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Proceedings of the

February,

February 5, to f.yons Lodge, U. D., to receive petitions for affiliation of certain persons named. February 9, to Mountain Slope Lodge, No. 186, to confer degrees in certain case, waiving time. February 9, to Hartford Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of person named. February 26, to Greenwood Lodge, No. l 6 j , to confer 'degree, in certain case waiving time. March 2, to Cato Lodge, No. 153, to confer degree in certain case, waiving time. March 20, to Gaylord Lodge, No. 133, to confer degree in certain case, waiving time. March 26, to Belle Plain Lodge, No. 173, to confer degree in certain case, waiving time. April 5, to Sterling Lodge, No. 171, to confer degree, waiving time. April 17, to McPherson Lodge, No. 172, to confer degree, waiving time. April 20, to Marysville Lodge, No. 91, to elect Junior Warden and install such officers as had not been regularly installed. May 8, to Frankfort Lodge, No. 67, to confer degree, waiving time. ' May 8, to W. D. THOMPSON, as Special Deputy, to lay corner stone of new Lodge for Minneapolis, No. 143. May 8, to. Minneapolis Lodge, No. 143, to lay corner stone of its new Lodge. May i r , to Walnut Valley, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of person named. June 5, to Galena Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. J u n e 15) to Prairie Queen Lodge, No. 176, to confer degree, waiving time. June IS, to examine and advancea brotherat a Special Communication. June 15, to Patmos Lodge, No. 97, to appear in procession on July 4th, as per public request. J u n e 18, to Newahcuba Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. June 18, to Walnut Valley Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. J u n e 26, to Adelphi Lodge, No. n o , to lay cornerstone of church in Winfield. July 16, to Sterling Lodge, No. 171, to continue work as a regular Lodge until next session of Grand Lodge, notwithstanding the destruction of its charter by fire. โ ข July 23, to Mulvane Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. August 9, to Anthony Lodge, U, D., to re?eiye petitions for affiliation of certain persons naniยงd, ,

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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21

September 4, to Delphos Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. September 14. to R.-. W.-. Bro. A. D. McCoNAUGHY, as Special Deputy to lay corner stone of Presbyterian Church in Atchison. • September 28, to Mulvane Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of person named. September 28, to Anthony Lodge, U. D., to receive petitions of persons named. October 6, to Sterling Lodge, No. 171, to elect and install W.-. M.-. to fill vacancy caused by death. October 13, to Mystic Lodge, No. 74, to confer degree, waiving time. November 17, to Seneca Lodge, No. 39, to receive petition for restoration of a suspended Mason, late a member of original Seneca Lodge, No. 39, now extinct. December 10, to R.-. W.-. Bro. M. M. MILLER, as Special Deputy to dedicate new Lodge room of Minneapolis Lodge, No. 143. December 17, to Hays Lodge, U. D., to confer degree, waiving time. December 23, to W.-. Bro. L. P. MASONJ to visit Burr Oak Lodge, No. 178. December 23, to Harmony Lodge, No. 94, to install as W.'. M.-. a member elected from the floor. • ' . December 23, to Monrovia Lodge, No. 48, to remove to Effingham. January 3, 1881, to Nine Mile Lodge, No. 49, to remove to Lansing. • In addition to the above I have issued 25 Dispensations for election and installation of officers, where there had been a.failure to do so at the proper time. J. D. M c C L E V E R T Y , Grand Master.

.

O R D E R S AND COMMISSIONS.

December 8, 1879, commission to M.-.W.-. MARSHALL B. SMITH, as Representative near Grand Lodge of New Jersey. January 2, 1880, order to Liberty Lodge, No. 123, to report why Grand Lodge dues not paid, and as to certain other matters. January 26, to Mound City Lodge, No. 33, staying proceedings in certain case until further advised. January 29, to Olivet Lodge, No. 22, to report as to its jurisdiction in certain case and staying proceedings until further advised. February 3, to Monrovia Lodge, No. 48, to report why Grand Lodge dues not paid and as to certain other matters. February 4, appointing W.-. Bros. F. H . AMSDEN, FRANK STRAIN, L . P.

GETMAN, J. M. KECK, Deputy Grand Lecturers.

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Proceedings of the

February,

February 21, to Liberty Lodge, No. 123, extending time to pay Grand Lodge dues until May i, 1880. April 22, commission to W.-. Bro. D. W. Co.XE, as Representative near Grand Lodge of Ohio. July 16, to Mountain. Slope Lodge, No. 186, to show cause why Charter should not be suspended for is.iuing a certain "begging circular." July 23, to Mound City Lodge, No. 33, perpetually staying proceedings 'n certain case of advancement applied for. July 30, commission to R.-. \V.-. Bro. DAN'IEL BABCOCK, as Representative near Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. September' 15, to Smithton Lodge, No. r, staying advancement of certain candidate named. October 28, to convene Board of Custodians at Fredonia, on November 19th. November 20, appointing M.'. W.'. Bro. E. D. HILLYEK, as Member of Board of Custodians, to fill vacancy caused by resignation of W.'. Bro. G E O . S. G R E E N E .

,

November 30, appointing W.\ Bro. G E O . L . BULLOCK as Deputy Grand Lecturer. J. D. McCLEVERTY, Grand Master.

U. D. L O D G E S . December 15, 1879, Newahcuba, Stockton, Rooks County, W. DoNNELL, Worshipful Master.

T.

December 16, 1879, Henri, Tonganoxie, L'feavenworth county, E. H ' L I N T O N , Worshipful Master. ^ December 18, 1879, Walnut Valley, Sidney, Rush County, J O H N P. JOHNSON, Worshipful Master. January 9, 1880. Lyons, Lyons, Rice County, SALON GRAY, Worshipful Master. January 21, 1880, Hartford, Hartford, Lyon County, G. D. MAXSON, Worshipful Master. March 9, 1880, Galena, Galena, Cherokee County, W. B. STONE, Worshipful Master. March 11, 1880, Hays, Hays City, Ellis County, E. S. BEACH, Worshipful Master. March 30, Madison, Madison, Greenwood County, W. H. MAKEANEY. Worshipful Master. April 14, 1880, Canton, Canton, McPherson County, J. W. JONES, Worshipful Master. May 3, 1880, Blue Hill, Dell»i, Osborn County, W. M. DALTON Worshipfiil Master,

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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May lo, 1880, Norton, Norton, Norton County, A. GRAVES, Worshipful Master. May 12, 1880, Anthony, Anthony, Harper County, O. F . CASTEEN, Worshipful Master. » July 6, 1880, Mulvane, Mulvane, Sumner County, T. N. TRICKEY, Worshipful Master. ' July 31, 1880, Delphos, Delphos, Ottawa County, V A N E . BUTLER, Worshipful Master. September 9, 1880, Sumner, Caldwell, Sumner County, REUBEN BATES^ Worshipful Master. J. X). M c C L E V E R T Y , Grand Master.

DECISIONS. 1. A non-affiliate may be given Masonic burial by a Lodge, unless he is deemed unworthy. It would be poor charity to refuse for that reason alone. 2. While the Grand Lodge does not encourage Lodges to occupy halls in common with other organizations, yet it does not. prohibit, hence a Lodge may use the same hall with a lodge of A. O. U. W . 3. A Worshipful Master cannot order or issue a summons as such. may issue notices of meeting, but the Lodge alone can summons.

He

4. A petition for degrees which has been referred and is reported to a meeting held four weeks afterwards, may then be properly voted upon it being a regular Communication. 5. A.candidate petitioned Lodge A for the degrees, was duly elected, and received one degree. B, a neighboring Lodge, then claimed the candidate as its material, being within its jurisdiction. L o d g e A, upon investigation, conceded the claiin, and paid to Lodge B the money received for the degree already conferred. The candidate soon after moved his abode within the jurisdiction of a third Lodge, and there petitioned for the remaining degrees. Lodge A, at request of Lodge C, waived jurisdiction and informed Lodge C of the above facts. Query.—Should Lodge B also be requested to consent, or waive jurisdiction? Answer.—Yes. Lodge A having recognized the jurisdiction of Lodge B, the candidate is the material of Lodge B, and its consent must be obtained. 6. A man blind in one eye only, may be made a Mason. 7. A Kansas Lodge may, at the request of a Michigan Lodge, confer the third degree for such Michigan Lodge, upon one" qualified to receive it,

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Proceedings of the

February,

and for the same fee that the Michigan Lodge would have charged, thoughthat may be less than would have been charged by the Kansas Lodge, as in such case it would act for the Michigan Lodge, and the fee ivould belong to the Michigan Lodge. 8. Query. — A number of brethren were suspended for nonpayment of dues, simply on motion, and without having been notified. Can they be restored to membership by paying up their dues in full to date? Answer.—Yes. after^due trial.

They were not legally suspended, and only could be

9. A candidate petitions Lodge A for the degrees, and is elected. H e then removes within the jurisdiction of Lodge B, and petitions that Lodge for the degrees. Lodge A consents to this, on condition that Lodge B will allow Lodge A to retain $10.00 already paid to it for first degree, along with petition, the other fees to belong to Lodge B. Query.—What is the status of the candidate, the proper procedure, and if Lodge B accedes to the proposition of Lodge A, and confers the degrees, of which Lodge will the candidate become a member? Answer.—The proposition of Lodge A, if assented to, is practically a waiver of jurisdiction, in which case the petition of candidate should be the same as for affiliation, b u t should state the facts, be referred duly, and ballotted upon. If candidate is elected in Lodge B, and the degrees conferred by it, he will become a member of the latter Lodge. 10. A brother can only be suspended, for non-payment of dues after due trial, in the usual form. Any other attempted suspension would be void. 11. A candidate petitions Lodge A for the Degrees, is elected, and then removes near to Lodge B, where he asks to have Degrees conferred Lodge A waives all right, provided Lodge B pays it ten dollars of the fees. To this, Lodge B consents. What is proper course lo follow? Answer.—Upon these facts I decide that the candidate should petition Lodge B, as in case of a petition for affiliation, but stating the facts, that such petition be referred and a ballot taken. 12. The trial of one accused, whose residence is unknown, ought not to be held in less than thirty days from the meeting at which the charges are preferred. If his whereabouts becomes known and is reported to the Lodge before such trial is had, the case should be continued and a citation issued. If the trial proceeds in his absence, an attorney should be appointed to represent the accused, and a finding of guilty should only be made upon sufficient evidence as in cases where the accused is present in person and making a defense. 13. I t is not improper to ballot upon the question of advancement. In such case, if ballot is not clear, the candidate at the next regular Communication can apply again for advancement. 14. An accused Brother should be granted a continuance unless for very strong reasons, if his application is in good faith. The same person

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

25

could not act as one of the commissioners to take testimony and as one of the attorneys in the case, because such commissioners should be without interest or prejudice in the result of the trial. ^ 15. Persons desiring to form a new Lodge must send dimits with their petition. One can not remain a member of an existing Lodge, and without obtaining a dimit unite in forming a new one, as this would permit him to be a member of two Lodges at the same time. 16. A majority vote of the members'present is sufficient to grant a waiver of jurisdiction over a candidate, unless some member of the Lodge makes a formal objection to his advancement. 17.

A Lodge has.no power to suspend any of its officers from office.

18. The removal of his residence by a stationed officer, as a Junior Warden, does not vacate his office. Hence no Dispensation can be granted to elect another. 19. If a Mason under charges demands immediate trial, the Lodge may waive time and grant his request. 20. An elected officer, after being installed, can not resign nor in any other manner create a vacancy. 21. The W.-. M.'. is not compelled to take notice of a verbal objection to the advancement of a candidate, made outside the Lodge; but if the objecting brother be absent, he ought, in deference to him, delay advancement at least until the next regular communication, to afford time'for stating a formal objection. A brother, if unable to be present, may communicate his objection in writing to the Lodge, and such objection would bar advancement until withdrawn.' 22. A brother asking a Lodge other than the one to which he originally petitioned to confer the remaining degrees, upon a waiver of jurisdiction must pay the fees provided by the By-Laws of the Lodge to which such waiver is given. 23. There is no appeal from the decision of the W.-. M.*. to the body of the Lodge. For any wrong he may commit he is responsible to the Grand Lodge alone. 24. A report of a committee may be adopted by a majority vote of those present. A mere objection by one member can not prevent such adoption by the Lodge. • ' , 25. Where Lodge A confers degrees upon a candidate elected in Lodge B, upon its request and for it, such brother becomes a member of the Lodge in which he was elected. In the absence of any understanding, the fees for degree would also belong to the same Lodge, 26. Not_ being a Chapter Mason, I cannot clearly say whether one who has met a Mason in Charter can vouch for him in Lodge, but I am strongly of opinion that it would be such "lawful information" as would justify him in so doing. 27.

The obligating and initiating of candidates must be separately done

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Proceedings of the

February,

with each, but the succeeding lectures may be imparted to more than one at the same time. 28. A Lodge in Kansas can amend or change its By-Laws -at will, without approval of Grand Lodge, subject to complaint and punishment for any violation of the Constitution or established law. 29. A brother who has served as Warden, whether in this or any other State, is eligible" to office of Master. 30. The Deputy Grand Master in any matter specially referred to him by the Grand Master, has power to act as/ fully as the Grand Master could, if personally present, as tp publicly dedicate a Lodge room. 31. Where one who has been rejected in Lodge A, petitions Lodge B for the Degrees, the latter Lodge should get a waiver of jurisdiction from Lodge A before acting upon his petition, he having thus become the material of Lodge A. . • 32. There is lio rule in Kansas as to how often non-affiliates may visit a Lodge ; hence, each Lodge must decide for itself. 33. A Mason on demit, who petitions a Lodge for affiliation, can withdraw his petition at any time before ballot is taken thereon.

. REPORTS OF GRAND SECRETARY AND TREASURER.

R.". W.'. Bro. BROWN, on behalf of himself and R.'.W.'. Bro. CHRISTIAN BECK, then submitted the reports of the R.'. W.'. Grand Secretary and the R.'.W.'. Grand Treasurer, and they were duly referred to the proper committees. . GRAND SECRETARY'S REPORT. To the R.-.W.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas : '

Under the Constitution and By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, it becomes my duty as your Grand Secretary to submit, for your information, a detailed statement of the official transactions of my office for the fiscal year, ending under our amended law, December 31, 1880. The first business in order after the close of our Annual Communication is the preparation and printing of the Proceedings. This was done at as early a day as possible, and they were distributed in the usual manner, two hundred copies, stitched, being set aside for binding at the proper time in the future.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

27

The work this year is, as we are pleased to believe, the equal of any of its predecessors, both in matter and in typographical appearance. It has been the earnest desire of your Grand Secretary to make the Proceedings of Kansas in every respect equal to any of her cotemporaries, and we can only add the hope that the perusal of these Proceedings will afford the patient reader as much pleasure as its compilation and printing has to the one appointed to perform these duties. COMPOSITE LODGE.

At the last Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, the Charter of this (Composite) Lodge was, on the recommendation of the Committee on Chartered Lodges, revoked, and the Grand Secretary directed to take possession of the charter, seal, books and any other property the said Lodge might have in its possession. These instructions have been fully complied with and the effects are now in my hands, subject to your order. This Lodge owned no property outside of a few pieces of very ordinary furniture,, which were disposed of to apply on the debt owed by the Lodge. The offices of this Lodge were very loosely conducted, a fact which we learned from an examination of the books and from the statements of some of the members. Quite a large amount in dues remains unpaid, some of the brethren owing as much as ^15.00. Some have never paid a farthing of dues since they were admitted as members. A t the time when the holding of Lodge meetings was discontinued there was a debt of about |1145.00 for rent due, suit was commenced and judgment obtained against the brethren', and some of those who were able to pay did so,'to avoid any further disgrace. To a number who have paid their dues I.have issued certificates. The amount paid in on account of dues has been applied to the payment of the rent. If all the members in arrears for dues would pay up, the entire debt could be extinguished without any trouble. I have notified all who are yet in arrears to pay the amounts severally due, and that certificates would be issued to such as did so and to none others.

28

Proceedings of the

February.

D E L I N Q U E N T LODGES.

In accordance with your instructions, given at our last Annual Communication, as soon as the printing and distribution of the Proceedings was accomplished, I notified the several Lodges which were in arrears for dues of the amount due from each and requested payment at as early a day as possible. I am pleased to say that about all have complied, and to the few that were not in condition to pay I deemed it but just to extend the time. There are a few small balances still outstanding, occasioned by errors in making up annual returns. A full statement of the amounts paid will appear in my annual financial report, appended hereto. It is to be hoped that the good brethren who fill the Secretaries' chairs will in the future see the importance of giving these annual returns prompt attention and look to it that they are made out and forwarded in due time to the Grand Secretary, together with draft for amount due; The labor of making out these annual returns requires only a few hours time, and we are unable to see any good reason whiy theyshould be delayed, as they often are, far beyond the time fixed by olaw. It is not,the intention of the Grand Lodge to keep a debit and credit account with each Lodge. BINDING PROCEEDINGS.

We will have, with the present year, the Proceedings of three years, viz., 187S, 1879 ^"<^ 18S0, which, when bound, will form a handsome and convenient volume of not less than nine hundred pages.' By so doing each subordinate can become the possessor of a complete file of our Proceedings in such shape that they can be preserved. I would, therefore, recommend the binding of these Proceedings in the same style as those of 1877 and that one volume be sent to each particular Lodge. R E E S MONUMENT.

I regret to report the failure of a large proportion of the Lodges to contribute to the R E E S Monument Fund. I have received from many Lodges expressions of sincere regret that

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kamas.

29

they did not feel able to contribute to so laudable an object; some say that the Grand Lodge should pay the amount necessary out of the Grand Lodge Treasury, and" some declined contributing to the fund without giving any reasons therefor. The monument cost ^ i , i o o ; of this sum ^50.00 was donated by the manufacturers and the remainder paid out of the Grand Lodge Treasury. Four hundred and sixty-seven and sixty one hundredth dollars of this amount has been covered back into the Grand Treasury by contributions from various Lodges. The details as to the Lodges which contributed to this .fund and the amount paid by each will be found in my financial report — marked Exhibit " D." ANNUAL RETURNS.

\ye note with pleasure a manifest improvement in the time of making up and sending in the annual returns for this year. . Over three-fourths of the Lodges had made returns and paid Grand Lodge dues at the date of closing our report, January 31, 1881. This is done, notwithstanding the change made in the Constitution and By Laws in relation to the time of holding our Annual- Communication and consequently of making returns. The usual number of little inaccuracies appear, such as omission of the signature of the Worshipful Master or of the "Secretary, (and sometimes both of these officers forget this important official act.) The seal of the Lodge is not unfrequently omitted, etc. I shall only speak of these little errors and omissions in a general way, not naming any particular Lodge, as I have no desire to infringe upon, the province of the Committee on Returns. The annual returns are now upon our table, arid any who so desire can examine for themselves arid see whether their Secretary has failed to complete the work in making up his annual returns for the year ending December 31, 1880, or not. Our good Brother Secretaries may not stop to consider it, but it is nevertheless a fact that these annual returns, when properly made up and preserved, as they should be, by every

30

Proceedings of the

February,

Lodge, will be of the most material aid to the future Historian in compiling a correct history of the various Lodges in our Grand Jurisdiction. Do with these returns as you would with an important business paper of your own. OUR VISIT TO MISSOURI.

In October last, in company with R.'. W.'. Bro. A. D. McCoNAUGHY, our Grand Senior Warden, we visited the Grand Lodge of Missouri, our next door neighbor, and to whoni we as a Grand Lodge are very rnuch indebted for what we have achieved Masonically, We were introduced by the M.'. W-'- Grand Master to the brethren, and received frorh them assurances of a hearty welcome to all the privileges due our Masonic rank. W e here found assembled in Annual Communication some of Missouri's brightest minds, and it was truly gratifying to witness the earnest and patient labor that these distinguished Praters were performing in the Masonic vineyard. Much important business was transacted during their sessions, part of which was the adoption of the Revised Code and , ordering the same printed. This • important- work was compiled and arranged in admirable shape for future reference by a good brother under the supervision of the Committee on Jurisprudence, There were many other interesting transactions which will more fully appear in our next AnnualReport on Correspondence. . These visits are not only highly .interesting, but will do much in the way of strengthening the Masonic ties that bind us into one common brotherhood. We were promised, and hope to see here on this occasion, a number of our Missouri Praters, and should they favor us with their presence let no effort be spared on our part to make their stay with us pleasant. TO THE INDIAN TERRITORY.

At various times during the last three years cordial and and fraternal invitations have been extended and reiterated by our old and valued friend and M . . W.\ Brother, P. J. BYRNE,

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

31

Grand Master, and by Past Grand Master Bro. J. S. MURROW,now Grand Secretary, of the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory, to the officials of this Grand Lodge, asking us to accept their kindly hospitality. So, when the time arrived for the' meeting of that thriving young Grand Lodge, a party was made up, consisting of your Grand Master, M.'.W.". Bro. McCLEVERTY, L . P . MASON and your Grand Secretary, with a view to a descent into that land, that we might not only "view the fatness thereof, but find the Sachems gathered by the Council fire." On the 2d of November, after discharging my duty as an American citizen and legal voter, I set out in company with Bro. MASON over the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Gulf Railroad as far as Ft. Scott, where we were joined by the Grand Master, completing the party. We were taken over the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad by Conductor MAXWELL," who is not only a prince of good fellows among men of the railroad persuasion, but a skillful worker on the Masonic Temple, none knowing better how to spread the cement of brotherly love and friendship. We arrived in A-t-o-ka, L T., at twelve o'clock on the following day and were met at the train by a committee, headed by M.'.W.'. Bro. J. S MuRROW, who received us with that large hearted kindness only known and practiced by the workers of the " gentle craft" who have the highest regard for its teachings and'its honor. They escorted us to the mansion of Bro. MURROW, and made us to feel that we were, in the highest sense, welcome and " at home." It being then high twelve, the GrancI Lodge had been called from labor to refreshment until two o'clock p. M. At that hour we were conducted to the place of meeting by the Committee, and were formally introduced tp the Grand Lodge by Bro. MURROW, receiving from that M.'. W.'. body the honor due to rank, fraternally accorded, with hearty assurances of the pleasure it gave them to meet members of the Craft from Kansas, and to exchange Masonic greetings. The.brethren there spared no pains to make our stay ^mong thern pleasant, and we gap assure then), for our part,

32

Proceedings of the

February,

that their efforts in that direction ware crowned with abundant success, for the memory of their genial kindness and all the pleasant experiences of our first visit to the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory, of the warm greetings of individual brethren and the hospitality of their estimable families, will remain with us while " reason holds his seat." Our visit there reminded us of the days of our boyhood, when a " b i g meeting ". was held in the neighborhood. All come in from near and far, those from a distance being the guests of the good folks of the neighborhood, and the best the country afforded was set up before them, by the hospitable matrons of the various households. So it seemed to be with the brethren of A-t-o-k-a. All the members of the Grand Lodge were hospitably cared for among the brethren of A - t o - k - a during their stay, and feasted in good old-fashioned style. The weather was pleasant, (and we know that this means much more in our southwestern climate than it does in many States, where the phrase only indicates a cessation of hostilities by the elements), and taken all in all, we can only say that the trip was one round of thorough enjoyment. May peace and prosperity ever abide with our courteous entertainers of A-t-o-k-a.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

33

G R A N D S E C R E T A R Y ' S ACCOUNT O F D U E S - C O L L E C T E D F O R T H E Y E A R E N D I N G DECEMBER 31, 1880. No.

LODGE.

Smithton Leavenworth. Wyandotte Kickapoo Washington . . Lawrence

9 10 II 12 13 14 IS 16

Union Rising SunAcacia King SolomonJewel Emporia Nemaha Oskaloosa. Great Bend Lafayette Topeka Franklin

19 20 21

Olathe Circleville Valley FallsOlivet

23

Palmyra

24 25

Osage Valley. High Prairie-

26

Longton

27 28

Neosho Eldora

29

Pacific

31

Arcana.^

32

Auburn

33

Mound City

35 36 37 38 39

Hiawatha Council GrovePaola lola Seneca

D U E FOR. AMOUNT. 1880 1880 1880

24 56 5°

1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1880

75 0 0 62 0 0

1879 1879 1880 1880 1880 1879 1880 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1879 ,1880 1879 1879 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1880

00 00 50

67 so 29 29 68 35

50 50 50 50

5°

49 5 ° 18 0 0

AMO'NT PAID. ; 24 00 56 00

so-so 75

00

129

50

59 C O 68 50 35 50

5°0 0

48 so

18 0 0 48 50

16 50 16 50 2S 00

33 0 0 25 0 0

29 29 84 95 34 35 41 13 27

SO 5° 00 00 00 0° so 50 00

8 so 14 i8 19 8 . 6

50 50 00 00 50

1879 1880 1880 1879 1880

10 11 13 11 19 23 23 10 12 19 49 52

00 50 50 00 00 00 00 00 00 50 00 00

1880 1880

46 30

50 00

8 so

'59 0 0 179 0 0 69 41 >3 27

00

50 SO 00

23 0 0 37 SO 14 5 0

8 so . 21 so 13 SO II 0 0 40 00 23 00 22 0 0 19 SO loi

00

46 so 30 0 0

p

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36

Proceedings of tlte GRAND SECRETARY'S

No.

LODGE.

'3° Polar S t a r . _. 13' Equity 132 Carson Crescent 133 Clay Center' 134 Lenexa >3S Vesper <36 Cherryvale'37 Pomona 138 ' 3 9 Sedgwick 140 Reno 141 Signal 142 Newton 143 Minneapolis ' 4 4 Gilead '45 146 '47 '49 150

Mt.' Vernon Ellsworth.-. Centerl Thayer Wellington.

'5'

Douglas

^SZ 154 '55 156 '57 '58

Cato Lincoln Hope_^

February,

KKVOKT—Continued. D U E FOR. A M O U N T . 1879 1880 1880 1889 1880

33

1879 1880 1880 1879 1880 1880 1880

28 21 16 18 16 16

63 13

45 36 21

50 50 00 00 SO SO SO

66 50 14 5 0 61 50 21 0 0 3 4 50 32 0 0 63 13 45 36 21

50 50 00 00 50

1879 1880 1880 1879 1880 1880 1S80

16' 50 12 29 0 0 13 SO 15 0 0 17 0 0 16 5 0 «5 0 0 16 0 0

3' 00

24 50

24 50

«3 5° '5 5 0 '3 0 0

13 50 '5 5 0

1879 1880 1880 1880 1880

Parkersville.

1879 1870 1878

'/'

'4

12 0 0 10 5 0 15 0 0 26 0 0

23 32

1880

Ida Sterling

39

50 $ 50 SO 00 00 00 50 50 00 SO 00 00 SO 00 00

1879 1880

Larned"

no

'5 26

1879 1880 1880 1879 1880

167

Blue Rapids

10

30

'59 160 161 162 '63 164 165 166

169

S 6

1879 1880 1S80

Dexter Haven Active Robinson-.:._ Saqui Alma Sabetha Greenwood. Cedarvale.-. Oxford._•„_ Farmers

16S

«

AMO'NT PAID.

1879 1880 1880 1879 1879 1880 1879 1880 1879

1879 1879 18S0 1880

5°

56 0 0 16 50 12 50 29 0 0 28 5 0 17 G O 16 5 0

'4 0 0 «9 5 0 8 00 20 0 0 12 0 0 '3 0 0 22 0 0 II 50

87 0 0

40 00

40 00

8

so

12 SO

7 so 6 00 13 0 0 9 00 '9 0 0

19 8 20 12 13 22 II

50 00 00 00 00 00 50

21 0 0 13 5 0

•

22 0 0 19 0 0

iSSo-'

37

Cfrand Lodge of Kansas. GRAND SECRETARY'S

No.

LODGE.

REPORT—Continued.

DUE

FOR. AMOUNT.

172

McPhersoii

879

•73

Belle P l a i n

880

174

Western

175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185

880 880 880 880

879

Star—

186

Kirwin Prairie Q u e e n ^ , . Russell Burr Oak Mt. Moriah Louisburg Olive Burrton..: Gaylord Phillipsburg Hamlin 1 Mountain Slope

187

Pittsburg

U.

D.

Leota

U.

D.

U.

D.

U. U. U. U. U. U. U. U. U. U. U. U. U. U.

D. D. D, D D D, D D. D D, D D, D D,

880 880 880 S80 880 87,9 880 880 880 879880

Onaga Newahcuba Henri Walnut Valley Hartford Lyon Galena Hays Madison Canton I51ue H i l l •_ Norton Vlulvane Anthony Delphos Caldwell j.oo overpaid, 1878.

00 SO 50 50 00 50 50

28 00 17 50

8 00

8 00

12

34 00 16 00 14 50 22 50

10 50 8 50

00

8 50 14

00

9 8 19 10 9

50 00 00 50 00

14

00

9 SO 27 00 10 50 9 00

6 ool

14 00

8 00

880 880 880

9 00 16 00 16 50

9 00 16 CO 16 50

iio

'11 So

II 50

880 880 880 880 880 880 880 880

* $1.00 overpaid, 1879.

28 J7 •4 19 16 14 22

AMON'T PAID.

10

10 0 0

00

S so

S SO 11

00

11

8 50

00

8 50

II 00; 8 50;

II

10 50

10

00

8 50 9 50

9 so;

•'$1.50 overpaid, 1879.

\

50

February,

Proceedings of the

38

S C H E D U L E " B " BEING A B S T R A C T O F C H A R T E R F E E S REC E I V E D FROM THE LODGES N A M E D BELOW, TO WHOM C H A R T E R S W E R E G R A N T E D AT T H E A N N U A L COMMUN I C A T I O N OF T H E G R A N D LODGE OF KANSAS, OCTOBER, •S79TOWN.

NAME.

No

178 Burr Oak 179 Mt. Moriali iSn i S i Olive iS-' I S T Gaylord I $4 186 187 Pittsburg

COUNTY.

AM'T.

Burr Oak Louisburg

S 20 00 Edwards Miami

20 00 20 00

Burrton

2 0 00 20 00

Pliillipsburg Hamlin Oberlin New Pittsburg

Pliillips 20 00 20 00 20 00

Crawford..

S C H E D U L E " C " BEING A B S T R A C T OF D I S P E N S A T I O N F E E S R E C E I V E D FROM T H E N E W LODGES N A M E D BELOW^ TO W H O M D I S P E N S A T I O N S W E R E G R A N T E D BY T H E G R A N D MASTER D U R I N G T H E YEAR E N D I N G D E C E M B E R 31, 1S80. TOWN.

NAME.

Walnut Hills

Tonganoxie Sidney

Hartford

Hartford HaysCity Madison

Blue Hill

Delhi Norton

COUNTY.

Leavenworth Rush Rice Ellis Greenwood McPherson Osborne Norton Harper

Mulvane Caldwell

AM'T.

Sumner

,

% 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

GO 00 00 CO 20 00 00 00 00 00 CO CO 00 00 CO

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

iS8o-i.

39

S C H E D U L E " D , " S H O W I N G T H E AMOUNT C O N T R I B U T E D BY V A R I O U S LODGES I N T H E S T A T E OF KANSAS FOR T H E REES' MONUMENT FUND. No

N A M E OF L O D G E .

Leavenworth... Wyandotte 5| Washington 8 Rising Sun...... o King Solomon. II Jewell 12 Emporia Oskaloosa '4 17 Topeka 20 Circleville 21 Valley Falls.... 25 High Prairie... 32 Auburn 35 Hiawatha 42 Holton 44 Delphian 45 Easton SI Orient 54 Shawnee 56 Spring Hill 58 Mt. Pleasant... 59 Dick Rees 6 La Cygne 63 Adams 65 Gardner 67 Frankfort 68 Hiram 73 Chetopa 79 Corinthian 83 Doric 84 Jefferson 92 Mission 95 Constellation . 97 Patmos 98 Benevolent 99 Wichita 100 Prudence lOI Euclid 104 Frontier 105 Solomon City., IIQ Adelphi " 3 St. John Parsons I Altoona I Cherokee 120 Halcyon •25 Cawker City. 126 Meridian 128 Ottawa •3 Crescent 134 Clay City.....

LOCATION.

Leavenworth..., Wyandotte Atchison Fort Scott Leavenworth... Jewell City Emporia Oskaloosa Topeka Circleville Valley Falls Leavenworth... Auburn Hiawatha... Holton Garnett Easton Topeka Shawnee Springfield Mt. Pleasant. .. Hope La Cygne Oswego Gardner Frankfort Leavenworth .. Chetopa Burlingame Endora Winchester Osage Mission. Fredonia Eldorado Abilene Wichita Columbus Lyndon Washington Solomon City. Winfield Concordia Parsons .'Mtoona Cherokee ........ Peabody Cawker City... Elk Falls Ottawa Ark City Clay Center....

AM'T PAID.

Proceedings oj tJie

40'

SCHEDULE No

N A M E OF L O D G E .

•35 Lenexa 138 Pomona 139 Sedgwick..., 143 Minneapolis .149 Thayer 15' Douglas '53 Cato 15s Hope 156 Dexter 158 Active 160 Sequi 170 Ida 175 Kirwin 177 Russell

February,

"T>"—Continued.

LOCATION.

Lenexa Pomona , Sedgwick City Minneapolis.... Thayer Douglas Cato Howard Dexter , Atchison Osborne City.. Ida Kirwin Russell

A M 'TI;AI D.

50 4 80 3 50 7 80 4 25

5

00

4 00 4 50 6 75 3 90 S 25

• 320 3 60 2

25

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

41

W Y A N D O T T E , KANSAS, January 30, 1881.

J O H N H . BROWN, Grand Secretary, In account with G R A N D L O D G E OF KANSAS :

Received from Received from Received from Received from Paid Christian Paid Christian Paid Christian

Sub. Lodges, Sub. Lodges, Sub. Lodges, Sub. Lodges, Beck, Grand Beck, Grand Beck, Grand

as per Schedule as per Schedule as per Schedule as per Schedule Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer

"A" "B" "C " "D"

$4,912 00 200 00 300.00 . 467 60 = 5,879 60 998 00 2,500 00 2,381 60

• Total

$5,879 60

WYANDOTTE, KANSAS, January 30, i88i. J O H N H . BROWN, Grand Secretary, In account with the G R A N D L O D G E O F K A N S A S

Cash received of Grand Treasurer, on account of expense

$1,100 00

DISBURSEMENTS.

To To To To To To To To To To To To

V . J . Lane, on account of printing $ 4 50 L. D. Gunn, on account of repairs on book cases 4 40 M. H . Dickinson, on account of stationery i 90 Missouri Pacific Railroad, on account of freight ; 4 20 R. Cunningham, on account of engrossing 18 00 I. P. Moore, on account of printing 16 75 John C. Ketcheson, on account of printing 79 85 John C. Ketcheson, on account of printiiig Proceedings 767 35 insurance on book cases and books 12 00 postage from September 3, 1879, to January 3, 1881 151 75 express charges from September 3, 1879, ' ° January 3, 1881 15 35 rent of library room 125 00 Total

:

$1,201. 05

Leaving balance due Grand Secretary

$ l o i 05

42

Proceedings of the

February,

GRAND TREASURER'S REPORT. T h e following is t h e r e p o r t of t h e R.'.W.'. G r a n d T r e a s u r e r : L E A V E N W O R T H , KANSAS, J a n u a r y 31, 1881.

C H R I S T I A N BECK, Grand

Treastirer, In account wilh G R A N D L O D G E OV K A N S A S :

Balance in Grand Treasury : $ 4,920 37 December 8, 1879, received of John 11. Brown, Grand Secretary. 998 00 January 20, 1881, received of John H. Brown, Grand Secretary 2,500 00 January 30, 1881, received of John U. Brown, Grand Secretary... 2,381 5o Total

$10,799 97 DISBURSEMENTS.

-•

Paid order No. 222, Burdett & Heis, on account of Rees m o n u m e n t s 200 00 Paid order No. 223, L. P. Mason, Grand Lodge expense 28 65 Paid order No. 224, E. D. Hillyer, P. G. M., balance on salary i_ . 200 00 Paid order No. 225, W. Cowgill, Grand Lodge expense 69 45 • Paid order No. 226, Fritz Magers, Grand Tyler 20 00 Paid order No. 227, J. W. Kirkham, Assistant Grand Tyler ; 10 00 Paid order N o . 228, G. S. Green, Grand Lodge expense 24 90 Paid order No. 229, Fritz Magers, cleaning hall, etc 4 40 Paid order No. 230, J. D. McCleverty, attending Grand Lodge 20.^00 Paid order N o . 231, A. D. McConaughy, attending Grand Lodge. 15 00 Paid order No. 232, J. \V. Keck, G. L., attending Grand Lodge 56 00 Paid order No. 233, John H. Brown, G. S., attending G. L 15 00 Paid order No. 234, Burdett & Heis, on acc't of Rees monument 200'00 Paid order No. 235, Burdett & Heis, on acc't of Rees monument 200 00 Paid order No. 236, John H. Brown, contingent expense 1,100 00 Paid order No. 237, C. Beck, Grand Treasurer, salary 75 00 Paid order No. 238, Burdett & Heis, on account of Rees monument 450 00 Paid order No. 239, John H. Brown, Grand Secretary, salary 250 00 Paid order No. 240, John H . Brown, Grand Secretary, salary 250 00 Paid order No. 241, C. Beck, Grand Treasurer, salary, 1880, 75 00 Paid order No. 242, John H . Brown, Grand Secretary, salary 833 35 Paid order No. 243, C. Beck, G. T., on acc't of Rees Mon. expense 65 95 Paid order No. 244, C. Beck, G. T., on acc't of balance of salary 25 00 Total.__-

14,187 70

Balance in Grand Treasury, January 30, :88i

§6,608 27

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

43

Bro. DRUMMOND, from the Committee on Credentials, .submitted a partial report, which was received and adopted, and the committee continued. (See report of Committee on Credentials, ante page.) W I D O W S ' AND O R P H A N S ' F U N D .

Bro. W O R K introduced the following resolution, as a substitute for resolution offered at last session of Grand Lodge, in regard to widows and orphans. (See page 64, G. L. proceedings, 1879): Resolved, That the Grand Lodge hereby instruct the Grand Secretary, when issuing his annual circular of instructions to Lodges, to include in the same the following request: That each Subordinate. Lodge within this Grand Jurisdiction shall include in their returns, a sum equal to ten cents per capita, for each member borne on the rolls of said Lodge, at the date of making the annual returns, for the purpose of creating a Widows' and Orphans' F u n d ; said fund to be held by the Grand Lodge until such time as the Grand Lodge may deem it necessary to order.it otherwise.

On motion of Bro. BROWN, the resolution was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. S P E C I A L O R D E R — E L E C T I O N OF G R A N D O F F I C E R S .

On motion of M.\W.'. Bro. BASSETT, the election of Grand Officers was made the special order for seven o'clock p. M. The M.'.W. •. Grand Master then announced the names of the Committee on Jurisprudence and Finance. (See list of standing committees.) The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment, until 3 o'clock p. M.

AFTERNOON

SESSION.

ToPEKA, February 16, 3 o'clock p. M. The M.-.W.-. Grand Master in the Grand East called the Grand Lodge from refreshment to labor, with ofificers and members as in the morning.

44

Proceedings of the

February,

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

R. .W.-. Bro. BROWN, from the Committee on Correspondence, submitted a report. On motion of Bro. GUTHRIE, the report was received and the Grand Secretary directed to print and incorporate the same in the Journal of Grand Lodge Proceedings. The report is as follows: R E P O R T ON C O R R E S P O N D E N C E . To the M.-. IV.\ Grand Lodge of Kansas : BRETHREN : Your Committee on Correspondence have again had the pleasure of examining the printed transactions of the various Grand Lodges now in fraternal correspondence with this Grand Lodge, and present the following as the result of our labors, commencing with the Grand Lodges in alphabetical order. . ^ ALABAMA.

1879.

These Proceedings come to us as usual in good shape, containing a very complete resume of the year's .work. One hundred and eighty-seven Subordinate Lodges represented; Charters granted to. two Lodges and several restored.; the Code revised and ordered printed and bound for the use of Subordinates; the Grand Lodge of Dakota recognized. T h e annual returns of the various Lodges received at the hands of the committee a most severe and careful examination. Their report is printed in full for the benefit of future generations. An excellent plan, as good will undoubtedly come of it. T h e Annual Address of the Grand Master, H E N R Y C . ARMSTRONG, is quite short, but what he has to say is to the point. He introduces his report with this happy t h o u g h t : We meet once again in fraternal council under auspicious and congratulatory conditions. Throughout our Jurisdiction there is an enthusiasm in the support of our Order that awakens the most pleasurable emotions, and inspires the strongest hope for our future. Words of comfort and cheer come to us from every quarter of our territory, assuring us that the principles we are endeavoring to represent are practiced and observed generally by the Fraternity. This devotion to Masonry, I am glad to believe, is not a mere momentary zeal, or superficial enthusiasm; but the result of a conviction, that grows stronger every day, that the institution is truly a powerful aid to man in subduing his passions, and improving himself in those virtues which adorn and solidify character. It is in this conviction that we find that which constitutes the strength of Masonry, and from which we expect its perpetuity. During the year he visited many of the Lodges in different parts of the State and remote from the great thoroughfares, a proceeding which will, no doubt, result in great good to the Craft in those localities. We have always held that Grand Masters should arrange their work so as to visit all the

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge oj Kansas.

45

Lodges in their respective Jurisdictions, if not every year, at least once in every three or four years, in order that the true condition of the Order may be known from personal observation. The yearly services of our Grand Masters contain, usually, too much of the ornamental element instead of valuable work that should be done in the way of correcting errors and infusing life and activity into the Order wheresoever located. Grand Master ARMSTRONG decides : That when an appeal is taken to the Grand Lodge.by a brother who has been suspended or expelled by a Subordinate Lodge, and the decision of such Lodge reversed by the Grand Lodge, the status of such a brother is that of an unaffiliated Mason. This decision I have made in obedience to Rule 19, Article 7 of our Constitution. This, I think, is a singular provision of our organic law, and one that should be revised and amended. In my opinion it divests the Grand Lodge of the power and authority that rightfully belongs to it in such cases, and works a hardship where no hardship should be suffered. For instance : A brother is tried, and is suspended or expelled by a Subordinate Lodge. From this sentence he appeals. T h e Grand Lodge decides, after carefully considering all the testimony, that the charges are not sustained, and reverses the decision of the Lodge below; yet the appellant has, under the rule above cited, to suffer the loss of Lodge membership, thereby undergoing a punishment when no offense has been committed. Why not make the reversal full and complete, and restore the brother .to the position he occupied before the wrongful finding of the Lodge below ? " We consider this decision, eminently correct, offering indeed, in its appended comment, the only fair and honorable method of dealing with a brother under such conditions. The following decision we quote on account of the good suggestion therein embodied : When a party has received the Entered Apprentice degree, and makes application to be Passed, if there is any moral reason why he should not advance, the member in possession of such reason should report the same to the prosecuting officer of the Lodge, and have' charges preferred against him. To this the applicant is entitled on every principle of justice and equity. After his initiation he, to that extent, is adopted into the Masonic family, and is invested with certain rights and privileges, and among them the right to be heard in his defense. If unworthy to be advanced, he is unworthy to retain what he has, and should be tried and expelled. I beg in this connection to call the attention of the Subordinate Lodges to the importance of the committees appointed to investigate the character of applicants for the mysteries of Masonry. I very much fear that in some Lodges such committes regard their appointment as a mere matter of form, and I have sometimes known reports agreed upon by committees on character at the,same Communication at which they were appointed, thereby failing to make that thorough inquiry and investigation into the character of the applicant that is contemplated by the provision of the Constitution requiring their appointment. This should not be so. There is no committee so important to Masonry as the committee appointed to investigate the characters of applicants. They are for the time being the custodians of the honor and integrity of Masonry; overseers appointed and sent out to inspect and receive only such material as will adorn our moral and Masonic edifice. Brethren, let us guard-well the portals of our Lodges. Our troubles and diflSculties, all grow out of our failure to do this. The Committee on Correspondence presented a special report, which we gladly transfer to our pages. They say!

46

Proceedings of the

February,

Your committee and the officers of this-Grand Lodge are alive to the increasingly important duties and responsibilities forced upon them in their official intercourse with other and more remote Grand Lodge Jurisdictions, more especially in their contact with those of European origin and governmental characteristics—such, for instance, as organizations combined in Grand ^Lodge Leagues, or created and governed by Grand Orients and Supreme Councils. With such Masonic institutions, the R.-.W.-. Grand Secretary, the M.-.W.-. Grand Master, as well as your committee, have frequent interchange of correspondence, and there are overtures from some of them, , soliciting formal official recognition, now pending. We can, with comparative ease and certainty, decide upon the claims to recognition of the North American (Anglican) Grand Lodges, for they are in language, form of government, and ritual, essentially one with us ; but how difircult, indeed, is the duty of deciding upon the merits of such claimants of recognition as approach us from abroad, with almost incomprehensible divergences of ritual and forms of government from our own, and addressing us in languages so unfamiliar to our ears as to be almost entitled to be designated as '-unknown tongues." Their systems of government are as diverse from ours as a republican form diff"ers from an autocratic ; while in geographical location, Masonic ritual, ethics and habits of thought, they are as far removed from us and our simple ways as the east is from the west. The term recognition, as used and applied masonically in America, involves the. idea of approval of the work and principles of the organization recognized, and while such approval may be safely expressed in the recognition of American Grand Lodges, we contend that our knowledge of the foreign organizations alluded to, however " t r u e and perfect" m a y b e their individual constituents, does not warrant us in extending to the latter full recognition with its implied approval and indorsement. Without further enumeration of the difficulties, numerous as well as grave, which have suggested this recommendation, your committee advise that hereafter formal official recognition be extended only to Grand Lodges of Anglican origin, which conform to our ritual and principles of organization, and that all overtures for recognition from Grand Bodies, governed or associated with Grand Leagues, Grand Orients or Supreme Councils (subject, of course, to the Grand Lodge edict of 1878 in reference to the Grand Orient of France), be answered by a tender of fraternal civilities and courtesies, and an exchange of protocols; and that this recommendation and report, if adopted, shall have the significance and force of an edict of this Grand Lodge. Your committee beg further to state, as germane to this report, that they have received, during recess, information in reference to the pending jurisdictional controversy between the Grand Lodge of Quebec and that of Scotland, and are pleased to be enabled to say that this new light warrants them in essentially modifying the unqualified censures expressed in their last report against the Grand Lodge of Scotland. There are faults on both sides in that unfortunate controversy demanding mutual concessions, and we are quite hopeful of an amicable settlement of the difficulty as soon as calm judgment returns, and Masonic charity resumes her sway over the contestants. Your committee have also, in the light of new developments, somewhat changed their opinion as to the " t r u e inwardness" and general Masonic import of the unfortunate struggle for supremacy on the Island of Cuba, the contestants being the Grand Lodge of Colon and the newly organized Grand Lodge of the Island of Cuba. The fact that the latter Grand Lodge is similar in organization to our own, and uses the same ritual, has enlisted our sympathy in her behalf, and we have been almost persuaded to take sides with Cuba as the champion of our favorite Grand Lodge system.

i88o-i.

.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

47

Aye, Bro. BEERS, you can take sides with Cuba now, nothing in the way. From the following, a resolution presented by the Committee on Jurisprudence, we would deem it prudent for the Master-of each Lodge to keep his "weather e y e " out and watch well his steps: Resolved, That any member of a Subordinate Lodge, who shall be informed, or may know of his own knoweldge, that any Master of a Lodge has been guilty of unmasonic conduct, he may report the same to the M.\ W.-. Grand Master, who shall forthwith inquire into' the .facts of the case, and if they be true, and upon notice to such Lodge of such unmasonic conduct, if such Lodge fails or refuses to proceed against such Master, then the charter of said Lodge shall be arrested by the M.-.W.-. Grand Master, w h o shall report the same to the next Grand Lodge. •Bro. OLIVER V. BEERS is the author of the Report on Correspondence, and a good one it is. He expresses himself on the character of these annual reviews as follows : Before proceeding with this report, planned as it is on the theory and structure of its predecessors, we beg permission, for consistency sake, to withdraw the promise intimated in 1877, of remodeling these reports so as to permit a more general discussion of Masonic principles and usages as seen from our standpoint. Mature reflection has convinced us that in these semi-historic records, in which the true life and genius of Masonry as known to our era is to be portrayed, the less they are burdened or confused by mere individual opinions the better will they be suited to their illustration of the real characteristics of current Masonic times. Instead of our own opinions, therefore, we prefer to illustrate the spirit of Masonry by quoting the views of those whose high official positions in other Grand Bodies mark their utterances as authoritative expositions of tlie prevailing sentiments of their several Grand Tui-isdiction.s, and we shall continue to seek from the Grand Masters, through their addresses, such indices of the prosperity or adversity of the Craft in each Jurisdiction as. may appear noteworthy, either for encouragement or warning to us of Alabama. CARLYLE has said, very truly, that "opinion is doubly related to action ; first as cause, then as effect, and the speculative tendency of any age will, therefore, give us, on the whole, the best indication of its practical tendency." If, therefore, we can, by our proposed plan, gather'and record correctly tlie real thought or opinions of the Craft in all Jurisdictions, we will have done much towards illustrating the practical tendency of this Masonic age. As men think, so will they act, unless restrained by some paramount control, forcing them away from their natural b e n t ; and if we can but ascertain the opinions of the brethren, both at home and abroad, we may easily and surely predict their eventual action on any question of Masonic usage or ethics. Thus believing, we begin our search in the reports before us for those opinions of the Craft so doubly related to, and genitive of, ACTION.

To this Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine, makes the following pertinent addition: "Instead of our own opinions, therefo re, we prefer to illustrate the spirit of Masonry by quoting the views of those whose high oflficial positions in other Grand Bodies mark their utterances as authoritative expositions of the prevailing sentiments of their several Grand Jurisdictions, and we shall continue to seek from the Grand Masters, through their addresses, such indices of the prosperity or adversity of the Craft in each Jurisdiction

48

Proceedings of the

February,

as may appear noteworthy, either for encouragement or warning to us of Alabama." We think they have a broader scope. It must be conceded, that there is a constant tendency to modernize Masonry. To resist this, we need a constant discussion of principles. Grand Officers can not notice what happens in other Jurisdictions. But the writers of these reports view the whole field, and whenever any Grand Lodge departs from the rig.ht way, they sound the note of warning, and the matter is discussed fully and the true conclusion reached, so far as the fallible human mind can reach it. We regard the discussion of new plans, new laws and new departures, as one of the most valuable elements in these reports: and we confess that if the reports were to be confined to a mere abstract of the transactions of other Grand Lodges, they would lose their greatest charm for us. Kansas Proceedings for 1878 receive fraternal notice. Bro. BEERS agrees with the Committee on Jurisprudence on the decision of Grand Master G U T H R I E on the rights and prerogatives of Past Masters. He does not wholly coincide with our views on the .Scotland-Quebec trouble. It is an open question, Bro. BEERS, and we shall not complain if you do not agree .with us. W e think it far from being a "tempest in a teapot," and if the storm is not allayed, it may culminate in a cyclone. We will not -here discuss the question with the good brother, as it has ' been quite thoroughly handled by many .able writers during the last year or two. We may have a word or two to say when we reach the caption of Quebec. We most heartily agree with Bro. BEERS on the Utah departure. .The idea of jumping the Wardens and placing a brother from off the floor in the Master's chair can not be viewed with favor : It is better to endure hardships for a season under laws approved by experience than by changing them to suit a temporary convenience, open up the way for confusion and misgovernment. It takes a short time in the life of a Lodge to prepare its governing material, but that life is easily jeopordized if the Master is unskilled or imprudent. Bro. BEERS is quite right when he says: Be not too sure of success in realizing such apparently reasonable calculations. Every Grand Lodge which has yet embarked in the enterprise of building a Temple has proceeded and depended upon just such estimates of probable resources, only to find themselves in the end disappointed and involved, many of them disastrously so, in debt and vexatious controversies. The history of Grand Masonic Temples in America is a record of trials and difficulties which ought to be an effectual warning against similar improvident enterprises. If you determine to build the Temple don't lay the "corner-stone" even until the whole cost of the structure has been paid into the Treasury. M.-.W.-. HENRY CLAY TOMPKINS, Montgomery, Grand Master; R.-.W.\ D A N I E L SAYRE, Montgomery, Grand Secretary. ARKANSAS.

1879.

We have the Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for the current year, well filled with Masonic information. The representation was very full, being one hundred and eighty Lodges.

IK8O-I.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

49

The address of Grand Master GEORGE THORNBURGH is a thoroughly creditalile paper. H e issued Dispensations for the formation of four new Lodges; all appeared to be for the good of the Order, though one was apparently "conceived in haste," or some one was derelict in duty, which we must lay at the door of the recommending Lodge. In this case it seems that the Master named was at the time a suspended Mason. T h e recommending Lodge should inquire into all such matters with great particularity, and leave nothing undone which would tend to attaining a perfect knowledge of all the particulars. Due mention was made of the fraternal dead, both in his own and other jurisdictions. To St. John's College he gave a kind word, recommending it to the favor of the Craft. Bro. ENGLISH made an excellent report concerning that institution, showing the good it was accomplishing in educating young men and the extent to which it improves the condition of men within its scope. We join the Craft in Arkansas in hoping for a grand success for St. John's College, that it may with augmented prosperity become one of the first educational institutions of that Commonwealth. The Grand Master emphatically denounced the atheistical departure of the Grand Orient of France, his views receiving very emphatic endorsement from the" Grand Lodge. Thirty decisions were rendered by the Grand Master and all approved, a few being slightly modified. We give only two, both being a little "off." To be reinstated after suspension for non-payment of dues, it is necessary to pay dues for time under suspension as well as before. Being a Deist is not a disqualification for initiation; but the applicant must'believe in GoD and the immortality of the soul. • Our Arkansas brethren must pardon us if we dissent from any such doctrine. We think it in opposition to the very spirit of our ancient law, and aie surprised that they who have been famed for their many acts of charity and good deeds should permit such a rule as No. 4 to go upon their statute books. To require a brother to continue his contributions to his Lo'dge while deprived of Masonic favor, and even denied the right of being laid to rest in the bosom of mother earth with Masonic honors, seems to us to be so manifestly unjust as to call forth wonder that any could be found to vote for'such a measure. No. 15, is another decision worthy of attention, especially as following an earnest denunciation of French deism. We are not absolutely posted on the advanced theology, (with modern improvements,) of the day, b u t it appears to us from our plain, old fashioned standpoint, that the Grand Master has slightly mixed things; not having EMERSON, ALCOTT or ALGER at hand to consult upon these super-refined distinctions of faith we must needs fall back upon WEBSTER, who says under head of Deist — "one who believes in the existence of a GOD, but denies revealed.religion, a free-thinker," again in another edition, adding that the Deist "denies the inspiration" and authority of the Bible. Under such a ruling as the one in question, any of those well-repudiated Frenchmen, (not absolute atheists,) could join an

50

Proceedings -of the

February,

Arkansas Lodge. Query, how genuine would be their loyalty to an institution whose light and life is derived from the source of "revealed religion," the Bible? T h e Grand Master refused to grant a dispensation to advance an E. A., whose head was so thick that he "could ndt learn his lesson." He says: The Grand Master has great dispensing powers, but I don't think he can dispense entirely with brains as a qualification for advancement. And as this Grand Master can not furnish them ( for he has none to spare), I supposed this Entered Apprentice will have to.amuse himself with the intricacies of the checkered pavement. Quite right, let him remain on the ground floor for the balance of his unprofitable life unless he plucks up and learns the work and'lectures of the degree he has already taken. Such individuals should not burden themselves with the mysteries of Freemasonry. He thinks the Grand Master should not delegate his authority to District Deputies, allowing them to issue special dispensations, confer degrees out of time, or for any special purposes, all of which is, we think, eminently correct. , ^ In conclusion he thus speaks of the condition of our Order in his jurisdiction: From my intercourse with the Lodges, my extensive correspondence with their officers, and the reports of the D.-. D.-. G.-. Masters, I am prepared' to say that Masonry is in a healthy condition in Arkansas. There has been no great increase in numbers, but the moral tone of our membership has certainly improved. The contraction that has been going on for a few years past in financial and commercial matters has had its effect upon this institution; and, like almost all trials, has served to separate the true from the counterfeit Masons. The Order, now relieved from the weight of many idle and worthless members, moves onward to greater usefulness and a brighter prosperity. • You have imbibed'the heaven-born teachings, the practice of which attracted so much attention, and led an eminent divine to write recently from Memphis as follows: " T h e praise of these societies fills the earth. Having co-operated with them through four epidemics, including the horrors of 1878, I am prepared to appreciate their splendid charities as no one can who has not been through the fiery ordeal shoulder to shoulder with them. I commend their noble deeds — the brotherly love that counts not life clear, that it may press the cooling draught to the parched lips of a brother, or soothe the anguish of his smitten family. Can I disparage men whose tears have mingled with my own, amid the horrors of 1878? My heart says a thousand times, NO. G O D bless them! The sufferer was my brother in Christ, their brother in the Lodge. I could but see how impotent was the Church; how strong the Lodge. And O, what unutterable horrors would Memphis have felt, beyond all human conception, or endurance but for these societies." Many noble deeds of charity might be named to prove the blessings of Masonry; b u t she needs them not to be paraded before the public to establish her worth. All around us are her monuments. Ask the wretched mendicant, whose hand has contributed to his necessities. Ask the inhabitant of a city desolated by fire, who came to his relief. Ask the city scourged • with yellow fever, whose bounty afforded her aid. Ask the grief-stricken widow, who dried her tears. Ask the homeless orphan, who clothed, fed and educated him. The response from thousands of hearts declares that

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

' 5 1

y

Masonry did it. Masonry has made a history incomparably prouder than any institution of earth. Her record.is one of peace on earth and good will to men. War has never been her food, or blood her drink. The raven that left. NOAH and returned no more to gladden his desponding heart, is not her type; but'like the dove she came forth to find the ground whereupon the people floating upon a flood of idolatry and superstition might land and erect an altar to the MOST H I G H GOD, and upon it burn the sweet incense of brotherly love. Like the pillar of fire by night, and the cloud by day, she has guided the nations of earth from Egyptian darkness, through deserts of inhumanity. She has often in GOD'S name, struck the rock that gives forth water to famishing men. She has, in time of famine, showered the bread as from Heaven upon a starving people. Though she has witnessed the death and burial of twenty-eight centuries, she is in the full vigor of life ^nd usefulness. " Her eye is not dim, nor her natural force abated." She is as firm as the mountain, as stately as the oak, and as fragrant as the rose. Her history has never been written. It opens up a study boundless in its range and captivating in its enticements, through which the student may wander a lifetime, and pluck as he goes the blooming flowers that bestrew , his pathway, and refresh himself amid their fragrance. Brethren, the destiny of this grand old institution in Arkansas is in your hands. It is yours to preserve, yours to perpetuate its blessings, or yours to write its epitaph. Your charge is. one of profound magnitude. If mindful of the great principles upon which it is founded, if your hearts are filled with Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, all will be well. On the subject of non-affiliatiou we find the following resolution, amended and adopted: Resolved, That it is hereby ordered that all non-affiliated Masons within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be, and they are hereby required, within six months from the passage of this order, to apply for application in some regularly constituted Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and in case of failure to do so on their part, it is hereby made the duty of the W.-. M.'. of the Subordinate Lodge, under whose jurisdiction such non-affiliated Masons may reside, to declare and punish him or them suspended from all the rights of this Order. AMENDMENT — That it shall be the duty of the .Secretary of each Subordinate Lodge to notify all non-affiliated Masons within the territorial jurisdiction of his Lodge of this edict, and require them to comply with the same within six months after the said notice is served on them, and if they do not comply therewith, that M.-.W.-. shall declare them suspended, as provided in this resolution. In some of our former reports we have had much to say on this vexed question, and were we again to dip our oar into these troubled waters it might lead some of the guild to let their great, heavy quills fall roughly about our ears. Yet we would ask the Arkansas brethren one thing, what will they do with a brother who, under this ruling, deposits his dimit and asks to be admitted a member of one of their Lodges and is rejected? What will you have him do? Or what will your Lodge next do? Will they expel him ? . In all candor and sincerity, we think such rules and regulations are calculated to do us greater harm than all the BLANCHARD families on earth. Let legislation on this subject cease for a little while and see what the eflfect upon the body of Masonry may be. 4

5'2

Proceedings of the

February,

We commend the following resolution to the attention of those who are fond of namesakes : Resolved^ T h a t no dispensation or charter shall ever hereafter be granted by this Grand Lodge to any Subordinate Lodge which may be named after or in honor of any living person, it being t h e sense of this Grand Lodge that such fulsome todyism to any brother or other person is in bad taste, and if persisted in, there is danger that at some time in the future the Craft may be unpleasantly compromised by such procedure. The indulgence in such empty honors should Grand Lodge of Free Masonry. Masonic history ty of appropriate and suggestive titles, without of the "Order to the coat tails of living or fallible

never be permitted by any and tradition affords plenthus appending the honor men.

The Report on Correspondence is the handy-work of Bro. GEORGE E_ D O D G E , who never fails to offer a well prepared review. Kansas for 1878 receives full and fraternal notice, with copious and exulting quotations from those portions relating t o the Indian Territory. We shall not re-discuss the question of recognition with Bro. D O D G E , but leave him to do the talking in ea re: M.-.W.-. G E O . THORNBURGH, Powhatan, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. L U K E E. BARBER, Little Rock, Grand Secretary. B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A . 1878. The Proceedings for this year are quite brief, six Lodges made returns and were represented b y the proper officers. T h e address of Grand Master F R A N K WILLIAMS is quite concise and only touches upon local affairs, with one exception. A revised Constitution was adopted and printed with the Proceedings. The usual routine of business transacted, a new Masonic Temple planned. The cost was estimated at $10,000.00. Stock book was opened and subscription solicited. A lot was bought and paid for and the temple building, put under contract. T h e four Lodges in Victoria consolidated into two, a most wise measure as we think. Far better to have two strong, healthy and vigorous Lodges, than four sickly half-live ones. It might be well for some of our enterprising and wide awake brethren to ponder on this before organizing new Lodges. M . - . W . - . E L I HARRISON, Victoria, Grand Master; R.'.W.-. E L I H A K R I .

SON, Jr., Victoria, Grand Secretary. BRITISH COLUMBIA.

1879.

The Proceedings for this year came bound with those of 1878, and the reivsed Constitution, and the volume also includes the Proceedings of various special communications rendered necessary by the affairs of the year. These two years were very important in the history of the Craft there as representing the end of the first, or formative period of their history which ' has placed them upon a solid and sure foundation. At the communication for 1879, fiv^ Lodges were represented. A new feature was introduced by our brethren of Ultima Thule, namely, that of holding a session on Sunday

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

53

for the purpose of giving the good brethren an opportunity of attending Divine Service as a Masonic Body, the Sermon being delivered by their Grand Chaplain, and printed in their Proceedings. They cut off all relations with the Grand Orient of France. One by one the brethren renounce that unclean and erring body. The question of recognizing Cuba or Colon was deferred for another year in the hope that better counsels might lead to concord among the distracted brethren of the "ever faithful isle." , ' ' The annual address of Grand Master E L I HARRISON is interesting. He congratulates the brethren of Victoria and the Craft of t h e Province upon the final completion of the new Temple, at a cost of ^12,000.00. The beauty of the whole case is that the order otuns the edifice, making it a Masonic Temple in fact as well as in name. Considering .that the membership of this Grand Lodge is only about 300 we must concede that the brethren \yho dwell in the shade of the North Pole have more vim and " s n a p " than we folks who live in a warmer clime. It affords us pleasure to note the even and steady progress and prosperity of the Order in the remote northwest. M.-.W.•. E L I H A R R I S O N , Victoria, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. EDGAR C R O W

BAKER, Victoria, Grand Secretary. BRITISH COLUMBIA.

1880.

We have just received the printed Proceedings of this Grand Lodge, containing fifty two pages of useful and valuable information. Six Lodges were represented, the usual amount of business transacted. T h e Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the United Grand Lodge of Cuba and Colon were each duly, recognized. The Annual Address of Grand Master E L I HARRISON, Sen., is a good business paper, he gives a full and able statement of his official acts, showing him to be a faithful and industrious officer. Of the action of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in extending recognition to the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, h e says : The Grand Lodge of Scotland has acknowledged this Grand Lodjje, but not with that generous spirit in which other Grand Bodies have welcomed us, nor with the kind and fraternal greeting accorded by our Mother Grand Lodge of England, for you have the old charters which she returned, adorning the walls of your Lodge rooms. Plow these mementoes refresh our minds, and with what pleasure and satisfaction we look upon them, as tokens of fraternal love from our venerable Mother. She has also paid us the compliment of exchanging Representatives, and I have no doubt that if the Grand Lodge of Scotland- knew how much we appreciated these courtesies, she would very soon follow their truly Masonic example. While on this subject I wish to call your attention to several important points in the communication from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. She claims the right to protect any Lodge o r L o d g e s that may wish to adhere to their allegiancy to Her in this jurisdiction; this point there can be no objection to as there are no such Lodges in t h e Province.

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โ ข February,

The next subject is one of a more serious nature, and I think there must be some misunderstanding in the printing of the communication, as she claims the right to protect any Lodges which may hereafter choose to adhere to her in this jurisdiction. If the intention is to charter Lodges in this jurisdiction similar to those that she has chartered in the jurisdiction of Que bee, it is an assumed power which would affect the Craft in general and can not be tolerated. The practice of such a power in other established jurisdictions would have a tendency to create disorder and bring contempt on this ancient Fraternity. We have seen sufficient in this Province of Masonic work under several Grand Bodies to satisfy us that the principle is wrong, and does not produce that peace and harmony which is the strength and support of all well governed institutions. I should therefore be glad if the next communication from the Grand Lodge of .Scotland should remove all doubts on that subject. We sincerely regret the unwise and unfraternal course that this old and venerable Grand Lodge seems determined to pursue. In our opinion there is but little genuine Freemasonry in any such selfish work. He thus speaks encouragingly of the condition of the Craft: T h e Craft in the Province is united and financially in a prosperous condition; although there has not been many added to our number during the last eight years, I have every reason to believe that we shall soon feel the benefit from the increase of population which is now flowing into the Province in connection with the public works and other industries, we may look forward with confidence to a career of prosperity so anxiously looked for; and before our next Annual Communication, I have no doubt but that there will be two or more new Lodges constituted, as there is already a desire to inaugurate at Fort Yale or Emory City, also another at New Westminster. ' M.-.W.. E L I HARRISON, Sen., Victoria, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. EDGAR CROW BAKER, Victoria, Grand Secretary.

CANADA.

1879.

The Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for the year, contain much that is of interest to the brethren, not only in Canada, but elsewhere. The Canadian brethren seem to be characterized in all that they do, by a certain quiet dignity and earnest desire for the welfare of the Order which renders even their routine business interesting to the Masonic student. Two hundred and twenty-two Lodges represented; eleven new Lodges received Charters; one Charter surrendered and one Dispensation issued for the formation of a new Lodge. 510,230.00 was disbursed for benevolent purposes, gljOOO.ooof this was sent to yellow fever sufferers in the South. The cash assets of this Grand Lodge make a most excellent showing, the total being ยง58,000.00, most of which is invested in Dominion stock. Recognition was accorded to the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory and further action on New South Wales and Cuba deferred for another year. Several special sessions of the Grand Lodge were held for various purposes, the dedication of Masonic Halls and laying corner-stones of public buildings being the most frequent occasion of such gatherings.

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The Address of Grand Master W. H. WELLER, is brief and relates directly to business of local interest, as such papers should do. H e congratulates the Craft on the final ending of the unlawful career of the so-called Grand Lodge of Ontario in these words: After a severance from legitimate Freemasonry for upwards of three years, the greater portion — twenty in all — of those who were expelled by you in 1876, or suspended for their connection with the " O n t a r i o " movement, have now expressed a desire to return to their allegiance, and have been restored by me to good standing in the Craft. A number of brethren residing in or near London, including those I had restored, lately presented petitions, accompanied by the requisite recommendations, and I created by dispensation the new Lodges, King Solomon's and Union, already referred to. I subsequently healed in the former Lodge, at the request of this Lodge and of my London brethren, some of those, resident in the locality, who had been irregularly made under the authority of the seh'-styled Grand Lodge of Ontario. The general regulations and conditions, which I have prescribed as to the healing and affiliation of irregularly made Masons, will, I trust, ensure the reception of worthy material only. It seems that all reports, and addresses of Grand Officers are referred to the board of general purposes, from whom we learn that the condition of 'Masonry in Canada is good, and from their reports we may further cull much valuable information. We quote : It is pleasing to the Board to observe that the practice of attending Divine service on the Festivals of SAINTS J O H N is becoming more general, as evinced by the numerous Dispensations issued by District Masters to enable the brethren to appear in Masonic clothing on such occasions. The Board have again to express their regret that some Lodges have suffered losses by fire, and after the repeated warnings that have been given as to the necessity which exists for having the property of all private Lodges ' insured, it is found this important recommendation has been neglected. It would be well, therefore, for Grand Lodge to adopt a regulation that for the future no financial assistance or. remission of dues shall be granted to any Lodge neglecting this important duty. •If

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The Board learn with pleasure that the practice of purchasing and beautifying Burial Plots for the interment of deceased brethren is becoming more general, and would recommend it to the imitation of the brethren. The Craft in Canada have good reason to indulge self-congratulation over the favorable condition of Masonic affairs in their jurisdiction. We regret that they have not furnished us with their Report on Correspondence, as we understand that one was prepared and printed. We miss this valued appendix very much. M.-.W.-. JAS. A . HENDERSON, Kingston, Ontario, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. J. J. MASON, Hamilton, Ontario, Grand Secretary. CANADA.

1880.

We have again the Proceedings of this Grand Lodge, without the Report on Correspondence which, we regret. Three Special Communications were held for the purpose of laying corner stones.

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Proceedings

of the

February,

T h e Twenty-fifth Annual Communication was held in the city of Guelph; two hundred and thirty-nine Lodges represented; ten new Lodges received Charters and six Dispensations were issued for formation of new Lodges, one Dispensation continued. y T h e Address of Grand Master JAS. A. HENDERSON, embodies a brief but comprehensive statement of the official transactions of his office for the year, well-written and of interest to all Masonic readers. H e says: Again, under the benign providence of the Great Architect of the Universe, we are permitted to assemble together in peace, love and harmony. For that privilege devout acknowledgments are justly due to the Giver of all good,-and may the deliberations of this the Twenty-fifth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge be characterized with that earnestness of spirit, that good will, and that fraternal courtesy which have ever marked our meetings. How much ought we to appreciate the inestimable privilege which we enjoy of being able to meet in a laiid of civil and religious freedom in open day, none daring to molest or make iis afraid, and without the fear of any human power. The day has happily passed, never to return, when the highest hills and lowest dales witnessed, and indeed were necessary for, the celebration of our Mystic Rites. This freedom, the growth of years, has arisen from our Order being characterized by a stability unknown to political governments; its foundations rest upon an acknowledgment of the Supreme Being as the ruler and governor of the world, and its practice of Charity, that inestimable gift from G O D to man, commends it to the esteem of society at large, and secures to it that permanency as an institution of human origin, which has attracted the wonder and respect of succeeding generations. It seems difficult for Masons to understand the peculiarity of our burial rites, and from the following it seems that the brethren in Canada are not unlike their confreres this side of the line: ' Application was made to me for permission for certain brethren to attend as Masons the funeral of a brother who desires to be buried according to the Ritual of a non-Masonic Society, to which he belonged, I held that the brethren should not appear as a Lodge, or clothed as Masons on funeral occasions, unless the burial rites were performed under the exclusive control of the Lodge, and according to the procedure laid down in the Book of Constitution, which only allows the addition of the funeral services of the church to which the deceased belonged. The rights and privileges of the church or the minister in performing the burial services are never to be interfered with, but are fully and freely conceded. The Order of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, the oldest existing secret society, is not obtrusive, and we never thrust ourselves before the public clothed in the badge of a Mason, unless when carrying out those duties prescribed by Ancieni Custom, or by the Constitutions, and even in these cases, a Masonic Funeral being the sole exception, a dispensation is made, under severe penalties, a previous requisite. As between the Lodge and the Association to which the deceased may have belonged, if the brethren are to appear at all as Masons, the Lodge must have sole and absolute charge. No association can share in the performance of our Masonic funeral rites. Due respect can ever be paid by the Craft lo the memory of a brother who desires to be buried according to the rites of other organizations, by attending as individuals, and as a rule none are more ready to honor the memory of the deceased than Free Masons. However much personal feelings may urge us, it is not wise or prudent to break what may be considered a universal rule. The Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication in 1874 endorsed the views of the then Grand Master, who held it improper to allow other societies to take part in the conduct of Masonic funerals.

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All but two of the District Deputy Grand Masters made reports, showing the condition of the various Lodges in their respective districts. Some of these reports are worthy of attention, showing as they do the large amount of earnest labor that has been bestowed upon their respective fields by the Masonic laborers. From one of these reports we quote the following, thinking that it may, perhaps, fall under the eye of some Worshipful Master or Secretary, and save them the loss of a small sum of money, and unavailing regrets. Should some member of this false Lodge chance to come their way and find himself in want of a small amount of spending money: A bogus Lodge, called Temple Lodge, started more than a year ago, under the now defunct so-called Grand Lodge of Ontario, is now running a lone hand, and I would caution the brethren to be careful when strangers visit, to be sure that they do not hail from this spurious Lodge, as I have heard it stated that they intend to try and get into some of our Lodges in the District. Our Canadian brethren have furnished a good nut for some of our more captious co-laborers to crack, especially such as b r i e v e there is " too much religion" (in Masonry.) I have during the year granted Dispensations to enable some of the brethren to attend church and appear in public clothed in their regalia. Several of the Lodges have adopted the laudable practice of attending, public worship, and they thus earn our recognition of and submission to the religious observances adopted and used by many of our people. This practice, if continued and extended, as I hope it will be, will tend to remove from the minds of some of the uninitiated the false impression which is diligently created and fostered by the enemies of the Craft, that the profession of Masonry is inconsistent with a spirit of loyalty and devotion to our received religion. Those over the Grand Lodge think it all. right to dress up and go to church and approve the issuance of a special dispensations for that purpose : The Board notice with great gratification that the laudable practice of attending divine service on the Masonic festival days of Saints John is largely increasing. We record with pleasure the steady growth of this Grand Lodge and withal their excellent financial condition, notwithstanding their ups and downs with the many spurious bodies which have.tried to exist in their Grand Jurisdiction. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. CALIFORNIA.

1879.

The volume of Proceedings of this Grand Lodge is equal in interest and typographic beauty to its predecessors. Few, if indeed, any Masonic publications, surpass those of California in excellence of arrangement or in quality of the solid food for thought therein presented. The Thirtieth Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge was held in October, 1879. The representation was large, being from one hundred and fiinety-two out of two hundred and eleven Lodges, We discover a note-

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Proceedings of tlie

February,

worthy circumstance, that all the Lodges made, their annuaK returns and paid dues with commendable promptitude. Is it the climate, we wander? It seems to be a unique instance, in these latter day chronicles. Grand Master, JOHN M I L L S BROWNE, delivered his Fourth Annual Addres.s, like all its predecessors it is exceedingly interesting. We note therein so much that is good, that we hardly know where to insert the scissors, or which paragraphs lo reproduce for the good of the Craft. Of the practical and useful in Masonry he says: In my administration it has been aimed to bring your attention to practical Masrnry — every-day, actual Masonry — that which is feasible — rather than to please your senses in reciting the the beauties and grandeur of theoretical Masonry; for experience has determined that there is a great interval between written theory and real practice, and that much of the possible' in theory is impossible in practice. Let me ask this question. Of what use is Masonry unless it be made practical? Why expend time, labor and money in perpetuating the impracticable? Practical Masonry is the application of its knowledge to the experiences of life, to our surroundings, to our social, business, and civic relations. The term brotherhood is meaningless, unless associated with charity, and charity is but half developed when restricted to the humane duty of alms-giving. Masonic charity in its broad, unselfish sense is to do unto others as we would that others should do unto us. It is the charity that seeks for truth, honesty and respect for the rights of others, that fosters knowledge, freedom and toleration, and searches and strives after the good. It is the absence of this charity that is the chief cause of personal difficulties, arising from special and local agencies, by wrangling discussion, passionate accusation, petty selfishness and intolerant opinion, all producing a bitterness which sooner or later affects the fraternal relations within the Lodge, and, in the sapping and mining of its harmony impairs, if not destroys, its effectiveness and usefulness. This is not imagined or unrealized, but is too frequently an actual, experienced condition, a great and grievous fault. When brothers are burdened with defects of their own, they should exercise charity toward the failings of others. They should not distress the mind when they themselves stand in need of many t h i n g s ; they should not forgot the law of human interdependence, and should not pass a severeness of judgment when regarding another's failings through a medium discolored and distorted. Cold-heartedness and self-regarding ought to be supplanted by kindness and self-repression, and, in the practice of self-command, passion, pride and self-love, give way to a chivalrous courtesy which will elevote both the giver and the receiver. Brothers ought to remember that "a word spoken and a stone thrown, never r e t u r n ; " that they can not be Masonically just, if they are not kind hearted; and, that if they will entertain faith and experience confidence, have sympathy, and be charitably considerate, with a desire to help one another, their own characters for prudence and conduct and integrity will be enlarged and extended. In regard to the selection of those who rule and govern the Craft for the year he makes the following excellent suggestions, and we only wish that every Mason in our own jurisdiction could read them, and would take them to heart, for they are full of truth. An important duty will soon devolve upon Lodges — the election of officers. Lodge reputation and efficiency must of necessity depend upon the interest and ability displayed by its officers. Increase of membership, diminution by dimission, and the demonslration of Masonic principles, are powerfully influenced by the character of officers. It is essential then to select the worthiest of the members for the various positions. A Master who

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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has faithfully.performed duty should have a re-election, not alone as a complimentary indorsement, but for the benefit to be derived from his continuance in office. One half of the year has usually expired before the new Master has acquired perfectness in the work to confer degrees impressively, or to administer affairs intelligently. With the experience- afforded by the first, how well and easily could the duties of the second year be executed. Again, as a general rule, the Senior Warden should succeed the Master, and the Senior Deacon the Senior Warden, leaving the South a position of honor rather than of labor. If this plan were employed the Master would have an increased desire to select the best material for his assistant — the Senior Deacon — who from the first would be stimulated into excellence by the expected reward of promotion to the West and East, and sufficient time would be afforded in each office to thoroughly understand and completely execute the respective functions, a result that can not be had unless these conditions are present. And more, by following this suggestion an effectual way will be found to maintain a uniformity of work, to insure correct administration,' to incite interest and to attract attention, a combination that would preserve membership and lessen the number of non-affiliates. In the following paragraph, Grand Master BROWNE depicts a case of genuine cool selfishness, backed up by brazen impudence: My opinion was asked in a case where a Lodge desired to bury a deceased member, but was refused, the ceremonies of the church were employed, and subsequently the Lodge was called upon to defray the cost of burial. I answered that when the Lodge was willing to bury with Masonic honors, but was refused- by the widow, the body was placed in charge of Catholics and buried with the rites of their church, the Lodge can refuse to pay the funeral expenses with eminent propriety. That one organization is not expected to defray the cost of burial when not permitted to perform its ceremonies, which are rendered by another organization. A most moderate and just reply. Again, the following telegram was received: " H a s Herman Lodge the right to bury a defaulter and suicide?" I replied, " Herman Lodge will determine if the suicide was an act of insanity and as to the propriety of interring the deceased defaulter and suicide with Masonic honors." The Lodge buried its deceased member, who had confessed the defalcation and whose suicide, it is presumed, was the result of the criminal act, and not of insanity. In this case I can not think the unfortunate brother was entitled to a Masonic burial. His self-accusation.made him a criminal, and as such he would have been subjected to a Masonic censure and punishment. His death did not weaken the fact. The rights of the Fraternity are to be respected equally with those of the individual. The compact between the Lodge and the member is binding, and the guilty ought not to receive the respectful consideration awarded to the innocent. The public wonders at the equal distribution of funeral honors, which it had supposed was the reward of a life of integrity. Failing to comprehend the -apparent inconsistency between profession and practice, it condemns — how uncharitably, you well know. You have decided " t h a t in the case of a suicide by a Master Mason in this Jurisdiction, the Lodge to which he belonged shall determine as to his insanity, and as to the propriety of interring him with Masonic honors." Will it not be just to prohibit the Masonic interment of a suicide, which presumably was occasioned by, or at least associated with, a criminal act? This subject was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence, who submitted an able report, favoring the repeal of the resolution of 1870 and the adoption of one strictly prohibiting the burial of a Master Mason who

60

Proceedings of the

February,

had committed suicide, with Masonic honors, under any and all circumstances, indicating that the old rule had been abused by the officers of Lodges. After a very exhaustive discussion of the subject by the Grand Lodge, the report was rejected, and the old resolution repealed, the Lodges being left to dispose of such cases in such manner as they might deem proper. This exceedingly unpleasant question has troubled the wise heads of our Institution for many years, and they seem now to be no nearer to a satisfactory conclusion than they were twenty years ago. We find on examination of the Proceedings of the.various Grand Lodges, that some hold substantially as follows: That if a member of a Lodge, against whom there were no charges pending, dies, and it was his dying request, or the request of his family, he must be interred with Masonic honors by his Lodge, no matter what his private character might have been; and if, like the California brother, he commits a crime more or less heinous, and then, to avoid the penalties of the law, he commits suicide, still he iflust, of right, receive the honors of Masonic burial by the Lodge. In some Jurisdictions they refuse Masonic burial to all suicides, and in others they hold that it is for the Lodge to decide whether the party is entitled to the rights of burial under the circumstances named. We are inclined to believe the best and most charitable mode to be, is to leave the whole matter to the judgment of the officers and members of the Lodge, and let them dispose of such cases as they arise from time to time, on their true merits. Life Insurance companies, courts and jurors have wrestled with this question for the last twenty years, or more, and do not appear to be any nearer to. the true solution now than when they commenced. Place us on the side of the widow and the orphan, and let formalities take care of themselves. Here is a case of true merit and genuine charity : On motion of Bro. N. GREENE CURTIS, the sum of fifty dollars per month, until the next Annual Communication, to be disbursed under the direction of the Grand Master, was ordered to be paid from the fJeneral Fund for the care of Master WALTER WILCO.X, an orphan, whose parents died of yellow fever at New Orleas in 1877; after which a contribution was taken up among the members, and the svim of sixty-eight dollars was found to be added to the foregoing. Bro. PRATT, Past Grand Master, from the Committee on Jurisprudence, presented the following report concerning the holding of Lodge meetings on the Sabbath day. It was concurred in: The question was asked of the Grand Master: " I s it right or legitimate for a Lodge to work on the Sabbath? or would the Grand Lodge, or you, as Grand Master, censure a Lodge for so d o i n g ? " The Grand Master replied t h a t : " E x c e p t for funeral ceremonies.the urgency will seldom present itself for a Lodge to convene on the Sabbath, and the fact that there is much work to be done in the way of conferring degrees is no good reason fora departure from the practice in this Jurisdiction. It is desirable to aff'ord the enemies of Masonry no vulnerable point for an attack, and .consequently avoidance of labor on Sunday is to be observed." Your committee would have answered the question briefly that it is neither right nor legitimate for a Lodge to do work on the Sabbath. When

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

61

we speak of wor^ we mean the ordinary work of the Lodge, and particularly of the conferring of degrees, and never speak of the performance of the burial service as work. The proposer of the question evidently so used the word. Our ccmntry is a Christian country and our people are a Christian people, by whom the Sabbath is recognized as a holy day set apart for rest and worship. Whether, as individuals, we are Christians or not, or professedly religious or not, we do profess to be good citizens, obedient to the laws'of the land, whether it be the land of our birth or of our adoption, and to be zealous promoters of the good order and the best interests of society; and it seems to your committee that a decent respect for the institutions of the country and the opinions of the great body of the'people requires of us, as men and as Masons, to abstain on the Sabbath from our ordinary avocations or amusements. - The above expresses our feeling and opinions on this point of Masonic duty. The Grand Orator, Bro. LORENZO SAWYER, delivered an oration, treating of Masonry from a historic standpoint, and in a particularly lucid and able manner. Any one might well be proud to acknowledge such a paper. The limits of our space preclude our quoting more than this, from the conclusion : Having thus briefly sketched the supposed origin, and the progress, vicissitudes, and present condition of Freemasonry, and made some reference to its principles, to its relation to other organizations, and to the inter-' ests of humanity, I shall conclude with an exhortation to the brethren to so. conduct themselves as to afford to the world a perpetual living illustration of the principles which we inculcate and the virtues which we cherish. I find the precise idea which I desire to present, in conclusion, so aptly and beautifully expressed by Grand Orator DoLPH, of the Grand Lodge of our neighboring State, Oregon, that I shall not hesitate to appropriate his language : " Let the consciousness that the eyes of the world are upon us stimulate us to live up to the sublime principles of our Order. Become perfect Masons and you will become perfect men; you will be true to your country ; you will be just, faithful and fraternal to your fellow-man ; your characters will be adorned with all the virtues; you will act well your part in the age in which you live; you will walk humbly before GoD, and death to you will be but the joyful summons to present the work of your lives before the Orient for the inspection of the Master. Let us, also, remember that our work is to be tried by the unerring square of eternal justice. The light of GOD'S eternal truth will discover all the elements of pride,.vanity and selfishness which have escaped the eyes of the world, and which will be found in that light to disfigure the sublimest displays of conduct, heroic in the eyes of men, and the brilliant performances of many whose names are re-echoed from age to age. Happy indeed shall we be, if riot only our foundation stands, but if the superstructure of individual character which we have reared proves acceptable to the Grand Architect and is found wo^-thy a place in that temple not niade with hands, eternal in the heavens." Bro. W M . H . H I L L again comes forward with an able and carefully prepared Report on Correspondence. His pen, one would judge to be cut from the olive branch, and dipped in the milk of human kindness; for his criticisms are without bitterness, and his dissent most genially expressed. Kansas receives kindly notice, and the brother has so carefully chosen the ground on which he stands that it only remains for us to say, "well done." M.-.W.-. WILLIAM WILSO.M TAYLOR, Grand Master, San Francisco; R.-. W.\ ALEX. G . ABELL, San Francisco, Grand Secretary.

62

Proceedings of the COLORADO.

February,

1879.

The Proceedings of this Grand Lodge show that our mountain brethren are not far behind those east of them in quantity or quality of matter, or in style. Twenty-three Lodges represented, only three, absentees. Two new charters issued. The Constitution and By-Laws are published with this year's Proceedings, and are to be bound with the Proceedings of 1870-79, under the direction of the Grand Secretary. This will make a v e r y neat volume. We notice donations, made by both the Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery, of the files of other Grand Bodies, which were •accepted on the conditione named by the respective bodies donating. This is, we think, an excellent scheme, and will do much to insure the formation of an excellent Masonic Library. The usual amount of business was transacted, in a most harmonious manner. Grand Master ROGER W . WOODBURY, in his Annual Address, brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge the law of Colorado, enacted to avoid or prevent the incorporation of Masonic Lodges, concerning which we quote for the information of the Craft in our own Jurisdiction: SECTION I. Any Masonic body, duly chartered by its Grand Body, according to the law, constitution and usages of the Masonic Fraternity, and not wishing to beconrte a corporate body, may take and hold real estate for its use and benefit, by purchase, grant, devise, gift, or otherwise, in and by the name and number of said body, according to the respective registers of the Grand Body under which the same may be holden; and the presiding officer of such body, together with the Secretary thereof, may make conveyances of any real estate belonging to such body, when authorized" by a majority of all the members of said body, under such regulations as the said Masonic body, or its Grand Body, may see fit to make; but all such conveyances shall be attested by the seal of said-subordinate body. SEC. 2. Should it become necessary at any time to protect the rights of such Masonic body in and to the real estate and personal property, the presiding officer thereof may bring suit in his own name for the benefit of the Masonic body over which he presides, in any of the courts of record of this State having original jurisdiction, and may prosecute or defend the same in the Supreme Court of the .State. SEC. 3. In case any property shall be held jointly by two or more Masonic bodies, then the presiding officers of each of said bodies, so holding jointly, may unite in bringing suit in their own names, for the benefit of the Masonic bodies over which they preside." He is so_und upon the suicide question, leaving it with the discretion of the Master. Again, he is wholly right in saying: That the W.-. M.-. has the right to refuse admission to members of his Lodge dujing the progress of work, which will be disturbed by their admission. It lias become quite too common a practice for many members of Lodges to wait around corners and in loafing places until a late hour, and then to slink in by some other than the right way, perhaps disturbing the Lodge while engaged in conferring the degrees. If they can not come in

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at the proper time let them remain outside, and next time they will not " f o r g e t " the hour of meeting. Among the decisions we find the following : I declined to suspend the Master of a Lodge on the application of a visitor who felt injured because he had not received an invitation to a sociable given by the Lodge. This, for arctic coolness on the part of the visitor, "beats the record," and," we might add, caps the climax of downright impudence. Had he only' thought of it, he might have asked the Grand Master to revoke the charter and close up the shop. The brethren of that Lodge pi'obably used good judgrhent in riot asking him to their sociable. The Grand Master visited Florida and other States, and as all do, called round at New York, evidently finding the latch-string out at the Masonic Temple; apropos of which Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine, says: Let our New York brethren now charge an admission fee, and the Temple debt will soon be paid! Female janitors f—co\iT\.eo\is and obliging! Well, we think we shall have business in New York before long. To which we add, yes, let us all go. Here is a little coercion for us. The Grand Master had decided: That a brother in good standing can claim a dimit without giving reasons for the application, if he be clear on the books; but such application should be in writing even if he be present. A majority of the Committee on Jurisprudence decided favorably on this, but an adverse minority report was adopted, as follows: " I t is contrary to and inconsistent with the ancient usages and precepts of our Order to withdraw from a Subordinate Lodge, or to reside in the' neighborhood of a Subordinate Lodge without becoming a member thereof." This I consider the correct rule, and if it is inconsistent with ancient usage then it is prohibited, for ancient usage is the law governing this matter. Every Mason ought to contribute to the support of a Lodge, if able, and if not, he ought to have the moral courage to say so to his Lodge, and the Lodge ought thereupon to remit his dues until he is able to pay. It is not sufficient to say that by dimiting-from the Lodge he cuts himself off from the benefits of Masonry. He has obligated hims'elf to give, to the craft the' benefit of his presence at Lodge, his skill and intelligence managing itsaffairs, and he is bound by solemn obligations to the Fraternity, and he can not absolve himself by saying that he will waive the benefits that are to come to him. We hold with the Grand Master. The law of Colorado declares that all non-affiliates "shall be deprived of all the rights and benefits of. Masonry." This looks very much like an innovation upon ancient practice. Bro. FRANK CHURCH delivered an admirable oration, from which we quote the final passages: And finally, my brethren, in our estimation of Masonry, let us look beyond its secret works, its rituals, lectures, ceremonies, signs and symbols, for these are but the garment in which it is clothed — they, are' the visible

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body — Masonry is the invisible soul. The promotion of virtue, the practice of morality, and the relief of distress are but the fruits of the vital active principle within. Masonry is more than mere signs and ceremonies. We may know its history, its traditions, its achievements and its laws; we may be learned in its lectures and masters of its secret work; we may be able to understand and interpret its symbolism," and be termed "bright Masons," and yet the whole volume of Masonry be to us a sealed and a silent book. We may admire its spirit, and refuse that spirit a dwelling within our soul; we may admire its wisdom, its strength, its harmony (which is beauty), the perfection of its ceremonies, its lectures, and its laws; and yet if we have failed to learn that these are but avenues leading up to the moral edifice beyond, that they are only emblems of like qualities in the spiritual structure, then, indeed, have we labored in vain and spent our strength for naught. The power which expands, purifies, elevates and ennobles the soul and fills us with the presence of the Infinite and prepares us for a better life, is the divinity which dwells within your Temples, and if it dwell not in your hearts then are you but whited sepulchers, bearing the name, but mocking the spirit and purpose of the Fraternity. Brb. E. H. COLLINS presented the Report on Correspondence, chiefly confined to quotations from the other proceedings, Kansas.for 1878 among the number. M.-.W.-. BYRON L . CARR, Longmont, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. E D . C . PARMELEE, Georgetown, Grand Secretary. CONNECTICUT.

1880.

The volume of Proceedings before us contains a full list of all the Subordinate Lodges, with the names of all their members, and also the Constitution and By-Laws; Permanent Resolutions and Decisions of the Grand Masters, the entire mass of matter arranged in the best shape for convenient reference, with a neatness and precision ever characteristic of the land of steady habits. A Special Communication was held October 23, 1879, ^O"" ''^^ purpose of rendering to their lamented Grand Master, ISRAEL H . BtJLLOCK, the last sad duty that we owe to man, that of tenderly laying him to rest after the battle of life. M.-.W.-. Bro. BULLOCK had been stricken down while in the performance of duty. This, it seems, was the first time in the history of the venerable Grand Lodge of Connecticut, that their chief died while in office. Memorial services were held by the Grand Lodge, and the proceedings were published in a handsome "volume, a copy of which we have , received. The Annual Communication was held in January, 1880. There was a full representation from all the Subordinate Lodges, only one being conspicuous for its absence. The business of the session seems to have been harmoniously transacted, and the work done was such as will redound to the good of the Order in Connecticut. The acting Grand Master, J O H N H . BARLOW, opens his address with an appropriate notice of the death of his predecessor in the Grand East, pay-

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ing. a merited tribute to his memory. The remainder of the address is devoted to local matters, save only the Webotuck Lodge dispute between the Grand Lodges of New York and Connecticut. Of that unfortunate affair he says but little.. In the report of the Grand Secretary we find the following reply from the Grand Lodge of Scotland: On the 28th of January last, agreeable to the direction of this Grand Lodge, I forwarded to the Grand Secretary of the M.-.W.-. Grand Lodge of Scotland an attested copy of the report of your Committee on Jurisprudence relating to the controversy existing between that Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Quebec, on the question of jurisdiction, and shortly after received a reply which indicates the views of Scotland in reference to the matter. The Grand Secretary says: "Meantime permit me to say for the information of your Grand Lodge that the Grand Lodge of Scotland has no intention of invading the Masonic territory of any Grand Lodge in the United States; on the contrary, the Grand Master and other office bearers and members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland are most desirous of cultivating fraternal relations .with these Grand Bodies. It is right, however, that you should know that the Charters issued to new Lodges in the city of Montreal, Province of Quebec, will certainly not be withdrawn." Since the receipt of the foregoing I have received nothing relating to the subject. This answer is about what we might reasonably expect from the Scottish brethren, if we take their past actions in matters of an international interest as a criterion by which to judge. It is not at all unlikely that they may yet attempt to set up some of their son's of light in the missionary business on American soil, with full power to act regardless of Yankee manifestos. In any event, we can hardly pin our faith to their promise not to do so before they make proper amends to the Grand Lodge of Quebec for their a c t i o n i n the past. T h e inference, might reasonably be drawn, indeed, that they propose to themselves one rule of conduct toward Grand Lodges in the United States and another toward those in Canadian Provinces; but an inference would hardly be a safe prop for our hopes in the matter. The "Webotuck case" came up again, the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, of which M.-.W.-. Bro. LoCKWOOD was Chairman. A verbal report was made, and on motion, the committee was continued, with-permission to make report after the close of the session, and in time to be incorporated in the printed Proceedings. With permission of our brethren in Connecticut, we can not help thinking that they made a mistake in thus placing this matter in the hands of one who was thoroughly committed from the outset, to the false doctrines enunciated by him at the time he instituted the Lodge in question and installed its officers. Would it not have been better to appoint some one as head of that committee who has not already passed upon the case? Last year we devoted some space to the discussion of this important case, and we then entertained the hope that our brethren in Connecticut would be led to see the error to which they were committed, and make the proper amends to New York, but from this

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report it seems that Ihey are farthei- from an adjustment than they were twelve months ago. We quote from this, report a portion to show the position and the course of reasoning of Bro. L O C K W O O D : " N e w York and Connecticut both concur in the doctrine of the Supreme Jurisdiction of its Grand Lodge over all mailers of Ancient Craft Masonry within the territorial limits of the State, and oVsr all Masons residing therein.- One of those matters, and an important one, is the constituting oi new Lodges, by granting a Charter to a constitutional number of Masons residing therein. " I t follows from this doctrine that the action of a Grand Lodge within its own territory, upon Masonic material situate therein, including Masons therein residing, and especially those voluntarily invoking the action, can not be impeached, and must receive full force and effect in every other Grand Lodge; like the judgment of a Court of a sister State, having personal jiirisdiction over a party, it can not be impeached or avoided. The right of expatriation so strenuously insisted upon by the United States, and its claim that its act in clothing foreigners residing therein, with its citizenship, can not be disregarded, is a good illustration of this principle. The right to" try a member of a Lodge of a Jurisdiction residing within the territorial jurisdiction of another Grand Lodge, and that his conviction and the sentence therein, even to the extent of expulsion, cannot be impeached, and that no redress can be had except through an appeal to the Grand Lodge having jurisdiction over the trying Lodge, are now generally conceded. In this instance, the consent of the Lodge of which he is a member is not considered. The legal principle upon which it is based is, that the trying tribunal'has/^rrZ/ffWrt/and ^i?r.roKn/jurisdiction over the party tried."

" T o say that the Grand Lodge of Connecticut can not constitute Masons residing within its territory into new Lodges, according to its own Constitution and Laws, because some of then; are memliers of a Lodge situate in another State, and because, by a law of that State, membership can not be terminated except in a particular way, is not, in effect, giving force to Connecticut law beyond -its-territory, as claimed by some of onr New York brethren, but in truth givingeffect ito.a law of New York outside of its territory^ and in so far abridging the sovereign prerogatives of Connecticut within its own territory, acting upon Masons residing therein, and invoking the exercise of its power. " I s it not a fair construction of the law of New York, providing for severance of membership, to hold that the present case is a casus omissus — .a case not contemplated by the Grand Lodge in the 26th section, enumerating the modes of terminating membership in Lodges? The power to constitute Lodges in its own territory is inherent and exclusive in a Grand Lodge. The very act consitutes the petitioners into a new Lodge (so says New York ), and makes them members thereof; and if it be conceded that a .brother can-not be a member of two Lodges at the same time, does it not follow that his membership in the old Lodge is terminated by that act? " What would be the .result if the other rule be applied? Seven resident .Master Masons apply for a Charter; it isgranted, and the Charter is issued and the Lodge constituted ; it is then ascertained that one of the petitioners was a member of a Lodge in another State What becomes of the new Lodge? If this petitioner is not a member of the new Lodge, then the Charter has been granted to less than a constitutional number, and the Lodge has been constituted against the landmark. It is absolutely void.

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irregular, and all its work is clandestine and spurious, although working under a Charter from the only Grand Lodge having jurisdiction and acting within its constitutional and inherent powers. We believe that the doctrine of supreme and exclusive territorial jurisdiction of Grand Lodges is of the most vital importance, and that the principle applied in this case by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut is a logical result of that doctrine, and places it •upon higher ground than the doctrine enunciated by New York would imply. But the Grand Lodge of New York recognizes, as has been shown, severance of membership through the granting of a Charter, and that, too, without the consent of the Lodge of which the petitioner is a member. Is the Grand Lodge unwilling to accord the same power to other Grand Lodges issuing Charters constituting its resident brethren into Lodges? " From this, Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine, demurs, and his demurrer will, we think, be sustained by almost every Grand Lodge on this Continent: If the first paragraph means that the Grand Lodge has supreme and exclusive jurisdiction over all Masons residing in the State,.V is wrong; it is universally settled law that a New York Lodge may discipline one of its members resident in Connecticut and expel him from the Institution, and the Grand Lodge of the latter is utterly powerless in the case. Again, the Grand Lodge has not such supreme jurisdiction over resident Masons as to be able to affect injuriously the rights of others out of the State. T h e case of a judgment cited by Bro. LocKWOOD is exceedingly unfortunate for his argument. No Court can render a judgment affecting injuriously the mutual rights of one of its citizens, and a party out of the State, unless it obtains jurisdiction over both. By parity of reasoning, the Grand Lodge of Connecticut can not affect the relations between a member and his Lodge, unless it has jurisdiction over both, except so far as such a result may follow a conviction for crime commited in its Jurisdiction.' The judgment of a Court having jurisdiction over only one party, as a general rule, is utterly void. Bro. LocKWOOD also confounds jurisdiction in cases of offenses committed in the territory of a Grand.Lodge with its jurisdiction in other respects. The commission of an offense of itself gives jurisdiction to the sovereignty within which it is committed, no matter where the offender may reside. But the .jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge for that purpose, and jurisdiction to adjudicate upon the mutual rights of a resident Mason, and a Mason or a Lodge in another Jurisdiction, are two very different things, and the latter can not be proVed by the existence of the former. The jurisdiction in the former case is not ^ territoriala-ndpersonal']\x-!\%&.\Q.Wori over the party tried," but grows out of \.\ie. place where the offense is committed. The old universally acknowledged rule was,.that membership could be severed only by the mutual consent of both the Lodge and the member, except when it resulted indirectly from conviction for crime or breach of the By-Laws. But then dual membership was allowed; and when that kind of membership was prohibited, it was held that another exception was created, and that the Grand Lodge which has jurisdiction of both the metnber and the Lodge could sever the membership by making the member, with his consent, a Charter member of a new Lodge. The argument in the last paragraph quoted seems to us to have no force. A Grand Lodge has no business to issue a Charter under such circumstances ; we might as well argue that including a man's name in a Charter makes him a Mason, because if a profane's name should be thus inserted and should not have that effect, the Lodge would be an illegal Lodge, and all its work clandestine! 6

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The question at issue is an exceedingly important one, as Bro. LOCKWOOD says, and every Grand Lodge is interested in it; and for that reason we have devoted so much space to it. T h e ready pen of Bro. W H E E L E R has prepared for the Craft another of his excellent Reports on Correspondence. He says in a note at the end, that the Proceedings of Kansas, (others named), did not arrive in time for review. Well, we await our turn. M.'.W.-. J O H N H. BARLOW, Birmingham, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. Jos. K., W H E E L E K , Hartford, Grand Secretary. DAKOTA.

1880.

The business transacted by this Grand Lodge at its last Annual Communication, was mainly of. a local character, but not devoid of interest to us outsiders, and we hasten to note the points of interest. Only six out of fifteen Lodges were represented. This can be easily accounted for when we consider the enormous distances many of the Dakota brethren have to travel, amounting in some instances to hundreds of miles. The writer well remembers meeting Bro. HoYT when he attended the Grand Lodge (of Iowa) in the interests of his (St. J o h n ' s ) Lodge. The jolting stages and hacks of the present day are hardly looked upon as luxuries, but even such conveyances were not then available for the Dakota brethren: mule back or afoot was the choice in those days. T h e Annual Address of Grand Master GEORGE H . H A N D is an official paper of no ordinary merit, and is, under the circumstances, exceedingly conciliatory. Dispensations were issued for the formation of five Lodges. Charters granted.

Six new

Their finances seem to be in a very healthy condition, S619.17 in the Grand Treasury. All this indicates a virile state of Masonic affairs in Dakota. Grand Master H A N D has this to say in relation to the future of our Order, and the duty we owe to it in erecting and maintaining for it the highest possible standard: As we enter the new Masonic year, let us resolve in our hearts that whatever there is of good in practical Masonry shall be ours. The future is before us. Upon its unsullied pages let us record our determination that the standard of Masonry in this Jurisdiction shall not be lowered; that its benign principles, which have survived the assaults of man and the lapse of time, shall be cherished by us and retained as our heritage forever. We do not need to cling to theories or wrangle over rituals to make the Institution we represent to-day respected and honored in the land. But, more than all else, we need that practical application of its principles in the lives of men, which challenges the admiration of the world. It is not so pecegsary that we should increase in numbers as that we should grow in the

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grace of charity. Not alone that charity which induces men to relieve the widow and orphan, but that broader one, which controls the unruly tongue, and covers with the mantle of silence the frailties of our common humanity. The past, with all its rich inheritance of wisdom and truth, will be as a fitful dream if it does not teach us that amid the cares and perplexities of this busy life, we are not to forget the individual obligations we are under, to respect, defend and protect the'character and reputation of each other. And so, with grateful hearts, we render thanks to Him who has blessed us in the past, and whose continued mercies come unbidden upon us as the gentle dews from Heaven. Keeping, then, our high resolves for a better future as the years come and go, we shall reach the fruition of our hopes, pnd be filled with that charity which looks to the welfare of each other, and guards with jealous care the reputation of every individual Mason. Four decisions were rendered, all in accord with the common law of our Institution. His " c a t a r a c t " decision is, we think, figured down to an exceedingly fine point, hardly warrantable. The candidate, we opine, is either physically qualified or he is'not. We do not believe in calling in a physician to help a candidate out. You might as well call in a leg maker'to fix up a candidate ( a gentleman) with only one leg. He briefly reviews the Minnesota trouble in a candid and conciliatory manner. We are pleased to note that the cause of all this unpleasantness has been removed, and the Lodge in question has by its own voluntary act become.one of the Dakota family, as will be seen by the following quotation: The committee to whom was referred the question of Jurisdiction, recommend that the Charter of this Lodge be surrendered to the Grand Lodge of Dakota, with a request that a Charter be granted to us by the Most Worshipful of the Grand Lodge of Dakota, with the statement that this Lodge has persisted in adhering to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, believing that it had the right to do so, hoping for an early division of Dakota which would end all controversy in relation to the matter, because it was more convenient for us to meet with the Grand Lodge of Minnesota than with the Grand Lodge of Dakota. Since there is a question, however, in the interest of right, we recommend the course advised above and promise a faithful allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Dakota. The above report was adopted in full by the Lodge, and in accordance therewith I forward the Charter, and on behalf of the Lodge and in the interest of our Institution, I most humbly ask that our Charter be accepted and certified, and that we be permitted to affiliate with the Grand Lodge of Dakota, and anything that may be required of us by your Grand Body will be cheerfully complied with. Your Special Committee to which was referred the application of Bismarck Lodge, No. 120, of the Register of Minnesota, located at Bismarck, within the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, for affiliation with us and offering full allegiance to this Grand Lodge, respectfully report: They have read with sincere pleasure the address of Bismarck Lodge and its Worshipful Master to this Grand Lodge, surrendering their Charter for re-issue by and under our Jurisdiction; and express the universal sentiment of rejoicing and welcome to them for this act of fealty which makes Masonry one, and all brethren of Dakota in accord. We find no action necessary, but that the M.-.W.-. Grand Master and R.-.W.-. Grand Secretary shoultl certify and number the Charter in accord-

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ance with the standing resolution of this Grand Lodge. We respectfully request that this be done at as early a day as practicable, and that in returning the Charter to them our congratulations be presented that they remained alien no longer, and they assured that they are now received in our hearts and upon our Register with all the affection, rights and privileges that ever have been or can be enjoyed by any of our constituent Lodges. T h e above will be hailed with much rejoicing by the Craft throughout the length and breadthi of our Masonic Jurisdictions. Bro. W. H . H . BEADLE is the author of the Report on Correspondence, which is an effort of which he need not be ashamed, for it does him credit. We can only give place to his conclusion. Here is where he is sound, and gets in his best work on our Minnesota brethren. His report on the Minnesota case will do for many of us to refer to by and by, in relation to the question involved : This report was written prior to the session of the Grand Lodge, except a few brief notices which indicate the difference. During the session the pleasant event occurred, which the Proceedings show, whereby the Lodge at Bismarck yielded its allegiance to and was received upon the Register of Dakota Grand Lodge. This removes the last of the differences between Minnesota and Dakota which have been the principal subject of discussion in these pages. We still, however, insist upon all we have said and stand firmly by the principles which must become universal in America before peace and comity are assured. We e.'specially insist upon the right application of the American doctrine toward New Mexico, and every small and new Grand Lodge struggling against a powerful and older One. We have felt the sneer of assumed experience and the contempt of an established power too keenly to forget others in like travail of a just defense. If Masonry can not do the right and work justice and spread the cement of brotherly love by advances toward the weak and struggling, in place of sharp and cold technical thrusts at their life, it is time it had taken a iiew lesson in the primer of its morals and learned again its upright steps in regular principle. How is it, Bro. BEADLE, that you have nothing to say about Kansas? We sent our Proceedings for 1879 t° your Grand Secretary. M.-.W.'. G E O . H . H A N D , Yankton, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. CHAS. MCCOY, Bon Homme, Grand Secretary. DELAWARE.

1879.

The Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for 1879 are exclusively of local interest, the business transacted relating only to home affairs. Twenty-one of the Subordinate Lodges were represented, and their deliberations were further assisted by the counsels of fourteen Past Grand Officers, who seem to be working and voting members. The Annual Address of Grand Master J O H N TAYLOR is quite brief, and devoid of general interest outside of Delaware. H e reports the Order in a healthy condition in his Jurisdiction, peace and harmony prevailing. Fraternal mention is made of those who have entered into rest. The reports of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer show a reasonably

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good financial condition for that Grand Lodge. The Grand Secretary very properly recommends that some action be taken to relieve many, of their Lodges of a class of Masons who travel from " pillar to post," and never pay the least attention to the payment of theirdues, and do not even advise their Lodges of their whereabouts. Some plan should be adopted to relieve Subordinates of all such burdens, unnecessarily imposed upon them by Grand Lodge By-Laws, so that they may not be compelled to carry them along from one year to another, paying the usual capitation tax on useless material, with no earthly show of reimbursement. The Grand Lodge of Manitoba received the favor of recognition. The Committee on Correspondence made report of the number of Grand Lodge Proceedings received, "only this and nothing more." This was in accordance with a vote of the Grand Lodge. Sorry that the brethren of Delaware cannot afford even a synopsis of the doings of the Masonic world.' M.-.W.-. JOHN TAYLOR, Wilmington, Grand Master; R.-. W.\ W M . S . HAYS, Wilmington, Grand Secretary. D I S T R I C T OF C O L U M B I A .

1880.

As usual, with this Grand Lodge, the Craft were assembled together several times during the year, and most of the business was transacted at these special and stated Communications. The work and lectures of the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry were fully exemplified. It was held, and we think properly so, that no one save a member of the Grand Lodge could represent it near another Grand Lodge. We have always favored confining distinguished honors to the members of the Grand Lodge only, and particularly so to those who are regular in their attendance on the Annual Communications of their respective Grand Lodges. New South Wales was recognized. The brethren of the District are the first to do right in this direction, as we think, although our Grand Lodge thought differently. We have always had a warm corner in our heart for the brethren in this Province, believing that our Scottish brethren were not disposed" to look upon their effort to organize a Grand Lodge with favor under any circumstances. We clip the following from the Report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, composed of Bros. A. G. MACKEY and C. F. STANSBURY: •

Every act appears to have been done in proper form. As the law has long been settled on this continent, and recognized in the case of the Grand Lodge of Canada by the Gran'd Lodges of Europe, that it is competent for any number of Lodges, not less than three, holding Charters from the same or from different Grand Lodges, and being in a territory where there is no Grand Lodge, to organize an independent Grand Lodge, your committee do not think it necessary to discuss this already adjudicated question, but simply recommend the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia recognizes the Grand Lodge of New South Wales as a legally-formed independent Grand Lodge, entitled to all the prerogatives of such a body.

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On the Quebec and Scotland troubles they passed resolutions similar to those of every Grand Lodge which has taken action upon this important matter. T h e Committee says: T h a t law, abundantly supported by precedents, is, that when a territory, having its political boundaries, has been occupied by a Grand Lodge duly and legally organized and established, no other Grand Lodge can invade that territory by granting warrants for Lodges within the boundaries of the territory. Every Lodge therein must give its obedience to the established Grand Lodge, and the acknowledgment of this obedience is absolutely necessary to give the character of regularity to the Lodge. The Library Committee made an interesting report, showing the prosperous condition of th^t institution, and liberal appropriations were made for its support. All the Lodges in the District were represented at the Annual Communication. The Address of Grand Master H E N R Y A. W H I T N E Y is brief, and of interest only to the Craft in the District. This Grand Lodge being territorially small, the Grand Master is able to visit all the Lodges in his Jurisdiction. This was done during the past year, with good results, as we infer from the reports. T h e work and lectures were exemplified, and in. many instan'ces very interesting addresses were delivered by brethren designated for that purpose. It appears that after many efforts the Grand Master is able to announce the formation of a Masonic Board of Relief. Bro. SINGLETON, Grand Secretary, submits a good report on the early records, etc., of his Grand Lodge, from which we extract the following list It would seem to be a very small task to place these papers in a proper condition to make up a sufficient record, yet I found that frequently, after hours of labor and consulting other documents in the shape of private papers in my possession belonging originally to Past Grand Master CLEMENT T. CooTE, I was able to progress but slowly in my task. Day after day, and night after night, during the past summer, have I pored over those papers in my endeavor, by a comparative examination, to arrive at the facts, but often with small degree of success, yet never wearying of the pleasant, though fatiguing, task in reading over the thoughts and deeds of our noble dead, many of whose portraits look down upon me from day to day. I have been encouraged by the pleasing reflection that I may be able, after due patience and perseverance, to complete our so long neglected record, and to fill the hiatus of those years during which Masonry suffered such severe persecution in these States; but nevertheless, while in the country north of this District nearly every Grand Lodge ceased its activity, yet in the District of Columbia, under the very eyes of the most persistent anti-Masons and the influence of those who were in Congress, the Masons of this Grand Lodge never suffered their flag to be lowered or trailed in the dust before such dastards as at that day attempted to subvert an Institution like ours, the friend of all humanity, the foe of every oppression, the relief of the widow and orphan, and the consolation of the distressed, and inculcator of liberty, fraternity and equality. We sincerely regret that the Grand Lodge finds itself in such condition, financially, that they cannot carry out the plan of Bro. S. Such a work would undoubtedly be of great interest to all who care in the least for the early history of our Order. We will agree to take two and double the price

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named, and we certainly think it can be done for a much less sum than that mentioned by the Grand Secretary. Bro. W M . R . SINGLETON again furnishes another of his able and nstructive Reports on Correspondence, covering eighty-two pages. Kansas for 1878 is among the number, receiving kindly and fraternal notice. It is exceedingly to be regretted that so able and painstaking a writer should be restricted in his labors as he is. H e has done and is still doing much valuable antiquarian work, digging scraps of history'out of the rubbish left by early builders. '

•In regard to the matter of trials, and the mode of voting on the degree of punishment, he has this'to oflfer: In all civil trials everything is openly transacted, and the jurymen, who decide upon the guilt or innocence of the accused, come openly into court, and unanimously, in a manful way, declare their opinion. We, therefore, individually, would wish, in our noble old Institution, to see such a condition of things prevailing, that every brother present could manfully, boldly and openly declare either for the guilt or innocence of a brother. Is it not a shame and reproach to us that the inquisitorial principles which prevailed in the darkest periods of Monkish domineering over the souls and bodies of men, should be insisted on in our brotherly Institution, or found necessary in the trials of the defections of our members. For our part, give us the open viva voce. How many an unpopular brother has been victimized by the silent vote since Aristides was ostracized because he was called the just, none but the Grand Master above can tell; yet how many cases on appeal to the Grand Lodges have clearly demonstrated that the votes in the dark have been, like assassins' daggers applied, to masonically kill a brother. The viva voce vote is the Maine law, and'we favor it, as it will prevent skulking, and no small amount of spite work sometimes indulged in by those who have not the good of the Order at heart. He says: We object to his idea that no appeal can be taken against any'decision . when in the East in Grand Lodge, for he may ignorantly violate a landmark, or one of the sections of his own Constitution, and must the Grand Lodge submit to that when itself can only set aside a constitutional provision in a well-settled constitutional manner; and yet, forsooth, a creature of their own can have a power greater than theirs. Whenever was it known that in any constitutional government a fountain could rise higher than its own source? We object to his idea as to where a Past Grand Master should be tried. If for an immorality, certainly in his own Lodge, for there his brethren are his peers in every Masonic sense. We do not like that assumption in saying that he does not descend to the floor. Certainly he has lost sight of those beautiful lessons of equality, fraternity and liberty so well inculcated in the general charges to the officers and members in our installation service. It smacks too much of royalty. On the subject of a " uniform code," he offers the following suggestion, an excellent one: Here, it will be seen, no ritualism is intended. Why? Ritualism not being subject matter for type, runs the risk of all traditions, viz: liability to alteration; but our statutes are subject matter for the type, and hence, like the statutes of the A. A. A. S. Rite from 1762-1786, become fixed and unalterable, and every Grand Lodge in the world will be conformable to all the

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February,

others. The changes in ritualism do not affect the status of any one of the jurisdictions. No intelligent brother can fail to pass the tests even in Pennsylvania, where they do not use the Ancient York work, notwithstanding our brother's ipse dixit. Pennsylvania Masons constantly visit our Lodges in this District. But there are now very serious difficulties existing between ^ some of our Grand Lodges growing out of diametrical differences in law and practice, and hence again the cry is heard in the land, " Let us have a General Grand Lodge of the United States!!!" The Grand Lodge of Florida has the above cry nailed to the masthead of her ship of state. Now, a concensus of all the Grand Lodges, as to what is right and proper, in all of these questions of jurisprudence which can possibly apply to all extraneous, or involving by any means the inter-state action of Masonic matters, can be subjects for a convention, and it is eminently proper that a convention should be held to adopt such a uniform Code as will meet the concurrence of all of our Grand Lodges. There is much confusion, and a Conference might be able to bring order out of chaos. At all events, such a meeting could do no harm, and might result in good. Let us try it. We quote the concluding words of his Report, and say to all, read them: T h e rules and regulations of the Modern Societies have caused much trouble in our camp upon the principle of progression. We again raise the warning voice against this attempt to bring into our Institution, foundedupon the strict principles of charity alone, such laws as must be'employed in beneficiary institutions for their protection and preservation. Our's will stand forever, nothing can hurt it permanently; but the others must depend upon the most rigid principles of financial management, or they must succumb. The fig and olive trees are often cut down to their roots by the severe frosts in winter; in the spring young shoots will arise and the figs and olives will again be abundant. It is presumed that the same roots of fig and olive trees continue to bear trunks and branches filled with fruit that existed for many centuries before our era. Masonry like them may be cut down by persecution, by the defection of her own members, but the roots are deep down in our moral nature and must spring up again in the human heart. They can never die while men shall live. If our financial resources become exhausted, we can contribute no charity in funds, but the hearts of the brethren may be as benevolent as ever if benificence be impossible. The difference between us and the other associations is manifest, and our legislation must also diiler. And it is this point we desire to direct the thoughts of those who aim to make laws for our government. Take a look at our good old Mother Grand Lodge in England. Her Constitution was last formed in 1813. Consult those articles and sections, and see how in the last sixty-six years she has been able to accomplish so much in the way of charity and how little legislation has been done by her in these many years. M.\W.-. JOSEPH MCCOY, Washington, D. C , Grand Master; R.-. W.-. W M . R . SINGLETON, Washington, D. C , Grand Secretary. FLORIDA.

1880.

The Proceedings of this Grand Lodge is somewhat diminutive in size, only fifty-three pages; the business transacted was, with few exceptions, local in its nature; sixty-three Lodges represented, seventy-three made

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•

Grand Lodge of Kansas. .

75

returns. Of this number only forty were found correct, which will not seem at all strange to those who are in the habit of examining these annual returns. There is a slight decrease (thirty-seven) in the membership. The Grand Master, Bro. W I L L I A M A. M C L E A N , delivered a strong and well-written Address, setting forth his official acts for the year, and concluding with a hearty exhortation and good advice to- the brethren in his Grand Jurisdiction. Two Dispensations were issued for the formation of new Lodges, and one continued. We sincerely regret to notice the unfavorable report made by the Grand Master, of the financial condition of the Grand Lodge of Florida. We quote from his report: , The question of finance has, all through the years of the past, claimed the attention of the best and wisest of men, and in these later years, very frequently becomes a source-of fruitful annoyance to the best classes and societies; even the highly-favored, time-honored Institution of Freemasonry is sometimes greatly embarrassed for want of means to meet and discharge necessary obligations and carry on its legitimate work, and in this unenviable position the Grand Lodge of Florida stands to-day—a depleted treasury—no source of revenue from which an income can be derived, in order to replenish an empty treasury, are conditions which, if allowed to prevail to any considerable^ extent, will result in debt, and sooner or later lead to the most abject poverty, and end in hopeless bankruptcy. I feel it to be my duty to direct the attention of the Grand Lodge to this matter, and it ' would certainly afford me very great pleasiire to be able to suggest ways and means whereby relief could be obtained, but I am constrained to acknowledge my inability to perform that difficult task; yet, the question— serious and perplexing though it be—must, of necessity, be considered and disposed of. To us, this looks like a little too,much per diem and mileage. If they insist upon these expenses being paid by the Grand Lodge, the means must be forthcoming, and if their present source does not furnish enough to meet the drain, there is no other way, except to tax the Craft or else cut off the per diem and mileage, or at least cut them down. We are no believer in the per diem and mileage scheme, and'hence would lift our voice against an . increase of taxation for any such purpose. On examination of the annual printed Proceedings of many of our sister Grand Lodges, we find this per diem and mileage matter giving them much trouble and annoyance. Their income is insufficient to meet their current expenses and pay per diem and mileage, and yet they are unwilling to increase the revenue, or, in other words, pay any more money into the treasury. They seem to feel as the old man felt when he bought cloth for suits of clothes for himself and the two boys. The good matron of the household measured the aforesaid cloth in old-time way, with out-stretched arm, from the end of her nose to the thumb, and said it would not do; Ihree suits could not be cut from it. Thereat the old gentleman. Seeing that more money was wanted, testily replied : " Well, mother, I, shan't buy any more you must maie it do." It seems that is about the way our Masonic brethren ^ e l when this question is touched upon. 7

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The Grand Master says, very truly: But while it is a fact greatly to be regretted, that very many utterly fail to come up to the full measure of duty in displaying the beauties of holiness to the honor and glory of GoD, in the advancement of the pure principles of our art. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, will undoubtedly survive, for we believe it to be upheld by Supreme Power, and guided on its onward march of progress by Divine Wisdom. Its principles and teachings are not confined within narrow limits, but are broad, boundless and universal, adapted to every time, place and circumstance—at home- and abroad—in peace and war; in the busy mart and the retired walks of life, Masonry has its important duties to fulfill, and these duties are not confined within the narrow limits of the Lodge room. Let eve;y Masonic temple in the land cease to exist; destroy every Masonic edifice erected for the comfort, convenience and security of the Craft, still the attentive ear will continue to receive the welcome sound from the instructive tongue, and wise and seribus truths will continue to be treasured up in the repository of faithful breasts, and thus, through successive generations, will be transmitted unimpaired, the most excellent tenets of our Institution. While from day to day and year to year we hear much of solid South, and solid North, and witness the strife and warfare of contending sections and opposing forces in the great struggle for political supremacy, it is our pride and glory that we can boast a solid, undivided and undisturbed brotherhood, the purity of whose mission none can deny; it utterly repudiates all the narrow boundaries prescribed by party names, political affiliations and sectional preferments; extending its beneY>lent boundaries lo the uttermost parts of the earth, claiming the universe, as its field of labor and usefulness. Kingdoms and empires have risen, flourished "and declined. Governments have been established, and after an existence of many years of prosperity and power, decline has been stamped enduringly upon their escutcheons. Parties have been organized under the most favorable auspices and with the most flattering prospects of success, but in the course of human events, corruption, confusion and disgrace have been writ indelibly upon their banners; still, the time-honored institution of Freemas^'iry has with, stood the opposing.forces of Times' relentless changes, and stands forth today the fairest, the purest and most potent for good of all the'thousands of moral institutions which have been known to exist through the ages of the past. This, unlike those which have flourished and declined, was established by virtuous men, with the praiseworthy design of calling to remembrance the important duties we owe to GOD, our neighbor and ourselves, and impressing upon the mind and heart those great moral duties, the strict observance and practice of which are so well calculated in their nature and tendency to insure peace and happiness here, and a preparation for an abundant, a joyous and triumphant entrance into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe presides. But Masonry, noble in design, pure in principle and excellent in its teachings as we know it to be, has not been exempt from the evil designs of wicked men. I t has passed through fiery trials of opposition; well-directed thunderbolts of prejudice and superstition, ably a.ssisted by the pent-up fury of unrelenting persecution and' blind fanaticism, have been hurled against it in the vain hope of working out its destruction ; but amid all such mistaken efforts, our time-honored Institution has never yet struck its colors, abandoned its principles, or laid down its armor; but, with a nobleness of purpose never before displayed to the wondering gaze of the enemies of morality and virtue, has pursued the even tenor of its way undismayed, and like the youthful David, marching forth in the strength of Israel's God to ttaUk in th? ?avis? of right against the proud and mighty Goliath—reach^

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

li

ing forth to the brook of faith and hope, and supplying the sling with the white, smooth stone of truth and justice for a defense, the enemy has been vanquished and the vicfory assured. An effort is made to have Communications held biennially hereafter. Go slow, brethren, let us wait and see how Georgia comes on under such circumstances. We have little faith in this way of getting out of financial trouble. It looks too much like cowardice, leaving the ship for fear of its sinking, doesn't it? 'Stand by the old ship! Bro. D. C. DAWKINS presented a brief Report on Correspondence covering about three pages, the major portion devoted to the questions of Scotland and Cuba, and Cuba and Colon. On the former he stands even with every Grand Lodge on this side of the Atlantic. The latter two have arranged their affairs among themselves, the best way to mend such,matters. M.-.W.-. WM. A . M C L E A N , Jacksonville, Grand Master; R.-iW.-. D. C. DAWKINS, Jacksonville, Grand Secretary. IDAHO.

1879.

The pamphlet before us is filled with valuable matter, neatly arranged. The typographical part was done by the Masonic Eclectic, Washington, D. C. It contains, in addition to the proceedings of the current year, a reprint of their proceedings for their first year' ( 1868, ) which was by some means omitted from the reprint ordered by the Grand Lodge in 1876. Ten Lodges represented, forty-eight Past Masters and a goodly number of Past Grand officers present. From the report of proceedings had, we conclude that their meetings were both harmonious and profitable. We are pleased to note the prosperous condition of their finances. It shows what prudent management will do for an institution. They had an "orphan's fund " of $5,343.40 well invested in territorial warrants, which brings an income every year,Âť The Annual Address of Grand Master EDWARD A. STEPHENSON is an official paper of more than ordinary merit. It covers about twenty pages and is arranged appropriately, the valuable information conveyed being appropriately arranged under sub-heads, and each subject carefully treated of with an eye single to the best interests of the fraternity. We are pleased to note his disapproval of mixed funerals and also of, joint occupancy of halls. We do not wish to be classed among the cold-blooded and selfish, nor yet hypocritical, yet we cannot favor the scheme of mixing Masonic ceremonies with those of other societies, a living real labor with dead forms. We have always been opposed to it, yet our Grand Lodge has not condemned the practice, or "sat down upon " any Lodge for joining with other societies in the occupancy of halls, nor have they formally approved of such practices, and Lodges in our jurisdiction are doing it all the same. On the subject of attending our regular Lodge meetings, he truthfully , says : I believe it would be for the best interests of Masonry if St. John's days were never allowed to pass by, without some kind of recognition in any community where there is a Masonic Lodge.

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At those times should be gathered the fraternity and their families and combine pleasure with profit, cultivate a kind fraternal feeling among our members and those united to them by the ties of relationship and affection. Provide simple refreshments—a cup of good tea or coffee, sandwiches, cakes, nuts and other simple articles. Another and one which I fear is a growing evil and to which I would here allude is the indifference manifested by members of Lodges in their attendance upon the regular meetings. The slightest pretext is often sufficient to keep them away. In all the departments of business, punctuality and regular attendance upon its demands is the only sure guaranty of success. So in Masonry. If a Lodge is deserted by its members or seldom attended and then often out of season, it must languish and bring reproach upon the fraternity. It is far better that a Lodge should not exist than to maintain a feeble, morbid and sickly existence by the cold indifference and inattention of its members. True, we are taught that Masonry is by no means to interfere and embarrass our usual vocations, but where is the man of industrious business habits, who could not by a little forethought so calculate and .arrange, his business that it would not suffer by a few hours attendance upon his Lodge ? Frequently those who urge a pressure of business as an apology for neglecting the Lodge can find abundant time and opportunity on Lodge nights to attend places of amusement, sit around saloons or other public places of resort, indulging in'frivolous conversation (or perhaps doing worse) or walking several miles around a billiard table, when they are too busy or too much exhausted by fatigue to walk a single block to the Lodge Room. This evil where it exists should be remedied and it can be done in no other way but by pointing it out and convincing members of their duty and urging upon them a prompt performance. With a view to its correction, I have thus referred to, the subject, knowing* that the evil does exist to an alarming extent in some Lodges, but hoping and trusting that this vile and pernicious practice is limited to few. In strong terms he urges that our emblems and symbols should be more frequently explained at the meetings of our Lodges. No man should assume the duties of the East who is not competent to explain every step taken by the candidate, from his entrance upon the ground floor to his final induction into the sanctum sanctorum. The great trouble is that'we have too many incompetent Masters in the Chair. We must remedy this evil first. Get good, thoroughly competent Master workmen in the East, and, in our opinion an interest will soon be awakened and a good attendance of the brethren will follow. A good officer has no trouble in getting his men to follow him, if they only have confidence in his ability to lead them. Ignorance and superstition never accomplish any good. We heartily endorse the following : It is the duty of every Mason to so conduct himself that his word shall be above suspicion ; he should,always be governed by that divine attribute, the law of truth. Be behind a Mason's back what you are to his face ; guard abrother Mason's good n a m e ; above all, avoid the low contemptible unmanly and un-Masonic vice of slander. " What is to become of all our teachings if we permit the vile and pestilent breath of slander to profane the ^ lips with which we have pronounced all our solemn Masonic Obligations?" " Of all the villians that live under God's bright sun; the slanderer is the basest—and next to him the being who listens and encourages. None are safe from his attacks; there is no mark so high that his arrow will not reach, no reputation so bright his slimy breath will not tarnish."

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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While I am bound to vindicate a brother's character behind his back as well as before his face, I have a right to demand that every Mason shall furnish a character worthy of being vindicated and not a character that if I attempt to vindicate it, 1 shall feel that I am debasing my honor as a man. Live up to.the teachings of Masonry and our brothers will vindicate our character both to our face and behind our backs with pleasure to themselves and honor to the Masonic Fraternity. Like the rest, Idaho heartily condemns the action of the Grand Orient of France in her new departure. M.-.W.-. CHAS. HlMROD, Boise City, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. L. F . CARTEE, Boise City, Grand Secretary. ILLINOIS.

1879.

In this year's Proceedings we have a neat, well-arranged volume of four hundred and twenty-six pages, which in point of matter and typographical appearance is certainly, equal to any of its predecessors. The attendance at the Annual Communication was good, six hundred and fifty-one Lodges represented; a large number of Past Gran'd Officers present; only one new Lodge added to the roll; five Charters surrendered or arrested, thus evincing a slight falling ofiF. This is not a bad omen by any means; it simply shows that a process of pruning out is going on, a little work which it might be well for other Grand Lodges to engage in. The Annual Address of Grand MasterTnEODORE T. GURNEY is long, occupying some twenty-four pages of the Proceedings, and yet not a word or line too much, for when the amount of work done and to be reported is taken into account i,t is very evident that the story could not be told more briefly. It is solid and we like it, for he speaks in no veiled phrases nor in words of uncertain application. Of all who read this Address, none, we opine, will be likely to say that they do not understand the Grand Master. Of the condition of the Craft in his Jurisdiction he has the following: One year ago we were walking hand in hand and suffering with every Association that relies upon the prosperity of its members for a generous maintenance. Masonry, generally, has been influenced by the current of fictions that so frequently leave their enervating impress upon society, industries arid trade. Men, during the past decade, have been in the habit of marking up their equities in corner lots and merchandise, until their imaginations were exhausted in fixing a limit to their aspirations. In this general scramble for attainments, Masonry has been unpleasantly conspicuous. Lodges have multiplied, and' PFdri degenerated into an infatuation; but when revulsion came, we, with speculation, were relegated to a serious contemplation of our normal relations to the world. We do not suppose that the Craft can be . entirely disenthralled from measuring its imaginary wants by its imaginary surroundings, but we do believe that the combined wisdom of the fraternity can devise some method that shall relieve us of the entire consequences of these too frequent indiscretions. I do not have any disposition to criticise the past, yet I feel that it will not be seriously questioned but that the number of our Lodges are largely

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in excess of our re.quirements; and for this reason I have refrained from authorizing any new organizations. Applications in this direction have not been wanting, and from,sources that demanded earnest consideration; but acting in unison with convictions of duty to the.entire jurisdiction, I have subordinated personal inclinations to the general welfare. It is not possible to fix any estimate upon the value of a weak and inefficient^Lodge. It does not contribute to the character of its members, or to the estimation in which it should be held by the community in which it exists; and for this reason its continuance is more to be deprecated than its extinction. Should your views on this subject reach a like conclusion, I would recommend that it be made mandatory upon the Grand Master to suspend the functions of a' Lodge that fails of holding a regular Communication for the space of six consecutive months. I would also recommend that the restoration of a Lodge thus suspended can only be considered at the regular Grand Communication next succeeding such suspension. T h e suggestions contained in the above are good and worthy of serious thought by all who are interested in the building up and perpetuating of our noble Insitution. There is a duty for every one to perform and nowhere more necessary than in a Masonic Lodge. Prompt and punctual attendance on the par.t of both officers and members is what awakes and maintains an interest in the Lodge. When officers are absent, members lose their interest and fail to attend; officers riiay be as punctual as it is possible to-be, and if members are not prompt and in their places the officers lose their interest. Let all alike be faithful and honest in the performance of every Masonic duty and there will be no more scantily attended Lodge meetings, or occasion for suspending any Lodge. In referring to one of their regulations concerning the granting of dimits on the application of a brother, whose dues are fully paid and no charges pending against him in the Lodge, Grand Master GURNEY says: I have had frequent occasion to refer to this regulation, but invariably with the feeling that its provisions reflected upon the good sense of the brethren, and contravened rights of more than ordinary importance. The argument that a brother came into the organization voluntarily, and should be permitted to depart at pleasura, is plausible as an abstract proposition; but when it is insisted that the members shallnot be consulted in this or any other proposition that only affects its local welfare, then I must dissent. I do not believe it to be sound doctrine that an applicant for the degrees or membership must receive unanimous assent of the Lodge, and then determine for himself how long the relation shall exist. When a person unites with the Lodge he assumes a pro rata of its cares and responsibilities. It is demanded by the terms of his obligations that he will conform to its laws and regulations. Under whatever circumstances he may find the Lodge, or under whatever circumstances it may be placed . during his connection therewith, he is irrevocably bound to its condition, and should not be allowed to escape responsibilities which he has voluntarily . accepted, except the brethren are disposed to comply with his wishes. The cases are not rare where brethren have dimitted to avoid the consequences of their acts. Indebtedness has been incurred, and when the Lodge is distracted by embarrassments, and for which the member was directly responsible, he dimits to rid himself of a burden that was imposed, with his consent and encouragement, to be met by unfortunate but braver associates I could never comprehend the justice of the law as it now obtains.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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To which Bro. DRUMMOND a d d s : This is becoming a serious question, and the practical matter reduces itself^ to this, " C a n a member of a Lodge in dtbt demand a dirriit without •providing for his share of the d e b t ? " It is very manifest that Lodges should never be allowed, under any circumstances, to get in debt, or else that all the members should share the burden. Instances in this State have oc- ' curred in which members of a Lodge have found that a debt had been incurred by their Lodge, and have hastened to dimit to escape coutributing towards liqliidating it. Of course, every member of an unincorporated Lodge is liable for all debts contracted during his membership, and, if ^he worst come to worst, could be compelled by the creditors to pay.them in spite of a dimit. But some provision should be made to prevent such a result on the one hand, or, on the other, to save the whole burden being thrown upon a few. This subject of dimits is an important one and should be thoroughly understood. There is'little doubt that this privilege is abused and a remedy should be fixed. We are all by the fallibility of humanity too willing to run after false gods and to go to foolish extremes, even to things which we in after years would be ashamed to own we favored. The following quotation would indicate that the Grand Master is not particularly enamored of the Past Master's degree: For many years I have looked upon the so-called degree of Past Master as a misnomer, and entirely out of place. "I am not acquainted with any right derived from our rituals, or the common law of the fraternity to create an additional degree, much less a something which is not obtainable by the humblest member of a Lodge under the customary rules of advancements. If we are to maintain our system in its integrity, we weaken our power for defense by indulging in that which we so quickly condemn in others. Its antiquity is not questioned, neither is the antiquity of the Devil, but we do not suppose that hoary age is a sufficient justification for the retention of either. Whatever preparation, by obligation or otherwise, that may be necessary'to prepare a Master elect for his duties, let it be adminisler&d in the presence of his brethren, and not retire him to some secluded corner to be invested with a side degree that does not have any place in the Lodge. The business transacted was of a local character, and most of it not requiring any comment from us. One or two questions we feel some interest in. The subject of Territorial Jurisdiction was again brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge by the Grand Master and referred to a Special Committee, who reviewed the action had by the Grand Lodge from time to time; Illinois favors the death grip on the candidate when once in the toils. Here is their law as laid down by the<committee. In some of our former Reports we have fully expressed our views, and we to-day remain unalterably opposed to the doctrine of personal jurisdiction, believing it to be contrary to the teachings of our Institution. . The Report on Correspondence is the work of Past Grand Master Dr. JOSEPH ROBBINS, and may in all respects be classed among the best. After the perusal of such a review we feel as if we had read to some purpose, notwithstanding that the brother swings a trenshant pen and is liable at times to impale our cherished ideas on tlie "business e n d " thereof. On {he question gf opening a Lodge Bro. RoBPlNS says;

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Bro. DODGE thinks the Connecticut decision that a Lodge can not be primarily opened on the Entered Apprentice degree can serve no good purpose, and even if it did, he would still regard it as wrong in principle, which gives us an opportunity to s a y — w i t h o u t especially aiming our remarks at him — that this subject affords an excellent illustration of the bias a Mason gets from the practice with which he first becomes familiar. Being taught that Masonry is unchangeable, whatever he finds in vogue upon his admission, though it got itself established but a week before, comes to him with all the force of immemorial law. It is the usacje in this Jurisdiction to open on the several degrees, beginning with the first, and every stated meeting, and we have heard oceans of grave nonsense aired to prove that this practice of "opening u p " involved some occult principle which no Mason might violate without danger of falling into uncanny clutches; and now comes a pundit from the nutmeg State, who tells us that we must begin at the other end of the ladder, and we doubt not there are many who would shudder at the possible consequences of a failure to "open down." We presume the Connecticut decision reflects the prevailing practice there, as we infer that it passed muster in Grand Lodge, whereas a similar decision was vigorously sat down upon a dozen years ago in the Grand Lodge of Missouri, where the first lessons of a majority had been the other way. Apart from local regulations, we know of no reason why the Master should not open his Lodge directly on any degree most convenient.. Most heartily we concur with Bro. ROBBINS; some of our bright lights will not, perhaps, agree with uS' for the reason that they !ike to occupy more time passing from one degree to another. On the higher degrees he has this to say, by way of comment on the action of the Grand Lodge of Indiana: With the.practical effect of this action on the brother's proposition as . a remedial measure, we have no fault to find, for we have neither sympathy with, nor faith in the result of, any attempt to hold members in nominal allegiance to Masonry after their hearts have gone out from i t ; but when the committee claims to have considered the subject in all its relations, not shutting its eyes, of course, to the growing feeling to which this ill-considered proposition was an attempt to give articulate voice, the adequacy of its report may well be questioned. We niay shut our eyes to a fact and then deny its existence, but when we open them it will still confront us. The. instinct of self preservation may yet compel Masonry to demonstrate that the parasitic bodies which exist only on its life-blood, are not entirely beyond its jurisdiction. That the relation of these organizations to Masonry is pressing itself upon us as a vital question that luill de' discussed, the signs of the times unmistakably indicate, and that the Indiana committee descern these signs as clearly as others, the known ability of its members leaves no room for doubt. That they make no sign of this, gives us no warrant to blame them, for we have shared their reluctance to precipitate the discussion until we are shamed at our own short-coming. It is time for some one to say plainly what so many feel, that Masonry is in danger of being crushed out of all semblance of itself by the weight of bodies superimposed upon it, not legitimately a part of it, more or less antagonistic to its spirit, and yet claiming to speak in its name. Their gaudy pagentry tends to beget dissatisfaction with the simplicity of Masonry; their sectarian teachings tend to narrow its fundamental basis whose catholicity alone warrants the claims of the Fraternity to universality; their peculiar ties tend to create an aristocracy among those who are entitled to equality, and with other features, to install an oligarchy in the government of an institution which in its purity is a representative democracy.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

83 V

We think the good brother is becoming unnecessarily alarmed over the "higher degree" business, and can hardly believe it would be either wise or prudent for our Grand Lodges to attempt to legislate on the question of how many different societies one of its members may or may not attach, hirriself to if such a relation seems to him desirable. We are not of the class of Masons who are hankering after some new secret organization; do not believe in it and would be glad if every Mason on earth felt as we do about it, but we never shall favor legislation looking to the prohibition of such privileges, and if a brother can not rest easy until he has joined a baker's dozen of Orders we would say go in. We do not apprehend, however, any danger from the source indicated by I3ro. ROBBINS.

On the question of reinstatement and its effects, he says to the Indiana brethren: Although our law differs from .that of Indiana in this, that re-instatement after suspension for non-payment of dues requires the same course of procedure as re-instatement after suspension for any other cause, yet the fact that it permits the Lodge to elect whether it will re-instate to hiembership, or only to good standing in the Fraternity, leaving the brother unaffiliated, renders it obnoxious to the animadversions of the Grand Master as above quoted, and with which we agree. But it is not only those who disgrace the Craft by a violation of moral laws who may be turned adrift upon the Fraternity in good standing instead of being punished, but it is easily conceivable that brethren who render themselves obnoxious by what seems to others an unreasonable and untimely persistence in attempts to compel their brethren to live up to the high moral standard which they, set up for themselves, may find themselves unaffiliated in this indirect way. We object to"clothing Lodges with power to oust a brother from his membership for what may be only a technical offense, and at the same time to practically rob him of his right to appeal. We recur to the use of the word "restore" by Grand Master HAY, and in the same sense by the Committee on Jurisprudence in the rule above quoted, to say that we wish Masons everywhere would apree to restrict the word toils proper use, viz; the-re-habilitation of an expeiied'^\3i%0Yi^ using the word re-instate to express the removal of the disabilities of a suspended brother. It would save much confusion. He comes down upon Kansas with his sharpest quill, point foremost, and proceeds to knock our household gods all about our ears, to the eminent peril of those valuables. He does not like Grand Master GUTHRIE'S Scottish broth; found the milk in the Kansas cocoanut in the Indian Territory question. Had we not closed the books we might have a word to say .in reply, but the ground has been so long and so well traveled over, that we are more inclined to let Bro. R. have his say, solus. Here he goes for us again, saying that our Grand Lodge Had the rare pleasure of the presence of Brother AI^BERT 'PIKE, who chanced to be in the city, and upon special invitation visited the Grand Lodge, and in an hour or more devoted to the "Symbolism of Masonry," gave what must have been a most excellent address, judging by its effect on the Grand Secretary, who, by the way, introduces him in the Journal as being, among other things, ' the highest Masonic dignitary in the Southern Jurisdiction," whatever that may mean; and unlike the Grand Lodge of

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California, which required a bankirrg concern in San Francisco that had undertaken to prostitute the Institution to business purposes by calling itself " Masonic," to advertise in the public prints that Masonic authority was in no wise responsible for its existence, it seems to have submitted to the Philistines, and complacently puffs a " M a s o n i c " Life Insurance Company in.its proceedings. We will forgive you this time. He considers the introduction of endowment and insurance schemes into our affairs a Masonic felo-de-se; and says concerning Grand Orients: Illinois is of the opinion that she is not much in advance of her sister Grand Lodges in reaching the conclusion that the races who build the Grand Orients will not only have to delight themselves with a less composite style, but put their architecture on a different foundation before it can be recognized as Masonic. He believes that if the Grand Lodge has power to hear and judge in appeal cases, that its reversal of \\\% decision of the Lodge iseffectual,-not as a "restoration to lost rights," but a declaration that the rights of the brother concerned "have never been lost," a d d i n g : The spectacle of a Grand Lodge sitting as an appellatecourf, without the power to vacate the judgment of the tribunal whence the appeal comes, is one to provoke only the ridicule of gods and men. , M . - . W . - . T H O S . T . GURNEY, Chicago, Grand Master; R.-.W.-_. JOHN ,F. BURRILL, Springfield, Grand Secretary. INDIANA.

1880.

The attendance this year was large, over four hundred and sixty Lodges represented; eight Past Grand Masters favored the Grand Lodge with iheir presence, and assisted in its deliberations; the business of the session related to local matters, and was of little interest to any one outside of the jurisdiction, save in two or three instances; no Report on Correspondence. Grand'Master BELLAMY S: SUTTON submitted a very full account of the business of his office for the year. The Temple debt is still a source of much annoyance and deepconcern'fo the leading membersof the Order in India'na. The rate of interest now being paid is a terrible burden to the Craft. The Grand Master, with the'valuable assistance of Bros. SMYTHE and LYNCH,. made an effort for a reduction of the rate of interest, but to no avail, the cold and iron grasp of theShylock was upon them and could not be raised. We would say get out of his clasp, if possible, and trust to luck in falling into the hands of some more generous one of his kind who does not want more than his pound of flesh. The plan of "Biennial the attention of the Grand the Grand Lodge By-Laws years. The committee to report;

Sessions" was by the Grand Master brought to Lodge. He suggested the propriety of changing so as to hold a State .1 Communication once in two whom this was referred submitted the following

Your Select Committee, to which was referred the matter of adjourniment'of this Grand Lodge until the fourth Tuesday of May, 1S82, beg leave

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_ Grand Lodge of Kansas.

85

to report that owing to the condition of the treasury of this Grand Lodge, and the character and amount of indebtedness of the same, we believe there exists an emergency for such adjournment, and, therefore, offer the following resolution, viz: ' Resolved, That when this Grand Lodge be adjourned it shall not meet again until the fourth Tuesday of May, A. D. 1882. Like Georgia, we think they have made a mistake ; time only can determine. We opine that the per diem and mileage question had much to do with the bringing about of this unfortunate action of the Grand Lodge, and Indi ana is not the only Grand Jurisdiction that is weighed down with the same kind of a debt, each year. On the ballot question the Committee on Jurisprudence brought in the following, report: • The Committee on Jurisprudence, to which was referred so much of the Most Worshipful Grand Master's Address as relates to the matter of a separate ballot for each degree as also the memorial of Center Lodge, No. 23, on the same subject, offers the following report: That on a careful examination of the question, we find that the practice in the different Grand Jurisdictions is not at all uniform, some requiring, as we do, a separate ballot for each degree, while pthers allow but one bal.lot for all degrees. Others again require but one ballot, unless another ballot is called for by some member of the Lodge. T h e committee are therefore led lo the conclusion that the number of ballots necessary to admit a petitioner lo the several degrees, is a question that is entirely subject to local legislation. Under the regulations prevailing in this jurisdiction, when a petition is presented to a Lodge, it sets forth that the petitioner " i s desirous of being admitted a member thereof if found worthy," and to qualify him to become a member he must be in possession of all the degrees conferred in a Lodge. Hence, it is the duty of the Committee on Character to inquire not only as to his fitness to be made an Entered Apprentice, but a Master Mason as well. Then, upon the report of that committee, we can see no good reason why a single ballot should not be sufficient to elect the petitioner to all he asks for in his petition; for if an applicant is not worthy lo be made a Master Mason, surely he should not be made an Entered Apprentice or Fellow-Craft. The question of advancement after initiation then becomes one simply of proficiency, and a majority vote of the Lodge is fully competent to decide that point without the necessity of a ballot. After some discussion this report was adopted. and it seems to wor-k well with us. '

This is the Kansas rule, , *

We shall not hear from the brethren of Indiana again till 1882. wish them abundant prosperity in the interim.

We

M.-.W.-. CALVIN W . PRATHER, Jeffersonville, Grand' Master; R.-.W.-. W M . H . SiMYTHE, Indianapolis, Grand Secretary.

86

Proceedings of tlie INDIAN TERRITORY.

February, 1879.

Ten Lodges represented, a limited amount of work done, pure local in nature. . A'committee was appointed on work, with instructions to procure the work and lectures of the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, and to exemplify the same before the Grand Lodge before its adoption of the same. The work and lectures of Arkansas were adopted in 1876, and repealed at this session. Only one Charter granted, to a Lodge in the eastern part of the Territory, near Fort Smith. The Annual Address of Grand Master J. S. MURROW is an elaborate and well-prepared document. He handles the affairs of his Grand Lodge as only a Master workman can. He '-speaks out in meeting" and' calls things by their proper names. His statement of Masonic "principle" is terse, vigorous and directly to the point. It is well to often review \.\\&principles of our Institution that we may know whence we came, what we are and whither we are traveling. A firm, live, sincere belief in GoD as the Moral Governor of the Universe, is a principle that lies at the foundation of all true Masonry. This should not be a hidden, dead principle. It should permeate every Mason's whole life. He should manifest it in his talk, in his business, in his disposition, in his whole character. Three great and important thities were charged on every one of you,'my brethren, at your initiation ; toGoD, your neighbor and yourself. To Cod by avoiding profanity, by constant prayer, by esteeming Him "//;<? chic'/ good. " To your neighbor by not defrauding liim in business, by not backbiting or slandering h i m ; in short, by "doing unto him as you wish he should do unto yoii." To yourself by avoiding all irregularity and intemperance of every kind, in thought, word and act ; by being in the dark what you seem to be in the light. These duties are founded upon Masonic priiiciples to which you have sworn allegiance. To the above are also added subordinate duties, as Brotherly Love, and this towards every being capable of happiness or exposed to misery; yPt^/zV/". do something for somebody; 7>«///, buy the trutli and sell it not, let your veracity, your honesty, your integrity be undoubted. Let your word be as good as your bond. " What is truth" .is the great secret of Masonry, and it is answered in John xvii, 17,—"Thy luord is t r u t h . " Temperance, use your compass constantly; Fortitiide, i>e able to say "no" when it is right, and "yes" when r i g h t ; Prudence, mind your own business and don't meddle with others; Justice, this-is moral rectitude ; Faith, in G O D and man; Hope, that blessed anchor of the soul which keeps us from foundering in this stormy world ; Charily, and now abideth this beautiful galaxy of virtues—Brotherly Love, Kelief, Truth, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, Justice, Faith, Hope, Charity, but the greatest of these is Charily. Thirteen decisions rendered, harmonizing in the main with the common law of Masonry. We believe in the doctrine that it requires the same •number to open a Lodge that it does to form one U. D. It is always ihe safest plan to have as large a representation of the Lodge present as possible and thus avoid complaints of snap judgment being taken in the absence of a reasonable number of the membership. Last year in our report we made mention of two cases of undue haste, on the part of Lodges to take in members with whom they were not sufficiently acquainted at the time of election to membership.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

• 87

One was not only made a member, but was also soon after elected Master. The Lodge discovered their irregularity, and suspecting the party to be clandestine in his Masonry, deposed him from office by striking his name from the roll. The Grand Lodge, after a full investigation of the case, decided that the action of the Lodge in dropping the name of the siipposed spurious Mason from its rolls was illegal and ordered the charter of the Lodge suspended "during the pleasure of the Grand Master." The members of the Lodge all seemed well satisfied that the man JOHNSON was an imposter, but they were unable to prove it. They were so bitter in their denunciations of the man that they evidently preferred to surrender their Charter rather than tolerate him in their Lodge. Grand Master MuRROW visited the members of this (Elm Springs) Lodge and after a protracted conference and much good advice thrown in' by the Grand Master, the Charter was restored and the man JOHNSON declared suspended. The Grand Master reported his action in the premises and the committee to whom that part of his Address was referred made report, mixing the matter up still more, and the Grand Lodge, in order to get out of the muddle, declared that the party never Was a Mason, hence never could have been a member. This is one wa'yof getting out and perhaps the best way, at all events we will not undertake to suggest a better one. The brethren of Ok-la-ho-ma Lodge, No. 2, have been very unfortunate during their existence as a Lodge, having lost two halls by fire. Not dismayed, they are at work on a new hall, as we have been informed, and expect to have it ready for occupancy at the time of the Annual Meeting, November 2, i88o. The Grand Lodge Library, which they had collected, was destroyed in the last conflagration. ' • . • • A brief Report on Correspondence of twenty-six pages was presented by some one too modest to append thereto his signature.' Our old and valued friend and brother, P. J. BYRNE, was elected Grand Master, Ft. Gibson, Cherokee Nation; R.-.'W.-. W. A. MCBRIDE, Atoka, Grand Secretary. . ' ' • IO^A^A.

i88o.

The volume of Proceedings before us, like its predecessors from the same source, is "brim full" of valuable and interesting information. We always find much to interest us in the perusal of the Iowa "Annals. " The first thing that strikes the eye on opening the pamphlet is the well-execuled' portrait on steel, of the present Grand Master, M.-.'W.-. Bro. J.. N. MOCLANAHAN'. The representation from the Lodges was large, over 280 representatives attending the Annual Communication, and twenty Past Grand Officers. The business was of a routine and local character. T h e Annual Address of Grand Master, ALBERT C . ABBOTT, varies from the style of many, in being simply a business paper, devoted to Masonic matters in Iowa. He gives a full account of his official acts for the year. He calls the attention of the

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• Proceedings of the

February,

Grand Lodge to Past Grand Master GUILBERT'S pet scheme, the Widows' and Orphans' Home. This matter was pressed upon the attention of the Grand Lodge by Bro. GuiLBERT, some years ago, but no definite action was ever had in regard to it, that we are aware of, notwithstanding which its devoted friend never wearies in well-doing, and eventually, we opine, something will have to be done in the premises, for he is'bound to stay with them till it is done. From the following, we conclude that the Grand Master is not a supporter of reimbursement: It. hardly seems necessary to reiterate that which has heretofore been so plainly expressed by this Grand Lodge upon this subject. It seems to me strange that fraters can be found who, losing sight of the vital principle of our Order in its universatility, cannot divest themselves of that iinituat stock benefit idea, which has no affinity in the domain of Masonry. In the cases referred to, I have followed the position as heretofore taken by this Grand Lodge, that there is no Masonic law, either local or general, giving either a Lodge or individual brother a claim ^ i f r « upon another for such services or expenses. He makes mention in terms of fraternal sorrow of the Masonic dead,— among the number oiir old and tried friend and brother, Past Grand Master CAMPBELL K . PECK, one of GOD'S noblemen, whom it was our good fortune to knovv intimately from 1859 to the day of his death. No one knew him but to love and respect him as a gentleman and a genuine Mason. This good brother died in Chicago, December 2, 1879, away from home, but not among strangers, for he was a stranger to but few between New York and San Francisco. But his loved ones were not with him in the last hour of his life. From, the following, we infer that our Iowa brethren have found their so-called fifteen year rule rather troublesome : I desire to call especial attention to this, that, upon your expression, all Lodges who have been legislating under its heretofore supposed validity may take notice and govern themselves accordingly. A rule of this character seems, upon casual consideration, to be equitable and praiseworthy in its provisions of reward for faithful years of continued service on the part of members. Experience,' especially among the older conslited Lodges who have been acting under this rule, demonstrates the fact that, aside from any income from " work" (which is not to be considered in this connection), the roll of active and paying members being decimated more or less each year by the suspension of delinquents for non-payment of dues, the revenue is •fast becoming inadequate to meet ordinary Lodge expenses. The Grand Master of Louisiana, in his address before that Grand Lodge at its last session, in speaking upon this subject, (the Lodges in that jurisdiction having a local regulation of exemption, although the Grand Lodge had, in 1877, repealed it as a general law,) says : " T h e life members themselves seem to conceive that they have been blessed with some signal prerogative or exemption—exemption not only from pecuniary liability, but from ordinary attention to Lodge duties—and lay themselves out for an otium quite refreshing and never contemplated. I assume no ken of prophecy when I foretell the destruction, in the course of "a few years, of all who carry the clause in their by-laws." The above is but a brief extract from a very able argument of that M.-.

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Grand. Lodge of Kansas.

89

W.-. Grand Masteragainst the pernicious evils resulting from the workings of an exemption law from dues. I hope that you will, by your positive action, make it distinctly understood that we favor no legislation for the creation of drones in our Masonic hive. We-have always been strongly opposed to all such rules, believing that they work out more mischief than almost any thing else, granting as they do extraordinary privileges to a few. W h a t we do must be done by and for all, let us ever bear and share alike. The Grand Secretary hits the nail squarely on the bead in the following : •> \ It is not our province to speak of this great evil, but a few facts set forth in the annual returns sent in may throw some light upon the subject, and lead to a more enlightened legislation. The dues of a Lodge five years ago , exceeded Sioo; now, with an increased membership, it pays less than $50; and a similar state of facts exists in a large number of older Lodges. This not only throws the burden of Lodge support from the older to the younger portion of .its members, leading, in some cases, directly to their withdrawal, but devolves the support of the Grand Lodge upon the younger Lodges (least able to bear the burden) and the newer members, who complain of this injustice to them. In several instances brothers of fifteen years standing'have removed to other jurisdictions, and there affiliated with the Chapters and Commanderies, and so helping to sustain them, while they retained their membership in our Lodges, where their "Masonry {like some men's religion ) costs them nothing." The reverse of the adage that " the laborer is worthy of his h i r e " is true, and " h e who will not work should not eat "—• the bread of others. •' Under this supposed rule many members in arrears for Lodge dues have been released from the payment of Grand Lodge dues, and thus the support of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges has been cast upon those who follow the Scriptural injunction, "owe no man anything." We are glad to note the fact that Iowa is about to return to her first love, and we will again be favored with a Report on Correspondence. The discontinuance was a mistake, and we are rejoiced to learn that they have found it out. The move was a remarkable one for Iowa, for the reason that she has never been in the habit of making any backward moves in anything. Your seat in the quill-drivers council has remaine4 vacant, and we are more than well pleased to have you resume your place in the ranks'of the land of " mutuals." Bro. PARVIN neyer loses an opportunity to say a good word for the Grand Lodge Library, or to secure an old and rare book for its already well-filled shelves. We quote the following from his annual report: . . Daily as we go into the library and open one or more of the volumes containing the garnered wisdom of the past, we not only behold old truths clothed in new forms, but gather an inspiration which well serves to strengthen us for the daily toils of office-life. It is well, now and then, to measure ourselves by the standard of other men, and no standard so correct as a library of well-selected works; It is only as we look lup through nature • that we get an adequate idea of nature's G O D . SO we must look into the past through the medium of the printed page which the writers of old have left us. And when we have mastered their works will our eyes have been opened to a knowledge of that which before was unknown. We once called upon a brother (a physician) who prided himself upon his knowledge and intelligence, and asked him to subscribe for a Masonic periodical, and was shocked at his reply; " I know all about Masonry and don't need i t . "

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Proceedings of the

February,

" Well, then," said we, "only let us come and sit at your feet and learn that knowledge which we have long and diligently sought to acquire. It is only after years of laborious study that we have learned how little we know of the great subject'of Freemasonry." The brother subscribed and paid for the work, and boasts no more of his great learning. T h e newly-elected Master of one of our older and more decayed Lodges, a few days since, said to us: " I intend to inaugurate a series of monthly lectures upon suitable topics in my Lodge, the coming fall and winter; can the brethren selected have the benefit of the library to prepare themselves for this work ?" Certainly, we assured him, nothing can be more desirable than to utilize, the means we have for the enlightenment of the brethren. The members (twenty, all told) of a country Lodge have, for the past year, taken and read more Masonic works from the library than any other hundred and twenty Lodges in the State ; and in t/iat Lodge we hear of no " d i m i t s , " no lukewarmness; but many of the members ride five to ten miles each Lodge night to attend the meetings; while in our cities, half of those within sight of the hall seldom darken the doors. It is only by seeking the light that we may hope to find it. ' T h e committee to w h o m ' t h e subject of the Grand Lodge Library was referred, presented an able and exhaustive report, urging the many advantages to be derived from the possession at an early day of so valuable an.acquisition as a Grand Lodge Library, from which we clip the following : That a collection of books so happily begun and so successfully fostered, should continue to be enlarged. Old Masonic works are scarce, very seldom found, and more difficult to be obtained. Ancient brethren were very particular about spreading before the world anything pertaining to Masonry, and frequently destroyed many valuable documents, under false notions of secrecy. Could a PARVIN, a BO,WER, or a LUSK have laid hands on these old papers, they would to-day be preserved to us, to add to our Masonic light and settle many disputed questions. The building up of Masonic libraries has done more than any other agency to correct those peculiar notions of many good old brothers, and led to a better knowledge of what are matters of record. To illustrate: The four old Lodges which met in London, in 1721, and composed t,he first Grand Lodge of England, issued an edict to the Craft to bring up all the old records and documents in their possessidn. Fearing many old, and to them important, matters were about to be brought before the outside world,, those old brethren destroyed a large'portion of everything relating to Masonry then in existence. Many things, however, supposed to be destroyed, were copied and preserved, and during recent years have been dragged to light by antiquarians and given to the'Craft. The Librarian should be authorized by the Grand Lodge and prepared with funds to secure at once any of those oldantiquities to be obtained. A little delay is sometimes expensive. We commend the foregoing extracts' to the careful reading of all, but • more especially to those who think the library is of no benefit to any one, save perhaps the Librarian. The Grand Officers were installed in public, and during the ceremonies a pleasing episode occurred. Bro. LuSE, the installing officer, omitted the usual formula observed when he came to the installment of the Grand Secretary and Grand Tyler, and improvised some happy and appropriate remarks applicable to the case of each brother. After receiving the hearty applause •and kindly and fraternal greeting of the multitude, Bro. PARVIN stepped to the front and in his usual happy manner, offered the following:

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Chand Lodge of Kansas.

• 91

He little anticipated such a greeting when an inspection of the very fitting programme gotten up by the local committee and our now worthy Past Grand Master—out of the usual order, but the better designed for our entertainment and that of the friends who had honored us in their presence tonight—showed the rich treat in store if they would only wait awhile with patience. The Grand Master had, in his wisdom and great forethought, chosen three great lights, well armed with SHAPE'S self-loading rifles, who, in turn, would quickly fire into our rhidst such a volley of instruction and amusement upon the varied and interesting topics assigned them, that it would be folly for him, who was only armed with a scatter-gun, to attempt a successful parry at arms upon this occasion. > He could not, however, forego a word of thanks and recollection, as he stood 'mid this large and intelligent throng of "men and brethren," gathered from all parts of the great State, of whose history we are all so proud and in whose destiny we have such an abiding hope. And the more was he thankful that he saw so many of the fair ladies of the capital city of Iowa honoring us with their presence and smiles to-night, when the weary labors of the day are past and recorded. How strange the scene to-night as contrasted with that of thirty and seven years ag'). It was in the early dawn of our history as a territory, and before the State of Iowa had put on its swaddling clothes, while yet the red men were the undisputed monarchs of all they surveyed in the rich territory bordering the two rivers upon which the beautiful capital city of the State now sits, the queen of beauty and the monarch of successful growth and progress—at a time when the civilization of an embryo State was bordering the great river of the east, while all upon the west was unknown ground— at a time, too, when he himself was but a youth unskilled in the Craft—that the Grand Lodge of Iowa was launched upon the sea of life.

It is more than a third of a century ago—a period of the greatest progress Masonry and the world has made—that this jewel (holding it up was placed upon rriy breast by a dear friend, the Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Missouri, from the Grand Lodge of which the constituent (four.) Lodges and this Grand Lodge have legitimately sprung. How well and how faithfully I have, during all these long and eventful years, observed his injunction " t o wear it with credit to the Grand Lodge and the Masons of Iowa, and with honor to myself," let the published record of those years attest myhonorable observance of the one, and your repeated re-elections and the grand and flattering vote of this morning, coupled with the hearty welcome of that and the present hour, bear me witness. My brethren, I thank you from my heart' of hearts, and renew the pledge given again and again, to strive to serve you in the future as in the past, and seek to let my feeble light shine, that not only Iowa, but the'nation and the world, may know that the Grand Lodge of Iowa has a name to live among men and Masons when you and I shall be no more. These are all old and tried friends and brethren o'f more than thirty years standing with some and it always does us good and makes our. very heart leap with joy when we see any good dealt out to any one of them. M.-.W.'. J. N. MCCLANAHAN, Chariton, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. T H E O . S. PARVIN, Iowa City, Secretary.

9

92

Proceedings

of (lie

KENTUCKY.

February,,

1879.

Their Proceedings for this year are quite voluminous, showing a large amount of business transacted during the session, much of which will, no doubt, be of profit'to the Craft in that Jurisdiction. There were present, Representatives from four hundred and twenty Subordinate Lodges; five Disifensations issued for the formation of new Lodges; three continued. The.business transacted related mostly to home affairs, but presents many points of interest. The Annual Address of Grand Master THOMAS S. P E T T I T is a strong, clear exposition of the various labors and duties attached to his office during the official year, arid like most men, he has not been able to please all. Well, we can not think that it would be a wise thing for an officer to make himself pleasing to a / / w i t h whom he has to deal. H e has handled most questions without gloves, especially that one which has proved a stumbling block for so many other Grand Lodges, the "conflict of jurisdiction." I t seems as if agreement upon this vexed question was beyond hoping for, the metes and bounds, how far we may go, and the line beyond which we may not go, yet engage the attention and occasionally divide the hearts of the brethren. We copy in full his remarks on the Tennessee trouble, and invite a careful perusal: A legacy from the last Grand Lodge to your Grand Master, of .very great importance to the Craft, is the principles involved in the case of S. M. TOLIVER vs. King Solomon 'Lodge, No. 94, at Gallatin, Tennessee. It necessitated a long controversy between the worthy and talented Grand Master of that State and myself, and to which I respectfully refer in the appendix of this address. Succinctly stated the case is this: TOLIVER, a member of Simpson Benevolent Lodge, No. 177, at Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky, while sojourning in Gallatin, Tennessee, a few miles distant from Franklin, was charged with an unmasonic act. The Lodge at Gallatin took up the charges; after TOLIVER removed from their Jurisdiction, and expelled him, although this Grand Lodge had requested said Lodge to discontinue the proceedings and refer them to his own Lodge for trial. (See printed Proceedings 1878, page 47, paragraph 4.) TOLIVER,- feeling himself aggrieved by the action of King Solomon Lodge, No. 94, appealed to your Grand Master, who directed that his own Lodge, where similar charges were pending, should proceed with the hearing of his case without regard to the decision of Lodge, No. 94. This makes a bold and broad issue, and had as well be settled now as at any other time. In emphatically denying the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Lodge, I feel there is a connection existing between a Lodge and its members which no other Lodge has power to sever or annul, and should not have. Grant it, and you but give a Lodge power to suspend or expel the membership of a rival Lodge, and blot it forever from existence. MITCHELL, in his Common Law of Masonry, page 206, lays down the true doctrine. He says: "Masons holding membership in other Jurisdictions, must be tried where they hold membership; but it is the duty of any Lodge to prefer charges, have them authenticated and forwarded to his Lodge. Not so with non-affiliated Masons; they must be tred by the nearest Lodge." It will be observed, in the Correspondence, that Grand Master CONNER admits the doctrine to some extent, but errs, as I think, in,supposing that it

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^

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

^

93

is or can be affected by change of residence or length of time a member may be bodily absent from the jurisdiction of his Lodge. So long as be holds membership in it it is his Masonic koine, and I care riot how long he may reside in another Lodge jurisdiction ; and whatever part he may take in its "work or processions" is but the courtesy extended to a visitor. Your Grand Master is aware that the offense with which TOLIVER is charged is one against the whole body of Masonry, and not simply against the Lodge in whose jurisdiction he chanced to be when the act was perpetrated. But be it so.' Where better could a fair trial be had, obligated as we are, than in his own Lodge, with all the evidence easily accessible? I^can never assent to the doctrine that a Lodge in another State can take up and expel or suspend, and turn a brother out of his own Lodge, so long as I have control over this Jurisdiction. King Solomon Lodge, No. 94, and Simpson Benevolent Lodge, No. 177, being only a short distance apart, I endeavored to secure a hearing for TOLIVER in his own Lodge on the more pleasing ground of "courtesy" between the Jurisdictions; but-failing in this my efforts were as indicated above, and I submit to the disinterested judgment of all Masonic jiirisconsul.ts whether the comity of Freemasonry was Tjirly regarded in this case, when his own Lodge—one of the oldest and best in Kentucky—-was first ready to dleal with the offender, and had appointed a committee to proceed to Gallatin to procure all evidence. It is quite evident that the brethren in Tennessee proceeded in this case with undue haste. We see no occasion for such a procedure; they were neighbors, the State line only separating them, seeing each other almost daily. It would have been in keeping with the teaching of our Order for the Tennessee I,odge to have called the attention of the Kentucky Lodge to the conduct of the member, and asked their neighbors in a friendly and fraternal manner to deal with the erring brother, and then, had the Kentucky Lodge refused or neglected to proceed, it would have been quite time enough for them (the Tennessee brethren) to have taken the matter in hand. It is not good policy to attempt to govern other people's families, unless you are called upon for such assistance. A little Masonic courtesy goes a good ways, and it is well to use it when it is in demand, as it seems to us it was in this case. We do not agree with Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine, in his view as to who takes precedence in all such cases; first come and first served, will not do in such matters, nor serve to maintain harmony. The per diem and mileage qiiestion'has become troublesome, and is likely to be a disturbing element in this as well as in other Grand Lodges. Our Kentucky brethren are becoming alarmed, as well they may when the per diem and mileage absorbs ab.out four-fifths of their income every year. Their entire receipts for current expenses amount to §15,806.30, and the pay ' roll foots up $i2,'26g.io, leaving only §3,657.20 to pay the necessary expenses of running the Grand Lodge. This balance, left after paying the per.diem and mileage, will not in that Jurisdiction pay over one-half of this expense. Hence arises the necessity of borrowing money, leaving debts unpaid, or dispensing with printing the Proceedings. There is unquestionably very just cause for complaint, and it is well that the Grand Lodge has taken this matter in hand. It would seem that it has done so none too soon. Such condition of affairs is calculated to breed discord and confusion among, the Craft, and the sooner a remedy is applied the better it will be for the

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Proceedings of the

February,

prosperity and well-being, in the future, of any Grand Lodge afflicted with such financial troubles. Several plans were suggested. Among the many proposed we find the following, offered by the Committee on Per Diem and Mileage, to whom this question was referred : Your committee, in pursuance of the above views, present a plan by which the number of representatives may be brought within the scope of a manageable congregation; J^irsi—Divide

the Jurisdiction into Districts.

Second—Each County in the State to be a Masonic District. Third—The Lodges in any county not having over one hundred members in the aggregate to be entitled to one representative. Fourth—A District having over one hundred members and less than tvi'o hundred, shall be entitled to one Representative; if over two hundred members, one Representative for the first hundred and one Representative for every additional two hundred members. Fifth—Districts not having over one hundred members shall be entitled to one Representative. T h u s it will be seen that this plan, vvhile it reduces the number of delegates under the present system in attendance upon the Grand Lodge, gives to every Lodge in the State representation. Sixth—The mode and manner of selecting the delegates to be this : The Representative of the oldest Lodge in the District shall be the Representative to the Grand Lodge for the District the first session of the Grand Lodge after this system goes into effect; the next oldest Lodge, the second year, and so on, as to age, until every Lodge in the District has in turn had the representative to the Grand Lodge. After each Lodge in the District shall have had its year of representation, then the turn of the oldest Lodge again commences, and the rotation to be followed as before. After much discussion of the many plans suggested, the amendment to the Constitution proposed by Grand Master T I L D E N in 1878 was adopted, as follows: " T h a t Article III, Section 6, part 4 of the Constitution,) be amended b,y striking out the words fotir and five and inserting the words three and four, in lieu thereof," (so that the per diem shall be reduced to three dollars and the mileage to fou(» cents.) This, as we understand it, will reduce the expenses about §1,300. According to prices paid by us, " on our native heath," this expense account could be reduced again at least $1,300, and then not a dollar would be lost by any brother attending Grand Lodge, unless he or they went into the extras pretty deeply. There certainly should be neither speculation nor extravagance in this little Masonic work. We find on examination of the various Grand Lodge Proceedings, that many of the Grand Lodge treasuries are drained in the same way as that of Kentucky. We are glad to say our own is not, but we do not know how it will be in the future, as the matter of per diem and mileage is now in the hands of a committee who are to prepare a plan and present it at the next Annual Communication. \Ve have never favored such a scheme, fearing that it • smacked too much of speculation. We have heard those who belong to other Societies say that they could save from 25 to 50 per cent, of their per diem and mileage. It may be all right for other Societies to allow their

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members'to speculate in that way, but it would not do for-Masons unlessthey courted criticism, and that of the sharpest kind. Bi-o. DRUMMOND' says on this subject, " We think our plan in Maine about as good as any; we pay mileage and not per diem, and we-make, the amount such that the Grand •Lodge and the Representatives divide the expense, the Grand Lodge, however, bearing the greater part." This may do. Forty-five decisions were rendered, of which we quote the following: Fraud and falsehood can not be countenanced by Masonry; it teaches honesty and truth. There is no obligation resting upon a brother to keep inviolate a falsehood, even communicated upon the "five points; and especially so when an injury is thus done a worthy brother; nor is the brother so exposing such perfidy liable to be dealt with under Masonic law. Each brother must have due summon and separate trial before he can be lawfully suspended for non-payment of dues, or any other offense. It is a violation of State law, and contrary to all rules of decorum and cominon decency, for a brother to enter a Lodge room "carrying, a weapon," and subjects him to rigid Masonic displine. The Grand Lodge heirs what may be left by a Subordinate Lodge when the demise takes place. While a "candidate must be physically able to give all the signs,- dueguards," etc., yet it is " t h e internal and not the external qualifications of a man that Masonry regards." Held, near-sightedness does not exclude from membership. When minutes'of a preceding meeting are read, the only question is as to their correctness before approval. Should any action of the Lodge at next meeting be deemed unwise or impolitic, a motion to reconsider would be in order, according to parliamentary practice. When a new trial is granted, the status of the accused is the same as before conviction. The moral law is a Freemason's great pattern, and the higher the standard the purer the Masonry. Simply a defect in the administration of the obligation is no justifiable plea to a specific charge of gross unmasonic conduct. A Subordinate Lodge can not be deprived of its Charter until being cited by the Grand-Lodge to "show cause why it should not be done;" rior can a Master Mason be deprived of his rights as such except by due trial and conviction. Senior Warden may call Lodge to order and resign gavel to a Past Master, and after doing so, take his station in the West. Said Past Master is then clothed with all the powers of the Master—Senior Warden reserving none. Evidence taken in court can not be accepted in a Masonic trial. It is taken before a committee duly appointed, as set forth in Article 4 of Constitution. The first decision quoted'was not concurred in by the Grand'Lodge. The committee in their report on this decision say: We would respectfully submit that these well-defined restrictions being themselves restricted in their operation are emphatically inclusive and necessarily render all other restrictions, however salutary, exclusive. It will readily occur to every Mason that were the door to such additional restrictions once opened, and such modifications and qualifications declared admissible; this most valuable " t e n e t of our profession" might be divested of all

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protecting'power as a safeguard and'shield, and become virtually inoperative save only perhaps to spread discord and confusion among the Craft. "Better suffer the ills we have than fly to those we know not of." Your committee therefore feel reluctantly compelled to recommend a reversal of this decision of our Most Worshipful Grand Master. When in 1877 the special tax was laid for the Widows' and Orphans' Home, one of the Subordinate Lodges refused to pay the assessment, holding such a levy to be unconstitutional. They even went to such unwise lengths as to circularize all the other Lodges in the State, declaring their intention of refusing the payment of any such assessment, and going so far as to say that rather than pay the tax they would surrender their Charter. This was no doubt without due consideration on the part of the members. T h e Grand Lodge acted alniost as hastily themselves, arresting the Charter without notice, or even a hearing. In this, as in every other instance, " t w o wrongs do not make one right." We are pleased to note the restoration of the Charter, the proper and almost the only course open in such a case, unless they want to punish first and try afterwards. It is generally best to hasten slowly, although there may be rare instances where the Grand Lodge would be justified in recalling Charters in a summary manner as it did in this case. Bro. ROB. MORRIS presents another of his very able Reports on Correspondence, covering one hundred pages. He has managed to put his work together so that it is almost impossible for us to " g o b b l e " therefrom. It is one of his sharp tricks, but if he doesn't look sharp we will get him yet before we are through. He says of the Grand Lodge Representatives: In'connection with this we observe that our Representative near the Grand Lodge, of Mississippi, Bro. J O H N T . BUCK, was not reported present. We propose next year to name all absentees,, and hope our fellow chairmen will do the same, and then, if a Representative does not render proper excuse to the appointing power, he should be requested to resign. If the matter is carefully examined it will be seen that in our own list ( published on page 289, Proceedings Grand Lodge Kentucky, [878), there are names of brethren who never attended Grand Lodge in their representative capacity. If the system is worth maintaining, and we think it is, it should be regulated by strict law. H e does not seem to regard with burning admiration the class of Masons who let a Lodge die out, for when the Grand Secretary of South Carolina remarks that by the cessation of labor in these Lodges the Fraternity loses the co-operation "of a large number of influential and zealous members who actively engaged in the cause of benevolence," he says: We can not see upon what principle Masons are styled "influential and zealous," whose influence and zeal are too feeble to sustain a Lodge! Why, in scores of the backwoods settlements of Kentucky fifteen or twenty men, plain woodsmen, men who would blush to be styled '"influential," keep the Lodge-fires burning, pay dues, and maintain active charity from one generation to another. Such a compliment sounds too much like that we hear . every day of the reckless sot, " a good-hearted fellow, a splendid man, hightoned, honorable, only—At drinks." That is, he barters his heart, splendor, tone, honor, for a dram of whisky! Out upon such honor. It seems that the Grand Lodge of Kentucky has recognized the so

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called Grand Lodge of Spain. We do not fully understand this action. Bro. MORRIS is as well or perhaps better posted than any other Mason in this country on the status of foreign Grand Lodges and Grand Orients. H e has never favored the hasty recognition of any of these Orients, hence we are a little surprised. He says: We have under date of December lo, 1878, notification of the officers elected and installed over the Order in Spain for the present year. T h e titles, etc., smack trangely to us of the Scottish Rite or some other of which the Grand Lodge can know nothing officially, and but that we find an occa-' sional reference to " G r a n d Symbolical Lodge," we should send the document to Washington City as out of place. JUAN A. PEREZ RICARDO is Grand Master of the Symbolical Department; J O S E LEONARDO, Deputy Grand Master, and PEDRO PABLO CASTANERA, Grand Secretary. They are all 33ds; all display private signets stamped below their names, like thorough bass under a good old-fashioned tenor, and the thing looks.so little like Blue Lodge Masonry that we hope Bro. H I R A M BASSETT, who is the Representative of Spain near our Grand Lodge, will learn Spanish next year expressly to do the translating for us. In the meantime, if our good Brothers, PEREZ, LEONARDO and CASTANERA, will pardon our old-time notions and accept our counsel, they will omit their Grand Commanderships, their three-and-thirties, and their signets, when addressing a body of ancient Masons like ours, and we shall know much better how to talk of them hereafter! He gives Kansas his attention, and that in a lively manner; approves Bro. GUTHRIE'S plan for consolidation of two Lodges into one, and likes the Kansas resolutions concerning Quebec and the Scotch difficulty. M.-.W.-. J A K E R I C E , Louisa, Ky., Grand Master; R.-.W.-. H I R A M BASSETT, Millersburg, Grand Secretary. ' LOUISIANA.

1880.

The attendance at the opening of the Annual Communication was quite small, only fifty-three Lodges responding to roll call; before the close of the session, however, eighty-three reported to the Committee on Credentials. The business transacted at the session was local in nature and unimportant to outsiders; no new Lodges organized; several consolidated. The Annual Address of Grand Master E D W I N MARKS contains a full and clear statement of his official acts and of the condition of Grand I^odge affairs during the year. He pays an affectionate tribute to the memory of one of their noble veterans, who passed over the great river during the year; we excerpt therefrom the following : The Mastership of Relief Lodge is at no time a sinecure, but when to the ordinary daily and practical duties it entails, is added the concomitant scenes that arise and have to be passed through, an amount of heroic selfsacrifice is required that tests the stoutest heart and entitles the hero to a high nich in the estimation of his fellow-men. This language, my brethren, may be deemed extravagant, but, in my humble judgment, it is truthful and is justified by my own observations. Throughout the long trying hours of that fearful summer he was ever at his post, prepared to answer the calls of distress, or perhaps gathering about him a few faithful brethren, proceeded to the place of the last sad scene that ended his ministrations. His work

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can not be here-recounted — language can not JDortray incidents that appertain to and environ sorrow, and the photograph can not depict the glisten of the eye that moistens as it looks upon the sufferer. His noble, sympathetic heart felt for the distress about him, and his venerable, honored form seemed to bow itself as his manhood moved about his bitter theatre of action. God rest his soul in peace. On the question of life-membership, he says: I feel that I am imperatively called upon to jot down my reflections upon the subject of Life Membership, which I regard as a growing evil, and which, if not checked, is destined ultimately to sap the very life, or undermine and prostrate the well-being and usefulness of some of the hitherto most prosperous Lodges in the State. When first instituted by the Lodges, as a reward for certain years of continuous service on the part of their members, it appeared as a well deserved ovation to those who had remained faithful and regularly fulfilled their duties for a lengthened period, but, like many ineasures of the sort without the test of experience, it has proven itself a serious bane — each year resulting in a marked decline of the Lodges, in a financial point of view, that may lead them finally to enforced dissolution. The Grand Lodge itself fell into the same error, and for several years, by . edict, so encouraged the system by the Constituent Lodges as to exempt from dues to itself those thus created for a period of fifteen years; but in 1877 by a unanimous vote it was repealed. This action was wise and prudent, for it would finally have lead to a serious decrease in the course of years and have dangerously lessened our revenues. The Lodges still continue to exempt their members from payment of dues for periods varying from ten to twenty years, and the consequence is, that with comparatively a hiatus in the work and the constant suspension of delinquents for non-payment of dues, the roll of active and paying members is inadequate to meet the ordinary expenditures, and Lodges are now finding themselves becoming involved in debts they can not manage. The life members themselves seem to conceive that they have been blessed with some signal prerogative or exemption—^exemption not only from pecuniary liability, but from ordinary attention to Lodge duties, and lay themselves out for an otium quite refreshing, and never contemplated. The question of how to rid themselves of this canker worm to their eventual existence is a matter resting clearly with the Lodges, but I assume no ken of prophecy when I foretell the destruction in the course, of a few years of all who carry the clause in their ByLaws. T h e remedy lies, first, in a proper spirit of abnegation on the part of the life members themselves—the ultimate results being plainly portrayed to them — they must necessarily conclude that, after all, they will lose by decease of their Lodges the very privilege that has been entailed upon them. And if in the face of this stubborn fact iAey should continue to insist on their immunity from dues, then the only possible safety for the perpetuation of the Lodge will be the repeal of the law in the future, to summarily arrest the creation of any further drones. I trust that the Lodges whose By-Laws contain this dangerous feature will at once rid themselves of it and harvest all their legitimate resources for their necessary expenses. We cannot too heartily commend to the earnest and careful consideration of the membership of our own Lodges these words of warning. This evil is found to exist to a'greater or less extent in almost every Jurisdiction on the Continent of America, and wherever practiced it surely works mischief, and ultimately destroys the harmony of any Lodge. This life membership has been a disturbing element in Louisiana for many years, although it has many war.m friends who .are also its strong advocates. In relation to the right of objection, the good brother presents his views of the law of his own Jurisdiction, and its unjust effects, in this wise:

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As time and experience discloses the operation of laws, it demonstrates their efficacy and salutary efl'ects, or testifies to their failure or injustice. Observation has proven to my mind that the right of objection to the initiation or progress of a candidate should have a prescribed limit, a limit coequal with the silent expression of theballot and not exceeding it. As the Edict exists, any Brother M. M. can, by virtue of his prerogative right of objection, interpose a barrier to the progress of a candidate, that is to stand just so long as he remains a member of the Lodge, and no ' matter whether present or not in the Jurisdiction, such objection is potent at the will of the objector and can last a life time. In our Jurisdiction there is no difference made where the party has been initiated or passed, the objection entered standing as a barrier, and no explanation can be.de-manded. In many other Jurisdictions objections after advancement must be followed by charges. I do not adduce this fact as an argument that we should change our Law in the latter respect, but only to evidence the radical view we have entertained on the whole matter. I believe that the right of objection is sacred, should be secret as to reasons, if so desired, and preserved intact as a safeguard to the Institution, but when it borders upon autocratical pretensions and is senselessly prejudicial to ordinary individual rights, it should be confined to the limits of safety to the Order'and justice to the man. If based upon moral grounds when instituted- by the objector, they should be worth"renewal after a time, either as an uttered objection or by a-black ball. A black ball rejects lor six months; why should an objection stand longer? Both acts are expressions of the will. I recommend that the right of objection be limited to six months, and subject to renewal for like periods. Our own law is substantially the same as in many otherjurisdictions. We have, after many years experience in the affairs of the Craft, come to the conclusion that this right of objection is about the worst abused prerogative given .to man, and it does seem, as Bro. MARKS says, that there should be some limit to this right. Concerning this subject, Bro. SIMONS, of New York, says: We do hot allow a mere verbal objection to prevail or have any weight, but insist that the objector shall demand a ballot. In the case of a profane, this ballot has the same effect as the original, which is to say that, if there be an adverse ball, the candidate is rejected just as he would have been had the same thing occurred on the original ballot. On ahe ballot for advancement, we hold that an adverse deposit has only the effect to stop the candidate for the time being, and that a favorable ballot thereafter will confer upon him the right to advancement. This.would appear to be more just to the candidate. ' It is time this subject was discussed and some change effected in the rule by whi^h justice could be done to all. We are pleased to note the prosperous condition of Louisiana Relief Lodge, No. I. This has proved to be one of the grandest institutions of this country, and well may its founders be proud of its record, which stands without a paralell. The Grand Lodge showed by the adoption of the following resolution, its high appreciation of the good work done by the officers of this noble organization: Resolved, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge, and the favorable consideration of the whole Fraternity, in this Jurisdiction, is due, and is hereby given, to the officers and members of Louisiana Relief Lodge, No. I, past

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and present, for the faithful performance of their arduous duties, and they' are requested to continue in the labors, confident in the support of the Grand Lodge and the Fraternity. Bro. W I L L I A M R . W H I T T A K E R , presented the Report on Correspondence. It is written up in hasty pudding style (owing to unforseen drafts on the writers' time), and like that national dish it is full of richness', "strong meat," in fact, and we regret that he finds it impossible to continue on the Correspondence Committee, for we always like to meet such vigorous and spicy writers, who can give us something new and interesting in their yearly reports. We wish that.Louisiana may have the good luck to match him in his successor. He gives Kansas for-'iSyg kindly notice, making free quotations and criticising fraternally. For. the high compliment paid the writer hereof, we return thanks; such words of kindly appreciation accorded to our imperfect endeavors are ever encouraging, especially from such sources. He agrees with us on the question of dispensing charity, and quotes us approvingly on the Dakota and Minnesota trouble. T h e trouble is over, all the Lodges in Dakota' have joined the "home circle," and the love feast has been held. Thus it should be among brothers. M.-.W.-. E D W I N MARKS, New Orleans, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. J. C. BATCHELOR, M.. D . , New Orleans, Grand Secretary. ^ MAINE.

1880.

We note the attendance of all the Grand Otficers except the lamented DODGE, who passed over the -Great River since the Annual Meeting in 1879; in him another of Maine's true Craftsmen has gone to receive his reward. One hundred and seventy-two Lodges represented, ten Past Grand Ofiicer, six of them Past Grand Masters. T h e Annual Address of Grand Master CHARLES I. COLLAMORE is a business paper and relates almost entirely to local affairs. H e pays fraternal tribute to the memory of distinguished members of his.Grand Lodge who have died during the |year, the first being the Rev. Bro. CHARLES A. CURTIS, Grand Chaplain, who was accidentally drownedin Moosehead Lake, whither he had repaired'to improve his failing health, the second being Bro. DODGE, already mentioned, one among the many prominent citizens of that good old State. He.had been Grand Treasurer for twenty-five years. He was a physician by profession, " k i n d to the poor, gentle tq the sufl'ering," as the Grand Master says, and withal a tried, true and faithful friend of the Mystic Art. ST. JOHN'S day was appropriately celebrated by the Lodges in Portland and a general ^ood time enjoyed. This is.as it should b e ; this day should be celebrated by every Lodge in Christendom. A splendid Hall was dedicated at Belfast; among the many good things served up by the good brethren of Belfast was a good hot dinner and an excellent oration by M.-.W.-. Bro. DRUMMOND. It seems in the State of Maine the various .Lodges have to furnish their history for the last ten years. This is an ex->

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cellent idea, and should be followed by every Lodge in each Grand Jurisdiction. • . Two applications were received for Dispensations to form new Lodges. The Grand Master entertaining grave doubts as to the desirability of organising any more new Lodges in the Jurisdiction, referred the applications to the Grand Lodge. The committee to whom these applications were referred concurred in the views of the Grand Master, and no Dispensations were granted. It might be well to remind our Kansas brethren that in one case there were twenty-four and the other thirty-one names on the petition, yet it was not thought advisable to grant Dispensations in either case. . From the following we conclude that the Grand Master does not favor the idea of being a member of the many secret societies now engrossing the attention of members of our Order. He says:' ' It is possible, that in some cases we are brought, unconsciously, perhaps, into competition with' them in the matter of increase of membership. We must also take into account, that a great many Masons belong to some or all of these societies, and, as I have before said, having been taught none of the principles of Masonry, naturally remain longest with those which- seem to afifordthe most amusement, or the most and quickest return for the money invested. The number of Lodges has grown to its present proportions rather as a matter of form, because, having granted one, there seemed.no good reason why we should not another, and as a matter of convenience to the brethren." A ready answer to the last reason, I think, may pe found in the fact, sus-ceptible of proof from the records, that those Lodges whose membership is .the most widely separated, have the largest and most constant attendance. In 1848, when we had sixty-nine Lodges, Grand Master HUMPHREYS, after having granted six Dispensations for new Lodges, used this language: " I have, however, had,great doubts of the propriety of ,increa.sing the number of Lodges to the extent which seems to be anticipated by the present prosperity of Masonry. What may now be considered prosperity may prove hereafter to be adversity. I doubt not the same thing has suggested itself to many now present, whether we are not creating too many Lodges, and that in the end some may prove to be the nurseries of individuals who ought not to be admitted to the Institution." We have'always held to the doctrine that a small farm, well cultivated, is far better and more profitable than an all-out-door farm, poorly cultivated. So we say of Masonic Lodges; give us a few, well-officered and the membership selected with an eye single to the best interest of the whole Fraternity, rather than a number of Lodges located at every cross-road and postoffice with poor, inexperienced officers, debts hanging over their heads, and with loose and indifferent ideas as to the class of material to be used in building up the Lodge. These unfavorable conditions could all be removed in due time were officers always selected who had the moral courage to do the right that their conscience points out to them to say yes and o, especially no, in the right place and at the right time, and to require as much of others, when the best interest of the Order demands such decisive action.' This may be an educational work in part, requiring time and much external resistance to make it a reality. When the brethren realize that it is the

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interest of Masonry at large that they are to observe and not the interest of one individual, nor of one Lodge, then we may hope to see these things practiced as a matter of course.

)

The Grand Master does not favor the doctrine of requiring a newly admitted member to sign the By-Laws in order to complete his membership. We have ever regarded such a requirement as quite unnecessary, and the rule in that regard is perhaps more frequently violated than any other on the Statute books of the Grand Lodges where it prevails. When the applicant has applied for and is elected and the Records show as much, it seems as if the work were complete and nothing further should be required. In concluding his very excellent remarks he offers the following suggestions: From time to time, in different parts of the country, and recently in a neighboring Jurisdiction, designing men.have endeavored to start a cruside against secret societies, but particularly against Masonry. These efforts have been futile, and will remain so, unless some over-zealous or indiscreet Mason renders them the assistance they desire. The duty of Masons in this matter should be well understood, but it may not be unwise, at this time, to urge upon this Body, and through it upon the whole Craft, the practice, not only with regard to this but all subjects connected with Masonry, of that cardinal virtue in a Mason, silence. The experience of the year leads to the refle'ction that the brother who occupies the exalted position with which you have honored me, overlooking the whole Craft, should be observant of the working of our laws, quick to discern any danger which may threaten from within or without, prompt in correcting such infractions of the law as may come within his province, and conscientiously calling the attention of the Grand Lodge to such things as demand its attention and action. We now pass to the Report on Correspondence, prepared by Bro. J. H. DRUMMOND. His work fully justifies the reputation which has grown with every recurring issue of the Maine Proceedings. H e thus speaks of Bro. RoiiBtNS' objection to the motion to lay on the table: He speaks of the motion " t o lay on the table" as unmasonic. We can not for the life of us see why, if .the Grand Lodge desires to lay aside a pending subject for a time, in order to take up some other business, it may not do so, unless the Grand Master interferes. A Grand Master, presiding in the Grand Lodge, will generally consult the wishes of the Grand Lodge as to the order in which it will transact its business. We see that in the Grand Lodge of Illinois business is often made the "Special Order" for a particular hour—and rightly, too. In our Grand Lo'dge we have often known a matter to lie "laid on the table" on account of the.absence of some member interested in it; and then taken up again and acted upon, and we never suspected it was unmasonic. T h e fact is, that because when a matter is "laid on the t a b l e " in our National House of Representatives, it is practically killed, the erroneous .notion has obtained, that a motion to lay on the table is a motion to kill the pending proposition; whereas a motion to take'it from the table is in order at any subsequent session of the Body, under parliamentary law, except in those Bodies which have for every session a prescribed "Order of Business."

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So that a motion to lay on the table is ordinarily no more than a laying of the matter aside until the next daily session of the Body, when a motion to take it up is in order: if such motion is voted down it can not be renewed at that session. But even if a Grand Lodge desires not to pass upon the merits of a question, and lays it upon the table and keeps it there, we do not see anything unmasonic in it. Of course the Grand Master may intervene; but we are speaking of cases in which the Grand Master is willing to consult the wishes of the Grand Lodge. But it may besaid that the motion cuts off debate? Well, if the Grand Lodge so wills, and the Grand Master concurs, it shoittd czit off debate. The fact is, that tlie will of the Grand Lodge (except when the Grand Master intervenes) should prevail: a m o t i o n to give expression to that will cannot be unmasonic: it uses motions by the same' name as those in parliamentary law, but untrammelled by the technicalities of that law. To illustrate: A matter is under discussion, and a member, Ijelieving that further discussion is profitless, moves that the Grand Lodge now proceed to vote; the Grand Master says that he is disposed to follow the wishes of the Grand Lodge in reference to a continuance of the discussion, and so will put the motion. He does so, and it is carried. Wncrein is this unmasonic? But this is equivalent to a motion for the previous question, which, in general terms, is said to be unmasonic. The true doctrine is, that the Grand, Lodge is not bound by parliamentary law at all, except so far as it expressly adopts it; but may, under the supervision of.the Grand Master, use any of the parliamentary machinery to carry its will into effect. This is the first time we ever heard this that Bro. ROBBINS wrote that article on the somewhat "exercised in mind" by some of life," and disposed to make that unoffending goat for his feelings.

right questioned, and take it right to lay on the table when the " p e t t y miseries of human parliamentary measure a scape-

Bro. DRUMMOND has devoted much of his valuable space to the Past Master question, and while paying his respects to Missouri he makes a lively tilt at Bro. VINCIL, leading off in-this wise: Me attacks our decision in relation to Past Masters, declaring it to be "unfounded, unauthorized, unsustained, and on no ground justified." This is an immense pile of adjectives, and deserves consideration. Before considering his argument, we' must notice one matter relating to Missouri. H e says: " W e are happy to add that such provision was dropped by Missouri, just thirteen years ago." But yet, at this very-session his Grand Lodge • adopted the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, declaring that in case of a funeral, 7vith the charier present, the Lodge may be opened by a Past Master, in the absence of the Master and Wardens.' Now Bro. VINCIL holds that only a Lod^e of Master Masons can perform the funeral service. What is the difference in principle between opening <a Lodge for a funeral or for any purpose? It is said that a woman once pleaded in mitigation of being mother of a baby "without due process of law," that /'/ was a little one; but it ions a baby for all'that! He says: "If not found in the Constitution, except by implication, we, regard the right ox power oi a Past Master to open a Lodge and preside therein in the absence of the three officers named in the Charter—Master and Wardens— as unfounded, unauthorized, unsustained and on no ground justified. The only way such power can exist in a constitutional way, is to create it. No such/OTUcr inheres in or belongs to the thing. It is not an office, for there • is no station or place in a Lodge for a Past Master to fill. A Past Master is not an officer. If not an officer, what right has he to exercise official func-

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tions? None at all, unless he is endowed with such power by constitutional enactment. Therefore such authority must be found in the Constitution . before it can be exercised. It is not in our Constitution, but, on the contrary, we forbid the opening of a Lodge in the absence of the Master and Wardens; and for the simple reason that they are the custodians of aq official trust, reposed in and committed to them, and to no one else. Certainly not to a Past Mast r for he is unknown to the law, to the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge, in creating a Lodge. T h e term Past Master is a designalion applied to one who was once a Worshipful Master, but now no longer one, having^flw^rf out of office. It implies nothing, officially, except that the wearer of the title was once honored with the confidence of his brethren, and filled the responsible station of Master of a Lodge. None of the rights or power of the station, lately filled, descend with him from the chair. And we believe that to endow a Past Master, by constitutional enactment, with %-ac\ipower a.s is only implied in the Maine law, is as gratuitous as it is needless." The fallacy in- this argument is, that he starts substantially with the proposition that all Masonic law is created by constitutional enactment, utterly ignoring those ancient usages and customs which have become not only law, but irreparable law. We don't care whether a certain power naturally " i n h e r e s " in an officer or past officer or not; but if, from time immemorial, the usage has been for him to exercise that power, it is well founded, fully authorized, perfectly sustained and wholly justified; or, to put it in fewer words, it is a law. He says " a Past Master is not an officer. If not an officer, what right has he to exercise official functions?" A Warden is not a Master: if not a Master, what right has he to exercise the functions of a Master? In both cases the reply is the same, and very simple: "the law gives him the right''' He further says, "official authority cannot r^wf?-/ to one out of office; it may descend, but cannot revert." Certainly there is no more: physical difficulty in authority's reverting than in descending.' The Warden is as much out. of the Master's office as the Past Master is. In both cases the authority goes to one who is not a Master, simply by force of law, and without reference to whether it reverts or descends. The relation of the Warden to the Master is fixed by usage which has become law; the relation of the Past. Master to the Master also is fixed by usage which has become law. Now, then, tracing the usage back to the earliest times; finding it still in existence in the Grand Lodge of England, and in all Grand Lodges which have sprung from her since 1S13; seeing that it was exercised in all the old Grand Lodges in this county, and in their subordinates from the time they came into existence, we are justified, nay, compelled fo hold that the practice is in accordance with long usage and therefore with law;, a law, too, which a partial abandonment thirteen years ago by Missouri, can not control. He also lays stress upon the fact that ANDERSON'S Constitutions provide that the Past Master could not act until the Senior Warden has once congregated the Lodge! • Of course he could not, for in those days the Lodges had no fixed times of meeting, but met wherever the Master congregated them; that was the only way they could get together. But when together, the Past Master could act, and before they came together it could not be known that the Master and Wardens would all be absent. But now the Lodge is congregated by law without the summons of Master or Warden' and the By-Law, fixing the time of meeting, takes the place of the congregating of the Lodge by the proper officer: being congregated by due authority, the Past Master acts in absence of Master and Wardens. He says, further: " T h e Maine Committee said that when a Senior Warden is around, a Past Master can act only under his authority. ' B u t that when neither a

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Grand Lodge of Kmisas.

105

Master or Warden-is present, a Past Master can open a Lodge and preside therein.' ' "This is stranger doctrine than that of the Master's authority reverting to the Past Master. We ask, if the Master and Wardens are absent, who congregates the Lodge, according to ANDERSON? Certainly not the Past Master aforesaid, for he is not an officer of the Body. And surely none will contend that a Lodge may be congregated, opened and presided over by a party who is not an officer and has no official standing. .Where is his right to do so? It does not belong to the title styled Past. ' The wearer is not an officer, but a past officer—an out-of-office party; and in the fact that?he is out of office, is found reason sufficient to settle the question, and to squelch the 'claim of power to 'open a Lodge and preside therein in the absence ' of those who are alone authorized to congregate and open the same. "Once more. We wish to learn why a Past Master may do certain things in the absence of certain officers, which he can not do in their presence. When the Senior Warden is present, he 'fills the chair, even though a former Master be present.' So said ANDERSON. "Again, the same authority said, a Past Master can not act unless the Senior Warden congregates the Lodge. Here the Senior Warden is present, and the Past Master can not act without his permission and direction. And yet he will exercise 'power' in the absence of the Senior Warden that he is not endowed with in his presence. It is admitted by our Maine brethren, that, officially, the Past Master is the subordinate of the Senior War'.den, when he is present; being endowed with no official attributes, how does • the Past Master become so potent just as soon as the Master and Wardens are out of sight ? Can't see it." . Let us test this logic a little: Read "Warden " for "Past Master," and " Master" for "Warden." We wish to learn why a Warden may do certain things in the absence of the Master whigh he cannot do in his presence? When the Master is present, the Warden cannot act as Master without his permission and direction; and yet he will exercise power in the absence of. the Master that he is not endowed with in liis presence. Officially, the Senior Warden is the subordinate of the Master when he is present. Being endowed with no attribute of the Master, how does the Warden become so potent just as soon as the Master is out of sight? Can't see it? If Bro. ViNClL's.logic proves that the Past Master can not act as Master in the absence of Master and Wardens, it also proves that a Warden can not act as Master when he is absent! It proves altogether too much, if it proves anything, and so we suspect it does not prove any theory ! He still insists that because a Grand Lodge will not grant a Charter to less than seven, it takes seven to make a Lodge ! The law does not say that the whole seven must be present when the Lodge is constituted. The granting of the Charter does not make a Lodge: the act of constitution makes it. . Bro. ViNCiL infers from the fact that a Charter will not be granted to less than seven, that less than seven can never open a Lodge, but it requires a good deal of power to draw that inference from that fact. Seven members are required to do certain business, and a Charter would not be grarited to a less number than can do all the business of a Lodge. But it does not follow, therefore, that certain other business can not be done by a less number. Here, again, Bro. VINCIL loses sight of usage. He claims that a Past Master is only an ex-officer. This may be so in Missouri ( but we doubt i t ) , but it certainly is not so, generally. In many Jurisdictions, Past Masters are ex-officio members of the Grand L o d g e ; in others, they are entitled to be present in Grand Lodge, although not members; in others, they are eligible to any Grand office; and the ancient idea was, that a Past Master bore much the same relation tg Master Masons as

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,

the latter did to Fellow Crafts and Entered Apprentices. ancient idea was, that "oncfe'a Master, always a Master."

February, The still more

In some place, he or some one else ( we cannot tell which ) has founded an argument upon the proposition that the Charter is granted to the Master and Wardens, and, therefore, they only have the powers.. This is an illustration of how merely local law will often be taken for general law, and arguments based thereon. For the fact is, that in many Jurisdictions the Charter issues to the brethren named therein, without any designation of officers. Such is the custom of the Grand Encampment of the United .States.* In early times in this country, Charters were issued to the Master alone, and he was authorized to "congregate the brethren together and form them into a regular L o d g e : " and no further action by the Grand Lodge was required, the ceremony of constituting- a Lodge being then unknown. T h e old Charters of Portland Lodge were of that character. But, since -WEBB'S time. Charters have been issued to the brethren, and the Grand Master has been obliged, by himself or Deputy, to "congregate" the brethren and form them into a Lodge. This form was prescribed by the tirand Lodge of Massachusetts in its Book of Constitutions of 1798. The New Hampshire Charters, with few exceptions, were in the same form. In the first.edition of WEBB'S Monitor, the forms assume that the Master is " n o m i n a t e d " in the warrant, and that he appoints his Wardens. We should be glad to pursue this investigation further, but neither time nor space will permit. In concluding his Report he leaves the following bit of valuable information for the consideration of those who seem so anxious to increase the grand army of non-affiliates: With the revival of business comes an increase in the number of candidates: but we have not yet reached the point where the terrible loss by non-payment of dues is overcome. Fully one-third of the-Masons, or of those who once were Masons, in the United States, are either unaffiliated, or deprived of Masonic rights for non-payment of dues! There are many causes for this. The depression of business, the multitude of rival societies which give now disproportionate "benefits" for the dues paid. Grand Lodge debts causing heavy taxation, and a failure to cultivate the principle of Brotherhood among ourselves; all have more or less eff"ect. But we incline to the belief that the policy of some Grand Lodges also .contributes to this result. T h e greater the disabilities under which non-afldliates labor, and the more stringent the regulations against them, the greater their number seems to be. For example, since New York adopted her present system she has been losing at the rate of more than five thousand a year—an aggregate, in three years, of twenty per cent, of her entire membership. In our State we have not felt it so severely, probably because our Grand Lodge dues and Lodge dues are less than in almost any other Jurisdiction. But we believe that this is but temporary. Business is reviving, and will .soon become stable. The rival organizations are spending now the money which is as certainly to become due hereafter as death is certain; and when their money becomes exhausted they go to pieces, after demonstrating once more that a system of dues and benefits, based upon an even rate of sickness and mortality, utterly fails when applied to an increasing rate of both, and that the rate of both increases as the age of their members increases. Grand Lodges are at once paying off their debts, and giving warning to others not to become similarly involved. Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and others will not repeat their experience; and, with their examples before

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. " Grand Lodge of Kansas.

107

them, others will not be likely to travel the same path: and as we recover from the rush of candidates of the years of the war, we believe the'bonds of Brotherhood are strengthening. So mote it be. We have followed Bro. DRUMMOND as far as our space will permit, but our quotations are only as crumbs from the table of wit and wisdom he has spread for his readers. He adds to their value by full and exact tables of Masonic statistics both for his own and other Jurisdictions. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. MANITOBA.

1880.

Last year we received several documents from the officers of the regular Grand Lodge of Manitoba and took occasion to make brief mention of the final adjustment of the unhappy difficulty then (existing in that Grand Jurisdiction. We have now before us their printed Proceedings for the year 1879-80. While we feel inclined to rejoice at the healing of a schism that at one time threatened to overturn all Masonic authority in that Grand Jurisdiction, we must confess our lack of confidence in the coming of good to the Order in Manitoba when a cotnpromise is brought about as it was in this case. The disloyal members should not have been permitted to dictate the entire plan of " a d j u s t m e n t " (we question the use of the. word, or any action based- upon it, in a case where one party is wholly right and the other is wholly wrong); neither should they be at once placed in the various official positions. They had forfeited such rights and privileges and should not have asked for any such favors. In. the beginning they were the minority, and not being satisfied with the rulings of the Grand Lodge, took it into their heads to withdraw from the lawful body and set up an independent and spurious body of their own in defiance of all Masonic law and usage. When they realized what a fearful mistake they had made and that they were about to lose their Masonic heads, one and all sent in the white flag and made overtures of peace. The GrandÂťMaster at once assumed the power and authority of healing up all trouble, by allowing the recusant 'members virtually to come in and assist in the voting on the terms of settlement and virtually to dictate those terms. We cannot see the justice of such proceedings, and they look very much like a setting at defiance of all old well-established rules of jurisprudence heretofore accepted for the government of bodies of Ancient Craft Masonry on this Continent. T h e modus operandi of the settleitient was, in our opinion, terribly bungled. No dissolution of the spurious body was necessary, for its existence was a matter of indifference to all Masonic bodies. Neither was the election of officers anew for the consolidated, or reconstructed, a necessity, and we are simply led to believe that Ihe Grand Master, by the high power and authority (?) in him vested, appointed these officers, and most certainly without adequate authority except by assumption. The Grand Master in his Address acknowledges the illegality of the settlement in substance. All things considered, if the rebellious brethren had unconditionally abandoned 'their spurious organization, confessed their errors and humbly thrown themselves upon 11

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the mercy of the Grand Lodge, they might have considered themselves well treated if once more acknowledged as brethren and quietly relegated to Masonic obscurity. We extract the following, in relation to the cause of the disturbance, from the report of the Board of General Purposes: T h e Board, while admitting the desirability that exists in most Grand Lodges for having only one ritual, yet cordially agree with the M.-.W.-. Grand Master that for this Grand Lodge it is inexpedient that the two rituals practiced in this Province, and known as the Canadian Work and the Ancient York Rite, be interfered with in any particular. This being a new country, and lirethren constantly coming in both from Canada and the States, it is most desirable that they be enabled to visit where they will find familiar work and are at once placed on a home footing; Your Board, however, while'strongly approving, for the reasons stated, of the system now in vogue, would recommend that no other ritual, now or at any future time, be permitted -to be introduced into the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, on any pretense whatever. We cannot agree to the views of the Board and we venture the prediction that our brethren of Manitoba will realize in five years that they have made a mistake right on the ritual question. No two families can live in peace in the same house and under one roof. Tt has been tried and has failed too often to admit of any confidence in such a scheme. The work will have to be done over again, but when it is done, and during all time, we hope most earnestly, that our Manitoba brethren will remember the dangers of "Mexicanization " as applied to Lodge polity, and that peace and harmony may prevail in all their councils. M.-.W.-. J O H N H . BELL, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. WILLIAM G . S C O T T ,

Grand Secretary. MARYLAND.

1879.

T h e Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge was held in Masonic Temple, commencing November 18, 1879. Representatives from seventy-two Lodges were present and the usual routine business transacted, much of it relating to management of Temple affairs. Grand Master J O H N M . CARTER conveys in his Address the pleasing news of a reduction of $68,000 in the Temple debt. This must be truly gratifying to the Craft in Maryland. If pluck and unwearied zeal can accomplish any thing, the Temple debt will soon be extinguished and a valuable property saved to a deserving brotherhood. We have watched the struggle with much interest, never losing,faith in the ultimate success of the brethren in Maryland. T h e Grand Master thinks it unwise to establish Lodges to meet out of the Temple building. A little strong, we think, but if the brethren of Baltimore can stand it, it does not become us to criticise. A Special Committee was appointed to revise the standing regulations of the Grand Lodge and report the result of their labors at the Semi-Annual Communication,

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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A very brief Report on Correspondence was submitted by the committee, with a statement that the financial condition of the Grand Lodge did not allo.w of an extended review. We excerpt the following from the conclusion : . The Grand Orient of France has addressed an appeal to the Grand Lodge of England against the exclusion of its members from the English Lodges,,and threatens, if this course is persisted in, to charier Lodges in London and elsewhere within the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England. • , In contrast with the determination of the Grand Orient of France to exclude recognition of the Deity, the Supreme Council of Peru has issued the following decree: " N o profane shall be initiated into a Lodge, and no brother shall be affiliated, without having declared by the living voice and in writing that he believes in the existence of GOD as the GrandjArchitect of the Universe, and in the resurrection into the future life." The Official Bulletin of the Grand Orient of Brajiil informs us of the bitter conflicts between the Masons and the Catholic clergy of that country, the controversy not being confined to Masonic matters, but extending into political affairs of the country. At a recent^ election the'Masonic party achieved a victory over the Catholic party, which has exasperated the latter to such a degree that their clergy refuse to perform the marriage ceremony, according to the Catholic rite, for members of the Masonic Order. Masonry is the apostle of liberty, equality and fraternity, not the fanatical propagandist of any creed or theory. And while we deplore the necessity for any connection of Masonry with extraneous or profane matters, yet nothing more conduces to the beauty and glory of one's country than the preservation against all the enemies of its civil and religious liberty, for " the true Mason identifies the honor of his country with his own," and is ever the votary of liberty and justice. Our brethren of Brazil, contending against a dark array of obsolete opinions, superstitions, persecutions and obloquy, claim our sympathy and encouragement in their patriotic efforts to prevent, remedy and reform evils, oppressions, wrongs, cruelties and outrages, and we rejoice in the honor and glory of the result of their contest against intolerance. . .Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. MARYLAND.

1880.

A Special Communication was held January 11 for the purpose of interring with Masonic rites the remains of their deceased Bro. NICHOLAS BREWER, P. D. G.

M.

The Semi-Annual Communication was held May 11 and 1-2. Grand Master JOHN M . CARTER delivered a brief and business-like Address, giving a clear statement of the status of affairs in that Jurisdiction. Fie referred in feeling terms to the loss sustained by the Grand Lodge and Community in the death of R.-.W.-. Bro. FRANCIS BURNS, P. D. G. M., who departed this life on the 28th day of December, 1879, =*' 'l^^ •''Ps o'd age of 88 years; also of R'.-.W.-. Bro. NICHOLAS BREWER, P. D. G! M., January 9, 1880, aged 90 years; and of R.-.W.-. Bro. W.M. CAMPBELL, P. S. G. W., March 2, 1880, aged 63. Three wise and honorable brothers gone^ in one half year, to meet again in the Grand Lodge above.

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of tlie

February,

The Grand Master holds; T h a t while the generally recent investigation as to character practically limits the subsequent ballots to the question of proficiency, yet should there be any newly discovered evidence of objection to character it is a Masonic duty to exercise the privilege of the black ball in the ballot for advancement; and though there is no necessity for a new Committee of Investigation simply on the score of lapse of time, yet, if there be any doubt about the character of the applicant a Committee on Inquiry should be apjiointed. He also says: A brother who had removed to another State was forwarded a bill for arrearage of dues, and in remitting the amount to a member of the Lodge he stated that his removal was permanent and asked for a diniit. The money was paid over, but the dimit was inadvertently withheld and dues were chaiged up until quite an arrearage accumulated, which the absent brother was rather urgently requested to pay. He very naturally look umbrage at this, and in examining the correspondence of the Lodge, his application for a dimit'was found. The question then arose how to dispose of the charge against him for dues, and it was thought that it would be necessary to reriiit them in the usual way. H e l d : that such a proceeding would, on its face, imply a censure upon the brother, while the Lodge only was to blame, and that a* dimit should be granted him stating the date at which he had been entitled to have the sarrie. This form of dimit was especially required in his case, as the brother, supposing that the paper had been purposely withheld, had refrained from visiting a Lodge or in any wise enjoying the privileges of Masonry during the several years he supposed he was laboring under some censure. 'I'he Inspectors did not all send in reports, and from those receive^ and considered by the Grand Lodge there would appear to be on the whole no great zeal or activity. The lack of these can be usually traced to individual brethren, whose actions are the negative (i.e., unhealthy) element in Lodge life which stands as a causative for all such symptoms. Let each member be punctual in his attendance on all Lodge meetings, endeavor also to be punctual in his knowledge on the work and lectures^ as well as in the history of Masonry, an important element' of Masonic education, too often overlooked, and it would not be long ere the reports of Inspectors would be commendatory, yea even jubilant. T h e labor of creating and maintaining an interest in a Lodge does not rest upon the officers alone, but upon each and every individual member. Let us keep ever in mind that emblem ol industry, the bee hive. . . The committee to whom the reports of the Inspectors "were referred, reported in favor of discontinuing the inspection system, and offered the following resolution: Resolved, That a Special Comniittce of three be appointed to examine into and report' upon the system of Grand Inspectors and of District Deputy Grand Masters in vogue in sister Jurisdictions. On the subject of begging, circulars for aid, etc., they adopted the following standing regulation : Resolved, That the Subordinate Lodges of this Jurisdiction are prohibited from soliciting aid from foreign Jurisdictions for any purpose whatever, unless the permission of the Grand Master be previously obtained.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

Ill

Bro. FERDINAND J. S. GORGAS furnished a brief Report on Correspondence, wherein he has packed much valuable and interesting information. For his brevity he offers the following apology : Reference to the Proceedings will show that the Committee on Correspondence has been i-estricted to seventy-five pages. We have endeavored to obey this mandate, and on the principle that "a little too much is better than not enough," have almost succeeded in presenting reviews of fifty Grand Bodies within the prescribed space, lirriiting ourselves to the notice of interesting matter, and omitting many comments we should otherwise have been pleased to make. We present this Report, such as it is, asking for it all the indulgence our reportorial brethren can possibly grant, and with the hope that the points given may prove interesting to those of our brethren who desire to know what transpires outside of their own Jurisdiction. Well done, good brother,'thou hast "comfe within o n e " of the prescribed limit. We hope soon to learn that the Maryland brethren are able to learn the length of this Report to the taste and good judgment of their able committee. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected.

MASSACHUSETTS.

1879.

The printed transactions of the Grand Lodge of the Old Bay State, the head center of Ancient'Craft Masonry, came to us this year, as usual, in broken doses, or homeopathically, and we are pleased to say that we have found the portions of such a cordial and cheering nature as to wish that they may continue to be dispensed, for* yet a thousand years. The annual, quarterly and special Communications sum up eight in number. The quarterly and special meetings were devoted to business matters, to Lodge dedications and installation.s, feasts, and the like pleasing and profitable labor. The Temple affairs came in for a large share of their attention, and it is gratifying to note that there is a. favorable outlook for t h e brethren of Massachus'ctts in regard to the extinction of the Temple debt. They are . truly deserving of success in their noble efforts to extricate themselves from the heavy burden which has weighed upon them for the last decade or more. Too-much credit cannot be given to Grand Master WELCH for his able and untiring efforts for the best interests of the Craft. He has worked in season and ouf of season, at no time faltering. Let his name be inscribed on the tablets of memory by the Masonic Brotherhood of the Commonwealth, and let Masonic history tell the story of the faithful friend of Freemasonry. The soldiers and sailors monument at Gloucester was dedicated by the Grand Lodge with peculiarly interesting ceremonies. The Deputy Grand Master, Bro. ABRAHAM H . HOWLAND, delivered an excellent oration, from which we can only quote the following, although we would gladly give space to more of i t : In all that strengthens virtue, enlarges charity, and inspires patriotism, this Fraternity has a deep and strong interest. It is here today, not simply to see and to be seen, but to express its joy a t the erection of this granite shaft, to praise the valor, and bow before the sacrifice which it commemorates.

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February,

Our Institution desires to exalt the love and defense of home and of native land, and to officially and publicly endorse such memorials as stimulate public spirit, make heroes immortal, and teach the passers-by what liberty has cost. We congratulate the Grand Army of the Republic upon the completion of this.appropriate and beautiful monument, and this municipality upon the possession of so fine a work, so great a treasure, so constant and truthful a teacher. In the coming years it will stand, giving out its lessons and impressing its truths upon innumerable minds. Its lesson is devotion. How devoted to country and liberty were parents, wives and sisters who gave to them their sons, husbands and brothers! How'devoted the comrades in arms who were joined in battle line! How devoted the living army, which keeps the memories of its dead ever green, and erects such memorials to perpetuate their heroic deeds! Let devotion burn. Gather around this altar in memory of the sublime fidelity of the Federal Army. Let us vow a more steadfast purpose in all that is true, self-denying and patriotic. We give place to the following, and suggest to our Kansas brethren who may anticipate a journey to the Hub, and have a desire to visit Lodges there, that they had better arm themselves with the necessary documents to entitle them to favor as visitors: Among the official directions given by one of my predecessors was one directing that no person should be admitted into a Lodge who was not properly known to be a Mason in good regular standing, unless he was vouched for by some well-known brother; or produced the certificate of some Grand Lodge, and passed a strict examination. This regulation, which requires both an examination and a certificate, is dated February 8, 1872, was reported to the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Communication in March, 1872, in an address made by the Grand Master, and has never been rescinded. I have reason to believe that some Masters of Lodges, not being aware of this regulation, have not always conformed to it; and your attention is therefore called to it, and you are desired to enforce it strictly. Complaints have some times been made to me by Masons from other Jurisdictions that they were excluded from our Lodges, and the privileges of Masonry, by this rule; but it is no good reason for the non-enforcement of a regulation or for its rescission that it sometimes op'erates with hardship upon i n d i v i d u a l ; all rules do so at times; the general good is the matter to be considered and legislated for; and in these days, when imposters abound, and it is not impossible for them to acquire a sufficient knowledge to enable them to pass an examination, the written certificate is perhaps a better, certainly as good a safeguard as the examination. Both together, with the visitors' book added, should be used to keep off the cowan and eavesdropper. If a IVIason Irom another State or country comes here to remain any length of time, and can not, for satisfactory reasons, procure a certificate or diploma, application should be made to the Grand Master, who will, when in his power, satisfy himself as to the Masonic character of the applicant, and, if on examination the case requires it, provide a remedy. It seems that the irrepressible C. C. BURT, with his Memphis-tican outfit, is doing the Bostonians this year. The Michigan officials have told us who he is and how to treat him when he comes around. Our opinion is that he should be let severely alone, for his affairs concern us not. The Grand Master is not favorable to joint occupancy of halls with other secret societies, if it can be avoided. So we say.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

•

113

The plan adopted to wipe out the Temple debt, at first met with much and quite determined opposition; but a personal visit of the Grand Master and his presentation of the claims of the Grand Lodge upon the Craft of the Grand Jurisdiction set the Lodges right, and the burden is beingassumed with great unanimity and good feeling among the brethren. The Grand Lodge granted permission to Germania Lodge to work in the German language. A Special Communication was held on the 24th of June to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the institution of old Essex Lodge at Salem. Many of the Masonic lights of the Jurisdiction were present. The oration delivered on the occasion was by the Recording Grand Secretary, Bro. TR.'VCY B . CHEEVER, and we are pleased to learn that it is to be published. It will no doubt contain muchentertaining information of a • historic nature. Grand'Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. MICHIGAN.

1880.

The attendance of the Craft this year was full; three hundred and thirty-one out of three hundred and thirty-eight Lodges on the roll were represented by the proper officers or duly appointed proxies; four Charters issued to new Lodges; a Masonic burial service to be prepared and a committee appointed for that purpose. The Annual Address of Grand Master DANIEI. STRIKER is a solid business paper, covering all the official transactions of his office for the fiscal year, showing no mean amount of labor performed. He speaks encouragingly of the success of the Schools of Instruction held during the year, at which he was present. He says: This is gratifying, as it bespeaks an earnestness in becoming more familiar with the lectures, as well as proficient in the work. I have this to urge, in connection with calling Schools of Instruction in the future: they should be held as soon after the close of the Grand Lodge as possible, in or- . der that the newly elected officers may have the benefit of the instruction received, for the major part of the year; in fact, I am not sure but arrangements should be made by the District Deputy Grand Masters and the Grand Visitor and Lecturer of the times and places for most of the Schools before leaving the city. A wise suggestion and one that should be followed. We have tried this same idea in our own Jurisdiction.. There is no better time to open one of these Schools of Instruction than in the first three months after a Worshipful Master has been duly installed in office. • He does not favor the joint occupancy of halls with non-Masonic organizations. On this question we heartily agree with the Grand Master and say he is eminently sound in the following: : The right of a member of a Lodge to vote at the annual election of its officers can only be annulled by suspension or expulsion, and he can not be deprived of his right to vote by failing to pay his dues unless regularly suspended, .

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T h e BORT case Master's Address. trouble, annoyance, amount of paper in

Proceedings of the

February,

was up again, occupying nearly eight pages of the Grand T h e affair had cost the Grand Master a great deal of the shedding of a flood of ink and the waste of a large correspondence respecting the ne'er-do-weel.

We are inclined to think that our good brothers of Michigan are giving quite too much publicity to such a character as that supported by this man BURT, Short and sharp is the word in dealing with such charlatanic geniuses. He only stirs up all this trouble among the various Grand Lodges to get a little cheap advertising for the "wild and woolly" degrees of the Ancient (?) rite of what-do-you-call-it. He cares nothing about restoration. We devoted some space to his case last year. We say set him down and let him stay. T h e finances do not seem to be in a remarkably prosperous condition at present, only a small balance remaining in the Treasury. We think there is a decided improvement upon the last few years. The best way to reduce expenses is to cut down the per diem and mileage for officers and members, but it will be no easy matter to introduce any such reformatory measures, or put them in force. The Grand Master offers the following wise words in conclusion: 0

Although we are able to report but moderate increase in membership, yet the weeding process seems to have been judiciously applied in most cases, and those that remain are the better off for the riddance of the drones that infest'our Lodges; and this brings the question very forcibly home to us to ask ourselves in what 'does Masonry and Fraternity consist — how exeiiiplified — and do we fully appreciate its sublime teachings? Are we to understand'that it is only an annual, monthly or stated gathering in a room called a Lodge, furnished though it may be with gilded walls, arched ceilings, well carpeted floors, wherein all the apartments are •made to harmonize, and made a convenient place, as many suppose and are taught to believe, y nere the faithful convene to commune, make a few signs, exchange passworas and friendly greetings; or of the number, wealth or popularity of its members, of the brilliancy and oratory displayed by its advocates, or of an idle ceremony of the gathering together of the few or many, a formality, a special parade of members on public occasions and addresses. I never so learned or understood its teachings; but that is something more lasting and enduring than such hollow formality, something deeper, more vital and more sacred, made so by the exercise of the better part of our moral natures, and by exercising those acts of brotherly kindness which binds heart to heart, so they beat as o n e ; it is an alliance that knows no territorial limits — the sympathetic power of kindred affections, having but one aim — that of bettering his fellow man. The true Mason can hear the cry of anguish from the fever districts of the South, and appeals for bread from Ireland, equally distinct, without the aid of a modern telephone. We are judged by what we do, more than what we say, it is the acts of members in their individuality, in the performance of their obligations to their fellow man, in the discharge of the duties of every-day life, that make up the aggregate by which we are tried. Public opinion is generally an impartial tribunal upon a fair trial. It is a universal law that a man passes in public opinion after becoming acquainted for just what he is worth, and although he may for a while mislead or deceive.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

115

sooner or later the cloak of hypocrisy is removed, the mantle of deceit falls, the long ears creep out from -under their covering and his true character revealed, and we stand aghast and wonder how we are so easily deceived. Forgetting, that the thinner the fabric the more easily it will take starch." The most^^sacredly kept contracts or solemn obligations are not those usually made in public, and heralded from the street corners and house tops — but those that rest upon the honor and conscience, and usually unwritten and unsung, and are exemplified by the faithful discharge of the trust received, and by the principle of truth being indelibly stamped upon the inner con-, science of the. man. We, therefore, who profess to love the truth must so have it in our hearts that we will show it in our lives and in our dealings with each other, and thus show that it is our guide, our rule, our faith and our practice. If it be grand and noble to be rivals for fame and honor, how much more so is it to be friends for the promotion of truth and the protection of virtue. In reference to the consolidation of Lodges the following excellent provision was adopted: It shall be lawful for two or more Lodges having concurrent or adjoining Jurisdictions to consolidate and become one Lodge under the name and number of the Lodge.so .consolidating, whose Charter was first issued, with the consent of two-thirds of the members of each Lodge present, voting at such Regular as may be agreed upon, provided, that at least fifteen days nolice of such proposed consolidation shall be given to all the members of each Lodge, residing within their respective Jurisdictions. And the Lodge so continuing shall take possession of all the'books, papers, jewels, furniture, funds . and other property or evidences thereof of the Lodges so consolidating, and sliall have exclusive personal jurisdiction over all the members, rejected and unfinished material as well as of all suspended and expelled members of the Lodges so consolidating. But if any Lodge in this Jurisdiction shall ceas'e to exist, except as is herein before provided, the last Master or Wardens shall, within sixty days thereafter, transmit to the Grand Secretary all the books, papers, jewels, furniture, funds and other property or evidences thereof of the Lodge ceasing to exist. R.-.W.-. Bro. INNES presented a Report on Correspondence, brief, systematic and readable. It is followed by an admirable compilation of notable decisions of Grand Masters of the United States of America for 1878-9. M.-. W.-. JOHN W . MCGRATH, Detroit, Grand Master; R.-. W.-..W. P. INNES, Grand Raipds, Grand Secretary.

MINNESOTA.

1880.

The attendance of officers and members at the Annual Communication held January 13 and 14, 1880, was very full; one hundred and twelve Lodges were represented; -five Charters granted to new Lodges; like most other Grand Lodges, they had an exemplification of the work. A large amount of business was transacted, of a routine and local character. Grand Master HENRY R . WELLS delivered an able and dignified Address, giving a very clear account of his official doings for the year and the condition of the Craft in that Jurisdiction. H e is most decidedly in favor of a system of visitation of Subordinate Lodges, believing that it will conduce to the well-being of the Craft as well as promote peace, order and har-

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raony among t h e members of particular Lodgse, and likewise aid. in obtaining'accurate knowledge of their financial condition. He deprecates in very strong terms the pernicious practice of many Subordinate Lodges in running into debt with no visible means of paying the same. The Grand I-odge most heartily endorsed these views This very practice has done as much, and we think, more, to bring the Craft into disrepute than any other one thing, and it would be very well for Grand Lodges to put a stop to all such reckless proceedings so far as in their power lies. He is in favor of a uniform code of By-Laws for the government of Subordinate Lodges; thinks dues-should be fixed at the lowest practicable figure, and that further, when once so fixed, rigid rules should be adopted for the faithful and prompt collection of the same at specified times. He congratulates the Craft of Minnesota on the very gratifyiiig condition of their finances, and well he may, after the expensive and annoying experience they have had in years gone by. In this we see the result of having the right man in the right place, and it is to be hoped that the Grand Lodge will not soon forget its past expensive experience and place their financial interests in the hands of the careless or unfaithful. Of " Lodge Charity " he well says : There has been a practice, reprehensible in my judgment, obtained to a degree among Subordinate Lodges in our own and other Grand Lodge Jurisdictions of calling upon the Lodge of which a sojourning brother, in want, is a member, for remuneration, and in some cases for compensation for relief extended. I esteem this course as subversive of the great underlying fundamental principle of our Institution. It is making relief a subject of charge, and charity a creature o! commerce. To relieve a worthy brother in distress, so far as we may do,'without injury to ourselves, is our prerogative and our duty. If actuated by the expectation of a fee or hope of reward in sustaining a falling brother it is a prostitution of our high calling. 1 am aware that the practice alluded to has the countenance and support of very many conscientious brothers, and I fraternally concede to them the best intentions and purest motives. It is based upon the ground that there is nothing inconsistent with our principles and the motives which actuate us in rendering a statement of expenses incurred for an afflicted brother or his family in distress, to the Lodge from which he hails, and leaving it to their Masonic courtesy to reimburse, if they may and their financial condition will warrant. I can not see a distinction between this course of 'action and an actual demand, and if otherwise it is so absolutely certain to degenerate and become a subject of gross" abuse, that I hope to see this Grand Lodge give emphatic expression of its sense of the practice, and if in accord with its judgment, that Subordinate Lodges within this Jurisdiction be prohibited from directly or indirectly presenting any claim upon a sister Lodge, within this or any Jurisdiction — except upon request, — for reimbursetiient for moneys expended for the relief of a sojourning brother in distress. We note with pleasure the unqualified concurrence of the Grand Lodge in the views of the Grand Master,' as set forth in the foregoing, by the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved, That in all cases where a sojourning brother in want receives relief, the Lodge or brother extending such relief is prohibited from rendering an account or request for payment of same to the Lodge of which such distressed brother may be a member, unless requested by such Lodge.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas'.

117

The Grand Lodge put this rule into practical operation. It seems the Grand Lodge of Texas expended the sum of S34.50 on account of the funeral expenses of Grand Master BKADEN, who went to that State in the hope of regaining his health, (vain hope, alas!) The amount expended was promptly forwarded to the officers of the Grand Lodge of Texas, and was just as promptly returned by them to the Grarid Lodge of Minnesota, saying that while they appreciated the generous offer to refund the amount of money paid, " i t could not under any circumstances be accepted, for what was done, was done out of the fullness of our hearts for the Brotherhood, and with no thought of reimbursement." This action fully exemplifies and illustrates the sublime doctrine of Masonic charity. Let this in the future be. the rule of every Grand Lodge, at least on the American Continent. Dual membership was up again, and the Grand Master discussed it at some length, and pointed out some of the unfortunate complications arising under the action had in that regard from time to tinie.in the past. T h e committee patched up the trouble as best they could, but we fear that the arrangement is not such as to work well or endure. It is always best, when we find we have made a mistake, to go back and correct it fully, making no ' half-way work of it. The Dakota matter again came up, and occupied a goodly space in their' Proceedings, being adverted to by both the Grand Master and Grand Lodge. It has since been fully adjusted by the parties most interested, and, we presume, satisfactorily, so we have nothing to add on that score, except that, we are glad that it is off the books, and that one more step has been taken . to complete the harmony which sways the action of almost all American Grand Lodges. The Report on Correspondence, presented by Bro. A. T. C. PIERSON, is, like all that comes from his pen, vigorous and lively. This year he deals . largely in extracts from the other Proceedings, occasionally putting in a sharp stroke at some brother of the guild. He is not over particular whqse •devoted head he raps, nor how hard he lets the club fall. His chief battle this year was on' the. Dakota question, and his argument in favor of exclusive jurisdiction, 7uit/i conditions and exceptions, is probably as strong as could have been penned by any one. As the cause of "all this dreadful b o t h e r " has vanished, we hope that the Northwestern sky will speedily clear up andgive the bright, blessed sunshine of Masonic harmony and charity a chance to fall upon the brethren of those broad domains.' Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. MISSISSIPPI.

1880.

The Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for 1880 are exceedingly interesting. • The reports of the Grand Officers, as well as those of all the committees, are very full and complete, giving evidence of a hearty interest in the well-being of the Craft, and of a vigorous Masonic life stirring the blood of the Mississippi brethren.

118

•

Proceedings of the

February,

Two hundred and forty-five Subordinate Lodges were represented, one Charter issued,- four restored, two Lodges merged into one, a large amount of business transacted, and much of it of general as well as local interest. A steamboat excursion was tendered, accepted and greatly enjoyed by all who availed themselves thereof The steamer bore the name of one of their Past Grand officers, " O L I V E R CLIFTON." An excellent idea, this of recreation, for the old adage of "all work and no play," etc., holds good in Masonic as in other affairs. The social features should never be lost sight of at our gatherings, for it is a landmark of itself. It must be that the Mississippi brethren had this in mind when they voted to accept the invitation ; had we been one of them, we should cer|tainly have voted in the affirmative. Grand Master FRANK BURKITT delivered an excellent address, giving a detailed account of his stewardship for the year, proving himself to have been an efficient and painstaking officer, meriting, as he received, the hearty approval of his brethren. He complains of the unhealthy condition of their general finance, and attributes it mainly to the fact that his Grand Lodge persists in keeping "on wheels." We hardly think the facts will bear out the Grand Master in this view of the matter. An examination of the financial reports of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, rexteals another and more potent c^wie., per diem and mileage, the same thing that is .troubling Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana and many other Grand Lodges whose laws have been framed so as to make this matter of per diem and mileaije a speculative scheme, ( not intentionally so, but in effect.) Change your laws and regulate the matter so that no one entitled to per diem and mileage shall "receive more than his actual expenses, not allow delegates to draw upon the Grand Treasury for §3.50 and J4.00 per day when they actually pay only $1.50 to §2.50; and 5 cents per mile when they only pay out 2J4 to 3aCents. ij

The Grand Master does not favor the post-burial funeral service, and we heartily concur in his view that it is a meaningless and out-of-place ceremony. For the life of us we are unable to figure out how or when they originated the idea of it. Certainly old Bro' King SOLOMON is the only authority, and that is doubtful. Bro. POWER; the faithful Grand Secretary, furnished another of his characteristically strong and vigorous Reports, showing the condition of the Grand Lodge financially, along with other matters of importance. He says: There has been a steady decline in receipts, and in membership, for the past six years, as will be seen by the following table: Year. 1874 1875 1876—' 1877

1878 1879

Membership. —n,8ii ••.205 It.770 10,242

: r

9,849

^ Receipts. $12,834 40 11,364 09 ro,6ii 09 9,609 25

8.953 28 7.3SS 57

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Grand Lodge of Kaiisas.

119

These figures should incite the Grand Lodge to an investigation of' the causes for this loss in the numerical and financial strength of Freemasonry in our Jurisdiction. It has never been possible to get all the Lodges to send in their returns in time for the Grand Communication, or to be included in the published reports. It was my disagreeable duty to close the last volume of our transactions with forty Lodges delinquent as to returns and dues. As to thirteen of these, the Grand IVIaster has enforced the Constitution by arresting their Charters; several have since sent in their returns and paid arrearages; others have made fair promises of squaring up at this meeting of the Grand Lodge, and others.are hopelessly dormant or dead, and it only remains to observe the last sad offices provided by our regulations, and erase tliem from the roll of Chartered Lodges. The Grand Treasurer's account will, of course, show the disbursements for the year, but a classified statement of same may not be inappropriate in my report: At the last Annual Communication, there were only 145 Lodges represented, and hence the Pay Roll amounted to only ?3)245.75 Grand Officers, and Committees, same session 1 l>305 76 Biennial meeting of District Deputies . 393 45 Proceedings and other printing for the year 886 22 Grand Secretary's salary 1,000 00 Postage, Foreign Correspondence, Lodge of Sorrow, and all other expenses 542 25 Total

$7,373 43

When the Grand Lodge met in.this city in 1876, there were two hundred and sixty-one Lodges represented, and the pay roll for the session was §6,909.85. Should the attendance be nearly as large at this time, and the aggregate dues not show a decided increase on the previous year, the Grand Lodge will have to draw liberally upon its reserve in order to meet the expenses of the present year. -I have not yet despaired of the adoption of some plan that will take out of the Gran 1 Lodge the whole business of mileage and per diem —a plan that will be just and equitable to the Lodges, and that will insure the running expenses of the Grand Lodge. A small per capita tax will be sufficient for this, and let the Lodges retain for' the expenses of representative, the excess over same they now pay into the Grand. Lodge Treasury. ' Each delegate would thus be insured his actual and necessary expenses-from the hour he leaves home until his return, and instead of settlements at the Grand Annual Communication, taking much of the valuable time of -the Grand Lodge, he will make out his account on return to his Lodge, and have the same allowed and paid. With such a system it w o u l d be immaterial where the Grand Lodge would meet, as the pay-roll would be limited to the Grand Officers and Committees, and the current expenses would be provided for by an income corresponding to the membersiiip.- Let the per capita be as low as will just meet the expenses of the Grand Lodge, and let each Lodge retain the difference between that sum and the 75 cents per member now paid, and also retain the fee they now pay to the Grand Lodge, of $l .00 for each degree conferred. A large majority of the Grand Lodges of this country have discarded the mileage and per diem system, and so lar from diminishing the representation of the Subordinate Lodges, the reverse is the case. This is a subject that I have studied in all its bearings, and which I ventured on a former occasion to bring to the attention of the Grand Lodge, and I have presumed to do so at this time because of propositions submitted at the last Annual Conimunication, and which the Committee on Revision have doubtless under consideration. We commend the foregoing to the careful perusal of those of our breth-

120

Proceedings

oj llie

February,

ren who so strongly favor the per diem and mileage scheme. This showing is made by one who is a careful worker in the Masonic field, and the facts set forth may be relied upon as accurately given. From the reports of the District Deputies we are If d to believe that there is a l a c k of interest among the Lodges on the subject of work and "lectures. It is very probable that if some good brother would devote his time, without the hope of fee or reward, to posting these Lodges, they would deign to give him an audience, provided they did not have to make some calls or spend a few hours at some hotel, discussing topics of no earthly benefit or use to any one, on, under or above the earth. It is not knowledge that such men want. Several able reports on Jurisprudence were submitted by the committee, and did space permit vve would transfer a.moiety of them to these'pages. We clip the following in relation to granting Dispensations in certain cases : The action of the Grand Master in granting Dispensations to confer the Degrees upon certain clergymen in violation of sections 46 and 47 of the Rules and Regulations, raises the question as to his power to set aside a law  of the Grand Lodge. We deny that he has such powers, and much as we regret the necessity for doing so, must express our earnest disapprobation of the assumption of such powers, but we do not intend in so doing to censure the Grand Master for the time being, for he has but followed the example of others who have preceded him in his exalted station, and may justly plead that he has the force of many precedents to sustain him. It is nevertheless desirable for the Grand Lodge to determine whether its chief executive officer possesses the power to set aside any of its laws. He is sworn to obey and to enforce the laws, and not to countenance any violation thereof, a duty which is entirely inconsistent with the assumption-that he may dispense with a law and set up another law of his own making in its place at pleasure. • ' We agree with the committee that every such stretch of authority is wrong, and it is time that the Grand Lodges were putting a limit to all , such suppositious authority, but they had better add all, and not pick out only poor preachers. We believe the doctrine of setting aside statutory provisions of law by special dispensation to be most pernicious; Constitutions and By-Laws are not made -to be demolished by a pen stroke of the Gi-and Master, however good may be his intentions, and in our way of thinking the Grand Master has no more right to thus meddle with or violate Masonic law in any way than has his humblest subordinate. All such prerogatives have been magnified too greatly, and the limit, " thus far and no farther," should be set. He is placed at the head of the Order to execute the law as he finds it, only using his sovereign judgment and discretion in those instances not covered by the law of the Grand Lodge and indicated by the landmarks. The rules made by a Grand Lodge are not to be used as playthings or movable'gates and bars, to be let down at pleasure. We may have more to say on the subject in another place. Bro. JAMES M . HOWRY again enters the circle with one of his notably strong Reports on Correspondence. Kansas is not among the favored ones reviewed. He leaves us somewhat in the fog. The good brother says:

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

121

" W e have reviewed all the proceedings which have come to hand, embracing, we believe, all in North America, except Louisiana, our nearest neighbor." Did not our Kansas volume "com?' to h a n d ? " We did our part, in starting it on its way Mississippi-ward. Or do you consider us one of the isles of the sea', outside of North .America? Now Bro. HOWRY, don't shove us out this way ; we'want our seat at the round table arid a piece of the pie, good or bad. The best company is good enough for us any time, so slide along, will you, and let us on the bench near that gentleman from Missisippi. In handling Bro. SiNGLETON, he has this to say regarding the conflicts likely to arise out of too much "previousness" -in rushing into the arms of other secret societies: We can not altogether concur in this conclusion of 'his as to "assuming new duties until he knows they will not conflict with those he has already obligated himself to perform." This would equally apply to every profane who applies for admission to our Institution. How many Masons are there who ever made an inquiry as to the conflict pf duties which might ensue between .those of a citizen and of Masonry? Indeed, there can be no conflict of duties. The greater, in the estimation of every man that thinks; must be paramount; hence, since the institution of the modern beneficiary societies, there never has yet been a conflict in the breast of any right-judging man as to what he should do in any given premises which can legitimately arise. 'Tis true that in this very Jurisdiction difficulties have occurred between our Masonic and other societies on the subject of funeral services, but this was purely the result of a gross neglect of the fundamental ])rinciples which sliould govern us, and to which every case should be referred ; and when each reference snail have been properly made, then there can be-no conflict whatever. Grand Master MURRY'S points are well taken, in our humble judgment. Does the joining of other secret orders by Masons obstruct or hinder the progress of Masonry, or is it a drawback lo Masonry? We think there is no doubt about it! Masonry is the oldest, and, from those who have dabbled with all the secret orders which have sprung up during the present century, we learn that they regard it as the best. Its basis, its legendary history, " its ritual, its morals, its beautiful forms and ceremonies, excel all those modern inventions which have sprung up and laid hold on some of. our ceremonies and appropriated thern to a pernicious purpose, it may be, which in Iheir tendency are calculated to weaken or detract from the merits of our Order. The time taken up by Masons in attending the meetings of other secret •orders will ultimately destroy Masonry also. Let us look at it a moment. Lodge meetings require the attendance of its members at the monthly or semi-annual meeting. Degrees to confer often require a meeting or two every week. The Chapter requires the same amount of time, and additional time for Council degrees. If a Mason is a church member, he has the prayer meeting and regular lectures to attend. Social visiting, the opera and the theater take many from home at night. Husiness men in towns and cities attend their offices. We imagine most men'wish to read at night, and we think they ought to spend all the time they can spare from business and charitable purposes with their families, and, if young men, with their sweethearts! But here comes along the society— 1. Hepsatoph, or Seven Wise Men. 2. United Order of Druids. 3. Ancient Order of Hibernians,

122

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Proceedings of the

February, /

4. Ancient Order of Red Men. 5. Independent Order of Red Men. 6. The Ancient Order of Forresters. 7. Independent Order of Forresters. 8. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. ^ 9. Knights of Pythias. 10. United Order of Workmen. 11. Independent Order of Mutual Aid. 12. Benia B'rith. 13. About five orders of Temperance societies. 14. Knights of Honor. 15. Knights and Ladies of Honor — and we do not know how many other secret societies! We know where one of the orders has subverted Masonry. The old time-honored Craft has been made to succumb to one of these cruel inventions of modern bastard Masonry. The principles of many of them, perhaps all of them, may be very good, but we would like to know how a Mason can discharge his duties to his Lodge and Chapter and Commandery, and to his family, his country and his GOD, and attach himself to many or even a few of them. Bro. SINGLETON thinks there can be no conflict of duties, arising from membership in a Masonic Lodge and other secret societies at the same time I We feel very confident that when a Mason does his whole duty there must be a conflict, unless he sufifers to be neglected. Our views are the result of serious thought and we trust are not dictated by prejudice or a narrow contracted policy. We have a good Baptist ( hard-shell) friend who says he believes no man ought to belong to any society, secret or open, but the . primitive Baptist Church. We are willing to go this far with our Baptist friend. We think Masonry and the church of our choice furnish ample fields for the exercise of charity and brotherly love, and the performance of our duty to ourselves, our neighbor, our country and our G O D ! The man who weds himself to any considerable number of these orders will find himself about as happy as ." too-much-married " men usually are. For ourselves we have never cared to extend our investigations outside the ' pale of Masonry, preferring to feed in our own pastures rather than wander in strange fields. Again he gets in his work, saying: This dimit question is a perplexing one. There is much diversity ofopinion about it among the Craft, and brethren who differ on the subject seem to cling to their opinions, and pertinaciously stick to them like the fabled shirt of Nessus. There is, evidently, two sides to the question; and the Grand Jurisdictions should lay down a positive law on the subject and adhere to it. It is very desirable that the law should be uniform throughout the habitable globe, but we have but little hope of seeing it in our day. The brotherhood are a vast body of men, who bring themselves under mutual obligations to one another, voluntarily and of their own free will and accord, and the relation which they mutually sustain is of such a character that we do not see how one of the parties can absolve himself from the duties he has assumed without forfeiting all claims on the Brotherhood for aid and protection of any kind.. When he deserts the Organization, the remaining ones should be absolved from all ties as well as he, and if those who favor the doctrine that a brother has a right to dimit when he chooses can suggest a plan by which the parties can be mutually relieved of the ties and

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

123

duties which bind them, and be as aliens, then, in all the social and conventional relations ""of life, why, then, there would seem to.be some plausibility in the doctrine that a brother Mason can quit when he pleases. The truth is, the idea is revolting to us, and we do not see how a brother of sound moral principle can reconcile it to his conscience to dimit without a special cause, which we admit exists in some cases. Some men quit because they are poor and can't pay their share of the expenses of the Lodge. In that case the brethren generally relieve him. It is not often the poor that quit. It is the rich or well-to-do in the world, who will neither work in the Lodge nor pay dues, nor relieve the poor, nor do anything to keep up the character of the time-honored Institution! We are rather inclined to the opinion that when a brother deserts his brethren they ought to desert him, and he ought never to be recognized, unless he quits for good cause. If we are in error on this point we plead the very nature of the Institution, which is founded on mutual support and protection. When a brotherdeserts his brother and renounces the Institution, and sears his conscience against the impressions which obligations impose, and afterwards gets into serious diffiulties, touching life, liberty ahd character, the very first ones he calls upon in the hour of his extremity is his brother Mason. It reminds us • of a homely anecdote: Two brothers fell out. They met in the woods hunting. A deer was discovered lying behind an immense log; the one nearest was stealthily approaching with tomahawk in hand. The other'whispered, "Make a sure lick, brother." He turned and replied, "You call me brother, now I am'about to get meat!" The deer bounded away, of course! Away with such brotherhood! He thinks there is such a thing as the Grand Lodge doing things hastily, even to the extent of having to undo, or do over. Replying to Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine, Bro. HOWRY says: On our side of the question we say that in our judgment the principle of res ad judicata \% not as sacred as the preservation ol our Grand Lodge laws. We deeply regret that we are so deficient in the use of language and the power of expression, as not to be understood by one, who, as a Masonic juris consult, stands among the very few celebrities, who grace the composite column of our Masonic lore. We will make another effort to be understood./ That there must be an end of litigation in Masonic courts as well as in all others, we maintain. That res adjudicata is a good plea ordinarily, is not denied, but when any Lodge —Grand Lodge, if you please—hastily and without investigation decides a case in open violation of its own sacred laws and constitution, then we say the whole thing is void, or voidable, if you prefer the word, and it can subsequently set itself right, and correct its own error, by making a decision in conformity with the laws, which, we have a feint idea, we ought to ever maintain arid support. In such a case we declare our conviction to be, that the plea of res adjudicata should not prevail over our laws! We have heretofore put a case or two to test this principle in discussing the question of the right of a Lodge to try a brother twice for the same offense. For instance, where a brother is charged with doing a great wrong to a brother's wife or daughter, and on trial is acquitted for want of proof, and afterwards it appeared that new evidence was discovered making the case clear,, against the accused, he ought to be arraigned and re-tried, and in such case the plea of res adjudicata should not be interposed to prevent the true character'of the crime from being fixed upon him. We do not favor technicalities in Masonic trials. We do not think we would rejoice in the conviction of a brother Mason, but the very nature of our Institution requires of every Lodge to prevent immorality and crime from takingshelter among the virtuous and the good.

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of the

February, o

We regret the necessity of having to present our views and opinions on the principle involved in the discussion which Bro. DRUMMOND and your committees have been engaged in for some time, but we cannot afford to be misunderstood on a principle, which every lawyer in the civilized world understands. Many Masons have come from the profession of law into our Lodges, and in Masonic trials bring their law from the courts in which they practice to govern our courts. We might as well go by the rules of military or ecclesiastical courts as by (he common law and criminal courts in Masonic trials. • M.-.W.-. WILLIAM FRKNCH, Vicksburg, Grand Master; R.-.W.'. J. L. POWER, Jackson, Grand Secretary. MISSOURL

1879.

The Grand Secretary again furnishes the Craft with an excellently wellarranged volume of their Proceedings, containing three hundred and thirtysix pages, eighty-seven of which contain the journal of their Proceedings, one hundred and eighty-three are devoted to the Report on Correspondence, and sixty-six to well-arranged tables. One hundred and seventy-six Lodges were represented, ten Charters surrendered or arrested by the Grand Master, seven Charters and three.Dispensations granted and one Dispensation continued. Fifty-Five Lodges made no report for the current year. A way was fixed for the consolidation of Lodges, an excellent idea, but a better one would be to stop, the propagation of weak-kneed Lodges. There has been much said on this subject, and more might be if it would correct the evil. Grand Master NOAH M . GIVEN delivered an elaborate address, giving a full report of his official acts for the year, with many good suggestions for the consideration of the Grand Lodge. He who fills-the Grand East in Missouri, will surely find it a place unfit foa' the occupancy of boys, or of him who has not much time at his command to devote to the duties of that high place. Many seek the position once, but rarely care for a second trial of it. The Grand Secrel^ary moved to St. Louis soon after his elevation to the office, and being desirous of connecting himself with one of the St. Louis Lodges, (fearing some good brother might discover a terrible violation of law),.he applied to the Grand Master for a ruling on the question of the vacation of his office in case he dimitted. The Grand Master decided t h a t he could dimit. The Grand. Lodge thought differently, and reversed the decision. This may be good law in Missouri, but will hardly apply in most other jurisdictions. This, to our mind, looks too much like boy's play; to say that when a Grand Officer, during his term of office, moves his domicil, to be more conveniently located, he can hot move his Lodge membership without vacating the office he holds. This is spinning the thing entirely too fine, and if they have such a law they ought to repeal it before it causes them a sore mortification some day, or the loss of the services of some valued officer. We think the Grand Master took the common sense view of the case, and the Grand I_odge should have approved his decision, and not attempted the delicate job of hair-spli.tting on a small scale.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

]25

The Grand Master reports peace and harmony prevailing throughout the Grand Jurisdiction, deprecates the vi'.e practice of electioneering for office in Masonic Lodges, and has a word to say to those who wilfully neglect to pay dues at the time required under the By-Laws, and thus condemns two miserable habit's too much indulged in by those who often seek for places of honor and trust in our Lodges: Drunkenness and profanity are evils that are reported to exist in some Lodges in the State. These are made misdemeanors by our law, and all 'Lodges in this Jurisdiction are commanded to enforce the Masonic law in reference to them. Men whose lives are thoroughly imbued with the excellent and enobling teachings of the Order can not voluntarily engage in them. It would be a contradiction of terms to say that any man who loves Masonry also loves to indulge in cither of these evils. He must be under the influence of a perverted appetite in one case, or an odious habit in the other, and should be dealt with in a truly Masonic spirit; The absurdity of a drunkard delivering the lectures of our Ritual on Temperance, or of the very profane swearer instructing the candidate in the duty of reverence for Almighty GoD, is most apparent to the candidate, who is impressed with the idea that the proceeding is a farce. These evils are mentioned here, not to parade them, biit with the hope that, by calling attention to their evil effects upon the good influences that Masonry should at all times and under all circumstances exert, they may be entirely eradicated. T h e pow.er exists within the Order to correct them in the spirit of fraternity and brotherly love. There is, however, a brighter page in the annals of our cherished Institution. Its teachings awaken new perceptions of the beauty of those mild and amiable virtues which it is our care to cherish, and which contribute so much to make men better and nobler in their lives. They appeal'to the better impulses of our nature, and lead us away from self to a cultivation of that portion of us which is'akin to the Divine. The Holy Bible, the Great Light in Masonry, is our rule of faith and practice. We unite on the broad platform of its morality. The wisdom of its teachings o\'r those of the schools of ancient philosophy, whether those of the epicure or stoic, or those of modern infidelity, is apparent. They embody the wisdom of this world, which begins and ends and centers in self. Our Great flight is the emanation of that wisdom from above from whicli we learn to love one another, to'do unto others as we would they should do unto us, and that the highest degree of happiness is in contributing to the happiness of others. The unpleasant difficulty with the Grand Lodge of New Mexico still exists, and we are sorry to say with little apparent prospect of an early adjustment. The Grand Master defends, to the extent of his ability, the right of Missouri to exercise jurisdiction over Silver City Lodge, in New Mexico, and fortifies himself by quoting the action of his own as well as other Grand Lodges, Kansas among the number. The good brother overlooks the fact that the case of Kansas and the Indian Territory, Missouri and New Mexico, are not parallel cases by a long ways, and more, we for our part, in Kansas, have smoked the pipe of friendship with the brethren of the Aboriginal region, and are-sailing down the stream of time in the • same canoe. We opine our Missouri brethren will sooner or.later have to abandon this position, and fall in with the rest of us in harmony with t h e rule of exclusive jurisdiction. The Grand Secretary; in his Report, makes tlie following excelktit sUg'

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gestion in relation to the carelessness of Lodges in contracting debts, and afterwards surrendering their Charters and leaving creditors to whistle for their pay: Two practical points are thus suggested for consideration. First—That no Lodge be allowed to surrender its Charter until all Grand Lodge dues are paid, together with all claims in the community where the Lodge is located. In the too rapid multiplication of Lodges in this Jurisdiction there have been necessarily some very weak ones found here and there. Failing of success or forgetful of economy, they became involved, debts were contracted, Grand Lodge dues allowed to accumulate until embarrassment becomes an unbearable incubus. Then the only way to get out of debt is to surrender out, or to allow the Charter to be arrested. In either case, the obligations to the Grand Lodge for the privilege of existing as a Lodge are no.t met. This looks like bad faith, after all the good and earnest promises made in order to secure a Dispensation and afterwards a Charter. The Grand Lodge never solicits the organization of Lodges, and never grants the privilege except upon the fairest promises and best assurances. When these are not met, the Grand Lodge is wronged and Masonry suffers, and the parent body is thrown upon the necessity of guarding her interests, and the welfare of the Craft. To do this, she must not only prevent the institution of Lodges in undesirable localities and under questionable conditions, but preserve the good name of Masonry from reproach by seeing that Lodges do not fail to meet any and every obligation. Lodges become indebted for hall rent, fuel, lights, etc., and cease to exist. Their creditors are not always Masons, and, if they should be, their claims are not less strong. But the profane credilor makes no allowance for these defalcations of Lodges, and the good name of Masonry suffers. Let no Lodge Charter" be accepted as surrendered until full and satisfactory assurance is furnished that,all debts are liquidated and the claims of the Grand Lodge are met. Some of the Lodges which surrendered their Charters the past year have presented a clean and complete record. One Lodge made the annual returns and paid its Grand Lodge dues for 1879, and surrendered its Charter at the same meeting. In the second place. Lodges which suffer their indebtedness to go unmet and increasing until the arrest of Charter becomes a necessity, should be carefully investigated, and some requirements made at their hands. Instances'might be mentioned where returns were not made and dues not paid for years, with local debts contracted. An arrest of Charter was necessitated, and, indeed, it was desired by the members in order to get rid of already accumulated responsibilities. The next thing heard from such localities is an effort to start a new Lodge. Brethren regard if easier to pay fifty dollars for Dispensation and Charter than meet and liquidate old obligations. To say nothing more, the propriety of such action is very questionable. I n all cases of this chai-acter Dispensations should be refused to erect new Lodges where dereliction and failure have marked the history of former Lodges. If the Grand Lodge would place a barrier in the way of brethren obtaining dimits from the Grand Secretary until Such liabililies were met, there would be an improvement in the condition of Lodges in.this particular. Grand Lodge dues, and any given liabilities of a Lodge in the community, are obligations upon each individual member of said Lodge, because all are parlies to the liabilities so created in a Lodge character. Members would not be permitted to dimit from their Lodge while Lodge dues were unpaid. They should not, therefore, be allowed dimits from the Grand Lodge through the Grand Secretary until these higher liabilities created by them in a Lodge character are paid. The Grand Secretary, Bro. J O H N D . VINCIL, presented a Report on Correspondence which takes place among the very best of the year, being written in a style at once vigorous and dignified, and furnishing plenty of

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food for thought. His special report on the Scotland-Quebec trouble is an able vindication of the long cherished doctrine of exclusive Grand Lodge jurisdiction over all Masons within given boundaries; but he forgets his denial of the rights of New Mexico to exercise jurisdiction over a Lodge within the lines of ^f?-.Masonic territory. This is beyond all doubt a most knotty question, as all will find who investigate it. Some are very much inclined to think that the correct practice would be not to attempt the organization of a Grand Lodge until all the Lodges gave in their adherence to the proposition. This would leave the Lodges to arrange all these troublesome matters, and leave no doubtful questions to rack the brains or try the tempers of so many distinguished Masonic officials. .' After quoting an Alabama decision on the question „of the number required to open a Lodge, he says, and we think correctly, too: If he had said,." No Lodge shall open except as Master Masons," the argument would have reached a just and consistent conclusion. In the above decision Grand Master ARMSTRONG wisely concludes that the number must not be less to "hold a L o d g e " than to form it under Charter. Well, if it requires seven to hold a Lodge, the iiumber cuts an important figure in the legal transaction. Why not require that the character be equally as important? If seven be necessary to form or hold a Lodge, the status of the seven must be defined. "Master Masons" is the language employed to designate who the corporators shall be — so says the decision above. Such is the general rule. None but Master Masons can obtain a Charter to meet and work. The character of the corporators is as important as the number. Then does it not follow that the body chartered can not open at any tinie, in any other character than is known to the law when the Charter is granted? viz: Master Masons. We think so. It is just as . necessary to preserve and maintain the status of the corporators in opening a Lodge as it is to require the number — seven — to be present. From these and many other considerations, we believe every Masonic Lodge should meet and open in its chartered character as Master Masons. Then the legal right is in lull force, by which the other degrees may be used. When the work is finished in these, resume where all authority, corporate and legal, exists, and close that as the chartered body. On the question KoniilNS' decision of ness of the principle accord with our own

of exclusive and endless jurisdiction, he handles Bro. 1877 with a lively logic that shows the true inwardmost clearly. His position seems well taken, and in for a certainly:

If a person petitions a Lodge where he resides and is rejected, and afterwards removes his residence to another Jurisdiction, then it requires the consent of both Lodges before he can be made a Mason. This declaration harmonizes with the views of M.-.W.'. Bro. ROBHINS, of Illinois, in his Annual Address as Grand Master in 1877. Indeed the rulings of the two Grand Masters are so much alike that one seems to be an echo of the other. It is the same old theory of exclusive and endless jurisdiction. There is involved in this claim of perpetual jurisdiction a principle at varience with human rights and human authority. It is an assumption of the absolute and the supreme, unwarranted aiid unsustained by any authority with which men or human institutions are endowed. No mere human enactment can trammel the rights and liberties of man as to his moral being, in the manner and form contemplated in the law of Idaho. Man, in the exercise of his moral liberty and social rights, can not be pursued and disfranchised forever by arbitrary legislation. When a party proposes to

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unite with a moral institution, such as Masonry, the Lodge may not accept his overtures. Biit while rejecting his proposition, it can not thereby become possessed of an inalienable claim- to him, soul, body and spirit. In the asserting of such claim there is a declared supremacy over the whole being of the party, autocratic, despotic, imperial and papistic. If the law of Idaho is correct, it places Masonry above the State in claims and as to privileges. We can move to Kansas and acquire citizenship by twelve months' residence, under the laws of the commonwealth. But we may live in Kansas ten years and acquire no Masonic rights, if some person in Mi=isouri choose to reject our petition while residing in this Jurisdiction. No, there is not the least chance to acquire Masonic privileges in Kansas without the consent of the rejecting Lodge here. Now we submit to Grand Master STEVENSON, and Idaho Masons, this proposition : !\Ir. JONES petitions a Lodge in Missouri for the Mysteries, and is rejected. Twelve months thereafter he may renew his petition in the same Lodge, and, if accepted, be made a Mason. We presume the same law obtains in Idaho. But at the expiration of twelve months he does not choose to renew his application to the Lodge that rejected him. He moves to Idaho. After the lapse of one year he becomes a bona fide citizen of that Territory, may vote, and exercise all citizen rights and privileges. Before he left Missouri, the right to renew his petition to the rejecting Lodge was his by the law. Twelve months' residence in Idaho would entitle him to vote as a citizen, but not petition for the Mysteries of Masonry, and all this in the face of the fact that he was under no Masonic disability in Missouri. Yet Idaho denies him an opportunity to secure Masonic citizenship, while the State grants citizenship.. We assert that JONES is under no Masonic disability the day he may renew his application to the rejecting Lodge. T h a t renewal may take place at the end of twelve months. If JONES were under Masonic disability here he could not renew his a'pplication. But he can renew at the expiration of a year. Therefore he is under no disability. If under none in one Lodge (where he was rejected), disability can not be transferred to, and is not acquired by, another Lodge. Disability is not transferable, nor is it acquirable from a source where it does not exist." It does not exist where he was rejected, because twelve months removed the disabilities imposed by rejection. If this be not true, then law is a farce, and Grand Lodge legislation is a mockery. All Grand Lodges declare in their laws that a rejected applicant for the Mysteries may renew his application at the end of one year following the rejection. Does not the disability terminate with the year? If it does not, then every Lodge that i;eceives the petition of a candidate rejected by itself, entertains the application of a party under Masonic disability. Who will say so? "But he is free from disability so far as that Lodge is concerned, and may renew his application there," will be the reply. Yes, and the fact that he may renew the application where rejected proves that the case is disembarrassed in the eyes of the law. The Jaw recognizes him as a free man, who may go hence without delay, not being followed by the restraints and disfranchisements of arbitrary and unjust legislation. As these disfranchisements have ceased at home, and can not be transferred ( because not in existence ), therefore a rejected candidate may petition any Lodge where a Masonic residence is acquired. In the following there is an immense ammount of truth: We do not believe in sectarianizing Masonry. Far from it. We are broader in view, and freer from everything in Masonry that would destroy its unity, by virtue of being a Christian. Our religion makes" us liberal, generous, free from narrowness, bigotry and the pitiable spirit of the sectary. No, brethren, it is not the " s e c t a r i a n " found in the Ritual of Masonry that calls forth these oft-recurring remonstrances and animadversions.

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It is something else. It is not the religious element that has, by its mighty potency arid Divine permealiility, diffused itself silently through the Masonic system, that causes all this fuss and fuming from year to year. I t is a restive, sore, chafing spirit that would first emasculate Masonry by striking down its moral character and strength. Then in due course of time demand, like France, that Masonry should proclaim the " N o G o D " lie. If those restless, noisy agitators, who decry the religious element of Masonry, by calling it "sectarian," would take the same care to preserve consciences void of offense, and guard their characters with the same zeal that they manifest concerning the non-sectarian character of our "Institution, there would be far less occasion for stumbling among those who judge from friiits more than from professions. It is a solemn truth, that will be readily accepted by many, that large numbers of our Brotherhood want just as little 01 G O D in Masonry as possible. It is the GOD. idea against which many are fighting, who cry out "sectarian" Masonry. -There is no such thing as "sectarian" Masonry. Men make Masonry narrow and partisan by their bigotry, and none more so than those who nose and hunt for some word or expression in the Ritual which they may torture into sectarian bearing. We say most emphatically, let all who are losing sleep in consequence of loo much GOD, Bible and religion in yi^soxvxy,go out. A Lodge is no place for them. They are among strangers, and we know them not. For the kindly words dropped in our own way by the good brother, we thank him. The love of approbation does not lessen, whatever else time may rob us of, and if a "cheerful heart doeth good like a medicine," so also does a cheerful word now and then. Our valued friend and brother, JOSEPH S. BROWNE, was elected Grand Master, and should Providence and our Missouri brethren permit, we propose to hear him deliver his Annual Address for 1880. R.-.W.-. Bro. J O H N D . VINCIL, St. Louis, Grand Secretary.

Less than a fortnight after the close of the annual session, the'Grand Lodge was called u.pon to mourn with exceeding great sorrow the loss of an eminent and distinguished brother, R.-.W.-. JAMES E . CARTER, of Jefferson City, Grand Senior Warden. He was installed in the office October 16, 1879; on the 25th day of the same month the Grand Lodge was convened in special session to perform the Masonic burial service over his cold remains. What commentary on the uncertainty of human existence.

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Proceedings

of the

MONTANA.

February,

1879.

The Report of Proceedings of the Fifteenth Aniiual Communication of this Grand Lodge is very much like all of its predecessors, well-filled with information concerning the doings of the Craft in that Jurisdiction. The mountain brethren go at everything with such a fresh and earnest zeal that we are always glad to set eyes upon their record. ^ We are not disposed to be hypocritical in looking over the work of our Masonic brethren, but when they get a little more careless than is absolutely necessary, it is well to touch them up a trifle. We think the Committee on Credentials a little negligent when they report twenty Lodges that have paid dues and are entitled to representation, without saying whether the parties named in the report were present or not. We presume, however, it will not be straining the point too much if we conclude that they actually were present and took seats in the Grand Lodge. The Annual Address of Grand Master J O H N S T E D M A N is chiefly devoted to well-conceived and eminently practical suggestions for the forwarding of all the interests of the Craft in Montana; his words seem to be carefully considered, and to come from an earnest and far-seeing heart; He evidently believes that there is now-a-days entirely too much eagerness among the Craft to obtain new members, and not sufficient caution observed in the selection and use of material. All close observers will agree with the M.'. W.-. brother. He thus speaks of a growing evil: Others wish to see public parades, public installations and public Masonic performances of all kinds, the natyral tendency of which is to divert the attention of the brethren from, and weaken their interest in that portion of the work of the Craft which is of the most vital importance, and, in the estimation of the profane, to place the Fraternity upon a level with the political organizations of the day — a comparison, to say the least, not over flattering to Masonry. I have always felt — and time and observation constantly tend to confirm the opinion — that the practice indulged in to such an extent by the Craft, of appearing in public as Masons, except on such . occasions, and for such purposes as are of a strictly Masonic character, is a practice which it is the duty of every well-wisher of the Order to reprehend and discourage. I t is, I believe, universally conceded that Masons, as Masons, should never, under any consideration, participate in any ceremonies, or in any way act conjointly with, or be subject to the control of any other organization • whatever. A recognition of this rule is sufficient answer to the propriety of joining in processions for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary of our National Independence, and for similar objects. And the objections to public parades, when composed of and conducted exclusively by Masons — unless on occasions when there is Masonic wori to be done — are so numerous and conclusive that I am at a loss to understand how any brother having the good of the Order at heart can consent to such proceedings, It is said that familiarity breeds contempt, and in no case more than this is the truth of the saying more clearly demonstrated. Time was when Masonry was regarded by the outside world with a respect due its dignified conservatism. Are we to forfeit our claim to that respect by obtruding our

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doings upon the attention of the public, until it is forced to the conclusion that Masonry is but a cheap affair after all, and not entitled to the consideration heretofore accorded it ? ^ You tell me that improvement and change is the order of the day, and that Masonry must be made to conform to the modern idea of progress. When you prove to me that the eternal principles of truth and justice are suscepible of alteration or amendment, then I am prepared to admit that Masonry may be modernized and changed from one generation to another to suit the peculiar notions of each. You tell me there is no longer a necessity for the observance ot the secrecy and unobtrusive methods adopted by our ancient brethren: that in this favored land at least we are free to — what? expose the secrets of our Order more and more each year by encouraging Lodges and Masonic writers to encroach upon the domain of what once was, and what should always be held to be, the secret portion of our work. We most heartily concur in these remarks, believing as we now do — and have, ever since we gave the subject any thought. In our opinion all public demonstrations, or grand shows, other than those of a strictly Masonic character, have a tendency to lower the standard a n d i m p a i r the dignity of Masonry, and to lessen the respect of good thinking Masons, as well as of people who are not members of the Order. Having heretofore expressed our views upon the subject of parades and grand displays, not strictly Masonic in this, as well as in other branches of our Order, we say no more at present. We say with the Grand Master that any Mason who will so far forget himself as to be guilty .of violating his obligations, voluntarily assumed, and persist in wilful wrong-doing, should be promptly disciplined by his Lodge. A reform in this, as well as in the matter of intemperance, must begin with the Lodges, at home, so to speak, and the first visible result of a continued war waged against any and all such vices will be a diminution of the number of appealed cases which come up to annoy Grand Lodges each year. We commend the following excellent suggestions to the careful consideration of those who preside over Lodges: If a Master desires to see his Lodge meetings well attended, and an interest in the work manifested by his brethren, let him acquaint himself with the manner of conducting the regular business of the Lodge so as to be prepared at all times promptly to dispose of any subject that may come before him; post himself thoroughly in the work; be "wide a w a k e " and show by his actions that he.knows his duty and means to perform it, and means that those under his control shall know and .perform theirs also; in short, prove himself qualified for a leader and he will not lack for followers.There are many forever craving the honors, who are entirely unwilling -to make the exertion necessary to qualify themselves in any degree to fill the responsible station of W.-.M.'. — an office the most important of any within the gift of the Fraternity, as having a more direct bearing upon its destinies, and being more powerful for good or evil, from the fact that the Master has it in his power to a great extent to shape the course of his Lodge, and through the Lodge the character of the Fraternity generally. He is the teacher — the school master of the Order — and it depends upon his skill and ability almost entirely, whether the material contributed by his Lodge for the building of the Temple shall be "perfect ashlers," properly "squared, marked and numbered," such as would bear the inspection of a 14

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. February,

skillful master builder, or whether his blocks shall be mere trash, fit only to be cast into the rubbish- heap. Here is another good dish for those who take part in our elections: I wish to caution the Lodges against the suicidal policy too often adapted, of undertaking to reform brethren who have fallen into evil ways by elevating them to places of trust and responsibility. The risk is too great, and the prospect of success too remote to justify the experiment. Nor is the practice of-rewarding those who have shown the Lodg'e a favor. When that is their only recommendation — by placing them in office, scarcely less to be condemned. Lodges should never be influenced in their choice of officers by any consideration except that of fitness for the position they are to occupy. They should be very careful to select such brethren as are distinguished for dignity of character' and moral worth: who are temperate and prudent, and withal, such as have skill and ability, and who have shown themselves able, ready, and willing to assist in the work of their Lodge whenever their services were-needed. This quotation is complete in itself, and is worthy of more than a passing thought. By the Reports of other Grand Officers, we see that the Grand Lodge of Montana is improving financially, and harmony holds sway within her borders. Bro. CORNELIUS HEDGES, Grand Secretary, presents the Report on Correspondence, which, although brief, contains, a very neat synopsis of the doings of other Grand Lodges. He has put his work together so compactly that we can only get in our scissors at the conclusion, from which we excerpt the following, because we think it embodies some so'und sense: If we t m n to consider the few starveling seminaries and asylums that have sprung up here and t*here in more direct response to the inspirations of duty and the demands of charity, we must confess, likewise, that these, too, are cumbersome and expensive failures, in which, as a rule, it costs two dollars to give one. We would hardly venture to say a word in discouragement of any measure calculated to relieve any portion of the world's sufl'ering, were we not sure that it is soon to be the recognized duly of every State to provide amply for every class of its unfortunates at the general expense. So long as this is to be done," and Masons have their lull share to pay towards the general burden, is it not a misdirection of effort and means to try to build up special institutions, which, unless open to all deserving ones, will.bring against us the charge t^at our charity is too circumscribed to be a genuine article. Cannot Masons serve the cause much better by using all the influeirce in society .and the State to provide for all the unfortunate classes as a public trust and duty? As for all other cases and classes where only partial and temporary assistance is necessary, we are certain that the most natural, economical an.d effectual method is to work through the individual members of our T^odges. We do not mean to say that organieations to dispense charity are not good institutions, or that it is not desirable to have funds raised by general assessment to answer the most pressing, extraordinary calls, but we are very clear that it is unwise to make this the only or principal chann-el through which to bestow charity. It neither promotes liberality in the soul of the giver, nor gratitude in the recipient. The individual soul, which is the only kind we know of, needs to be brought into the very presence of want and suffering, before its depths and energies can be properly stirred, and the enlarging, cultivating influences come into free play in a natural arena.

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It seems to us that the methods now too exclusively employed are obnoxious to the criticism that" we are cultivating a barren soil by an exhaustive process to the neglect of the richer soil in the individual heart, which, by proper stirring, will produce larger harvests at each successive planting. If we do our chaiity to gratify pride, or attract the praise of men, we may gain the Pharisee's reward; but it is a very inferior article to that which is laid up for the unobtrusive-and untrumpted ministrations of individual effort and self-sacrifice. What we need most to cultivate is the spirit of private, personal beneficence. Let every Masonic heart become an asylum, warmed, lighted and expanded from internal, connected with infinite and eternal, sources of supply. We want even more than our organized, concentrated systems of charity, fed by tithes, perhaps grudginly paid, a diffusive system in which each individual member shall'strike out and pursue his independent career of benificence continuously, intelligently, energetically, and, as a necessary consequence, profitably and successfully. M.-.W.-. HIRAM KNOWLES, Deer Lodge City, Grand Master; R.-. W.-, CORNELIUS HEDGES, Helena, Grand Secretary. NEBRASKA.

1880.

The Proceedings this year contain only seventy-six pages, arranged in the elegant manner ever characteristic of Bro. BOWEN'S work. The business transacted was mainly of a local character, and, as a matter of course, not particularly interesting to those who reside outside of the borders of Nebraska. • The attendance from the Subordinate Lodges was g;ood, sixty-two being represented; six Dispensation's issued for the formation of new Lodges, and three continued until the next Annual Communication; four Charters granted. The Annual Address of Grand Master ROLLAND H . OAKI.EY is purely a business paper, giving in detail the official transactions of the year. He refers in feeling terms to the fraternal dead of the Jurisdiction. He gave the following decision : Question-:—A. B., a Master Mason, is expelled for unmasonic conduct, at which time he is in arrears six dollars for Lodge dues ; the Grand Lodge restores him lo good standing in the Fraternity, and he is ultimately admitted a member of his Lodge upon petition. Can the Lodge demand payment of • the amount due at date of expulsion? Answir—It can not. Expulsion would cancel the claim, it being Masonic death. • The Committee on Jurisprudence dissented, very properly, as we think, and the Grand Lodge, concurred. The Grand Master must have been, in the course of his life, a commissioner in bankruptcy. He walked into the delinquent Lodges in a lively and effective manner, and from the financial reports submitted we infer that it brought forth good results. Sometimes it is the only way. to stir up the drowsy ones who are nodding in their chairs. The Grand Master does not seem to take very much stock in the compromise made in the Manitoba embroglio. He will perhaps think differently when he receives a full statement of the case.

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Proceedings

of ilie

February, •

He says: ' Under our present law no brother is a member of a particular Lodge until he has signed the By-Laws. Were this strictly enforced, it would'be alarming to see what a vast line of equities would confront us, and what a large per cent, of Masons in this Grand Jurisdiction have no membership whatever. We believe it to be the true practical theory, that when a man petitions a Lodge for initiation he desires membership, and his election to receive the Third Degree is his acceptance by that particular Lodge, and the O.'. B.'. is the crowning act that consummates membership. And we also believe that when a brother petitions for affiliation, and the Lodge elects him, and when the declaration of the Master that he is elected is made, we believe that to be the crowning act that consummates membership, and from these two principal epochs a complete membership is had, and from that time the functions of membership exercised and assumed. This is both rational and practical. This Grand Lodge is to-day receiving dues, and pur Constituent Lodges are collecting them from scores of Masons whose names do not appear, for sundry good reasons, upon any Lodge bylaw', and have under our existing law no membership. Our law of limitation on dimits is such that brethren frequently visit a Lodge and petition for membership, and may not, for good reasons, attend again for months, and possibly for years, as is frequently the case. This is the case in our own Jurisdiction, and we have no doubt that it is true of all to a greater or less extent. We believe, indeed, that it is folly to enact any such law; it is never strictly complied with, for the reasons stated by the Grand Master. The Grand Orator, Bro. H E N R Y S. HALEY, delivered an excellent and well-prepared oration. We quote from the conclusion: ' In conclusion let me say, my brethren, we may not only feel a thrill of joyous pride in the rejection that our beloved Order has held such a lofty rank in the afiajrs of men, and has wielded such a powerful influence for good, but that in the splendor of its present civilization its influence and power is greater than ever before. These auspicious times, when science is so vividly unfolding the vast storehouse of nature's treasures, when the genial beams of an enlightened civilization is radiating into the remotest corners of the earth and lighting up the pathway of every oppressed household, when iron thrones are trembling beneath their oppressors' weight and golden crowns are being torn from the monarch's brow, when everywhere throughout the globe the watchword, of the people is human equality and the brotherhood of our race, may we not fondly hope that Masonry has not yet reached the zenith of its grandeur and power, but that she may realize the full fruition of her lofty teaching and continue to illuminate the pathway of. humanity, until the nations of the earth shall be bound together in the strong cords of fraternal fellowship, and the millions of our race receive the divine inspiration of our holy Christianity. From the report of the Committee on Pay Roll, we are led to think the Grand Lodge is not pleased with ihe ptr diem and miltage. This luxury is not altogether satisfactory, and the committee offered an amendment to the By-Laws looking to the abolishment of the whole thing, leaving the Lodges to attend to the per diem and ^mileage business. • Bro. W A R R E N presented a special Report on Correspondence. H e takes strong ground in favor of Minnesota in her late controversy with Dakota.

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We.do not regard the brother's position as a' tenable one,';but as the unpleasantness is tided over for the present, we refrain from discussion. He strongly favors the issuance of a regular yearly Report on Correspondence, saying: Your Committee are unanimously of opinion that there should be a review of the Proceedings of our sister Grand Lodges prepared and printed in our own Proceedings each year, for the benefit of our brethren, that they may know what is being done elsewhere. The cost thereof-is immaterial, provided it is not extravagant, as the benefits to be derived therefrom far exceed the cost, and we know of no better way to use our funds than a judicious expenditure.of a portion thereof in thus disseminating information to the Craft at home. The committee closes their Report with the following: We further reccommend that recognition be extended to the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, as an independent, sovereign Masonic Body, all proceedings connected with the formation and organization thereof appearing to be regular. That no such recognition be at this time extended ' . to the Grand Lodge of Colon and Cuba, the evidence before your Committee failing to satisfy them that they are entitled to the same. We therefore ask further time upon this matter. We fail to see the grounds for the latter part of this, relating to ColonCuba. A careful study of the subject has led us to opposite conclusions. The following we deem to be a correct and just definition of the rule in relation to reinstatement of a brother who has been suspended for nonpayment of dues: That whenever a brother suspended for non-payment of dues shall pay or cause the same to be paid, said suspension shall thereby be removed and the brother be restored to good standing without action of the Lodge, on the announcement thereof by the Master. The Cirand Master elect, JAMES A. TULLKYS, not being present, was installed'afterwards at a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge convened for that purpose, J.une 7, 1880. R.-.W.-. Bro. W. R. BowEN, Omaha, re-elected Grand Secretary. •

NEVADA.

1880.

A Special Communication of this Grand Lodge was held in the city of Reno on the 4th day of October, 1879, f°r t'^^ purpose of placing the corner stone of the new public school building. The proceedings were rather new to us. • They may be in correct shape, but if so we have not received our Masonic'training aright, e. g:, " t h e Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment, and marched in procession, to the site of the new Reno school building," where they performed labor in laying the aforesaid corner stone! An oration was delivered by the orator of the occasion, and the whole affair passed off, no doubt, to the entire satisfaction of the participants. 1880.

The Annual Communication was held in Virginia, June 18, 19 and 20, Nineteen Lodges represented out of tweaty on the roll. The address

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of Grand Master D E W I T T C . M C K I N N E Y is, like many others this year, brief and relating to local affairs only. In his exordium he touches upon moral views and Masonic virtues, and condemns in strong terms the practices of gaming, profanity, intemperance and their concomitants. These vices are becoming entirely too common. It is quite time that decisive measures were resorted to, to the end that a stop be put to their further encroachments upon society. Common consistency and decency demand that not only they be protested against, but that the protest be made effective. It does us good to read such utterances coming from a society, hardly, as yet, settled down from the new and chaotic state of existence. It might be well for a few of the Grand "Masters in some other Jurisdictions to offer as plain a condemnation of these vices as the Grand Master of Nevada has done. The Grand Master had few official acts to report, a general indication of harmony and good order among the Fraternity. Only one new Lodge organized during the year. A party applied to one of the Lodges for the degrees, and was rejected. Soon after he went,to England, and while there petitioned, was elected and took the degrees. He' returned to Nevada, applied to one of the Lodges to visit, and they said to him, " We know ye not." This all occurred, as it appears, within the short space of a year. We fully concur in the following concerning the- modus operandi of restoring a brother who has been suspended for failing to pay the annual dues assessed against him: The Craft within this Jurisdiction seem to be well governed, and it is a source of congratulation that peace and harmony prevail among our Lodges. The occasions have been rare when the advice or decisions of the Grand Master have been called into requisition. I therefore have but few suggestions to make in the way of legislation. I would recommend for the consideration of this Grand Lodge the propriety of so amending Section 78, Art. I l l , Part I I I , that when a brother has been suspended from all the rights and privileges of Masonry for the non-payment of dues, he may restore himself by the payment of all dues to the time of his suspension. It does not seem to me to be in accordance with strict juslicerto compel the payment of dues during the time for which he has been denied all the rights pertaining to Masonry. The payment of dues is not required of a brother suspended indefinitely, or for a specified time, foi- unmasonic conduct, and it is difficult for me to discover why a brother guilty of non-payment of dues should be" subjected to a harsher penalty than the one guilty of a more heinous offense. In the administration of criminal law in all civilized nations, the punishment is intended to be commensurate with the offense for which the person has been .duly convicted—the greater punishment for the higher offense. Suspension (or non-payment of dues is a summary proceeding in wliich, in •many instances, the brother has no opportunity for a hearing. I t seems to me that suspension from all the rights and privileges of Masonry is a punishment commensurate with tjie offense, without the further penally of paying dues when all the benefits are denied. We excerpt also the following, in regard to improper balloting: The matter of'improper balloting has been called to my attentio.n.' The right of a member to cast a white or black ball is indefeasible, yet in some instances the black ball is cast for unmasonic reasons. Sometimes because the candidate belongs to a particular nationality; at other times a member will cast a black ball against a candidate in every way worthy, because his

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friend has been rejected on a previous occasion.. Of course nothing can be done if the member keeps the reason to himself, but quite frequently a voluntary confession i s m a d e , showing clearly that the motive was selfish, revengeful, or the result of unwarranted prejudice. If such a state of facts be conclusively shown, what recourse has a Lodge? . It seems to me a member should,be tried upon his own voluntary confession of wrong doing, and if found guilty of casting a black ball for unmasonic reasons,.he should be suspended, and, perhaps, expelled. All will agree with the Grand Master when the objecting brother owns up to casting a black ball. Should he do so, charges should be at once preferred against him for abuse of a Masonic privilege given him in a most solemn manner. No Mason has a right to divulge the color of his ballot. The Address of the Grand Master met the hearty approval of the Grand Lodge. We are led to think that, the Grand Lodge of Nevada is made up of careful builders, and that the best interest of bur beloved Order will be faithfully guarded and prQtected. The Annual Report on Correspondence was presented by Bro. ROB'T H , TAYLOR, who gives us an entertaining restime of the Proceedings of the several (jrand Lodges; covering over one hundred and twenty pages of the Proceedings, Kansas for 1879 receiving attention among the number. H e quotes liberally, and is sparing of criticisms and comments. His Report is indeed mainly made up of well-selected quotations. He "lets d o w n " on the Grand Master of Indiana, who ^vas doing his level best to be serious, a little savagely, we think, in the following. ( H e might have tempered his justice with m e r c y ) : The italics are ours. Good morning, "Old Father Time," how are you to-day? Plow do.you add iveiglit to a list? Why not'make a retrospect'oi the coming year? If " m a n y of our sister States can tell a different story of bereavement and death" how does it happen that " we are all here?" Seriously, such things ought not to come from the Grand Master of so grand a Jurisdiction. .He is in favor of counting the blank ballot same as any other, a n d ' .offers the following in answer to Bro. W A I T S ' (of New Hampshire) objection: • • The quotation from GUSHING admits that " i n some sections of the country" blanks are counted. But he says, " t h e right of suffrage is a right on the part of the electors to elect some one to an office, and not,a right to prevent an election from being made." If this reasoning is sound, then "some o n e " should be declared elected when a count of the votes shows a lie ! Suppose that there are just one hundred votes in a body whose rules require a majority vote to elect, and that of these SMITH receives fifty, J O N E S twenty-five and BROWN twenty-five. No one is elected. Is not suffrage free? Have not the fifty who voted for SMITH, the twenty-five who voted for JONES, and the twenty-five who voted for BROWN, the right Xo vote the same way again and again, and thus " prevent an election from being made ?" And, one hundred qualified voters haviftg deposited "pieces of p a p e r " representing ballots, should it in reason make any difference that but twentyfour instead o/ twenty-five ballots, have the name of BROWN upon them, and that one have no name upon it? Because, in neither case has SMITH, for 'whom filty votes were cast, recei'ved a majorky vote of the persons who have gone through the form of voting.

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As to the application of the reasoning of the authors quoted, to Masonic elections, we have to say that we can perceive no reason why blanks should be excluded, any more readily than in municipal elections. On the contrary, we do no_t believe that declaring a person elected to a Masonic office, who has not received the sufTrages of a clear majority of his brethren, would add anything to the " p e a c e and harmony" of the Craft. We are therefore still in favor of counting blanks, in determining a majority vote." M.-.W.-. T3EVVITT C. M C K E N N E Y , Austin, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. JOHN D. HAMMOND, Carson, Grand Secretary. N E W BRUNSWICK.

1880.

The Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for the current year are somewhat meager, covering only fifty-six pages, and containing but little of especial interest to the Craft outside of that Jurisdiction. The attendance of Representatives was quite small; only sixteen Lodges represented; the business transacted of a purely local character. T h e Annual Address of the Grand Master, Bro. ROBERT MARSHALL, is brief and relates to local matters. He says of the progress of Masonry in the Province: ' . Since the formation of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of New Brunswick, we have passed through many changes, yet, in the midst of.all this change, the good work, which it is the object and aim of our Institution to extend and advance—; not only in this city of St. John, but throughout the length and breadth of . the Province, from the Restigouche to the Saint Croix — has prospered, and to-day peace and harmony prevail, and an abiding faith animates our membership as tq^ the success of our endeavors to give point and force to the work which we all so deeply love. I suppose at no time during the existence of the Grand Lodge has there been so much real quiet in our Fraternity; indeed, it perhaps may not be improper for me to notice the comparative absence of any " h u m " in Ma.sonry; and perhaps that is not to be regretted, for, to my mind, our work is of such a character, and is so deeply grounded, that its interests are best advanced by steady, unobtrusive, persistent efforts. * • It appears that a spurious outfit, styling itself the Grand Orient of Louisiana, is knocking at the doors of New Brunswick for recognition; they very properly passed them by, saying: " W e know ye not." There is an immense sight of impudence in the management of that Louisiana outfit. We have never been favored with any communications from that source. The Grand Master also looks with disfavor upon the new organization styling itself the "Symbolic Grand Lodge of the Scottish Rite in France." The Committee on Correspondence concurred in the views of the Grand Master,.and recognition was declined. The Grand Lodges of Cuba and .Colon and of New South Wales were duly recognized. Here is what the Committee say about the latter Grand Lodge: T h e Committee have carefully examined the papers relating to the formation of t h e G r a n d Lodge of New South Wales. That Body appears to

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have been regularly formed by the constitutional number of Lodge's in a colony having local self-government, and with quite as much right to possess Masonic government as the Province of New Brunswick. I t is q u i t e , true that all the Lodges in the territory of New South Wales have not yet given in their adhesion to the new Grand Lodge; but it is also true that so long as this Grand Lodge exists there, no other can be lawfully formed. There is no legal Masonic obstacle to prevent our entering into fraternal relations with it. The new Temple building is giving our New Brunswick brethren some trouble, and we hope it will only be a temporary trouble. The store rooms and offices in the edifice do not rent as readily as they had reason to expect at the outset. Apart from this debt, the financial affairs of the Grand Lodge seem to be'in ,a most gratifying condition. R.-.'W.-. ROBERTOMARSHALL, St. John, Grand Master; R.-.'W.-.WILLIAM F. BUNTING,,St. John, Grand Secretai-y. NE'W H A M P S H I R E .

1879.

The volume of Proceedings before us contains the printed transactions of a Special as well as the Annual Communication. The former was held for the purpose of witnessing the exemplification of the work and lectures on an actual candidate, and was followed by a sumptuous banquet, provided by the brethren of Manchester. At the Annual Communication there were present Representatives from the fifty-six Subordinate Lodges; one Dispensation grarfted for the formation of a new Lodge, but a Charter was refused. The Annual Address of Grand Master SOLON A. CARTER is short and relates to home affairs in .the main. ,He mentions in a fraternal way the death of several>distinguished members of oar Order, both within and without his Jurisdiction. He 'does not favor Lodges parading on other than Masonic occasions, no>t considering "Decoration D a y " as such. He is of opinion that Section 115 of their Constitution, which claims perpetual jurisdiction over all rejected candidates, should be modified, so that the restriction would not apply to candidates who have been rejected and have subsequently removed into another Jurisdiction and gained a lawful residence therein. I t is about time that some of our modern laws were receiving the skillful touch of the reviser's pen. We must say that after many years of close observation we are satisfied that the rigid enforcement of the rule referred to is working an unnecessary hardship to such parties as have applied to our Lodges and been rejected, because forsooth they have crossed the path of some one member of the Lodge to which their application was sent in, in the wrong phase of the moon, at which unfortunate moment advantage has been taken and the eternal barrier interposed, that can never be removed except by the objecting brother, or in case of his death. I t makes no difference where the candidate may go, or how well he may behave, or hQW afceptabje he may prove to any other Lodge, it is " n o '5

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good." We say let our laws be humane and j u s t ; they will thereby lose none of their ancient prestige. The District Deputy Grand Masters all made valuable, and, indeed, interesting reports concerning the condition of the Craft in their respective districts. The Committee on Appeals and Grievances presented a very able and interesting report in a case wherein one of the Subordinate Lodges ar-, raigned, tried and found a brother guilty of gross unmasonic conduct, as charged in the complaint, but-refused to either expel or suspend, a'nd simply sentenced the parly to a reprimand. It .seems there was no appeal taken, but the case found its way to the Committee through the Address of the Grand Masler. The question was raised as to whether the Grand Lodge had jurisdiction in such cases. We are glad to note that the Committee • took a sensible view of the situation and made a thorough examination of the whole affair; from this report we clip the following: '•>' Other Grand Regulations, relating to the mode of procedure in the matter of discipline and government, contemplating a revisory power in the Grand Lodge, undoubtedly refer to such cases as have resulted in expulsion or suspension, but it does not follow that tlie Grand Lodge has nothing to do with any other case, or that any particular Lodge where the trial was, could finally dispose of a case by refusing to inflict adequate punishment. Such can not be the meaning of the Grand Constitution o r . a correct interpretation of the law relating to that subject. The-Grand Lodge intended to reserve to itself the right to pass final judgment upon all matters affecting the Masonic standing of every brother within its Jurisdiction. Expulsion and suspension — having practically the same effect for the time-being — were not to be inflicted, said the Grand ' Lodge, except in such cases as deserved the severest penalty, and should be administered with equal certainty whenever the good of the Order required. .• Aiming at such results, the Grand Constitution makes plain and unmistakable provisions to that effect. But in such unimportant matters as should receive but a reprimmand, not affecting the " Masonic standing," and of such a nature as neither to be affirmed or annulled, the Grand Lodge saw fit to leave with the particular Lodge wherever the trial may have occurred : Rule lo is as follows: The Secretary shall keep a full record of all proceedings, and shall transmit within thirty days, and before the meeting of the Graiid Lodge, to the Grand Master, a full copy of all the evidence, charges, specifications, notices, services of same, and of all things in any way pertaining to the trial, which copy shall be signed by the Master and attested by the Secretary, under seal. T h u s it is provided that all papers, etc., in every case shall be placed in the hands of the Grand Lodge in due course of procedure — certainly with some purpose, and there can be no other than to see what had been done and pass upon the whole matter. Now if it is true that the Grand Lodge has no power to consider cases where the particular Lodge had administered only a reprimand, many ol the provisions of the Grand Regulations are useless and absurd. Such a doctrine would lead to very dangerous and objectionable results. Any Lodge by refusing to expel or suspend a brother convicted of

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crime, no matter how great, might thereby put it beyond the power of the Grand Lodge or the Fraternity to rid themselves of the vilest, even if his offense were capital crime.' But there is still a higher power in the Grand Lodge in all such matters. It is the supreme authority in the Jurisdiction where it is situated, and has no limit except the Ancient Landmarks and its own Constitution. Such is the law laid down by every work on Masonic Jurisprudence throughout the country. The government of the Fraternity is certainly, as important a subject as the Grand Lodge has to consider, and if there were not ample provision in its Grand Regulations, it would be bound to govern them nevertheless, and especially when the good of the Order demands. When the h'onor of the Craft is at peril and its fair name is liable to be blackened by the gross and shameless conduct of those under its control, whether individuals or Lodges, this Grand Body will, if necessary, invoke its extraordinary power and take cognizance of all matters of discipline and government, and see to it that justice is done in the premises. We had a similar case in our own Grand Lodge, and disposed of it in the same summary way. Such action as we had was severely criticised by many of our contemporaries. We believed that we. were right, and we believe so still. . ' =• Bro. A. S. W A I T presented an excellent Report on Correspondence, covering the Proceedings of forty-seven Grand Lodges, Kansas for 1878 among the number; On the insanity dodge in Illinois he has this to say : We can not help thinking the refusal of this Dispensation an adherence to the letter and forms of the law to the destruction of its spirit. The only object of the ballot is to ascertain the sense of the brethren as to the fitness of a candidate for the Masonic degrees. When, for any reason, a ballot is such as not to determine this, it does seem to us that it should be set aside. We have always been a strict constructionist in our views of Masonic law, and would countenance no departure from- its ancient maxims or usages; but when such circumstances enter into the ballot as to show that it does not and can not ascertain the sense of the brethren, we are a\yare of neither reason nor law which requires it to be held binding. The acts of an insane • mind are everywhere in the law held to be of no validity or binding force. We see no reason why a ballot in a Masonic Lodge, which is the product of insanity, should be any more valid or binding than is in law a contract which has the same source. It seems to us that to correct such acts as this is the very object of the extraordinary prerogative of the Grand Master, and we think it ought to be exercised in all such cases for the good of Masonry; with care, doubtless, and with a deep sense of the gravity of the occasion; but when • the occasion arises, we think it should be exerted for the conservation of the best interests of°the Institution. Point well taken. We very heartily concur in the following: We hold this to be a self-evident principle of our Institution, growing ..^^.jssarily out of its very nature, and implied in all its incidents, viz: That necessa a person, having, in a regular Lodge of the Order, and by the voluntary act of that Lodge, been invested with a knowledge of what is peculiar to the Institution, and himself voluntarily received that knowledge, and willingly en" tered into the required obligations to the Order, however irregular may have been the forms-of the work, or however irregular,-or even unlawful, may have been the preliminary proceedings, he has thereby become a regular Free and Accepted Mason; and there is no power which can lawfully deprive him of the privileges of the Institution except upon due trial, and

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as a punishment for Masonic crime. Lodges may do many wrongs, for which they should be held responsible, even to the extent of being stricken from existence; but while working under regular Charters they are the authorized bodies of the Order, and their acts can with no more justice be repudiated than can, in the business world, the acts of an authorized agent within the general scope of his agency, be repudiated merely because he has disregarded the private instructions of the principal from whom his authority is derived. It would be a mortal reproach to our Institution if Lodges were to be vested with powers of conferring its honors, and as such held forth to the^ world, and then, men who have thus been invited to seek, through them, the honors of the Order, could be denied Masonic standing merely because the Lodge has disregarded some requirement of which the candidate possessed no knowledge. In a former Report we expressed substantially the same views, and for so doing were sharply criticised by some of the Guild. It did not, however, change our views one jot. Irregularities should not be made to affect the standing of an innocent candidate. H e r e ' h e again hits the nail squarely on the head, in the Montana case, where a party obtained the degrees under an assumed name, and several years afterward, and after he had left the Territory, he applied for a dimit and asked for it under the right name, explaining the reasons why he so applied, being in good standing at the time. The dimit was declined and his name was stricken from the rolls, leaving him a Mason without membership or a right to acquire one in any Lodge. The'Lodge wasnot defrauded, and as Bro. W A I T says (.and we fully agree with h i m ) : We agree, fully, that if the name were assumed for the purpose of ena-. bling the party to obtain the degrees, and a fraud were thus practiced upon the Lodge, it would furnish a very clear case for expulsion. But when it is considered that by the solemn decision of the Court of King's Bench in England, as well as by several of the most respectable judicial tribunals of our country, a person has a right to change his name, and that having assumed a name different from that of his baptism, and become known to the public by it, the latter becomes, to all intents and purposes, as much his lawful name as if he had received it at birth or baptism, we feel justified insisting, that, receiving the Masonic degrees by an assumed name, with nothing more, furnished no ground for animadversion of any kind. We will have to pass to 1880, which is on the table awaiting our notice. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. e

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

v

1880.

A Semi-Annual Communication was*held in Manchester for an exemplification of the work and lectures of the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry. Sixty-two Lodges represented, and much interest manifested. The Annual Communication was held in Manchester, May 19, 1880 ; fifty-six Lodges represented; one Dispensation issued for the formation of a new Lodge, one refused. T h e business transacted was of more than ordinary interest. The Annual Address of Grand Master CARTER is brief and to the point in all respects. Me does not favor the plan of incorporating Lodges, (nor do we), thinking it highly reprehensible, and indeed a violation of precedent, for a

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Lodge to sue a brother for unpaid dues. It is nothing new for such idle and nonsensical ideas to crawl into the cranium of some Masters. If it would do any good we would suggest to all such questioners to read up on Masonic law and usage, but it would do no good. Like old Thomas they would still doubt, and say they can see no good in it. On the question of reimbursement, the committee to whom it was referred submitted an able report, from which we extract the following, together with the accompanying resolution: Your committee have endeavored to consider the subject with that degree of care its importance demands, and to give due weight to every view inaterial to a just conclusion, and they are of the opinion that, although a Lodge bestowing charities upon a needy sojourning brother may properly give information of the fact, and ask reimbursement from the Lodge of which .the brother is a member, no claim for such reimbursement, as a matter of positive right can, upon any law, principle or usage of Masonry, be maintained. Relief of a brother Mason in distress is a duty incumbent alike upon all brethren and all Lodges, according to his necessity and their ability; but such relief is required by Masonic principle, to be bestowed in pure charity, and upon it no right to reimbursement arises. Were this otherwise, Masonic charity would be reduced to a mere system of credit among Lodges, . with all its attendant disputes, which would not only deprive Maspnry of its high character as a charitable Institution, but would introduce an element of discord which could not fail in the end to prove mischievous in the extreme. Your committee recommend the passage of the following resolution: Resolved, That it is the sense of this Grand Lodge that Masonic charities are free gifts for the relief of such as are in distress; and when bestowed in aid of a sojourning brother of the Order, no claim arises thereupon for reimbursement, which can be enforced against the brother, or against the Lodge of which he is a member; and that although, where moneys have been expended for the relief of such a brother, notice to his Lodge and a request for reimbursement will not be deemed improper, no Lodge or brother within this Jurisdiction will be compelled to make such reimbursement; nor will any Lodge receive aid from this Grand Body in the enforcement of such a claim against any Lodge or brother within the Jurisdiction of any sister Grand Lodge. This settles the question in New Hampshire; how about the rest? The Commiftee on Jurisprudence submitted a strong report on the question of restoration, (of a brother who has been either expelled or suspended), to the rights and privileges of Masonry. The question came up on an amendment of their Constitution Here is what they have to say, and we think embodies the correct doctrine, after reciting the rule of the Grand Lodge: o We are aware that there is a.large numerical preponderance of authority in support of this rule. We are also aware that the contrary rule is sustained by MACKEY and other eminent Masonic jurists with a strength of reasoning which has never been answered because it is unanswerable. How Masons ever came to consent to such "a rule in the outset is more than we can conceive. It is directly in the teeth of the fundamental principles of justice, and every Masonic tenet. It cannot stand the test of the plumb, the level or the square. A rule that treats the innocent as if he were guilty has no place in Masonic jurisprudence. In general every Blue Lodge is free

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to accept such persons as members as it sees fit and no other, but when' it has once made them members they have rights of which they cannot be deprived except for an offense either against that Lodge or the general body of Masons. If it were otherwise, every Lodge would have the right to e^pel any member at pleasure and without cause. This might lead to most anomalous results. A Lodge might be composed of eight members; the seven might be thieves, adulterers or murderers, and might expel the eighth because he was not as bad as themselves. Tempests test the endurance of the oak, and strong cares test principles. It may be urged that no such case could ever arise; the difficulty with this suggestion is that it is not true. In two instances in this State, those who never ought to have been admitted, by their conduct drove out belter men than themselves, admitted spirits of their own kidney, stole the funds of the Lodge, and divided the booty among themselves in a way that would have made the "forty thieves" proud of those who followed in their footsteps. They would undoubtedly have trumped up false accusations, and driven beyond their pale the old and infirm, but respectable members of the Lodges, had it not been for the fact that they could accomplish the same thing easier by indir.gction, and without the fear of the heavy hand of the Grand Lodge. Whenever a guilty man sues for pardon, and is restored'as an act of mercy to the rights and privileges of Masonry, he is, by the express provision of our Constitution, prohibited from becoming again a member of his former Lodge, without its unanimous consent. A pardon by the supreme Masonic authority is one thing ; the verdict of acq.uittal by the judgment of his peers is another, and a very different thing. When the accused is set free because he is adjudged innocent by the Grand Lodge, he should stand like any other • innocent man; he should be put precisely as he stood before any accusation was levelled against him; he should be restored to everything of which he had been unjustly deprived. The only substantial argument in favor of the opposite view is that it will disturb the harmony of the Lodge. No Lodge is fit to live or worthy of existence, whose harmony must be preserved, if at all, by rascality and injustice. We therefore recommend the Grand Lodge to expunge Section 140 of Article 17 of the Grand Constitution, and to substitute therefor the following: Whenever the Grand Lodge s\\a.\\fiiially reverse or abrogate the decision of a particular Lodge,-suspending or expelling a brother from all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry because adjudged innocent of the oiTensewith which he was charged, he shall thereby be res'tored to all such rights and privileges, including membership in the Lodge from which he was thereby suspended or expelled. There is some humanity and justice in such a rule, and it has always troubled us to understand why it was that the leading Masonic jurists of our time favored the rule that restoration should not include membership; The subject of the three ballots was up on the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, and the BELL rule amended and the CHASE rule adopted, so hereafter in .New Hampshire it will require three ballots in order to gain admission into a Lodge. In Kansas we only require one ballot for all the degrees, and we merely vote on the proficiency of a candidate by a show of hands. Bro. A. S. W A I T again favored the Grand Lodge with a well prepared . Report on Correspondence, covering loS pages. Forty-nine Grand Lodges passed under review, Kansas among the number. He thus comments upon one of the decisions of Grand Master W.ELLFORD, of Virginia:

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" A n Entered Apprentice who had a stiff knee and a wooden leg, desired to be advanced. I decided that, as an Entered Apprentice, he had claims upon us and-was entitled to the benefit of all reasonable doubts, and that if, upon the most charitable but honest consideration of his infirmity, the Lodge was of the opinion that he could conform to the Ritual, he might be aclvanced." We wish the Grand Master could have felt it right to have gone further, and declared that the rule of physical perfection has no application whatever, except to the making oi Masons, and that after a person has received the Entered Apprentice's degree he is within the fold of Masonry, and entitled, if remaining morally and intellectually worthy, to advance to possession of all its degrees and knowledge of all its teachings. We have always been an advocate of the physical qualification requirement, regarding it as a landmark of Masonry; and when Master of ou'r Lodge enforced it, even against the protest of some of our brethren. We believed then, and still h()ld, that the rule goes no further than the ancient charges, which apply only to the first degree. It seems to us a palpable reflection upon the chara'cler of our Institution, that a person f-mnd worthy to be made a JVIasen should be denied advancement merely because he has subsequently been overtaken by misfortune. The loss of a member, it is true, may render one unable to conform literally to all the ritualistic forms of the Masonic degrees; but they can be communicated, and he can make them available to him when occasion may require. No landmark, nor any ancient charge or regulation, denies to him such advancement; and having once passed the portal and entered within the Temple,- we hold a brother, still remaining worthy, has a right to kneel at all its altars, to drink at all its fountains, and to live and be guided by all its lights. In answer to Bro. MoiiRls' question, he says of the Past Master's degree: . "Now, dear brother Chairman, do you mean that a man can really take a degree over a<?ain ?" We truly do no not think that a man can take a degree over again in any proper Masonic sense; but if he has assumed to obtain a degree in a body which the Symbolic Lodge does not and cannot recognize, it is to the latter as though it had not heen obtained at all. The Past Master's degree in the Royal Arch Chapter is a mere fiction, never authorized by the Blue Lodge, .and not entitled to recognition from it. It is, so far as the Blue Lodge is concerned, clandestine and spurious; and in view of its history in the Chapter, and the manner of its acquirement in that body, we do not think it entitled to much better repute there. It is obtained in the Chapter irregularly, and on the merest pretense, without authority, and we think, therefore, it is not entitled to be recognized ^s any part of the qualification of a presiding Master of a Lodge. We have always, from the start, been opposed to the recognition of virtual Past Masters by Blue Lodge Masonry, and we fully agree with Bro. W A I T in his views, and would be well pleased to see it set down upon in our Grand Lodges. M.-.W.-. A.NDRKW BUNION, Manch'ester, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. GEO. P , Ci.EAVEL, Concord, Grand Secretary. ' .

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Proceedings of the N E W JERSEY.

February,

1880.

Over two hundred pages of the Proceedings are taken up with the published list of Lodges and the names of all the members enrolled. A very finely engraved portrait, on steel, of Past Grand Master ISAAC VAN WAGGONER graces the commencement of the volume. The ninetythird Annual Communication was held January 21 and 22, 1880; the Representatives of one hundred and thirty-seven Subordinate Lodges were present; business transacted mostly of a local nature. Grand Master H A M I L T O N W A L L I S delivered a fair business 'Address. He refers in feeling terms to the death of two distinguished Masons of that Juri-sdiction, Past Grand Master ROBERT RusHtNG and the lamented THOS. J. CORSON, M . D . , so well and favorably known among Masons through all the length and breadth of America. Memorial pages were inscribed to the memory of these and other eminent and devoted Masons. The Grand Master takes strong ground against Scotland in the Quebec trouble. The^ Grand Lodge of New Jersey last year extended recognition to t h e Grand Lodge of the Island of Cuba, and he sees no good reason for receding from the position taken. T h e following suggestion appears to us worthy of attention and action : . Early in the year my attention was called to a matter which convinced me that, to faithfully and surely guard the Fraternity from imposition, some new rule should be adopted iri respect to dimits. Some years ago a brother holding' a dimit from a Lodge in New York became a member of a Lodge in this State. His dimit, which became the property of his Lodge, remained among its archives unmutilated. Shortly afterwards charges were preferred against him for grave Masonic offenses, when he surreptitiously obtained possession of his dimit, and for some years has been using it improperly, to the great scandal of the Fraternity. This would have been impossible if the dimit had been properly cancelled when it became the property of the Lodge. - I would, therefore, recommend that, whenever a brother, applying to a Lodge for affiliation, shall have been elected, the fact of such election, with the date and name of the Lodge to which elected, be written across the face of the dimit, over the signature of the Worshipful Master and the seal of the Lodge. This would effectually prevent the improper use of dimits. < Some such rule should be adopted by every Grand Lodge, in Arnerica at least. Here is what the good brother has to say about the terrible swarm of "Masonic.tramps" who infest every town and city, and coax here and there a small contribution from generous-hearted Masons to the hurt of the really needy: ' ' I have been asked, too, to devise some way by which our Lodges'can be protected from Masonic tramps. They are not only a scandal to the Fraternity and a crying nuisance, but they tend to steel our hearts and close our purses to the appeals of the really deserving. Against this evil the Lodges can not be protected — they must protect themselves. No perfect remedy can be found; but a suggestion has been road? to me which will

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"

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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I

mitigate the nuisance in the cities and larger towns which are most frequented by them. Let the Lodges in such places jointly enter into some arrangement by which applicants for relief can be comfortably provided for until the Lodges, from which they hail, can be communicated with. If the response is favorable, extend to them all needed assistance ; if unfavorable, prosecute them under the vagrant laws of the State. In no case give an applicant for relief money, until perfectly satisfied as to his worthiness. Some such plan' would speedily make the business of the tramp unprofitable, and would thus prove a benefit to worthy brethren in distress. We notice the case of the notorious CALVIN C. BURT is again before the Grand Lodge. There is nothing new added to the case since our last Report, and we certainly think there is entirely too much attention paid to this chap. The game isn't worth the powder. The Masons who read know the man and his Masonic standing and will not be liable to be gulled by him, and for those who will not read and learn to avoid the tempter, let them bite at his hook, and when they get it in the gills they will remember the man BURT and the " Memphis Rite." The following resolutions were presented and referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence with instructions to report at the next Annual Communication: Resolved, The inherent right of a Subordinate Lodge " to make By-Laws and Regulations for its own government and concerns," is a I^andmark that can not be too closely guarded. Resolved, That regulations relating to the finances and revenues''are of the most vital importance to every Lodge. Resolved, That the question, ''Do any of the decisions or regulations promulgated by this Grand Lodge, concerning affiliation fees, fees for dimits and kindred subjects, encroac'n upon the proper rights and privileges of the Subordinate L o d g e s ? " be referred to the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence and Charity, for their examination, to report at the next Annual Communication of this Gi-and Lodge. Bro. JAMES A. NORTON is the author of the Report on Correspondence, and, as usual with him, brings forth a most readable and chatty review. Like most men, he has a hobby or two, perhaps more, and one of them is the question of physical qualifications, which he discusses at length urider = the head of Maine, in answer to Bro. D R U M M O N D : " N o Master should take an Apprentice, unless he has sufficient employment for him, and unless he be a perfect youth, having no maim or defect in his body that may render him incapable of learning the art of serving his Master's Lord and of being made a brother. "And insists that all after 'perfect youth' may be eliminated without affecting the sense. We admit the rule that words are to be used in their ordinary sense; but we insist upon the other rule that such construction must be adopted as will give a meaning to all the words employed. In its strict sense, the word 'perfect' has but one meaning, and can not be compared as most other adjectives can be. But the word is not ordinarily used in that strict sense. We find that 'more perfect' and 'most perfect' are often used, meaning '.more nearly perfect,' if we insist upon the strict sense of the word. Now a 'perfect youth,' physically, is as rare as a 'perfect youth,' mentally; and we hold that the language following the words 'perfect y o u t h ' have an important meaning; while there is no such thing as a 'peri6

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feet youth,' yet he must be so nearly perfect as to have no such maim or defect in his body as to render him incapable of serving his Master's Lord. The concluding words are the test of the degree of perfection which the candidate must possess. In Bro. DRUMMOND'S opinion the law reads that a youth "must be so nearly perfect as to have no such maim or defect in his body as to render him incapable of serving his Master's Lord." We think the. law reads that the aforesaid " y o u t h " must be perfect, as far as human observation can determine— having no observable maim or defect in his body," to "render," etc. As this is a question of interpretation, we presume it will be long ere the matter will be settled; very long before an interpet'ration'—such as will place brethren of different mental habitudes on the same visual level — will be attained; and we are content to leave the matter in just that condition, for we have no pet theory upon the subject. On the contrary, as we last year said in our reply to Bro. PARVIN, of Iowa, while we would be rigid as to moral defects, we would not favor a too nice application of the law as to physical defects. But we gave this as sentiment, not as an interpretation of the law. In reading Bro. DRUMMOND'S remarks, above quoted, we have been struck by the difference between his own compositions, as to perspicuity, and the style which he seems to contend for in the construction he puts upon the law touching "physical qualifications." Bro. D. may, in ordinary conversation, make use of phrases similar to '' more perfect" and "most perfect," but in writing he does not, and we incline to doubt whether a man talks ambiguously who writes as clearly and concisely as he does. But there is usage in speaking as well as in writing. Rules as to syntax, and grammatical rules in general, are not, even by the best of talkers, as closely observed in talking as in writing. In talking, colloquialisms will sometimes obtrude upon the speech of the most careful and best trained. But admitting that such phrases as "most perfect" are sometimes, in conversation, used by such persons, it by no means follows that they would make use of them in writing, especially when writing for posterity. 'Just there is where we take our stand in our interpretation of this law. The authors of the law have shown that they knew how to use the English language, and we are to take for granted that they used words according to their radical significance, and not according to any alleged local or colloquial or even a secondary signification. Now, assuming that the English language has not materially changed since their time, and it has not, how can we adopt the interpretation which makes the law read so as to-justify-the acceptance of candidates with any and every degree of physical imperfection according as this or that man interprets the law? Bro. DRUMMOND says:

^

" W e admit the rule that words are to be used in their ordinary sense; but we insist upon the other rule that such construction-must be adopted as will give a meaning to all the words employed." Certainly, when " a meaning" and sense can be given " t o all th« words employed." But the only safe canon of interpretation is, that all words are to be taken literally; that no secondary, equivocal or ambiguous meaning is to be assumed for words, especially the principal or dominant words of a sentence, unless such secondary or equivocal meaning is in proof from passages of the same writer or of contemporaneous literature. The propriety of this canon is obvious, and will secure a ready assent. How otherwise can we arrive at a knowledge of a writer's meanings? And unless a writer uses words literally ( we mean, of course, in grave compositions) how can he expect to be understood ? No person shall deny the proposition that all

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149

writers write with the expectation of being understood; and if one meant to convey the idea of nearly perfect, how easy it would be for him to write the words—how easy, for example, to have written the law in question, thus: " N o Master should take an Apprentice, unless he has sufficient employment for him, and unless he-be a youth so nearly perfect that any maim or defect in his body may not render him incapable of learning, the art of serving his Master's Lord and of being made a brother." If that is what was meant, as some of our learned brethren contend, how easy it would have been to place such meaning beyond controversy. •It is iucumbent on those who hold as Bro. DRUMMOND holds, to show, that, in contemporary documents and by the pens of the same authors, the word " p e r f e c t " is found in such a connection as to justify their interpretation. If one case is brought forward in which the word " p e r f e c t " is used , in such a way or in such a situation that it can not possibly have the literal radical signification (whether as applied to physical qualifications or hot), then, we hold, there is justification for the interpretation against which we are contending. The burden of proving the existence of any such instance lies'^with Bro. DRUMMOND and those who take the same view of the law. N-o such instance has been adduced. Understand us brethren: We are not contending for any theory in which pride of opinion is at .stake. As already stated, our sentiment is against the rigid application of the provisions of the law, as we understand those provisions; but, in such a case,-when sentiment and fealty clash, we feel that we have no business to hesitate in making choice of service. And now, we would like to propound a question: " I s it not possible that in this very law our predecessors wrought better than w e ' k n o w ? " Close and well-qualified observers have asserted that moral defects usually, if not invariably, accompany congenital physical defects. If this is so—anci the writer, as the result of many years' personal observation, believes it to be susceptible of proof—we have the fact established that congenital physical defects advertise a moral diathesis predisposed to obliquity! Did our predecessors take this view of things? What is there lo show that they did not? If they did; whether they were led to it by observation or by an experience growing out of their dealings with the physically defective, mat'lers net. A law has been handed down to us which reads so as to make it appear that an apparently perfect physical condition was required; and the latter view is sustained both by Masonic tradition and by t h e p r a c t i c e of a large part of the Fraternity down to this very day. • From our point of view, therefore, the law is entitled not only to respect on account of its age, but to veneration on account of its wisdom. A proneness to moral, waywardness may, for a time, be concealed; but physical defects, generally, can not be; and if the latter betray a propensity to .the former' (which, when congenital, we know they generally d o ) , we can see a very good reason for the law, and for its strict construction, when congenital physical defects present themselves as candidates for mysteries which Masons guard with so much vigilance. Of course we make a distinction between congenital and mechanical physical defects. We hardly think Bro. NoRTON'sfinely-spun theory will harmonize \vith the doctrine that physical deformity argues moral deformity. Like Bro. DRUMMOND, we have not been educated in this line of study, and hence will not attempt to controvert the theories of Bro. NORTON on the subject. He believes that the Lodge, as such, has rights, and having, as a Lodge, by means of the ballot, passed upon the question of the qualification of a can-

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didate, it ought not to allow an uninvestigated objection to overrule and set aside its action, or, in other words, what a Lodge has done, no single member ought to be allowed to estop by a mere objection and thus check the progress of the candidate. We shall have to make our bow to Bro, N O R T O N until another year'. M.-. W.-. HAMILTON WALLIS, Jersey City, Grand Master; J O S E P H H . H O U G H , Trenton, Grand Secretary. N E W MEXICO.

R.-. W.-.

1880.

We have the printed Proceedings of the Second Annual Communication of this young but vigorous Grand Lodge, put up in elegant shape typographically and otherwise. Four Lodges ( all) represented. Nineteen Past Masters and thirty-one Wardens reported present by the Committee on Credentials. This is a new feature, admitting Past Wardens as Representatives; we woul'^ hardly favor such a rule for our part, and should our^New Mexico brethren continue the practice for a dozen years, and Wardens.increase as fast as they do with us, no ordinary hall would begin to hold them; they would have to go out and find a ten acre lot on some high hill, or in some low vale, for room,, and another unpleasant feature would be in its bearing on the Deacons. The labors would be such as but few brethren would care to assume; too much travel for-them from the three important stations. Grand Master WILLIAM A. G R I F F I N delivered a good practical Address, reports the condition of the Craft in that Jurisdiction as good, peace and harmony prevailing, with only one exception, the trouble anent Silver City Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Missouri. From present appearances we fear this disturbing element is likely to continue. Last year we gave this unpleasant matter considerable attention, and we then en't'ertained the hope that the refractory Lodge would give in its adherence ere this, and thus put an end to the disturbing element. But it looks to an outsider as if willful and unnecessary stubornness had taken possession of the members of Silver City Lodge, and they still stand out and almost bid defiance to the legal and constituted authority in that Territory, and we think it quite time that our good brethren of Missouri speak a word or two to these un.wise children of theirs in New Mexico. As many of the ablest writers have expaated upon the subject to the fullest extent, we see no need of e'xtending the discussion, for certainly but little could be added to what has been so ably presented, and the questions involved are now well understood. The Grand Master presents an exhaustive review of the case, making a large part of his valuable Address. He refers somewhat sharply to a paragraph taken from the body of a committee report on the Quebec-Scotland dispute, made to the Grand Lodge of Kansas in 1878, and the use which is made of it by the Grand Master of Missouri. The point is well taken, for in the next succeeding paragraph to the one quoted, the American doctrine on this point is clearly stated, and our adherence to the same is announced in unmistakable terms in the resolutions appended to-the'report.

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We do in fact know of no means by which a Grand Body can compel a Lodge working under the warrant and authority of another Grand Lodge, to come into its fold. There can be no such thing as coercion in Masonic matters of this kind.. But this does not militate at all against the doctrine expressed further on in the report in question, and also in the resolutions, the application of which in this case lay against the conduct of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and not against Elgin Lodge, which merely followed its leader. A little less pride, a little less haughtiness, a little more of charity, of the laisser aller,' ?in& a little more application of the principle, " t h e greatest good for the greatest number," in the intercourse of Grand Bodie.s with each other would pave the way to a speedy settlement of all these difficulties. When the children make up their mind to leave the old folks and go to house keeping for themselves, the best way is to help them off and bid them a cheerful " GoD speed," and in case one of the brood is sulky and refuses to join the rest, a kind word from the parent would generally remove all such feeling, and in causing it to join its fortunes with the new and happy family, remove a stumbling block from their path and result in real benefit to all parties. All this hesitation, or opposition, even, merely postpones the inevitable, and when the trouble is over, leaves a sting behind for years, where only kindness and brotherly love should exist. The Grand Secretary, on behalf of the Committee on Correspondence, presented an able report on the Cuba-Colon question, favoring the recognition'of the former Body, and declining the latter., The Grand Lodge concurred in these views, and adopted suitable resolutions. Since this action"' was had these two conflicting bodies have adjusted all matters of difference, and united their fortunes. This gives reviewers a needed rest on that point.. The Report on Correspondence was presented by Bro. DAV. J. M I I X E R , Grand Secretary, and does him credit. He favors a uniform " m a n u a l " for the use of Lodges, as we are led to think from the following: We do not think that any Lodges need different "Installation Services " from those laid down in the different manuals. A departure by any Grand Lodge from' established customs in the Fraternity, tends to weaken that bond of unity which should hold all Lodges and all Masons together as " o n e and inseperable," Masonry requires good and efficient Masters, and if a certificate of qualification should be required from the Grand Lecturer before any Master elect could be installed, many of our Lodges would certainly be better and more efficiently governed. But we do not like the idea of a Slate organization compiling a monitorial work for its own especial use, while at the same time we deplore the fact that so many different works of the kind are in use by the various Lodges. Why can not a single work be adopted or compiled for use in all our Lodges? Then the work would be measurably the same everywhere. A General Grand Lodge for the settlement of all such questions seems to be an irhpossibility, but riieans can be employed to give us uniformity in many things. Suppose, brethren of California, that, instead of compiling a manual for yourselves, you^^propose a commission to be composed of, say the Grand Lecturers of all the States, to adopt or compile a manual and agree upon a ritual for general use. This would tend to strengthen that unity which we all so much desire in the'maintenance of our time-honored Institution.

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However desirable such a thing might be, we are inclined to think such ah arrangement would be hard to consummate, with such a diversity of opinion as must certainly exist in this colintry. We fear such a thing would lead us into a war like unto that had annually among school book publishers, and from all such recurring unpleasantness, "Good Lord, deliver us!" would be our most emphatic prayer. We say, for our part, let it alone. Our Lodges are, as a general rule, working, smoothly and harmoniously, each one choosing from the pile such as suit their peculiar tastes and ideas. It will be soon enough, when in the course of human events we adopt a uniform work and lectures, to have a uniform monitor and a uniform code of laws for the government of Grand as well as Subordinate Lodges, a rule not likely to be adopted in the next Jive or six generations. Bro. MiLLfiR swoops down upon Bro. VAUX in the following manner, in regard to their organization : What "difficulties" can be in your way, Bro. VAUX, as regards our organization? We have been recognized by our mother of Missouri, and by very much the larger number of the Grand Lodges on the Continent, all of which declare our Proceedings regular and our laws in full accord with the general laws of the Craft; we have no other Grand Lodge within our limits to question our right of Jurisdiction; a majority ol the Lodges of the Territory are at work under us, and we know of nothing done or undone to compromise our good standing as a legitimate, independent Grand Lodge. We are not beggars and we desire no favors, but knowing that we are a lawful Grand Body and entitled to rule the Craft inside, of our Jurisdicl,ional • limits, we claim the consideration we esteem to be our due and seek Fraternal intercourse^ not as a matter of grace, but as a right, with all Grand Bodies recognized as true workers in the Masonic field. Bro. MILLER believes in holding to the old vvords and sayings, for there is good in them: • . \ We would as soon think of interpolating the ritual as of interfering with the peculiar language of Masonry. We have many words and phrases that are and have been for ages peculiar to our Order. We all understand them and have come to feel a kind of reverence for them. They are, as it were, pillars in our Temple, connecting ancient with modern times. Tear one of them away and you mar the beauty of the structure. Who would like lo see the word brethren replaced by the word brothers? This.would accord well with modern ideas, biit what claim would there be in it to us? The ring of the word brethren as used in our Lodges is neaquetic and reaches the heart. We wish no change in our vocabulary. We love the old way, and desire to pursue it to the end. Ours, as we said above, is in no wise a progressive Institution. While we may desire not to fall behind in our individual capacities, the improvements, or advancements of the day, we can not forget that our Institution is an ancient one, and can only thrive by keeping alive the noble precepts and practices handed down to us from our fathers. That is all right, Bro. MILLER, provided we have not some titles and pet phrases ingralted in our phraseology, which come frorri external or fanciful sources, if there be such, let them be dropped. At best it is a question of tweedle-dum or tweedle-dee. Let us merely try to conform to .historic accuracy, good sense and. good taste so far as each knows how, vau\ it will do. M.-.W.-. WILLIAM L . RYERSON, Las Cruces, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. DAV. J. MILLER, Santa Fe, Grand Secretary.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas. • N E W YORK.

153

1880.

The Official Transactions of this, among the old Grand Lodges, come to us, as ever, well-freighted with useful information, which no thinking Mason can fail to appreciate. No one can give these annual visitors careful attention without feeling that he has gained in knowledge and Masonic light. ° • . The attendance this year was reasonably good; six hundred and sixtysix Lodges represented; it seems that but one Representative is admitted, either the Master or one of the Wardens, or their proxy. We note also a large 'attendance of Past Grand Officers, amoug them nine Past Grand Masters. A peculiar practice of our New York brethren is that they never admit visitors until the Grand Lodge is opened, nor permit any but members of the Grand Lodge to be present during the election of Grand Officers. This will seem rather strange to many of our brethren, and should we introduce the practice hereabouts the complaints would be numerous, and, we opine, loud as well. ' N o t all'who are in the habit of attending Grand Lodges would like it, surely. It does not seem so bad when we tell our brethren "that the brethren of New York meet in New York City, the focus of political rings, such as encircle Uncle Sammy, Tammany Chief KELLY, et al., who hibernate the boys who " r u n with the machine," 'whether it happens to be their funeral or not. It might be well for the good of the Order to keep down outside pressure in more Jurisdictions than one, for it is hard for professionals to keep hands off an election, whether Masonic or not. Among the distinguished visitors we notice the name of Past Grand Master H E N R Y L . PALMER, of the State of Wisconsin. Grand Master CHARLES ROOME, in opening his strikingly able Address, fraternally welcomed the Representatives of the various Subordinate Lodges to the ninety-ninth Annual Communication of.the Grand Lodge of the Empire State; Of the evils disturbing the Craft at the present time he calls the attention of the Craft to two, in the following w.ell-chosen words: First, the apparent unwillingness of the brethren to examine for themselves the Nvritten law as set forth in the Constitution aftd Statutes of the Grand Lodge—of which every Lodge has, or should have, a copy—and, the ever pressing desire to cure every real or imaginary grievance by an amendment to the Constitution. It is clear, as was well stated by my honored predecessor, that piecemeal amendments can never affect any real good, and that the only way to change any general principle which in itself involves a change of many articles in the Statutes, is to have the whole principle referred to a discreet committee and that the Grand Lodge, after deliberation, pass upon its report. I respectfully reiterate this thought and recommendation and urge you to make no change in our general regulations to meet a single idea, formulated, it may be admitted with the best intentions, but failing in the respect that in nine cases out of ten the equities of the remaining regulations are not considered, and that in most instances to change one is to require that half a dozen others should be reformed in order to conform to the first change. , Let us make no mistake, brethren. If our present Constitution does not meet our needs it should be changed ; but when we are agreed upon

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such needed change let" it be understood that we will n o t m a k e it without due consideration, and without having examined all the points bearing upon the proposition, whatever it may b e ; for, believe me, if we give way to the general idea of amending -the Statutes at every demand, we shall labor under the disadvantage of having the regulations in a continual disarray and the trouble of not knowing what the law actually is. If, then, my brethren, "you will be guided by.experieiice you will at once resolve to have no further change in your organic law until a committee specially charged with the subject shall have passed upon the propositions submitted, not only by one, but as a whole. . We have always been opposed to changes in the fundamental law, except in cases of absolute and obvious necessity; and believe that even then the work should be done with great caution. We ar'e sorry to say so, but our New York brethren do more tinkering with their law than any other Grand Jurisdiction, and we might perhaps as well say any half dozen others. " L e t well enough alone," is a good motto. H e is strongly opposed to the offered amendment: " T o strike out from Article 2 of the Statutes the words ' a n d Past, Elected and Installed Grand Officers.'" Should this amendment carry, it will, in our judgment, completely ostracise all Past Grand Masters and take from the floor of the Grand Lodge the very best and most efficient working material in the body. In all candor and sincerity we say, go slow,- brethren; knowledge of the sources of law and'experience in its application and execution are not easily gained, nor to be held in light esteem, and all such propositions as the one referred to tend to weakness rather than strength. It is most gratifying to note the progress made by our New York brethren in building up the Board of Relief, organized a year or more a^o. It is a commendable enterprise and should be encouraged by every member of the Order in the State. The Board in New Orleans has done an immense amount of good since its organization, especially during the prevalence of the yellow fever epidemics, and in thus doing good to humanity, have crowned themselves with unfading laurels. We hope the brethren of New York may meet with like unbounded success without such fiery trials of faith. The Grand A{aster congratulated the Craft of the Empire State upon the near approach they have made to a uniformity of ritual for the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry. We venture to say that if they have a uniform ritual it is more than almost any other State can boast of. The centennial year in New York is near at hand. Eighteen-eighty-one rounds out their century, and the appointment of a Committee on "Centenn i a l " shows that the brethren do not propose to let it slip by unheeded. The now famous " W e b a t u c k " matter was up again for a share of the Grand Master's attention and was very thoroughly discussed in his Address. Last year we devoted considerable space to this subject, and hardly feel warranted in going over the ground again. As the matter stands, it has led to an indefinite suspension of friendly relations between the Grand Lodges of New York and Connecticut. W e are sorry to say that our reasonable expectatioas, expressed last'year, have not been verified.

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The Special Committee presented the following resolutions, which were adopted: Resolved, That the right of the Grand Lodge of New York to regulate the affairs of Ancient Craft Masonry within the limits of its territory is absolute and indefeasible, and hence membership lawfully acquired in a New York Lodge can not be terminated except by the operation of New York laws. Resolved, That the act of our Grand Master in • suspending official intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Connecticut is hereby approved. Resolved, That the honor and dignity of the Grand Lodge requires that all intercourse between the Masons of Connecticut and New York should be interdicted and forbidden, and, therefore, this Grand Lodge does hereby interdict and forbid all intercourse 'between the Masons of New York and. all Masons hailing under the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge will entertain any proposition which may be submitted to it by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, looking to the submission of the matter in dispute to a tribunal composed of the peers of the respective Grand Lodges in the United States, and that, should such proposition be made during the recess of this Grand Lodge, the Grand Master may take such action as may seem to him to be proper, and may in his discretion remove the edict of non-intercourse enacted by this Grand Lodge. • In conclusion, as it seems impossible at this writing for the two contending parties to get together and reconcile their differences, we would suggest as a feasable plan that each of them select two brethren of experience and thorough knowledge of Masonic law; let them, in turn, select a fifth, and that the entire matter in question, in all its details, be submitted to them as a board for their careful-consideration, their decision to be final. The case has gone so far and the two Grand Lodges are placed in such an antagonistic position that this seems to be the only way out of the entanglement. Let us hear from some others of the brethren; we have spoken and would like to listen. Let all speak if necessary and see if this •unfortnnate dissention in bur Masonic family can not be healed at once. What affects one affects all alike, and all are intei-ested in seeing that justice is done. M.-.W.-. Bro. J O H N W. SIMONS, on behalf of the Committee on Correspondence, presents a report, concerning which it is only necessary to say, to those who have read him before, that " S I M O N S wrote it," and it is'sufficiently commended. This distinguished and patriarchal Mason writes with an enviable ease and instructiveness, and is almost always sound on points of Masonic law; the only time when he gets "off" is when "off from home." In regard to dispensing with Reports on Correspondence he makes some sharp hits. We quote: Another thought which seems to be constantly overlooked is the fact that succeeding Grand Masters rarely address the same constituency. Those who preside in Lodges this year may not, indeed, a considerable proportion will not, be in the East next year, not but that it would be much better that they should, because at the end of his first year a Master just begins to comprehend his duties and reponsibilities, but we see at each meeting of the C.mnd Lodge that at least one-half of the Masters of Lodges are present for the first lime. These brethren do not know the jurisprudence of the 17

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Institution, are not competent to say what has or what has not been settled, but yet they are entitled to know and to have access to authoritative sources of opinion. T h e mass of the Brotherhood are still further in the shadow, and they, too, are entitled to know, and this is why we are always ready to share with them what little we have been able to glean, to encourage them in the pursuit of the right; from all of which we conclude that the lime for closing the portals has not yet arrived, nay, that as long as men die and others take their places there will be no time when we can reasonably say that there is no need for the repetition of old questions because new ones are not presented. He gives Kansas most fraternal notice, quoting liberally. Bro. SIMONS is right when he says: • " W h e n a member is placed u n d e r c h a r g e s his membership is in abeyance." On the contrary we insist that his membership remains intact until a yerdict of guilty has been rendered and judgment of expulsion lawfullypronounced. After that appeal to the Grand Lodge remains, and if on such appeal the Grand Lodge finds the proceedings have been irregular or the proof insufficient and it reverses the proceedings, it does not leave the membership in abeyance, but places the member where he was when the charges were preferred, which is to say—accused, but entitled to be considered innocent until proved guilty, and, therefore, as much a member of his Lodge as he was before the charges were preferred. This we think, must be considered an unsettled question, and there are two points in it which merit attention. One is, that suspension, whether definite or indefinite, does not and in its very nature can not terminate membership, because then it would be the same as the ultimate punishment, which can do no more, but only suspends the Masonic riglits of the delinquent for the time being, be that more or less. The other point is, as Bro. TAYLOR very properly remarks, that when the Grand Lodge on appeal reverses the proceedings on a Lodge trial, it declares in fact that there have been no proceedings at all, and hence that the membership of the accused has not been affected. Let us return for a mornent to Bro. TAYLOR'S first proposition, that the fact of charges being preferred against a brother places his membership in abeyance, and see where it will, lead us. The tiii^e, we will suppose, is near at hand when a closely contested election is about to occur, charges deftly preferred agaiiist the right men may change the result, or a party being suspected of opposition to a candidate, let charges be preferred and his voice is silenced till after the ballot, or an officer having been elected and it is desired to prevent his installation, prefer charges, and where is he? We have known all these things to be done, and hence we protest with all possible energy against the doctrine enunciated by our R.-.W.-. brother. We can not understand why there should be any conflict or confusion of opinion upon a subject so easy to be comprehended and understood by all well-informed Masons, unless there be a streak of prejudice operating against it. There certainly should be no misconception on this subject, for there seems to be no foundation in justice for any other belief than this that a brother remains a member of the Lodge in full possession of all his rights until action has been had and judgment pronounced by the Lodge. Under head of Virginia, while on the question of suspension for nonpayment of dues and the extent to which it affects the membership of the brother suspended, he says;

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We respectfully insist that suspension does not, and in the very nature of things can not terminate membership, but only place it in abeyance, and hence, that the removal ot the cause occasions the cessation of the effect. It is held as a general principle of Masonic law that expulsion by a Lodge being the Major Masonic penalty, dissolves all membership. This being the case, we can all understand that restoration to good standing does not carry with it restoration to special membership, but only places the individual in the same place as any other unaffiliated Mason; but if it be argued that suspension has precisely the same effect, why multiply terms,' and why not say at once that a brother may be or is expelled for non-payment of dues. The theory of the Institution as well as the general sentiment of the Craft is decidedly opposed to making financial inability a Masonic crime, and therefore the same causes stand in opposition to. assessing the same penalty for being poor as would be pronounced against a member who had perpetrated every crime named in the 'Decalogue or cut the throat of his mother-in-law. The requirement that every member shall pay annual dues is, at the best, a modern invention, and rests rather upon the fact that we can not hire Lodge rooms and pay running expenses without money, than upon ancient usages, or—as many choose to say—ancient landmarks, and we should not confound one with the other, nor attempt to solve mere local and family questions by laws and penalties only applicable to offenses infinitely more serious. Our conclusion is that suspension for non-paymen"t of dues is not equal to murder or other felony, and does not equitably or> Masonically destroy membership, and consequently that payment of the amount due, by removing the cause of suspension, puts an end to its effect, and therefore that a member suspended for non-payment of dues only, is by that fact, at once restored to membership. We shall be glad to have our Virginia brethren study this matter out to its logical and legitimate conclusion. Much more of interest we find, but time and tide warn us that we must leave you, Bro. J O H N , and hasten to the next of the " N s . " May we 6ft meet again. M.-. W.-. JESSE B. ANTHONY, Troy, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. JAMES M .

AUSTIN, M . D . , New York, Grand Secretary. N O R T H CAROLINA.

1879.

Therepresentation from the Subordinates was small, only about onehalf ( I I I ) the whole number (231) of Chartered Lodges. Four Lodges had ceased to work, one was reinstated, two Charters issued to new Lodges. They have adopted the practice of appointing the standing committees at the close of each Annual Communication, with instructions to prepare their Reports in advance of the next session. This is a good plan, and will undoubtedly do much to facilitate the labors of the annual meeting, for several reasons. In the first place, if members of comiiiittees do their duty, they most certainly can not do much besides in the way of gathering infor" mation for, or representing, those who send them up to Grand Lodges; again, the members will be much better able to discharge their duties on committee, is when they have no other duties to interfere with them. Furthermore, in the interim between Communications they have more time to

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examine authorities, and will thereby be enabled to furnish a more concise and valuable report upon the matters entrusted to them for investigation. On the " B i b l e " question, the Grand Master, WILLIAM R . COX, says: In all of our Lodges there are altars upon which constantly rest the Holy Bible, which we recognize as the "moral and spiritual trestle-board " of our faith; and thereon the Great Architect has drawn the designs which every faithful Craftsman is expected diligently to copy. Hence it is unmistakably recognized as one of out landmarks: " A Mason is bound by his tenure to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understand the art, he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine." Masonry erects no system of theology for its votaries; it sustains to the church militant the same relations which the asymptote bears to the hyperbolic curve, ever approaching, never touching it; and it contemplates the promotion of man's truest happiness by the inculcation of genuine morality, and the practice of the triune virtues—Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. While it is not sought to enforce impossible conditions, every Mason, by his tenure, is obligated to live soberly, act discreetly, and uniformly obey the moral law; he is rigidly enjoined never to mention the name of Deity, but with that reverential awe,' which is due from the creature to the Creator. While paying all lawful respect to those in authority, it never mingles in the political controversies of State, or seeks to influence in matters of religion. Even amid the angry dash of arms and the fierce conflicts of civil war, its holy mission was to relieve suff'ering and misery, to pour oil into the gaping wounds, and to provide for the dead suitable burial. Hence it has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and has survived to command the confidence and respect of all, and to receive within its folds the good and great of every age and nation. Here is a true and certain test.

Observe it, without fail:

Wherever you shall find a bright and fearless Master, assisted by a prompt Secretary, you will see a flourishing and well-regulated Lodge; but wherever you discover these-officers ignorant and indifferent, you will find the Lodge in arrears, and in all probability be importuned with petitions for the remission of the dues, which self-respect requires should be promptly met, and dimits and decay mark its downward course. True as Bible. Non-afiiliation and its efl'ects upon our Institution are proving, in North Carolina, a disturbing element, as it is doing in every other Grand Lodge on the North American Continent. T h e Grand Secretary reports the number of non-affiliates for the past three years as greater than the number of admissions from all sources, and points out, among the many causes of this state of things, the practice of creating excessive debts without the visible means of paying the same; the admission of unworthy material "during the late war, and the depression of money matters, and asks the following pertinent question: Again, a neghgent Secretary, instead of forwarding to the members notice of their dues each quarter, omit it until the amount becomes inconveniently large, the brother grows careless, is disheartened and eventually dismembered. This is not Masonic. It should be regarded as an honor to be a Mason—a reproach to be a non-jffiliate. If the Craft would evince the same zeal in upholding a falling brother as they do in instructing him when an initiate, such would be the universal opinion.

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And again he says: There are men and Masons who can readily be persuaded, but .never driven, and I fear there is just now rather too much tendency to drive. Two Past Grand Officers from a single Lodge, worthy, distinguished, and of good worldly substance, have been summarily dealt with during the present year, and though they may have again become affiliated, there is naturally some sting remaining. Before dismemberment for non-payment*of dues a brother should be summoned to appear and p?iy; if he fails to appear, he should be cited to show cause why he should not be tried for disobedience of summons, and if still recalcitrant he should be tried and punished. A careful Master will avoid such trouble by requiring his Secretary to notify the members regularly when in arrears. None who are able should be excused ; indulgence does not always, or usually accomplish its object. There are, however, brethren whose circumstances are so cramped that they are absolutely unable to meet their assessments, while a feeling of false pride keeps them from ackndwledging it. Let such unbosom themselves to a brother, and relief will surely follow. The Oxford Orphan Asylum received especial notice, and from the various reports we are pleased to note the prosperous condition of this Institution and the liberal patronage it is receiving at the hands of the people of that State as well as the brethren of th'e Jurisdiction. The reports show that they have now in attendance one hundred and thirty-eight pupils. The Grand Master says of them : It is a touching and interesting spectacle to see gathered into'one household so many desolate ones, houseless, motherless, fatherless; rescued in many instances from virtual slavery, taken from want-stricken homes, from beside newly made graves, and brought together members of a happy family. Their wants are relieved, their physical energies strengthened, their mental and moral nature cultivated, until suitable provision is made for them to go forth into the busy conflict of life. Who can properly estimate the value of the social forces, set in motion by this magnificent charity, inaugurated and sustained by the Masons of North Carolina? Bro. ROBERT T . GRAY presented a Report on Correspondence, with which we can only find one fault, viz., that it is short. We would like to see more of. the same sort of writing. You did much in that "half hour," Bro.

GRAY.

M.-.W.-. WILLIAM R . COX, Raleigh, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. DONALD W. BAI.N', Raleigh, Grand Secretary. NOVA SCOTIA.

1879.

The business transacted by our Nova Scotia brethren during 1879 "'^^ large in amount, but mostly of local character, and not of general interest to the Craft. The representation was good, forty-six Lodges taking part in the Proceedings; no new Lodges organized during the year; one Charter revoked. The Grand Lodges of Cuba and New Mexico were each formally recognized and the usual fraternal greetings extended. Grand Master J. WINBURN LAURIE delivered a brief Address upon Masonic affairs in that Province. He favors the plan of a general visitation of

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Lodges by the official head, considering that much good may result from such encouragement to t-he Fraternity in the Jurisdiction; entertains the hope that the unfortunate troubles in Quebec and Manitoba may be soon and finally settled to the honor of all concerned and satisfactorily. He decides that the character of the report of a committee on the application of a profane for the mysteries of Freemasonry should never be made a matter of record; enters his objection to the incorporation of Lodges and further' congratulates the brethren on the absence of vexed questions and grievances, regretting that other Grand Lodges in the Dominion have been less favored. From the very interesting Report of the Grand Secretary we gather the following information concerning the progress of Masonry in the Province of Nova Scotia. The membership has in ten years increased twelve hundred and fifty, or nearly sixty per cent. The membership has fallen ofl about one hundred in the last two years, the total at present being about thirty-four hundred. The suspensions and dimissions for the last ten years sum up twenty-five hundred and ten. The Grand Secretary explains thi.'; seemingly excessive falling off in the following words: These figures may be reduced to some extent by the few reinstated from year to year; but the number of those who return after having seen their names published to the world in the black list is so exceedingly trifling as to make no tangible difference in the figures quoted. T h e growing evil of non-affiliation, with its possible cure, has for some years been engaging the serious attention of thoughful Masons in this and many other Jurisdictions. The question " W h a t is to be done to arrest its progress and blighting influence?" is more frequently asked than satisfactorily answered; yet it appears to me that one or two suggestions would not be out of place here. First, have our Lodges a bar to the return of those who are estranged from us, in the shape of an affiliation fee? If they have, let it be removed as quickly as possible. Let no obstacle in the shape of a money consideration operate adversely to the non-affiliate inclined to resume his obligations. The ordeal of the ballot box is of itself a check, although a necessary one. Second, are our stated meetings made attractive? Do the rulers of the Craft perform the duties they are said to be placed in the East to perform, viz: to employ and instruct the brethren in Freemasonry—that peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols? In this age of intelligence and mental culture men soon become surfeited with the routine of an oft-repeated ritual, in which but few of tlie members can participate. As in social life, those will be inclined to go abroad for recreation whose homes are made uiicomfortable and unattractive, s j , many of our members will avoid the Lodge room, and dimit, just as soon as they find the meetings uninteresting, monotonous and unattractive. An intelligent, active and, of all things most desirable in Masonry, a well informed Master, will soon infuse such energy and emulation into the members of the Lodge as to induce a desire for more light; and when this desire for increased knowledge pervades the members of the Lodge, applications for dimit will be few indeed. Let the brethren remember that the regular meeting of March is, to our Lodges in Nova Scotia, the most important meeting of the year. We think Bro. CuRRAN has hit very close to the cause of the trouble,

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and the remedy he suggests is a good one, if not the only one. All the legislation that the wisdom of man can possibly contrive will not so efTec-. tively bring about the end sought for as the method suggested in the above quotation. Let our daily walk and conversation among men be such as to commend us to the favor of all mankind, and we need have no fears of our success in building up an interest in our Order and a faithful attendance at the regular meetings. The Report on Correspondence was presented by the Committee, of which Bro. A. H. CROWE is Chairman. It covers about ninety pages, and is chiefly of the nature of an abstract, but accompanied by sound comments and some interesting suggestions. Kansas receives kindly attention. They say: " T h e notice of Nova Scotia is full and fraternal, while a delicatelyfeathered shaft of compliment is aimed at the Chairman of our Foreign Correspondence Committee in the following: " T h e Report on Correspondence is handed in by Bro. A. H. CROWE. It covers eighty-one pages, and is fine and clear in its delineation of Grand Lodge work, as we should naturally expect from a ' crowe-quill.' " , Bro. CROWE, it is the point, not the feather, of the quilL that counts; plume yourself on that! Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. OHIO.

1879.

The first thing that attracts our attention on opening this volume of Ohio Proceedings, is an excellent portrait of our old friend and Bro., JOHN D. CALDWELL, the irrepressible hunter after "new days," "new duties," etc. It is a spirited likeness of a good.-looking man, and an ornament to the Proceedings. The attendance of Representatives is fair, not general as it should be, in an old Grand Lodge, provided with excellent facilities for reaching the place of meeting, wherever it might be. The business transacted was not of general interest. The mileage and per diem question was up for consideration, and the former was.reduced from ten to six cents. Four Charters issued to new Lodges. The per capita was raised from twenty-five to thirtyfive cents. Why not put it up to an even half dollar; there is where it will have to go eventually? We notice among the distinguished visitors our old and valued friend and Bro.,' T H E O . S. PARVIN, Grand Secretary of Iowa. Another honor was accorded the veteran, an honorary membership in this Grand Lodge, with the rank of a Past Grand Secretary. If we are correctly informed, Bro. PARVIN first beheld Masonic light in the Queen City. The Annual Address of Bro. WILLIAM M . CUNNINGHAM is a full statement of official transactions, decisions, and many valuable suggestions for the guidance of the Craft. He announced the death of Past Grand Master G E O . R E X , a Brother whom it was our good fortune to know well for many years. He says of that good man:

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Bro. R E X was the last survivor of that trio of eminent and scholarly Masonic jurists—Past Grand Masters W I L L I A M B . H U B B A R D , T H O M A S SPAR-

ROW and GEOKGE R E X — w h o contributed so much to the judicial literature of this Grand Body, and who, by their courteous regard for the rights of every brother, the jealous care with which constitutional enactments and the landmarks of the Craft were observed, their executive ability and legal acumen, ever maintained the high position of this Grand Lodge among sister Jurisdictions. Having been honored with the warm personal friendship of our late distinguished brethren, but few, if any of the Craft, had a better opportunity of knowing them than the writer, although much their junior. In this connection, having for many years enjoyed the personal friendship of Bro. REX, and having had in so many instances the advantage of his large and varied Masonic experience, it is but due to his memory to say that no brother -was entitled to a greater degree of Masonic love and respect at his hands, or at the hands of this Grand Lodge, than our lamented brother. , Concerning hasty and inconsiderate legislation, he very correctly says: T h e history of all Grand Lodges and legislative assemblies, Masonic or otherwise, has evinced the fact that too much legislation, or too frequent change in constitutional enactments, has been and is detrimental to their prosperity. And, as mentioned in my Report of last year, the social relations of Freemasonry are second only to its'moral teachings; hence nothing should be done by this Grand Body to prevent a complete representation from the Subordinates of this Jurisdiction to the Grand Lodge, or to retard a more general acquaintance between the Representatives in attendance at our Annual Communications. Short sessions of this Grand Body a r e not only productive of hasty and unwise legislation, but they are also inimical to the cultivation of fraternal intercourse between its members. And whilst judicial enactments and routine legislation are matters to be provided for, yet they are also of but secondary importance in comparison to the pleasant duty of knowing more of each other. The power .and authority of Subordinate Lodges to make their own By-Laws is well expressed in the following, which we quote from the report of Committee on Unfinished Business: " E a c h Subordinate Lodge possesses the inherent right to enact ByLaws and Ordinances for its own government, provided the same are not inconsistent with the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, and the fundamental principles of Masonry. A n d to the end t h a t these shall b e preserved always inviolate, it, is hereby declared that no By-Law or ordinance of government of a Subordinate Lodge shall be of any validity until approved by the Grand l^oAge;provided, however, that so much of the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge as relates to, and fixes the time of, the stated meetings thereof, and the amount of the annual dues, may be altered or changed without submitting the same to the Grand Lodge for its approval." In response to a claim made by the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco, Cal., for reimbursement for aid rendered to an Ohio Mason, they decided that the Grand Lodge had no power to enforce a rule compelling its Subordinates to refund monies paid voluntarily by foreign Lodges in the way of charity, and then adopted the following resolution: Resolved, That it is the duty of Middleport Lodge, No. 363, of this Jurisdiction, so far as they may be able, to repay to the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco, California, whatever monies may have been by it necessarily expended in the relief of the member of their Lodge, and that

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their Grand Secretary send said Lodge, No. 363, a copy of this report, under Seal of this Grand Lodge. We'must respectfully dissent from any such conclusion as that embodied in the resolution. Having fully expressed our views regarding the question in former reports, we do not care to discuss it further, except to remark that we are sorry that Ohio has lost her grip, and that we are opposed to any such, corruption of the fountain head of Masonic charity. It is a coldblooded business, neither more nor less, and contracting it all at one.end of Ihe line without the consent of the other contracting (?) party, is a'procedure we do not believe in under any circumstances. When business is transacted that we are interested in, we generally want a hand in it, particularly when we are to "pay the shot." ' T h e Grand Master announced that Bro. MARVIN, Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence, would not be present; his ill-health is the cause of the non-appearance of a Report on Correspondence. We trust he will recover his health, and that when another year comes round He will have a "double-barreled l o a d " to fir,e at us. M.-.W.-. REUBEN C. LEMMON, Toledo, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. JOHN D . CALDWELL, Cincinnati, Grand Secretary. OREGON.

1879.

The various Lodges very fully represented at the Annual Communication, fifty-nine out of sixty being present; a considerable amount of business transacted, chiefly of domeslic-na.\\xre and interest; they have so amended their Constitution, as to fix the election of Grand Officers on the first day of the session. Why so done we can not imagine, unless on the same principle as that of the boy who commenced eating on his dessert first and go on^ so as to have the best all the time. New day and new things in the Order. Two Charters were granted and one revoked. Grand Master ROBERT CLOW delivered a good business Address, congratulating the Craft upon the favorable circumstances under which they were permitted to assemble in Annual Communication and pays a merited tribute to the memory of the distinguished dead. Among the number is Past Deputy Grand Master THOS. H..COX, of that .Jurisdiction; Bros. CORSON, of New Jersey, and ANDREW J. WHEELER, of Tennessee. Memorial pages in their Proceedings were set apart to each.. The Grand Master is one of the industrious kind. He visited some thirty of the Lodges during the year, and reports peace and harmony prevailing with but few exceptions, a reasonable amount of work being done, and generally done well. Among decisions made we find one wherein he decides that an objection filed against an initiation or advancement is only good while the objecting brother remains a member of the Lodge, or, in other words, the odjection is removed when the objector dimits, dies or is expelled. The

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Grand Lodge did not concur in this view and very properly, we think, reversed the decision and held the objection good. Dimits are only granted in Oregon to brethren when they are required for the purpose of joining another Lodge, or in case of removing from the Jurisdiction. This is the law of Missouri also, but there is an amendment pending, which will come up for final action at the Annual Communication, October, 1880, making some change. For the information of our readers we give the Grand Master's argu nient in favor of the Oregon rule : I am aware that some brethren, eminently distinguished for learning and knowledge of Masonic law, hold this doctrine to be "erroneous, and claim that inasmuch as a brother enters the Lodge of his own free will, so should the duration of his membership therein be voluntary,. That he conies into the Lodge of his own free will can not be questioned, but he does so with a full knowledge of the rules which govern the Order—if he is an intelligent man, and none other should be permitted to apply. It is an old proverb, "Once a Mason, always a Mason." A brother, when he seveis his connection with the Lodge, is no longer bound to discharge the duties of a member. But does he thereby become absolved from all duty towards individual brethren? Is he not bound to them, and are they not bound to him by covenants from which nothing but expulsion or death can release them? • If an individual brother may sever his connection with the Fraternity at will, or when he sees fit to take offense, be the cause real or imaginary, or becomes dissatisfied with the action of the Lodge in any particular ; and then, if, when he changes his mind or is overtaken by misfortune, and the "^heavy hand of adversity is laid upon him, to ward olT calamity and advance his material interest, he can resume his active relations with the Lodge ; then, indeed, is there no encouragement or inducement for brethren who have a proper appreciation of their duties, to remain faithful, and our boasted chain of brotherhood, linking us together in the strong embrace of brotherly love and affection, becomes 'a myth. Suppose, in the mean time, death should claim him for his victim, and after he is laid away at his last resting place, his widow or orphans call upon you for the common necessaries of life, you can not turn them away empty-handed and say they are stopped because the father or husband forfeited "his rights by refusing to bear his proportionate share of the burdens, for they can confrowt you with his dimit, the evidence of his good standing, and" you are unable to gainsay it or produce any evidence to show that any Lodge ever reversed that judgment. " O n c e a Mason, always a Mason," in the fullest sense of the term, until death or the judgment .of the Lodge cutting him off, after trial, for some offense deserving expulsion, is the only safe and the only true doctrine. Retrenchment and reform being the order of the day, the annual dues . wer.e reduced from $!.$o to $[.00. It was soon found that the income from all sources was not sufficient to meet the expenses of the Grand Lodge by nearly or quite Si,ooo and pay the per diem and mileage of members. They had to stop paying the per diem and mileage or else increase the revenue. They chose the latter, and ihe per capita was restored to §1.50. The Educational Fund has increased to the handsome sum of $18,000, a gratifying result, but we fear the investments will not prove either satisfactory or profitable to the Grand Lodge. The notes of individuals are, good for some kinds of investments not of a permanent character, and many times cause much dissension among the Craft. Much care should be taken

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in all such matters, at least to the same extent that would characterize the management of private business affairs. They express themselves strongly in favor of Quebec and the doctrine of exclusive and undivided jurisdiction. After one year's trial of the District Deputy system they have repealed the law by which those offices were created. Bro. J. R. N . BELL, Grand Orator, delivered an oration, not of great length, but containing excellent thoughts and good advice to the brethren, very forcibly expressed. We find in relation to honorary membership the following standing regulation : WHEREAS, There are a number of venerable brethren in this Jurisdiction who have faithfully' practiced the precepts taught in Masonry during a lifetime, whose brows are now silvered by the blighting frosts of age, and, though traveling with tottering steps down the pathway of life to the near approach of its setting sun, are ever constant in their devotions to MasonryMany of these brethren now find it difficult to keep up the stated contributions and yearly dues. Justice, love and gratitude demand that thesebrethren be honored for their long faithfulness and zeal, and that they may now be relieved from any burden or taxation that our laws may impose ; therefore, be it Resolved, By the Grand Lodge of Oregon, that any Lodge within this Jurisdiction may, at a slated Communication, elect any Master Mason, who has been a contributing member of any Lodge for a term not less than • twenty years, an honorary member of such Lodge. Resolved, That all honorary members shall be relieved from the payment of Lodge dues, and the Subordinate Lodges from the payment of Grand Lodge dues for such members; furthermore. Resolved, That no Lodge in this Jurisdiction shall be required to pay Grand Lodge dues upon indigent Masons who are supported at the expense of the Lodge. Bro. S. F. CHADWICK submitted the Report on Correspondence. K a n . sas for 1878 is among lhe°number reviewed. He favors the Masonic Aid Associations, and says: We think the best way to do this is to have each member pay so much annually into' the Lodge as a pledge that at the death of a brother his representatives, wife and children, shall receive as many dollars as there are members of his Lodge. Suppose there are fifty members, that would be the number in dollars to be paid on the death of a brother. If it. were possible for a Grand Lodge to make a scale of insurance and insure the lives of its members, it could be done for one-half of what is now paid. We have wondered why this could not be done. Suppose there are 5,000 members, what would be the average mortality? Would it be fifty per annum. If so, have each member pay ?io.oo per annum into this fund for insuring his life. The return would be very handsome to his family. The good brother had better look a "little out." get after him, and that with a sharp quill.

Bro. DRUMMOND will

We belong to some four different Masonic Aid Societies, and like the plan of life insurance involved, and especially the small amount we are required to pay each year.

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He devotes considerable space to the Grand Orient of France, from which we clip the following: " Lo, the poor Indian ! whose untutored mind. Sees GOD in clouds, or hears him in the wind." Here the Indian is made to k n o w that there is a living Goo. Is not this figure truthful? If so, what realties must strike the tutored mind; for, says S T . P A U L , " W e walk liy faith and not by sight." We say that this belief or faith "springs eternal " in the human breast. For instance: In the tongue or language of every people, so far as can be ascertained, there is to be found a word signifying Deity, and it is an interesting fact to know that these several different words have a similar meaning. They all characterize Deity as a supreme and powerful being—equivalent to lord or ruler, infinite father, etc. How do we account for this, unless the soul of man does recognize its great Creator? • This ability to know and feel this is "eternal in the human breast." The French are of this n u m b e r , a n d a reference made to their common phrases will not be out of place. Around the name of their Deity—^Dieu — are associated all the attributes of a personal GOD. Dicu merci—thank GoD; Dieu le vetiiUe—GOD grant it; Dieu vous le rende—GOD reward you for it, etc. ,Here GoD is referred to as the Lord or Ruler and Father. This GOD of the French was Solomon's G O D , and is'the GoD of all true Masons. And now'come this French member of our universal Insitution, founded on the immortal truth that a belief in the existence of GOD is essential to its very life, and declares virtually that a belief in a golden calf will answer as well. The world long since passed upon this issue. M.-. W.-. R. P. EARHART, Salem, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. J. W. PRATT, Portland, Grand Secretary. OREGON.

1880;

We are just in receipt of the Proceedings of this/Grand Lodge for the current year, well filled with Masonic information from the " w e b foot" country. At the Annual Communication .there was a reasonably good attendance, fifty-nine Lodges represented; eight Past Grand Masters were present, and assisted in the deliberations of the Grand Lodge. Three Dispensations issued f o r , t h e formation of new Lodges, four Charters granted to new Lodges, one Dispensation continued, and the usual amount of routine business transacted. Grand Master R. P. EARIIART delivered an excellent Address, giving a complete history of his official acts for the current year. Of the general welfare of the Craft in Oregon, he says: At no time in the history of our State has Masonry stood higher in the minds of Masons than at the present. From one end of the Jurisdiction of the other, we hear of one entire voice in condemnation of the vices of gambling and drunkenness. No longer are these evils winked at. If a Mason has made a vow, let him stand by that vow, and the true and faithful will stand by him. This disposition to adhere strictly to the moral requirements of our Order has benefitted our brethren in another direction. Our Lodges are more circumspect as to membership and material than ever before. Never were there so many rejections as now, and this principle of purer life among our brethren spreads over the Fraternity in every part of our land. We can see and feel it in our daily intercourse with brethren, and realize it in the happy and entertaining countenances within the Lodge-

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room. No other than sound timber can be used in our buildings, and that which is used as sound, is now discarded the moment its defects are known, and found incurable. Our respect for one another is greater; the Masonic standing of the faithful is better; and the principles of the Order go out among men like the sun of heaven, with power and beauty, giving life and happiness to every recipient of them. Many a fireside is happier from this pronouncement of Masonic principle — this decision on matters vital to Masonry — and a few years of experience in this direction ivill make brethren feel that the ritual is not a dead letter, a morsel for initiates only, but that the spirit of that letter is within the heart and head of every Mason. We may notice another feature of the improved condition of things We are rapidly gaining in population. Masons from other States are seeking homes among us. These families are a valuable acquisition to our new State. In many instances, on their arrival, they seek out brothers here who are able to give the necessary information respecting climate, farms and localities. Here we have presented, those who have mutual confidence and respect, which could not exist unless these brethren were free from one of the vices we speak of. There is a dignity and a bearing in these cases that none but reliable Masons can bring into requisition in establishing confidential Masonic relations. Our brethren, therefore, are useful to our new comers. Population is what our new State, needs, and to foster it is a high and honorable aim. It must be a source of pride to our Masonic strangers to find here a higher standard of excellence among brethren than our isolated position would indicate we possessed. But so it is. Good reports come from every direction, and every brother begins to feel tBat he, himself, is an element of harmony, and his mission is only fulfilled when he realizes that he is part of one grand harmonious whole. Encourage this feeling. Do all you can to make the stranger a home among you. Display, on all occasions, that Masonic character that builds up an edifice of strength and imparts security to all around it. By so doing, yoU build yourselves up, and elevate your standard of usefulness to that point where the golden rule is practiced throughout the long, long day. From the report of the Grand Master we conclude that the Lodges in Oregon must be badly scattered : Lake View Lodge is located in the extreme southern part of the Jurisdiction, at a distance of over five hundred miles from Salem, and separated from it by a range of mountains, which, during all the winter months, are covered with deep snows. While awaiting' cessation of the winter storms for an opportunity to visit this Lodge, which I very much desired to do, the brethren becoming anxious concerning the matter, dispatched Bro.. JAMKS H. EVANS, their Worshipful Master elect, as a specialmessenger to visit me. Bro. EVANS safely accomplished his perilous journey, traveling a large portion of the distance upon snow shoes in the dead of winter, arriving at Salem on the — day of February, bringing with him"a petition, signed by nearly all the members of the Lodge, praying the return of their Charter and their restoration to Lodge privileges. A special Deputy was dispatched to the location of this Lodge, traveling one hundred and twenty miles over hill and dale and ranges of snowy mountains. The Craft assembled, all differences were reconciled, and the Lodge again set at work under new officers. The following decisions were rendered by the Grand Master and adopted by the Grand Lodge;

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T h a t a committee of investigation, upon an application for the degrees, can not be compelled to give their reasons for an unfavorable report. T h a t the testimony of an expelled Mason can not be received in evidence upon the trial of a brother. T h a t the Charter of a Lodge can not be surrendered by the Worshipful Master upon his own motion, and without the consent of the members of the Lodge. That an Entered Apprentice of a Lodge, which has surrendered its Charter to the Grand Lodge, becomes, upon restoration of the Charter, again the material of lihe Lodge in which he was initiated, though, in the intervening time, he may have changed his residence to another Lodge jurisdiction. A Worshipful Master is amenable to the Grand Lodge for his acts during his term of office only. When his official term has expired and he has ceased to be Master, he is amenable to the Lodge for misdemeanor or unmasonic conduct, and he can be tried by his Lodge, though the acts complained of occurred while he was Master. That the retail traffic in intoxicating liquors is demoralizing in its tendency, and is a Masonic offense within the meaning of Section i of the Penal Code adopted by this Grand Lodge, and that a brother engaging in such occupation is liable to discipline. A Lodge can not suspend the operation of a By-Law, to meet special or emergent cases. Queslion—Is it proper for a-Lodge to confer the first section of a degree, and then defer the remaining section until a subsequent meeting? Answer—No. A degree once commenced must be finished before the Lodge is closed. The Committee on Masonic Law and Jurisprudence make the following special mention: Your committee would especially recommend to the careful consideration of the members of the Subordinate Lodges in this Jurisdiction, the principle enunciated in decision No. 7;'and the several Masters are hereby enjoined to enforce it. • Here is more trouble for some of the members of the Guild who are so mortally afraid of too much temperance being incorporated in our legislation. We waited a long time for a commencement of reformation in the East, the supposed place for it to commence, but the East lacked the pluck to let its light shine in that respect. They were too conservative in that end of the vineyard, and their regard for every thing old extended, we fear, even to " o l d rye." We of the West love all that is old, and good, and in our oldest lectures we find mention made of Temperance as a virtue not merely • to be commended, but to \i& practiced, while on the other hand some ancient things, such as old sins, (intemperance), old rye and the Old Nick, we have deemed it well to set our faces against like flint. God speed the right! The oration by Bro, M. C. GEORGE, Grand Orator, was a fine production, conveying the beautiful lessons of Masonry in the most polished and eloquent diction. We would like to quote, but could not do it justice by merely taking one or two paragraphs, so we forbear. T h e Report on Correspondence is the work of Bro. S. F. CHADWICK, and as usual with him, a neat and readable production. He says of the decisions:

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Two decisions of Bro. CLOW are reported as important. One is, can a brother under charges be installed Master of a Lodge, the other, can we entertain the petition of a, man born a slave. Bro. ROBBINS concurs in the opinion expressed by Bro. SIMONS of New York, as to the first. H e can not admit that a brother's standing or eligibility may be impaired by an accusation. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Bro. ROBBINS is correct. But how strange it is, that Masons, even, will forget themselves in these matters. In political and in social affairs. Masons, who above all other men should be just and impartial in their opinion, because they promise to be so; but they too oftjcn adopt the French or political fashion, which is, first murder the accused and then try him. A trial of this kind may result in his acquittal, but the verdict comes too late; the victim, though innocent, received a stroke at the outset that destroyed him to all intents and purposes. Wherein is the Masonic principle in these cases. Mere jealousy, political or otherwise, may destroy with one blast of the tongue the good name of a brother. The slanderer may walk boldly and unharmed over the Masonic field, adorned with the emblems of the Craft—evidences of virtue he does not possess. He may, perchance, display from his shirt bosom a. square and compass larg eenough to decorate the book of rules of the Sazarac Lying Club, or embellish the cover of a blacking box. Such Masons should go to that place "prepared for them from the beginning of the world." Here is a nut to crack, and as our hammer is not large, we leave it to others, only saying this much, that we consider Bro.'C's opinion about right. Again we have the thing in a nut-shell, and as true as the rising and setting of the sun: There is nothing so important and essential to the success of Masonry, as for Masons to keep themselves within themselves. The publicity that has been given to Masonic matters has done more to retard the progress of the Order than anything else. It ha.s made the whole thing common. To maintain this Order there must be a closer communion of brethren. The more exclusive they are, the more devoted they become; more self respect they show when they are confiding and reserved. There is less criticism and greater harmony when brethren are near together. The more mysterious the ceremony and character'of the Lodge, the more it is respected. The influence of brethren is better. The world then thinks that there is some- • thing in the Lodge that makes men more circumspect, and which inspires the surrounding multitude with esteem; From the following we infer that Bro. CHADWICK is a friend to cooperative life insurance when properly conducted: Our views of co-operative life insurance take well. Our brother looks upon us as the proper person to help work.out this idea. Masons could do much good in this way. How about the Chicago company; we want to.join ' it. If the 36,000 Masons of Illinois will lay aside the price, in coin, of one cigar a week, they would furnish $2,000 to the widow or representative of every deceased brother in the State, under the co-operative plan. Figure on this and see how easy $2,000, on the death of a brother, could be raised in this way. We want no grocery as a promotor. Six c e n t s / ^ r capita would pay for one death rate of 82,000. Suppose there were one hundred deaths per year, one dime cigar would almost cover the expense. A small tax levied to operate the thing and it would be a- blessing. Bro. ROBBINS, aid us in making the blind see this proposition. Have the right men in the right place to conduct the business. Ten cents per capita should pay this expense. Have it so that we too could subscribe and pay our mite. We will furnish a few more members.

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• The brother omits to add an item in the " w e t grocery." line which could well be added to swell the total and keep up payments. Cut off the fifteen to twenty-five cents per day spent for the extract of J. Barleycorn, which too many, alas, of our brethren send down their throats to the damage of the "department of the interior," (both of stomach and purse) and to the ruin of happiness in countless families, bowed down, with grief and sorrow. This would swell the sum to magnificent proportions, and make the scheme a well-rounded and brilliant success. H.-.W.-. RockEY P. EARHART, Salem, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. F. J. BABCOCK, Salem, Grand Secretary. PENNSYLVANIA.

1879.

We have in these Proceedings a handsome and we'll-arranged volume of nearly two hundred pages, with a beautiful cut of the new Temple on Broad street, which is one among the finest architectural ornaments.in the Quaker City, and one that the Craft of Pennsylvania may well feel proud of • They held several Quarterly Communications. No business was transacted of importance except at the September Quarterly. We have an able report from the Committee on Landmarks in reference to the legality of the following proposed amendment to the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge : "Whenever thereunto requested in writing by ten or more Master Masons, members of the Lodge, it shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master to convene a special meeting.'' Whereupon so much of their report as related to the power of any number or members to direct the Worshipful Master to call a special meeting was referred to your Committee on Landmarks, with instructions to report at this Communication. * The solution of the question so referred depends upon a consideration of the powers inherent in the Worshipful Master and vested in him by vir. tue of his office. He is not the president or presiding officer of a modern voluntary association, subject to written rules and statutes, enacted and ordained for their government by the members over whom he is called to rule, and for a violation of which he must account to them and be obnoxious to their censure. He is much more. There is no written law which prescribes the fullness of his authority, or defines the limitations within which it is to be exercised. Within the boundaries only of ancient constitution, custom and usage, and written laws not inconsistent therewith, must our search be made for the rights, powers, privileges and prerogatives which appertain to this high office. Grave is its responsibility, full and great is its authority. From a manuscript, whose age is now more than three centuries, we learn that it was then a part of traditional history, that when Masons were sent forth, they were given a charge in this manner: " The first was that they should be true to their King Lord or Master that they served, and that they should ordaine the most wise and cunning man to be Master of the King or Lord's worke that was amongst them, and neither for love, riches nor favour to sett another that had little cunninge'to be Master of that worke whereby the Lord should be ill served and the Science ill defamed." In the "Charges of a Freemason, extracted from the ancient records of Lodges beyond sea and of those in England, Scotland and Ireland, for the use of Lodges, to be read at the making of new Brethren, or when the Master shall order it," republished by order of the Grand Lodge of England in

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1815, and in our Ahiman Rezon, approved by this Grand Lodge in 1825, it is written : " W h e n a fellow craftsman is chosen Warden of the work under the Master, he shall be true both to Master and fellows, shall carefully oversee the work.in the Master's absence to the Lord's profit, and his brethren shall obey him." Here is no (fncertain sound as to the relationship between the Master and the members of his Lodge in the direction of its work; rule and oversight on the one part, service and obedience on the other. And to enable him the better fitly to perform the high duties and meet the weighty responsibilities resting upon him, he is invested with powers and prerogatives, exclusive and peculiar privileges, inalienable and indefeasible, to which immemorial tradition and usage bear witness. Among these most frequently mentioned and recognized is at his will and pleasure, without let or hindrance, or dictation from or by those he governs, to assemble his Lodge in emergency, to preside therein, and at his like, will and pleasure to open and close his Lodge. When convened no majority of'his members, however great, can require him to adjou'rn. He, in his lofty station, is presumed to know what work is needful to be done, when it shall be done, and see'it is well done, in accordance with the landmarks, customs and usage to which he must render rigid obedience. As in the Constitution of our Commonwealth the right of enjoying and defending life and liberty is declared, not conferred, so in our written Masonic Constitutions, where it is said as in Anderson's Old Regulations, adopted in General Assembly at Stationer's Hall, on the 24th of June, 1721 : " T h e Master of a particular Lodge has the right and authority of congregating the members of his Lodge into a Chapter upon any emergency or occurrence; as well as to appoint the time and"place of their usual f o r m i n g ; " or as in that of the Grand Lodge of England: " A Lodge of emergencymay at any time be called by the authority of a Master, or in his absence, of the Senior Warden, but on no pretence without such authority first g i v e n ; " or in our own: " H e is empowered to call meetings of his own Lodge at pleasure." It is but a declaration and -witness to an existing, ' continuing, exclusive prerogative and not the creation of it. Nowhere, after diligent examination' of the old Constitution, can your Committee discover that ever was committed to any number of-members, the right or power to determine for themselves the propriety of a convention of their Lodge, and to require of' their Worshipful Master obedience to such determination. Nowhere of old can we find the right recognized for members to place themselves in the judgment seat devoted to the use of their Worshipful Master, and to pass with authority upon the fit time or the necessity for such convening. We have searched in vain through the old Codes of By-Laws of many, of our Lodges whose warrants bear date before the abounding modern societies were breathed into existence, to find trace of any power in the membership to override.or control the judgment of the Worshipful Master, and to make it mandatory upon him to assemble his Lodge at their pleasure. In the early days of our history this doctrine was unknown. To engraft such a provision in our code as that under consideration and condemned by the Committee on By-Laws is an innovation. It would be to import from societies of recent birth and of utterly different constitution and government a regulation which would be a spoliation of the prerogative of the Worshipful Master, and would be in derogation of the power held and enjoyed by him under immemorial usage. It would give to the untrained and inexperienced, whose duty it is to learn and obey, authority over him who by landmarks is the "head of the Lodge," and, at their behest, oblige him to convene his Lodge, when in his judgment it might be most inopportune and advisable. J9

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Because the conclusion reached by your Committee is variant from not fully considered action hitherto had by this Grand Lodge, it has been deemed expedient to present these views more at large than otherwise would have . seenied necessary. Your Committee have sought to stand " i n the ways and see and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein," and are of one mind that it would be in a contraventioii of custom and usage to authorize any number of Master Masons to direct their Worshipful Master when to assemble his Lodge. We have read this very able and exceedingly interesting report with deep and interested'attention, and are only too glad to give such an expression a place in our Report, heartily commending it to all who are in search of light and law and opposed to the modernizing of Masonry, by overturning all conservative checks and substituting therefor " new days and new duties." This idea of turning out of doors the old.and true friends to make room for new and strange ones we do not favor, and we are unalterably opposed to ingrafting any of the ideas and notions of modern societies upon our Fraternity. Masonry is like a perfect and noble building handed down to us from the primitive brethren, and the addition of modern " bow windows," weather-cocks and chimney-pots would only detract from its simple grandeur and make that common and ridiculous which before w a s venerable. During the year another of Pennsylvania's distinguished and true sons of light answered the call of the Supreme Grand Master, M.'.W.-. J.\MES M . PORTER, Past Grand Master. A beautiful and merited memorial was prepared and presented by Past Grand Master RiCiiAKD VAUX and adopted by the Grand Lodge. At the Annual Communication, held December 27, 1879, Grand Master M I C H A E L NESDIT delivered a good, practical business Address, such as ever comes fi-om the Chief Officers of that grand old Jurisdiction, full of wise suggestions for the consideration of the Grand Lodge. During the year he visited eighty-one Lodges. He thinks the importance of these visitations can not be over-estimated, and says: , Deeply interested as we are in everything that will tend to promote the prosperity of the Craft, our own inclinations have, as strongly prompted us to this service, as our sense of the duty we owe to it, and our only regret is, that we were unable to increase the number of. these visits. That they have aroused a spirit of improvement is evident from the number who have availed themselves of our offer, and sought the proper instruction. The Report on Correspondence was again presented by Bro. RICHARD VAU.^, who never fails to make these commentaries instructive and valuable. He comes to the front and manfully defends the old and well-established doctrine of supreme authority; I t has become a landmark in American Grand Lodges that the sovereign, the supreme power vested in each Grand Lodge, within its boundariesi is not only indisputable, but inviolable by any Masonic body. This is nnw the Masonic law of these Grand Lodges. It is a law of Freemasonry in the United States. These Grand Lodges intend to maintain and defend it against all attacks. Whatever the consequences may he to those who openly or invidiously assail this doctrinej the American Grand bodges will iii

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neither jot nor title abate the bold, open, defiant defence of'their supreme sovereignty. This is right. The fraternal relations between Grand Lodges can only be secured by the unqualified acceptance of this Masonic law " a s ' a rule of action" commanding obedience. It woiild be useless to give examples of the evils, mischiefs, disturbances, discord and disruptions of harmonious accord between Grand Lodges, unless this Masonic -law is inviolate. It is not now to be considered.what are Grand Lodges of the Craft, or when and hovy they acquired supreme sovereignty. They possess it, and claim the i-ight to execute the law they assert, created it. It may have been the law of necessity, of geographical location, of devotion to the essential principles of Ancient Freemasonry, of order, harmony and fraternity, of the permanenceof fraternal relations, or any other sufficient, paramoun^t, or controlling reason—that matters now nothing. This law exists. This law has been recognized. This law has been accepted. All- the Grand Lodges of the United States of America obey its intent and purpose. Todisregard it because it may have grown out of either or all these reasons which may not be considered by some Grand Lodges of the Craft in other' parts of the world as conclusive of its Masonic origin, an origin recognized as^belonging to the teachings or usages of-what is sometimes claimed to be and called "universal" Freemasonry, will not be permitted' to those protesting Grand Bodies. This law we acknowledge. This law we obey. This law is a rule for our action. No Grand I^odge in the United States claims the right, however it may be justified by the supposed.rule of universal ' Freemasonry, to violate the jurisdiction of any, of even these protesting Grand Bodies. No one would attempt to charter Subordinate Lodges within the boundaries .of those protesting bodies. The self-denial of this right by our Grand Lodges, their determined opposition to its exercise by any Grand Lodge within the Jurisdiction of either of our Grand Lodges in the United States, destroys even the semblance of the rule of universality on which the Masonic jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge is invaded. The theory that the universality of Freemasonry carries with it the right of a Grand Lodge to establish its Lodge anywhere, is limited to territory over which no soverign Masonic authority exists. Else the effort to maintain the theory of the universality of Masonry would destroy it. When in.such territory, Lodges by whomsoever of the Craft constituted, ajree to create a supreme sovereign Masonic authority, and 'it is set up, duly and lawfully, and is recognized as a creation of Masonic power by competent Masonic authority, then it is supreme and sovereign. Then it has all the functions and capacities of sovereignty. Possessing these,'it must exercise them. The first duty enjoined on such a Grand Lodge is to require obedience from all .Subordinate Lodges within its jurisdiction. This it must enforce. It would not be perfect in all its parts if it permitted its power to be questioned or defied by Lodges in the territory over which it declared itself supreme. . Subordinate Lodges owning allegiance to the body that constituted them were only constituted because they acknowledged allegiance to a superior Masonic power. Then there was no other superior to which they could render homage but that which presented them their charters. It w a s ' their allegiance to the highest Masonic authority they could recognize-;-it was their creator. Now a sovereign Masonic authority exists in the territory where these Subordinate Lodges were located. The conflict which is created by such .Subordinates continuing their allegiance to a body that has no existence as a Masonic aiithority in that territory, where a sovereign Grand Lodge does exist, would destroy all idea of supreme and subordinate characteristics and relations. It would make Masonic chaos. It would, if permitted, destroy Masonic harmony, and totally wipe out this " universality, of Freemasonry,"

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that is relied on for its justification. But the time for this line of argument has gone by in the United States. T h e American Grand Lodges will not tolerate or permit any such violations of their Masonic sovereign supreme authority. This ends all argument. It would be wiser, therefore, for those" Grand Lodges outside of the United States to try'and understand the spirit which actuates the Grand Lodges in the United States in their determined denial of the right to violate their supreme authority. We assert, we think, the universal determination of the American Grand Lodges to resist each, every, and all efforts to set up Lodges of the Craft within their jurisdiction by any authority other than their own. The good brother further says: When a territory is open to the s e t t l e m e n t b y competent Masonic power of Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons, no one Grand Lodge has exclusive, prior, or pre-emption rights. When three or more Lodges so constituted, and located in this territory, agree to form a Grand Lodge, with notice to all,.and such Grand Lodge is lawfully and duly set up, and recognized as such Grand Lodge, she then becomes supreme and sovereign. To her attaches the sovereignty which duly warranted and lawfully constituted and located the Subordinate Lodges before she was set up. It is then the duty, Masonic duty, the obedience to the law of Masonry, which is its own law, for each of .the Lodges within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge to surrender their original charters to the power which granted them, and accept charters from the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction, and become faithful devoted children of the Masonic Mother'. It may be said that there is no analogy for such a course in universal Masonry in the affairs of the profane world. T h a t " universal Masonry" contains within its theoretic doctrine the very certain incident of its destruction we can not admit. That is preposterous either in theory or practice, for the practical attempt to carry it out would produce fractions of this universal rule, if it was ever either a theory or a rule, which we deny. The experience in Masonry, the traditions of centuries, the very principle of obedience, the subordination to ancient methods of procedure, the causes which have made Masonry a law unto itself, are unanswerable reasons why this new interpretation of an unrecognized theory was never formulated into even a precept. The principle of Masonic law we have thus enunciated, as governing the Masonic relations between Grand Lodge and the Craft, are applied to all cases in which it is violated. We most heartily endorse the views of Masonic law so well and logically enunciated by the able Pennsylvania Committee, and we here fraternally inquire of our good brethren how and why it is' that after they have so ably anil faithfully expounded the law in relation to jurisdictional rights, they could consistently refuse to lend a helping hand or a word of encouragement to the Grand Lodges of Dakota and New Mexico; while in their struggle for the enjoyment of the very same rights and Grand Lodge privileges laid down by the Committee. Was it simply because one or two Lodges refuse to give in their adhesion to the legally constituted authority ? The Dakota-Minnesota matter is already a thing of the past," as we with pleasure noted in reviewing Dakota, but there is still one case remaining and there is a principle involved in the controversy. Why not boldly apply the principle? We have an earnest desire to get at the truth, and we sincerely hope the able Chairman of the Committee will give this'case further attention, and, if possible, favor us with more light.

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Under Illinois he says: And we endorse cordially the expressions he makes as to ethical Masonry; but we are not prepared to admit that virtue even can make possible the brotherhood of man, though it may aid the unregenerate heart in aspiring to the fatherhood of GOD. Without maintaining or rejecting the idea of our Most Worshipful Brother as to virtue and the brotherhood of man, we think the antecedent inquiries as to what is "virtue," and what is the "brotherhood of m a n " must be first determined. If we are to accept ARISTOTLE'S view of " v i r t u e , " and admit that it meanswhat he intended to convey by the term, then we are to ascertain what " b r o t h e r h o o d " means. The broad signification of " b r o t h e r h o o d " we do not accept, as including all mankind, because there are a proportion, of. what are called human beings that can never be comprised in this "brotherhood," so that the term itself loses its significance. The true "brotherhood of m a n " comprises, then, the lesser number of human beings, and must necessarily exclude that other portion from what is called the " brotherhood." We do not intend to say this is Most Worshipful Brother GURNEY'S view; we prefer to interpret his words thus: That the Masonic virtues can only make possible a true fraternity of men who adoringly worship GOD the Father, which'empatically defines who are Freemasons, whatever other sorts and conditions of men it may describe. He thinks our Reports are too elaborate and partake too much of the nature of a yearly historic review of the condition of the Craft in our respective Grand Lodge Jurisdictions instead of a concise review of important subjects found in the printed Transactions of the Grand Lodges, and says: It may be but a matter of opinion, or taste, but we rather prefer the brief treatment of the matter t h a t we notice in the several Proceedings of other Grand Lodges with which we are in Masonic harmony, and fraternity. AU'that these reviews really effect is the acknowledgment of these relations, and a care that nothing takes place in Grand Lodge which might have an injurious eff'ect on the Craft, without a suitable notice of either warning, counsel or condenination. To establish a uniformity of opinion and action of all our Sister Grand Lodges on questions of vital Masonic principles ; to guard against ill-advised action on less important subjects, which by precedent or example might be unfortunate in their effects on other Grand Lodges, are probably the most that these reports from Committees of Foreign Correspondence can make valuable. This is our purpose. We try to reach it in the most fraternal spirit, not claiming tlie right either to dictate or to censure, but only to present our own views on questions, "when they arise,-.ind with our greetings to our Sister Grand Lodges, in the bonds of Masonic faith and practice. We seek to maintain the most harmonious relations with Grand Lodges, to defend true Masonic principles, to aid in the dissemination of true Masonic knowledge, to refuse recognition to Bodies we think have neither gained nor deserved it, to protect our own Grand Lodge from the disturbing influences which may approach our "outer door," and if no precautions are taken, try to enter, these are among the duties we regard as primary and most important for us to discharge. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected.'

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PRINCE E D W A R D S ISLAND.

1879.

The Proceedings of this young Grand Lodge have been very irregular in their annual visits, one or two volumes we have never received, and have been compelled to garble (or gobble) the best we could from the Proceedings of other Grand Lodges more favored than ourselves. The lines now seem to be up and working, and we hope they will so continue. This Grand Lodge, like all others in the British American Provinces, meets several times during the year. At a Communication held June, 1878, one Charter was granted to a new Lodge. At the Special Communication held June, 1879, t""' little business was transacted apart from the notice and acceptance of the recognition of the Grand Lodge of England, and also that of Scotland, subject to certain restrictions, a conditional honor which \y&^ gracefully declined. They are entilled to the grateful thanks of the entire Fraternity this side of the water for their defense of the doctrine of supreme authority over the territory embraced within their borders. We think it is fair to presume that our good brethren of the Island will be able to till their Masonic field without the aid or recognition of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. At the Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge ten Lodges were represented and the usual local business transacted. Peace and harmony appear to have characterized their meeting. VVe find nothing of special interest to n o t e ; no Report on Correspondence was presented, but a very full and complete digest of decisions, taken from the various Proceedings, was given in its stead, and reflects credit on the'compiler. M.-. W.'. Bro. JOHN Y,EO, notwithstanding his declination, was again elected Grand Master; and R.-.W.-. ,GEO. W . VVAKEFOXD, Grand .Secretary. PRINCE EDWARDS ISLAND.

1S80.

A small, neat pamphlet of one hundred and forty-seven pages contains the Proceedings of this Grand Lodge at its fiftif Annual Communication, as well as a Serai-Annual Communication and the meeting of the Board of General Purposes. The transactions were of little interest, except to the Masons of the Island. The business done related chiefly to the finances, which, we are pleased to note, are in good condition. The Annual Communication was held June 24, . 18S0; one Charier granted to a new Lodge. The Jurisdiction is small, and of necessity but few Lodges will be organized on the Island. The Annual Address of Grand Master Y E O is a short business paper, giving a brief account of the business and other transactions of the Grand Lodge, from which we clip the following words of encouragement: 1 feel that at this time it is necessary that an extra, exertion should be made by those who have the good of Masonry at heart, as I am under the

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impression that there is a lukewarmness and apathy existing amongst us, which must be overcome if we wish our Institution to flourish. Our Jurisdiction is limited in extent with few Lodges, and the membership necessarily small; therefore the greater reason that harmony and unanimity should prevail and that all should give a helping hand. Our By-Laws provide for the appointment by the Grand Master of competent brethren to visit-the different Lodges, and though I would gladly visit all personally, I find that my business and" other engagemants will not permit me to do that which I would like, and, to conform lo the Constitution as nearly as possible, I have, during the past year, commissioned a number of the members of the Grand Lodge to visit the Subordinate Lodges as ray representatives, and have requested them to furnish to the Grand Lodge at this Annual Communication a report in writing of their doings, and trust' that all have attended to their duty, as I am of opinion that the Lodges sho'uld be visited by the Grand Master or other officer or member of the Grand Lodge at least once a year. An exchange of Grand Representatives was made with eight other Grand Lodges. Two decisions rendered; both approved. Mention was made of the death of Grand Master BULLOCK, of Connecticut, and of Grand Treasurer O. H. MINER, of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. The question of non-payment of dues agitates the Craft on this northern Island; we quote from the report of the Committee: We concur in the expressions of regret in regard to suspensions, and "trust this Grand Lodge will take some decided action concerning suspension for non-payment of dues; whilst we recognize the necessity of inflicting this penalty for misdeeds and violations of Masonic rules, we can not but deprecate the indiscriminate use of it to compel payment of dues, and in many cases, too, where the brother is unable to pay. We- are glad to learn that the differences which existed in the' Jurisdictions of Manitoba and Cuba have been satisfactorily settled,.and that'peace and good will now prevail among the brethren in those countries. From this we are led to believe that the Grand Lodge is not disposed to favor the practice of some of our Grand Lodges and compel Subordinates to suspend their members when they fail to pay the yearly stipend. No Report on Correspondence presented. M.-. W.-. JOHN Y E O , Charlottetown, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. G. W. WAKEFORU, Charlottetown, Grand Secretary. QUEBEC.

1879.

The attendance of members at this Annual Communication was good, and much interest was manifested in the business transacted; forty-nine Lodges represented, Indian Territory and New Mexico both recognized and the usual Masonic greeting extended. The Annual Address of Grand Master T A I T is brief and to the point. General harmony and good feeling held sway, the only exception being in regard to the mixed and unsatisfactory state of their relations to England and Scotland, which remain substantially the same as last year. One of the English Lodges has joined fortunes with the Grand Lodge of QuebeCj thus leaving out two English

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and three Scotch Lodges which remain in opposition to the Grand Lodge of the .Province. The question has been so thoroughly discussed in all its length and breadth by the savans of Masonry, not only in this country, but all over the, world, wherever Masonic authority is set up and recognized, that we feel that further discussion and argument would be idle, and unlikely to elicit any new points that would at nil aid the contending parties in coming to a speedy and satisfactory adjustment of their unfortunate difficulty. We notice that our brethren in the Can.idlan Provinces have, like many of us on this side of the lih'e, engaged in the scheme of consolidating their Lodges where they seem to be " t o o thick to thrive." This is better than to let them sicken and die. The District Deputies made reports which are always interesting, be- • cause they show the condition of the Order from the nearest stand point. The generally favorable picture presented in these Reports and the financial statements of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary are very pleasing. Our Canadian brethren seem very tenacious to their ideas in regard to wearing of Masonic clothing, especially with Grand Officers when appearing in Lodge, either officially or otherwise. T h e question arose in one of the Districts, whether a District Deputy could exercise the functions of his office without being clothed in the prescribed regalia of his rank. The Grand Master decided that he could do so. _ We think the Grand Master's decision eminently correct, and it would probably have been so accepted but for a little newspaper scribbling done by a good, brother who is, no doubt, tenacious of t h e regalia mania. H e ( t h e brother) holds th.nt the rank and powers of the Grand Officers amount to nothing unless their persons be clothed in the regalia which happens to be de regie, and, expressing himself in regard to the District Deputy Grand Masters, claims that in case of their appearance in Lodge without the prescribed regimental.s, the brethren need not pay any attention to them or recognize the authority of • their commands. From which we infer that the power and authority of the Canadian officials is, Sampson-like, located in their respective ornamental appendages. When W A N T E E VAN TWILLER, first Dutch Governor of New York, held sway, he was wont, on sending a Constable out to make an arrest or serve a summons, to send along his yvell-known and ponderous jacknife, for a warrant. On the same principle, which we commend to the attehtion of the good brother, a Grand Officer in Quebec, if'unable to attend a iiieeting, could send his regalia and thus hold sway by proxy. We believe Mr. GESSLER did something in this line in the early days of Swiss history, which led to a personal difficulty between him and Mr. W. T E L L . It would be shocking if the Grand Master were to perform any official act while not incased in all the appendages of his official r a n k ; such an act; under the above view, must of necessity be null and void. T h e knottiesfquestion would be to prove whether that high Official was, or was not, clad in the proper regalia of his office at the moment when he penned the order that

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arrested the jewel of Worthy Bro. J O H N SMITH. If he were, at that time, in slippers and shirt sleeves, enjoying his citium cttju dig, and transacting a little business, at once, then Bro. J. S. could appeal, and—O, horrors! behold another source of infinite agony to the Woathy Committee on Grievances! What has the Craft done to that Canadian brother that he should afflict them thus? Regalia may be very pretty to look at and wear, but it certainly carries little weight of authority with it. We clip the following from the Report of the Board of General Purposes, showing the rise and progress of Freemasonry in Quebec and its present condition : The number of initiations during this period has been 2390, and of joining members 539; to these must be added 654 members of Lodges, which at first adhered to the Grand Lodge of Canada, thus showing a total increaseof 3583 on i;he other hand we have lost by the hand of death 196 brethren, 1221 have withdrawn; and 666 have been suspended, a total loss, after deducting 86 restorations, of 1997. The total increase has therefore been 1586. The Board regret to note that of the initiated 309, or about 13 per cent, have failed to prosecute their search into the hidden mysteries of our Order with sufficient zeal to entitle them to pass wilihin the portals of the inner chamber; while even of those who obtained the second degree about 10 per cent, failed to obtain the ^secrets of a Master Mason. This should, we consider, cause our brethren to see to it, that more discrimination be observed in the acceptance of material, so that none but those really desirous of knowledge and likely to prove master-workmen, be associated with them in the great work of Masonry. A still greater cause of regret is to be found in the fact that so few of those who have been suspended have sought to be re-instated in their Masonic standing; this is by no means creditable to the Craft, inasmuch as most of these suspensions have been the penalty of the failure of brethren to pay th'eir accustomed dues, and especially when we consider that these dues are lighter than in most other Jurisdictions, although from the weakness of our numbers it might reasonably be expected that a more liberal support from each individual would be necessary. Within these'ten years, all differences with the Grand Lodge of Canada', (to whom our organization at the time appeared an act of rebellion) have been-happily set at rest; and nearly the whole Masonic world has sustained us in our independent position. There has arisen, it is true, a serious difficulty with the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and we have not yet fully established our relations to the Grand Lodge of England. Time, however, must remove all differences with both these Grand Bodies, and we trust that a continuance in the dignified but unobtrusive conduct which has characterized this Grand Lodge from its inception, will, at no distant day, bring about perfecl peace within our borders. The Reports of the different D. D. G. M's, which have been submitted for our consideration, exhibit on the whole a healthy condition of the Craft. No Report on Correspondence. M.-.W.-. J O H N H . GRAHAM, Richmond, Grand Master; R.-,W.-. J O H N H. ISAACSON, Montreal, Grand Secretary.

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Proceedings of (lie QUEBEC.

February,

iSSo.

We have the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Quebec for iSSo, being their eleventh Annual Communication, held September 22. There was a large attendance of Grand and Past Grand Officers, forty-seven I^odges represented and the usual amount of lousiness transacted. After the Grand Lodge was opened the Grand Chaplain, by invitation, delivered a brief address, from which we extract the following very sensible paragraphs: Not for a moment would we undervalue the importance of those matters of detail in organization'and administration which are so necessary to the efficient and harmonious working of the Institution to which we belong; but we must never allow ourselves to forget the grand object for which we are organized and the noble purposes which as Masons we are called upon to"keep in view. All our deliberations will amount to little unless they are subordinated to the great ends which form the only excuse for our existence as a society. We must remember t h a t , w e do not exist simply for the purpose of increasing our membership and of collecting fees and disbursing them for current expenses, nor even for social intercourse alone. These are i5nly means to an end, and that end is ever the promotion *of uprightness in the individual, and of cliarity and brotherly love between the various members of the Fraternity. We are seeking to erect a noble temple of righteousness and love, which shall be vast enough to embrace within its spacious courts all right-minded men, and ultimately, if possible, the whole human • race itself. All else is but the scaffolding—useful enough in its way and place—but temporary and destined for removal as soon as the edifice shall be complete. May the great and wise Master Builder further this good work, and may all Masons be fellow-workers with Him in hastening it to a completion. • T h e importance of these general aims of Freemasonry has, however, been frequently brought before the notice of'this Grand Lodge, and it is to be hoped not altogether without result. I desire, therefore, at this time to call attention more especially to what may be regarded as our great guide •and instructor in the promotion of uprightness and charity—the volume of the Sacred Law—which, in the technical language of the Craft, is known as the first great light in Masonry. The place.which the volume of the Sacred Law holds in our system is a very prominent and important one; it lies open upon.the altar of every Lodge, and without its presence no proper Lodge of Masons can be held at all. It is the first object which meets the gaze of every newly enlightened neophyte. In so far as the ritual is historical at ajl, the materials are drawn from its pages. The precepts which Masonry lays down for the guidance of its members are, without exception, those which find sanction in its principles, and are often in its" very words. Every candidate initiated into the.Fraternity is recommended to study it, being solemnly charged at the same time to regard it as the unerring standard of truth and justice, and to regulate his actions by the divine precepts which it contains. So prominent indeed is the place it receives that it could not well be placed higher without making Freemasonry a distinctively religious institution—a character which it prefers to avoid for good and sufficient reasons. T h e Annual Address of Grand Master J O H N H . GRAHAM is an able and well-prepared resume of business and other matters of importance. He speaks encouragingly of the condition of the Craft within that Jurisdiction, and the friendly and fraternal relations which now exist between the Grand L o d g e o f Quebec and other Masonic Bodies, with the exception of England and Scotland. He speaks in commendatory terms of the District Deputies

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and the good work they are now performing! in their respective Districts. Of the District meetings he says : As you are aware, a " n e w departure" was taken by me the past year, in holding meetings of the officers and members also of the several Lodges in each of the five Districts of the Province. In conducting these meetings I was ably assisted the D. D. G. M.'s and other Grand and Past Grand Officers; by the officers of the .respective Lodges, and by visiting and other brethren. To all such I beg to return my especial thanks, as also for the many fraternal courtesies extended to me in connection with their assemblies. Among the objects sought to be attained was the communication of important information concerning the Craft; the awakening of a greater interest and zeal; the improvement of work and governance, and the becoming better and mo.re intimately acquainted with the rulers and members of the Fraternity throughout our Jurisdiction. Here is a "new departure" worthy of imitation. He makes the following excellent suggestions in relation to the manner of perfecting the officers in the work: In very many instances there is yet doubtless very great room for improvement. There is far too little of that generous, fraternal rivalry of who can best work. The Worshipful Masters and their officers should, during their term of office, seek to make their Lodge the best worked Lodge in their District, or even in the Province. This is a noble ambition, and is worthy of the best Masons in our Jurisdiction. It is, moreover, intended the coming year to have the officers of such first-class working Lodges exemplify the work, or a part,of it, before their respective District Assemblies, and perhaps before the Grand Lodge. A Lodge reputed to be the best, or among the best working Lodges in the District or Province, would not long have to complain of non-attendance, .either of its own members, or of visitors both from home and abroad. That brother is to be viewed with compassion who speaks disparagingly of excellence in ritualism. Of course, to be perfect, or nearly so, in ritual, is to be in possession of one only of the prime qualifications of a thoroughly educated Master of a Lodge or other officer; but it is one of the most importantj when other requisite qualifications are added thereto. Strive earnestly, therefore, and labor zealously to attain perfectness in work, as well as to acquire all the other necessary attributes of a "perfect Master" or a "model officer" in your respective rank. Rivalry of this kind will do in Masonry as well as in secular affairs. A generous emulation in the fulfilment of duty is one of the most hopeful signs for any institution. The Grand Master favors a plan of " Masonic Life Insurance," to be basedon the mutual plan, without any financial connection with the Grand Lodge. This is another bite for Bro. DRIIMMOND, of Maine. He condemns the many uncomfortable and ill-ventilated Lodge rooms. This evil can not be too often and too strongly condemned, and some means should be found to prevent members of Lodges from poisoning themselves by degrees in this way. His remarks are worth reading by our brethren : Not a few Lodges are often, in a double sense, unconciously the victims of incipient or advanced consumption in,great part from the somnific a n d even deadly efifects of breathing, in their otherwise splendid halls, overheated, foul, fetid and poisonous air. This is the case not only in the sweltering heat of midsummer, but oftentimes as bad or worse in midwinter.

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_

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Let there, I beseech you, be at once p u t into all such badly ventilated rooms and halls a sufficient number of good-sized outlets, running from the ceiling up through the roof into the open air and well protected above from the storm, and have a corresponding or sufficient number of inlets for fresh air beneath, so that there will be a constant, but well regulated, circulation of the pure fresh air of heaven throughout the Lodge room, carrying up and out that which has become vitiated and wholly unfit to breathe. This done, what a change for the better among officers and workmen. Comfort and cheerfulness would take the place of supreme' discomfort and languor, and other things being equal, drowsiness and somnolence amongst the occupants of the cushioned seats would be among the things that were. I beg of you, therefore, officers and brethren, to see to it that your Lodge rooms are well ventilated. I speak of this important matter from personal experience and observation. The following bit of history will be read with pleasure by many: By the favor of the Deputy Grand Master, I was recently enabled to forward to R.-.W.-. IJro. W. J. H U G H A N , of Truro, who is one of the learned historians and antiquaries of the Grand Lodge of England, and of worldwide repute as a Masonic writer, a copy of the Warrant of Albion Lodge, Quebe*c, No. 2, on our Registry, and also a sketch of their centenary medal, and a copy of the authorization from the Grand/Lodge of England for Albion to use the same, the receipt of which has been gratefully and fraternally acknowledged by Bro. HUGHAW.

Albion was originally a military Lodge, attached to the Fourth Battalion, Royal Artillery. Its Warrant was of date December, 1761; at first No. 9, but after the union No. 17 on the Registry of the United Grand Lodge of England. The present Warrant is a duplicate, of date London, January. 27, 1829—the JDuke of Sussex, Grand Master; Lord DUNDAS, Deputy Grand Master, and W. H. W H I T E and EDWARD HARPER, Grand Secretaries. Since the latter date Albion has been permanently located in the City of Quebec as a civil Lodge. Through the a.ssistance of leading brethren in Quebec, it is anticipated that the original Warrant of Albion .Lodge, and other valuable papers and documents relating to it and other Lodges, as \yell as to the earliest Provincial Grand Lodges, may yet be obtained. In Bro. HI;GHAN'S Numerical and Numismatical Register of English Lodges, in a list of twenty-seven ancient Lodges under the heading, "Special Centenary Jewels," second on the list is the following record : " 17, Albion Lodge, Quebec (now under the Grand Lodge of Quebec)," and it is the only one in the list under the jurisdiction of a Sovereign Grand Lodge other than that of England. . In the " E a r l y Records of the Grand Lodge of,Vermont" I find that Dorchester Lodge, Vergennes, Vt., now No. i on the Registry of that flourishing sister Grand Body, and the third Lodge established within the limits of the Green Mountain State, was chartered by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Quebec in 1791. The intimate friendly relations of that Grand Body to this are not, therefore, so much to be wondered at, since the Premier Lodge on her Registry hails from Quebec as its chartered birth-place. Such and such like historical facts forcibly remind us that had the Lodges and brethren of this Province been, at an early day, true to themselves and to their bounden duties, the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Quebec, instead of having just passed the tenth year of its existence, might soon have been celebrating its hundredth anniversary, as one of the oldest Grand Lodges on the Continent of America, outrivaling in age the United Grand Lodge of England itself, and having a long record in imitation of her noble deeds of charity and Masonic beneficence, and having exercised its legiti-

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mate influence as a Grand Body, through these past generations, in moulding the intellectual, social and moral destiny of our people. But thus generally has it ever been with unorganized "colonial" Freemasonry. Its career hasj in great part, been checquered, incohesive, uncontinuous^-by far too dependent, dissevered, and consequently unproductive of good, as compared with the renowned sources whence it sprung. Witness the wondrous Masonic progress in the United States of America, in our own country, and in other lands, east and west, as a consequent chiefly of the formation of separate and independent Grand Lodges, holding and exercising exclusive and'undivided sovereign, territorial jurisdiction, as compared with the state of the Craft in most of the "colonial" Masonic dependencies; and is it not a fact that since the formation, a quarter of a century ago, of the Canadian Mother Grand Lodge ( now tie facto and de jure " O n t a r i o " ) , that more has been accomplished by her for the cause of Masonry during the short period of her independent, sovereign existence 'than had been done by the whole of dependent "Colonial Masonry" in all of Bristish North America for the past hundred years; and are not all the other Sovereign Grand Lodges of the Dominion commencing upon a like prosperovts career? and is it not far more in accordance, with the genius, the traditions and the constitutions of Freemasonry; and far better from every possible point of view (except the mercenary one of a few pounds, shillings and pence coming annually into the treasury) for the British Mother Grand Lodges to have (instead of what has generally prevailed "colonially" and to a feeble extent still exists) a world-encircling aggregation of independent Sovereign Grand Bodies like themselves, connected with these mother Grand Lodges in a perpetual alliance of fraternal amity? The following shows the status of the Anglo-Scotch controversy: My official and other correspondence in relation to Quebec-English and Quebec-Scottish affairs has been very extensive and various. My policy and proceedure, as well as my principal foreign communications, have generally' been submitted in advance to my principal fellow-officers in Grand Lodge, and they have in .every instance, I-believe, given their hearty, fraternal approval thereof. In all that I have done thus far in regard to the adjustment of interjurisdictional matters between us and these Grand Lodges of Great Britain, r have sincerely sought to obtain peace, harmony and unity peacefully and with honor, and, as I said in another place a year ago, " 1 have too firm a faith in the intelligence and fraternal prudence and good will of these brethren now. in dissent here, and in the wisdom and ability of the rulers and fathers of the Craft in the mother-land, to have'any present doubts as to the ultimate result. I trust, therefore, at no distant day, to be able to communicate •*• * " ••" the consummation so devoutly to be desired.". The correspondence and events of the intervening months have served measurably to strengthen the then expectations; but should it be that these seemingly well-grounded anticipations of a peaceful, honorable and constitutional adjustment of these unhappy international differences be not soon realized,-the Gr.and Lodge of Quebec will be fully prepared for any other contingency which may unhappily arise; and in case it is unfortunately required (which we fervently trust may not be), there will be in readiness to submit, for the approval of the Grand Lodge, at an Emergent Communication, if need be, such a course of action as, I believe, will be strictly warranted,by the constitutions and ancient practice of the Fraternity; and will, in my opinion, be generally sanctioned and sustained by the Craft, as " Q u e bec" has hitherto been by nearly all the regular sister Grand Lodges of the world. "^

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February,

We have not by any means, as some brethren timidly suppose, exhausted all the constitutional measures at our command, in defense of the exclusive undivided sovereignty of the Grand Lodge of Quebec, and of the numerous sister Grand Lodges in fraternal accord and alliance with her, and whose international sovereign rights and prerogatives we are bound to sustain and defend as sacredly as our own. But, as the correspondence relating to these international matters of imminent importance is still being carried on, and is therefore necessarily incomplete, and as events of more or less importance are now transpiring', which to a greater or less extent, may materially affect the final adjustment of these inter-jurisdictional matters as well as affect the peace, unity and welfare of the Craft both at home and abroad, I do not deem it wise or prudent to submit the correspondence to the Gran^ Lodge at its present Communication, and I therefore beg most respectfully to suggest the sanctioning by the Grand Lodge of a course similar tO'that occasionally pursued in Parliament, when a motion is made asking for the production by the Govern-' ment of papers relating to important pending negotiations and transpiring events, the Premier in reply thereto feels justified in affirming that the interests of the State would not be subserved by the production of said papers and correspondence at the present time, biit that they will be submitted in • full to the Mouse on some future day, and in general,'every well-disposed, member on either side readily acquiesces in the decision of the Government, as announced by its chief. I iherefore fraternally request the Grand Lodge to exercise and extend a like confidence, and for the reasons assigned and for others which must be quite obvious, to acquiesce in the above proposal, the more especially as at no very distant day the whole of the correspondence will be submitted to the Grand Lodge, and, if deemed best, published in full in our Proceedings; and hence I now submit to the Grand Lodge the advisability of re-aflirming the resolution of last year, leaving the whole matterjOf our inter-jurisdictional and other relations to these and other Grand Lodges in the hands of the Grand Master/or the coming year, or until the holding of an Emergent Communication of the Grand Lodge, should such be deemed necessary or advisable. We certainly think our good brethren of Quebec are entitled to all credit for the dignified and fraternal manner in which they have, from the" very outset, been disposed to treat this unfortunate affair. T h e Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, by their Reports, show the finances of the Grand Lodge to be in a reasonably good condition. A highly interesting relic was presented to the Grand Lodge, being the original Warrant granted to Albion Lodge No. 2 (one of the Subordinates), dated June I2th, A. D., 1752, and renewed Deceinber 20th,. 1787. This Lodge has existed for a period over 128 years. The brethren of Albion Lodge are proud, as they have, indeed, the right to be, of their record, and for this fact, at the next Annual Communication, an effort will be made to permit the officers and members of this Lodge in the future to wear gold instead of silver upon their jewels anfl aprons. T h e business transacted is of local interest only, save in regard to the Anglo-Scotch affair.s, which seems to be eti roult to a final, and we hope, satisfactory adjustment. Committees have been appointed on both sides, and they have the matter in hand. M.-._W.-.^J. A'. GRAHAM, Richmond, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. JOHN H . ISAACSON, Montreal, Grand Secretary:

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Grand Lodge of Kansas. RHODE ISLAND.

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1879.

The first thing that strikes the eye on opening these Proceedings is an elegant steel engraved portrait of Past Grand Master WILLIAM F I E L D . We also find the revised Constitution, Standing Regulations and the decision rendered by the Grand Masters. Several Special Communications were held, for the purpose of constituting Lodges and the dedication of a hall, for action upon the revised Constitution and By-Laws and other business. The Eighty-ninth Annual Communication was held in Masonic Hall, May ig, 1879. Grand Master CHARI.KS R . CUTLER delivered a brief address confined to local matters. The per capita tax was increased to thirty cents. We apprehend it will yet have to go to fifty; probably the sooner it is fixed at. that amount the better it will be. Peace and harmony prevails, and the Craft seems to be moving on in their accustomed quiet, effective and unostentatious way, not running after new things nor imitating anyone. The Committee on Correspondence presented a brief Report, only recommending the recognition of the Grand Lodges of New Mexico a n d , the Indian Territory. No action had on the Colon-Cuba case nor New South Wales. Our Rhode Island brethren usually make haste slowly, and, on the whole, it is the safest plan. In regard to the Quebec-Scotland disagreement, they take about the same ground as the majority of other American Grand Lodges, and condemn the position of Scotland in the matter. Our good Bro. H E N R Y W.. RUGG, on behalf of Bro. R. H. TULBY, pre-

sented to the Grand Lodge a gavel made of hard wood'and said to be ornamented with bits of wood from the coffin of our illustrious brother and ex-Presi;lent, General GEORGE WASHINGTON. We would like to know how they got those " trimmings ".from the grave of our pater patriae. Grand Master CUTLER dispensed with the provisions of the Constitution in reference to granting special Dispensations in two cases. T h e Committee to whom this question was referred submitted an able Report, from which we extract the following : Your Committee acknowledge the power existing in the Grand Master of Masons in this Jurisdiction to issue such a Dispensation, but inasmuch as the law of Masonry provides for filling such a vacancy by succession, your Committee suggests that the exercise of the power of Dispensation in such cases should only be used as in this instance after mature deliberation. The second matter is that of issuing a Dispensation for the formation of 'a Lodge without a fee therefor. This presents a question of great importance to Grand Lodge and one brought to its notice for the first time in its history so far as is believed. It i.s the understood law of the Jurisdiction that the Grand Master may dispense with any provision of the Grand Constitution at his pleasure, except that fixing the hour of the election of a Grand Master of Masons, b u t at the same time it is also understood that there are certain provisions

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which should not be dispensed with, and in this class is that provision requiring the payment of a fee for the issuing of a Dispensation of the Grand Lodge. T h e principle applies to all the regulations in regard to the formation of Lodges, and these should on no account be subject to change at the pleasure of the Grand Master of Masons, and only after due deliberation of Grand Lodge. .The Committee regret to disapprove of this action of the M.'.W.-. Grand Master in this respect. , When the Grand Master assumes the authority to dispense with or set aside the provisions of the fundamental law, in our opinion, he- travels beyond the line of his official duty. He should ever understand that he is not the law maker; the legislative function belongs only to the Grand L o d g e ; indeed, he is no more above the law, or entitled to neglect or trample upon its smallest provision, than the humblest member of the least among the Subordinate Lodges. I t ; is enough for him to enforce the law faithfully, and thus set before his brethren a good example. \Ve believe in giving the Grand Master all the latitude that the Constitution permits, and no more. If that high functionary has the power, at will and pleasure, to set aside laws that have been enacted by the Grand Lodge, why not pass over the legislative power to him entirely, or let him assume it, and not bother ourselves with the expensive luxury of meeting annually to do what the Grand Master can undo with one stroke of his mighty pen. M.-.W.-. Bro. CUTLER declined a re-election on account of pressure of business cares. . No general Report on Correspondence submitted. M.-.W.-. EDWARD L . FREEMANJ Central Falls, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. E D W I N BAKER, care of H. BAKER & SON, Providence, Grand Secretary. SOUTH CAROLINA.

1879.

T h e Grand Lodge met December 9th and 10th; was opened in AMI'L'E. FORM ; one hundred and fifty-eight Lodges represented ; six Charters granted to new Lodges, two revoked and one surrendered. The G rand Master, AUGUSTINE 1 . SMYTHE, presented a short business address, giving a clear and succinct statement of official matters for the year. We are pleased to note the following in his address : It is pleasant to be able to state that the past year has been one of quietness, and so far as I have been informed, of more than usual harmony. The peacefulness which has prevailed within our borders generally, has been favorable to Masonry, while the abundant harvests with which our people have been blessed, and the prosperity which seems to be dawning brightly on our State, all tend to increase and promote the material and financial interests of the Craft. Let us with zeal and energy make use of these favorable surroundings, to work with renewed heartiness in the cause of Masonry. H e takes concilitory grounds on the Quebec-Scotland troubles, and revokes the commission of their Representative near the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, on account of his participation in the revolt against the regularly constituted Grand Lodge. Some might look upon this as a bringing up with a round turn. It was deserved for disloyalty. We are pleased to note

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his refusal to re-appoint this Representative, notwithstanding that he had been requested by the Grand Master of Manitoba to do so. This is an excellent precedent, and will do to follow hereafter. We are glad Grand Master SMYTHE had the pluck to say, " N o ; thus far thou hast gone, further thou shalt not go." In feeling terms, expressive of regret and sympathy, he refers to the distinguished dead of his own and other Jurisdictions. We give place to the following among his decisions rendered during the year: There is no rule that requires or allows a committee on an application to give reasons for an unfavorable report. An expelled Mason loses all connection with his Lodge, and is no longer a member. To be again admitted, he must petition the Lodge to remove the punishment and readmit him ; which petition must be referred, and upon a favorable report, the ballot must be unanimous as with any other non' affiliated Mason.- This remits the penalty and restores him to good standing. While under sentence he was not a member. He is not, therefore, chargable with arrears during that period, but should pay the fee for affiliation. A Lodge can not, by simple resolution, drop members from the roll for non-payment of dues, but must proceed as in Article 104 of the Constitution. Under this Article there is no necessity for charges to be preferred by the Junior Warden. The notification by the Secretary in writing, setting out the charge and notifying him to appear and show cause as therein required, is a sufficient compliance with Article 138 of the Constitution, Such notice contains the charge against him, and also information of the time and place of the trial. A Mason, a membei- of two Lodges, and whose name is dropped from the roll of one for non-payment of dues, is not thereby affected in his standing in the other Lodge. An unaffiliated Mason is not in good standing, and can not therefore be one of the applicants for a dispensation to open a new Lodge. There is no rule or law in Masonry which, makes it necessary for either brother or Lodge applying for aid, to have the certificate of the Grand Lodge to such application. Once satisfied that the applicant is both worthy and needy, and if there be the ability, the aid should be furnished. In these days, however, of Masonic tramps and Masonic beggars, close scrutiny is necessary. While, therefore, a Grand Lodge certificate is not absolutely essential it certainly gives great weight to have it attached, and its absence necessarily weakens to that extent the force of the application. We do not like to take issue with Grand Master SMYTHE upon so small a matter, but we do not think it the right thing, masonically, to require a restored Mason to pay an affiliation fee; it smacks rather too much of extortion, a thing not permissible in the conduct of Masonic matters. Restoration is, as we understand it, intended as a full and complete pardon, and. should be so considered, and as carrying with it a repossession of all the Masonic rights, benefits and privileges of which he had been deprived by the act of his Lodge. We are opposed to any half-way business; either give all or none at all, and that without fee. The Grand Master very properly, as we think, declined to allow the seal of the Grand Lodge to be used upon applications of Lodges soliciting aid,

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as well outside of their State as inside. Far too much of this has been done already, and it is well that the Grand Master exercises a little caution in such matters. In considering the.Quebec-Scotland affair, the Grand t o d g e took strong ground against Scotch interference. Like the rest of us. South Carolina is troubled as to how to get rid of that class of Masons who fail to get round once a year to square up accounts. ' The following amendment to the By-Laws was offered by Bro. CHAS. INGLESBY, and after some pruning, was laid over under the rule.until the next Annual Communication: Any member of a Lodge being twelve months in arrears, and residing within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, shall be notified by the Secretary that unless within thirty days, or if residing without the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, within sixty days, from the date of the Regular Communication at which such delinquency shall be made known to the Lodge, either his dues be paid, or sickness or inability to pay be shown as the cause of such refusal or neglect, he will be liable to erasure from the roll for nonpayment of dues, and to the penalties of non-affiliation. If neither of the foregoing excuses be made, he.may, at the first Regular ('ommunication • after the expiration of the specified time be declared by the Master to be erased from the roll, unless for special reasons shown, the Lodge shall remit his dues, or grant him further time for payment. But any Mason thus erased from the roll, who shall at any time pay the arrearages due at the time of his erasure from the roll, or who shall have such arrearages remitted by his Lodge, shall be declared by the Master thereof restored-to membership. It seems that the brethren are never unmindful of Masonic duty, nor dispo.sed to ignore true merit when it raises its modest head among them. It became at once their duty and pleasure to acknowledge the long and faithful services rendered by Past Grand Master W I L M O T G . DESAUSSUREas the financial agent of their Grand Body, and they gave such acknowl- • edgement a tangible form by presenting him with a most elegant jewel, as a token of the high estimation in which he is held. T h e Report on Correspondence was again presented by Bro. CHARLES INGLESBY, Grand Secretary. It is well prepared, the selections good, and the comments eminently sound, with only very "semi-occasional" exceptions. We note one: With deference, we fail to be convinced, and it still seems to us that Bro. DRUMMOND misunderstands our position. Let us illustrate. Upon a ballot for a candidate named Mr. Big A, a black-ball is cast. Before the Lodge is closed, a member states to the Worshipful Master, in open Lodge, that he has cast the black-ball, supposing the candidate to be Mr. Little A, an entirely different person. That he has no objections whatever to Mr. . Big A ; in. fact, knows him to be a worthy man, etc., and therefore asks permission to correct his mistake. Now, our position is, that not only can the member make known to the Lodge the fact that he had'cast the blackball under a mistake, but as a man and Mason he is bound to do so. There is no dispute about his having made a mistake, which has inflicted a wrong and a humiliation upon an innocent and worthy man. He does not "think that he knows," but states as an absolute fact, that he had deposited the black-ball by mistake, and desires to remedy the wrong by repairing his mistake. If he did not do this, he would not be half a man or a Mason at all.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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It would be very unsafe to adopt any such rule as that indicated in the foregoing. We have on a "number of occasions known this dodge to be played in order to get another ballot, in the hope of scaring off the one who actually cast the black-ball. We believe in the doctrine enunciated by Bro. DRUMMOND, of M a i n e :

•

'

He thinks that we (unintentionally) misstate his position in relation to correcting an erroneous ballot. We used the word "thinks," but he used the word "knows," and says the questions are very different. We did not write last year precisely what was in our mind. " A s a man thinketh, so is h e ; " when a man thinks he knows any thing, it is, to his mind, absolute knowledge. We have so many times known men to think they knew that a certain state of facts existed, when it did not, that we hold it to be altogether better to wait for a mistake in the ballot to be corrected in a \vay in which there can be no error, rather than risk that a xauw knows a thing, when, in many cases, he can not know it — especially a man who has confessedly made one mistake about the same matter. He thinks his reply to Bro. GURNEY, above quoted, applies in this case. Of the pernicious and devilish practice of cgambling, he says:, In the same spirit he answers the interrogatories as to whether gaming arid keeping dram-shops are moral disqualifications. We concur with him in saying that "these questions might well be referred to each individual Mason to settle in his own mind' when called upon to exercise the ballot." He nevertheless expresses the opinion, and we also concur in that, that a public gambler does not live '"under the tongue of good report," and, therefore, that the Mason who knowingly recommends such an one, ought to be disciplined. With reference to the remaining question as to dram-shop keepers, we would be glad to reproduce his entire answer, but must be content to summarize. It has always appeared to us as passing strange that any Mason could, in the light of the many sublime lessons he has received, so far forget himself as thus to engage in a business which is in open isolation of the laws of his country and of GOD, and yet expect protection. All such men we may safely set down as having gone far down in the scale of human depravity; they only prove their lack of manhood when they dare afterwards to make themselves known as Masons. Too much can not be said against such vile and nefarious pursuits, which rot and ruin the whole social body. For such Masons as follow them we have no use ; let us get them out, and see to it that no more get in. M.-.W.-. AuGli.STiNE T. SMYTHE, Grand-Master, Charleston; R.-. W.-. CHARLES INGLESBY, Grand Secretary, Charleston. TENNESSEE.

1879:

This .well-arranged volume of about two hundred and forty-five pages contains the Reports of the Grand Officers, Proceedings of a Grand Lodge of Sorrow, Report on Correspondence, and a valuable compilation of the decisions of various Grand Masters now in force. , • Three hundred and forty-five Lodges represented; three Dispensations for the formation of new Lodges and seven Charters granted; the work and lectures exeinplified by the Lodges of the City of Nashville. The business transacted .was mainly local in its nature.

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Proceedings of ike

February,

T h e Aniiual Address of Grand Master G E O . C . CONNER is an elaborate official paper, giving a full and complete report of his official acts. H e devotes a considerable portion of his Address to a discussion of the difficulty which arose between his own Grand Lodge and that of Kentucky. Wc have already noticed this affair under the head of Kentucky. Grand Master CONNER presented his side of the case in an elaborate manner, citing the law bearing on the case:' A Lodge has penal jurisdiction of all Masons, whether affiliated or not, residing or sojourning in its territory.' A Lodge does not lose penal jurisdiction over a Mason who commits a crime in its territory when he absconds from the geographical jurisdiction of said Lodge. When a Mason is expelled, after due trial, by any Lodge having penal jurisdiction, he is expelled from all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry. H e is masonically dead, and can be restored to those rights by the Lodge that expelled him, or by a Grand Lodge only. He claims further that the law of Kentucky is substantially the same as that of Tennessee. He says: I believe it to be the duty of this M.-. W.-. Grand Lodge to make an earnest effort to maintain the friendly relations now existing between us and our sister Jurisdiction of Kentucky, and therefore recommend, that a Com- . mission composed of Past Grand Masters be appointed to visit the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, at its next Annual Communication, and lay the whole matter before them in our name as a Grand Lodge and from our standpoint, to the end that uniformity of law may be secured, and that brotherly love and good will may prevail in- the future as it has done in the past. We sincerely hope that a conference will be held, the whole matter satisfactorily arranged and good fellowship once more restored. On the Scotch question the Grand Master is eminently sound, as .we conclude from the following: I am unable to grasp the wisdom in the claim that Americans have nothing to do with the Masonic management of the Brit.ish Dominions. T o . our mind it is clear that the law should be the same in all of North America whether her Majesty, the Queen, or his Excellency, the President, preside over the destinies of its political divisions. As American Freemasons we claim no right—but would promptly repudiate such an assumption—to establish Lodges in the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland wherever that Jurisdiction lawfully exists. Holding that view, this Grand Lodge could not consent, even to an inference from its silence, that Scotland could, by any possibility of circumstances, establish Lodges in the Jurisdiction of a recognized independent Grand Lodge. Tenderly do we prize the friendship of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, whose-Lodges are centers of culture, and civilization wherever established, whose rolls of membership include a multitude of the brightest luminaries of the Masonic firmament, and whose deeds of charity and good works stand among the most brilliant on record; and earnestly do we pray for the return to Old Scotia of that better judgment and more conservative spirit which will restore her to the full confidence of the hearts that can not, even now, • cast her off; nevertheless, in defense of our sovereignty—and our duty leaves us no other alternative—I recommend that this Grand Lodge declare non-intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

191

He utters the following well-chosen words on the Reports on Correspondence: ,Wrapped up in our own conceit, and saturated with the foolish opinion that we already know all that is valuable and improving in Masonry, we may be misled into casting aside so valuable a medium of education; b u t when we open our minds to the doings of our brethren, " wherever dispersed," the flimsy veil of prejudice is torn away, and we hunger and thirst for that Masonic meat and drink of which we have already had but the mere tasting. After a careful inquiry into the workings of this American method of "uniting -the Grand Lodges into one united whole in the pursuit of knowledge," I am convinced that to it, more than to all.other agencies, are we indebted for the general diffusion of information on the subject of Masonic jurisprudence. I might go farther, and say that to these Committees on Correspondence are we chiefly indebted for the elevated standard which Freemasonry has assumed in this great American Republic. If the Masters and Wardens will encourage the careful reading of the Report this year, by every member of their Lodges, they will find their brethren growing into wiser men and better Masons. Speaking of what are and are not Masonic off'enses, he lays down the correct rule in that regard: Lodges should not take cognizance of any breach of contract between Masons where moral turpitude in the offending one is not clearly involved, for Masonry does not assume to adjust mere legal rights. Several instances were brought to my knowledge in which it was sought to punish brethren 'for alleged off^enses which should h'ave come first before the civil courts; and I am satisfied that in every instance the interests of the parties charged were seriously prejudiced, in those courts, by the premature inquiries in the Lodges. If ji brother wrongs or defrauds another, wilfully, let him be punished as our law provides; but let us not rend our Lodges in sunder by trials to enforce the cutting of saw logs, the removal of fence rails, the,delivery of wheat, and such failures of contract, until the civil courts first determine that the failure to fulfill those contracts was with intent to wrong and defraud. Let me not be misunderstood. The same commercial ethics govern our dealings with each other as with profanes. Our Lodges should not suffer themselves to be degraded to collecting agencies, or to tribunals for the settlement of questions growing out of failures of contract. A failure to fulfill a contract may involve fraud, as aforesaid, or it may not. If the specifications of the charges do not set forth fraud, a Lodge is not justified in entertaining the charges at all. It is clearly the duty of the Master, in such an event, to rule the charges out. Nothing can be truer than the following in regard to Lodge ofificers: No Lodge can be genuinely prosperous if its officers are not intelligent, prompt, zealous and conversant with their duties and the usages of the Craft. It is doubtful if all the Lodges agree with me in this opinion, if I am to judge from my official correspondence. It is. clearly the duty of a Lodge to choose for its Master a brother competent as a ruler and ritualist, and a careful student of the law and usages of the Fraternity. Upon his "skill, integrity and prudence" depends the usefulness of his Lodge, and to this end he should in an especial manner study the charges delivered to him at his installation. The Secretary, too, should be fairly educated, prompt and faithful, and thoroughly conversant with his important duties. This Grand Lodge adopted a Constitution in 1822. Article III., Section 3, reads :

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" T h e Grand Secretary must be a brother who can write a fair hand." Every Subordinate Lodge should have a like regulation; otherwise, how can the Lodge records be " a source of pride to the Lodge, and of satisfaction to the Secretary?" No matter how aged or good a brother may be, he is unfit for^Secretary if he can not write his own language correctly. Masonry is making history in Tennessee, and that history should be worthy of our sublimejprinciples, and be correctly and neatly recorded. It would not be a bad idea to read these few words in each Lodge about the time when they are to select officers for the ensuing year. T h e Grand Master complains of the non-attention of the Worshipful Masters of Lodges to letters addressed to them, he having written 305 epistles concerning their condition and prosperity, with a request for a reply. He also complains of the irregular manner in which the secretaries keep their records, often committing to paper such matters as should not be written, reports of Committees on Petitions, favorable or unfavorable, etc., etc. 'He does not seem to favor the idea of joining modern societies, especially when it seems to wean the Mason from his " first love." We agree with him, and take this occasion to remind all who are seeking to add,to the long list of different orders and societies that ours antedates them all and none affords so grand a field for a thinking mind. H e thinks we have too many Lodges; so do we, and so, apparently, do all the Grand Masters, yet they go on establishing new Lodges from year to vear. It might be well to do one of two things, either to stop complaining of there being too many Lodges in existence to prosper and do well, or else stop establishing them. Tennessee, like many others, has for. the last few years had too much per diem and mileage, and it has told seriously upon their treasury, as it will in every case where the income is not immense. The condition of Masonry in Tennessee has much improved in the last, year or two, and we think much credit is due the present Grand Master, Bro. CONNER, for bringing about this favorable result. Bro. GEO. S. BLACKIE reported to the Grand Lodge that the Grand Lodge of Scotland would not retrace her steps, but stand firm in her present position, whereupon the Grand Lodge of Tennessee interdicted all Masonic intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Scotland until that Grand Body shall have made suitable reparation. Bro. BLACKIE seems to blame the Grand Lodge of Quebec, and thinks they have not kept the faith. He says: I think that the Grand Lodge of Quebec acted improperly in insisting on the surrender of the Charters of the English and Scottish Bodies, seeing that she owed her Masonic existence to the very compact by which they were permitted to remain with their parent Grand Lodges. She should not have disturbed the peace of the Masonic world> by raising the question at all; and when she did so, she ought to have resorted to more conciliatory measures, and to have preferred arbitration to war. Quebec's action simply irritated Scotland, and it is possible Scotland is sorry for what she has done, but is not to be bullied out of it. My own opinion is that Scotland owes it to herself and the whole'Masonic Fraternity to act in this matter in the interests of good Masonic government, which can not be advanced by differ-

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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ent and discordant authorities in one Jurisdiction giving opportunity for brethren who may be contumacious to defy the lawful Masonic authority of the country in which they may reside. We think the good brother is mistaken in his views, and that he will find but few to agree with him in his proposition. The Report on Correspondence is the work of Bro. Br.ACKlE. It covers about sixty pages of the Proceedings, taking the form of an interesting restinie of the Proceedings of fifty-four Grand Lodges, Kansas for '878 being among those which passed beneath his scrutiny. His work is so compactly done thatWe can not get a hold for our lever and will have to let it stand till next time. M.-.W.-. WILBUR F . FOSTER, Nashville, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. JOHN FRIZZELL, Nashville, Grand Secretary. TEXAS.

1879.

We have before us the printed Transactions of the Forty-fourth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the " Lone Star" State. The attendance, we note, is small, only about one-half of the Lodges on the rolls represented. Two hundred and ten Lodges represented; one Dispensation granted for the formation of a new Lodge; the Charters of three Lodges restored and nine revoked; a large amount of business transacted, chiefly of a local character. The Annual Address of Grand Master J O H N B . JONES is a resume of official transactions for the year. He announces the death of two distinguished Craftsmen of his own Jurisdiction, Bros. E. H. CUSHING and J. J. MCBRIDE, the former a very able writer, for many years in the front rank as author of Reports on Correspondence. It has been the pleasure of the Chairman of this Committee to read the productions of this able author and to derive therefrom much valuable Masonic information. We shall miss n9ne from our annual feast more than Bro. CUSHING. Thus they go, one by one. Bro. M C B R I D E we knew but little of, but from the Grand Master's Address learn that he occupied many important official positions, among them that of Deputy Grand Master and Grand Lecturer. Of him the Grand Master says: . It has well been said of him that he was "a man distinguished among brave men for courage; among patient men for fortitude; among true men for fidelity; among honest men for singleness of purpose, and simplicity of character; and among patriots for a love of country so beautiful, steadfast and sincere that it seemed to grow brighter and purer in the face of disaster, suffering and death." I knew him intimately, and long and well, and can speak from my own knowledge of the perfections of his Masonic character. It was from his lips I first learned of the principles and practices of Freemasonry, and of the perfect skill needful in conferring degrees. It was from him I received my first instruction whereon to erect my moral and Masonic edifice. It was he who first told me as a Mason of brotherly love, relief and truth, and instructed me in the meaning and usefulness of those grand cardinal virtues of Masonry—temperance, fortitiide, prudence and justice; and I do but my

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Proceedings of the

February,,

duty, in this place, to render this poor tribute to his memory. Let us incribe a memorial page to the virtues of these two distinguished brethren. The Grand Master announces the revision and publication of their law and jurisprudence, compiled by J O H N SAYLES, Past Grand Master. A copy of the text-book was ordered t o b e sent to each Subordinate Lodge. This will, no doubt, prove a valuable work to the Craft of Texas, if the officers of Lodges will only give it a careful and attentive reading, and thus save themselves the annoyance and trouble of writing to the Grand Master and Grand Secretary for information concerniug the law for the government of their Lodges. This book contains " the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, the charges of a Freemason, resolutions and edicts of the Grand Lodge, digest of the decisions of Grand.Officers and Committees, the various forms and ceremonies required by the Lodges, and the only full and complete Code of ByLaws I have ever read, all systematically arranged and numbered and made of easy reference-by an index to each title, and a general index besides." Our Texas brethren, it seems, have followed in the footsteps of Delaware, and have decided that a Grand Lecturer is a useless appendage and more of a luxury than a necessity of life, Masonically speaking. This appears to us an "advance backwards," and our good brethren down there will surely find it so in due time. T h e report of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances develops some' very queer proceedings among their Subordinate Lodges. In one case we find a brother was arraigned, tried and found guilty and expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry. An examination of the records of the Lodge disclosed the fact that there was only in evidence the testimony of a profane, and he of bad character for truth and veracity, and his evidence only based upon mere suspicion. The Committee very properly recommended the restoration of the brother to all his rights and privileges of Masonry, including membership in his Lodge, and the Grand Lodge concurred. One step farther, the Lodge which had so far overstepped the bounds of justice should at least have received a reprimand for its careless and hasty action. How will the following do for an exhibition of Masonic charity and brotherly love : • The charge is gross unmasonic conduct. J"he specification—^that he had been suspended for non-payment of dues over twelve months, had been duly notified of the same and had failed to respond. He plead in substance that he was entirely unable to pay. That he had become embarrassed in his circumstances and had given up all his property to pay his debts; had even sold his last corn and nearly all his furniture for that purpose, and had offered his homestead to one of his creditors, who had generously refused to let him make the sacrifice. There seems to have been no testimony adduced on the trial by either party, except the proceedings showing his suspension for non-payment of dues. It has ever been the boast of the American citizen that it is no crime to be poor. T h e laws for imprisonment for debt are regarded as relics of barbarism, and their abolition as triumphs of an advanced civilization.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

195

Masonic authorities generally condemn the infliction of severe penalties for non-payment of dues. The practice of suspension for that ofTense is, it seems, a modern regulation growing out of our present system of Lodge government, and while our edicts authorize the suspension of those in arrears, and even their expulsion, it should be remembered that the latter is the severest penalty known to our Code, and corresponds with capital punishment in our civil government. It should, therefore, only be resorted to in extreme cases, where the ability to pay is undoubted and the refusal amounts to absolute contumacy. To suspend, much more to expel, a Mason for non-payment who is too poor to pay his dues is in conflict with the charitable features of our Institution and an outrage upon those principles of humanity on which the Order is founded. The evidence certainjy does not show that defiance of authority and studied disregard of duty that would warrant the extreme penalty of the law, and if the facts stated in the answer are not entirely fictitious, the Lodge greatly erred in its action. The Committee properly recommended that the appeal of the wronged brother be sustained and that he be restored to all his rights as a Mason, including membership in his Lodge. In this the Grand Lodge concurred. A brief lecture to the members of this Lodge upon .some of the cardinal principles of Masonry might do them some good, perhaps even to the extent of preventing them from ever again doing such wrong. There is quite to much animus shown in this matter of collecting dues, and a stop should be put to it. • ' Some years ago this Gr.nnd Lodge adopted a standing regulation restricting the printing of the reports of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances to a mere publication by caption and the final action by the Grand Lodge thereon. It was found to be unsatisfactory, and the regulation was rescinded. A similar resolution to this was introduced, and referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence, who recommended its non-adoption. We most heartily concur in the following from the report of that Committee: " Y o u r Committee would gladly see the evidences of crime expunged from the printed Proceedings, but until Masonry is purged of all unfit material we must submit to seeing ofiTenses against its laws held up for review. If Lodges would be more careful in their admission of candidates, mudh of these objectionable cases could be avoided." We would add, keep out of the daily papers. It is in bad taste and wholly uncalled for to let such matters go into their columns to be gloated over by the profane, and by those harpies who can make more capital out of the fall of one erring brother than they can find in the virtues of a hundred who have kept the faith. Bro. J. H. MCLEARY presented a Report on Correspondence, covering one hundred and fifty-six page's and treating of the doings of eighty Grand Hodies.. He commences with a deserved tribute to the memory of his immediate predecessor, Bro. E. H. CuSHlNG. He divides his Report up in a very scientific manner, first giving us a cursory review of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodges of the United States; secondly, those of the British-American 22

196

Proceedings of the .

February,

Provinces; third, those of England, Scotland and Ireland; fourth, the Germanic Grand Lodges; fifth, the Latin Grand Bodies, and sixth, " o t h e r Grand Lodges throughout the Globe." He also introduces a collection of interesting letters and reports from the Grand Representatives of Texas near other Grand Lodges, which is, of course, sui generic, and the genus good. Add to this a topical review of current opinion upon several of the most ! mooted questions in Masonic publications and we have a Report of which the brother may well be proud enough to repay him for his pains. He denounces in unmeasured terms the action of the schismatics in Manitoba, thinks Maine and Texas did right in removing their Grand Representatives and supplying their places with loyal subjects, and strongly dissents from the action of the Grand Lodge of Missouri on the question of reimbursement, as becomes apparent from the following: Now, we humbly,conceive tliat the decision of these cases, and all such cases, is radically wrong. The burying of a destitute brother is not a matter of pecuniary obligation on his Lodge, but a matter of charity; and to'demand reimbursement lor a charily is lowering Masonry to the level of a mere miitual aid association. It robs it of the underlying principle of universal brotherhood, which is its chief corner stone. We are glad to state that the general current of decisions is the other way. Upon the per diem and mileage scheme he'has the following under the head of Montana: This Grand Lodge expended the sum of $1,023 f°'' mileage and per diem. Again we can not but approve our own plan of allowing each Subordinate Lodge to pay the expenses of its own Representatives, or letting each pay the same oiit of his own pocket. Any Mason ought to think enough of Grand Lodge to visit its Communications at his own expense. However, very many Grand Lodges pay mileage and per diem, and probably secure a better attendance thereby. But Texas, with the largest area of any Grand Lodge Jurisdiction known to us, has a full and fair representation from every portion of her territory, without pecuniary reward or punishment. He says of non-affiliation: It, can not be denied that there are too rnany drones in the Masonic hive. Certain persons have sought admission to our Craft through curiosity or other unworthy motives, and when the novelty has worn off or they have failed to prostitute its power to their own personal ends, have retired from its active labors and relapsed into non-affiliation. Cases are known, though, for the honor of Masonry be it said they are few and far between, where men blessed with an abundance of this world's goods have dimitted to save the necessity of paying their annual dues. A soul that can be guilty of such meanness can never add anything to the cause of Freemasonry, and never receive and benefit from the teachings of our sublime symbolism. All such are a good riddance. But there are others who, from sheer poverty, are compelled to dimit or be suspended for non-payment of dues, unless they are willing to undergo the humiliation of confessing to their brethren their inability to meet their regular pecuniary obligations. Others, having peculiarly sensitive natures, receiving some real or fancied affront, rather than endeavor to arrange or reconcile their difference, retire from the Lodge and relapse into a cold indifference. While it is true that no good cause can be given why any man should sever his connection with his Lodge, yet we have to meet the evil as it is, and to find a remedy if we can.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

197

That's what we wish Bro. M C L E A R Y would do, furnish us with a panacea for the spreading evil of non:affiliation; then all would rise and call him blessed. Kansas receives brief and kindly attention at his hands. He says of the. author of this that " h e wields a real Damascus blade." This, we suppose, refers to our shears. Thanks. M.-.W.-. E. G^ BovvEK, Dallas, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. GEO. H . BRINGHURST, Houston, Grand Secretary. UTAH.

1879.

The little pamphlet before us, neat and tasty in dress, like its predecessors, is a welcome visitor, and comes to us with pages well filled with, valuable information concerning the doings of the Craft in that territory. At their Annual represented; amount the Lodge, or a per down this way say if of our brethren think

Communication all the Lodges in the territory were of dues collected, ^1,201, an average of about S260 to capita of $3.20. What would some of the brethren" their Lodges should tax them to this extent? Some fifty cents a heavy tax upon them.

Thc'brethren of Utah have adopted a ritual for a Lodge-of Sorrow, and directed the Grand Master to_ call one each year in memory of those who have pa.ssed over the great rivgr. . They also acfopted a new Masonic Code, and ordered copies sent to each Ijodge. The Annual Address of Grand Master THOMAS E . CLOHECY is quite, brief, and confined to local matters. He says: Vice, in every shape, should be visited with condemnation; if by.mild: and lenient measures a weak brother can not be brought to realize the error, of his ways ; if, in violation of the duties he owes to his GOD, his family and himself, he persists in his evil cour.se, then visit upon him the severest punishment. Let no mistaken idea of charity prevent your proceeding in amanner that will most surely vindicate the principles of our Institution., Masonry in Utah.has suffered sufficiently from such causes, and.the time has , arrived when we must proceed to cut off the.se worse than dead branches. A society founded upon the principles of Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love, teaching in the strongest po.ssible manner, the necessity of a strict observance of the virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and; Justice can not consistently, in justice to itself, continue to retain in good fellowship those of its members who are known to be constantly addicted to' any of the vices that drag man down from the high estate in which Gou placed him. Let u.s, therefore, my brethren, see to it that ere the next. Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, those who, notwithstanding good counsel and kind admonition, shall continue recreant to their trust, .be sent out from our midst, that the honor and good name of Masonry may no longer suffer.-. The distinguished dead of his own and other Jurisdictions are referred to in fitting terms of mingled eulogy and regret. ' He visited all the Lodges in the territory, and reports all in good condition and working harmoniously, with only one exception, and even there

198

Proceedings of Hie

' February,

he entertains the hope that harmony may be restord. He refers in commendatory terms to the faithful and efficient manner in which the Grand Lecturer has performed his duties, and .of the close approximation to which he has brought the Lodges to a uniformity in the work and lectures of the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, and urges, in strong terms, the co-operation of officers and members of each constituent Lodge to bring about the consummation of so desirable a work. He predicts that with proper encouragement and support the Grand Lecturer will l')ring about, ere the close of another year, a complete uniformity in their ritual. Bro. DEIHI,, as usual, presents an able and interesting report. Among the many official acts reported is the completion of the reprint of their Proceedings for 1872. This will be good ne'ws to the trade. Of the .condition of Lodges, he savs : As will appear from the annexed table of statistics, the condition of our Lodges may be considered sound and healthy. Although our net gain in membership has been but seven, it is presumable that during the ensuing vear the increase will show a much larger figure. To a great extent the progress of Masonry runs parallel with the general-prosperity of the country. Evidently every l'>usiness branch in Utah shows this autumn an upward tendency, more especially the mining industries have a rich harvest in store for all those who engage in bringing to the surface the hidden treasures of our mountains. Never looked the future of Utah brighter than at the present lime, and witlv this prospect before us the Grand Lodge of Utah need not despair, and with hope and cheer may she direct her eye to an'increase of her numerical strength as well as to the moral influence over manv of the' inhabitants of the rich and fertile 'I'erritorv of Utah. He announced his intention to decline a re-election, but the Grand Lodge, appreciating his valuable services, did the w^ise thing, re-elected him and raised his salary to $500, and by this act they have placed all who correspond with this, officer under lasting obligations to them. Though we have never met the good brother face to face, we have ever esteemed him as one of the first among his compeers—a live Mason, and ever ready for any good work. He reports his-pet, the Grand Lodge Library, iii excellentcondition, with n-iany valuable acquisitions made during the year to their already large and valuable collection. In this liro. D E I H L has proved what well directed effort can accomplish. We can not refrain from clipjiing the following from his report: November i, 1878, there were in the library 2,462 books; during the vear 317 have been added, making a total of 2,779. i h e books added are on various subjects and by well known authors. J have tried to keep posted on the new issue of works of importance, and have purchased such books as I thought would be of interest to the library. A choice selection of good books, circulating freely, is like a bounding river: it carries joy, peace and fertilitv everv where along its course. This has been my motto in selecting new books, and 1 trust it will have your hearty approval. During the year 8,142 have been drawn, being 1,745 more than the previous year. Of these 8,142 books drawn, 5,498 were books of fiction against 2,644 of ^ " other classes. This shows clearly that the facination of romance controls the human mind, more particularly the minds of the pations of the library. The use and abuse of works of fiction has lately been made a great question among all those who look upon libraries as the best means of elevating the character of men, but as yet no definite answer has been given.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas,

199

The reading room connected with the library is always well patronized. It is furnished with the leading newspapers and periodicals, and is free to all who wish to enjoy the privileges and improve their intellects by reading. I have noticed of late that quite a number of transient Masons visit the reading room and study the Masonic journals and Grand Lodge Proceedings, which is not onlv gratifying, but also a sign of advancement in the right direction. Above all other men Masons should read, in order to practice their profession more intelligently. We regret to notice the advent of'the Mormon question in the Grand Lodge. It came up on a report from the Committee on Appeal and Grievances. It appears that one of their members was charged with unmasonic conduct in joining the Mormon church, and declaring himself in favor of the degrading practice of polygamy. It was claimed by a member of the committee that no Mason should he held to answer for his religious or political opinions (except only atheism), and that therefore no Masonic oflense was committed. To this it was replied : In Masonic jurisprudence, many wrongs are ]^unishable which are not so by municipal law; and whether the acts of the said SORENSON are, or are not, in violation of the laws of the Territory, or general government, makes no difference in this case. Because by joining the Mormon'church conspiracy, the said SORENSON became an abettor of those members of the church, who have violated, and are constantly violating, the law against polygamy, and as such abettor is morally responsible although he may not be amenable to civil punishment. As many offenses against morals are punishable by the laws of Masonry, which are not so by municipal laws, we think the acts of which the said SoRENSON has been proven and found guilty constitutes a Masonic offense, rendering him unfit to be continued in the fellowship of the Fraternity, and for which he should be promptly expelled. Congress, in permitting an acknowledged polygamist to sit in that body, is a national humiliation, which every true citizen deprecates, and w;hich it is to be hoped for the honor and dignity of Masonrv will never be followed by the Fraternity. For the reasons set forth herein, your committee recommend that the judgment of expulsion in this case be affirmed. The Grand Lodge concurred in the views of the committee, and the friend of Mormonism and concubinage stanfls expelled from all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry. The course pursued by the Grand Lodge is the correct one, and the Hrm stan<l taken by them in support of law and morals, reflects credit upon them as individuals and as a body. The Quebec-Scotland trouble came up for consideration on the reports of the Grand Representatives, and the committee to whom the matter had been referred. We conclude, from a perusal of the various reports, that our Utah brethren got a little mixed, but as the whole affair seems to be in process of settlement, to the satisfaction of the parties interested, we will not follow it further. Bro. CHRISIOI'HER D I E H L presented another of his readable and valuable Reports on Correspondence, full of acute comments, sandwiched in with brief but appropriate quotations. His report covers the Proceedings of fiftyone Grand Lodges, Kansas among the number. M.-.W.-. FRANK TILFORD, Grand Master, Salt Lake City ; R.'.W.-. CHRISTOPHER DIEHL, Grand Secretary, Salt Lake City.

200

Proceedings of the VIRGINIA.

February,

1879.

' This Grand Lodge commenced its One Hundred and Second Annual Communication on the Sth of December; representatives present from one hundred and five Lodges; the usual amount of business was transacted, mainly of local interest; one Dispensation continued; one Charter granted, five surrendered, and one suspended. Grand Master BEVERLY R . W I L L F O R D , in his Annual Address, omits all "spread eagle," and devotes his space to a recital of his official acts. He announces the death of two eminent Masons of that Jurisdiction, Bros. E D WARD H. LANE, Past Grand Master, and SIDNEY S. BAXTER, Past Grand Master. The death of the latter was announced during the session. The Grand Master pays an eloquent and,merited tribute to the memory of these good men, the former of whom fell in the prime of life. H e says of his official acts : I have disapproved By-Laws enacting that if a member be absent from the Lodge for twelve months successively he shall be cited to show cause why he should be suspended therefor. This provision is contained, it is true, in the Code of By-Laws published in the Text-Book. That Code, how^ever, has never been formally approved by the Grand Lodge, and, I think, in this particular, conflicts with our fundamental laws'. Masonry is a voluntary institution, and attendance upon our meetings, except when the brother is specially summoned, can not be enforced by fines and penalties. The effect of such a law, if enforced, could only be to encourage what it is our duty and interest to discourage as far as practicable — the evils of. non-affiliation. I have also disapproved By-Laws prescribing the penalty of suspension or expulsion for certain specified offenses. No Subordinate Lodge has a right to make an exceptional criminal-code for its own members. They are amenable to the general Masonic law ; and if they-violate that the Lodge must discipline them. A large discretion is conferred upon the Lodge in-determining in each case whether the offense should be visited with the gravest or the lightest punishment, and that discretion can not be restricted in advance of the trial by any general law peculiar to that Lodge. If it were otherwise, the rights and obligations of a Mason would not be measured by any unchangable landmarks, but might vary in every Lodge in the same Jurisdiction. In passing upon the By-Laws of some twenty-two Lodges, he took occasion to call the attention of the Craft to the words "summons" ancf "citation," and points out the difference ; the former requires absolute presence of the party, while the latter leaves the matter of appearance optional. Each is a demand made by an official, and we can not see that there is any great difference in the force and effect of these words. It would not be well for any one to stand on any such flimsy technicalities. The Grand Master holds that the single fact that a brother had committed suicide, is not sufficient cause to deny him Masonic burial. He also thinks it would be a gross violation of Masonic charity and principle to reject a man who was otherwise worthy, simply because he was engaged in the business of selling liquors under State authority. He very properly refused to allow one of the Subordinate Lodges to publish their Proceedings condemnatory of a recrusanl

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Katiscm.

201

member of the Order. Such'.things should never be permitted except by order of the Grand Lodge, and then they should only apj>ear in our own printed Proceedings, and under no circumstances in the secular papers. Here is what he has to say in reference to our present system of Grand Representatives: I have been advised of the appointment of Representatives from several corresponding Grand Lodges to this Grand Lodge, and I have made sundry appointments on behalf of this Grand Lodge. The law upon this subject is not as clear and explicit as it might be, and I call the attention of the brethren to the subject as one needing some legislation. The policy of this body has been to promote the efficiency and value of the Representative System by appointments for limited terms. By limiting the terms of our own Representatives, and reappointing them, or substituting others from time to time, we remind them, and the Grand Body in which they appear, that the office is not merely designed to give them consequence and importance at home, but to impose upon them the obligation of intelligently observing and reporting to us, if necessary, anything occurring in their Jurisdiction which a Kepresentative of this Body ought to observe, and report to the Grand Lodge, whose honors he wears. And by requiring that any brother claiming to represent a corresponding Grand Lodge before this Body shall be subject to the same limitation upon his tenure of office, we have some assurance that our corresjjondent knows who undertakes to represent her here, a'iid claim in her behalf the right of representation, and for himself, by virtue of that right, honors and privileges amon^ us which we might be very unwilling to accord to him upon his individual merits or services to the Craft. When we designate a representative, we give authority to the body, to which we appoint him, to approach us, if necessary, through him, and we commend him as one through whom we are not only willing to communicate, but through whom we have a right to expect to receive any and all information which may make it our duty or interest to take the initiate in communication. Such authority may not be wisely and providently conferred, except for a limited time, or for special service. To limit the tenure, enhances the honor to the incumbent, and while imposing the slightest impossible inconvenience, preserves, in our opinion, the dignity of the Grand Lodge, and tends to render the representative system one that, while it must promote harmony and •fraternity among the Craft throughout the world, may be of valuable practical utility on occasions when the. intercourse of corresponding Grand Bodies is liable to embarrassment from conflicting views of right and duty. Past Grand Master and Present Grand Lecturer, JAMES EVANS, submitted a most excellent report from which we extract, with pleasuse, the following bits of history in relation to esoteric work: It may not be out of place for me at this time to avert to the fact, that from the organization of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and running through a long succession of years, there was no One subject deemed of greater importance, or more worthy the attention of the Grand Lodge, than that of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the Ritual of Ancient Craft Masonry. The records of the Grand, Lodge will show what interest was felt on the subject, and what steps were taken, year by yety, by the wisest and most intellectual men of the age to obtain this knowledge and perpetuate it in its purity. To impart it to the Subordinate. Lodges of the State, was appointed to that duty a distinguished brothes from the east, well skilled in the work and lectures of Ancient Craft Masonry, Bro. JAMES CUSHMAN, who visited many of the Lodges and established the work. On his retirement were appointed

202

Proceedings

of the

February,

two Grand Lecturers, Most Worshipful LEVI L . .STEVENSOIV, Past Grand Master, and' Rev. Bro; JAMES D . MCCAHE, w.ho traveled in opposite sections of the State, and imparted the work to the Lodges who desired instruction. In 1843 many of the Grand Lodges of the United States seemed to wake up to the necessity of having uniformity of work in their respective Jurisdictions, which resulted, in a convention of delegates from sixteen Grand Lodges — Virginia among the number. Right Worshipful JOHN DOVE, of Virginia, was selected 51s President. ' The work of that distinguished body, after great research and critical examination, was adopted by the several Grand Lodges of the United States, and also by Virginia, all of whom recommended it, and adopted it as the established work of the Craft the in United States. It was the embodiment of the work of Virginia, with but slight change, which had been in use years before. On the resignation of the two distinguished brethren, named above as Grand Lecturers, the undersigned was induced, after much reflection, to accept the office, to which he was annually reappointed for eighteen successive years, when he resigned. After an interval of three or four years, at the death of his successor, his services were again solicited and called into requisition. I confess to have felt, and still feel, a most earnest and sincere interest in the propagation and continuance of the work, as understood to be the Ancient York work, as adopted by Virginia, and that it be imparted to the Craft in the State without the slightest alteration, no right attaching to 'any individual to make change of the dotting of an 'or the crossing of a / without authority of the the Grand Lodge of Virginia. I know from long experience how difficult it is to withstand the tempting suggestions of highly cultivated intellects, who propose merely alterations in the quaint and expressive language of our ritual, but I felt compelled to be inflexible, permitting no deviation, however slight, but referred all who desired the change to the Grand Lodge for its action if they thought it needful, but so far no variation has ever been made. A proposition was before the Grand Lodge to reduce the per capita tax from fifty to twenty-five cents. They failed to see their way clear, and the fifty cent tax was continued. The Grand Master was authorized during the recess of the Grand Lodge to accept a surrender of the Charter of John Dove Lodge, No. 104, under their jurisdiction, the said Lodge desiring to transfer its allegiance to the Grand Lodge of West Virginia. R.-.W.-. Bro. WM. F . DRINKARD submitted a brief report of sixty-two ' pages on Correspondence. Though short, it is equal in interest to any of his former eflTorts. , In reference to reinstatement in Virginia, he says: We have to say that in Virginia no Mason pays dues for the period during which he is suspended. When he wishes to return to the Lodge he asks for reinstatement in the rights and benefits ot Masonry and for membership. T h e former may be granted by a two-thirds vote. The latter by a majority, if the vote be taken at the same meeting at which he is reinstated in the rights and benefits of Masonry, but a unanimous vote is required at any subsequent meeting to restore to membership. These latter regulations do not apply to brethren suspended for unmasonic conduct, who are required to petition in writing and are otherwise treated diflTerently, and very properly.

i8So-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

203

He goes for our Montana brother's "rules of order" in tliis wise: We must say to our Nfontana i)rethren tliat "rules of order" are out of )>lace in a Masonic Lodge. If our brethren there could see'for themselves how the Virginia custom of giving supreme power to the Master prevents all foolish discussions on frivolous points of order, and squelches all litigious brethren, how it saves hours and hours of time, and fences out all subjects that could occasion trouble or cause' a brother's feelings to be wounded, they would soon be glad to follow our example. And of course our Grand Master has like power in the Grand Lodge. There is nothing in Masonry we more admire than this most efficient means of protecting the brethren from annoyance and. trouble. But as-our Montana brethren have rule.s we are glad that they do not allow a motion to postpone indefinitely, for the previous question, or.to lay on the table, to be entertained. We note the following in explanation of the hne-haired difference made by that Grand Lodge in regard to " s u m m o n s " and " c i t a t i o n " : The tender-hearted amongst them will learn with pleasure that our Grand Lodge has forbidden her Subordinates to summon members to show cause why they shall not be suspended for non-payment of dues, requiring them to confine themselves to mere citations; and has also authorized them, upon mere motion, to remit the dues of a brother suspended for non-payment of dues, and forthwith to reinstate him, both to membership and in the rights and benefits of Masonry. Of course members may still be suspended for non-payment of dues. The citation paves- the way for that punishment. The new. regulation only protects from the O. B. to obey the summons, which is an Irish bull of our making, there being no summons allowed. Such tender-heartedness is note-worthy, and the spirit dictating the action is laudable, even if the distinction is a trifle far-fetched. M.-.W.-. PKYTON S. Coi.us, Grand Master, Estouteville ; B. ISAACS, Grand Secretary, Richmond. WASHINGTON TERRITORY.

R.-.W.-. W M .

1879.

Neither the'Grand Master nor the Deputy Grand Master were present during the Annual Communication. The former was at the time Governor of the Territory and was absent on official business, hence there was no Annual Address from which a gleaner of Masonic items may cull. No reason' was given for the absence,of the Deputy. It was unfortunate that neither of these officers was present to fill his station. All the Lodges but two were represented. One Charter was granted to a new Lodge; one Dispensation continued for further evidence of fitness for higher Masonic honors. Two applications were received for Dispensations to form new Lodges and referred to the incoming Grand Master. Fraternal recognition was extended to the Grand Lodge of New Mexico. The Grand Secretary submitted a very full report of ofScial transactions for the year. We notice that members of Lodges in that Jurisdiction can not join in the formation of new Lodges without each one first producing a dimit from the Lodge he was formerly a member of. Had Connecticut observed this simple rule they would to-day be on belter terms with 23

204

Proceedings of. tlie

February,

their ne.xt door neighbor, the State of New York. We say require dimits in every case, whether the petitioner comes from within or without our own Jurisdiction. Such a rule will save much trouble and annoyance to the officers of Grand as well as Subordinate Lodges. ; • In relation to honorary membership, the Grand Lodge adopted the following resolutions: W H E R E A S , There are a number of venerable brethren in this Jurisdiction who have faithfully pracliced the precepts taught in Masonry during a life-lime, whose brows are now silvered by the blighting frosts of age, and, though traveling with tottering steps down the pathway of life to the near approach of its sitting sun, are ever constant in their devotions to Masonry. Many of these brethren now find it difficult to keep up their stated contributions and yearly dues. Justice, love and gratitude demand that these brethren be honored for their long faithfulness and zeal; and, that they may now be relieved from any burdens or taxation that our laws may impose; be it Resolved, By the Grand Lodge of Washington, that a'ny Lodge within this Jurisdiction may, at a Stated Communication, elect any Master Mason, who has been a member in good standing for a term not lesss than twenty years, an honorary member of such Lodge. Resolved, That all honorary members shall be relieved from the payment of Lodge dues, and the Subordinate Lodges from the payment of Grand Lodge dues for such members. Resolved, furthermore. That no Lodge in this Jurisdiction shall be required to pay Grand Lodge dues upon indigent Masons who are supported at the expense of the Lodge. Bro. R E E D presented a report on the question of the recognition of the newly-formed Grand Lodge of New .South Wales, rather leaning to the favorable consideration of the subject, but he finally recommends a postponement of the question. The Grand Lodge, after a discussion of the subject, non-concurred in his recommendation and extended fraternal recognition. The Report on Correspondence is again the work of Grand Secretary THOMAS M . R E E D . His able review covers only eighty-two pages, but is couched in language indicative of sound judgment and a charitable heart. He announced his determination to retire from the labor of reviewing in future, but the Grand Master said, " No, Bro. R E E D , we can not lose you so easily; tarry yet a while in the Reporter's chair." This is well, for we shall again be favored with light from the West. He very truthfully says of the b r . a k n e c k style of making Masons : Thousands of men are passed through the degrees, and that is all they know or care to know of Masonry—only to be acknowledged as Ma.sons. They care little for the ritual, and still less for the moral and impressive teachings of the Order. Totally ignore its literature; spurn the idea of patronizing a Masonic paper or magazine—prefer .some sensual novel—are tickled to see their names printed in the rolls of the Grand Lodge, but don't know by what system of laws or regulations the Fraternity are governed, for they never read the Constitution and know nothing of its provisions. They are opposed to printing Reports on Foreign Correspondence because they don't read them; therefore, in their estimation, it is a useless expense. We know of just such Ma.sonic characters. Men who have their thou.sands and who never gave a dime's patrorfage to Masonic publication, and per-

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Grmvd Lodge of Kansas.

205

haps less for a charitable purpose. Masonry with them is used only as a means for selfish purposes. This may seem harsh, but 'us tnie, and "pity 'tis 'tis true." The brave reviewer lets his eagle swoop down upon our Iowa brethren, .and gives Bro. PARVIN a punch (without sugar) on the question of dropping the Report on Correspondence: We are sorry to think that Bro. PARVIN has nothing further to offer for the general good of the Fraternity in this relation. If the necessity does not exist for such reports now, it never has existed. Doubtless Bro. PARVIN'S convictions are well settled regarding all questions coming within the province of the committee to notice, but that fact does not wholly satisfy the intelligent demand of a progressive Masonic age. The acme of Masonic science has not yet been attained; its jurisprudence and moral philosophy are well understood only by the few. Though Bro. PARVIN be one of these, should he thus be satisfied and cry, "Hold, e n o u g h ! " and ''hide his light under a bushel?" With equal propriety, should not Grand Masters and Committees on Jurisprudence cease formulating their decisions and opinions on Masonic law? With equal propriety church edifices should close their doors and ministers cease iheir proclamations of Divine t r u t h ; equally no use for the publication of the Word. Admit that a few important questions of Masonic jurisprudence.have been settled by the experience and wisdom of the past, does not the same thing apply to our civil law and jurisprudence? Are the opinions of our courts and law commentators to have no value in the future? Is the,grand temple of reason complete? Is the shrine of logic to receive no further adornment ? Is there no virtue in progressive thought? We had supposed that mind, like all growth in nature, has no fixed resting place; that it is either progressive or retrogressive. We imagine Bro. P.\RVi.M has undertaken a leap too far into the future. But we are pleased to know that his conclusion is based upon so desirable result, if such existed. Objections more or less serious are made from year to year in our own Jurisdiction to the printing of these reports, but from a standpoint directly the opposite, viz: that the reports are not read, or, at^most, only by a few; hence, they are of little value. Not that the reporter is wholly at fault, though his work be imperfect, but that Masons do not care to read. The objectors, as a general rule, know little of Masonic jurisprudence and are strangers to the Masonic literature of the day. We opine that Bro. PARVIN is fully as much of a friend to the Reports on Correspondence as Bro. R E E D or the writer hereof. .He handles our Scottish brethren so well that we must quote : The inconsistency of the course of Scotland is boundless, and can not be reconciled upon any principle of reason or justice. T h e argument advanced in support of her action is supremely absurd to say the least. The Grand Lodge of Scotland, and likewise the Grand Lodge of England coinciding with Scotland, ever jealous of their revenue and the contraction of their powers, adhere to the fallacious and unreasonable idea that no Grand Lodge can exist with suprenie and sovereign Masonic power in any Province or State organization not wholly supreme or national in political power. Notwithstanding this they are willing to concede sovereignty to our American Grand Lodges, upon the hypothesis that no analogy exists between our American States and the British Provinces, in the authority of government. This theory is wanting in intelligence. Argument based upon sueh flimsy foundation is unworthy the source from which it emanates.' Freemasonry is a society universal in its habitation, so to speak, and is not affected in any degree by any forms of political power or government, and its very nature and independent character is proof that such power, with no

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February,

purpose or intent, can neither impose conditions, nor detract from its rightful authority to establish and maintain its own sovereign boundaries. Its laws are peculiar to itself. It accepts political boundaries for its own local convenience. I t follows, therefore, that whatever ol difference in autonomy that may exist between the Stales and Provinces, be it much or little, amounts to nothing Masonically considered. There is no uncertain sound to this; it has the ring of the true metal. M.-. W.-. O L I V E R PERRY LACV, Walla Walla, Grand

Master; R.-. W.-.

T H O S . M I L B U R N E R E E D , Olympia, Grand Secretary. WASHINGTON TERRITORY.

iSSo.

Our good brethren of this Gran 1 Lodge are peculiarly unfortunate; they again met in Annual Communication without the presence of their Grand Master. I t seems that he was detained' by reason of sickness iii his family. H e sent in his Annual Address, which was read by tlie Grand .Secretary. This is an improvement upon his immediate predecessor. The attendance was small, only eijjhteen Lodges represented. Five Dispensations granted for the formation of new Lodges; Charters issued to all. The usual and routine business was transacted, chiefly interesting to the "folks at home." The Annual Address is a brief business paper. The Grand Master reports the issuance of the usKal number of Dispensations for special purposes. Mention is made of the fraternal dead and a memorial page suggested to be inscribed to the memory of M.-.W.-. Bro. HARVEY G . .HAZELRIGG, of Indiana. Only two decisions rendered, both of local interest. Exchange of Representatives was made with a number of sister Grand Lodges. He censures the Grand Orient of France pretty severely for leaving the ranks. In this the Grand Lodge concurs. T h e Grand Secretary again brings in an able and highly interesting report of his official action and of the financial condition of the Grand Lodge. He says : _ T h e general financial condition of the Grand Lodge may be regarded • as prosperous and its future prospects encouraging. Some complaint has been made by Lodges (and in my opinion very justly) of the heavy annual per capita tax of two^dollars for each Master Mason borne on the Lodge roll —half of which is for the payment of Representative expenses. It is clearly my opinion that this Representative tax, as such, should be abolished. I have no doubt that the actual expenses of Representatives attending Grand Lodge can be from this time forward fully met from the General Fund, with a per capita of one dollar, by adopting the suggestions herein staled. Thi.s would relieve the Lodge's ol a very heavy burden, and enable them to dispense the charities of the Order and maintain a healthful and vigorous existence; whereas, under the existing amount of taxation many of them have burdens and discouragements they can illy afford to bear. I am induced to make these suggestions, not only in justice to our contributing membership, but in appreciation and recognition of the generosity and courtesies shown to this Grand Lodge by the various railroad and navigation companies iu extending the privilege of half fare rales to all our members and delegates traveling over their lines to and from the Grand Lodge. Delegates and

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Grand Lodcje of Kansas.

.

207

Representatives paying full fare in coming are guranteed a return free from any transportation charges, upon presentation of the proper certificate from the Grand Secretary. Delegates, therefore, in presenting their expense accounts, should only charge for transportation one way. My this means I am confident that the Grand Lodge could abolish the Representative per capita tax and be enabled to meet its current expenses from year to year from its ordinary sources of revenue. Here the per diem and mileage question cuts an important figure. Bro. R E E D submitted a brief but excellent Report on C^orrespondence, touching only a few topics of the most importance. He says: * Our relations with every Grand Lodge in America, and with all those in foreign lands, with which we have had any interchange of official courtesies, are of the most cordial, pleasant and fraternal nature. We send forth with lliis our fraternal greetings to our brethen of both Hemispheres, We would gladly make special mention of each Grand Body, but, for reasons self-apparent, can not. In this report we regret the departure from the usual course pursued, not. only as denying the privileges of a cl'dser intercliange of salutations to all, but as lessening the probability and opportunity of presenting to our brethren of this Jurisdiction, who feel a deep and lifelike interest in Masonry, a clear and comprehensive view of the leading features of Masonic interest, now engrossing the attention of the great body of the Fraternity throughout the earth, respecting its systems oi work; polity and jurisprudence, both moral and governmental. These, if our conceptions of the matter are correct, are the leading objects for which this committee was created and has existence. Its labors, well performed, afford the means, in a great measure, by which the links in our grand fraternal chain are burnished and strengthened, and a zealous inspiring love for truth and correct action stimulated. They incite an emulous desire for reaching out after higher attainments in the realm of Masonic thought and duty, placing within the reach of all Lodges and individual Masons much that pertains to a correct knowledge of the laws, vital principles.and purposes of Masonry, so necessary and desirable to every intelligent brother. Nearly nine page's are devoted to the "little unpleasantness" between New York and Connecticut. The Reporter thinks that New Mexico can not Silver City Lodge, it being a child of Missouri, and Manitoba is " n o good," fearing that too inuch of warrant the hope of permanent prosperity in that agree with him..

compel the obedience of that the compromise in the old virus remains to Province, in which we

H e thinks that his Grand Lodge did just right in recognizing the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, subsequent events having .proved the wisdom of their action, and extends congratulations to the United Grand Lodge of Cuba and Colon. The Grand Lodge consolidated its various funds in one general fund, and have come to the wise conclusion that the Grand Lodge of Washington •'Territory is only a legislative body, and should never be called upon to disburse its funds for charitable purposes. The committee had better read Bro. REED'S report before they commence to undervalue the Annual Reports on Correspondence. There is no money in any such plans of sav-

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February,

ing at the spigot. We do not dwell in Washington Territory, and hence we may not be a competent judge, but we think we could point out a better way of reducing expenses than by cutting out the most valuable part of the Annual Report, the solid meat, in the shape of information gathered and condensed into a Correspondence Report. A little less per diem and mileage will do it. The way usually taken reminds us forcibly of the manner in which railroad managers get out of trouble with anxious stockholders who are hungry for " d i v i e s " and cry aloud for "retrenchment and reform. The first thing they do is to issue a circular cutting down the wages of every employe below general superintendent, never once thinking of themselves, their own enormous pay, or of cutting down the hush money they pay to Legislators and Congressmen. The question of perpetual jurisdiction over rejected candidates came before the Grand Lodge through a resolution ofifered by Grand Secretary R E E D to amend Article X I I , Section 58, of their Constitution. The majority of the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom this matter was referred, presented a brief report recommending its rejection, to which Bro. R E E D dissented, with the following excellent presentation of his side of the case: Masonry is said to be " a law unto itself." While this, in the opinion of some, may be an ideal proposition, we accept it as true. But to disrobe it of all doubt and give it force and plausibility, it is certainly necessary that all those elements which make up and are ever regarded as the distinctive characteristics in this unified law of Masonry, must be consistent with themselves, and not destructive of each other. It will not be denied that Grand Lodge enactments everywhere should be made as nearly as possible to harmonize with the "universal l a w " of Masonry. Every departure from this standard of procedure is an error, and must be so regarded, no matter from whence it emanated or by whomsoever sanctioned. . The too frequent innovations by Grand Lodges in this direction doubtless often arise from hasty legislation, immature thought, or an over-estimate of their powers to enforce a "rule of action" outside-their own prescribed jurisdictional limits. These "new departures" not only darken the pathway of obedience to ancient law and traditions, governing the "universal brotherhood," but seriously antagonize that very principle of Grand Lodge supremacy which they seek to maintain. We believe that any rule or law of Masonry to be made of force and effect beyond the limits of the Jurisdiction by, or within, which it was en-acted, must, substantially at least, receive universal sanction; otherwise its pretended enforcement is an unwarranted assumption of'authority, and is liable to become a source of discord and confusion rather than afTord protection, or result in practical benefit. There is no other hypothesis upon which the autonomy of a Lodge or Grand Lodge can exist. In no enunciated principle of Masonic law, recognizing and upholding Grand Lodge supremacy, can we find any justification for the assumption of this "perpetual jurisdiction" theory over a rejected candidate for the degrees of Masonry. Such a theory in itself is logically a paradox. It assumes the imperious exercise of a kind of adhesive power over that which it repels. It not only denies to other Jurisdictions the right of free choice in the selection of their own members, but attacks the intelligence and judgment of its neighbors, both near and remote. A theory so illogical and self-destructive can not promote harmony or be of any practical good to Masonry. Observe, for a moment, its workings in our own Jurisdiction, in the one principal case of grievance now before Grand Lodge. Again,

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Qrand Lodge of Kansas.

209

.suppose a case: A man petitions a I^odge and is rejected. Twelve months elapse; all disal>ility is removed by operation of law; he can now renew his application'to the same Lodge, and if no objection is imposed, he is made a Mason. But suppose he does not choose to renew his petition to'the rejecting Lodge, but subsequently removes to another Jurisdiction, and there acquires a bona fide residence, Masonically, and as a cilizen ; here the old restraining power, though d,ead at home, is resurrected to new life, ^n<i, per se, with no offense existing,'but perfect innocence on the part of the petitioner, says, "you can not be a legal petitioner, nor receive the. degrees of Masonry without our consent; your former disabilities by the operation of our law are not only rehabilitated, but made perpetual." We can not but regard such an assumption as at variance with every principle of moral justice and human rights. It ventures upon the exercise of authority outside the pale of Masonic government, and such as it can have no powei' to enforce. It is antagonistic to the moral government of our Order. Why should Masonry presume upon a law or scheme, the very spirit of which amounts to envy and proscription, if'not direct persecution? We might here rehearse the principal arguments ill favor of this " p e r p e t u a l " theory. There are but few, so far as we have noted. They dwell upon its expediency and deference to precedent, neither of which can claim the virtue of ancient methods and usage, for the practice is comparatively modern, and adopted only by a portion of-our American State and Territorial Grand Lodges. We know of its existence nowhere else. Further advantages are alleged for the sake of unanimity, and to prevent the introduction of improper material into the Lodge, but except in very isolated cases it neither promotes the one nor serves as an appreciable check upon the other. Every.avenue to the Lodge should be, faithfully and rigidly guarded. All Lodges are well provided with the means for this, without the usurpation of power, or the aid of extraneous dictation. Courtesy and the highest respect for opinion should be cherished and encouraged between Lodges in the admission of candidates. But in the determination of this question each I.jodge must be its sole arbiter. The landmarks of Masonry give Lodges this right to be the exclusive judges of the fitness and qualifications of those who seek their fellowship and the privileges of Masonry at their hands. What is needed more? This is the best presentation of this much-discussed question we have seen, and we hope it may serve to open the eyes of some of our leading lights in regard to this important matter. We have for years been satisfied of the injustice of our law upon this point of perpetual jurisdiction, and have been waiting patiently for some one to attack and expose its failings. Bro. R E E D has certainly commenced the battle bravely. Now, "lay on, MacDufif;" we are sure oi one charnpion at least. M.-. W.-. Louis JOHNS, Vancouver, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. THOMAS MiLBURNE RKED, Olympia, Gra^d Secretary. •WEST VIRGINIA.

1879.

Special Communications were held December 7, 1878; May 3, and November i, 1879, for the purpose of dedicating two new halls and of laying a new corner stone. The Fifteenth Annual Communication was begun and held in the city of Wheeling, November 11, 1879. Seventy-six Lodges represented; one

210

Proccedingd

of the

February,

Dispensation issued for the formation of a new Lodge; one Charter refused on the ground of lack of proper interest among the members, they being perfectly apathetic in regard, to the building up of the Lodge. Rightly done; it is always well when the members of any Lodge lose their interest in the Order to shut their shop at once. Masonry never goes begging for favors,-nor does she dwell in the house of her enemies. -.Such was not the intention of the noble foiinders of our Order, and those who, having eyes to see, see not, and having ears to hear, hear not, are not worthy to be favored with her divine instructions. A digest of the decisions of the various Grand Masters and Committees on Jurisprudence was prepared and printed as an appendix to the Proceedings. We regret the non-appearance of a Report on Correspondence. The Annual Address of Grand Master GEORGE BAIRD is quite brief, and mainly confined to home affairs. We are sorry that there seemed to be any necessity for fulminating the following, and we are inclined to believe the good brother is unnecessarily alarmed: In closing my official relations with you as Grand Master, I would beg leave to direct your attention to a matter which has for some time seemed to me to be a growing evil in some parts of our Jurisdiction, and also one upon which your Grand Body can not legislate. It is presented here now more with the hope that Masons who are engaged in it may be induced to pause and reflect and of themselves make a change than with any desire to have your Grand Body attempt to legislate upon it. The subject referred to is the gradual overshadowing of both Lodge and Chapters by the Commanderies. The idea seems to be slowly, but surely, taking possession, of the minds of large numbers of our members that to be a Sir Knight is the whole end and aim of Masonry ; that in Templarism is the realization of everything great and good pertaining to the Order. And the unfortunate brother, who through poverty or lack of opportenity has failed to become entitled to "wield his sword in defense of innocent maidens, destitute widows, helpless orphans and the Christian religion," is being gradually taught to feel that his Masonic life has been a failure, and that his longer continuance in membership in the Fraternity can hardly be tolerated. The Lodges are looked on as organizations for preparing recruits for the Commanderies and the initiate is solicited to go into a certain Commandery before he has learned enough Masonry to be passed to the degree of F. C. While having fresh in his mind the statement of the Worshipful Master that Freemasonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendshij) among those who might otherwise remain at a perpetual distance, his attention is drawn to that, which he is told is the highest branch of the Order, which, being confined to believers in the religion of Christ, excludes all others except these believers and divides instead of uniting men of different sects and opinions. A Sir Knight dies, and at once an application is made by the officers of his Commandery to obtain possession of his remains, for what? to have greater respect paid to his memory than can be done by brethren of the Lodge? Not at all. But to enable the Sir Knights to appear before the outside world in all the grandeur of black uniforms and white feathers, with swords buckled to their sides, and preceded by a band of music, to impress the public with a due sense of their importance as the representatives of all that is to be desired in Masonry. It is seldom that prior to his death a Sir Knight is the recipient of Masonic relief from the valiant and magnanimous

i88o-i.

Orand Lodge of Kansas.

211

Sir Knights of his Commandery, but the humble and despised Lodge, in fulfillment of her Masonic obligation performs that duty, and is frequently compelled to yield her wishes in the matter of following to the grave the remains of the brother she has nursed and cared for before death. It is safe to assert that for one dollar expended by the Comrnanderies in the interests of benevolence and charity, fifty dollars are spent in public parades and foolish endeavors to impress upon the world at large how essen'tial they are to the very existence of Freemasonry. This is not written from any unkind feeling towards the Commanderies, nor from any feeling of jealousy of them or their members, the writer being among the oldest members of that branch of the Order in this city, having been made a Sir Knight between twenty and thirty years ago; but it is written because he knows that the course pursued by some of our Commanderies is doing harm to Freemasonry in this State. Brethren whom I know to be zealous and devoted Masons, who have the be'st interests of Masonry at heart, and who are anxious to check, if possible, a steadily increasing evil, have appealed to me to try and do something to stay it. One brother writing during the past year about a proposed display by the Knights Templar, said : " W h y this vain display? Why spend so much money in a foolish effort to glorify and exalt one branch of our Order to the injury of the other two? Why not save the money and expend'it in "deeds of more exalted usefulness? Why not try to make good the claim that as valiant Sir Knights their well-earned fame has spread both far and wide for acts of charity and pure benificence.'" We can hardly realize that there is any actual occasion for sounding the alarm'on this account. We admit that occasionally, here and there, there may be a Commandery whose members have so'far forgotten the first lessons they have received as to run wild over pageantry and display, but such persons are of no particular benefit to our Order in any of its branches ; they are usually degree hunters, and only posted on the number of degrees they have taken and the number of different secret orders they are members of. From our own experience of many years in the management of both Grand and Subordinate Bodies, we are led to believe that where you find a live and enthusiastic Commandery there also will you find the same spirit animating the Lodge and vivifying the Chapter. Life, energy and love of the cause never stand still, nor circumscribe their field of labor. Among our Orders as well as in all other societies and gatherings of men we find representatives of a certain class of human beings who are chronic grumblers and fault-finders, never satisfied with anything that did not originate from their own brain, and equally unsatisfied with the work that is done in secret, having no ear for the "still, small voice," that is more powerful than the thunder that controls the heavens, they measure results by. the amount of fuss and feathers produced to view. Such would fain go back on the work of their own hands if some one else will not do it for them, and like the Irishman at Donnybrook, they watch and wait for some one to tread on their coat tail. For such Masons a retreat is offered by France, where they do not require a belief in GOD or man, and have very little respect for the devil. A genuine Mason, imbued with the principles and sublime teachings of our Order, never finds a place in his heart to harbor envy or ill-will toward his neighbor because of the ability of the latter to wear a little better clothes or belong to more different orders and societies than he. M.-.W-.- J O H N W . ARBUCKLE, Lewisburg, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. O. S. LONG, Wheeling, Grand Secretary. 24

212

Proceedings

of the

WISCONSIN.

February,

1880.'

A Special Communication of this Grand Lodge was held June 29, 1879, for the purpose of laying the corner stone of the new hospital building for the Soldiers' Home, near Milwaukee. Past Grand Master J E D D P. C. COTTRILI, delivered a brief and appropriate address. On the 30th of October of the same year the Grand Lodge met in Special Communication to place the corner stone of the new Chamber of Commerce in the city of Milwaukee. Past Grand Master HENRY L . PALMER delivered an excellent oration, reviewing the rise and progress of the institution, the erection of whose new home they were about to commence, and of the history of our Institution. H e says: It is sufficient for our purpose, however, that we can say with confidence that Freemasonry in its simplest form, embracing all the essential attributes of the first three degrees which constitute the foundation of all legitimate Masonry now known to the civilized world, practicing the rites and teaching the ethics of the Order, substantially as they are practiced and taught to-day, has lasted for a period of time so long that its origin .is Jost far back in t h e s h a d o w y traditions of past ages. Its mission has always been the uniting of men in a common bond of fraternity for mutual improvement and mutual aid, and the practice, in its own quiet and unostentatious way, of a broad charity towards its unfortunate members and those depending upon it. The great corner stone underlying the Institution, and upon which the - entire superstructure rests, is a firm, unfaltering belief in GOD as the Creator and the Ruler of the Universe, and the main purpose of all its rituals and ceremonies and. symbolism is to inculcate a better knowledge of' Him and His attributes, and to teach its votaries their duties to GOD, to their country and to their fellow-men; a belief in the immortality of the soul be-' ing an essential element in the faith of every true Mason. And while the lessons inculcated at every step of the progress made by its members are intended to make them better men, and more faithful in the performance of their obligations and duties as citizens, they are also intended to impress upon them the duty of such a life here as will better fit them for the unknown and unfathomed hereafter. The third Special Communication was held in Kilbourne Hall, in the city of Milwaukee, for the purpose of publicly installing the officers of Independence Lodge, No. 80, and from the record kept we learn that the occasion, graced by the presence of ladies, enlivened by social oratory and rounded out by the savory contents of the festive board, was amply enjoyed by all present. Add to this the rendition of our beautiful ceremonies by M.-.W.'. Bro. PALMER, and it needed no more to make the occasion one of ever pleasing memories. We do not blame Bro. WOODHULL lor waxing eloquent over it. Any true Mason would, or, if he did not, we would favor his immediate relegation to a back seat in the darkest corner. T h e Grand Lodge met in Annual Communication, in the Grand Secretary's office, June 8, 1S80, and called from labor to refreshment until two o'clock in the afternoon of June 15th. It seems that this action was taken on account of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Reunion in that city. This may be all correct, but we hardly favor the idea of letting the doings of any other organization interfere with our meetings. They are fixed as to time a year in

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

213

advance, and it does not seem proper to let others change our purposes, but as this is in Wisconsin and not in Kansas, we do not feel called upon to enter any solemn protest. At the time fixed upon the Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor; all but two of the Grand Officers present; one hundred and eightynine Lodges represented; one Dispensation granted for the formation of a new Lodge, and one Charter issued. The Annual Address of the Grand Master is a brief recital of his official acts. The few decisions rendered by him would seem to indicate that the jurisprudence of Wisconsin is pretty well settled and understood. They are , " at peace with all mankind." The report of the Grand Lodge Trustees shows a small financial deficit. They recommended that the dues of Master Masons be increased to fifty cents. The report was adopted. M.-.W.'. Bro. T. T. GUKKEY, Grand Master of Illinois, was present and received with due honors. The Proceedings were brief, of a routine and mainly local nature. The United Grand Lodge of Colon and Cuba was recognized. On the evening of the l6lh of-June a Grand Lodge of Sorrow was held in memory of deceased brethren. M.-.W.-. Bro. J E D D P. C. CO'I'TRILL spoke in eulogy of Past Grand Treasurer WII.I.IAM H . HINER, of Past Grand Junior Warden HEiNRY TURNER, and of the venerable Bro. RUMRILL, who died during the year, at the ripe old age of eighty-three, after more than sixty years of Masonic life. Bro. E. A. CALKINS spoke in commemoration of the virtues of Bro. " S A M " BRANNAN, a pioneer of the best stamp, and of their much esteemed Grand Treasurer, DAVID S. VIITU.M. The ceremonies, rendered doubly impressive by solemn music fitly rendered, will, no doubt, be long remembered by those assisting. No Report on Correspondence published this year, which cuts down .the size of their volume, 'but can hardly be called an improvement. M.-.W.-. EMMONS E . CHAPIN, Columbus, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. J O H N W. WOODHULL, Milwaukee, Grand Secretary. WYOMING TERRITORY.

1879.

We have the printed transactions of this Grand Lodge, comprising about ninety-two pages of matter, mainly devoted to matters of local interest, which certainly is proper in a young and growing Jurisdiction where many questions of law and custom, derived from almost as many sources as there are States in the Union, have to find their level and receive final settlement. All the Lodges but one were represented in Grand Lodge. No general Report on Correspondence. Sorry the brethren of Wyoming can not afford to have a report inserted in their handsomely printed pages. They made a good start last year, and we should have been pleased to hear from the same author this time.

214

Proceedings of the

February,

. Bro. H E N R Y L . MVRICK delivered a learned and highly interesting oration. We would be glad to reproduce a part of it, but it is not one of the kind that can be cut up into pieces to suit; the work was loo well done, and offers no cranny or chink for our scissors. Grand Master JAMES H . HAYFORD delivered a short business-like Address, throwing in a little old-fashioned exhortation as a finale. He makes some good suggestions, among them one to have some competent brother selected to deliver, at each Lodge meeting, an oration or essay on some Masonic subject or the symbolism of our emblems. (The phrase*"the symbol-, ism of Masonic emblems" covers a hidden mine of knowledge, of primal importance and wondrous beauty, well worthy the most untiring study of the best minds, and as yet comparatively little known. The mystic laws of the Hebrew cabala, the laws of numbers, and the sacred significance of geometric forms, are the keys to this treasure chamber, and free to all who will use them. May their number increase, and Gon Speed them). The Grand Master thinks that a little more conviviality would help the Lodge, and that it is profitable as well as pleasant once in a while to gather in the wives and daughters and enjoy the comforts of social^intercourse. Such meeting indeed do serve to do good, if not carried to excess, but of this we have no fears. Grand Master HAYFORD never spares the rod even when it is painful to apply it with just vigor. He suspended the Master of one of the Lodges for immoral and unmasonic conduct, and cited him to appear and answer. This he failed to do, and was thereupon expelled by the Grand Lodge from all the rights and privileges of Masonry for contempt of the Grand Lodge. They adopted the two following standing resolutions: Resolved, That whenever Entered Apprentices or Fellow Crafts neglect or refuse for a period of two years to pass an examination upon their proficiency, or to make application to take the next degree, their names shall be dropped from the rolls, and reports of such Lodge and such Entered Apprentices or Fellow Crafts stricken from the roll, shall forfeit all moneys paid into the Lodge for any degree they shall have received, and shall be refused advancement except upon a petition in writing therefor, to be acted upon in like manner as is a petition for initiation. .Resolved, That all Subordinate Lodges in this Jurisdiction be, and they are hereby required to pay to the Grand Lodge, as a part of its dues, the sum of five dollars for each initiation in each Lodge, in addition to other Grand Lodge dues provided by law. The Grand Librarian reported many contributions to their young library, and the Grand Lodge voted a small contribution for its increase. Bro. ToNN, Grand Secretary, made a modest little report, three and a half pages, on Correspondence. Give us a big one next time, Bro. ToNiN', the sample is first rate. M.-.\V.-. JAMES HAYFORD, Grand Master, Laramie City; R.-.W.-. W M . G. ToNN, Grand Secretary, Evanston. Fraternally submitted, JOHN H. BROWN, Chairman.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

215

STANDING C O M M I T T E E S .

The M..W.'. Grand Master announced his appointment of Standing Committees of the'Grand Lodge for the session as follows : On Grand Master's Address—-Bros. D. BviNGTON, W. R. BROWN, A. F . ELY.

On

Grievances and Appeals-=-M..\ Vi.-. Bros. J O H N G U T H R I E , D A V I D

K E L S O , W . D . THOMPSON. On Credentials — Bros. F R A N K DRU.MMOND, J. C. B E N N E T T and G E O . C. K E N Y O N .

'

On Masonic Jurisprudence—

M.-. W.-. Bros. O. A. BASSETT, E . D .

HiLLYER a n d S. R . P E T E R S . Oti Finance—Bros.

W. J. COCHRAN, H . M . W A T E R S and E. L. F O S T E R .

On Lodges U. D. — Bros. J. J. BUCK, A. H. E L L I S and E. W E C K .

On Returns of Chartered Lodges — Bros. B. E. LANGDON, S. M . F O X and H. C. COOK.

,

On Grand Lodge Library—Bros.

C. D. NICHOLS, G. F . POND and J. E.

PICKET.

On Unfinished Business — Bros. J. W. HAMILTON, JAMES HOLLAND and A. E. BOND.

R.-.W.-. BRO. CHAS. C. WOOD, OF^ MISSOURI.

R . ' . W . . Bro. BROWN announced to the Grand Lodge that R.'.VV.-. Bro. CHARLES C. WOOD, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, was in the ante-room, and moved that a committee be appointed to wait upon the visiting brother and conduct him within the Grand Lodge, which motion was unanimously adopted. The M.'.W. •. Grand Master appointed Bros. BASSETT, BVINGTON and HoGEBOOM as such .committee, and thereupon the R.'.W.'. brother was introduced and duly presented to the Grand Lodge by Bro. BASSETT on behalf of the committee. The M.\ W.\ Grand Master, in the name of the Grand Lodge, welcomed the R.'.W.'. brother, and invited him to a 3eat at the right of the R.'.W.'. Grand Senior Warden. G R A N D MASTER'S ADDRESS.

Bro. BY^INGTON, from the Committee on Apportionment of Grand Master's Address, made the following report:

216

Proceedings of the

February,

To the M.: IV.: Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your committee, to whom was referred the- Address of the M.-.W.-. Grand Master, have carefully considered-the various subjects contained in the same, and respectfully offer the following recommendations: J^irsl — That so much of the Address as refers to new Lodges and to Leota and Onaga Lodges, be referred to the Committee on Lodges U. D. Second—That so much of the Address as refers to Nemaha Lodge, No. 13, be referred to the Committee on Chartered Lodges, with the suggestion that this committee confer with the Committee on Lodges U. D. with reference to Onaga Lodge U. D. Third—That so much of the Address as refers to the non-payment of dues, non-affiliation, revision of Constitution and By-Laws, and orders and decisions of the Grand Master, be referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. Fourth — That so much of the Address as refers to the investment of Grand Lodge funds be referred to the Committee on Finance. Fifth — That so much of the Address as refers to promiscuous begging be referred to a Special Committee of three. Sixth — T h a t so much of the Address as refers to publicity in Masonic matters and insurance companies be referred to the consideration of the members of the Masonic Fraternity in this Jurisdiction; Seventh — That so much of the Address as refers to Special Dispensation, applications to lay corner stones, appointment of Grand Representa. tives. Deputy Grand Lecturers, members of the Board of Custodians and Removal of Lodges, be approved by this Grand Lodge. Fraternally submitted, D. BYINGTON, WM. R. BROWN, A. E. ELY, Committee.

On motion of Bro. D E W I T T the report was adopted. The Gommittee on Credentials made an additional partial report. Bro. WOOD moved that that portion of the report of the Committee on Credentials j u s t submitted, referring to the credentials of proxies of officers, of Jewell Lodge, No. 11, be referred back to the committee for inquiry as to whether the proxy is a member of the Lodge he piirports to represent. It was so ordered. The rest of the report was adopted and the committee continued.

i8So-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas. PER DIEM AND MILEAGE.

217 . •

Bro. J. J. BUCK, from the Special Committee on Pei- Diem and Mileage, submitted the following report: To the M.\ W.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your committee, to whom was referred the propriety of and attendent cost of this Grand Lodge paying the expenses of one Representative from each Subordinate Lodge to this Grand Lodge, have liad the same under consideration and submit the following report: The committee have caused an accurate estimate to be made of the trav"eling expenses of each Representative from every Lodge now in existence. Chartered or V7T)., upon a basis of five cents per mile one way and by the most practicable route. As the expense of printing the tabulated statement in the Grand Lodge Proceedings will be slight, we recommend that the Grand Lodge order its insertion therein. Many of the earnest advocates of this expenditure are absent from this Session, and we therefore suggest, out of a spirit of fairness to such brethren, that the matter be not now acted upon. We are of the opinion that the-tabulated statement submitted herewith will enlighten the members of the Grand Lodge upon the wisdom or unwisdom of ordering this outlay, and desiring that all shall have the benefit of the facts and figures, and therefore recommend, for the sake of just and intelligent action, that the whole matter lie over until the next Annual Communication, and be made the special order for l o o'clock of the second day of the Session of the Grand Lodge. Respectfully submitted, J. J. BUCK, E. H . C R A W F O R D , Committee.

On motion of Bro. BROWN, the report was adopted. The following is the estimate of per diem and mileage submitted by the committee:

No

N A M E OF L O D G E .

Smithton Leavenworth 3 Wyandotte 4 Kickapoo 5 Washington 6 Lawrence 7 Union 8 Rising Sun 9 Acacia lo King Solomon ._ II Jewel 12 Emporia ' 3 Nemaha 1 ' 4 Oskaloosa ' 5 Great Bend i6 Lafayette _• 17 Topeka 18 Franklin 19 Olathe _ 20 Circleville 21 Valley Falls -22 Olivet ti— 23 Palmyra 24 Osage Valley — 25 High Prairie 26 Longton 27 Neosho 28 Eldora. 29 Pacific 31 Arcana 32 Auburn 33 Mound City 34 Extinct 35 Hiawatha 36 Council Grove 37 Faola 38 lola 39 Seneca 40 DeSotO-41 Bloorning Grove _ 42 Holton 44 Delphian 45 Easton -i47 Xenia 48 Monrovia 49 Nine Mile 5 ' Orient 53 Granada 54 Shawnee 55 Troy . 5 6 Spring Hill 57 Coyville I 2

February,

Proceedings of the

218

LOCATION.

COUNTY.

Highland Leavenworth _ Wyandotte Timber Ridge Atchison Lawrence Junction City _. Fort S c o t t . . . - . Lawrence . Leavenworth . Jewel City Emporia America City .. Oskaloosa Great Bend Manhattan Topeka . . Ottawa ^ Olathe Circleville Valley Falls _Melvern Baldwin City . Ossawatomie... Leavenworth . Longton Le Roy Mapleton Humboldt Doniphan Auburn.Mound City __

Doniphan Leavenworth. Wyandotte Leavenworth. Atchison.Douglas __ Davis Bourbon Douglas Leavenworth . Jewel Lyon Nemaha Jefferson Barton.; Riley Shawnee Franklin Johnson Jackson Jefferson Osage i Douglas Miami Leavenworth. Elk Coffey J. Bourbon Allen '._ Doniphan Shawnee Lynn

Hiawatha _. Council Grove Paola lola Seneca DeSoto Trading Post .. Holton Garnett Easton Xenia Monrovia Lansing Topeka Wetmore Shawnee Troy Spring Hill Coyville

Brown Morris Miami - •_ Allen Nemaha Johnson Lynn. Jackson Anderson Leavenworth. Bourbon Atchison Leavenworth. |Shawnee iNemaha ijohnson iDoniphan Ijohnson 'Wilson

AM'T.

S

3 3 60 2 2 2 2 I

40 40 70 40

5°

3 42 6 84 .1 50 2 40

7 50 2 94 5 70 71 10 2

S6 46

2 70 2 04

3 54 1 14

3 30 2 25

4 90 2 40 II 19

4 6g 8 40 6 04 2 70 60

6 10 4 74 3 94 4 55

.-)40 b 44 I 56 5 70 3 24 • 2 55 I 74 8 40 2 40 2 00

3"So 2 70

3 24 3 90 5 49

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

i88o-i.

No

N A M E OF L O D G E .

58 Mt. Pleasant. 59 Dick Rees 60 Salina 61 LaCygne 62 Ridgeway . 63 Adams 64 VVathena 65 Gardner 66 Burlington 67 Frankfort . ..68 Hiram 70 Carbondale — 71 Baxter 72 Huron 73 Clietopa 74 Mystic Tie 75 Waniego 76 Erie __.78 White Cioud79 Corinthian __. 80 Zeredatha 81 New Albany, 82 Tuscan 83 Doric 84 Jefferson 85 Suttdn 86 Evergreen Eureka Home

'•

90 Golden R u l e 91 Marysville 9 2 Mission

93 94 95 96 97 98 99

100 lOI 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109

no III I 12

Girard Harmony Constellation . Delaware Patmos I'ienevolent Wichita Prudence Euclid Keystone Cedar Frontier Solomon Cily . Fidelity Fortitude Zion Americus Adelplii Hesperian Blue Valley.-. 25

LOCATION.

Mt. Pleasant Hoge .Salina LaCygne Ridgeway Oswego Wathena Gardner Burlington Frankfort Leavenworth ^ Carbondale Baxter Springs Huron Chetopa Augusta Wamego =Erie White Cloud Burlingame Cottonwood Falls . New Albany: Neosho Falls : Eudora Winchester Waterville Montana Pleasanton Centralia North Topeka Marysville Osage Mission Girard Neodesha •. Fredonia , White Church Abilene Eldorado Wichita '. Columbus Lyndon Coffey ville Chanut'e.-' Washington Solomon City Eureka Independence Stanton Americus Winfield . . Rossville Irving 1

219

COUNTY.

Atchison Leavenworth _. Saline Lynn i Osage . Labette Doniphan Johnson __ Coffey Marshall LeavenworthOsage Cherokee Atchison Labette Butler Pottawatomie Neosho _ Doniphan Osage Chase Wilsori .. Woodson Douglas Jefferson -Marshall Labette '•-Lynn Nemaha Shawnee Marshall Neosho Crawford Wilson Wilson Wyandotte Butler Dickin.son Sedgewick Cherokee Osage Montgomery . Neosho , Washington.. Dickinson Greenwood Montgomery . Miami ..1 Lyon t Cowley .°_ Shawnee . 1 Marshall

AM'T.

I I 5 6

62 80 70 06

44 49 24

39 19 30 40 84 10 35 2 40

8 89 6 48 I 80

8 44 4 14 I 32 4 90 i i 09 5 14 20 64 20

«4 .lo 5 40 8 24 10 15

8 60 9 24 11 19 40

48 62 80

75 68 8.69 6 44 8 18 5 o 5 o 9 24 4 60 74

3° 78 78

No

N A M E OF LODGE.

St. J o h n s . . ' .Advance Excelsior Mu.icolah Ii6 Parsons H7 Altoona iiS 119 C h e r o k e e > 120 H a l c y o n 121 W o o d s o n Liberty 12.1 124 Clodfrey' Cawker City.' 126 .Vreridian 127 I ' a l e s l i n e 128 O l i a w a 129 Belleville Polar Star Equity '3.1 Carson '3^ C r e s c e n t '33 C l a y C e n t e r '3-1 r , e n e x a '3136 V e s p e r •37 C h e r r y v a l e .13S P o m o n a '39 S e d g e w i c k . 140 R e n o l . 141 S i g n a l 142 .N'ewton . . '43 M i n n e a p o l i s '44 CJilead '45 M t . V e r n o n J 146 E l l s w o r t h Center 147 r i i a y e r 149 150 W i l l i n g t o n '5' D o u g l a s 153 C a i o '51 i . i n c d i n 155 I l o p e .56 D e x t e r Haven 157 15k .Active Robinson '59 Saqui •160 -iabelha 161 162 Alma Greenwood '63 Cedarvale • 64 Oxford.--." .65 Farmers 166 L a m e d • 67' 114 IIS

February,

Proceedings of the

220

LOCATION.

Concordia Florence Unionlo\vn_ Muscolah P.nrsons . Alloona ' Cherokee Peahody Toronto

.

'

l.iberly Clodtrey Cawker Cily Elk Falls VVe'llsville Ottawa ISelleville iVelawaka l''antaiia Elk Cily , .Ark C i l y Clay C e n t e r . 1-enexa Sctlan C h e r r y v a l e -•

Pomona S e d g e w i c k City Hulchin.son O.sagc C i l y Newton .Minneapolis' Yates Center

licjoit

CoUNTV.

Cloud M a r i o n _• bourbon Alchison Labette Wilson Cherokee .Marion Woodson Monlgomery Bourbon .Mifchell Elk Franklin Franklin Kepublic Jackson .Miami Monlgomery . Cowley Clny Johnson Chautauqua... Monlgomery _ Franklin Sedgwick Keno' Oiiage Harvey Otl.Twa Woodson Mitchell Ellsworth

Ellswnrlh .Marion Marion C e n t e r riiayer ^_. ,__ N'ec.sho Sumner Wellington D o n g las I'uiler Calo '. C r a w f o r d Lincoln C e n t e r Lincoln Elk loward Ci:y Dexter Cowley •ioulh H a v e n Sumner .Alchison Atchison Kobinson lirown -_ O s b o r n e C i t y .Z Osborne Sa b e t h a iN'cniaha .Alma Waubausee jCharleston Greenwood _|(.'edarvale C h a u t a u q u a ._ .Sumner ^^._ O x f o r d .'-.|.\Iay D a y Riley iLarned Pawnee

AM'T.

6 82 5 20 40 s 60

3 7 6 9 5 5 9 8 9 10

69 44 'S 70 96 •^4 55 02

62

3 35 2 «5 7 29 4 20 5 15 10

fa2

9 30 •

5

04

3

20

10

62

8 74 2 70 fioft

•

8

10

I

68

6 8 6 8 7 5 7

40 28 04 02

50 70

'9

9 30 8 30

7 95 5 70 10

12

9 30 9 3° 2

40

4 39 10 0 2

5 29 I

80

5 95 11 37 9 SO 7 40 11 64

No

N A M E OF

221

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

i88o-i.

LODGE.

168 P a r k e r v i l l e 169 Blue R a p i d s ; 170 k l a - _ : 171 S t e r H n g 172 M c P l i e r s o n _, 173 IJelleplain 174 W e s t e r n S t a r 175 ICiru'in 176 Prairie Q u e e n 177 Russell 178 l i u r r O a k 179 Mt. M u r i a h 180 L o u i s b u r g — : 181 Olive . _ -—•182 B u r r t o n __: •83 G a y l o r d 184 P l i i l l i p s b u r g 185 1 l a m l i n 'Ibo Moun'ain Slope.1S7 P i i t s b u r g U D I.eola --_ U D Onaga U D Newahcuba -U D Henri --_ . U n Walnut Valley U D llartTord U D Lyon U D (Jalena U D Mays C i t y U D Mailison U D Canton U D Blue H i l l —. U D Norton , U D Mulvane U n Anthony u n Delphos U D, S u m n e r

COUNTY.

LOCATION.

ParkerviUe Blue R a p i d s . . Ida-' Sterling McPlierson Belleplain Smith Center _ Ivirwin Clyde Russell Burr O a k Kinsley Louisburg Twin Falls Burrton Gaylord Pliillipsburg Hamlin Oberlin ._. New Pittsburg Leota Onaga Stockton 'Ponganoxie Sitlney Hartford Lyon Galena Hays City Madison Canton : Delhi Norton • Mulvane Anthony Delphos Caldwell

Morris Marshall Mitchell Rice McPherson__ Sumner Smith • Phillips • Cloud Russell

Jewel

.-

Ldwards Miami Greenwood _ Harvey Smith Phillips Brown.. Decatur Crawford Norton Paitawatoinie Rooks Leavenworth Ness l.;yon Rice '.- . ("herokee Ellis Greenwood _ McPherson Osborne Norton ' Sumner I larper Ottawa Sumner',

AM'T.

4 7 8 8 • 6 8 10 10 6 9 7 12 4 • 5 7 10 10 5 14 9 10 4 12 I 11 3 8 II 10

42 15 02 76 go 80 17 32 12 36 50 78 20 45 38' 17 32 04 28 10 32 49 07 50 64 54 76 15 68 94 70 88 32 30 19 55 6 10 8 25

222

Proceedings of the BEGGING

February,

CIRCULARS.

The Special Committee provided for by the report of the Committee on Grand Master's Address, relating to the subject of " Begging Circulars," was then appointed by the Grand Master, as follows: Bros. G. W. HOGEBOOM, P. C. GARVIN and J.. H.

AUSTIN. RIGHTS OF ENTERED APPRENTICES.

Bro. KoHN submitted the following question to the Grand L o d g e : Can an Entered Apprentice Mason object-to the initiation of a profane after his election-? On motion, referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. SUSPENSION FOR D U E S .

Bro. ELLIS submitted the following question to the GrandL o d g e : Can a member of a Lodge, less than two years in arrears, be suspended for non-payment of dues? On motion, i-eferred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. The M.'.W.'. Grand Lodpe was called from labor to refreshment until '/ o'oclck p. M.

EVENING

SESSION. ToPEKA, February 16, 1881.

The M..W.". Grand Lodge was.called from refreshment to labor at 7 o'clock p. M. Bro. BASSETT, from the Committee on Jurisprudence, made a partial" report upon the decisions of the M.'. VV.'. Grand Master, which was accepted and adopted. (See report of Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence.) Special order was announced, but before proceeding with

i88o-i.

Grand 'Lodge ÂŤof Kansas.

228

the .same Bro. R. M. WILLIAMS obtained the unanimous consent to introtduce the following resolution : WHEREAS, The Masonic Bodies of Topeka 'have tendered to the Grand Lodge of Masons of the State of Kansas, free of charge, the use of their hall, together with rooms for a library and the use of the Grand Secretary, and a fire-proof vault wherein to deposit the jewels and archives of said' Grand Lodge for a period of ten years; therefor'e, Resolved, That the ensuing session of this Grand Lodge be held in the city of Topeka, and that before such session a proposition to amend t h e By-" Laws of the Grand Lodge by fixing and locatingthe Annual Communication at Topeka, for a period of ten years from this date, shall be submitted to the Subordinate Lodges for adoption; be it also Resolved, That hereafter the Grand Secretary shall be a resident of the place where the Grand Lodge is located. ' ^

Bro. BENNETT moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. Bro. HoGEBOOM moved to amend so as to instruct that committee to report the resolution at lo o'clock A. M. to morrow, and that its subject matter be made a special order for that time. Bro. BENNETT accepted the amendment, and the motion, as amended, was adopted. , Bro. DRUMMOND, from the Committee on Credentials, made an additional partial report, which was adopted. '

'

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The special order being the election of officers of theGrand Lodge, was then proceeded with, and the following brethren were declared duly elected : M.-.W.-.WILLIAM C O W G I L L

:

R.-.W.-. A. D. McCoNAUGHY R.-.W.-. G E O . S . GREEN R.-.W.-. SAMUEL R . PETERS

Grand.Master.

:

Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warderi. Grand Junior Warden.

R.-.W.-. C H R I S T I A N BECK

Grand Treasiirer.

R.-.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN

' _ . _ . Grand Secretary.

W.-. L. P. MASON W.-. J. M . K E C K

W'.-. E. D. HiLLYER

Custodian. '.

Custodian.

Custodian.

The city of Topeka was duly declared the place at which

'

224

.

Proceedings of (he

February

the next Annual Communication of-the Grand Lodge shall be held 1882. INITIATION FEES.

Bro. BROWN introduced (by request) the following amendment to the ByLavv.5 of the Grand Lodge : That Section 23 of the By-Laws be amended so as to read as follows: Section 23. No Lodge shall confer the first three degrees of Masonry for a less sum than S24.0?, $8.00 of which shall accompany the petition; provided, minislers of the gospel in actual service may be admitted gratulioHsly by the unanimous consent of the Lodge.

On motion of Bro GUTHRIE, the proposed amendment was referred tp the Committee on Jurisprudence. LODGES U. D.

Bro. RUCK, from the Committee on Lodges U. D., submitted the following report: To the M.-. VV.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your Committee on Lodges Under Dispensation beg leave to report that they have had under consideration and have carefully examined the records, transcripts, by-laws and oLlier papers counected witli the follovving Lodges U. D., viz: LEDTA, A T L E O T A , N O R T O N

COUNTY.

The Dispensation in this case was contiiiued'Over to this Communication (see Journal of 1879, page 54.) '^°'" reasons there assigned. Since that time nine Communications have been held and work done* in three degrees. At the time for the Regular Communications in October and November they failed of a quorum. T h e transcript is tidy and accurate as. to formality, but your committee are informed that the maintainance of a healthy Lodge at this point is extremely doubtful, as they 'are too near Norton Lodge and have not sufficiently established themselves in the confidence of the Craft. Your committee therefore recommend that a Charter be not granted to this Lodge. ONAGA, AT O N A G A , ' P O T T A W A T O M I E

COUNTY.

..

The Dispensation in this case was also continued over (see Journal of 1879, page 56) for reasons there appearing. During the present Masonic year these brethren have held twenty-on.e Communications, have initiated two, passed three and raised two. They did not meet between August 20th and December 4th, not learning until the latter date that they were authorized to work during that interval. The records, though not formally certified, are otherwise in good shape.

• i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

225

These brethren send a Representative, who assures your committee that with a Charter will come a change for better in officers, and many good dimitted Masons will seek a home amongst them. The question of localities has troubled your committee, and they, with some hesitation, recommend a Charter. N E W A H C U B A , AT S T O C K T O N , ' ROOKS COUNTY.

The Dispensation to this T^odge was granted December 15, 1879. Lodge was instituted January g, 1880, by W.-. Bro. JOHN BrssELL, since which time twenty-four Communications have been held in DUE FORM, and one not so regular. They have done work in all the degrees, having conferred in all twenty-six. They have adopted suitable Ey-Laws. In the Secretary's minutes of proceedings there appears no distinction between Regular and'Special Communications, but We gather such facts from the petitions, dates of meeting and times when' minutes were read. In other respects the transcript is comely. It appears, however, that at meetings held on the 14th and 28th of January, i8S(,'without any warrant, or authority of law, they elected one member and did work in all three degrees. Under the circumstances your committee recommend that the Committee on Jurisprudence be instructed to submit a resolution to this Grand Lodge ratifying and confirming the work and proceedings of these two Communications. We also recommend that the By-Laws be ai:iproved and a Charter granted, HENRI, AT T O N G A N O X I E , LEAVENWORTH COUNTY.

The Dispensation to this Lodge was granted December 16, 1S79, "'"i the Lodge'set to work December 17, 1879, '^y W.-. Bro. L. P. MASON. Thirteen Communications have been held. They have initiated four, passed three and raised three. The transcript is neat, full and accurate. Your committee are pleased to recommend that a Charter be granted. . W A L N U T V A L L E Y , A T S I D N E Y , NESS COUNTY.

Dispensation granted December 18, 1879, and the Lodge set to work by. the \V.-. Bro. J. P. HOWARD January 13, 1880.

Twenty-two Communications have been held, at which.fourteen have been initiated, thirteen passed and thirteen raised. The transcript evinces good work; By-Laws in conformity with the tandard, have been adopted.. We recommend that a Charter be granted and the By-Laws approved. LYON3, A T LYONS, R I C E COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted on January 9, i88o, and the Lodge set to work January 29, iS->o, by W.-. Bro. W. J. PicKERi.N'G. The transcript shows that fifteen Communications have been held, four initiated, two passed and two raised. We infer that thfere is a lively interest taken by the Craft in tlie progress and prosperity of this Lodge. As many as .nineteen visiting brethren attended on two different occasions. No meeting was held in June.

/•

226

'

Proceedings of Uie

'

The transcript is a model of neatness, fullness and accuracy. pleasure in recommending that a Charter be granted.

February, We take great

H A R T F O R D , A T H A R T F O R D , LYON C O U N T Y .

The Dispensation wa.s granted January 2, 1880, and the Lodge set to work by W.-. Bro. L. P. MASON. Thirty-nine Communications have been held, at which ten have been initiated, passed and raised. The transcript in this case is neat, full and workmanlike, and the Chairman of your committee vouches for the ability, of the officers. We recommend that a Charter be granted and their By-Laws approved. GALENA, A T G A L E N A , C H E R O K E E C O U N T Y .

"

" T h e Dispensation was issued to this-Lodge March 9, 1880, and the Lodge was instituted by W.-. J A S . SNEDDEN. This Lodge has held twentyone Communications. T h e brethren attempted two more, but failed of a quorum. They have initiated four, passed three and raised three, and present a faithful and tidy record of their labors. We recommend a Charter. H A Y S , A T HAYS C I T Y , E L L I S QOUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted to this Lodge March 11, 1880, and it was set to wock April i, 18S0, by W.-. Bro. H . D. PALMER-. These brethren have held twenty-six Communications, initiated ten, passed eight and raised sixThey are blessed with a model Secretary, to whom your committee are much indebted. Their records are tastefully kept and their work properly fc;rmuInted. A goodly number of visiting brethren were always in attendance. They present proper By-Laws, and your committee recommend that the same be approved and a Charter granted. MADISON, A T - M A D I S O N , G R E E N W O O D COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted March 30, 1880. The Lodge was instituted April 25,'1880, by W.-. Bro. J. J. BUCK. There were present at time of institution ten Master Masons. These brethren have held fifteen Com-' munications, initiated four, passed three and raised two. Tliey present for approval proper By-Laws, and with one ;e-xception, this is the only Lodge that have so formulated their work, as to render your committee any assistance. T h e town where this Lodge is situated is twenty miles from the nearest Lodge, and though a small place, is a growing one. A recently organized Odd Fellow's Lodge has appropriated good material, which might have been used in the Masonic edifice. Owing to the small number of petitioners the Grand Master had doubts upon the propriety of granting this Dispensation. Bro. BUCK, however, after looking over the ground, advised its issuance. T h e members are scattered over a farming community, and the getting up of a quorum is attended with much effort on the part of the faithful. The ofHcers are capable of doing accurate work, and at one time certain local jealousies seemed certain to impair the influence of this Lodge, .if not to destroy it. These difficulties have in a measure passed away, but not wholly so. . U n d e r all the circumstances we would recommend the approval of the By-Laws, and that a Charter be granted.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

227

CANTON, A T CANTON, M ' I ' H E R S O N COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted April 14, 1880, and the Lodge instituted April 26, 1880, by W.\ Bro. S. D. H O W E . Number of Stated Communications eight. Special Communications ten, number initiated seven, passed five and raised two, one of whom had received the first degree in McPherson Lodge. Proper By-Laws have been adopted. Your committee desire to compliment this Lodge on the satisfactory showing made. We recommend that the By Laws be approved and a Charter granted. BLUE H I L L , AT D E L H I , OSB'JRN'E COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted May,3, 18S0, and the Lodge organized May 19, 1S80, by W.-. Bro. E. T. WATROUS. Thirteen Communications were held, four initiated, three passed and two raised. The transcript is not creditable, phraseology is inaccurate, spelling is bad and the chirogrophy but little better than this report. There is no formal certificale showing that the transcript contains all the transactions of the Lodge, but each meeting of which we have a record, is attested by the Worshipful Master and Secretary.' This criticism is intended to prompt other applicants for a Charter to greater care and accuracy. We know no reason why a Charter should not be granted, and therefor recommend one; NORTON, A T N O K I;IN, N O R T O N

COUNTY.

Dispensation was granted May IC,- 1880, and Lodge set to work on :!'e igtii of the same month, by W.". I'ro. J O H N BISSELL. Thirteen Communica' tions were held. ' The work consists in initiating, passing and raising seven. The work appears to be in good hands, and we recommend that a Charter be granted. A N T H O N Y , A T A N T H O N Y , HARPER

COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted May 12, 1880, the Lodge was set to work July 6, 1880, by W.-. Bro. G E O . W . W I N N ; Fourteen Communications have been held, two passed, o'ne raised and two affiliated Under Dispensation. A neat and full report is sent up and we.recommend that a Charter be granted. M U L V A N E , A T M U L V A N E , S U M N E R CO.UNTY.

The Dispensation was granted July 6, l88o, and the Lodge set Iro work July 14, l88o, by W.-. Bro. W. ,S. CORBKTT. These brethren have held twenty Communications, initiated six, passed two, raised two and affiliated one. We recomniend a Charter. D E L P H O S , AT D E L l ' H O S , O T T A W A COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted July 31, 1880, and the Lodge set to work August 3, 1880, by W.-. Bro. GEO. M C K E N Z I E . These brethren have held ten Communications, initiated four, passed four and raised two. T h e transcript is full and appears to be accurate. They have adopted suitable By-Laws. We reconjrnend that the By-L"Ws be approved and a Ch-irter granted. 26

.

.

.

228

Proceedings of the

February,

SUMNER, AT CALDWELL, SUMNER COUNTY.

Dispensation was granted September 9, 1880, and the Lodge set to word September 17, 1S80, by W.-. Bro. PICKEKING. Ten Communications have been \\e\d, three initiated, three passed and two raised. The transcript is mechanically in good shape, but the phraseology might be improved. Proper By-Laws are reported. We recommend that they be approved and a Charter granted. . . Referring to the'suggestions of your committee of one year ago as to certain memoranda, to accompany each transcript, we take pleasure in saying that .two viz : Madison and Canton complied with that suggestion. The several showings as they appear upon paper are creditable enough, and there is little room for criticism, on the contrary, if it were proper in such report as this to do so, we might pass elaborate compliments upon the records and the work. Outside of these record.s, however, we are constrained to express our opinion that the work in all new Lodges is a little too much crowded. All of which is fraternally submitted, J. J A Y BUCK, A. H. E L L I S , E D W A R D WECK, Coiiimittee. .

The report was received and adopted. LEOTA LODGE U. D. Bro. BROWN moved that since the Grand Lodge had refused to grant Leota Lodge U. D. a Charter, that the Grand Secretary be, and is hereby instructed to issue certificates of good standing to all members whose'names appear in the Annual Returns for the year ending December 31, 18S0. BLUE H I L L L O D G E U. D.

Bro. BROWN stated that the members of Blue Hill Lodge U. D. were partakers of the misfortune that had overtaken the Northwestern counties in the loss of crops last year, and therefore moved that, by reason of such misfortune, the fee for Charter be remitted. Bro. DODD moved to amend by directing a continuance of their Dispensation another year. The amendment was withdrawn, and, the question recurÂť ring on the motion of Bro. BROWN, the same did not prevail. The M.'. W.'. Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 9 o'clock A. M- of Thursday,

188b-1.

Grand Lodge of Kamas.

MORNING

22M

SESSION.

ToPEKA, February 17, 1881. The M.-. W.-. Grand Master called the M.". W / . Grand Lodge from refreshment to labor at 9:30 o'clock A. M. , Officers and members were present as at the evening Session of February 16, 1881. iBEGGING C I R C U L A R S .

Bro. G. W. HoGEBOOM, from the Special Committee on the issuing of circulars by Subordinate Lodges, addressed to Lodges outside the State and asking for aid, submitted the following report: To-the M.-.W.-. Grand Lodge of

Kansas:

Your committee, to whom was referred that portion of the- M.-.W.'. Grand Master's Address in reference to Mountain Slope Lodge, No. 1S6, have had the same under consideration and beg leave to report: Your committee most heartily endorse the action and views of the M.'. W.-. Grand Master in this behalf, and believe that they are fully justified. Particularly do we approve the assurance given by the M.\W.\ Grand Master that Kansas Masons are not only able, but willing to relieve their destitute brethren within the State. We recommend an expression of the sentiment of this M.'.W.'. Grand Lodge, condemning and reprobating all such appeals as being at once discreditable to the manhood of the Craft engaging in.it and bringing discredit upon our Grand Jurisdiction. We further recommend that this'Grand Lodge shall, by the adoption of this report, notify the Craft throughout the country that such circulars are wholly unwarranted, and are entitled to no credit or charitable response from those receiving them. Fraternally submitted, • '

GEO. W. HOGEBOOM, T. H. AMSDEN, • P. C. GARVIN, Committee.

On motion of Bro. MCCONAUGHY, the report was adopted. S P E C I A L O R D E R POSTPONED.

Bro. GUTHRIE moved that the special order for 10 A. M.," being the qiaestion of locating the Grand Lodge at Topeka,

230

' Proceedings of Uie

February,

be postponed until the Committee on Jurisprudence shall report tlie resolution, which motion prevailed. -

FINANCK.

Bro. WATERS, from the Committee on Finance, made the follow'n[j repoit: To lAe 1\ .'. W.\ Grand Lodge of Kansas:

•

Youi Commillee on Finance respectfully report as follows: We h ive carefully examined the accounts of the R.-.W.'. Grand Treasurer and R.-.W.'. Grand Secretary, showing the amount of funds that came into their hands and the amount disbursed by them for the fiscal year, and find the same correct. Your commillee would respectfully recommend that the following appropriations be made to meet the current expenses of this fiscal year: For contingent expense of Grand Secretary's office, consisting of postage, priming and binding 1,200 copies of the Grand Lodge Proceedings of this Annual Communication and for rent ^1,100 00 Christian Beck as Grand Treasurer 75 00 Salary of Grand Secretary 1,000 co E. D. Hillyer, expense as Deputy Grand Master in visiting Leota and Onaga Lodges ' 20 00 The Grand Master for money advanced by him and sent to Mountain Slope Lodge for the relief'vf destitute brethren 100 00 R.'.W.-. John H. Brown, Grand Sc-jretary, for sundry expenses, as per account, rendered over tlie amount allowed at meeting of lOI 05 last Grand Lodge '5 CO R.-.W.'. John H. IJrown, expeiises at Grand Lodge 25 0 0 R.-.W.'. J. D. McCleverty, ex]..enses at Grand Lodge Grand Master for annual expense. ^3'~o 00, and extra five months, gi25 00

•.

.

M.-.W.-.W. Cowgill, experise at Grand Lodge '.. W.-. Bro. L. P. Mason, expense as Custodian and at Grand Lodge, R.'.W.'. Bro. A. D. McTonaughy, expense at Grand Lodge W.-. Bro. Fritz M.iijers, Tyler of Grand Lodge • Bro. R. Edwards, Assistant Tyler . •Rev. Thos. Burrows, Chaplain Bro. W. H. Rossington, Assistant Secretary at Grand Lodge — M. M. Miller, Junior Grand Warden, expenses attending Grand Lodge

425 0 0 25 65 44 30

•5- 0 0 20 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 20 0 0

25 .00

W.'. Samuel Saylor, expense attending Halcyon Lodge by order of Grand Master 2 50 Your commillee would respectfully recommend that the action of the Grand Master in tlie matter of invt.'i.ing the surplus funds, in the hands of the Grand Treasurer be approve', and your committee would further recom-

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kamas.

231

mend that if, in the judgment of the incoming Grand Master, such surplus funds can be invested in a manner designated last year, that they be so invested. Your committee take pleasure in reportipg that nearly all the Lodges that were in arrears for dues and which had also failed to make their r e . turns to the last Grand Lodge, have, during the past year, complied with the requirement made at the last Annual, Communication, and found on page 67 of the Journal of Proceedings of 1879. Respectfully submitted, H. M. W A T E R S , W. J. COCHRAN, E. L. FOSTER, Conimitlee. G R A N D LODGE L I B R A R Y .

,

Bro. POND, for the Committee on Grand Lodge Library, reported that no business had been submitted for their con-. sideration. Bro. DRUMMOND, from the Committee on Credentials, made an additional partial report, which was adopted, and the committee continued. G R I E V A N C E S A N D APPEALS.

Bro. KELSO, from the Committee on Grievances and Appeals, submitted the following report: To the M.\ W.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your Committee on Grievances and Appeals have had under consideration sundry matters of a]:>peal from Sul)ordinate Lodges, and resjiectfully submit the following report thereon : ('

The matter in the action of King Folomon Lodge, No. 10, against Bro.

J O H N A. Ross.

The accused brother in this case was charged Avith embezzlement, and your committee after liaving carefully examined the proceedings and all the evidence, recommend that the action o'f King Solomon Lodge, No. 10, in the matter be approved and affirmed. In the matter of the action of Frontier Lodge, No. 104, against Bro. HENRY W . CURTIS.

In this case your committee find the record and proceedings are incomplete, and is insufficient for the purpose of reaching a proper judgment, and we therefore recommend that Frontier Lodge, No. 104, be required to send up a full and complete record of the case, together with all the evidence in obedience to Section 41 of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge. In the matter of the action of Western Star Lodge, No. 174, against Bro. P A U L ARNOLD, an Entered Apprentice.

232

Proceedings of Ike

Febraary

In this matter the accused brother was charged with drunkenness and unmasonic conduct. After a careful consideration and reading of the record we recommend that the proceedings and action of the Lodge in this behalf be approved and aftirmed. • In the matter of the appeal of W I L L R . L E E , from the action of Sterling Lodge, No. 171. Your committee find the transcript full and complete, and the proceedings regular and duly authenticated'. Your committee find further that the sentence of expulsion as inflicted by the Lodge, is fully sustained by the evidence, and recommend that it be affirmed. In the matter of the appeal of ROBERT S . CARNEY, we find the proceedings regular and the sentance of expulsion warranted by the testimony. \Vc therefore recommend that i t be affirmed. In the matter of the appeal of R. T. WOODDARD, we find the proceedings regular, but the transcript is somewhat meagre, and does not show the • regularity of the fding of charges and the citation of the actfused to appear. But the same is properly verified. T h e evidence fully sustains the findings and the sentence of expulsion, and we therefore recommend that the action of the Lodge be affirmed. All of which if fraternally submitted, JOHN GUTHRIE, W. D. THOMPSON, D A V I D KELSO, Commitlee.

The report of the committee was adopted. O F F I C E R S A P P O I N T E D BY G R A N D MASTER. W.-. THOMAS BURROWS

Grand Chaplain.

\V.-. A. H . ELLIS \y.-. W I L L I A M JULIEN . • W.-. A. M. SwiTZER W.-. E. L. FOSTER \V.-. J O H N L . JONES '

1

W.-. F R A N K J. BROWN W.-. F R I T Z MAGERS

Senior Junior Senior Junior Sword

Deacon. Deacon. Steward. » Steward. Bearer.

Grand Marshal.

W.-. H . D. PALMER .

Grand Grand Grand Grand Grand

' -

. G r a n d Pursuivant..Grand Tyler.

S T E R L I N G LODGE, N O . 17J.

On motion of Bro. BROWN, the Charter of Sterling Lodge, No. 171, which was destroyed by fire, was ordered to be reissued free of charge:' • Bro. BENNETT, from the Committee on Credentials, made an additional report, which was adopted:

i88o-i.

- Grand Lodge of Kansas.

233

C H A R T E R E D LODGES.

Bro. S. M. Fox, from the Committee on Chartered Lodges, submitted the following report, which, on motion, was adopted : To the M.\ IV.: Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your Committee on Chartered Lodges after having carefully examined the returns submitted to them, respectfully beg leave to suljmit the following report: We find the returns of the following Lodges correct, to witj: Nos. I, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, lo, II, 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26, 28, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37> 38, 40, 44. 48. 49. 53. 54. 55. .56, 59, 61," 62, 63, 65, 71, 73, 74, 75, 81, 83, 84, 85, 91, 93, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, lOI, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 109, I I I , 112, 113, 115, 117, 118, 119, 121, 123, 126, 127, 128, 130, 131, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139. 140, 142. 143. 144, 145. 150. 151. 153. '54, 155. 156. 157. 158. 160, 163, 165, 167, 168, 170, 171, 173, 174, 175, 180, 182, 1S3, .184, 186. We are unable to harmonize the returns of the following Lodges with their previous reports, without examining said reports for several years past, to wit: Nos. 14, 17, 23, 24, 29, 41.^45. 47. 64, 76, 78, 80, 82, 88, 89, 90, 92, 94, 120 and 125. . The following Lodges have failed to pay their dues, to wit: ^ 42, 66, 86, 132, 141 and 169.

Nos. 15, 21,

No returns have been received from the following Lodges to date : Nos. 9. 72. 97., 108, 114, 164, 166 and 179. We find the returns of the following Lodges inc'eirect, as follows : Kickaapoo Lodge, No. 4, not signed by the Secretary; High Prairie Lodge, No. 25, not signed by the Worshipful Master; Salina Lodge, No. 60, not signed by the Worshipful Master; Orieiit Lodge, No. 51, no seal attached; Frankfort Lodge, No. 67, not signed by the Secretary; Hiram Lodge, No. 68, not signed by the Worshipful Master; Carbondale Lodge, No. 70, not signed by the Worshipful Master and no seal attached; Corinthian Lodge, No. 79,no seal attached; Adelphi Lodge, No, n o , not signed by Secretary; Godfrey Lodge, No. 124, not signed by the Worshipful Master; Carson Lodge, No. 132, not signed by the Worshipful Master or Secretary; Crescent Lodge,.No. 133, no seal attached; Centre Lodge, No. 147, not signed by the Secretary, nor is there anything to indicate the name or number of the Lodge on this return; Thayer Lodge, No. 149, the Worshipful Master's signature is signed per the Treasurer; Robinson Lodge, No. 159, no seal attached; Prairie Queen Lodge. No. 176, no signature or no seal attached; Russell Lodge, No. 177, no seal attached; Hamlin Lodge, No. 185, no seal attached; Pittsburg Lodge, No. 187, no signature of Secretary or no seal attached; Signal Lodge, No. 141, no seal attached. Your committee consider such carele.ssne.ss as that above mentioned exceedingly culpable, and deem it best to call the attention of the direlect officers thus publicly to these errors. Jt must certainly be a source of great an-

234

Proceedings of tJie

February,

noyance to the Grand Secretary that so many imperfect returns are sent in. Wfe'deem such errors' inexcusable, and would urge upon the Masters of all Subordinate Lodges a careful supervision of all returns. Palestine Lodge, No. 127, at Wellsville, Franklin County, ask that a dispensation he granted them to remove their Lodge to Edgerton, Johnson County. This action of Palestine Lodge washad at a regular ineeting held December 30, 1880, after due notice had been given each member in their Lodge. This petition is accompanied by the unanimous consent of Gardner Lodge, No. 65, the nearest Lodge to the proposed new location. After a careful considering of all facts submitted, your committee recommend that their petition be granted. In the case of Nemaha Lodge, No. 13, located at America City, who ask for Dispensation to remove their J.odge. A few of the "members desire to locate at Soldier City; a.majority, however, consider Havensville the most desirable place. From all the facts submitted to us, it is the opinion of your committee that the Lodge can not exist in its present location, and that its removal to Havensville will best promote the interests of the Craft. We would therefore recominend that the Grand Master, immediately after the close of the Grand Lodge, make an order of removal from America City to Havensville. Fraternally submitted,' B. E. LANGDON, S. M'. FOX, H. C. COOK, ' Commiiiee.

The M.'.W.'. Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 1:30 P. M.

AFTERNO

ON

SESSION.

ToPEKA, February 17, 1881. The M.'.W.'. Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to Tabor at 1:30 P. M. Officers and members present as at morning session. MASONIC PROCEDURE. The following written statement and queries were sybmit-

iSSo-i.

'

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

23o

ted to the Grand Lodge by Bro. C. D. NICHOLS, and, on motion, referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence : A brother is charged with a Masonic offense. The Worshipful Master appoints the time of trial and a committee to take evidence. The Secretary, in citing the accused brother to trial, informs him that such trial will take place at the time set by the committee for taking the evidence, without reference to the appointment of the Worsliipful Master, and less than ten days from service of citation. In response to the citation, the accused appears specially by counsel and objects to the taking of testimony on account of these irregularities. On this state of facts I respectfully request an answer to the following queries: J^irsi—Have the committee a right to entertain such objection and adjourn without taking evidence? Second—At an ensuing Communication, when the committee report action and that they have adjourned the taking of evidence, is the Worshipful Master right in declaring that their irregularity was fatal to the charges, and that they must be dismissed and presented again as though no action had been taken upon them? Third—Can the Master, before setting the charges dovifn for trial, pass • upon their sufficiency as constituting a Masonic offense without action of the Lodge? Fourth—Is the Junior Warden required, at the request of a suspended rneraber, or from information derived from a profane, to prefer charges against a member of the Lodge? A M E N D M E N T TO BY-LAWS —SUSPENSION FOR D U E S .

•• Bro. ELLIS introduced the following, which was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence: Resolved, That Section 44 be amended by adding thereto the following words:' Provided, Subordinate Lodges may adopt By-Laws providing for the suspension of all members in arrears for dues for one year, and all proceedings to enforce such By-Laws shall be in conformity with the provisions of this section.

The Grand Secretary called the attention of the Grand Lodge to •&. letter received from JAMES F . LEGGETT, and moved its reference to Leavenworth Lodge, No. 2, to inquire into the facts'and report upon the merits of the claim for re-instatement. The letter is as follows: ToPEKA, KAN., February 16, 1881 To the M.\ W.\ Grand Master niid Meiiiders oj Grand Lodge of Kansas: Some five years ago I was a member of Leavenworth Lodge, No. 2, and my dues had not been paid. I was going to leay.e the city, and meeting 2?

236

Proceedings of tlie

February

W M . HUTCHINSON, who was at that time Master of the Lodge, I gave him the money to pay my dues. He neglected to pay over the money, and after the lapse of a certain time I was suspended for aon-payment of dues. I never knew anything of it until after I was suspended. I visited the Lodge by permission as a suspended member and made the statement. The only reply I received was that I was suspended for non-payment of dues. Vexed because they took no notice of my statement, I left the Lodge room, and have never visited that or any other Lodge since. I understand that, under the rules as laid down by the Grand Lodge, the Lodgis to which I belonged require that I must submit to a vote of the Lodge whether I may be re. turned or not. I desire to submit to the Grand Lodge whether that is Masonic law. What is my status ;-.s a Mason? What are my relations to Masons? I shall cheerfully bow to whatever decision you may reach. Fraternally yours, J A M E S F. L E G G E T T .

Bro. FKEEMAN introduced the following foregoing letter:

touching the

Resolved, That this Grand Lodge direct the Leavenworth Lodge to investigate the ifiatter as to whether Bro. JAMES F . LEGGETT paid his delinquent dues to the Worshipful Master of said L o d g e ; whether said dues, i' paid, were mis-applied, and that said Leavenworth Lodge report its findings forthwith to the Grand Master, who is hereby clothed with full power to act upon the facts as they appear. INVESTIGATING COMMITTEES.

Bro. ELLIS introduced the following query, which was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence: After a petition for initiation or affiliation has been received by a Lodge and referred to a committee, and remained in the hands of the committee one lunar month, and on failure of the committee to report, may the Lodge discharge such committee and appoint one in its stead with instructions to report forthwith, and, on such report being forthwith filed, may the Lodge take action on the petition the same evening? ORPHANS' FUND.

Bro.

THOMAS M . PIERCE

introduced the following:

Resolved, T h a t a committee of five, composed of Past Masters, be appointed to take into consideration the ways and means of creating an orphans' fund and plan of controlling the same by this Grand Lodge, to report at the next Annual Communication.

The resolution was adopted,

i8So-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

237

INSTALLATION.

The list of Grand Officers elect and appointed was then called, and M.-.W.'. Bro. OWEN A. BASSETT, acting as Grand Master, proceeded to duly install the same and conduct them to their lespective stations, as follows: . M.\W.-. Wn.LiAiM CowGiLL K.-.W.-. ALBERT D , MCCONAUGHY R.-.W.-. GEORGE S . GREEN R.-.W.-. SAMUEL R . PETERS . R.-.W.-. C H R I S J I A N BECK R.-.W.-. JOHN I-I. BROWN

(jrand Master. Deputy Grand Master Grand Senior Warden Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary.

W.-. THOMAS BURROWS

Grand Chaplain.

W.-. W.-. W.-'. W.-. W.-.

Grand Grand Grand Grand Grand

A. H . ELLIS WILLIAM JULIEN A. M. SWITZER ^ E. L. FOSTER J O H N L . JONES

,

Senior Junior Senior Junior Sword

Deacon. Deacon. Steward. Steward. Bearer.

W.-. FRANK J. BROWN _:

Grand Marshal.

W.-. H. D. PALMER

Grand Pursuivant.

W.-. F R I T Z MAGEKS

Grand Tyler.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

R.'.W.'. Bro. JOHN H . BROWN, Chairman of the Commit-

tee on Foreign Correspondence, presented report, which was, on motion, adopted:

the

following

To tlie M.-. IV.\ Grand LoJge of Kansas : The undersigned, your Committee on Correspondence,l^eg leave to submit the following special report on the recognition of new Grand Lodges. ISLAND-Df>CUBA A N D COLON.

Several official documents have been placed in the hands of your committee, from which we glean the following satisfactory information of the final adjustment of all differences heretofore existing on the Island of Cuba and the uniting of the -fortunes of the Masonic Fraternity on the Island. We therefore offer the resolution appended to this rei>ort. NEW

SOUTH

WALES.

Your committee have carefully examined all the official documents and other papers placed in their hands concerning the formation oi the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, an applicant for fraternal recognition, and from these documents it appears that this Grand Lodge has been regularly formed by a constitutional number of Subordinate Lodges, the Colony having a local self-government, and we think possessing as mvich right as any other

238

Proceedings of the

February,

State or Province to Masonic government. Your committee can see no good reason why recognition should be longer withheld. We therefore offer the resolution appended to this report. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of Kansas hails with much pleasure the final adjustment of all differences heretofore existing in the Masonic Fraternity on the Island of Cuba, and.cordially e.xtend to the United Grand Lodge of the Island of Cuba and Colon the rJHfct hand of fellowship. Resolved, That th'e Grand Lodge of New South Wales, having fully establishfed a Masonic government'in the Colony of New South Wales, the Grand Lodge of Kansas hereby extends to this new Grand Lodge the right hand of Masonic fellowship, and bids hcjr a hearty welcome into the sisterhood of Grand Lodges. GRAND

REPRESENTATIVES.

The crddcMitials of W.'. Bro. L. P. MASON, as the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, and M.\W.'. Bro. J. D. MCCLEVERTV, as Grand 'Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico, near the Grand Lodge of Kansas, were duly presented, and the usuaL courtesies'were extended to the respective Representatives. BOARD O F CUSTODIANS.

W.'. Bro. L. P. MASON, of the Board of Custodians, pre-" sented the following report.: To the M.-. W.\ Grand Lodge of

Kansas:

The Board of Custodians beg leave to submit their annual report: They have issued twenty-one certificates to Woi-shipful Masters of proposed new Lodges. At the last Session of the Grand Lodge the Board appointed M.-.W.-, Uro. E. D. RiLLYER Grand Lecturer. We refer you to his report for information as to the discharge of the duties of his office. On M.iy It;, an informal meeting of the Board was held at Fredonia, at which Bros. MASO.N and COWGILL were present. Business connected with the duties of the Board was then transacted. On November d, on the occasion of the Session of the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory, Bro. MASON exemplied the work as authorized'and taught in Kansas, and the Board are able to congratulate their brethren of this Jurisdiction on the fact of its adoption by the Grand Lodge of the Indian TeriTtory. On November 19th, the Board met at Fredonia, pursuant to a call of the Grand Master. We regret that Bro. GREEN was prevented (roni being present, owing to business engagements.

'SSo-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

239

Bro. GREKN tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the Grand Master, and,-on recommendation of the Board, Bro. E. D. H I L L Y E R was appointed to fill the vacancy thus occasioned. Bro. GEO. L. BULLOCK was appointed Assistant Grand Lecturer. All of which is respectfully submitted, W. C O W G I L L , L. P. MASON, Custodians. .STERLING LODGE, NO. 171.

The petition of Sterling Lodge, No. \']\, was presented, as follows, and on motion the petition was granted: To the M.\ IV.\ Grand Lodge of

Kansas:

Whereas, Sterling Lodge, No. 171,.located at Sterling; has, during the ' past year, suffered the loss, by fire, of all their property, therefore said Lodge respectfully petitions this M.'.W.-. Grand Lodge to refund the dues of said Lodge for the year ending December 31, 1880. ^.U.\^hU^, Worship/nl Master. H. L. M I L L A R D , Senior Warden. . J. L A R U E , Junior Warden. C O M M I T T E E "ON O R P H A N S ' F U N D .

The M.'.W.'. Grand Master appointed the following Special Committee, in compliance-with the resolution of Bro. PIERCE, already adopted, relating to the creation of an orphans' fund: Bros. THOMAS M . PIERCE, JOHN GUTHRIE, S . E . SHELDON, FRANK DRUMMOND and

L. P. MASON.

The resolution of Bro. WORK 'on this subject, which had been referred to-the Committee on Jurisprudence, was directed to be reported back and re-referred to this committee: MASONIC J U R I S P R U D E N C E .

M.'.W.'. Bro. BASSETT, from the Committee on Jurisprudence, made the following report: To the M.\ W.\ Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your Committee on Jurisprudence respectfully report upon portions of the M.-.W.-. Grand Master's Address referred to us: First—Upon

those

the subject of suspension for non-payment of dues.

In 1875 the M.-.W^.-. Grand Master reported his opinion No. 22; " N o one can be deprived of his rights and privileges as a member until by due trial and conviction for some ofifense charged and sentence has been recorded,

340

Proceedings

oj the

February,

and all regulations depriving any of their prerogatives are obnoxious and ought not to be regarded." Proceedings of '.S75, page 34. Upon this the Committee on Jurisprudence for that year reported : " But in view of existing regulations of this Grand I/Odge,.as found in Section 44 of the By-Laws, we recommend that Decision No. 22 should not be so construed as to-apply to members of Lodges suspended for non-payment of dues under provisions of said By-Law." Proceedings of 1875, page 55. Afterwards, at the same Annual Communication, the same.committee, in their report upon a resolution referred to them, said: " T h a t a Lodge has no right to suspend a member for non-payment of dues by a mere resolution, or by any other action,- without due nolice, except when the member's residence is unknown; that the law on this subject is full and explicit, as found in Section 4 t of the By-Laws; and, if any member has been suspended for . non-payment of dues without the Lodge having complied with the provision of said Section 44, such suspension was illegal, and the members so suspended should be reinstated." Proceedings of 1S75, P^S^ 71. In 1877 the M.-.W.'. Grand Master reported his opinion No. 5 : " I am clearly of the opinion that the correct interpretation of- Section j;4, in relation to suspension for non-payment of dues, is that all suspensions for nonpayment of dues must be 'without form or trial' other than the proper notice to be given as prescribed in that section. In all true Masonic trials the Lodge has the choice to either expel, suspend, reprimand or acquit. But if a trial in the true sense was allowable for non-payment of dues, the Lodge could exercise nn discretion in regard to the nature or extent of the punishment, for Section 44 says they shall be suspended." Proceedings of 1877, page 21. Upon this the Committee on Jurisprudence for that year reported: " W i t h regard to decision No. 5 we are of the opinion that the idea intended to be conveyed by said decision is in harmony with the former action of this Grand Lodge, as found on pages 55 and 71 of the Proceedings of 1S75. But, for the purpose of making the construction of Section 44 of the By-Laws definite and certain as to the manner of proceeding with brethren who are two years in arrears for dues, we would report that in such cases the brother is in default. If residing in the county where the Lodge is located he shall be personally served with a summons to be present at a Regular Communication of the Lodge, which summons should state the date of the Communication, which shall be not less than one month after service of the summons, and shall also state the amount of dues owing by said brother, and a further statement that if he fail to be present and pay said dues he will be suspended from membership in the Lodge in accordance with Section 44 of the^ By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. If the brother reside out of the county, and his residence be known, then such summons shall be served by sending the same through the_ mail, addressed to the brother at the place where he usually receives his mail, and if one month elapse after the'sending of the summons, and the brother fail to appear, then a second summons shall be mailed to him, citing him to appear in not less than one month from that date;

i8Sp-Si

Grand Lodge of Kansas. '

241

and, if he fail to respond to the second summons, he' shall be liable-to the penalty of Section 44. If the residence of the brother be unknown, the brother shall be suspended without notice after three months from the time the Lodge shall have ordered the summons to be issued." Proceedings of 1877, page 55. In 1879 the Committee on Jurisprudence, in their report on a proposition for the amendment of Section 44. of the By-Laws referred to them, said : "Your committee are of the opinion that no one, for any cause whatever, should be debarred from all the rights and privileges of the Order without due trial, and a trial can be had o,nly upon specific charges, designating .some Masonic offense with such particularity as will inform the accused of what he is charged, and in what act his omission or commission consists. Any other course would be as dangerous to the rights of the Mason as it would be in a court of law to the liberty of the citizens." Proceedings of 1879, page 60. . ' ' Your committee have cited at length the previous action of this Grand Lodge upon the subject of suspension for the non-payment of dues, because of the importance of having some definite understanding of the law and the procedure under it. Simplicity in form in the administration of the law is always desirable, and a complex and intricate mode of procedure no longer commends itself to the intelligent mind. The Committee on Jurisprudence in 1877 gave a construction to Section 44 of the By-Laws by stating the proper procedure under it. The mode reported is simple and plain-, and we see no reason why it should not be followed in all cases coming within the provisions of that section. It may be that the committee, in its report, was not quite explicit enough in its statement as to what should be the procedure after the summons was served (or mailed), but if that report is read in connection with the decision then . under consideration, it appears clear and well defined, that, after due notice has been given " t h a t all suspensions for non-payment of dues must be without form or trial," which we construe to mean that after summons Has been served (or mailed, or, in case the residence of the brother is not known, ordered to be issued), and the requisite time has elapsed, the suspension is complete by a vote of the Lodge so ordering it, two-thirds of all the mem- • bers present voting for'the.suspension (Section 4 ' , Grand Lodge By-Laws). The report of the Committee on Jurisprudence in 1S79 is not, we think, in conflict with these views, for the committee therein did not attempt to construe the existing law, but rather pronounced a criticism on it or upon the proposition then under consideration. We are, therefore, of the opinion that no additional legislation is either necessary or desirable upon this subject. Second—Upon

the subject of non-affiliation.

It is among our cardinal principles that Masonry is a purely voluntary Institution. He who would behold the beautiful interior of our Mystic Temple must of his own free will and accord knock at our portals; and

242

Proceedings of tlie

February,

when he has penetrated the mysteries, and the sublime truths of Masonry have been unfolded to him, if he does not desire to dwell continuously with us, he may depart as he came, and the voluntary character of our Society is maintained and perpetuated. Can we legislate in violation of principle and preserve to ourselves a conscientious regard for that principle? Is the individual of more importance to Masonry than Masonry is to the individual? If this be so, let us disband at once and unite our fortunes vyilh his and reap the greater reward ; but, if this be not so, let us pursue the even tenor of our way; let us enjoy the fruits of our own labors; let us maintain the honoc and integrity of our Institution, and the time will come when our brother, having filled his belly with husks, will, prodigal-like, of his own free will and accord, return unto his kindred, and when he does come we will extend again to him the hand of brotherly love. As coercion and free will are antagonistic, we recommend that there shall not be any legislation *on the subject of non-affiliation. Third—Upon the subject of a revision of the Constitiilion and By-Laws. In 1S77 the M.-.W.'-. Grand Master, under a resolution adopted by this Grand' Lodge, appointed a committee, consisting of three Past Grand Masters, to prepare and present at the next Annual Communication a full and complete codification and revision of the Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Regulations, and at the next Annual Communication, on-application of that committee, the committee was continued, tp report at the Annual Communication of 1879, since which time nothing has been heard from it. We therefore recommend the discharge of that committee, and the indefinite postponement of the subject of the revision of the laws. Your coinmittee further respectfully report upon the orders and commissions issued by the M.-.W.-. Grand Master and referred to us. That we find nothing requiring special consideration except the order dated " J u l y 23, 18S0, to Mound City Lodge, No. 33, perpetually staying proceedings in certain cases of advancement applied for." We find the facts in this case to be as follows: First—That one T. J. BAKERVILLE, residing within the jurisdiction of Mound City Lodge, No. 33, petitioned that Lodge for the degrees of Masonry. Second—That the applicant's petition was received and referred to the usual committee for investigation, reported on and the candidate elected to receive the degrees, all in due form and according to usage. Third— Before the first degree was conferred it was ascertained " t h a t the mother of the candidate was a slave at the time of his birth ; that his father was a free man, and that, by the local law, his condition followed his mother's, and he was held not to be frqe-born." Fourth—These facts coming to the knowledge of the M.-.W.-. Grand Master, through a.reference of the case to him for his opinion, he decided " t h a t a person, either of whose parents >vas a slave at the tiijie of.his birth,

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

24S

is not ellegible to receive the degrees of Masonry," and thereupon the M.-. W.-. Grand.Master directed Mound City Lodge, No. 33, not to confer any of the degrees upon the candidate. The qualifications of candidates for the degrees of Masonry, so far as it is necessary to d(?fine them in connection with the subject under consideration, as we glean them from the ancient regulations are: " T h e y must be good and true men, free born, of mature and discreet age, no bondmen, no women, no immoral or scandalous men, but of good report." And it has been held that a slave, or one born in slavery, is disqualified for initiation into the rites of Masonry. . ' r.aws and local regulations, it is true, have been from time to time enacted and adopted, enforcing, modifying and explaining these ancient rules, but these qualifications were'no doubt originally prescribed because of the peculiar nature of the Masonic Institution, wherein all its members meet as equals, and from its symbolic teachings, and have always existed as landmarks. Your committee considering this subject of more than ordinary importance, do not feel competent to make an intelligent report upon the same, to the end that the law may be established in this jurisdiction for the general government of the Craft, should like cases arrise in the future, without first having an opportunity of examining and more carefully considering the prin'ciples involved than can be offered us in the short period allotted for our deliberations here, and because of other matters which claim a large space of our time during this session. W-e therefore recommend that the further consideration of this matter be postponed until the next Annual Comnuiiiication of this-Grand Lodge. Your committee further resi^eetfully re]iort, upon the decisions made by the. M.'.W.'. Grand Master, and recommended: That, decisions Nos. 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, iS, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 be approved. The decision No. I, be approved, but in making this recommendation we desire to say that we distinguish this from the one made in 1877. ' In that decision the M.\W.-. Grand Master said " A non-affiliated Master Mason, is not entitled to receive Masonic burial." In this decision the M.-.W.-. Grand Master says: " A non-affiliate may be given Masonic burial." • The distinction i.s Masonic burial may be given a. non-affiliated .Vlasler Mason, iJz'/ it can not be demanded for him. I That decision No. 4, be a])proved. This is substantially the same as the decision of 1S67, on this subject. This decisi<,)n \^'as reported because of a. difference of opinion as to what was the meaning of the words *' MasiJnic Month " in the former decision. We therefore append this explanation. Ao .Masonic month is a lunar month, a month of twenty-eight days. That decision No. 3, be disapproved. \Vc are of the opinion that a \Vorshipful Master can order and can issue a summons; he can do this when * the Lodge is not in session, and also when the Lodge is a.ssembled and open, 38

•

244

Proceedings of the

February

and in the presence of the open Lodge without the advice or consent of the Lodge. A Lodge may also order the issuance of a summons under its seal and hand of its Secretary. That decision No. 6, be disapproved. In iS76.the M.-.W.-. Grand Nfaster decided " A person blind in one eye can not be made a Mason." That decision was approved by the Grand Lodge, since which time there has been no approved recision of thai ruling. That decision No. lo, be disapproved. This Grand Lodge gave a con struction to section 44 of the By-Laws in 1877, as hereinbefore stated, and the construction then given to the law on this subject has not been changed. That decision No. 21, be disapproved. We agree with the first clause of this decision, "That the Worshi|)ful Master is not compelled to take notice of a verbal objection to the advancement of a candidate, made outside'the . Lodge," but we think the law has been better slated in a decision approved in 1872. T h e second clause of this decision, " B u t if the objecting brother be absent, (he Worshipful Master ought in deference lo him, delay advancement at least until the ne.xt Regular Communication, to afford lime for staling a formal objection," is a matter of ethics rather than'of law. The last clause, " A brother, if unalde lo be present, may communicate his objection in writing 10 the Lodge, and such objection would bar advancement until w i t h d r a w n , " w e think extends the right and effect of an objection too far. We are of the opinion that the three approved decisions of 1872, on this suliject, preserve to the member of the Lodge all the rights they are entitled to. That decision No. 26, be disapproved. This is in conflict with a Standing Regulation adopted in 1871. That decision No. ^^, i)e disa]>|^r()\'cd. This is in conflict with section 24, of the By-Laws, which is so general in its terms as lo embrace all petitions, whether for affiliation, restoration or for the degrees. Your committee further respectfully report upon the severaj resolutions referred to us : • First — Upon the resolution felaling to the permanent location of the Grand Lodge ; " W H E R E A S , The Masonic Bodies of Topeka have tendered to the Grand •Lodge of Masons of the .State of Kansas, free of charge, the use of their hall, together with rooms for a library and the use of the Grand Secretary, and a fire-proof vault wherein to deposit the jewels and archives of said Grand Lodge for a period of ten years; therefore, Resolved, That the ensuing session of this Grand Lodge be held in the city of Topeka, and that before such session a proposition to amend the ByLaws of the Grand Lodge by fixing and locating the Annual Communication at Topeka, for a period of ten years from this date, shall be submitted to the Subordinate Lodges for adoption; be it also Resolved, That hereafter the Grand .Secretary shall b§ a resident of the place where th? Gr^nd l^odge is located,''

i8So-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansaa.

24")

We are not informed as to the offer of the Masonic Bodies at Topeka referred to in the .preamble to this resolution, as no papers have been submitted to us showing in what form the offer is made or by whom, and recognizing that property rights even among Masonic Bodies are governed by the laws of the land, we can not recommend any action looking to an acceptance of the ])roposition tendered without kno^dedge of its conditions. That the fii'st clause of the resolution designating the place where the next Annual Communication shall l"ie held, is in conflict with section i of the By-Laws, which provides the manner of determining the place, antl we liave not reported any resolution as an amendment to existing laws, by which this Grand Lodge may be permanently locatetl, or located for any definite period at any particular j^lace, for \\"e do not understand that we we/e by this reference instructed so to do. That it is not competent for the Grand Lodge to say where its Grand Secretary shall reside; the location of his office may be fixed, but the Grand' Lodge can not control his place of residence. We therefore recommend the rejection of the resolution. Second— Upon the resolution offered by Bro. W O R K : ^^Resolved, That the Grand Lodge hereby instruct the Grand Secretary, wheii issuing his annual circular of instructions to Lodges, to include in the same the following request: That each Subordinate Lodge within thii Grand Jurisdiction shall include in tHeir returns a sum equal to ten cents per capita for each member borne on the rolls of said Lodge, at the date of making-the annual returns, for the purpose of creating a Widows' and Orphans' Fund, said fund to be held by the Grand Lodge until such time as the Grand Lodge may deem it necessary to order it otherwise." We ha\'e examined this resolution, and we are of the opinion that'this subject matter is wdthin the scope of the powers of the Grand Lodge to deal with it as may apj)ear best for the good of 'Masonry. Third—- Upon the resolution offered by Bro. GADDIS, We have exami ned this resolution; there is nptliing in it requiring any opinion excejit upon its merits, and this can be best gi\'en by direct vote in the Grand Lodge. We therefore make no recommendation. Fourth—Upon

the resolution offered by Bro. ELLIS :

"Resolved, That Section 44 be amended by adding thereto the following words: Provided, Subordinate Lodges may adopt By-Laws providing for the suspension of all members in arrears for dues for one year, and all proceedings to enforce such By-Laws shall be in conformity with the provisions of this section." This proposition authorizing Lodges to adopt By-Laws, providing that the penalty of suspension shall be applicable to any one who may be but one year in arrears for dues, we do not approve. It is wholly a question however, of policy which the Grand Lodge must deal with. We consider the present law as sufficiently severe in its provisions, and we recommend the re jection of the resolution.

246

Proceedhigs of tlie

Fehi-uary,

Your committee further respectfully report upon the several questions referred to us for answer : J^irsi — Can an Entered Apprentice object to the initiation of a candidate? We answer. No. No one can object who has not the right to ballot. Second—Can a member of a Lodge less than two years in arrears for dues be suspended for non-payment of dues? We answer, No. Make your Lodges wdiat ibey should be, and this subject will not appear in so many forms. Third—From-the consideration of the special case i:)resenled we ask to be discharged. Masonic procedure for the trial of causes may be illustrated bv special cases based u]ion assumed facts, but this method of arriving at a 'proper adminisiration of the law is loo cunil>ersonie, and leads to too much circumlocution lo render il profitable. • Fourth — Can a CoNumittee of Investigation, lo whom has been referr' I a petition for the degrees, or for restoration, or'for affdiation, which has fa' I lo report on or before the expiration of one month, Ije dischargefl and anr r committee appointed ? We answer, Yes. Can the second committe instructed to report forthwith? We answer. No. For every such commilb-e is entitled to havcia reasonable lime to make a full investigation, and o le month is by usage considered a reasonable time within which to perform l)-jis duty. But any Committee of Investigation may report as soon as it is C^JIy .•satisfied in regard to the mental, moral and physical C|ualificalions of the petitioner, and such report may be acted on as soon as it is made; provided, one month hai intervened from the lime the petition was received bv Iht; I.od^rt. All of which is submitted, O W E N A. BASSETT, 1. S A M U E L R. P E T E R S , CommitUe.

On motion of Bro. COCHRAN, the resolution-to amend Section 23 of the By-Laws, relating to the fees for conferring degrees, was indefinitely postponed. . . Without further considering the report of Bro. BASSETT, the M. .VV.'. Grand Lodge was called from labor to refres''=ment until 7 p. M.

iS8o-i.

Grmui Lodge of Kansas.

EVENING

247

SESSION.

ToPEKA, F e b r u a r y 17, 18S1. The M.'. VV.'. G r a n d L o d g e was called from refreshment t o labor at 7 p. M. T h e newly installed G r a n d Officers were in their respective stations. Tlie consideration of the report of the C o m m i t t e e '•"turisprudence was renewed. . h• a

on

,

•.3ii.i. Bro E L L I S moved t h a t the report be considered in sections, •j'Ji.Jich motion was a g r e e d to. T h e r e c o m m e n d a t i o n of t h e c o m m i t t e e t h a t the r e s o l u t i o n I ' amend Section 4 4 of t h e B y - L a w s , so as to provide for t h e si sponsion of m e m b e r s in a r r e a r s for dues one year, was first considered. Bro. D E W I T T m o v e d that tlie r e c o m m e n d a t i o n be a d o p t e d . The. motion did not prevail. T h e o t h e r sections of t h e report were read and a d o p t e d , and the report, as a m e n d e d , was a d o p t e d . T h e resolution of Bro. E L L I S was then taken up and a g r e e d to, and ordered to be referred to the S u b o r d i n a t e Lodges-for. approval. T h e M.'.W.'. G r a n d M a s t e r then ordered the" list of s t a n d jflg c o m m i t t e e s to be called, a n d t h e r e appeared t o be n o business undisposed of b y t h e c o m m i t t e e s , or a n y further reports to be made. Bro. B. F . E V A N S offered t h e following resolution, which was, on m o t i o n , ' u n a n i m o u s l y a d o p t e d : Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be and are hereby cordially and fraternally tendered to our retiring Grand Master, iiro. JOSEPH D. MCCLEVERTY, for the very faithful and impartial manner in which he has performed the duties of the office of Grand Master during the past sixteen moiiths.

248

Proceedings oj tlie COMMITTEES

February,

APPOINTED.

The M •. W.'. Grand Master announced appointments of committees:

the following

On Correspo7idence— R.-.\V.-. J O H N H . BROWN, R . - . W . - . A. D. McCoNAUGHY and M.-.W.-. J O H N G U T H R I E . Board af Censors—WILLIAM

C O W G I L L , G E O . S . G R E E N and SAMUEL R .

PETERS. Advisory

Board—K.

M. C A L L A H A M , L . P. MASON and JACOB D E W I T T .

No further business' appearing, the Grand Lodge of the State of Kansas was closed in AMPLE FOKM after prayer by the Grand ChajJlain. W I L L I A M COWGILL. Grand Master.

ATTEST :

Grand

Secjetary.

fe ?

>—^-^—~f

* S

STATISTICAL TABLES.

^ > .C:^^'

-^ ^

Ko,

Smithton.' . . Leavenworth . Wyandotte . . . Kickapoo . . . Washington . . Lawrence'-' . . Union . . . '. . Rising S u n t . . Acacm King Solomon . Jewel Emporia . . . . Nemaha . . . . Oskaloosa . . . Great Bend . . Lafayette . . . Topeka . . . . Krankiin . . . . Olathe Circleville . . . Valley Falls . . Olivet Palmyra . . . . Osage Valley . High Prairie . . Longton . . . . Neosho . . . . Eldora Pacific Arcana . . . . Auburn . . . . M o u n d City . . Hiawatha . . . Council G r o v e .

LODGKS.

Ottawa Olathe . . . . Circleville . . Valley Falls . . Melvern . . . . Baldwin C i t y Ossawatomie . . High Prairie . Longton . . . . Leroy Mapleton . . . Humboldt . . . Doniphan . . . A u b u r n . . .' . M o u n d City . . Hiawatha . . . Council G r o v e

Highland . . . Leavenworth Wyandotte . . Round Prairie . Atchison , . . Lawrence J u n c t i o n City . F o r t Scott . . . L a w r e n c e . . •. Leavenworth . J e w e l City . . . F,mporia . . . . America City . Oskaloosa . . . Great Bend . . Manhattan . . . Topeka . . . .

LOCATION.

October 17, i860. O c t o b e r 16, i86r October 12, 1862

J u l y 14, 1856. J u l y 14, 1856. O c t o b e r ao, 1856. J u l y 14, 1856. J u l y 14, 1856. J u l y 14, 1856. October ao, 1857. M a r c h 4, 1878. O c t o b e r 17, 1873. O c t o b e r 18, 1858 O c t o b e r 22, 1874 D e c e m b e r 21, '6 O c t o b e r 16, 1867, O c t o b e r 18, 1858, October 22, 1874, O c t o b e r 18, 1859. O c t o b e r 13, 1857, D e c e m b e r 20, '64 O c t o b e r 18, 1859, O c t o b e r 17, 1866 O c t o b e r 18, 1859, O c t o b e r 22, 1874. O c t o b e r 18, 1859. O c t o b e r 18, 1865 October 15, 1859 October 22, 1874 October 18, 1865, O c t o b e r 17, i860. O c t o b e r 17, i860. O c t o b e r 17, i860. O c t o b e r 17, i860.

CHARTRRED.

WHEN

'

3 I"

2

I

2 I

2

3 2

4

2

1

•a

4 10

6

2

7

I ,

4

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40 >04

45

=3 27 • 22 48

37 '5 18

30 60 28

S9

• 73

33 54 105 62 196

99

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'37 81 104

23>57 •37

50 113 101

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37 •4 •7 23 =7 22 46 45 • 24 39 104

27 59 28

59 190 6q 82

36 97 33 50 103

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00

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3? 49 18 48 16

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00 00 50 00 50 00 00

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50 00 50 50 50

II 75 67 29 68

56 00 50 50

S24

0 i: u

1 " <*

201 >~ boJZ IS = .

a ) T 3 1 ^ i-

Synopsis of Returns of Subordinate Lodges for the Year Ending December 31, 1880.

s 5«

83 84 85

.80 81 82

73 74 75 76 78 79

71 72

68 70

66 67

37 38 39 4o 41 42 44 45 47 48 49 51 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 • 61 ,62 63 64 65

Paola . . . lola . . . . Seneca . . D e Soto . . Blooming Gi Holton . . Delphian . Kaston . ,. Xenia . . . Monrovia N i n e Mile Orient . . Grenada . . Shawnee . Troy . . . S p r i n g Hill Coyville'^ . Mt. Pleasan Dick R e e s Salina . . . LaCygne . Ridgeway Adams . . Wathena . Gardner Rurlington Frankfort . Hiram . . Carboiidale Baxter . . Huron . . Chetopa . . Mystic Tie Wamego . Erie . . , W h i t e Clou Corinthian Zeredatha New Albany Tuscan . Doric . . Jefferson Sutton . . Evergreen Eureka . , Home. .

Paola lola Seneca . . . . . D e Soto Trading Post . Holton . . . . Garnett . . . . . Easton . . . .' , Xenia Efflngham . , . Lansing . . , Topeka . . . . Wetmore . . . Shawnee . . . Troy S p r i n g Hill . . Coyville . . . , Mt. Pleasant . , Hoge Salina LaCygne . . . , Ridgeway . . , Oswego. . . . , Wathena . . . , Gardner , . . , Burlington . . , Frankfort . . . , Leavenworth . . Carbondale , . . B a x t e r Springs . Huron . „ . . . Chetopa . . . . Augusta . . . . Wamego . • . . Erie W h i t e Cloud . . Burlingame . . . Cottonwood Fall, New Albany . . Neosho'Falls . . Eudora Jefferson , . . . Waterville . . . Montana . . . . Pleasanton . . . Centralia . . . .

October October October October October October October October October October October October October October October 21,

69,

October 21, '62. October 20j '63. October i8j •76, O c t o b e r 20, '63. D e c e m b e r 20, 64. October 20, •63. O c t o b e r 18! December 30,'I October 17, •66, October 17, 66, October 17, 66, October 16, 67 October 17, •67, October 16, 67, O c t o b e r 16, October 16, 67, October 17, 67 October 17, 67 October 17, 67, 67 O c t o b e r 2O1 70 October 20, O c t o b e r 22, 74 S e p t e m b e r 74 October 21, 20, October 21, '6i. October 21, 68. October 18, O c t o b e r 21, O c t o c e r 20, O c t o b e r 21, 59 33 63 30 29 49 38 36 45 26 40 34 33 29 25

41

33

32

49 39

32 27

96

15

59

21 15 18 82

S9 .48

30

33

23 24 152 33

63

3=

22

66

93 60 39 14 13 82

93 60 41 15 13 82

so 00 00 so

19 16 19 20

29 00 15 SO 3' 50 15 00 14 50 24 50 18 50 18 00 22 50 12 so 19 50 17 00 16 50 14 Q 12*50

50 00 50 00 50 00 50 00 50 00 00 00 so 00 SO 50 00 CO 00 00 50 00 00 SO 00 CO

46 30 19 7 6 41 31 9 15 II 11 76 16 14 44 22 10 7 8 41 29 7 48 13 13 24

01

>^

I

NAME OF LODGE.

125

90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 lOI 102 103 104 »o5 106 107 108 109

Golden Rule Marysville . . Mission . . . Girard . . . . Harmony •. . Ci-nstcllalion Delaware . . Patmos . . . Benevolent . Wichita . . . Prudence . . Euclid . . . Keystone . . Cedar . . . Frontier . . Solomon City Fidelity . . . Fortitude . . Zion t •. • • • •Americiis , . . . no Adelphi Hesperian . tii Blue Valley . tI2 St. John . . "3 Advance'-' . . 114 Excelsior t . "5 Muscotah . . 116 Parsons . . . 117 Altoona:! . . 118 Cherokee . . Halcyon . . "9 120 Woodson . . Liberty"^' . . 121 Godfrey . . 123 Cawker City 124

No.

North Topeka Marysville Osage Mission Girard . . Neodesha . Kredonia . White Church Eldorado . . Abilene . . . Wichita . . . Columbus . . Lyndon . . . Coffeyville . . Chanutc . . Washington . Solomon City Eureka . . . Independence Stanton . . . Americus . . Winfield . . Rossville . . Irving . . . Concordia -. Florence . . Uniontown . Muscotah . . Parsons . . . Altoona . . . Cherokee . . Peabody . . Toronto . . . Liberty . . . Godfrey . . Cawker City

LOCATION.

7°70. 70. 70. 70. 70 70. 70. 717i7'717171717i7"71717572. 72. 72. 72. 72. 72. 72. 7276. 72' 72. 72. 72. 72. 17, 72.

October 2 0 , October 2 0 , October 2 0 , October 2 0 , October 2 0 , October 2 0 , October 2 0 , October 2 0 , October 19. October 19. October 19. October October 19. 'October ' 9 . October 19. October 19, October ' 9 . October 19. October 1 9 . October 2•9. October 1 , October '77 October 17, October J7. October 17, October 17, October 17. October 17. Octobar 17. October 16, October • 7 . October 17. October 17, October 17. October ' 7 ,

CHARTERED.

WHEN

.

ir. lA

2

3 8

I

2

6

4

2

5

3 7

2

2

3

2

6

2

2

I

14

2

iS 3 3

I

2

3 4 6

11

2 ' f

2

6 3

2

4 14

4 4.

3' 17

1

2

3

9-

9

2

5 15.

5

2

I

7 6

2

10

4

£

•6 u

1

•

•

5

c

«

•6

SYNOPSIS OF R E T U R N S OF SUBORDINATE

LODGES—Contmued.

31 36 J 23 24 35 55

63

70 20 66 64 96 62 3' 52 39 36 42 30 134 6 23 74 25 •9

46

51 80

52 49 .

31 35 121 24 34 55 32 •4 21 46

36 42 30 134 6 23 74 25 19 61

63 60 96 61 3' 52

46

15 50 17 50 60 50 12 00 17 00 27 so . 16 00 7 00 10 50 23 00

$26 00 24 00 25 SO 40 00 23 00 35 00 10 00 31 50 30 00 48 00 30 50 15 50 26 00 19 50 18 00 21 00 15 00 67 00 3 00 11 50 37 00 12 50 9 50 3". 50

SS-

173

16S 169 170 171 172

167

164

'50 '51 •53 •54 •55 • 56 •57 .58 •59 160 161 162

'49

137 138 139 140 141 142 '43 144 145 146 147

I'-iO

•33 >34 135

131 132

127 128 I2g 130

Meredian Palestine Ottawa . Belleville Polar Star Equity . Carson . , Crescent . Clay Center Lenexa . .. Vesper . . CherryVale Pomona. . Sedgwick . Reno . . . Signal . . Newton . . Minneapolis Gilead . . , Mt. Vernon Ellsworth . Center . . Thayer . . Wellington Douglas . Cato . .' . Lincoln . . Hope . . Dexter . . Haven . . 'Active . . Robinson . Saqui . Alma . . . Sabetha . . Greenwood Cedarvale Oxford . . Farmer's . Larned . . Parkerville Blue Rapid: Ida . . . . Sterling . . McPherson Belle Plaine

. . . .

. . . .

. . . . . . . .

McPherson . . . . Belle Plaine . . . .

Parkerville . .' . . Blue Rapids . . . Ida

Charleston Cedarvale Oxford-

Osborne City . . .

Cato Lincoln Center . . Howard City . . . Dexter South Haven , . .

Wellington

Marion Center . .

Minneapolis . . . . Yaies City . . . .

Sedgwick ('ity . . Hutchinson 1 . . •. Osage City . . . .

Chcrryvale

Clay Center . . . Lenexa

Elk City

Belleville Netawaka . . . .

Elk Falls Wellsville

October 17, October •7. October •7, October I , October •7, October ' 7 . October I d , October 16, October 16, October 16, October I I I , October le, October 16, October • 6, October 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, October • 6, October 16, October 2 2 , October 2 2 , October 2 2 , October 2 2 , October 2 ^ , October 2 2 , October 2 2 , October 2 2 , October 2 2 , October 2 1 , October 2 1 , October 2 1 , October 2 1 , October 2 1 , October 2 1 , < ctober2 1 , October 18, October i 8 , October • 8, October I " , October 18, October 18, October 18, October 18. October 18, October 18, 747575757576. 75. 76. 7b. 76. 707b. 777777,

75' •

737373737374747474747474747475-

73-'

737373737373737373-

72. 72. 72. 72. 72. •

7-

9

I

5 t 2

2

6 1

•7 3

II

I 6

10

4

8

14

9 19 37 •7

00 00 00 50 2

3

3 6

9 5

9 4

24

39

18 43

41 32 41 28 31 29

22 00

4 3 7 9

30

00 00 50 50 50 00 50 00 00 00 50 00 50 50 50 00 00 00 00 00

41 00 12 50 6 50 •=

58

30 34 41 32 41 27 31 28 39

58

18 42 24

40 25

40 25

45 36 20 32 22 20 12 29 15 17 20 16 20 •3 15 14 ig 9 21 12

19 so

14 SO 28 50 20 50 • 8 50 16 00 63 50

50 00 50 50 00 50 00

16 00 g CO 4' 30 6 10 16 26 38

10

1

65 45

67 46

34

39

90 72 41

39

29 57 43 37 32 129 90 72 4'

32 53 76 29 57 41 37 32 127

76

21

60 13

83

12

1

2

3 4 4

10

13

4 5 3 6 3

7

1

7

2

10

7

2

I

5 .

8 3

I

t

6 5 5 9 5

1

•4 5

D I

5 5 4

6 4 9 9

10

4

2

4

0

5 5

I

0 I

I

2

' 3

4

1

0-

to

^

51.

I

200 201 S03 203

J93 194 195 196 197 198 199

192

<74 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 t8s 186 187 188 189 igo 191

No

. .

.

.

.

. .

.

. . .

.

.

Smith C e n t e r . Kirwin . . . . Clyde Russell . . . . B u r r Oak . . . Kingsly . . . . Louisburg . . . * T w i n Falls . . , Burrton . . . . Gaylord . . . . Phillipsburg . . Hamlin . . . . Oberlin . . . . New Pittsburg Onaga Stockton . . . . Tonganoxie . . Sidney Lyon Hartford . . . Galena . . . . H a y s City . . . Madison . . . . Canton . . . . Delhi . . . . . Norton . . . . Anthony . . . . Mulvane . . . . Delphos . . . . Caldwell. . . . Leota

LOCATION.

WHEN

October 18, '77, October 17, ' October 17, October 17, '78 October 16, '79, October 16, '79, October 16, '79, October 16, '79, ^.Ictober 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, F e b r u a r y 17, "^8 F e b r u a r y 17, F e b r u a r y 17J F e b i u a r y 17, F e b r u a r y 17, F e b r u a r y 17, F e b r u a r y 17, F e b r u a r y 17, F e b r u a r y 17, F e b r u a r y i6, F e b r u a r y 16, F e b r u a r y 16, F e b r u a r y 16, F e b r u a r y 16, F e b r u a r y 16, F e b r u a r y 16,

CHARTERED.

* T h e C h a r t e r of this L o d g e has twice been d e s t r o y e d b y fire.

Western Star . Kirwin Prairie Queen . Russell B u r r Oak . . . Mt. M o r i a h . . Louisburg . . . Olive Burrton Gaylord Phillipsbiirg . . Hamlin M o u n t a i n Slope Pittsburg . . . Onaga Newahcauba . Henri W a l n u t Valley . Lyon Hartford . . . Galena Hays Madison Canton . . . Blue Hill . . . Norton Anthony Mulvane Delphos Sumner Leota

LODGE.

3 6 2

3 8 3 •s 3 7

2

4 3

I

4

X

6

I

I

I

2

3 3

"

I

I

2

s

1

3 3 4

a

E

LODGES—Conttnu^i^.

f Consolidated with B o u r b o n , t a k i n g t h e N u m b e r .

t-

2

2

2

2

2

2

S 3 7

II

9 3 '3

II

3 14

10

2

5 3 b J 8 5 12

7 3 6

6

•

2

2

2

5 4 5 7 4 8 5 3

4 4

2

2

6 B 4 5

e <

7 5 4 4 5

X

n

•6

4 -3 4 9

11

a,

•d

SYNOPSIS OF R E T U R N S OF SUBORDINATE

9 50 19 00 10 50 21

16 28 20 32 19 33 23

16 28

29 26 17 28 •9 38

00

II

50 50 50 00 00

00 50 50 50 00 50 00 50

16 9 16 11 10 5 11 8 8 9 10 9 9

GO

10

14 0 0

8 00

14 0 0

8 50

12*00

22 50 I I 00 8 00 8:00 M 5°

21

16 16

39 32 29 45 22 16 16 29 24 17 28 19 38

S19 5>> 16 00

11^<

^

^

I

4^

i8So-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

255

SUMMARY OF LODGES M A K I N G R E T U R N S FOR T H E E N D I N G D E C E M B E R 21, i88o.

Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Amount

of Lodges working under Charters last year 173 . of Lodges whose Charters have been revoked last year of Lodges whose Charters have been surrendered -: of Lodges receiving Charters this year 17 of Lodges working under Charters coming year 190 of Lodges who failed to make returns for 18S0 4 of Lodges making returns but paid no dues 20 initiated during the past year : 862 passed during the past year 703 raised during the past year 669 admitted during the past year 722 dimitted during the past year 540 reinstated during the past year 97 died during the past year 110 suspended for non-payment dues during the present year-_ 160 suspended for unmasonic conduct during the present year 10 expelled during the present year 14 of members reported to December 30, 1880 8,562 of members reported to October 30, 1879 7.443 of members gained over last year 1,119 of members' exempt from paying dues for 1880 137 of members chargable with dues 8,425 Grand Lodge dues reported to December 31, 1880 S4,2I2 50

258

Proceedings of the

February,

S U S P E N D E D F O R NON-PAYMENT O F D U E S . No

LODGE.

2 Leavenwnrth. _ 2 Leavenworth.2 Leavenworth... 2 Leavenworth . 2 Leavenworth ID King Solomon lO King .Solomon lO King Solomon.. 10 King Solomon 10 King Solomon 12 Emporia 12 Emporia 12I Emporia

12 Emporia "5 Great Bend 161 Lafayette i6l Lafayette i6i Lafayette 16 Lafayette 16 Lafayette 16 Lafayette 16 Lafayette 18 Franklin 18 Franklin 24 Osnge Valley. „ 24 Osage Valley 24 Osage V a l l e y . . . 24 Osage Valley._L 241Osage Valley 24 Osage Valley 28!Eldora 281 Lklora 28 Eldora 28|Eldora 29: Pacific 29 Pacific 29 Pacific 29 Pacific 29 Pacific 29 Pacific 29 Pacific . 29 Pacific 29 Pacific 29 Pacific 37 Paola 37 Paola 37 Paola 39; Seneca 4 ' Blooming Grove 4> Blooming Grove 41 Blooming Grove 4 ' Blooming Grove

LOCATION.

Leavenworth.. Leavenworth.. Leavenworth Leavenworth.. Leavenworth Leavenworth.. Leavenworth.. Leavenworth Leavenworth.. Leavenworth.. Emporia Emporia Emporia _ Emporia Great Bend Manhattan Manhattan Manhattan Manhattan Manhattan Manhattan Manhattan Ottawa Ottawa Ossavvatoiriic Ossawatomie Ossawatomie Ossawatomie Ossawatomie Ossawatomie Mapleton Mapleton Mapleton Mapleton Humboldt Humboldt Humboldt Humboldt Humboldt Humboldt Humboldt Humboldt Humboldt Humboldt Paola Paola .. Paola Seneca, Blooming Grove Blooming Grove Blooming Grove Blooming Grove

NAME.

DATE.

Joseph Harrop May 5, 1880. B. S. Richards. May 5, W. T. Wood May 5, R. B. Partridge .". May 5; J. T. C. Willman May 5, Thos. P. Gable Feb. 6, T. A. Hurd • Feb. 6, David Crusuis July 16, James W. English July 16, Godfrey F. Miller Aug. 6, Almerin Gillett..^ Jan. 4, T. G. H u n t Sep. 3, P. A. Bishop Sep. 3, VV. A. Williams Sep. 3, Lewis Stewart Sep. 12, 1879. S. B. Edelblute Mar. 5, 1S80. \V. A. Ensign •. Mar. 5, Wm. Reaser Mar. 5, S. P. Voorhees Apr. 16, Fred. Blythe Apr. 16, H. C. Crawford Jan. 4, A. D. Goodwin Jan. 16, J. W. Bendu.se Oct. i, A. M. Cunningham Oct. i; A. J. White Dec. 2, Lewis Phinice.. Dec. 2, L. Hendrickson Dec. 2, James A. Burks . ._ Dec. 2, \V. H. Boucher 1__ Dec. 2, T. W. Stebbins Dec. 2, VV. E.' Myrick May 22, A. C. Smith May 22, J. S. Wilson May 22, M. T. Hudson May 22, A. L. Dornburgh Feb. 7, W. A. Graves Feb. 7, E. A. Gleason Feb. 7, J. F. Dogenbert Feb. 7, J. R. Washburn Feb. 7, George Marshall Feb. 7, Watson Stewart Dec. 7, r . S. Washburn Dec. 7, J. O. Hattenstein Dec. 7, J. VV. Barr Dec. 7, J.Clayton Dec. 15, 1879. Dall GillDec. 15, W. B. Guptil , Jan. 25, iSSo. J. A. Amos Oct. 5, I 8 78. R. C. Splawn July 17, iSSo. Morris Howard. July 17, O. M. Rogers July 17, J. VV. Davis ijuly 17,

i88o-i.

Ibl

Grand Lodge of Kansas. S U S P E N D E D L I S T — Con/inucd.

No

LODGE.

54 Sliawnce • 54 .Shawnee 54 Shawnee 6o Salina 6o Salina 6o Salina 6o Salina 6o Salina .^ 6i La Cygne 6i La Cygne 6i La Cygne 6i La Cygne 6i La Cygne 64 Wathena 64 Wathena 73 Chetopa 73 Chetopa __ 74 Mystic Tie 74 Mystic Tie 74 Mystic Tie 74 Mystic Tie 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton • 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton : 88 Eureka 90 Golden Rule . 93 Girard 93 Girard 59 Constellation 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 101 Euclid 104 Frontier 109 Americus 109 Americus 109 Americus 113 St. John I "3 St. John 115 Excelsior 127 Palestine 131 Equity .' Carson

LOCATION.

NAME.

DATE.

Shawnee Shawnee Shawnee Salina Salina Salina Salina Salina La C-ygne La Cygne La Cygne La Cygne La Cygne Wathena Wathena Chetopa Chetopa Augusta Augusta _.' Augusta Augusta Waterville __I WalerviUe - Waterville Waterville _-: Waterville Waterville Waterville _____ Pleasanton North Topeka Girard Girard ^ Fftdonia Columbus Columbus Columbus--! Columbus Columbus Columbus Columbus , Bolumbus Lyndon Washington Americus Americus Americus ,Concordia Concordia Uniontown Wellsville Fontana Elk Cily

Simon Cblin Wm. G. Plamilton _, Wm. L. White C. F. Healey ; A. J. BennettJames T. Martin E. T. Hill S. H. Williams .W. S. Gray S. H. Hunt J. S. Lane H. Robinson Scott Shattuck W. H. Ellsworth W. H. Smallwood Z. J. Campbell J. W. Owens W. L. Pratt W. R. Carlton C. A. Stone M. J. Skinner Ed. A. Berry G. M. Lewis W. P. Mudgett W. H. Haskell Lewis Kurlh Robert L. White Lewis Pandleton Charles Barrick H. Cannon Allen . McCray Charles Pfeiffer J. H. Dugan J. H. Jenne.ss R. E. Patterson J. F. Hitchcock W. H. Hitchcock J. E. McDowell W. B. McCormack W. H. Stincr — John Kirby . E. B. Fenn . John W. Cooper H. L. Carpenter W. C. Gause George W. Ricker D. T. Vataw Henry Patrick Thomas Willett John Bruner G. W. Robinson Johnson Whiles

I July 21, 1S80. (uly 21, " J»iy 21, " Sep. 15. " Sep. 15. " Sep. 15. " Sep. 15, " Sep. 15. " Dec. 18, " Dec. 18, " Dec. 18, " Dec. 18, " Dec. 18, " May May 22, " May 29, " .May 29. '• Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. May May May Nov. 20, Nov. 20, Nov. 20, Nov. 20, Aug. 7> Mar. 2S> Dec. 27, Dec. 27, Jan. 7, Sep. 7, Sep. 7. Sep. 7, Sep. 7. Sep. 7, Sep. 7, Sep. 7. Sep. 7. July 3«. Nov. '3) Dec. 25. Dec. 25. Dec. 25, Apr. 16, Apr. 16, Sep. 18, Dec! >3. Feb. 14. Jan. 24,

Proceedings of the

258

February,

S U S P E N D E D 'LIST — Conliiitied.

No

LODGE.

LOCATION.

NAME.

DATE.

Elk City C. T. Plotner Jan. 24, 1880. Elk City J. a Craig Jan. 24, " Cherryvale Gideon Niijh Apri I 1 7 , " Hutchinson Oct. 2, 1879. D. W. Flick Newton H. H. Torbet Dec. II, 1880. Newton J. V. Hampton Dec. Newton J. C. Wood Dec. ".' " " Newton Dec. T I T. J. Griffith Newton J. B. Wilbar. Dec. II, " E. C. Brooks l . . . Dec. I I , " .L_. Newton Newton G. W. Long Dec. I I , " Newton T. C. Cutler Dec. Newton '. A. W. Parkhurst Dec. II, " Newton G.F. Rogers-.1 Dec. Newton E. A. Kleeberger Dec. Newton J. Kitching Dec. II, Minneapolis S. P. Corning Dec. 22, '43 Minneapolis Minneapolis D. Linderman Jan. 16, 143 Minneapolis Minneapolis W. H. Stockwell Sep. 10, '43 Minneapolis Beloit H. C. Bancroft Oct. 145 Mt. Vernon Lincoln Center _ W. M. Chitrestr Sep. '54 Lincoln Lincoln Center _ H. Naylor 154 Lincoln Sep. Lincoln Center _ E. F. Parker Sep. II, " 154 Lincoln Lincoln Center _ W. C. Rackerby .Sep. I I , •' '54 Lincoln Lincoln Center _ j O l l I l » * C U U Sep. '54 Lincoln W. M. Vinson . Oct. 5. Howard '57 Hope •" Osborn Nov. 25. " C. F. Bliss 160 Saqui Osborn L. H. Vantine Nov. 160 Saqui 25, " James C. Payne Nov • 25, " Osborn 160 Saqui Larned Ferdinand Hascher Feb. 4, 167 Larned " Larned \V. C. Tompkins Feb. 4, 167 Lamed Sterling iNorman Reed Dec. I8, 1S79. 171 Sterling - Sterling A. J. Huling* Dec. 18, " • 171- Sterling Sterling Enoch Taylor Dec. 18, " 17 Sterling

•32 Carson _. 132 Carson 137 Cherryvale 140 Reno 142 Newton 142 Newton 142 Newton 142 Newton 142 Newton 142 Newton •142 Newton 142 Newton 142 Newton 142 Newton 142 Newton 142 Newton '

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

i88o-i.

SUSPENDED

No

38 63 95 100 100 117 •56 156 '57 162

LODGE.

lola ^^-.-. Adams . C!;onstellalion Prudence Prudence Parsons Vesper Vesper Haven Alma

FOR

UNMASONIC

LOCATION.

lola Oswego--. Frcdonia Columbus Columbus Parsons.-. Sedan Sedan Howard _ Alma

259

CONDUCT.

NAME.

J . L. B r o w n _ , J o h n Sanford A l b e r t E. S m i t h W . LL T i m b e r l a k e J. S. VVincent W m . B. Blair A. P. H u n t [. F . H a m m e r Q. A. H a l e F r e d \V. K r o n e k e

DATE.

M a r . 25, 1S80 O c t . 2, 1880. S e p . 8, 18S9. F e b . 5, 1880. S e p . 22, 1880. Mar. 20, 18S0. D e c . 11, 1880. May 22, 1880.^ J u n e 12, 1880.

EXPELLED.

N6

LODGE.

'5 Great Bend — .;. . 18 F r a n k l i n . . 28 E l d o r a 37 P a o l a 45 E a s l o n 45 E a s t o n 45 E a s t o n 49 N i n e M i l e . 70 C a r b o n d a l e lOI F r o n t i e r 118 A l t o o n a L •36 V e s p e r 157 H a v e n "74 W e s t e r n S t a r

LOCATION.

G r e a t Bend Ottawa Majileton Paola Easton Easton Easton Lansing Carbondale Washington A l t o o n a _1 Sedan J Howard Smith Center.

NAME.

H i r a m Allen _ . R. T . W o o d w a r d _ D. C. K n o w l e s H. Lants . - _ . . — G e o r g e Crafton A. G. C h a s e Joshua Turner F r a n k M . W e l l s ._ R. S. C a r n e y Henry W. Lurlis._ Ernest Ert .Edward J. Keeney D a v i d P. R o b i n s o n Paiil A r n o l d

DATE.

Mar. 18, 1S80. Ocl. 22, 1880. Dec. 27. 1880. Nnv •S; •S79Sep. 27- 1880.

Nov

16, 18S0.

Nov. 16, 1880. Jan. 24, 1880. 22, 1880. 13, 1880. Jan. 31, 1880. Feb. 20, 1880. Jnne IQ, 1880. July 24, 1880.

May Nov

260

Proceedings

oj the

Febr

REINSTATED. No

LODGE.

Smilhton Smithton 2 Leavenworth 3 Wyandotte 3 Wyandotte 3 Wyandotte 3 Wyandotte 3 Wyandotte 4 Kickapoo 6 Lawrence 6 Lawrence 6 Lawrence 6 Lawrence 6 Lawrence 6 Lawrence 8 Rising Sun 8 Rising Sun lo King Solomon lO King Solomon l O King Solomon l O King Solomon l O King Solomon __ I Nemaha I Nemaha I S Great Bend i6 Lafayette 17 Topeka 25 High Prairie 25 High Prairie -•-3 Arcana 3 Arcana __L 32 Auburn 32 Auburn 32 Auburn 32 Auburn 33 Mound City 37 Paola 37 Paola 42 Helton 44 Delphian 44 Delphian 44 Delphian 44 Delphian 47 Xenia 47 Xenia 47 Xenia 47 Xenia 47 Xenia 47 Xenia : 47 Xenia 47 Xenia 47 Xenia

LOCATION.

Highland Highland Leavenworth _ Wyandotte Wyandotte Wyandotte Wyandotte Wyandotte i Timber Ridge _ Lawrence Lawrence Lawrence .-_ Lawrence Lawrence Lawrence Fort Scott Fort Scott Leavenwortli__ Leavenworth __ Leavenworth. _ Leaven worth __ Leavenworth __ America City__ America City__ Oreat Bend. Manhattan Topeka Leavenworth-. Leavenworth-. Doniphan Doniphan Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Mound City Paola Paola , Holton Garnett Garnett Garnett Garnett Xenia Xenia Xenia Xenia Xenia Xenia .L_. Xenia Xenia ; Xenia

NAME.

J. B. Holland J. W. BurchfieldJohn W. P r e s t . . . Silas Armstrong . T. D. Mulberry-. D. Killen J. Grindel Jas. A. Howard _ John D. Potton .. W. N . Bangs Robt. F. Barber . J. W. Davis J. M. Enochs Robt. L. Gilbert. Jonathan O g d e n . Charles Inslcy E. C. Hays Harry W. Cole - . Thos. P. Gable - . A. C. V a n D y n e - . Geo. H. Miller— T. A. Hurd John Bundy James Shepherd . C.B.Morgan--. A. J. Legore D. C. Howe Anthony Way J. F.-Cary .M. L. Hudnall—. A. Harris Jerry McDowell . W. E. Little Jerome Stahl Jas. B. Renick .. Jesse Brown W. P. Bowen.__. W. D. Fargo James W. Fox G. M. Everline -, A. L. Osborn John Picketts J. M. Axtel W. C. Anderson . N. C. Bowlware . J. M. Davis S. C. Johnson ._. T. O. Markham., M. V. Robbins... R. .S. Tucker J. A. Willett H. H. Willett —.

DATE.

Dec. 26, 1S79. Feb. 27, iSSo. J"ly 5. "lec. 19, 1S79. I a*. 5, iSSo. Apr. 2, " Apr. 2, " July 16, " Oct. 25, 1879. June 14, iSSo. June 14, " June 14, " June 14, " NOV. 8, Dec. 8, Mar. ig, " May 17, " Feb. 20, " Apr. 16, " May 20, " July 16, " Aug. 6, " May 22, " Apr. 24, " Feix 13, " Mar. 5, " Feb. 5, ^' Jan. 18, " Feb. 21, " May 22, " Mar. 20, " Jan. 27, an. 27, " • . Jan. 27, " Jan. 27, " Feb. 20, " Feb. 16, " Jan. 5, Jan. 15, " June 3, " July I, July I, Nov. 2, '* Sept. 22, 1879. Dec. 29, " Dec. 29, '• Dec. 29, " Dec. .29, " April 4, 1880. Dec. 27, 1879. i N o v . 22,

"

Nov. 22,

"

REINSTATED —

No

LODGE.

LOCATION.

Xenia Xenia Xenia Xenia Xenia Xenia Orient Top.eka Spring Hill Spring Hill Salina . Salina Salina Salina Salina Salina LaCygne LaCygne <33 A d a m s Oswego; 63 A d a m s Oswego 7 Baxter Boxter Springs Augusta 74 Mystic T i e _ Augusta 74 Mystic T i e . Augusta . 74 Mystic T i e Burlingame 79 C o r i n t h i a n 79 C o r i n t h i a n Burlingame «5 S u t t o n Waterville 85 S u t t o n ..: VVaterville 85 S u t t o n Waterville •85 Sutton VVaterville 85 S u t t o n Waterville 85 S u t t o n VVaterville 85 S u t t o n Waterville 85 S u t t o n Waterville 85 S u t t o n Waterville 85 S u t t o n _ _ Waterville 85 S u t t o n .-. W a t e r v i l l e 85 S u t t o n Waterville ; 93 G i r a r d Girard 96 D e l a w a r e White C h u r c h . __ A b i l e n e 98 B e n e v o l e n t . Lyndon lOI E u c l i d u-_— L y n d o n lOI E u c l i d Parsons ' " 7 Parsons 117 P a r s o n s Parsons Parsons •'7 P a r s o n s Cherokee 119 C h e r o k e e .Cherokee 119 C h e r o k e e Cherokee 119 C h e r o k e e 124 G o d f r e y _ Gq_dfrey 124 Godfrey . Godfrey , 126 M e r i d i a n . E l k Falls* Clav C e n t e r 134 Clay C e n t e r 167 L a r n e d ; Lamed 47 47 47 51 56 60 60 60 61

261

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

i88o-i.

Conthmed.

NAME.

R. P. W i l l e t t A. W i l l i a m s A. J. W i t h e r s B. F . K i s t b o C h a r l e s D o d d „ ... John O'Hara C.TE. H e a l e y C. C. C u l p l-l. W. N u n g e s s e r . _ Peter Anderson H. H. S t a n l e y J. W . H i g h t o w e r __ T h o m a s Creel Reuben Bates Jarred Wildny John H. Crum W. H. Smith E:l. A . Berry G. D . B o w l i n g E. W. Greenman W. H. Haskell Louis K u r t h Frank Leach G. M. L e w i s W . P. M u d g e t t J. C. M c C a n d l e s s - . Lewis P e n d l e t o n — W. W. Smith Robt. L White Harvey Alexander. F. W . C r o w d e r C. H . W e l l m a n S. B. B l a c k I. N . Morris Chas.H. Kimball-. G e o . A. R e y n o l d s . . C h a s . A. H a z z a r d _ . F. P. A d a m Isaac McCune J a c o b Miller J. A. Bowman W . S. S t r o u d I. N . B i r d E. M. P i n k e r t o n . _ . C. K e a r

DATE.

N o v . 22, 1S79. N o v . 22, " N o v . 22, " S c o t . 4, O c t . 16, 1880. . O c t . 6,

Jan. 5,

J u n e 21, N o v . 20, J a n . 22, J a n . 22, M a y 22, D e c . 16, 1879J u l y 20, iSSo. J a n . 20, " A u g . 4, " Mar. 10, " . M a r . 10, " .Mar. 10, " . M a r . 10, " . Mar. 10, " . M a r . 10, " - Mar. 10, " - Mar. 10, " . M a r . 10, " - Mar. 10, " - M a r . 10, " . M a r . 10, " . Mar. lo, " . N o v . 30, 1879. . N o v . 30, " _ J a n . I, 1880. .• Dec. 27, 1879. _ J u l y 3 1 , 1880. . Dec. 13, 1879. _ J u n e 16, 1880. . J a n . 10, " _ N o v . I, 1S79. - A u g . 7, iS8o. . O c t . 16, " _ M a y 5, " . May 5, " _ May 2 1 , " . N o v . 20, " . . . . . . . .

C o o^ I.VMAN C. BicAUI.RV E, W. BARKS L. T. PARK At.. J, CuEKNV Nonr.tt D. KruK T. D. Mui.BHKKV OSCAR H . JOU.MSTON JACOIJ S. HOKK. K. JJ>. KuDD JoiiN H. J:)KIU,-ING 1. ALBRIGHT

G-£>C^C

No. 2, Leavenworth, Leavcn worth, J lily 27, 1880. No. 2, Leavenworth, Leavenworth, November 17, '79. No. 3, Wyandotte, Wyandotte, Oeceinber 14, 1879. No. 3, Wyandotte, Wyandotte, December 30, 1879. No. 3, Wyandotte,-Wyandotte, March 12, 1880. No. 3, Wyandotte, Wyandotte, July II, 18S0. No. 5, Washington, Atchi-ion, September 14, 3879. No. 5, Washington, Atchison, October 18, 1879. No, 6, Lawrence, Lawrence, —, . ' . No. 6. Lawrence, J.awrence, December 12, 1880. No. 8, Rising Sun, Fort Scott, March 19, .1880.

J. C. IMCGEE M. COHEN CARL R E E S E SAM'L J. PUFFER W_ T. EL'HI^IS A. D. FREEMAN FREDRICK BONJOUR DAVID NEWH.JUSE A. H. SELDEN

No. 8, Rising Sun, Fort Scott, June ji, i83o. No. 8, Ri.sing Sun, Fort Scott, J uly 30, 1880. No. 10, King Solomon, Leavenworth, August 25, i83o. No. 10, King Soloman, Leavenworth, Nov. 25, 1S80. No. 12,-Emporia, Emporia, January i, i55o. No. 12, Emporia, Emporia, May 28, 18S0. No. 13, Nemaha, Americus City,.July 23, 1880. No. 14, Oskaloosa, Oskaloos.a, June 11, 1880. No. 15, Great Bend, Great Bend, November 20, 1880.

T. J. JENKINS S. E. SwEEr_.'. WILLIAM AVERS JOHN TOMLEV JOHN L . BRUNIZ M. P. EVANS E. J . M E R R I I . I SAMUEL STO.N-E J. P. CLARK M. T. LANDCIN M. H. CARSKADEN

No. 16, Lafayette, Manhattan. March 21, 1880. No. 17, Topeka, Topeka, July II, 18S0. No. 17, Topeka, Topeka. August 28, 1880. No. ig, Olathe, Olathe, October 19, 1880. No. 21, Valley Falls, Valley Falls, October 17, 1879. No. 21, Valley Fall.s, Valley Falls, December—, 1879. No. 24, Osage Valley, Ossawatomie, July 15, 1880. No. 27, Neosho, Leroy, December 13, 1880. No. 29, Pacific, Humboldt, November ii, 18S0. No. 31, Arcana, Doniphan, February 18, 1880. No. 33, Mound City, Mound City, February 28, 1880.

R. S. FAIRCHILDS W. B. DICKINSON • J . B. ALLEN ANDREW J. HUGHES

No. 35, Hiawatha, Hiawatha, March 6, i8So. No. 35, Hiawatha, Hiawatha, November 5, 1879. No. 35, Hiawatha, Hiawatha,'October 9, 1880. No. 36, Council Grove, Council Grove, Dec. 31, 1880.

B. MARTIN

No. 57, Paola, Paola, January 25, 1880.

E. T. STOWE i . No. 38, Ida, lola, , , T. L. NuNAMAKER No. 42, Holton, Hokon, June 4, 1S80. JOHN N . WALTON No. 42, Holton, Holton, March 14, 18S0. \VM. LAUGHMILLER No. 45, Easton, Easton, January 17, 188a. J. L. FITZGERALD No. 47, Xenia, Xenia, May 80, 18S0. JAMES ANDERSON No. 47, Xenia, Xenia, October 19, 1879. JOEL RYAN No. 55, Troy, Troy. October 4, 1879. J. B. KENNEDY No. 55, Troy, Troy, January 13, i88o. CJ. D. BUNCH No. 57, Coyville, Coyville, January i, 18S0. J. A. PiGG •. . . . No. 63, Adams, Oswego, April 5 1880. \VM. C . SEARCY No. 64, Wathena, Wathena, January 6, 18S0. CHARLES QUINN No. 64, Wathena, Wathena, April 25, 1880. W. H. ELLIS No. 70, (^^arbondale, Carbondale, March.7, 18B0. WP.L SCHMIDT No. 71, Baxter, Baxter Springs, December —, 1879. WM. LEWMAN No. 73, Chetopa, Chetopa, December i, 1880. E. L. AKIN No. 74, Mystic Tie, Augusta, October 15, 1880. RoiiEKT SWANK ,. No. 76, Frie, Erie, January i, i38o. T. .J. ORTON '. No 78, White Cloud, White Cloud, Dec. 22, iSSo. JAMES ROGERS No. 79, Corinthian, Burlingame, January 27, 1880. JOHN MOORE No. Si, New Albany, New Albany, MarcK 27, iSSo. A. G. Huf-FiNcroN No. 84, Jefferson, Winchester, March 8, 1S80. 'J'liuMAS L. McCo.MU No. 85, Sutton, Waterville, August 3, 1S80. H. J. STEWART Nu. 86, Fvergreen, Montana, February 11, 1880. 1-IKKMAN FKNSKY No, 90, Coldcn Rule, North 'J'opeka, (jctober 31, '80. J. C. NuwELL . , . . • No. CO, Golden Rule, North Topeka, Dec. 19, 1880. * JOHNJ.CLAKK. No. 95, Constellation, Fredonia, July 3, 1880. DAVID HAMMEK No 95, Constellation, Fredonia, September 5, 18S0. THOS. CAMI'KELI No. 97, Patmus, Eldorado, , . S. R. SHOKMAKER No. 101, Euclid, Lyndon, October 26, 1879. B. A. CoRNWELL NO. IO5, Fide ity, Eureka, September 26, 1S79. I. M. OLNEY No. 106, Fidelity, Eureka, August 14, 1880. G. W. UALTON No. 107, Fortitude, Imlependence, July 15, 1880. S. HUDIKUGER No. 107, Foctitude, Independence, Sep. 24, 1880. C- Ji. WARREN No. 109, Fortitude, Independence, ^ —, . KiRKrATitiCK . . . . . No. ill, Hesperian, Rossville, February 19, 18S0. G. D. BALL No. 113, St. John, Concordia, November 23, >8So. A. A. WKIGHT . . No. 116, Muscotah, Mu.scotah, June 16, 1880. D.'.NIEL U. WOOD . . - . . ' . . No. 117, Parsons, Parsons, September 14, 1879. GEO. A. REYNULDS No. 117, Par.-ions, Parsons, July 6, 1880. S H. PULMAN . No. (2o, Halcyon, Peabody, March 6, 18S0. W, H. WALKEK No. 120, Halcyon,'Peabody, October 18, 1880. J. S. DowDALi No. 124, Godfrey, Godfrey, February 12, 18S0. ED. WOOSLEV No. 129, Belleville, Belleville, , . S. H. RiNKER No. 136, Vesper, Sedan, October 9, i83o. N. R. BARTON No. 140, Reno, Hutchinson, January 8, 1880. Gus C. MEAD No. 140, Reno, Hutchinson, September 26, 1880.

J . E. LANGELLE

No.

D. M. RICHARDS

No.

HUGH ROBERTS

No.

ALMON BAKEK

No.

JERKY BRAGAMER J A M E S M . WALFER

No. . . '. . . No.

JAMES E. REED

No.

Ei.isHA SPECKELMER

No.

W M . L . BEAR

No

NELSON SNIDER

No.

A./M00REHEAD

No.

O. P. SMITH

No.

E. B. FOOT

No.

JOHN C

CANFIELU

No.

JOSEPH 1 . P E T E R S

No.

JAMES MATHEWS

No.

DAVID A.-COX

No.

W. H.

No.

HOOKER

Dr. A. W. CAMPBELL . . . . .

No.

A. J. RicKiNNEv

No.

W M . A . (|)UADE

No,

THOMAS WILLIS

No.

A. G. GARDNER JAMES COTTKELL ' G. B. DAVIS \i. W. INGALSIIRE

No. -.

.No, No. No.

J. G. BRANSON

No.

THOMAS TRIMBLE

No.

Reno, Hutchinson, November i, 18S0. Signal, Osage City, November 8, 1880. Signal, Osage City, June 15, 1880. Newton, Newton, February 10, 1880, Newton, Newton, November 9, 1880. Gillead, Gates Center, November 24, 1880. Wellington, Wellington, January 3, 1880. Robinson, Robinson. Maach 11, 188c. Saqui, Osborn, November 26, 1S80. Sabetha, Sabetha, March 9, 1080, Sabetha, Sabetha, January 9, 1880. Greenwood, Charleston, June 13, 1880. Oxford, Oxford, March 18, 1880. Sterling, Sterling, January i, 1880Sterling, Sterling, July 16, :88o Sterling, Sterling, September 24, 18S0. Kirwin, Kirwin, December 16, 1879. Kirwin, Kirwin, April 13, 1880. Prairie Queen, Clyde, October i, 1880. Burr Oak, Burr Oak, January 12. 1880. Louisburg, Louisburg, November 15, 1879. Gaylord, Gaylord, April 6, 1880. Hamlin, Hamlin, March 19, 1880. Hamlin, Hamlin, November 27, iSSo. Onaga, Qnaga, January 16, 1880. Onaga, <!>naga, August 7, 18S0. Hartford, Hartford, April 9, 1880 Blue Hill, Delhi, March-27, 1880.

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266

Proceedings of Vie

February,

. N A M E S O F LODGES AND O F F I C E R S FOR' T H E YEAR 1SS1-2. No.

LODGE.

. LOCATION.

COUNTY.

Doniphan . . . Leavenworth . Wyandotte . . Leavenworth . Atchison . . . . Douglass . . . Davis Bourbon . . , Douglass . . . . Leavenworth. . Leavenworth . 11 lewel C i t y . . . J e w e l . . . . Emporia . . . Lyon 12 America City . N e m a h a . . . . *3 M O s k a l o o s a . . . f)skaloosa . . . Jefferson , . . . . . . 15 G r e a t B e n d . . G r e a t B e n d . . B a r t o n . . Riley 16 L a f a y e t t e . . . M a n h a t t a n Topeka Shawnee . . . . 17 . . . Ottawa . . . . Franklin . . . . 18 F r a n k l i n . . . . Oiathe . . . . Johnson . . . . '9 Oiathe Circleville . . . Circleville . . Jackson . . . . 20 21 Valley F a l l s . . V-alley Falls . . Jefferson . . . Mclvern . . . Osage 22 B a l d w i n ' C i t y . J.)onglass . . . 2 3 Palmyra" . . . 24 O s a g e V a l l e y . O s s a w a t o m i e . . Miami H i g h P r a i r i e . . High Prairie . . Leavenworth . 25 . . . . L o n g t o n . . . . Elk 26 Longton . . . . Coffey . . . . 27 N e o s h o . . . . M a p l e t o n . . . . Bourbon . . •. • 2 8 F.I.Jora 2 9 Pacific . . . . H u m b o l d t . . . Allen Dohiphan . . . Doniphan.. . . 3' . . . . Shawnee . . . 32 A u b u r n 33 M o u n d C i t y . . M o u n d C i t y . . Linn H i a w a t h a . . . H i a w a t h a . . . Brown . , . : 35 ^6 C o u n c i l G r o v e . Connr.il CTrOve. Morris Paola Miami 37 Alien tola 38 lola S e n e c a . . . . Nemaha . . . 30 . . . D e Soio . . . . J o h n s o n . . . . 4 0 D c Soto Blooming G r o v e Blooming G r o v e Linn 4' 42 Holton Jackson . . . . 44 D e l p h i a n . . . G a r n e t t . . . . A n d e r s o n . ' . . . . . . . Fasten . . . . Leavenworth . 45 F.aston Bourbon . . . 47 48 M o n r o v i a . . Monrovia . . . A t c h i s o n . . . N i n e Mile . . . L a n s i n g . . . . Leavenworth . 49 . . . . Topeka , . . Shawnee , . . 5' Orient G r a n a d a . . . W e t m o r e . . . N emaha . . . 53 54 S h a w n e e . '. . S h a w n e e . . . J o h n s o n . . . . D o n i p h a n . . . 55 56 S p r i n g Hill . . S p r i n g Hill . . J o h n s o n . . . . Coyville . . . . Coyville . . . . Wilson . . . . 57 58 M t . P l e a s a n t . M t . P l e a s a n t . . Atchison . . . D i c k R e e s . . . 59 • Saline 60 Salina . . . . _ . Salina L a C y g n e . . . La C y g n e . . . 61 63 R i d g e w a y . . . R i d g e w a y . . . Osage Oswego '. . . L a b e t t e . . . . 63 A d a m s VVathena . . . D o n i p h a n . . . 64 G a r d n e r . . . . G a r d n e r . . . Johnson . . . . 65 66 B u r l i n g t o n . . . B u r l i n g t o n . . . Coffey . . . . 67 F r a n k f o r t . : . F r a n k f o r t . . . M a r s h a l l . . . Leavenworth . Leavenworth . 68 H i r a m 7 0 C a r b o n d a l e . . C a r b o n d a l e . . *>sage . . Baxter Springs. Cherokee . . . 71 B a x t e r . . 72 H u r o n . . . . H u r o n . . C h e t o p a . . . . l^abette . . . . 73 . . . . - 74 M y s t i c T i e . . A u g u s t a . . . . Butler 75 W a m e g o . . . Wamejfo . . . . P o t t a w a t o m i e . Erie Neosho . . . . 76 Smithton . . . I Leavenworth 3 Wyandotte . 4 Kickapoo . . 5 Washington , .6 L a w r e n c e . 7 Union 8 Rising Sun . 9 K i n g Solomon 10 2,

. Highland . . . Leavenworth . . Wyandotte . . . Round Prairie. . Atchison . . . . . Lawrence . . . Junction C i t y . . Fort S c o t t . . .

W.

MASTER.

SECRETAKV.

L. W h i t t i n g t o n . A. C. Sloan . . . M. M . H a r r i s . . A. J S m i t h . . . D. M a r t i n . . . . A l e x . .Shaw . . . George F. Trott . S. P. T r e s s l a r . . F. D . M o r s e . . . Jos. McDonald . J a m e s H . Fox . . L. D. J a c o b s . . 1.,. B r e n n e r . . . B, P. F u n c h e s s . Wm. J. Pickering fleo. S. G ^ e e n . . 11. M c M u r t r i e . . J. A. DeValley . Frank Maltby . . I. H . B a x t e r . . . F D Hillycr . . W. H . Coley . . E. E . G a d d i s . . L. W . J a c o b s . . J . C. G i s t . . . . J. K. Johnson . . J. A. Holloway . J. M . L o w r e y . . Geo. A. Amos . . W. H". N e s b i t . . Alex. . D i c k s o n D. U n d e r b i l l . . I r a J . f^acock . . ' o h n V.'^ N o l a n d

T. J. Vanderslice Kd. W. Osgood. los B. S p e c k r>avid H . S p r o n g A D McConaughv L. S. S t e e l e . G. 'i'. G o r d o n . L. M. H a v e n s . A. L. Selig. J. W. Kirkham. G e o . L. C h r i s t . F.. W. H i r t h . E. M. K e p l e r . A. j : B u c k . C. Goit. W m . P>urgoyne H W Farnsworth E. H . G r e g g A S McCulIoh C A Oursler A M Cowan L F Warner Wm Plaskett Thos Hodges Jas Hutchinson W I^olinger D D Elliott J o h n Crgss D !\f D e b o w J Schietzbaum John L Price J H Trego John Sherrct A 1) S p e n c e r ' E ! ' W . R o b i n s o n '. J B H o b s o n W. G. Allison . . J a m e s B u r n e s J o s h u a Mitchell . John F Curren A. R . Miller . . W H Smith C. C. H a d s a l l . . N C L a n e J a m e s A. L o w e l l . C C F r e e J. L. Kerchevil . C L Burrn R. A . K c l s e y . . E R A damson J. R. Anderson . John H Decker N . C o n n e l y . . . -< M W a l k e r L. L . T e r w i l l i g e r . D R C h u r c h i l l V. B r o o k s . . . . C h a s S p a l d i n g Nat. Sworfegcr . S C Snuemaker Geo. Blanton . . B F Holleiiback N . B. W o o d . . . D C Sinclair Alex. D a v i s . . . H P Smith F. M . R o b e r t s o n . T h o s C C r a i g M. L. E d w o r d s . S E King k . M. Mullins . . J 0 i 1 n Hyde J . R . C h a p m a n . A u g u s t Bondi J H Sifers . . . Ed C l.,ane C. H . E a s t o n . . M Hesincr H . C. C o o k . . . F D H o w e S. H a t c h . . . . W W Carter W. L M c C l i n t o c k E C l a r k R. P . D o u g l a s s . J a m e s S K i n g J a m e s Willson . . W L S e n d e r s Cleorge K o h n . . H S h i n d l e r Jas. Dickensheet. A V Sparhawk S. H . S m i t h . . . A S Peacock J. L. D e l a r n e l t e . H . D . Hill . . . . Rob't Beattia . . H. Kendall . . .

C 0 Williams W A Shannon L D Proper Ira Steinberger

i88o-i.

Grand Lodqe of Kansas. NAMES OF LODGES AND

No.

LODGE.

78 W h i t e Cloud . 79 C o r i n t h i a n . 86 Z e r e d a i h a . . 81 New Albany . 82 Tuscan . . . 83 84 Jefferson . . . . . 85 S u t t o n 86 E v e r g r e e n . . . . . 88 E u r e k a 89 Golden R u l e . 90 Marysvillc . 91 92 Mission . . . . . . 93 G i r a r d 94 H a r m o n y . . 95 Constellation 96 D e l a w a r e . . . . . 79 P a t m o s 98 B e n e v o l e n t . 99 W i c h i t a . . . loo P r u d e n c e . . IQI Euclid . . . 102 Keystone . . Cedar. . . \ 103 IC4 Fromier . . . 105 Solomon C i t y 106 Fidelity . . . 107 Fortitude . .

COUNTY.

LOCATION.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . .

W h i t e C l o u d .' Burlingame . . C o t t o n w o o d F'ls N e w Albany . , N e o s h o Falls . Eudora . . . . Winchester . . W a t e r v i l l e . . ". Montana . . . Pleasanton . . Centralia . . . North Topcka Marysville . . O s a g e Mission Girard . . . . Neodesha , . . Fredonia . . , White C h u r c h Eldorado . . . Abilene . . . . Columbus . . Lyndon . . . Coffeyville . Chanute . . Washington . Solomon C i t y Eureka . . . Independence

. . . . . .

108

log no

Americus . . Adelphi . . . Hesperian . 112 Blue V a l l e y . " 3 St. J o h n 114 Advance . . Excelsior , . 1^5 ir6 M u s c o t a h . . 117 Parsons . . . 118 Altoona . . . 119 Cherokee . . 120 Halcyon . . 121 Woodson . . 123 Liberty . . . 124 Godfrey . . . Cavvker City 125 126 Meridian . . 127 Palestine . . tii

. . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . .

128

Belleville . . Polar S t a r . . Equity . . . Carson , . , J 33 C r e s c e n t . . 134 Clay C e n t e r . 135 136 V e s p e r . . . . 137 C h e r r y v a l e . •38 Pomona . . . '39 S e d g w i c k . . 140 Reno 141 Signal 142 Newton . . . M3 M i n n e a p o l i s . Gilend . . . M4 M5 Mt. V e r n o n . 146 E l l s w o r t h . . M7 C e n t e r . . . ' 149 T h a y e r . . . 129

130 ^ I 132

. . . , . .

Americus . , . Winfield . . . Rossville . . . I r v i n g . . . ., Concordia . . Florence . . . Uniontown . . Muscotah . . . Parsons . . . . Altoona . . . . Cherokee . . . Peabody . . . Toronto . . . . Liberty . . . . Godfrey . . . Cawkcr City , Elk Falls . . . WeUsvilie . . . Ottawa . . . . Kelleville . . . Netawaka . . Fomana . . . . Elk C i t y . . . Arkansas City Clay C e n t e r . .

. . Cherryvale . . . *P o m o n a . . . . . Sedgwick . . . Hutchinson . . O s a g e City . . . Newton . . . . . Minneapolis . . . Vates Center . . Beloit . Ellsworth . . . . Marion Center . 'I'hayer . . . .

267

OYYIC^^S—Continued. W.

MASTEK.

L L Orton . . . Doniphan . ' Osage . . . Jno McPhillamy Chase . . . H Rahsford . . . Wilson . . J L 'J'oepfer . . Woodson . J L Jones . . . . Douglass . Henry Copp . . Jefferson . R C Young . . . Marshall . Geo W Winans . Labette . . F H Charles . . Linn . . . J C Matthews . . Nemaha . E Holtslander . . Shawnee . S. R. I r w i n . . . Marshall . I B Davis . . . . Neosho . . L S Orton . . . . Crawford . M A Wood . . . Wilson . . Sam'I E F u q u a . Wilson . . J Hudson . . . . G I Way . . . . Wyandotte Builer . . C. N . J a m e s . . Dickinson . Geo C K e n y o n . Sedgwick . Geo E H a r r i s . . C D N i c h e Is . . Cherokee , Usage . . . J o h n H Sowell . Montgomery las M c C r e a r y . Neosho . . F r a n k Bacon . . Washington J G Lowe . . . . Dickinson . C W Adams . . . (Greenwood C A Wakefield . Montgomer> F H Amsden . . Miami , . J T Haight . . . Lyon . . . IJ A S t a h l . . . Cowley . . Jas S Hunt . . . Shawnee . R Burns . . . Marshall . J . C. W a r d . . . Cloud . . . Theo Laing . . . Marion . . Bourbon 6 C W i l i e y ; \ '. Atchison . N Kline Labette . . 0 Bronson . . . Wilson . . T FC-Todd . . Crawford . E A Perry . . . Marion . , Jas Stewart . . , Woodson . Se/h R Kellogg . Montgomery M Ternes . . . . Bourbon . G F Pond ; . . . Mitchell . Jas Cummings . . Elk . . . C W Rambo . . Franklin . R Wolfley . . . Franklin . H D. C r a n e . . Republic . Wm H a s k e t t . . Jackson . . John Gibbons . . Miami . . H B High . . . Montgomery S W Hough . . . Cowley . . Jas Ridenour . , Clay . . . W S Beatty . . . Johnson . . W L Smithers . Chautauqua J D McBrian . . Montgomery . H C Todd . . . F r a n k l i n . . .» J o h n M D y e r . . Harvey . J S Tucker . . . Reno . . . A M Swilzer . . Osage. . H B Miller . . . Harvey . Sam'I R P e t e r s . Ottawa . D D Hoag . . . Woodson G e o r g e E Kaler . Mitchell W S Search . . . J o h n S Bell . . . hllsworth Marion . V S Pratt . . . . Neosho . S Rose

SECRETARY.

A Frost C W Coddingtoi» W H Hoisinger Robt Mooney C C Kesner M D Greenlee W M Russell E T Durant J M Mahr S Armsby G W Pampel W N Angle J Merklinghouse E Cravens C Dana Sayre R H Donue P W Bahi G U S Hovey L Knowles G S Barton C M Sherman J L Byrd J G Underwood W T K ead J R Beatty S H Maunder T S Blair L N Fancher Jas Wetherby J M Mamnen S M Morgan E T Trimble A B Emersors L Chase A A Carnahan T B Reeder " J C Heath A C Peck R N Richardson W R Jones G W (Jamp M H Wasson W L Sialnaker R Ewing W A Ren^fr^ C h a s S King. \ V\ a t k i n s C R Meigs C Perry W W Letson W L Ogden Jos S L a b a u g h J a s C Topliff Chas H P e r r y J P Bridges D J Moore W H Westort S L Newcomb L L Ladd VVm M I n g h a n j T G Randall J W Edwards- ' W D THompsoni A L Freeman W C Ingram W A Gebhardt VV H D u d l e y J M Halsted

268

Proceedings of the

February,

N A M E S OF LODGES AND OFFICERS—C»«//Hj<^rt'. No. 150 15' 153 154 155 • 56 157 158 159 160 161 162 ,163 164 16=; 166 167 163 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 184 185 186 187 190 191 192 IQ3 194 195. 196 197 198 199 200 201 302 203

LODGE.

Wellington Douglass Cato . . Lincoln Hope . Dexter Haven Active Robinson Saqui . Alma . Sabetha Greenwood Cedarvale Oxford . . Farmers f.arned . . ParkerviHe Blue Rapids Ida . . . . Sterling . . McPherson Belle Plaine Wertern Star Kirwin Prairie Queen Russell . . Burr Oak . Mt. Moriah Louisburg . OHvet . . . Burrlon . . Gavlord . . Phillipsburg Hamlin . Mountain Slopi Pittsburg . Onaga . . Newahawba Henri . . . Walnut Vall< Hartford . Lyon . . . Galena . . Hays . . . Madison . Canton . . Blue Hill . Morton . . Anthony . Mulvane . Delphos . Sumner . . Leota . . .-

LOCATION.

Wellington Douglass . Cato . . . Lincoln Center Howard Dexter South Haven Atchison . Robinson . Osborne . Alma . . . •^abetha . . Charleston Cedarvale Oxford . . May Day . Larned ParkerviHe Blue Rapids Ida - • Sterling . . McPher.con Belle Plaine Smith Center Kirwin . Olyde . . Russell . Burr Oak Kingsley Louisburg Twin Falls Bnrrton . . Gavlord . Phillipsburg Hamlin . .' Oberlin . . New Pittsbu Onaga . . r g Stockton Tonganoxie Sidney . . Hartford . Lyons . . . Galena . . Hays^ity . Madison . r'anton . . Delhi . . . Norton . . Anthony . Mulvane . Delphos . Caldwell . Leota . . .

COUNTY.

Sumner . Butler . Crawford Lincoln . Klk . . . Cowley . Sumner . Atchison Brown . Osborne Wabaunsee Nemaha Greenwood >hautauqua Sumner . . Riley . . . Pawnee . . Morris . . Marshall . Republic . Rice . . . McPherson Sumner . . Smith . . . Phillips . . Cloud • , Russell . . Jewell . . F,dwards . Miami .' . Greenwood Harvey . Smith . . . Phillips . . Brown . . Uecatur Orawford . Pottawatomie Rooks . . Leavenwort Ness . . . Lyon . . . Rice . . . ''herokee . FJlii . . . Greenwood McPherson Osborne Norton . Harper . Sumner . Ottawa . Sumner . Norton ,

SECRETARY.

W. M A S T S R

G \V Winn . J J Harney . \ M Swan D H Malone Luther Scott John D Maurer A Pickering J C Greenwalt Chas Hack . D Brobst . . Ed Herrick . J E Black . . G W Donart

W E Thralls L EVVright '- E Taylor Lon A Minx J B Dobyns J V Hines O Smith L N Lacey A Roudebush R R Hays H G Licht j'oSn Rison J M Frederick

J as G Oliver

John H Corbin

B F Evans

F H Stuzenacker

A J Brown Robert Kyle W M Lamb . W VV Murphy S Purcell . . F J Pattec , O, A Lewis . EWeck . . H D Palmer O F Roberts

S Hill . M C Williams George W Clark George J Beach D Cooper v^ill D lenkins A J Stiles T E Burke W A Lewis

J H Davis Z C Clark J R Parker [eremiah Gilm; John Bissell . : tLvans . . A W Bariteau C W Long. . J B Hubbell W T Donnell E H Linton . . John P John.son Geo D Maxson Solon Grav . . U'm B Stone . E S Beach . . W H Makeaney J W Jones . . Wm Dalton . . Albert Graves O F,Castcen . . T N Trickey . Van E Butler . W Crimble . .

-; L Kelley H Howard H Emerson L R Blair J V Lee J W Keisey J N i;ountcr lohn R Lindburg R A Thomas L <; Smith Jas Duncanson R B Linville " Mark " icks W 'I' Nichols R Mc('urley R C Diehl J P Havs G W Witter S McGee Samuel Means H O Meigs (; H Gardner G N Billings S P G Lewis

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

i88o-i.

Grand

Lodge

of

269

Kansas.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS NEAR OTHER GRAND LODGES.

M.-.W. L U K E - E . B A R B E R . , . .

of Little

M.-.W. ISAAC S. TITUS

of Stockton.

R.-.W. J. J. MASON M.-.W. WEBSTER p . ANTHONY

of Hamilton.

Colorado Connecticut

M.-.W. LUKE A, LOCKWOOD

of Greenwich.

Arkansas California

_-i

Canada

District of Columbia ..Dakota

of Washington.

Georgia Idaho -

M.-.W. DAVID E . BUTLER M.-.W. CHARLES HIMROD

Illinois

R.-.W. HARRISON D I L L M.-.W.

W.M.

M.-.W. P. J. BYRNE

Iowa

R.-.W. W M . P. ALLEN

City.

, of Mason.

.

.jof Boise City. .

of Quincy. - - . o f Shelbyville.

HACKER

Indian Territory.-

of Lead

, , _ of Monticello.

M.-.W. SAMUEL PASCO

,

of Denver.

M.-.W. CHAS. F . STANSBURY '. R.-.W. ALBERT O . I N G A L I . S - . .

Florida

Indiana

Rock.

, . of Fort

Gibson.

of Dubuqu.e.

Kentucky

M.-.W. EDWARD \ V . TURNER

of Richmond.'

Louisiana

R.-. W.

of

HOWELL CARTER

Port Hudson.

Michigan

M.-.W. JOSIAH H . DRUMMOND _ . of Portland. ^ of Paw Paw. M.-.W. J. HUDSON

Minnesota

M.-.W. CHAS. GRISWALD

of St. Paul.

.Missouri

M.-.W. THOS. E . GARRETT

of St. LouiSi

Mississippi

R.-.W. E. GEORGE DELAP

of Natchez..

North Carolina

R.-.W. D. W. BAIN

of Raleigh.

.Maine

•-

.

New York

R.-.W. STEPHEN M . W R I G H T

of N. Y. City.

New Hampshire

R.-.W. JOHN J. BELL

of Exeter.

'

New Jersey

R.-.W. INGRAM CORYELL

Nova Scotia

R.-.W. DANIEL G . M C K A Y

Nebraska

M.-.W.

Ohio Oregon

of Halifax. , . of Grand Islandl

ROBERT C. JORDEN

M.-.W. GEO.

REX *

; _ _ „ _ . R.-.W. SAMUEL HUGHES

Quebec

R.-.W. C. J U D G E .

Texas

R.-.W. W. B. BOTTS R.-.W. JOH.N MCLELLAN

Tennessee

of Lambertville.:

,

of Wooster. of Portland. ^ of Montreal'. of Austin. , . of Nashville.-.

R.-.W. J. B. HOLLENBECK M.-.W. HENRY L . PALMER

of Burlington;

Wisconsin West Virginia

M.-.W. K. D. WALKER

of Fairmount^

England ^'^ Deceased.

R.-.W.

of Turo.

Vermont

W M . J.

HUGHAN

of Milwaukee-..

270

Proceedings of the

'

February,

REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER GRAND LODGES NEAR THE GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS.

W.'. T H O S . J. A N D E R S O N , of Topeka

M.'.W.-. M. S. ADAMS of R.-.W.-. E. T. CARR of M.-.W.-. O W E N A. BASSETT of M.-.W.-. J O H N H . BROW.N of R.-.W.-. SIDNEY P . TRESSLAR of R.-.W.-. G E O . W . HOGEBOOM. of M.-.W.-. J O H N M . PRICE of M.-.W.-. J O H N M . PRICE of M.-.W.-. J O H N H . B R O W N of M,-.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN of R.-.W.. J O H N G U T H R I E of R.-.W.-. J O H N G U T H R I E L_ of R.-. W.-. E. T. CARR of M.-.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN of R.-.W.-. FRANK D R U M M O N D . of M.-.W.-. ISAAC B . SHARIof M.-.W.-. M. S. ADAMS of ,M.-.W.-. M. S. ADAMS of R.-.W.-. E. T. CARR of R.-.W.-. E. T. CARR of R.-. W.-. E. T. CARR of R.-. W.-. E. D. HILLYER of W.-. SILAS E . S H E L D O N — o f R.-. W.-. E. T. CARR of R.-. W.-. T of R.-.W-. E. T. CARR of M.-.W.-. M. S. ADAMS of M.-.W.-. J O H N H . B R O W N of M.-.W.-. B. J. F. H A N N A of

Wichita Leavenworth Lawrence Wyandotte Fort Scott Oskaloosa Atchison Atchison Wyandotte Wyandotte Topeka Topeka Leavenworth Wyandotte Topeka Wyandotte Wichita-.; Wichita Leavenworth Leavenworth Leavenworth Valley Falls Topeka Leavenworth Leavenworth' Wichita Wyandotte Hays City

for Alabama.

•

for Arkansas. for Canada. for Connecticut. for California. for Dakota Ter. for Florida. for Georgia.' for Kentucky. for Illinois. for Iowa. foir Indiana. for Indian Ter. ..for Louisiana. for Maine. for Michigan. for Minnesota. for Missouri. for Mississippi. for New York. for New Jersey. for Nova Scotia. for Nebraska. for Ohio. for Oregon. for New Hampshire for Texas. for Tennessee. for Wisconsin. for Quebec.

iSSo-i.

•

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

271

LIST O F G R A N D LODGES I N C O R R E S P O N D E N C E W I T H T H E G R A N D L O D G E O F K A N S A S ; ALSO T H E NAMES A N D ADDRESS OF G R A N D S E C R E T A R I E S .

Alabama

•

DANIEL SAYRE

Arkansas British Columbia

^

Montgomery.

LuKK E. BARBER EDGAR C . BAKER

Little Rock. Victoria.

California

A L E X . G . ABELI

San Francisco.

Canada Colorado

J. J- MASON E D . C . PARMELEE

Hamilton. Georgetown.

Connecticut

JOSEPH K . W H E E L E R

Dakota Territory Delaware District Columbia .,

:

CHAS. A. MCCLERRV W M . S. HAYES W M . R . SINGLETON

Hartford.

Bon Homme. Wilmington. Washington.

Florida Georgia Illinois

D E W I T C. DAWKINS _ . Jacksonville. J. EMMETT BLACKSHEAR —Macon. JOHN F . BURRILI Springfield.

Iowa Indiana Indian Territory ladaho Territory

T. S. PARVIN W. H. SMYTH J. S. MuRROW..J L. F. CARTER^

Iowa City. Indianapolis. A-To-ka. Boise City.

Kentucky Louisiana

HIRAM BASSETT JAMES C . BATCHELOR

Millersburg. New Orleans.

.Maine

IRA BERRY

Manitoba Massachusetts Maryland

J O H N H . 'BELL TRACY P. CHEEVER JACOB H . MEDIARY

Winnipeg. Boston. Baltimore.'

Michigan Minnesota

W M . P. INNES A. T. C. PlERSON

Grand Rapids. St. Paul.

Missouri.'

JOHN D . VINCIL

St. Louis.

Mississippi Montana Nebraska

J. L. POWER CORNELIUS HEDGES W M . R . BOWEN

Jackson. Virginia City. Omaha.

Nevada

J O H N D . HAMIMOND

Carson.

New Brunswick New Hampshire

W M . F . BUNTING GEO. P . CLEAVES

St. Johns. Concord.

New Jersey New Mexico

JOSEPH H . H O U G H DAVID J. M I L L E R

Trenton. Santa Fe.

New York North Carolina Nova Scotia

JAMES M . AUSTIN D. W. BAIN BENJ. CURRIER

New York City. Raleigh. Halifax.

Ohio

JOHN D . CALDWELL

Cincinnati.

Oregon Pennsylvania Prince Edward Island Rhode Island South Carolina

F. J. BABCOCK JOHN THOMPSON G. W. WAKEFORD EDWIN BAKER CHAS. INGLESBV

Salem. Philadelphia. Charlottetown. Providence. ° Charleston.

Tennessee

JOHN FRIZZEL

Nashville.

Texas Utah

GEO. H . BRINGHURST CHRIS. D I 6 H L :

Houston. Salt Lake.

Vermont

H E N R Y CLARK

Rutland'.

Virginia Washington Territory West Virginia

W M . B . ISAACS THOMAS M . REED O. S. LONG

Richmond. Olympia. Wheeling.

Wisconsin

Wyoming® * Deceased.

>

JOHN W . W O O D H U L L

Portland.

Milwaukee.

Evanston.

INDEX-1880-1 of Grand Master, 9-19. Topics of: New Lodges, lO. ANNUAL—Address Leota and Onaga Lodges, 11. Nemaha Lodge, 11.. ' Mt. Moriah Lodge, 12. Amendments, 13. Revision of the Constitution and By-Laws, i Non-payment of dues, 1-3. Non-affiliation, 15. ' Publicity of Mailers Masonic, 15. Insurance Companies, 16. Mileage and Per Diem, 16. Special Dispensation issued, 19-21. Orders and Commissions issued, 21-22. Dispensations issued for New Lodges, 22-23. Decisions rendered, 23—26. A M E N D M E N T - T o By-Laws, 13, 235: Report of Committee thereon, 239-246. A P P O I N T E D — G r a n d Officers, 232. EGGING CIRCULARS—Unauthorized, 9. Report of Committee on, 229. B L U E H I L L LODGE—228. BOARD OF CENSORS—Who appointed, 247. p A L L OF ROLL—3.

B

C H A R T E R FEES—Amount paid, 38. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS—Amended, 13. COMPOSITE LODGE—Report on, 27. CONTRIBUTION TO REES MONUMENT—39-40. COMMITTEE—Standing, 215. On Credentials, 4. On Begging Circulars, 222. -' On Willow and Orphans' Fund, 229. C U S T O D I A N S O F T H E WORK—Who elected, 232. Annual Report, 238. C U n . \ AND COLON—Report on, 237: » E . \ T H S ^ S e e List, 262-264.

D'

DECISIONS—Of Grand Master, 23-26. Report of Committee on, 239-246. D E L I N Q U E N T LODGES—28. D I S P E N S A T I O N F E E S PAID—38. D U E S COLLECTED—33-37. LECTION—Special, 43. Of Grand Officer.s, 223. E N T E R E D APPRENTICES—222. E X P E L L E D — W h o , see List,-259. .

E

ir

Index.

F

INANCE—Committee on, 215. Grand Treasurer's Report, 42 Grand Secretary's Report, 41. Report of Committee, 230-231. F O R E I G N CORRESPONDENCE—44-238. Special Report, 237-238. p R A N D O F F I C E R S — P r e s e n t , 8. G R A N D MASTER'S ADDRESS —9-19. G R A N D T R E A S U R E R ' S A N N U A L R E P O R T —42. GRAND SECRETARRY'S ANNUAL REPORT — 4 1 . G R A N D R E P R E S E N T A T I V E . S —Received, 238. I N S T A L L A T I O N G R A N D O F F I C E R S —237. I N S T A L L A T I O N F E E —Resolution on, 234. J U R I S P R U D E N C E —215. J Report of Committee on, 239-246. T EOTA-LODGE—II. l-< • Report on, 224. Members of granted Certificates, 228. L E G G E T T , JAMES F.—Case referred, 235-236. L O D G E S U. D — Report on, 224, 22S. - L O D G E S C H A R T E R E D - R e p o r t on, 233, 234. f ASONIC P R O C E D U R E —234. No. 13 — Grand Master's Report, NPEEMNAI HN AG , Report of Committee, 234. CEREMONIES — 3 . 0 AST G R A N D O F F I C E R S — W h o are members, 265.

P R

Who present, 8. PLACE O F N E X T M E E T I N G G. I..—233. E S O L U T I O N S —On Widows' and Orphans' Fund, by Bro. Work, 213. On Ma.sonic Procedure, by Bro. C. D. Nichols, 235. ' On Amendment to By-Laws, By Bro. A. H. Ellis, 235. On Leggett's case, by Bro. Freeman, 236. On Duties of Investigating Committee, by Bro. Ellis, 236. On Widows' and Orphans' Fund, by Bro. Pierce, 236. On Location of G. L. at Topeka, by Bro. Williams, 222, 223. R E P O R T S O F S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E S —On Credentials, 4-8. On Grand Master's Address, 215, 216. ' On Correspondence, 44-214. On Appeals and Grievances, 231, 232. On Grand l.odge Library, 231. On Jurisprudence, 239-246. On Lodges U. D., 224-228. On Lodges Chartered, 233, 234. On Finance, 230, 231. R E P O R T S P E C I A L C O M M I T T E E S —On Mileage and Per Diem, 217-221 On Begging CircuIaYs, 229. C U S P E N S I O N S —.See list, 256-259. S T E R L I N G L O D G E —239. 7 0 0 D , REV. C H A R L E S C — G r a n d Senior Warden, introduced, 215.

W^

W I D O W S ' AND O R P H A N S ' F U N D , 215, 236. Who appointed Special Committee, 239.

PROCEEDINGS

M.-.W-.GRAND LODGE STATE OF KANSAS.

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. H E L D I N T H E CITY O F T O P E K A , FEBRUARY )6, 17 AND 18, A. D. 1881, A. L.

5881.

M.-.W.-. W I L L I A M COWGILL, GRAND MASTER, F R E D O N I A . R.-.W.-. J O H N H. BROWN, GRAND SECRETARY, WYANDOTTE.

LEAVENWORTH: K E T C H E S O N ' S STEAM BOOK AND J O B P R I N T I N G H O U S E .

1881.

G R A N D O F F I C E R S FOR 1S81-2.

M.-.W.-. WILLIAM COWGILL .

Grand Master

Fredonia.

R.-. VV.-. ALHERT D . MCCONAUGHV./?^/Z«()' Grand Master

Atchison.

R.-. W.-. GEORGE S. GKEEN

Grand Senior Warden

Manhattan.

R.-. W.-. SAMUEL R . 1'ETERS

Grand Junior

Newton.

R.-.W.-. CHRISTIAN BECK

Gratid Treasurer

Leavenworth

R.-. VV.-. J O H N H . BROWN

Grand Secretary

Wyandotte.

\V.-. THOMAS BURROWS

Grand Chaplain :

Emporia.

\V.-. A. H . ELLIS

Grand Senior Deacon

Beloit.

W.-. WILLIAM JULIEN

Grand Junior Deacon

Olathe.

W.-. A. M. SWITZER

Grand Senior Steward

Hutchinson.

W.-. E. L. FOSTER

Grand Junior Steward

Coffeyville.

W.-. JoH.N L. JONES

Grand Sivord Bearer

Neosho Falls.

W.-. FRANK J. BROWN

Grand Marshal

Muscotah.

W.-. H. D . PALMER

Grand Pursuivant

Russell.

W.-. F K I T Z M A G E R S

Warden

\ . Grand Tyler 1

Leavenworth

C O M M I T T E E ON C O R R E S P O N D E N C E .

'

-• J O H N H . BROWN, Chairman,

-

-

B O A R D OF C U S T O D I A N S . LEVI P . MASON, E D W I N D . HILLYER, J. M. K E C K , -

-

.

Wyandotte.

>

North Lawrence, Douglas County. -

-

•

Valley Falls, Jefferson County. Neodesha, Wilson County.

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. ToPEKA, KAS., February i6, 1881. The Twenty-fifth Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of ANCIENT, F R E E AND ACCEPTED MASONS of the State of Kansas, with the following Grand -Officers present and occupying their respective stations, viz.:. GRAND OFFICERS. M.-.W.-. J O S E P H D. M c C L E V E R T Y R.-.W.-. W I L L I A M C O W G I L L R.-.W.-. A L B E R T D. McCONAUGHY R.-.W.-. M A T H E W M . M I L L E R R.-.W;-. C H R I S T I A N BECK R.-.W.-. J O H N H. BROWN W.-. T H O M A S BURROWS W.-. J A C O B D E W I T T W.-. B. F . EVANS W.-. J. S. B A R T O N W.-. G E O R G E F. F O R D W.-. P. C G A R V I N W.-. W.-W.-. F R I T Z MAGERS

Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. -Grand Treasurer. -Grand Secretary. Grand Chaplain. — a s Grand Senior DeaCon. as Grand Junior Deacon. as Grand Senior Steward. as Grand Junior Steward. Grand Sword Bearer. Grand Marshal. . Grand Pursuivant. Grand Tyler.

ROLL OF LODGES.

The, M.'.W.-. Grand Master called the brethren to order, and directed the Grand Secretary to call the roll of Lodges, and a quorum responding, the Grand Master directed the further call of the roll of Lodges to be dispensed with. G R A N D LODGE O P E N E D .

The M.vW. •. Grand Master, assisted by his subordinate officers, proceeded and opened the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Kansas in AMPLE FORM, the Grand Chaplain repeating the

4

Proceedings

of the

February,

Lord's prayer. On motion of Brother GUTHRIE, the reading of the minutes of the last Annual Communication was dispensed with. CREDENTIALS.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master appointed Brothers FRANK DRUMMOND, J.

C. BENNETT and

GEORGE C . KENYON,

Committee on Credentials, who in due time presented a partial report, which was accepted, and the committee continued during the session, reporting from time to time the names of late arriving delegates. Appended is the full report of Committee on Credentials: To the M.-.W.-.Grand

Lodge of

Kansas:

Your Committee on Credentials beg leave respectfully to report that we find by the Grand Secretary's annual financial report, that the Lodges named below have paid the annual dues, and in all other respects complied with the Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Regulations of this Grand Lodge in relation thereto, and are therefore entitled to representation. We also find present several Past Grand Officers who are entitled to seats in the Grand Lodge. Fraternally submitted,

. Leavenworth,

FRANK DRUMMOND, JAS. C. B E N N E T T , G E O . C. K E N Y O N , Comviittee.

No. 2 — J O H N E . WALSTROM, S. W . ; and proxy for W. M.

and J. W. Wyandotte,

No. 3—JAMES

S . CLARK, proxy for W. M.; JAMES S N E D D E N ,

proxy for S. VV. and J. W. Washington,

No. s—THOMAS

M. PRICE, proxy for VV. M.; A. P. T E N N E Y ,

S. W . ; L. O. BERRYMAN, J. W.

Lawrence, No. 6^—L. P. MASON, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. Rising

Sun, No. 8—SIDNEY

P. TRESSLAR, W . M . ; B. E. LANGDON, J. Vv.,

- and proxy for S. W. Oskdloosa, No. 14—B. P. FuNCHES, W. M., and proxy for S. W.; J. M. H A S T I N G S , J. W.

.Great Bend, No', ij—A. J. HOISINGTON, proxy for W. M . ; W. W. P. CLEMENT,

f.afayette.

S. W . ; M. B. F E T T S , S. W .

No. / 6 — G E O . S. G R E E N E , W . M . ; H . C . CAMP, proxy for S. W . '

S. M . Fox, J. \V. Topeka, No. 77—B. M C M U R T R I E , Wr M-i L. E, ESHELMAN, S, W . ; W . S .

RANKIN, J, \V,

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

Franklin,

• 5

No. iS—T>. H . M C G E E , S. W . , and proxy for W. M. and J. W.

Olathe, No. i<p—FRANK

MALTBY, W . M . , and proxy for J. W.; T. B. L E N -

TER, S. W .

Palmyra, No. 2j~-E.

E. GADDIS, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J . W.

Neosho, No'. 21—JAS.

A. HOLLOWAY,

• W O O D , J. W . Auium,

Mound

•

No. 32—JOHN

W . M . , and

proxy for S. W . ; B.

.

L . P R I C E , proxy, for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

City, No. 33—D. UNDERHILL, W . M . ; A. F. E L Y , proxy for S. W. and J . W.

Council Grove, No. 36—J. W. NOLAND, W . M . ; H. W. G I L D E M E I S T E R , S . W . ; W. H . W H I T E , J. W. Paola,

No. _j7—E. W. ROBINSON, W . M . ; W I L L I A M GANO, S. W . ; G. A. C O L T E R , J. W.

lola. No. 38—W. G: ALLISON, W . M . , and proxy foi; S. W. and J . ' W . VeS.'to, No. 40—A.

R. MILLER, W . M . , and proxy for S. W . ; J A S . C .

ABBOTT, J. W.

Delphian, No. 44—J. L. KERCHEVAL, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W. Monrovia, No. 48—FRANK Orient, No. S"!—FRANK

E . CLOYES, proxy for W. M., S. W: and J. W.

BROOKS, W . M . ; CHAS. SPALDING, proxy for S. W . ;

S. W A K E L I N G , J. W . Shawnee,

No. ^4—GEO.

.

•

W . BLANTON, W - M . , and proxy for S. W . ; P. G.

CROSS, J. W. Troy, No. 5 5 — G E O . W . W O O D , proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

Spring Hill, No. ^b—ALEX. Salina, No. 60—JACOB

DAVIS, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

D E W I T T , proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

Adams, No. 6 i — H . C. CoOK, W. M., and proxy for J. W.; W. B. GLASS, S . W . Wathena, A^o. 64—ROBERT

P E R I G O , proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

Frankfort,

WILSON, W . M . ; LOYD R . M C L A N E , proxy for

No. 6j—JOSEPH

^

S. W. and J. W. Hiram,

No. 68—GEORGE

K O H N , W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J . W.

Carbondale, No. TO—J. M. GiDDlNGS, S. W., and proxy for W. M. and J . W. Mystic Tie, No. 7.5?—H. D. H I L L , W . M . , and proxy for J. W . ; L. V E I T , S . W . Wamego, No. 7 5 — R O B E R T B E A T T I E , W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

White Cloud, No. 78—RUSSELL

M . WILLIAMS, proxy" for W. M., S. W. and

J. W. Corinthian, No. fc)—JOHN M C P H I L L E N N Y , W . M . ; J. J. P L A Y F O R D , S . W . ; T H O M A S F E N T O N , J. W . _ Tuscan,

No. 82—JOHN

L . JONES, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

6

•

Proceedings of the

February,

Golden Rule, No. go—SAMUEL DOLMAN, proxy for W. Mi and S. W . ; H. C. BOVVEN, proxy for J. W. Mission, No. ()2—ELIJAH

CRAVENS, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

Girard,

A. WOOD, W. M.; JAMES A. S M I T H , S . W . ; W. R.

No. gs—MYRON

V A N F R A N K , proxy for J. W.

Harmony,

N'o. g4—J. M. K E C K , proxy for W- M., S. W. a n d ' J . W.

Delaware, No. g6—DANIEL

G R I N T E R , proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

Patmos, No. 97—H. C. FiTCii, W. M.; C. P. STRONG, proxy for S. W . ; E. N. S M I T H , proxy for J. W. Benevolent,

No. 91?—GEORGE C. K E N Y O N , W . M . ; M. C. H E M I N W A Y , proxy

for S. W . ; T. S. BARTON, proxy for J . W. Wichita,

No. 9 9 — G E O . E . H A R R I S , W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Prudence, No. 100—C. D. N I C H O L S , W . M . ; A. J. JAMERSON, proxy for S. W . ; . H . C. PQRCELL, proxy for J. W.

Keystone, No. 102—E. L. FOSTER, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. Solomon City, No. 10^—C. W. ADAMS, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W' Fortitude, No. 107—Y. H . AMSDEN, W . M . ; H. M. W A T E R S , proxy for S. W . ; A L E X . M O O R E , proxy for J. W.

Americus, No. log—D.

A. STAHL, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Adelphi, No. //o—M.. G. T R O O P , proxy for W. M. and J. W . ; C. C. BLACK,

proxy for S. W. Hesperian, No. ill—RICHARD

Blue Valley, No. 112—LEVI St. Johns,

BINNS, W . M . , and proxy for .S. W. and J. W.

CHASE, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

No. / j - j — T H O M A S L A I N G , W . M . ; W.M. E . R E I D , proxy for S

W.;

G E O . C . S E A R L , proxy for J. W. . Excelsior, No. ir^—WM.

J. COCHRAN, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

Muscotah, No. 116—FRANK

J. BROWN, proxy for W. M. and S. W.; B. B.

B E L L , T- W . Parsons,

No.

117—D.

BRONSON,

W . M . , and

proxy for

S. W . ; D A V I D

K E L S O , proxy for J . W.

Altoona, No. iiS—T.

F. C. DoDD, W. M. and proxy for S. W.; R. M. R I C H -

ARDSON, proxy for J. W.

Cherokee, No. irg—E.

A. PERRY, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Halcyon, No. 120—JAMES

S T E W A R T , W . M . ; CHARLES BROWN, S . W . ; JAMES

S T E W A R T , proxy for J. W.

Woodson, No. 121—-S. R. KELLOGG, W . M . , and proxy and S. W. and J. W. Godfrey, No. 124—G. F. POND, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W. Palestine, No. 127—R. WOLFEY, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W. Crescent, No. t^Q—C, VI, SeoTT, S, W., and proxy for W, M. and J. W,

i88o-i.

Orand Lodge of Kansas.

7

Clay Center, No. 134—M. M. MILLER, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J . W. Vesper, No. Ij6^.

D. M C B R I A N , W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Sedgwick, No. ijg—J.

S. TUCKER, W . M . , and proxy for J. W . ; P. M. MOR-

GAN, S. W.

Reno, No. 140-—A. M. SWITZER, W . M , , and proxy for S. W. and J. W. Signal, AV. 141—W. L. SCHENCK, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. Newton, No. 142—SAMUEL

°

R . P E T E R S , W . M . ; SAMUEL SAYLOR, proxy for

S. W.; A. B E C K E R , proxy for J. W. Minneapolis,

No, 143—W. D. THOMPSON, proxy for W. M.; W. A. JOHNSON,

proxy for S. W . ; W. FREEMAN, proxy for J. W. Gilead, No. 144—GEO.

F A B E R , W . M . ; J. E. P I C K E T T , proxy for S. W . ; J .

M. JEWETT, J. W.

Mt. Vernon, No. 143—^.

S. SEARCH, W . M . ; T. F. -Ross, proxy for S. W . ;

A. H . E L L I S , proxy for J. W. Ellsworth, No. 146—H.

.

^

F . HOESMAN, proxy for W. M. and S. W . ; G E O R G E

H A Y C K E , proxy for J. W.

Wellington, No. Jjo—T. Cato, No. ijs—J-

R. LowE, S. W., and proxy for W. M. and J . W.

W. SWAN, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Lincoln, No. 134—D. H . M A L O N E , W . M . ; D. W. HENDERSON, S . W . ; M. D. G R E E N E , J. W .

Haven, No. 1J7—J.-W.

,

HAMILTON, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W.

Lamed, No. 167—B. F . EVANS, W . M . ; .GEO. K . BURTON, proxy for S. W . ; F. C. H A W K I N S , J. W .

Parketville,'No.

168—A. MosER, proxy for W. M.; J. F . CRESS, proxy for 8.

W.; H. CAMPBELL, proxy for J. W. •

^

:

Sterling, No. 171—W. M. L A M B , W . M . , and proxy for J. W . ; H E M A N L . MiT.LARD, S. W . McPherson, No. 172—A. E. BONHAM, proxy for S. W.; D. C. W E L C H , J. W. Prairie Qtieen, No. 176—EDWARD

MACK, W . M . ; D A V I D T U R N E R ,

S. W . ;

W M . BROWN, J. W .

Russell, No. 177—]^. D. PALMER, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W. Mt. Moriah, A^o. 17^—G. W. MILNER, S. W . , and proxy for W. M. and J. W. Lotiisburg, No- iSo—J.

H . DAVIS, W . M . , and proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Pittsburg, No. 187—CHAS.

W. and J. W.

W . LONG, W . M . ; J. W. J E N N I N G S , proxy for S.

8

Proceedings

of the

February,

GRAND OFFICERS PRESENT. M.-..W.'. JOSEPH D . MCCLEVERTY R.-. W.'. W I L L I A M COWGILL._. R.-. W.-. ALBERT D . MCCONAUGHY R . \ W.-. C H R I S T I A N BECK R.-. W.-. J O H N H . BROWN W.-. THOMAS BURROWS

W.-. B. F . EVANS

Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. :

:

1

Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Chaplain.

Grand Junior Deacon.

W.-. F R I T Z MAGERS

Grand Tyler.

PAST G R A N D O F F I C E R S . M.-.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN i M.-.W.-. O W E N A . BASSETT M.-.W.-. J O H N G U T H R I E R.-. W.'. GEO. W. HOGEBOOM R.-.W.-. CHARLES C . KELLAM R.-. W . \ D W I G H T BYINGTON..! R.-.W.'. W. F . JOHNSTON R.-.W.-. E. T . CARR

Past Grand Master. Past Grand Master. Past'Grand Master. Past Deputy Or. Master. Past Deputy Gr. Master. Past Deputy Gr. Master. Past Gr. Junior Warden. Past Gr. Junior Warden.

PAST M A S T E R S P R E S E N T . J A M E S S N E D D E N and J A M E S S. C L A R K , W y a n d o t t e , No. 3 ; THOMAS M . P R I C E , Washington,

No. 5 ; L.

P. MASON,

Lawrence,

No. 6; JAMES C .

B E N N E T T , J. J. BUCK, Emporia, No. 12; R. W. J E N K I N S , Nemaha, No. 13; W M . J. P I C K E R I N G , G E O . W . M I N N O C K , Great .Bend, No. 15 ; A. M. CALEAHAM, D . W . N E L L I S , THOMAS J. A N D E R S O N , S . E . S H E L D O N , A. H . V A N C E , . S. P. W A D E , S . E . M A R T I N , E . P. K E L L A M , Topeka, No. 17; W M . J U L I A N ,

Olathe, No. 19; J O H N L . PRICE, Auburn, No. 32;- A. F . E L Y , Mound City, No. 3 3 ; L . C . CRITTENDEN, Paola, No. 37; J AS. B . ABBOTT, DeSoto, No. 40; P E T E R D. C O O K , F R A N K D R U M M O N D , T H E O . P . R O G E R S , ROBERT E D WARDS, Orient, No. 5 1 ; JACOB

D E W I T T , Salina, No. 60; P. C. GARVIN,

•Frankfort, No. 6 7 ; JAMES H E L L E R , Corinthian, No. 79; JAMES D . W A T E R S ,

Evergreen, No. 8 6 ; SAMUEL DOLMAN, G E O . SWARTZ, Golden Rule, No. 90; J. M. K E C K , Harmony, N o . 94; C. N. J A M E S , E . N . S M I T H , Patrnos, No. 97; T . N . T R I C K E Y , Wichita, No. 9 9 ; H . C. P U R C E L L , . A . J. JAMISON, Prudence, No. 100; E. L. FOSTER, Keystone, No. 102; A L E X . MOORE, Fortitude, No. 107;

M. J. T R O O P , CHARLES C . BLACK, Adelphi, No. n o ; W M . E . R E I D ,

St. Johns, No. 113; WM. J . COCHRAN, Excelsior, No. 115; R. N. R I C H A R D SON, Altoona, No. 118; P. M. MORGAN, Sedgwick, No. 139; N. T . P. R O B INSON, W. Ri B R O W N , Reno, No. 140; W. L. SCHENCK, Signal, No. 141; SAMUEL SAYLOR, Newton, No. 142; W. C. I N G R A M , Mt. Vernon, No. 145; J A M E S H O L L A N D , Wellington, No. 150; J. W. H A M I L T O N , Haven, No. 157; G I L B E R T B E D E L L , A. A. T H O R P E , L a m e d , No. 167; J O H N GRAY, Sterling,

No. 171.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

9

A N N U A L ADDRESS.

The M.'.W.'. Grand Master then delivered the following Annual Address: Brethren of the Grand Lodge: . The many varying changes of human life bring as one of its most pleasant features, the re-union and greeting of old friends, the renewal of old acquaintanceship. Once more this has been vouchsafed to us, and with extremest pleasure I extend to the Craft of Kansas-through you a hearty Masonic greeting. A little over twenty-five years ago a mere handful of Masons erected this Grand Lodge. ° The beautiful plains of Kansas were then the scene of many acts of violence, but .hopeful of the future, and full of self-reliance, the new Grand Sovereignty entered upon its existence. Through every cloud hQwever dark, the star of hope beamed brightly, and well, might the young State adopt as its motto, " Ad Astra ^per Aspera," as a prophetic inspiration, for we already see the more than fruition of its early hope. The handful of J 855 has grown to many thousands, while the citizenship of the State is fully a million. Well may we then indulge in a meed of self-gratulation, nor forget to bow in thankfulness for " t h e manifold blessings we enjoy." The year just passed .has been full of bountiful prosperity to the greater portion of Kansas, but not to all. In the northwestern portion many of the new settlers, wholly dependent upon the prosperity of the season, appear to have utterly failed in their crops, and many of them must continue in want until a new crop comes in. Limited though this destitution has been, yet almost daily we hear of self-appointed and doubtless dishonest beggars, appealing for aid in the name of a starving State, and in the face of the fact that Kansas has more of the life sustaining productions for sale than any other State of equal population in the Union. Anxious though I was to aid these sufferers, yet I determined to repress this promiscuous begging, at least so far as the Masonic fraternity was concerned—and yet was without sufficient

10

Proceedings

of the

'' February,

vigilance to actually prevent it. One of our Lodges, or at least one of its members in its name. Mountain Slope Lodge, No. 186, of Oberlin, Decatur County, prepared a general begging circular, and its Secretary at once began to issue them. Fortunately one of the first fell into the hands of the Grand Secretary of Virginia, who rightly surmising that a wrong was being done the Masons of Kansas, at once sent it to me. Thankful for his timely action, I so expressed myself, and, at once issued an order to Mountain Slope Lodge to show cause why its Charter should not be suspended for issuing this circular. But investigation satisfying me that the Secretary had acted without authority,, the Lodge having directed him first to secure my approval, I proceeded no farther than to suppress the circular. While I hope that but little stigmahas fallen upon Kansas Masons, among our brethren in other States, because of this affair, yet I deem it my .duty to report the„ facts to this Grand Lodge, if for no other purpose than to give voice to our common sentiment of utter condemnation of all these begging expeditions outside the State, and to assure all men. that the greatest kindness to Kansas will be to turn from their doors al.l who claim to be Kansas beggars, and send them to the ample granaries at home. The contributions of Kansas Masons will be amply sufficient to care for the needy in our own Lodges, and this, I am satisfied, is our common sentiment and determination. N E W LODGES.

. During the year I have issued Dispensations to fifteen new Lodges, and have refused more than that number of additional applications; but always acting upon what I believed to be good and sufficient reasons in each instance. While great care should at all times be exercised in starting new Lodges, yet I could not be unmindful of the fact that in the great influx of people during late years, many of them were Masons, who naturally enough desired a Masonic home in their new location. I am much gratified to learn that most, if not quite all of these new Lodges have been prudent and moderately

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Orand Lodge of Kansas.

11

careful, though in some instances rather too diligent. Still, no " good man and true " should be denied admission simply because many are seeking to "enter in." I cordially commend these new applicants to the tender mercies of the committee. And yet withal I would advance a word of warning to young and old alike, that they be not too anxious for work. A list of all Dispensations issued, and also of decisions.made by me, is appended. * . . L E O T A A N D ONAGA, U. D .

These two Lodges were specially placed in my charge at the last session, and knowing that my worthy predecessor was much more familiar with their situation than I could well hope to be, I commissioned him to investigate and determine what it might be most advisable to do. . He visited Onaga personally, and recommendedji.continuance of the Dispensation and some few changes in the officers. Approving his recommendations, I set the Lodge at work again. Our M.'. W.'. Bro. HiLLYER also started to visit Leota Lodge, but a business call detaining him, he recommended W.'. Bro. JOHN BissELL, of Phillipsburg, in his stead, under whose advice I also continued the Dispensation of this Lodge. In each instance it was hoped that another year of work would put these Lodges in good condition, but I cannot say that my information is very flattering, and especially as to Leota. When Leota Lodge was started, I am informed that Leota was the county seat, but that has since then been removed to Norton, where there is every probability it will remain. Upon the recommendation of Bro. BISSELL, and also of Bro. L. P. MASON, bpth of whom Visited the place, I started a new Lodge at Norton. While this probably did no injury to Leota Lodge, yet the removal of the county seat did, the distance between them being but a few miles, and I very much doubt if a good healthy Lodge can be sustained at Leota. .The Committee, I trust, will give the representatives of both of these Lodges a patient hearing, and in their report fail not to temper justice with mercy. N E M A H A LODGE, NO. 13.

Nemaha Lodge, No. 13, a near neighbor to Onaga, made

12

Proceedings of ihe

February,

early application for permission to remove from America City .to Havensville. The building- of a railroad through that section appears to have ruined America City and built up two new towns, one at Soldier City and the other at Havensville. The- removal was carried only by a majority of two, the minority favoring Soldier City. Failing entirely to induce harmony- among the members of the Lodge, I denied the. petition, mainly up'on two considerations. T o move the Lodge to Soldier City would place it about seven miles from Circleville Lodge, while Havensville is about the same distance from Onaga, and a removal to either place' might injure the neighboring Lodge. Which town was most likely to prosper I did not know, and had no information from which to judge. Besides this, I thought the success of Onaga Lodge doubtful, and that another year's time, together with an investigation by a committee, and a personal explanation by the representatives, a better result might be reached. I am satisfied the Lodge cannot live at America City, and if Havensville has shown itself the most prosperous place, it is probably best to remove it there,- and especially so should it be found advisable to recall the Dispensation of Onaga. MOUNT MORI A H LODGE, NO. 179.

Immediately after the election of officers in this Lodge, and prior to their installation, complaint was made to me that the election had been carried by unfair means. I at once ordered the Lodge not to install the new officers, and also commissioned Bro. B. F . EVANS, our Grand Junior Deacon, to visit the Lodge and take such action as he deemed most prudent, at the same time suggesting that the best course might be to set aside the election and hold a new one. . Upon his arrival there, the new officers themselves demanded this, and another election resulted in choosing the same persons as before, the attendance being quite full. This was acquin esced in, and harmony and good feeling restored among the members, a result brought about mainly by the wise and conciliatory course of the worthy mediator who consented to act in the premises. I am informed that the

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

-13

real cause of the difficulty was some outside matter of a political nature, which it is unnecessary to,suggest should find no place in a Masonic Lodge. AMENDMENTS.

The amendments proposed last year- were promptly adopted by the Subordinate Lodges, and the fact duly proclaimed. The' investment of the Grand Lodge funds ordered at the last session, has not been made, for the reason that the Committee thought the premium upon Government bonds made school bonds much more desirable, and these could not be found, though it is probable an investment can soon be made. NON-PAYMENT O F DUES.

Last year I hoped to settle the ever recurring subject of suspension for non-payment of dues, by an amendment, then proposed, allowing such suspension to be made by simple motion, first requiring due notice to be given. The committee and the Grand Lodge took what seemed to me the very strange position, that such suspension could only be had upon formal charges and after due trial. Knowing that much difference existed as to practice, I offered my amendment for the purpose of settling the procedure, believing as I did, that our By-Laws intended a special procedure in such cases, and that Masons generally looked upon this as entirely different from what might be terriied a Masonic offense. Lest irregular practice might still continue, I took early occasion to issue a circular, calling attention, among other matters, to the proper procedure in such cases. I learn that .much dissatisfaction exists as to this cumbersome procedure, and it is quite probable that .the Comniiittee and the Grand Lodge acted too hastily in deciding that the general principles of Masonic law required a formal trial in such cases. Indeed, in some States the simple practice is adopted of requiring the Secretary to mark each member suspended "who is delinquent a certain length of time, and to mark him restored upon payment being made, entering these facts upon his minutes. In but few States

14

Proceedings

of the

February,

is any trial required, and probably none should be, unless this is to be classed among the list of Masonic offenses. Most persons are apt to believe that when the delinquent dues are paid the offense has been removed. The offense usually arises from either poverty or thoughtless neglect, and few will look upon either as an offense. I mention this with every deference, yet hopeful that.more mature consideration may lead to some more simple procedure. NON-AFFILIATION.

Another matter fruitful in unpleasantness, is the duty of the Craft with reference to non-affiliates. That a Mason, simply to save the paltry amount of his dues, should become a nonaffiliate and a drone, yet claiming good standing, seems almost incredible, and yet is undoubtedly true. All admit this to be a great wrong, yet none suggest a remedy. • It is, however, well worthy of an effort. Perhaps an efficient remedy would be to provide that no non-affiliate whose dimit may be more than two years old shall be entitled to any of the benefits of Masonry. Your wisdom, however, should devise some remedy that will, at least, do justice to those who honorably bear their proper share of the common burden. R E V I S I O N O F C O N S T I T U T I O N AND BY-LAWS. •

The many defects in our Constitution and By-Laws, incident to our rapid growth, again suggests the advisability of a general revision. The time is rapidly approaching when it will be impossible for a Grand Master to efficiently and promptly perform the duties of his office under our present system. Few would imagine that from three to five hours a day of actual time would be required of him, and yet for at least one-half the year this does not far escape the truth,, while for the other half the labor is also very heavy. This is avoided in many States by having Deputies for convenient districts, to whom are delegated certain powers, and through whom alone the Grand Master can be reached, and then usually on appeal. Any revision that may be made should contain a full digest of approved decisions and such other matter ,as is

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Orand Lodge of Kansas.

15

usual. This, of course, is an important work, and should be placed only iii the most skillful hands, to the end that we may have it " well and faithfully done," and when done, a. credit to the Grand Lodge. As the " faithful worker " i s ever worthy of his hire, a fair and liberal allowance should be made for the actual time and labor necessary to a proper execution of the work. But to get it well done, some one person should be selected to do the actual labor, with an Advisory Committee to assist him in laying out the work, and then when finished, to pass upon and prune it. If well done, such a work would be valuable to the Craft of the State, and all expenditures could be reimbursed by the sale of the book to Lodges and individuals. PUBLICITY IN MASONIC MATTERS.

Of late years there appears to be too great a publicity in Lodge matters. So common has this become that some of the city papers publish once each week, a statement of all work done during the past week, and to be done in the succeeding, one, even specifying degrees, and after stating who did the work or in some way mentioning the "officers, thus getting somebody's "name in the papers." If a Mason is put upon trial for some offence', it is frequently common streettalk. If one dies, resolutions are published, lauding indifferently the best and the worst. Equally in kind is the practice of public installations. Now, I cannot but think that all this "bodes no good," and that some such radical cure might well be adopted, as forbidding any and all publicity, save and except the single and dignified occasion of the burial of a deceased Mason, or when responding in deference to some public invitation. This publicity is looked upon, and often is, merely a kind of cheap advertising, and certainly Masonry needs nothing of that kind. It operates, too, as a substantial wrong upon the public, since it induces membership by prompting sordid motives and hopes of personal gain, the failure to attain which, in turn, doubtless swells the long list of delinquents. Publicity is not always the index of dig nity, solidity or worth, but rather the opposite.

16

Proceedings of the

February,

PER DIEM AND MILEAGE.

At the last session a Committee was appointed to examine and report upon the question of Per Diem and Mileage to representatives to this Grand Lodge: They have doubtless made a painstaking and careful investigation, and will, at this session, report their views and conclusions. Without desiring in the least to trench upon the domain of that Committee, or to forestall its action, yet in view of the serious importance of the subject, it may not be improper to mention it, if only to say a word of warning. The sessions of the Grand Lodge are now the occasion of pleasant, agreeable and instructive re-unions. Those who come up year after year are influenced by no mercenary motives, and in order to lighten the burden upon their respective Lodges, push business rapidly, yet carefully. Each renders an account of his stewardship upon his return and his expenses are, or ought to be, paid by the Lodge he represents. The time of the Grand Lodge is not burdened or harassed by business and unmasonic matters. Make the proposed change, however, and not only will it be necessary to increase our Grand Lodge dues, in order to rrieet this new demand upon our revenues, but this increased business demand will largely overshadow the legitimate duties of the Grand Lodge. Probably the less we have to do with business and pecuniary matters, the better. The accumulation of large funds and bank accounts, like the ownership of imposing buildings, demands legal protection and invites legal complication. Already, it is no new thing for a Masonic Lodge to be dragged into court or some of its members made the subject of unpleasant discourse, and all because of business affairs which it were better to have avoided. Nothing is more fruitful of discord than money matters, and no such step as this should be taken except upon the most careful consideration. INSURANCE COMPANIES.

Speaking of business matters, leads me to say a word somewhat by way of personal explanation as well as of warn-

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Grand Lodge of Kansas;

•

17

ing. At different times the Grand Lodge has been urged to organize an insurance department, and each time wisely voted it down. I find, however, that one or more of the Mutual Benefit Companies of this State adopt the name of " Masonic," and publish the names of the three principal officers of the Grand Lodge as an Advisory Committee, a committee, however, which performs no duty, and these are doubtless published purely as evidence of an indorsement by the Grand Lodge. Were I an advocate of this plan of insurance, I might overlook the tacit indorsement which this action appears to give, but not being such, I would suggest that the authority of the Grand Lodge, if any has been given,' be so modified as to authorize the publication only of the names of such officers as are desirous or willing to be made members of such a committee. While I have no doubt that the gentlemen managing these companies are perfectly honest and sincere, and also good Masons, yet I very much doubt the wisdom of indorsing this or any other business venture, however laudable may seem its aims, especially in view of the direct refusal of the Grand Lodge to engage in the business itself The best of enterprises may fail, and should that be the history of these, this indorsement by the Grand Lodge would bring it no credit while to indorse one enterprise gives color to the claim for other indorsements, which in time may entail serious consequences. CONCLUSION.

During the year I have authorized the removal of a few Lodges to neighboring points, where the building of new railroads had made the change not only'desirable, but in a man. ner necessary and where the general sense of such Lodges, favored removal. I have also had the honor of appointing . representatives near the Grand Lodges of New Jersey,' Rhode Island and Ohio, and to the latter had the very pleasant opportunity of appointing our W.'.Bro. D. W. COXE, Past Grand Chaplain of Kansas, whom most of us remember with so much pleasure and whom I cordially comniend to the craft of Ohio.

18

Proceedings of the

February,

Our foreign relations have been undisturbed and pleasant during the year, and in Masonic circles the general tendency seems in this direction. In August last, by special invitation, I accompanied the Kansas/Knights to the grand demonstration of Knights Templar at Chicago. Though only a Blue Lodge Mason myself, every courtesy and attention were shown me. The occasion was one long to be remembered. The warm fraternal friendship with which strange Knights greeted each other could not but give one a high opinion of the Order, while to witness the hearty gladness with which the Knights of Kansas welcomed those of Tennessee and Louisiana to their headquarters, could not biit kindle one's admiration for the teachings of an institution so full of kindliness and friendship. For the kindness shown me, I return to the Kansas Knights my warmest thanks. In November I also had the pleasure of making a visit to the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory at A-t o-k-a, in company with our R. •. W.'. Bro. JOHN H . BROWN, and our W.". Bro. L. P. MASON. The occasion was fujl of novelty and interest. Our M.-. W.'. Bro. MURROW, Past Grand Master and present. Grand Secretary of that Grand Lodge, especially greeted us .as only a sincere Mason and kindly Christian gentleman can do, while my old time friend, and one time room-mate, our M.'. W.*. Bro. P. J. BYRNE, could find no words warm enough to welcome us, no cheer good enough to offer us. To say that our visit was pleasant and instructive, would scarcely be doing our generous friends full justice. We found assembled a body of zealous • and earnest gentlemen, anxious to learn and propagate the true principles of the Craft, while to the infinite and honorable gratification of Bro. MASON, they adopted our work after seeing it exemplified by him. And now my term is drawing to a c l o s e Though longer than usual, by reason of the adoption of the amendment pro" posed last year, yet it has been full of kindness to me, and if I have passed through the ordeal with any fair degree of satisfaction to you, I shall certainly feel profoundly grateful.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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It does not often fall to the lot of one so inexperienced to be placed at the head of the Craft in a great and growing Commonwealth like this, and were it not for the kindly forbearance and friendly assistance shown me upon every hand, I fear I must have failed. Bros. J O H N H . BROWN, E . D . HILLYER, L. P. MASON, JOHN BISSELL and B. F. EVANS, are especially deserving of my thanks, nor should I forget our R.'.W.*. Deputy Grand Master, who, during my absence for some weeks at one time, was faithful in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him, while the Craft generally have evinced the most kindly friendship. Carry with you, then, to your homes, my warmest thanks and kindliest wishes, together with the hope that time may yet full often aford us renewed and pleasant greetings., J. D.

MCCLEVERTY, Grand

Master.

S P E C I A L D I S P E N S A T I O N S ISSUED. October, 28, 1879, to R.-.W.-. Bro. A. .D. McCoNAUGHY, Grand Senior Warden, to unveil monument of late R . \ W . \ J O H N W . SMITH, Past Deputy Grand Master. October 28, to Adams Lodge, No. 63, to dedicate Lodge room. November 14, to M.-.W.-. Bro. E. D. HILLYER, Past Grand Master, to visit Onaga and Leota Lodges, U. D. November l8, to OangaLodge, U. D.,continuing Dispensation, appointing certain officers of said Lodge and empowering it to act upon certain petitions for affiliation. November 24, to Holton Lodge, No. 42, to confer-the third Degree' waiving time. December i, to Ottawa Lodge, No. 28, to confer the third Degree, waiving time. December 11, to Larned Lodge, No. 167, to act upon petition for affiliation of Bro. B. F. EVANS, waiving time and to elect Worshipful Master from floor. . January 2, 1880, to W.-. Bro. B. F. EVANS, to visit Mt. Moriah, No. 179. February 4, to Newahcuba Lodge, U. D., to affiliate certain persons named. _ , 2

20

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Proceedingg of the

February,

February 5, to Lyons Lodge, U. D., to receive petitions for affiliation of certain persons named. February 9, to Mountain Slope Lodge, No. 186, to confer degrees in certain case, waiving time. February 9, to Hartford Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of person named. February 26, to Greenwood Lodge, No. 163, to confer degree, in certain case waiving time. March 2, to Cato Lodge, No. 153, to confer degree ifi certain case, waiving time. March 20, to Gaylord Lodge, No. 133, to confer degree in certain case, waiving time. March 26, to Belle Plain Lodge, No. 173, to confer degree in certain case, waiving time. April 5, to Sterling Lodge, No. 171, to confer degree, waiving time. April 17, to McPherson Lodge, No. 172, to confer degree, waiving time. April 20, to Marysville Lodge, No. 91, to elect Junior Warden and install such officers as had not been regularly installed. May 8, to Frankfort Lodge, No. 67, to confer degree, waiving time. May 8, to W. D. THOMPSON, as Special Deputy, to lay corner stone of new Lodge for Minneapolis, No. 143. May 8, to Minneapolis Lodge, No. 143, to lay corner stone of its new Lodge. May I I , to Walnut Valley, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of person named. J u n e 5, to Galena Lodge, IJ. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. J u n e 15, to Prairie Queen Lodge, No. 176,- to confer degree, waiving time. J u n e IS, to examine and advance a brother at a Special Communication. J u n e 15, to Patmos Lodge, No. 97; to appear in procession on July 4th, as per public request. J u n e 18, to Newahcuba Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. June 18, to Walnut Valley Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. J u n e 26, to Adelphi Lodge, No. n o , to lay corner stone of church in Winfield. July 16, to Sterling Lodge, No. 171, to continue work as a regular Lodge until next session of Grand Lodge, notwithstanding the destruction of its charter by fire. July 23, to Mulvane Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. August 9, to Anthony Lodge, U. D., to receive petitions for affiliation ol pertain persons named,

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

21 /

September 4, to Delphos Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of certain persons named. September 14, to R.-. W.-. Bro. A. D. MCCONAUGHY, as Special Deputy to lay corner stone of Presbyterian Church in Atchison. September 28, to Mulvane Lodge, U. D., to receive petition for affiliation of person named. September 28, to Anthony Lodge, U, D., to receive petitions of persons named. October 6, to Sterling Lodge, No. 171, to elect and install W . \ M.'. to fill vacancy caused by death. October,13, to Mystic, Lodge, No. 74, to confer degree, waiving time. November 17, to Seneca Lodge, No. 39, to receive petition for restoration of a suspended Mason, late a member of original Seneca Lodge, N o . 39, now extinct. ' . December 10, to R.-. W.-. Bro. M. ,M. MILLER, as Special Deputy to dedicate new Lodge room of Minneapolis Lodge, No. 143. December 17, to Hays Lodge, U. D., to confer degree, waiving time. December 23, to W.-. Bro. L. P. MASON, to visit Burr Otik Lodge, No. 178. December 23, to Harmony Lodge, No. 94, to install as W . \ M.-. a ' member elected from the floor. December 23, to Monrovia Lodge, No. 48, to remove to Effingham. January 3, 1881, to Nine Mile Lodge, No. 49, to remove to Lansing. In addition to the above I have issued 25 Dispensations for election and installation of officers, where there Had been a failure to do so at the proper time. J. D.

MCCLEVERTY,

Grand

Master,

O R D E R S AND COMMISSIONS. Decembers, 1879, commission to M.-.W.\ MARSHALL B. SMITH, as R e p resentative near Grand Lodge of New Jersey. January 2, 1880, order to Liberty Lodge, No. 123, to report why Grand Lodge dues not paid, and as to certain other matters. January 26, to Mound City Lodge, No. 33, staying proceedings in certain case until'further advised. January 29, to Olivet Lodge, No. 22, to report as to its jurisdiction in certain case and staying proceedings until further advised. , February 3, to Monrovia Lodge, No. 48, to report why Grand Lodge dues not paid and as to certain other matters. . February 4, appointing W.-. Bros. F . H . AMSDEN, F R A N K STRAIN, L . P.

GETMAN, J. M. K E C K , Deputy Grand Lecturers.

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Proceedings of the

February,

February 21, to Liberty Lodge, No. 123, extending time to pay Grand Lodge dues until May i, 1880. April 22, commission to W.\ Bro. D. W. CoxE, as Representative near Grand Lodge of Ohio. July 16, to Mountain Slope Lodg^i No. 186, to show cause why Charter should not be suspended for issuing a certain "begging circular." July 23, to Mound City Lodge, No. 33, perpetually staying proceedings .•n certain case of advancement applied for. July 30, commission to R.-. W.-. Bro. D A N I E L BABCOCK, as Representative near Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. September 15, to Smithton Lodge, No. I, staying advancement of certain candidate named. October 28, to convene Board of Custodians at Fredonia, on November 19th. November 20, appointing M.-. W.-. Bro. E. t). HILLYEK, as Member of Board of Custodians, to fill vacancy caused by resignation of W.-. Bro. GEO. S. G R E E N E .

O

November 30, appointing W.\ Bro. GEO. L . BULLOCK as Deputy Grand Lecturer. J. D. M c C L E V E R T Y , Grand Master.

U. D. LODGES. December 15, 1879, Newahcuba, Stockton, Rooks County, W. DoNNELL, Worshipful Master.

T.

December i6, 1879, Henri, Tonganoxie, Leavenwoi-th county, E. H ' LINTON, Worshipful Master. December 18, 1879, Walnut Valley, Sidney, Rush County, J O H N P. JOHNSON, Worshipful Master. January 9, 1880. Lyons, Lyons, Rice County, SALON GRAY, Worshipful Master. January 21, 1880, Hartford, Hartford, Lyon County, G. D. MAXSON, Worshipful Master. March 9, 1880, Galena, Galena, Cherokee County, W; B. STONE, Worshipful Master. March 11, 1880, Hays, Hays City, Ellis County, E. S. BEACH, Worshipful Master. March 30, Madison, Madison, Greenwood County, W. H. MAKEANEY. Worshipful Master. April 14, 1880, Canton, Canton, McPherson County, J. W. JONES, Worshipful Master. May 3, 1880, Blue Hill, Delhi, Osborn County, W. M. DALTON Worshipful Master,

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

23

May lo, 1880, Norton, Norton, Norton County, A. GRAVES, Worshipful Master. May 12, 1880, Anthony, Anthony, Harper County, O. F . CASTEEN, Worshipful Master. July 6, 1880, Mulvane, Mulvane, Sumner County, T. N . T R I C K E Y , Worshipful Master. July 31, 1880, Delphos, Delphos, Ottawa County, V A N E . BUTLER, Worshipful Master. September 9, 1880, Sumner, Caldwell, Sumner County, REUBEN BATES, Worshipful Master. , J. D. M c C L E V E R T Y , . Grand Master.

DECISIONS, 1. A non-affiliate may be given Masonic burial by a Lodge, unless he is deemed unworthy. It would be poor charity to refuse for that reason alone. 2. While the Grand Lodge does not encourage Lodges to occupy halls in common with other organizations, yet it does not prohibit, hence a Lodge may use the same hall with a lodge of A. O. U. W. 3. A Worshipful Master cannot order or issue a summons as such. may issue notices of meeting, but the Lodge alone can summons.

He

4. A petition for degrees which has been referred and is reported to a meeting held four weeks afterwards, may then be properly voted upon it being a regular Communication. • 5. A candidate petitioned Lodge A for the degrees, was duly elected, and received one degree. B, a neighboring Lodge, then claimed the candidate as its material, being within its jurisdiction. Lodge A, upon investigation, conceded the claim, and paid to Lodge B the money received for the degree already conferred. The candidate soon after moved his abode' within the jurisdiction of a third Lodge, and there petitioned for the remaining degrees. Lodge A, at request of Lodge C, waived jurisdiction and informed Lodge C of the above facts. ^a^ry.-^—Should Lodge B also be requested to consent, or waive jurisdiction? Answer.—Yes. Lodge A having recognized the jurisdiction of Lodge B, the candidate is the material of Lodge B, and its consent must be obtained. 6. A man blind in one eye only, may be made a Mason. 7. A Kansas Lodge may, at the request of a Michigan Lodge, confer the third degree for such Michigan Lodge, upon one qualified to receive it,

24

Proceedings of the

'

February,

and for the same fee that the Michigan Lodge would have charged, though that may be less than would.have been charged by the Kansas Lodge, as in such case it would act for the Michigan Lodge, and the fee would belong to the Michigan Lodge. 8. Query. — A number of brethren were suspended for nonpayment of dues, simply on motion, and without having been notified. Can they be restored to membership by paying up their dues in full to date? Answer.—Yes. They were not legally suspended, and only could be after due trial. 9. A candidate petitions Lodge A for the degrees, and is elected. H e then removes within the jurisdiction of Lodge B, and petitions that Lodge for the degrees. Lodge A consents to this, on condition that Lodge B will allow Lodge A to retain $10.00 already paid to it for first degree, along with petition, the other fees to belong to Lodge B. Query.—What is the status of the candidate, the proper procedure, and if Lodge B accedes to t h e proposition of Lodge A, and confers the degrees, of which Lodge will the candidate become a member? Answer.—The proposition of Lodge A, if assented to, is practically a waiver of jurisdiction, in which case the petition of candidate should be the same as for affiliation, but should state the facts, be referred duly, and ballotted upon. If candidate is elected in Lodge B, and'the degrees conferred by it, he will become a member of the latter Lodge. 10. A brother can only be suspended for non-payment of dues after due trial, in the usual form. Any other attempted suspension would be void. 11. A candidate petitions Lodge A for the Degrees, is elected, and then removes near to Lodge B, where he asks to have Degrees conferred Lodge A waives all right, provided Lodge B pays it ten dollars of the fees. To this. Lodge B consents. What is proper course to follow? Answer.—Upon these facts I decide that the candidate should petition Lodge B, as in case of a petition for affiliation, but stating the facts, that such petition be referred and a ballot taken. 12. The trial of one accused, whose residence is unknown, ought notto be held in less than thirty days from the meeting at which the charges are preferred. If his whereabouts becomes known and is reported to the Lodge before such trial is had, the case should be continued and a citation issued. If the trial proceeds in his absence, an attorney should be appointed to represent the accused, and a finding of guilty should only be made upon' sufficient evidence as in cases where the accused is present in person and making a defense. 13. It is not improper to ballot upon the question of advancement. In such case, if ballot is not clear, the candidate at the next regular Communication can apply again for advancement. 14. An accused Brother should be granted a continuance unless for very strong rea.<>ons, if his application is in good faith. The same person

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

25

could not act as one of the commissioners to take testimony and as one of the attorneys in the case, because such commissioners should be without interest or prejudice in the result of the trial. • 15. Persons desiring to form a new Lodge must send dimits with their petition. One can not remain a member of an existing Lodge, and without obtaining a dimit unite in forming a new one, as this would permit him to be a member of two Lodges at the same time. 16. A majority vote of the members present is sufficient to grant a waiver of jurisdiction over a candidate, unless some member of the Lodge makes a formal objection to his advancement. 17.

A Lodge has no power to suspend any of its officers from office.

18. The removal of his residence by a stationed officer, as a Junior Warden, does not vacate his office. Hence no Dispensation can be granted to elect another. 19. If a Mason under charges demands immediate trial, the Lodge may waive time and grant his request. 20. An elected officer, after being installed, can not resign nor in any ' other manner create a vacancy. 21. The W.-. M.'. is hot compelled to take notice of a verbal objection to the advancement of a candidate, made outside the Lodge; but if the objecting brother be absent, he ought, in deference to him, delay advancement at least until the next regular communication, to afford time for stating a formal objection. A brother, if unable to be present, may communicate his objection in writing to the Lodge, and such objection would bar advancement until withdrawn. 22. A brother asking a Lodge other than the one to which he originally petitioned to confer the remaining degrees, upon a waiver of jurisdiction must pay the fees provided by the By-Laws^ of the Lodge to which such waiver is given. •23. There is no appeal from the decision of the W.\ M.-. to the body . of the Lodge. For any wrong he may commit he is responsible to the Grand Lodge alone. 24. A report of a committee may be adopted by a majority vote of those present. A mere objection by one member can not prevent such adoption by the Lodge. 25. Where Lodge A confers degrees upon a candidate elected in Lodge . B, upon its request and for it, such brother becomes a member of the Lodge in which he was elected. In the absence of any understanding, the fees for degree would also belong to the same Lodge, v 26. Not being a Chapter Mason, I cannot clearly say whether one who has met a Mason in Charter can vouch for him in Lodge, but I am strongly of opinion that it would be such "lawful information" as would justify him in so doing. 27.

T h e obligating and initiating of candidates must be separately done

26

Proceedings of the

February,

with each, but the succeeding lectures may be imparted to more than one at the same time. 28. A Lodge in Kansas can amend or change its By-Laws at will, without approval of Grand Lodge, subject to complaint and punishment for any violation of the Constitution or established law. 29. A brother who has served as Warden, whether in this or any other State, is eligible to office of Master. 30. The Deputy Grand Master in any matter specially referred to him by the Grand Master, has power to act as fully as the Grand Master could, if personally present, as to publicly dedicate a Lodge room. 31. Where one who has been rejected in Lodge A, petitions Lodge B for the Degrees, the latter Lodge should get a waiver of jurisdiction from Lodge A before acting upon his petition, he having thus become the material of Lodge A. 32. There is no rule in Kansas as to how often non-affiliates may visit a Lodge ; hence, each Lodge must decide for itself. 33. A Mason on demit, who petitions a Lodge for affiliation, can withdraw his petition at any time before ballot is taken thereon.

R E P O R T S OF G R A N D S E C R E T A R Y A N D T R E A S U R E R .

R.\ W.'. Bro. BROWN, on behalf of himself and R.-.W.". Bro. CHRISTIAN BECK, then submitted .the reports of the' R.'. W.*. Grand Secretary and the R.'.W.'. Grand Treasurer, and they were duly referred t<j the proper committees. GRAND SECRETARY'S REPORT. To the R.-. W.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas :

'

Under the Constitution and By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, it becomes my duty as your Grand Secretary to submit, for^ your information, a detailed statement of the official transactions of my office for the fiscal year,- ending under our amended law, December 31, 1880. The first business in order after the close of our Annual Communication is the preparation and printing of the Proceedings. This was done at as early a day as possible, and they were distributed in the usual manner, two hundred copies, stitched, being set aside for binding at the proper time in the future.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

27

The work this year is, as we are pleased to believe, the equal of any of its predecessors, both in matter and in typographical appearance. It has been the earnest desire of your Grand Secretary to make the Proceedings of Kansasjn every respect equal to any of her cotemporaries, and we can only add the hope that the perusal of these Proceedings will afford the patient reader as much pleasure as its compilation and printing has to the one appointed to perform these duties. COMPOSITE LODGE.

At the last Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, the Charter of this (Composite) Lodge was, on the recommendation of the Committee on Chartered Lodges, revoked, and the Grand Secretary directed to take possession of the charter, seal, books and any other property the said Lodge might have in its possession. These instructions have ,been fully complied with and the effects are now in my hands, subject to your order. This Lodge owned no property outside of a few pieces of very ordinary furniture, which were disposed of to apply on the debt owed by the Lodge. The offices of this Lodge were very loosely conducted, a fact which we learned from an examination of the books and from the statements of some of the members. Quite a large amount in dues remains unpaid, some of the brethren owing as much as ;^ 15.00. Some have never paid a farthing of dues since they were admitted as members. At the time when the holding of Lodge meetings was discontinued there was a debt of about 1^145.00 for rent due, suit was commenced and judgment obtained against the brethren, and some of those who were able to pay did so, to avoid any further disgrace. .'To a number who have paid their dues I have issued certificates. The amount paid in on account of dues has been applied to the payment of the rent. If all the members in arrears for dues would pay up, the . entire debt could be extinguished without any trouble. I have notified all who are yet in arrears to pay the amounts severally due, and that certificates would be issued to such as did so and to none others.

28

Proceedings of the

February.

DELINQUENT LODGES.

In accordance with your instructions given at our last Annual Communication, as soon'as the printing and distribution of the Proceedings was. accomplished, I notified the several Lodges which were in arrears for dues of the amount due from each and requested payment at as early a day as possible. I am pleased to say that about all. have complied, and to the few that were not in condition to pay I deemed it but just to extend the time. There are a few small balances still outstanding, occasioned by errors in making up annual returns. A full statement of the amounts paid will appear in my annual financial report, appended hereto. It is to be hoped that the good brethren who fill the Secretaries' chairs will in the future see the importance of giving these annual returns prompt attention and look to it that they are made out and forwarded in due time to the Grand Secretary, together with draft for amount due. The labor of making out'these annual returns requires only a few hours time, and we are-unable to see any good reason why they should be delayed, as they often are, far beyond the time fixed by law. It is not the intention of the Grand Lodge to keep a debit and credit account with each Lodge. BINDING RROCEEDINGS.

We will have, with the present year, the Proceedings of three years, viz., 1878, 1879 and 18S0, which, when bound,will form a handsome and convenient volume of not less than nine hundred pages. By so doing each subordinate can, become the possessor of a complete file of our Proceedings in such shape that they can be preserved. I would, therefore, recommend the binding of these Proceedings in the same style as those of 1877 and that one volume be sent to each particular Lodge. REES MONUMENT.

I regret to report the failure of a large proportion of the Lodges to contribute to the R E E S Monument Fund. I have received from many Lodges expressions of sincere regret that

ÂŤ88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

-29

they did not feel able to contribute to so laudable an object; some say that the Grand Lodge should pay the amount necessary out of the Grand Lodge Treasury, and some declined contributing to the fund without giving any reasons therefor. The monument cost ^1,100; of this sum $50.00 was donated by the manufacturers and the remainder paid out of the Grand Lodge Treasury. Four hundred and sixty-seven and sixty one hundredth dollars of this amount has been covered back into the Grand Treasury by contributions from" various Lodges. The details as to the Lodges which contributed to this fund and the amount paid by each will be found in my financial report — marked Exhibit " D." ANNUAL RETURNS.

We note with pleasure a manifest improvement in the time of making up and sending in the annual returns for this year. Over three-fourths of the Lodges had made returns and paid Grand Lodge dues at the date of closing our report, January 31, 1881. This is done, notwithstanding the change made in the Constitution and By Laws in relation to the time of holding our Annual Communication and consequently of making returns. The usual number of little inaccuracies appear, such as omission of the signature of the Worshipful Master or of the Secretary, (and sometimes both of these officers forget this important official act.) The seal of the Lodge is not unfrequently omitted, etc. I shall only speak of these little errors and omissions in a general way, not naming any particular Lodge, as I have no desire to infringe upon the province of the Committee on Returns. ' The annual returns are now upon our table, and any who so desire can examine for themselves and see whether their Secretary -has failed to complete the work in making up his annual returns for the year ending December 31, 1880, or not. Our good Brother Secretaries may not stop to consider it, but it is nevertheless a fact that these annual returns, when properly made up and preserved,' as they should be, by every

30

Proceedings of the

February,

Lodge, will be of the most material aid to the future Historian in compiling a correct history of the various Lodges in our Grand Jurisdiction. Do with these returns as you would with an important business paper of your own. OUR VISIT: TO MISSOURI.

In October last, in company with R.'. W.". Bro. A. D. McCoNAUGHY, our Grand Senior Warden, we visited the Grand Lodge of Missouri, our nexf door neighbor, and to whom we as a Grand Lodge are very much indebted for what we have achieved Masonically. W e were introduced by the M.'. W.'. Grand Master to the brethren, and received from them assurances of a hearty welcome to all the privileges due our Masonic rank. W e here found assembled in Annual Communication , some of'Missouri's brightest minds, and it was truly gratifying to witness the earnest and patient labor that these distinguished Praters were performing in the Masonic vineyard. Much important business was transacted during their sessions, part of which, was the adoption of the Revised Code and ordering the same printed. This important work was compiled and arranged in admirable shape for future reference by a good brother under the supervision of the Committee on Jurisprudence. There were.many other interesting transactions which will more fully appear in our next Annual Report on Correspondence. , These visits are not only highly interesting, but will do much in the way of strengthening the Masonic ties that bind us into one common brotherhood. W e were promised, and hope to see here on this occasion, a number of our Missouri Fraters, and should they favor us with their presence let no effort be spared on' our part to make their stay with us pleasant. TO THE INDIAN TERRITORY.

A t various times during the last three years cordial and and fraternal invitations have been extended and reiterated by our old and valued friend and M.'. W.'. Brother, P. J. BYRNE,

i88o-i.

Ghand Lodge of Kansas.

31

Grand Master, and by Past Grand Master Bro. J. S. MURROW, now Grand Secretary, of the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory, to the officials of this Grand Lodge, asking us to accept their kindly hospitality. So, when the time arrived for the meeting of that thriving young Grand Lodge, a party was made up, consisting of your Grand Master, M.'.W.". Bro. McCLEVERTY, L . P . MASON and.your Grand Secretary, with a view to a descent into that land, that we might not only "view the fatness thereof, but find the Sachems gathered by the Council fire." . On the 2d of November, after discharging rhy duty as an American citizen and legal voter, L set out in company with Bro. MASON over the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Gulf Railroad as, far as Ft. Scott, where we were joined by the Grand Master, completing the party. We were taken over the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad by Conductor MAXWELL, who is not only a prince of good fellows among men of the railroad persuasion, but a skillful worker on the Masonic Temple, none knowing, better how to. spread the cement of brotherly love and friendship. We arrived in A-t-o-k- a, L T., at twelve o'clock on the following day and were met at the train by a committee, headed by M.'.W.". Bro. J. S MuRROW, who received us with that large hearted. kindness only known and practiced by the workers of the " gentle . craft" who have the highest regard for its teachings and its honor. They escorted us to the mansion of Bro. MURROW, and made us to feel that we were, in the highest sense, welcome and " a t home." It being then high twelve, the Grand Lodge had been called from labor to refreshment until two o'clock P . M. At that hour we were conducted to the place of meeting by the Committee, and were formally introduced to the Grand Lodge by Bro. MURROW, receiving from that M.". W.'. body the honor due to rank, fraternally accorded, with hearty assurances of the pleasure it gave them to meet members of the Craft from Kansas, and to exchange Masonic greetings. The brethren there spared no pains to make our stay among them pleasant, and we can assure them, for our part,

32

Proceedings of the

^^bruary,

that their efforts in that direction ware crowned with abundant success, for the memory of their genial kindness and all the pleasant experiences of our first visit to the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory, of the warm greetings of individual brethren and the hospitality of their estimable families, will remain with us while "reason holds his seat." Our visit there reminded us of the days of our boyhood, when a " b i g meeting " was held in the neighborhood. All come in from near and far, those from a distance being the guests of the good folks of the neighborhood, and the best the country afforded was set up before them, by the hospitable matrons of the various households. So it seemed to be with the brethren of A-t-o-k-a. All the members of the Grand Lodge were hospitably cared for among the brethren of A - t o - k - a during their stay, and feasted in good old-fashioned style! The weather was pleasant, (and we know that this means much more in our southwestern climate than it does in many States, where the phrase only indicates a cessation of hostilities by the elements), and taken all in all, we can only say that the trip was one round of thorough enjoyment. May peace and prosperity ever abide with our courteous entertainers of A-t-o-k-a.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

i88o-i.

GRAND

S E C R E T A R Y ' S ACCOUNT OF D U E S C O L L E C T E D F O R T H E Y E A R E N D I N G D E C E M B E R 31, 1880.

No.

LODGE.

3 4 5

Smithton LeavenworthWyandotte Kickapoo Washington . .

6

Lawrence

7 8 9

Union

I 2

Rising S u n . Acacia King Solomon-

II

Jewel

12

Emporia

13

Nemaha

14 15 16

Oskaloosa Great Bend

19 20 21

;

.

Lafayette Topeka Franklin OlathcCircleville Valley F a l l s — Olivet

23

Palmyra

24

Osage Valley.

25

High Prairie.

26

Longton

27 28

Neosho Eldora

29 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39

Pacific

D U E FOR. A M O U N T .

1880 • 1880 1880

10

•7

33

Arcana Auburn Mound City — Hiawatha Council Grove. Paola lola.Seneca

1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1880 1879 1879 1880 1880 1880 1879 1880 1880

^

24 00 56 00 50 50 75 62 67 29

00 00 50 50

; 24 0 0 56 0 0 50 5 ° 75

0°

129 5 0

29 so

59 0 0

68 50

68 50

35 50

35

5° 49 18 48 16 16 25

50 00 50 50 50 00

1879 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1879 1879 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880 1880 1879 1880 1880 1879 1880

29 50 • 29 50 84 00

liio

46" 50 30 00

1880

AMO'NT PAID.

95 34 35 41 13 27 8 14 18 19 8 6 8 10 II 13 II 19 23 23 lo 12 >9 49 52

0° 00 00 50 50 00 50 50 50 00 00 50 50 00 50 50 00 00 00 00 00 00 50 00 00

50

50 0 0 18 0 0 48 50 33 0 0 25 0 0 59 0 0 179 0 0 69 00 41

50

13 50 27 0 0 23 0 0 37 50 14 50

8 so 21 50

13 5° II

00

40 00 23 00 22 00 19 SO loi

00

46 50 30 00

34

Proceedings of the GRAND SECRETARY'S LODGE.

No. 40

De Soto

41 42 44 45 47 48

Blooming Grove_ Holton Delphian . Easton Xenia

49

Nine Mile_

51

Orient

53

Granada

Monrovia..

54

Shawnee.

55 56 57 58

Troy Spring H i l l Coyville Mt. Pleasant

59 60 61 62 63 64

Dick Rees Salina ' LaCygne— RidgewayAdams Wathena

65

Gardner

66

Burlington Frankfort Hiram Carbondale - . Baxter Huron Chetopa Mystic Tie

67 68 70 -71 72 73 74

Wamego

75 76 7879 80 81

Erie.' White Cloud. Corinthian Zeredatha New A l b a n y . .

82

Tuscan

83 84

Doric Jefferson Sutton

85 86

Evergreen Eureka

February,

'R'E.VOKT—Continued. D U E FOR. A M O U N T .

•879 1880 1880 1880 18S0 1880

877-78-79 1880 1879 • 18S0 1880 1879 1880 1879 i88o' 1880 1880 1879 1879 1879 1880 1880 1880 1880 1880 1880 1879 1880 1874 1879 1880 1880 1880 1880 1879 i83o 1880 1879 1880 1S80 1880 1880 1880 1880 1879 1880 t 1880 1880 1879 1880 1879 1880

7 00 •7 00 6 50

AMO'NT PAID. 14 00

6 50

31 50

3' 50

9 oo 15 5° 34 50

15 50

II 13 11 76 14 16 17 14 44 22 II 7 8 8 41 29 7 48 •13 10 13 37

O 00 00 00 00 50 00 00 50 50 50 00 00 00 00 50 00 00 50 50 00 00

24 so 19 16 19 21

50 00 00 50

9 00

45 50 24 00 75 00

30 so 31 00 44 50 22 so

II so 7 00 16 00 41 00

29 so 7 00 48 00 13 50 23 50 61 50

19 so 16 00 19 00 21 50

13 5°

'3 5°

29 15 3' 31 13 14 24 18 18 17 22 li. 19 18 17 15 14

29 00 15 50

00 50 00 50 00 50 50 00 00 00 50 50 50 50 00 00 50

62 50

'3 0 0 14 50 24 50 18 0 0 18 09

39 50 12

50 19 50 35 50 IS 00 14 50

C3

" rt

2. ^ ^ Gj X ' ^

g-^Sn o2

n 1 2

O.

3 rt, P rt

"> ° =^S

CL VI O O

o

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S

M

4^

c^oo

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8 SB'S 8

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0 0 0

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CD

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Lf\

08

t_n "Ji

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5=3

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0 5 0 0

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O0t/TO0^^^^t-nO0t-"'-"O0

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re

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3 0)

to OJ M O OC^O

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to 00 0

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OOOOOOCOOOOCOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I • ^ 0 0 - ^ 00*-4 "vj 0 0 0 0 " ^ 0 0 0 0 0 0 OD-^ 0 0 0 0 00*vj CCCO-*^ I ' O O ' O O ^ ^ O O ^ O O O O O ^ O O O ^ O O O ^ O I

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i8So-i

•

GRAND SECRETARY'S No.

LODGE.

^^VOKT—Coniimud. D U E FOR, A M O U N T .

1879 1880

McPherson,-Belle P l a i n Western Star_ 175 Kirwin 176 Prairie Queen 177 Russell 178 Burr Oak 179 Mt. Moriah 180 Louisburg 181 Olive :_ 182 Burrtoh 183 Gaylord 184 Phillipsburg ' 185 Hamlin 172

173 174

186

37

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

Mountain Slope-

187. Pittsburg Leota U. D. Onaga —-. U. D . Newahcuba U. D, Henri U. D Walnut ValleyU. D. Hartford U. D Lyon U. D Galena U. D, Hays U . ,D Madison U. D, Canton ._ U. D Blue Hill U. D, Norton 1U. D, Vlulvane U. D. Anthony U. D Delphos U. D, Caldwell U. D.

• S3 00 o v e r p a i d , 1878,

00 so 50 5° 00 50 50

28 00 17 so

1880

8 00

8 00

1880 1880 1S80 1880 1879 1880 1880 1880 1879 1880

12 00

10 50

9 00 6 00 8 00

14 00

1880 1880

9 00 16 00 16 50

9 oo' 16 00 16 so

II 10 5 11 8 II 8

II 10 5 11

1879 1880 1880 1880 1880

i88o-

1880

1X80 1880

1880

Bt.00 o v e r p a i d , 1879.

28 17 14 19 16 14 22

AMON'T PAID.

8 so 14 9 8 19

00 50 00 00

10 so

50 00 50 00 50 00 50

9 SC'

10 50

* $1.50 o v e r p a i d , 1879.

34 16 14 22

00 00 so 50

8 so 14 00

9 so 27 00

lo so 9 CO

so 00 SO 00

8 so II 8 9 10

00 SO 50 50

Proceedings of the

38

February,

S C H E D U L E " B " BEING ABSTRACT OF CHARTER FEES REC E I V E D FROM T H E L O D G E S N A M E D BELOW, TO WHOM C H A R T E R S W E R E G R A N T E D A T T H E A N N U A L COMMUNICATION O F T H E G R A N D LODGE O F KANSAS, OCTOBER, 1S79. . • No

NAME.

178 Burr Oak 179 Mt. Moriah...' Louisburg 1 8 1 Olive i S ? Burrton

TOWN.

Burr Oak Louisburg Twin Falls Burrton

•

COUNTY.

Jewell.." Edwards Miami Chautauqua

AM'T.

.... % 20 00 20 00 ;.. 20 00 20 00 20 00

IST

184 Phillipsburg 185 Hamlin i8fi 187 Pittsburg

Phillipsburg Hamlin New Pittsburp-

Phillips

•.

Decatur Crawford

20 20 20 20

00 00 00 00

S C H E D U L E " C " BEING ABSTRACT OF DISPENSATION FEES R E C E I V E D FROM T H E N E W LODGES NAMED BELOW^ TO WHOM D I S P E N S A T I O N S W E R E G R A N T E D BY T H E G R A N D MASTER D U R I N G T H E Y E A R E N D I N G DECEMBER 31, 1880. TOWN.

NAME.

Hartford

COUNTY.

Stockton

Rooks

Sidney

Rush

Hartford Ellis Greenwood

Blue Hill.

Osborne Norton Sumner Sumner

AM'T.

$ 20 00 20 00 20 00 20 00 20 20 20 00 20 00 20,00 20 00 20 00 20 00 20 00 20 00 20 0 0 20 0 0

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

i88o-i.

39

S C H E D U L E " D , " S H O W I N G T H E AMOUNT C O N T R I B U T E D BY V A R I O U S L O D G E S I N T H E S T A T E OF KANSAS FOR T H E REES' MONUMENT FUND. No

N A M E OF L O D G E .

Leavenworth... 3 Wyandotte ..... 5 Washington.... 8 Rising Sun lo King Solomon. I Jewell 12 Emporia 14 Oskaloosa 17 Topeka 20 Circleville 21 Valley Falls.... 25 High Prairie..., 32 Auburn... 35 Hiawatha 42 Holton 44 Delphian 45 Easton 51 Orient 54 Shawnee 56 Spring Hill 58 Mt. Pleasant..., 59 Dick Rees 6 La Cygne 63 Adams 65 Gardner 67 Frankfort 68 Hiram 73 Chetopa. 79 Corinthian 83 Doric 84 Jefferson 92 Mission 95 Constellation ., 97 Patmos 98 Benevolent;.... 99 Wichita 100 Prudence lOI Euclid 104 Frontier 105 Solomon City., n o Adelphi " 3 St. John 117 Parsons 118 Altoona 119 Cherokee 120 Halcyon 125 Cawker City... 126 Meridian 12 Ottawa •33 Crescent 134 Clay City

LOCATION.

Leavenworth... Wyandotte Atchison Fort Scott •. Leavenworth... Jewell City Emporia Oskaloosa Topeka Circleville Valley Falls Leavenworth... Auburn Hiawatha Holton Garnett Easton Topeka Shawnee Springfield .... Mt. Pleasant. .. Hope La Cygne Oswego Gardner Frankfort Leavenworth .. Chetopa Burlingame Endora Winchester Osage Mission. Fredonia Eldorado Abilene Wichita Columbus. Lyndon Washington Solomon City. Winfield Concordia Parsons Altoona Cherokee Peabody Cawker City... Elk Falls Ottawa Ark City Clay Center....

AM'T PAID.

Ill

85

13 21 21 15 5 14

20 60 75 90 00 10

7 25 3 8 2

5° 65 15 30 55

3 14 6 5 2 20

00 70 00 00 25 25

5 25 5 00 2 10 2 70

8 85 6 80 00 20 80

95 75 50 70 80

95 8 7 12 10

25 80 75 00 30

85 30 30 10 15 05

75 00

75 20 00

95 70

40

Proceedings SCHEDULE

No

N A M E OF L O D G E .

135 Lenexa 138 Pomona 139 Sedgwick 143 Minneapolis 149 Thayer IS Douglas '53 Cato 155 Hope 156 Dexter 158 Active 160 Sequi 170 Ida 175 Kirwin 177 Russell

of tlie "X>"—Continued.

LOCATION.

Lenexa... . Pomona Sedgwick City Minneapolis.... Thayer Douglas...._ Cato Howard Dexter Atchison Osborne City... [da Kirwin Russell ....'

;

)

February,

^ I SO

xS8o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas. '

41'

W Y A N D O T T E , KANSAS, January 30, 1881.

J O H N H . BROWN, Grand Secretary, In account with G R A N D L O D G E OF K A N S A S :

Received from Sub. Lodges, Received from Sub. Lodges, Received from Sub. Lodges, Received from'Sub. Lodges, Paid Christian Beck, Grand Paid Christian Beck, Grand Paid Christian Beck, Grand

as per Schedule as per Schedule as per Schedule as per Schedule Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer

Total

"A'" "B"_"C" "D"

$4,912 00 200 00 300 00 467 60 = 5,879 60 998 00 2,500 00 2,381 5o

-

$5,879 60

W Y A N D O T T E , KANSAS, January 30, 1881.

J O H N H . BROWN, Grand Secretary, In account with the GRAND LODGE-OF KANSAS

Cash received of Grand Treasurer, on account of expense

$1,100 co

DISBURSEMENTS.

To To To To To To To To To To To To

V. J. Lane, on account of.printing $ 4 50 L. D. Giinn, on account of repairs on book cases 4 40 M. H. Dickinson, on account of stationery : i 90 Missouri Pacific Railroad, on account of freight 4 20 R. Cunningham, on account of engrossing •. 18 00 f I. P. Moore, on account of printing '. 16 75 John C. Ketcheson, on account of printing 79 85 John C. Ketcheson, on account of printing Proceedings 767 35 insurance on book cases and bopks ^ 12 00 postage from September 3, 1879, to January 3, 1881 151 75 express charges from September 3, 1879, to January 3, i 8 8 i . _ . 15 35 rent of library room 125 00 Total

^

Leaving balance due Grand Secretary -

:--. $1,201 05 S loi 05

42

•

Proceedings

of

tiie

February,

GRAND TREASURER'S REPORT.

The following is the report of the R.'.W/. Grand Treasurer: L E A V E N W O R T H , KANSAS, January 31, 1881.

CHRISTIAN BECK, Grand

Treasurer, In account with G R A N D L O D G E OF K A N S A S :

Balance in Grand Treasury . § 4>920 37 December 8, 1879, received of John H. Brown, Grand Secretary. 998 00 January 20, 1881, received of John H. Brown, Grand Secretary— 2,500 00 January 30, 1881, received of John H. Brown, Grand Secretary.. 2,381 60 Total.^.

1

$10,799 97

DISBURSEMENTS.

Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid • Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid

order No. 222, Burdett & Heis, on account of Rees monuments 200 00 order No. 223, L. P. Mason, Grand Lodge expense 28 65 order No. 224, E . D. Hillyer, P. G. M., balance on salary . 200 00 order No. 225, W. Cowgill, Grand Lodge expense 69 45 order No. 226, Fritz Magers, Grand Tyler L__ 20 00 order No. 227, J, W. Kirkham, Assistant Grand Tyler 10 00 order N o . 228, G. S. Green, Grand Lodge expense 24 90 order No. 229, Fritz Magers, cleaning hall, etc 4 40 order No. 230, J. D. McCleverty, attending Grand Lodge 20 00 order No. 231, A. D. McConaughy, attending Grand Lodge. 15 00 order No. 232, J. W. Keck, G. L., attending Grand Lodge 56 00 order No. 233, J o h n H . Brown, G. S., attending G. L 15 00 order No. 234, Burdett & Heis, on acc't of Rees monument 200 00 order No. 235,^Burdett & Heis, on acc't of Rees monument 200 00 order No. 236, John H. Brown, contingent expense , 1,100 00 order No. 237, C. Beck, Grand Treasurer, salary ^ 75 ° o order No. 238, Burdett & Heis, on account of Rees monument 450 00 order No. 239, John H. Brown, Grand Secretary, salary 250 00 order No. 240, John H . Brown, Grand Secretary, salary 250 00 order No. 241, C, Beck, Grand Treasurer, salary, 1880, 75 00 order No. 242, John PL Brown, Grand Secretary, salary 833 35 order No. 243, C. Beck, G. T., on acc't of Rees Mon. expense ' 65 95 order No. 244, C. Beck, G. T., on acc't of balance of salary 25 00 Total

$4,187 70

Balance in Grand Treasury, January 30, 1881

$6,608 27

i88o-i.

Grand. Lodge of Kansas.

43

Bro.. DRUMMOND, from the Committee on Credentials, submitted a partial report, which was received and adopted, and the committee continued. (See report of Committee on Credentials, an(e page.) W I D O W S ' A N D ORPHANS* F U N D .

Bro. W O R K introduced the following resolution, as a substitute for resolution offered at last session of Grand Lodge, in regard to widows and orphans. (See page 64, G. L. proceedings, 1879): Resolved, That the Grand Lodge hereby instruct the Grand Secretary, when issuing his annual circular of instructions to Lodges, to include in the same the following request: That each Subordinate Lodge within this Grand Jurisdiction shall include in their returns, a sum equal to ten cents. per capita, for each member borne on the rolls of said Lodge, at the date of making the annual returns, for the purpose of creating a Widows' and Orphans' F u n d ; said fund to be held by the Grand Lodge until such time as the Grand Lodge may deem it necessary to order it otherwise.

On motion of Bro. BROWN, the resolution was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. S P E C I A L O R D E R — E L E C T I O N OF G R A N D O F F I C E R S .

On motion of M.'. W.'. Bro. BASSETT, the election of Grand Officers was made the special order for seven o'clock p. ii. The M.'.W. •. Grand Master then announced the names of the Committee on Jurisprudence and Finance. (See list of standing committees.) The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment, until 3 o'clock p. M.

AFTERNOON

SESSION.

ToPEKA, February 16, 3.o'clock p. M. The M.-.W.-. Grand Master in the Grand East called the Grand Lodge from refreshment to labor,' with officers and members as in the morning.

44

Proceedings of the FOREIGN

February,

CORRESPONDENCE.

R. -.W.". Bro. BROWN, from the Committee on Corresporidence, submitted a report. On motion of Bro. GUTHRIE, 'the report was received and the Grand Secretary directed to print and incorporate the same in the Journal of Grand Lodge Proceedings. The report is as follows: R E P O R T ON C O R R E S P O N D E N C E . To the M.-. VV.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas : B R E T H R E N : Your Committee on Correspondence have again had the pleasure of examining the printed transactions of the various Grand Lodges now in fraternal correspondence with this Grand Lodge, and present the following as the result of our labors, commencing with the Grand Lodges in alphabetical order. ALABAMA.

1879.

These Proceedings come to us as usual in good shape, containing a very complete resume of the year's work. One hundred and eighty-seven Subordinate Lodges' represented ; Charters granted to two Lodges and several restored ; the Code revised and ordered printed and bound for the use of Subordinates; the Grand Lodge of Dakota recognized. The annual returns of the various Lodges received at the hands of the committee a most severe and careful examination. Their report is printed in full for the benefit of future generations. An excellent plan, as good will undoubtedly come of it. ' The Annual Address of the Grand Master, H E N R Y C . ARMSTRONG, is quite short, but what he has to say is to the point. He introduces his report with this happy thought: •. We meet once again in fraternal council under auspicious and congratulatory conditions. Throughout our Jurisdiction there is an enthusiasm in the support of our Order that awakens the most pleasurable emotions, and inspires the strongest hope for our future. Words of comfort and cheer come to us from every quarter of our territory, assuring us that the principles we are endeavoring to represent are practiced and observed generally ,by the Fraternity. This devotion to Masonry, I am glad to believe, is not a mere momentary zeal, or superficial enthusiasm; but the result of a conviction, that grows stronger every day, that the institution is truly a powerful aid to man in subduing his passions, and improving himself in those virtues which adorn and solidify character. It is in this conviction that we find that which constitutes the strength of Masonry, and from which we expect its perpetuity. During the year he visited many of the Lodges in different parts of the State and remote from the great thoroughfares, a proceeding which will, no doubt, result in great good to the Craft in those localities. We have always held that Grand Masters should arrange their work so as to visit all the

• 880-I.

Grand Lodge of Ktnsas.

45

Lodges in their respective Jurisdictions, if not every year, at least once in every three or four years, in order that the true condition of the Order may be known from personal observa:tion. The yearly services of our Grand Masters contain, usually, too much of the ornamental element instead of valuable work that should be done in the way of correcting errors and infusing life and activity into the Order wheresoever located. Grand Master ARMSTRONG decides : That when an appeal is taken to the Grand Lodge by a brother who has been suspended or expelled by a Subordinate Lodge, and the decision of such Lodge reversed by the Grand Lodge, the status of such a brother is that of an unaffiliated Mason. This decision I have made in obedience to Rule 19, Article 7 of our Constitution. This, I think, is a singular provision of our organic law, and one that should be revised and amended. In my opinion it divests the Grand Lodge of the power and authority that rightfully belongs to it in such cases, and works a hardship where no hardship should be suffered. For instance : A brother is tried, and is suspended or expelled by a Subordinate Lodge. From this sentence he appeals. The Grand Lodge decides, after carefully considering all the testimony, that the charges are not sustained, and reverses the decision of the Lodge below; yet the appellant has, under the rule above cited, to suffer the loss of Lodge membership, thereby undergoing a punishment when no offense has been committed. Why not make the reversal full and complete, qnd restore the 'brother .to the position he occupied before the-wrongful finding of the Lodge below ? We consider this decision eminently correct, offering indeed, in its appended comment, the only fair and honorable method of dealing with a brother under such conditions. The following decision we quote on account of the good suggestion therein embodied : When a party has received the Entered Apprentice degree, and makes application to be Passed, if there is any moral reason why he should not advance, the member in possession of such reason should report the same to the prosecuting officer of the Lodge, and have charges preferred against him. To this the applicant is entitled on every principle of justice and equity. After his initiation he, to that extent, is adopted into the Masonic family, and is invested with certain rights and privileges, and among them the right to be heard in hife defense. If unworthy to be advanced, he is unworthy to retain what he has, and should be tried and expelled. I beg in this connection to call the attention of the Subordinate Lodges to the importance of the committees appointed to investigate the character of applicants for the mysteries of Masoiiry. I very much fear that in some Lodges such committes regard'their appointment as a mere matter of form, and I have sometimes known reports agreed upon by committees on charac. ter at the same Communication at which they were appointed, thereby failing to make that thorough inquiry and investigation into the character of the applicant that is contemplated by the provision of the Constitution requiring their appointment. This should not be so. There is no committee so important to Masonry as the committee appointed to investigate the characters of applicants. They are for the time being the custodians of the honor and integrity of Masonry; overseers appointed and sent out to inspect and receive only such material as will adorn our moral and Masonic edifice. Brethren, let us guard well the portals of our Lodges. Our troubles and difficulties all grow out of our failure to do this. T h e Committee on Correspondence presented a special report, which we gladly transfer to our pages. They say:

46

•

Proceedings

of the

February,

Your committee and the officers of this Grand Lodge are alive to the increasingly important duties and responsibilities forced upon them in their official intercourse with other and more remote Grand Lodge Jurisdictions, more especially in their contact with those of European'origin and governmental characteristics—such, for instance, as organizations combined in Grand Lodge Leagues, or created and governed by Grand Orients and Supreme Councils. With such Masonic institutions, the R.-.W.-. Grand Secretary, the M.-.W.-. Grand Master, as well as your committee, have frequent interchange of correspondence, and there are overtures from some of them, soliciting" formal official recognition, now pending. We can, with comparative ease and certainty, decide upon the claims to recognition of the North American (Anglican) Grand Lodges, for they are in language, form of government, and ritual, essentially one with us ; but how difficult, indeed, is the duty of deciding upon the merits of such claimants of recognition as approach us from abroad, with almost incomprehensible divergences of ritual and forms of government from our own, and addressing us in languages so unfamiliar to our ears as to be almost entitled to be designated as '-unknown tongues." Their systems of government arc as diverse from ours as a republican form differs from an autocratic ; while in geographical location. Masonic ritual, ethics and habits of thought, they are as far removed from us and our simple ways as the east is from the west. T h e term recogniiion, as used and applied masonically in America, involves the idea of approval of the work and principles of the organization recognized, and while such approval may be safely expressed in the recognition of American Grand Lodges, we contend that our knowledge of the foreign organizations alluded to, however " t r u e and perfect" may be their individual constituents, does not warrant us in extending to the latter full recognition, with its implied approval and indorsement. •• Without further enumeration of the difficulties, numerous as well as grave, which have suggested this recommendation, your committee advise that hereafter formal official recognition be extended only to Grand Lodges of Anglican origin, which conform to our ritual and principles of organization, and that all overtures for recognition from Grand Bodies, governed or associated with Grand Leagues, Grand Orients or Supreme Councils (subject, of course, to the Grand Lodge edict of 1878 in reference to the Grand Orient of France), be answered by,a tender of fraternal civilities and courtesies, and an exchange of protocols; and that this recommendation and report, if adopted, shall have the significance and force of an edict of this Grand Lodge. Your committee beg further to state, as germane to this report, that they have received, during recess, information in reference to the pending jurisdictional controversy between the Grand Lodge of Quebec and that of Scotland, and are pleased to be enabled to say that this new light warrants them in essentially modifying the unqualified censures expressed in their last report against the Grand Lodge of Scotland. There are faults on both sides in that unfortunate controversy demanding mutual concessions, and we are quite hopeful of an amicable settlement of the difficulty as soon as calm judgment returns, and Masonic charity resumes her sway over the contestants. Your committee have also, in the light of new developments, somewhat changed their opinion as to the " t r u e inwardness" and general Masonic import of the unfortunate struggle for supremacy on the Island of Cuba, the contestants being the Grand Lodge of Colon and the newly organized Grand Lodge of the Island of Cuba. The fact that the latter Grand Lodge is similar in organization to our own, and uses the same ritual, has enlisted our sympathy in her behalf, and we have been almost persuaded to take sides with Cuba as the champion of our favorite Grand Lodge system.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

47

Aye, Bro. BEERS, you can take sides with Cuba now, nothing in the way. From the following, a resolution presented by the Committee on Jurisprudence, we would deem it prudent for the Master of each Lodge to keep his "weather eye" out and watch well his steps: Resolved, That any member of a Subordinate Lodge, who shall be informed, or may know of his own knoweldge, that any Master of a Lodge has. been guilty of unmasonic conduct,,he may report the same to the M.*. W.\ Grand Master, who shall forthwith inquire into the facts of the case, and if they be true, and upon notice tp such Lodge of such unmasonic conduct, if such Lodge fails or refuses to proceed against such Master, then the charter of said Lodge shall be arrested by the M.-.W.-. Grand Master, who shall report the same to the next Grand Lodge. Bro. OLIVER V. BEERS is the author of the Report on Correspondence, and a good one it is. He expresses himself on the character of these annual reviews as follows : Before proceeding with this report, planned as it is on the theory and structure of its predecessors, we beg permission, for consistency sake, to withdraw the promise intimated in 1877, of remodeling these reports so as to permit a more general discussion of Masonic principles and usages as seen from our standpoint. Mature reflection has convinced us that in these semi-historic records, in which the true life and-genius of Masonry as known to our era is to be portrayed, the less they are burdened or confused by mere individual opinions the better will they be suited to their illustration of the real characteristics of current Masonic times. Instead of our own opinions, therefore, we prefer t'o illustrate the spirit of Masonry by quoting the views of those whose high official positions in other Grand Bodies mark their utterances as authoritative expositions of the prevailing sentiments of their several Grand Jurisdictions, and we shall continue to seek from the Grand Masters, through their addresses, such indices of the prosperity or adversity of the Craft in each Jurisdiction as may appear noteworthy, either for encouragement or warning, to us of Alabama. CARLYLE has said, very truly, that "opinion is doubly related to action ; first as cause, then as effect, and the speculative tendency of any age will, therefore, give us, on the whole, the best indication of its practical tendency." If, therefore, we can, by our proposed plan, gather and record correctly the real thought or opinions of the Craft in all Jurisdictions, we will have done much towards illustrating the practical tendency of this Masonic age. As men think, so will they act, unless restrained by some paramount control, forcing them away from their natural b e n t ; and if we can but ascertain the opinions of the brethren, both at home and abroad, we may easily and surely predict their eventual action on any question of Masonic usage or ethics. Thus believing, we begin our search in the reports before us for those opinions of the Craft so doubly related to, and genitive of, ACTION.

To this Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine, makes the following pertinent addition : "Instead of our own opinions, therefo re, we prefer to illustrate the spirit of Masonry by quoting the views of those whose high official positions in other Grand Bodies mark their utterances as authoritative expositions of the prevailing sentiments of their several Grand Jurisdictions, and we shall continue to seek from the Grand Masters, through their addresses, such indices of the prosperity or adversity of the Craft in each Jurisdiction

48

Proceedings of the

February,

as may appear noteworthy, either for encouragement or warning to us of Alabama." We think they have a broader scope. It must be conceded, that there . is a constant tendency to modernize Masonry. To resist this, we need a constant discussion of principles. Grand Officers can not notice what happens in other Jurisdictions. But the writers of these reports view the whole field, and whenever any Grand Lodge departs from the right way, they sound the note of warning, and the matter is discussed fully and the true conclusion reached, so far as the fallible human mind can reach it. We regard the discussion of new plan.s," new laws and new departures, as one of the most valuable elements in these reports: and we confess that if the reports were to be confined to a me're abstract of the transactions of other Grand Lodges, they would lose their greatest charm for us. Kansas Proceedings for 1878 receive fraternal'notice. Bro. BEEKS agrees with the Committee on Jurisprudence on the decision of Grand Mas-' ter G U T H R I E on the rights and prerogatives of Past Masters. He does not wholly coincide with our views on the Scotland-Quebec trouble. It is an open question, Bro. BEERS, and we shall not complain if you do riot agree with us. We think it far from being a "tempest in a teapot," and if the storm is not allayed, it may culminate in a cyclone. . We will not here discuss the question with the good brother, as it has been quite thoroughly handled by many able writers during the last year or two. We may have a word or two to say when we reach the caption of Quebec. We most heartily agree with Bro. BEERS on the Utah departure. The idea of jumping the Wardens and placing a brother from off the floor in the Master's chair can not be viewed with favor: I t i s ' b e t t e r to endure hardships for a season under laws approved by experience than by changing them to suit a temporary convenience, open up the way for confusion and misgovernment. It takes a short time in the life of a Lodge to prepare its governing material, but that life is easily jeopordized if the Master is unskilled or imprudent. Bro. BEERS is quite right when he says : •Be not too sure of success in realizing such apparently reasonable calculations. Every Grand Lodge which has yet embarked in the enterprise of building a Temple has proceeded and depended upon just such estimates of probable resources, only to find themselves in the end disappointed and involved, many of them disastrously so, in debt and vexatious controversies. The history of Grand Masonic Temples in America is a record of trials and difficulties which ought to be an effectual warning against similar improvident enterprises. If you determine to build the Temple don't lay the "corner-stone" even until the whole cost of the structure has been paid into the Treasury. M.-.W.-. HENRV CLAY TOMPKINS, Montgomery, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. D A N I E L SAYRE, Montgomery, Grand Secretary. ARKANSAS.

1879.

We have the Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for the current year, well filled with Masonic information. The representation was very full, b e i n g o n e hundred and eighty Lodges.

iti8o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

49

The address of Grand Master GEORGE THORNBURGH is a thoroughly creditable paper. He issued Dispensations for the formation of four new Lodges; all appeared to be for the good of the Order, though one was apparently "conceived in haste," or some one was derelict in duty, which we must lay at the door of the recommending X^odge. In this case it seems that tlie Master named was at the time a suspended Mason. T h e recommending Lodge should inquire into all such matters with great particularity, and leave nothing undone which would tend to attaining a perfect knowledge of all the particulars. Du'e mention was made of the fraternal dead, both in his own and other jurisdictions. To St. John's College he gave a Icind word, recommending it to the favor of the Craft. ' Bro. ENGLISH made an excellent report concerning that institution, showing the good it was accomplishing in educating young men and the extent to which it improves the condition of men within its scope. We join the Craft in Arkansas in hoping for a grand success for St. John's College, that it may with augmented prosperity become one of the first educational institutions of that. Commonwealth. The Grand Master emphatically denounced the atheistical departure of the Grand Orient of France, his views receiving very emphatic endorsement from the Grand Lodge. Thirty decisions were rendered by the Grand Master and all approved, a few being slightly modified. We give only two, both being a little "off." To be reinstated after suspension for non-payment of dues, it is necessary to pay dues for time under suspension as well as before. Being a Deist is not a disqualification for initiation; but the applicant must believe in G O D and the immortality of the soul. Our Arkansas brethren must pardon us if we dissent from any such doctrine. We think it in opposition to the very spirit of our ancient law, and aie surprised that they who have been famed for their many acts of charity and good deeds should permit such a rule as No. 4 to go upon their statute books. To require a brother to continue his contributions to his Lodge while deprived of'Masonic favor, and even denied the right of being laid to rest in the bosom of mother earth with Masonic honors, seems to us to be so manifestly unjust as to call forth wonder that any could be found to vote for such a measure. No. 15, is another decision worthy of attention, especially as following an earnest denunciation of French deism. We are not absolutely posted on the advanced theology, (with modern improvements,) of the day, but it appears to us from our plain, old fashioned standpoint, that the Grand Master has slightly mixed things; not having EMERSON, ALCOTT or ALGER at hand to consult upon these super-refined distinctions of faith we must needs fall back upon WE;KSTER, who says under head of Deist — "one who believes in the existence of a GOD, but denies revealed religion, a free-thinker," again in another edition, adding that the Deist "denies the inspiration" and authority of the Bible. Under such a ruling as the one in question, any of those well-repudiated Frenchjnen, (not absolute atheists,) could join an

50

Proceedings of the

February,

Arkansas Lodge. Query, how genuine would be their loyalty to an institution whose light and life is derived from the source of "revealed religion," the Bible? The Grand Master refused to grant a dispensation to advance an E. A., whose head was so thick that he "could not learn his lesson." He says: The Grand Master has great dispensing powers, but I don't think he can dispense entirely with brains as a qualification for advancement. And as this Grand Master can not furnish them ( for he has none to spare), I supposed this Entered Apprentice will have to amuse himself with the intricacies of the checkered pavement. Quite right, let him remain on the ground floor for the balance of his unprofitable life unless he plucks up and learns the work and lectures of the degree he has already taken. Such individuals should not burden themselves with the mysteries of Freemasonry. He thinks the Grand Master should not delegate his authority to District Deputies, allowing them to issue special dispensations, confer degrees out of time, or for any special purposes, all of which is, we think, eminently correct. In conclusion he thus speaks of the condition of our Order in his jurisdiction:' From my intercourse with the Lodges, my extensive correspondence with their officers, and the reports of the D.-. D.-. G.-. Masters, I am prepared to say that Masonry is in a healthy condition in Arkansas. There has been no great increase in numbers, but the moral tone of our membership has certainly improved. The contraction that has been going on for a few years past in financial and commercial matters has had its effect upon this institution; and, like almost all trials, has served to separate the true from the counterfeit Masons. The Order, now relieved from the weight of many idle and worthless members, moves onward to greater usefulness and a brighter prosperity. . , You have imbibed the heaven-born teachings, the practice of which attracted so much attention, and led an eminent divine to write recently from Memphis as follows: " T h e praise of these societies fills the earth. Having co-operated with them through four epidemics, including the horrors of 1878, I am prepared to appreciate their splendid charities as no one can who has not been through the fiery ordeal shoulder to shoulder with them. I commend their noble deeds — the brotherly love that counts not life dear, that it rnay press the cooling draught to the parched lips of a brother, or soothe the anguish of his smitten family. Can I disparage men whose tears have mingled with my own, amid the horrorsof 1878? My heart says a thousand times, NO. GoD bless them ! The sufferer was my brother in Christ, their brother in the Lodge. I could but see how impotent was the Church; how strong the Lodge. And O, what unutterable horrors would Memphis have felt, beyond all human conception, or endurance but for these societies." Many noble deeds of charity might be named to prove the blessings of Masonry; but she needs them not to be paraded before the public to establish her worth. All around us are her monuments. Ask the wretched mendicant, whose hand has contributed to his necessities. Ask the inhabitant of a city desolated by fire, who came to his relief. Ask the city scourged with yellow fever, whose bounty afforded her aid. Ask the grief-stricken widow, who dried her tears. Ask the homeless orphan, who clothed, fed and educated him. The response from thousands of hearts declares that

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

'

51

Masonry did it. Masonry has made a history incomparably prouder than any institution of earth. Her record is one of peace on earth and g'ood will to men. War has never been her food, or blood her drink. The raven that left NOAH and returned no more to gladden his desponding heart, is not her type; but like the dove she came forth to find the ground whereupon the people floating upon a flood of idolatry and superstition might land and erect an altar to the MOST H I G H GOD, and upon it burn the sweet incense of brotherly love. Like the pillar of fire by night, and the cloud by day, she has guided the nations of earth from Egyptian darkness, through deserts of inhumanity. She has often in GOD'S name, struck the rock t h a t gives forth water to famishing men. She has, in time of famine, showered thebread as from Heaven upon a starving people. Though she has witnessed the death and burial of twenty-eight centuries, she is in the full vigor of life and usefulness. " Her eye is not dim, nor her natural force abated." She is as firm as the mountain, as stately as the oak, and as fragrant as the rose. Her history has never been written. It opens up a study boundless in its range and captivating in its enticements, through which the student may wander a lifetime, and pluck as he goes the blooming flowers that bestrew his pathway, and refresh himself amid their fragrance. Brethren, the destiny of this grand old institution in Arkansas is in your hands. It is yours to preserve, yours to perpetuate its blessings, or yours to write its epitaph. Your charge is one of profound magnitude. If mindful of the great principles upon which it is founded, if your hearts are filled with Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, all will be well. On the subject of non-affiliation we find the following resolution, amended and adopted: Resolved, That it is hereby ordered that all non-affiliated Masons within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be, and they are hereby required, within six months from the passage of this order, to apply for application in some regularly constituted Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and in case of failure to do so on their part, it is hereby made the duty of the W.-. M.'. of the Subordinate Lodge, under whose jurisdiction such non-affiliated Masons may reside, to declare and punish him or them suspended froin all the rights of this Order. AMENDMENT — That it shall be the duty of the Secretary of each, Subordinate Lodge to notify all non-affiliated Masons within the territorial jurisdiction of his Lodge of this edict, and require them to comply with the same within six months after the said notice is served on them, and if they do not comply therewith, that M.-. W.\ shall declare them suspended, as provided in this resolution. In some of our former reports we have had much to say on this vexed question, and were we again to dip our oar into these troubled waters it might lead some of the guild to let their great, heavy quills fall roughly about our ears. Yet we would ask the .Arkansas brethren one thing, what will they do with a brother who, under this ruling, deposits,his dimit and asks to be admitted a member of one of their Lodges and is rejected ? What will you have him do? Or what will your Lodge next do? Will they expel him? In all candor and sincerity, we think such rules and regulations are calculated to do us greater harm than all.the BLANCHARD families on earth. Let legislation on this subject cease for a little while and see what the effect upon the body of Masonry may be. 4

52

Proceedings of the

February,

'> . We commend the following resolution to the attention of those who are fond of namesakes: Resolved^ That no dispensation or charter shall ever hereafter be granted by this Grand Lodge to any Subordinate Lodge which may be named after or in honor of any living person, it being the sense of this Grand Lodge that such fulsome todyism to any brother or other person is in bad taste, ami if persisted in, there is danger that at some time in the future the Craft may be unpleasantly compromised by such procedure. The indulgence in siich empty honors should Grand Lodge of Free Masonry. Masonic history ty of appropriate and suggestive titles, without of the Order to the coat tails of living or fallible

never be permitted by any and tradition affords plenthus appending the honor men.

The Report on Correspondence is the handy-work of Bro. GEORGE E_ D O D G E , who never fails to offer a well prepared review. Kansas for 1878, receives full and fraternal notice; with copious and exulting quotations from those portions relating to the Indian Territory. We shall not re-discuss the question of recognition with Bro. DODGE, but leave him to do the talking in ea re: M.-.W.-. G E O . THORNBURGH, Powhatan, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. L U K E E. BARBER, Little Rock, Grand Secretary. BRITISH COLUMBIA.

1878.

The Proceedings for this year are quite brief, six Lodges made returns and were represented by the proper officers. The address of Grand Master F R A N K WILLIAMS is quite concise and only touches upon local affairs, with ojie exception. A revised Constitution was adopted and printed with the Proceedings. 'The usual routine of business transacted, a new Masonic Temple planned. T h e cost was estimated at ยง10,000.00. Stock book was opened and subscription solicited. A lot was bought and paid for and the temple building put under contract. The four Lodges in Victoria consolidated into two, a most wise measure as we think. Far better to have two strong, healthy and vigorous Lodges, than four sickly half-live ones. It might be well for some of our enterprising and wide awake brethren to ponder on this before organizing new Lodges. M.-.W.-. E L I HARRISON, Victoria, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. E L I H A K R I SON, Jr., Victoria, Grand Secretary. BRITISH COLUMBIA.

1879.

The Proceedings for this year came bound with those of 1878, aiid the reivsed Constitution, and the volume also includes the Proceedings of various special communications rendered necessary by the affairs of the year. These two years were very important in (he history of the Craft there as representing the end of the first, or formative period of their history which has placed them upon a solid and sure foundation. At the communication for 1879, five Lodges were represented. A new feature was introduced by our brethren of Ultima Thule, namely, that of holding a session on Sunday

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

53

for the purpose of giying the good brethren an opportunity of attending Divine Service as a Masonic Body, the Sermon being, delivered by their Grand Chaplain, and printed in their Proceedings. They cut off all relations with the Grand Orient of France. One by one the brethren renounce'that unclean' and erring body. The question of recognizing Cuba or Colon was deferred for another year in the hope that better counsels might lead to concord among the distracted brethren of the " e v e r faithful isle." • " ^ The annual address of Grand Master E L I HARRISON is interesting. H e congratulates the brethren of Victoria and the Craft of the Province upon the final completion of the new Temple, at a cost of §12,000.00. The beauty of the whole case is that the,order OOT«.f the edifice, making it a Masonic Temple in fact as well as in name. Considering that the membership of this Grand Lodge is only about 300 we must concede that the brethren who dwell in the shade of the North Pole have more vim and " s n a p " than we folks who live in a warmer clime. It affords us pleasure to note the even and steady progress and prosperity of the Order in the remote northwest. M.-.W.\ E L I H A R R I S O N , Victoria, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. E D G A R C R O W

BAKER, Victoria, Grand Secretary. BRITISH COLUMBIA.

' 1880.

We have just received the printed Proceedings of this Grand Lodge, containing fifty two'pages of useful and valuable information. ' Six! Lodges were represented, the usual amount of business transacted. T h e Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the United Grand Lodge of Cuba and Colon were each duly recognized. The Annual Address' of Grand Master Ei,l HARRISON, Sen., is a good business paper, he gives a full and able statement of his official acts, showing him to be a faithful and industrious officer. Of the action of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in extending recognition to the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, he says ; The Grand Lodge of Scotland has acknowledged this Grand Lodge, but not with that generous spirit in which other Grand Bodies have welcomed us, nor with the kind and fraternal greeting accorded by our Mother Grand Lodge of England, for you have the old charters which she returned, adorning the walls of your Lodge rooms.' How these mementoes refresh our minds, and with what pleasure and satisfaction we look upon them, as tokens of fraternal love from our venerable Mother. She has also paid us the compliment of exchaiiging Representatives, and I have no doubt that if the Grand Lodge of'Scotland knew how much we appreciated these courtesies, she would very soon follow their truly Masonic example. While on this subject I wish to call your attention to several important points in the communication from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. She claims the right to protect any Lodge or Lodges that may wish to adhere to their allegiancy to Her in this jurisdiction ; this point there can be.no objection to as there are no such Lodges in the Province;

54

Proceedingg of the

February,

T h e next subject is one of a more serious nature, and I think there must be some misunderstanding in the printing of the comrhunication, as she claims the right to protect any Lodges which may hereafter choose to adhere to her in this jurisdiction. If the intention is to charter Lodges in this jurisdiction'similar to those that she'has chartered in the jurisdiction of Que bee, it is an assumed power which would affect the Craft in general and can not be tolerated. The practice of such a power in other established jurisdictions would have a tendency to create disorder and bring contempt on this ancient Fraternity. We have seen sufficient in this Province of Masonic work under several Grand Bo4ies to satisfy us that the principle is wrong, and does not produce that peace and harmony which is the strength and support of all well governed institutions. I should therefore be glad if the next communication from the Grand Lodge of Scotland should remove all doubts on that subject. ' We sincerely regret the unwise and unfraternal course that this old.and venerable Grand Lodge seems determined to pursue. In our opinion there is but little genuine Freemasonry in any such selfish work. He thus speaks encouragingly of the condition of the Craft: T h e Craft in the Province is united and financially in a prosperous condition; although there has not been many added to our number during the last eight years, I have every reason to believe that we shall soon feel the benefit from the increase of population which is now flowing into the Province in connection with the public works and other industries, we may look forward with confidence to a career of prosperity so anxiously looked for; and before our next Annual Communication, I have no doubt but that there will be two or more new, Lodges constituted, as there is already a desire to inaugurate at Fort Yale or Emory City, also another at New Westminster. M.'.W.-. E L I HARRISON, Sen., Victoria, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. EDGAR CROW BAKER, Victoria, Grand Secretary.

CANADA.

1879.

T h e Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for the year, contain much that is of interest to the brethren, not only in Canada, but elsewhere. The Canadian brethren seem to be characterized in all that they do, by a certain quiet dignity and earnest desire for the welfare of the Order which renders even their routine business interesting to the Masonic student. Two hundred and twenty-two Lodges represented; eleven new Lodges received Charters; one Charter surrendered and one Dispensation issued for the formation of a new Lodge. $10,230.00 was disbursed'for benevolent purposes, $1,000.00 of this was sent to yellow fever sufferers in the South. T h e cash assets of this Grand Lodge make a most excellent showing, the total being^58,ooo.oo, most of which is invested in Dominion stock. Recognition was accorded to the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory and further action on New South Wales and Cuba deferred for another year. Several special sessions of the Grand Lodge were held for various purposes, the dedication of Masonic Halls and laying corner-stones of public buildings being the most frequent occasion of such gatherings.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

55

The Address of Grand Master W, H. WELLER, is brief and relates directly to business of local interest, as such papers should do. He congratulates the Craft on the final ending of the unlawful career of the so-called Grand Lodge of Ontario in these words: After a severance from legitimate Freemasonry for upwards of three years, the greater portion — twenty in all — of those who were expelled by you in 1876, or suspended for their connection with the " O n t a r i o " movement, have now expressed a desire to return to their allegiance, and have been restored by me to good standing in the Craft. A number of brethren residing in or near London, including those I had restored, lately presented petitions, accompanied by the requisite recommendations, and I created by' dispensation the new Lodges, King Solomon's and Union, already referred to. I subsequently healed in the former Lodge, at the request of this Lodge and of my London brethren, some of those, resident in tlie locality, who had been irregularly made under the authority of the seh'-styled Grand Lodge of Ontario. The general regulations and conditions, which I have prescribed as to the healing and affiliation of irregularly made Masons,, will, I trust, ensure the reception of worthy material only. It seems that all reports, and addresses of Grand Officers are referred to the board of general purposes, from whom we learn that the condition 01 Masonry in Canada is good, and from their reports we may further cull much valuable information. We quote : It is pleasing to the Board to observe that the practice of attending Divine service on the Festivals of SAINTS JOHN is becoming more general, as evinced by the numerous Dispensations issued by District Masters to enable the brethren to appear in Masonic clothing on such occasions. The Board have again to express their regret that some Lodges have suffered losses by fire, and after the repeated warnings that have been given as to the necessity which exists for having the property of all private Lodges insured, it is found this important recommendation has been neglected. It would be well, therefore, for Grand Lodge to adopt a regulation that for the future no financial assistance or remission of dues shall be granted to any Lodge neglecting this important duty. -5

a

V

•

-Z-

. -35

$

$

^

$

^

The Board learn with pleasure that the practice of purchasing and beautifying Burial Plots for the interment of deceased brethren is becoming more general, and would recommend it to the imitation of the brethren. The Crafty in Canada have good reason to indulge self-congratulation over the favorable condition of Masonic affairs in their jurisdiction. ^ W e ' regret that they have not^furnished us with their Report on Correspondence, as we understand that one was.prepared and printed. We miss this valued appendix very much. M.-.W.-. J AS. A. HENDERSON, Kingston, Ontario, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. J. J. MASON, Hamilton, Ontario, Grand Secretary. CANADA.

1880.

We have again the Proceedings of this Grand Lodge, without the Report on Correspondence which, we regret. Three Special Communications were held for the purpose of laying corner stones.

56

Proceedings of the

February,

T h e Twenty-fifth Annual Communication was held in the city of Guelph; two hundred and thirty-nine Lodges represented; ten new Lodges received Charters and six Dispensations were issued for formatioruof new Lodges, one Dispensation continued. T h e Address of Grand Master J A S . A. HENDERSON, embodies a brief but comprehensive statement of the official transactions of his office for the year, well-written and of interest to all Masonic readers. He says: Again, under the benign providence of the Great Architect of the Universe, we are permitted to assemble together in peace, love and harmony. For that privilege devout acknowledgments are justly due to the Giver of all good, and may the deliberations of this the Twenty-fifth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge be characterized with'that earnestness of spirit, that good will, and that fraternal courtesy which have ever marked our meetings. How much ought we to appreciate the inestimable privilege which we enjoy of being able to meet in a land of civil and religious freedom in open day, none daring to molest or make us afraid, and without the fear of any human power. The day has happily passed, never to return, when the highest hills and lowest dales witnessed, and indeed were necessary for, the celebration of our Mystic Rites. This freedom, the growth of years, has arisen from our Order being characterized by a stability unknown to political governments; its foundations rest upon an acknowledgment of the Supreme Being as the ruler and governor of the world, and its practice of Charity, that inestimable gift from GoD to man, commends it to the esteem of society at large, and secures to it that permanency as an institution of human origin, which has attracted the wonder and respect of succeeding generations. It seems difficult for Masons to understand the peculiarity of our burial rites, and from the following it seems that the brethren in Canada are not unlike their confreres this side of the line : Application was made to me for permission for certain brethren to attend as Masons the funeral of a brother who desires to be buried according to the Ritual of a non-Masonic Society, to which he belonged, I held that the brethren should not appear as a Lodge, or clothed as Masons on funeral occasions, unless the burial rites were performed under the exclusive control of the Lodge, and according to the procedure laid down in the Book of Constitution, .which only allows the addition of the funeral services of the church to which the deceased belonged. T h e rights and privileges of the church or the minister in performing the burial services are never lo be interfered with, but are fully and freely conceded. The Order of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, the oldest existing secret society, is not obtrusive, and we never thrust ourselves before the public clothed in the badge of a Mason, unless when carrying out those duties prescribed by Ancient Custom, or by the Constitutions, and even in these cases, a Masonic Funeral being the sole exception, a di.spensalion is made, under severe penalties, a previous requisite. As between the Lodge and the Association to which the deceased may have belonged, if the brethren are to appear at all as Masons, the Lodge must have sole and absolute charge. No association can share in the performance of our Masonic funeral rites. Due respect can ever be paid by the Craft lo the memory of a brother who desires to be buried according to the rites of other organizations, by attending as individuals, and as a rule none are more ready to honor the memory of the deceased than Free Masons. However much personal feelings may urge us, it is "not wise or prudent to break what may be considered a ifniversal rule. The Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication in 1874 endorsed the views of the then Grand Master, who held it improper to allow other societies to take part in the conduct of Masonic funerals.

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Orand Lodge of Kansas.

57

All but two of the District Deputy Grand Masters made reports, showing the condition of the various Lodges in their respective districts. Some of these reports are worthy of attention, showing as they do the large amount of earnest labor that has been bestowed upon their respective fields by the Masonic laborers. From one of these reports we quote the following, thinking that it may, perhaps, fall under the eye of some Worshipful Master or Secretary, and save them the loss of a small sum of money, and unavailing regrets. Should soriie member of this false Lodge chance to come their way and find himself in w a n t o f a small amount of spending money: A bogus Lodge, called Temple Lodge, started more than a year ago,' under the now defunct so-called Grand Lodge of Ontario, is now running a lone hand; and 1 would caution the brethren to be careful when strangers visit, to be sure that they do not hail from this spurious Lodge, as I have heard it stated that they intend to try and get into some of our Lodges in the District. Our Canadian brethren have furnished a good nut for some of our more captious co-laborers to crack, especially such as believe there is " t o o much religion" (in Masonry.) I have during the year granted Dispensations to enable some of the brethren to attend chuixh and appear in public clothed in their regalia. Several of the Lodges have adopted the laudable practice of attending public worship, and they thus earn our recognition of and submission to the religious observances adopted and used by many of our people. This practice, if continued and extended, as I hope it will be, will tend to remove from the minds of some of the uninitiated the false impression which is diligently created and fostered by the enemies of the Craft, that the profession of Masonry is inconsistent with a spirit of loyalty and devotion to our received religion. Those over the Grand Lodge think it all right to dress up and go to church and approve the issuance of a special dispensations for that purpose : The Board notice with great gratification that the laudable practice of attending divine service on the Masonic festival days of Saints John is largely increasing. We record with pleasure the steady growth of this Grand Lodge and withal their excellent financial condition, notwithstanding their ups and downs with the many spurious bodies which have tried to exist in their Grand Jurisdiction. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. CALIFORNIA.

1879.

The volume of Proceedings of this Grand Lodge is equal ih interest and typographic beauty to its predecessors. Few, if indeed, any Masonic publications, surpass those of California in excellence of arrangement or in quality of the solid food for thought therein presented. The Thirtieth Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge was held in October, 1879. The representation was large, being from one hundred and pinety-two out of two hundred and eleven Lodges, We discover a note-

58

Proceedings

of t/ie

February,

worthy circumstance, that all the Lodges made their annual returns and paid dues with commendable promptitude. Is it the climate, we wander? It seems to be a unique instance, in these latter day chronicles. Grand Master, J O H N MILLS BROWNE, delivered his Fourth Annual Address, like all its predecessors it is exceedingly interesting. We note therein so much that is good, that we, hardly know where to insert the scissors, or which paragraphs to reproduce for the good of the Craft. Of the practical and useful in Masonry he says: In my administration it has been aimed to bring your attention to practical Masrnry — every-day, actual Masonry — that which is feasible — rather than to please your senses in reciting the the beauties and grandeur of theoretical Masonry; for experience has determined that there is a great interval between written theory and real practice, and that much of the possible in theory is impossible in practice. Let me ask this question. Of what use is Masonry unless it be made practical? Why expend time, labor and money in perpetuating the impracticable? Practical Masonry is the application of its knowledge to the experiences of life, to our surroundings, to our social, business, and civic relations. The term brotherhood is meaningless, unless associated with charity, and charity is but half developed when restricted to the humaue duty of alms-giving. Masonic charity in its broad, unselfish sense is to do unto others as we would that others should do unto us. It is the charity that seeks for truth, honesty and respect for the rights of others, that fosters knowledge, freedom and toleration, and searches and strives after the good. It is the absence of this charity that is the chief cause of personal difficulties, arising from special and local agencies, by wrangling discussion, passionate accusation, petty selfishness and intolerant opinion, all prodiucing a bitterness which sooner or later affects the fraternal relations within the Lodge, and, in the sapping and mining of its. harmony impairs, if not destroys, its eflfectiveness and usefulness. This is not imagined or unrealized, but is too frequently an actual, experienced condition, a great and grievous fault. When brothers are burdened with defects of their own, they should exercise charity toward the failings of others. They should not distress the mind when they themselves stand in need of many t h i n g s ; they should not forgot the law of human interdependence, and should not pass a severeness of judgment when regarding another's failings through a medium discolored and distorted. Cold-heartedness and self-regarding ought to be supplanted by kindness and self-repressioii, and, in the practice of self-command, passion, pride and self-love, give way to a chivalrous courtesy which will elevote both the giver and the' receiver. Brothers ought to remember that " a word spoken and a stone'thrown, never r e t u r n ; " that they can not be Masonically just, if they are not kind hearted; and, that if they will entertain faith and experience confidence, have sympathy, and be charitably considerate, with a desire to help one another, their own characters for prudence and conduct and integrity will be enlarged and extended. In regard to the selection of those who rule and govern the Craft for the year he makes the following excellent suggestions, and we only wish that every Mason in our own jurisdiction could read them, and would take them to heart, for they are full of truth. An important duty will soon devolve upon Lodges—the election of officers. Lodge reputation and efficiency must of necessity depend upon the interest and ability displayed by its officers. Increase of membership, diminution by dimission, and the demonslration of Masonic principles, are powerfully influenced by the character of officers. It is essential then to select the worthiest of the members for the various positions, A Master who

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

59

has faithfully performed duty should have a re-election, not alone as a complimentary indorsement, but for the benefit to be'derived from his continuance in oflRce. One half of the year has usually expired before the new Master has acquired perfectness in the work to confer degrees impressively, or to administer affairs intelligently. With the experience afforded by the first, how well and easily could the duties of the second year be executed. Again, as a general rule, the Senior Warden should succeed the Master, and the Senior Deacon the Senior Warden, leaving the South a position of honor rather than of labor. If this plan were employed the Master would, have an increased desire to select the best material for his assistant—the Senior Deacon-—who from the first would be stimulated into excellence by the expected reward of promotion to the West and East, and sufficient time would be afforded in each office to thoroughly understand and completely execute the respective functions, a result that can not be had unless these conditions are present. And more, by following this suggestion an effectual way will be found to maintain a uniformity of work, to insure correct administration, to incite interest and to attract attention, a combination that would preserve membership and lessen the number of non-affiliates. In the following paragraph. Grand Master BROWNE depicts a case of genuine cool selfishness, backed up by brazen impudence: My opinion was asked in a case where a Lodge desired to bury a deceased member, but was refused, the ceremonies of the church were employed, and subsequently the Lodge was called upon to defray the cost of burial. I answered that when the Lodge was willing to bury with Masonic honors, but was refused by the widow, the body was placed in charge of Catholics and buried with the rites of their church, the Lodge can refuse to pay the funeral expenses with eminent propriety. That one organization is not expected to defray the cost of burial when not permitted to perform its ceremonies, which are rendered by another organization. A most moderate and just reply. Again, the following telegram was received: " H a s Herman Lodge the right to bury a defaulter and suicide?" I replied, " Herman Lodge will deterrnine if the suicide was an act of insanity and as to the propriety of interring the deceased defaulter and suicide with Masonic honors." The Lodge buried its deceased member, who had confessed the defalcation and whose suicide, it is presumed, .was the result of the criminal act, and not of insanity. In this case I can not think the unfortunate brother was entitled to a Masonic burial. His self-accusation made him a criminal, and as such he would have been subjected to a Masonic cen•sure and punishment. Hjs death did not weaken the fact. The rights of the Fraternity are to be respected equally with those of the individual. The compact between the Lodge and the member is binding, and the guilty ought not to receive the respectful consideration awarded to the innocent. The public wonders at the equal distribution of funeral honors, which it had supposed was the reward of a life of, integrity. Failing to comprehend the apparent inconsistency between profession and practice, it condemns—how uncharitably, you well know. You have decided " t h a t in the case of a suicide by a Master Mason in this Jurisdiction, the Lodge to which he belonged shall determine as to his insanity, and as to the propriety of interring him with Masonic honors." Will it not be just to prohibit the Masonic interment of a suicide, which presumably was occasioned by, or at least associated with, a criminal act? •This subject was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence, who submitted an able report, favoring the repeal of the resolution of 1870 and the adoption of one strictly prohibiting the burial of a Master Mason who 5

•

60

Proceedings oj the

February,

had committecl suicide, with Masonic honors, under any and all circumstances, indicating that the old rule had been abused by the officers of Lodges. After a very exhaustive discussion of the subject by the Grand Lodge, the report was rejected, and the old resolution repealed, the Lodges being left to dispose of such cases in such manner as they might deem proper. This exceedingly unpleasant question has troubled the wise heads of our Institution for many years, and they seem now to be no nearer to a satisfactory conclusion than they were twenty .years ago. We find on examination of the Proceedings of the various Grand Lodges, that some hold substantially as follows: That if a member of a Lodge, against whom there were no charges pending, dies, and it was his dying request, or the request of his family, he must be interred with Masonic honors by his Lodge, no matter what his private character, might have been; and if, like the California brother, he commits a crime more or less heinous, and then, to avoid the penalties of the law, he commits suicide, still he must, of right, receive the honors of-Masonic burial by the Lodge. In some Jurisdictions they refuse Masonic burial to all suicides, and in others they hold that it is for the Lodge to decide whether the party is entitled to the rights of burial under the circumstances named. We are inclined to believe the best and most charitable mode to be, is to leave the whole matter to the judgment of the officers and members of the Lodge, and let them dispose of such cases as they arise from time to time, on their true merits. Life Insurance companies, courts and jurors have wrestled with this question for the last twenty years, or more, and do not appear to be any nearer to the true solution now than when they commenced. Place us on the side of the widow and the orphan, and let formalities take care of themselves. Here is a case of true merit and genuine charity: On motion of Bro. N. G R E E N E CURTIS, the sum of fifty dollars per month, until the next Annual Communication, to be disbursed under the direction of the Grand Master, was ordered to be paid from the (ieneral Fund for the care of Master W A L T E R WILCOX, an orphan, whose parents died of yellow fever at New Orleas in 1877; after which a contribution was taken up among the members, and the sum of sixty-eight dollars was found to be added to the foregoing. Bro. PRATT, Past Grand Master, from the Committee on Jurisprudence, .presented the following report concerning the holding of Lodge meetings on the Sabbath day. It was concurred in: The question was asked of the Grand Master: " I s it right or legitimate for a Lodge to work on the Sabbath? or would the Grand Lodge, or you, as Grand Master, censure a Lodge for so d o i n g ? " The Grand Master replied t h a t : " E x c e p t for funeral ceremonies the urgency will seldom present itself for a Lodge to convene on the Sabbath, and the fact that there is much work to be done in the way of conferring degrees is no good reason for a departure from the practice in this Jurisdiction. It is desirable to afford the enemies of Masonry no vulnerable point for an attack, and consequently avoidance of labor on Sunday is to be observed." Your committee would have answered the question briefly that it is neither right nor legitimate for a Lodge to do work on the Sabbath. When

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

61'

we speak of wor& we mean the ordinary work of the Lodge, and particularly of the conferring of degrees, and never speak of the performance of the burial service as work. The proposer of the question evidently so used the word. Our ctmntry is a Christian country and our people are a Christiaii people, by whom the Sabbath is recognized as a holy day set apar.t for rest and worship. Whether, as individuals, we are Christians or not, or professedly religious or not, we do profess to be good citizens, obedient to the laws of the land, whether it be the land of our birth or of our adoption, andto,be zealous promoters of thp good order and the best interests of society; and it seems to your committee that a decent respect for the institutions, of the country and the opinions of the great body of the peopje requires of us, as men and as Masons, to abstain on the Sabbath from our ordinary avocations or amusements. • The above expresses our feeling and opinions on this point of Masonic duty. The Grand Orator, Bro. LORENZO SAWYER, delivered an oration, treat; ing of Masonry from a historic standpoint, and in a particularly lucid and able-manner. Any one might well be proud to acknowledge such a paper. • The limits of our space preclude our quoting more than this, from the conclusion: Having thiis briefly sketched the supposed origin, and the progress, vicissitudes, and present condition of Freemasonry, and made some ireference to its principles, to its relation to other organizations, and, to the interests of hun"-anity, I shall conclude with an exhortation to the brethren to so conduct themselves as to afford to the world a perpetual living illusti;ation of the principles which we inculcate and the virtues which vve cherish. I find the precise idea which I desire to present, in conclusion, so aptly and beautifully expressed by Grand Orator DoLPH, of the Grand Lodge of our neighboring State, Oregon, that I shall not hesitate to appropriate his language: " L e t the consciousness that the eyes of the world are upon us stimulate us to live up to the sublime principles of our Order. Become perfect Masons and you will become perfect men; you will be true to your country ; •you will be just, faithful and fraternal to your fellow-man ; your characters will be adorned with all the virtues; you will act well your part in the age in which you live; you will walk humbly before GOD, and death to you will be but the joyful summons to present the work of your lives before the Orient for-the inspection of the Master. Let us, also, remember that our work is to be tried by the unerring square of eternal justice. The light of GOD'S eternal truth will discover-all the elements of pride, vanity and selfishness which have escaped the eyes of the world, and which will be found in that l i g h t ' t o disfigure the sublimest displays of conduct, heroic in the eyes of men, and the brilliant performances of many whose names are re-echoed from age to age. Happy indeed shall we be, if not only our foundation stands, but if the superstructure of individual character which we have reared proves acceptable to the Grand Architect and is found worthy a place in that temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Bro. WiM. H. H I L L again comes forward with an able and carefully prepared Report on Correspondence. His pen, one would judge to be cut from the olive branch, and dipped in the milk of human kindness; for his criticisms are without bitterness, and his dissent most genially expressed. Kansas receives kindly notice, and the brother has so carefully chosen the ground oh which he stands that it only remains for us to say, "well done." M.-.W.-. WILLIAM WILSON TAYLOR, Grand Master, San Francisco; R.-. W.". ALEX. G . ABELL, San Francisco, Grand Secretary.

62

Proceedings of the COLORADO.

February,

1879.

T h e Proceedings of this Grand Lodge show that our mountain brethren are not far behind those east of them in quantity or quality of matter, or in style. Twenty-three Lodges represented, only three absentees. Two new charters issued. The Constitution and By-Laws are published with this year's Proceedings, and are to be bound with the Proceedings of 1870-79, under the direction of the Grand Secretary. This will make a very neat volume. We notice donatio'ns, made by both the Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery, of the files of other Grand Bodies, which were accepted on theconditions named by the respective bodies donating. This is, we think, an excellent scheme, and will do much to insure the formation of an excellent Masonic Library. The usual amount of business • was transacted, in a most harmonious manner. Grand Master ROGER W . WOODBURY, in his Annual Address, brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge the law of Colorado, enacted to avoid or prevent the incorporation of Masonic Lodges, concerning which we quote for the information of the Craft in our own Jurisdiction: SECTION I. Any Masonic body, duly chartered by its Grand Body, according to the law, constitution and usages of the Masonic Fraternity, and . not wishing to become a corporate body, may take and hold real estate for its use and benefit, by purchase, grant, devise, gift, or otherwise, in and by the name and number of said body, according to the respective registers of the Grand Body under which the same may be holden; and the presiding officer of such body, together with the Secretary thereof, may make conveyances of any real estate belonging to such body, when authorized by a majority of all the members of said body, under such regulations as the said Masonic body,- or its Grand Body, may see fit to make; but all such conveyarfces shall be attested by the seal of said subordinate body. SEC. 2. Should it become necessary at any time to protect the rights of such Masonic body in and to the real estate and personal property, the presiding officer there'of may bring suit in his own name for the benefit of the Masonic body over which he presides, in any of the courts of record of this State having original jurisdiction, and may prosecute or defend the same in the Supreme Court of the State. SEC. 3. In case any property shall be held jointly by two or more Masonic bodies, then the presiding officers-of each of said .bodies, so holding jointly, may unite in bringing suit in their own names,,for the benefit of the Masonic bodies over which they preside." He is sound upon the suicide question,, leaving it with the discretion of the Master. Again, he is wholly right in saying: That the W.-. M.-. has the right to refuse admission to members of his Lodge during the progress of work, which will be disturbed by their admission. It has become quite too common a practice for many members of Lodges to wait around corners and in loafing places until a late hour, and then to slink in by some other than the right way, perhaps disturbing the Lodge while engaged in conferring the degrees. If they can not come in

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•

Ghrand Lodge of Kansas.

63

at the proper time let them remain outside, and next time they will not " f o r g e t " the hour of meeting. Among the decisions we find the following : I declined to suspend the Master of a Lodge on the application of a visitor who felt injured because he had not received an invitation to a sociable given by the Lodge. This, for arctic coolness on the part of the visitor, "beats the record," and, we might add, caps the climax of downright impudence. Had he only thought of it, he might have asked the Grand Master to revoke the charter and close up the shop. The brethren of that Lodge probably used good judgment in not asking him to their sociable. The Grand Master visited Florida and other States, and as all do' called round at New York, evidently finding the latch-string out at the Masonic Temple; apropos of which Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine, says: Let our New York brethren now charge an admission fee, and the Temple debt will soon be paid! J^ema/ejaniiors /—courteous and obliging! Well, we think we shall have business in' New York before long. To which we add, yes, let us all go. Here is a little coercion for us.

The Grand Master had decided:

That a brother in good standing can claim a dimit without giving reasons for the application, if he be clear on- the books; but such application should be in writing, even if he be present. A majority of the Committee on Jurisprudence decided favorably on this, but an adverse minority report was adopted, as follows; " I t is contrary to and inconsistent with the ancient usages and precepts of our Order to withdraw from a Subordinate Lodge, or to reside in the neighborhood of a Subordinate Lodge without becoming a member thereof." This I consider the correct rule, and if it is inconsistent with ancient usage then it is prohibited, for ancient usage is the law governing this matter. Every Mason ought to contribute to the support of a Lodge, if able, and if not, he ought to have the moral courage to say so to his Lodge, and the Lodge ought thereupon to remit his dues until he is able to pay. It is not sufficient to say that by dimiting from the Lodge he cuts himself off from the benefits of Masonry. He has obligated himself to give to the craft the benefit of his presence at Lodge, his skill and intelligence managing its affairs, and he is bound by solemn obligations to the Fraternity, and he can not absolve himself by saying that he will waive the benefits that are to come to him. We hold with the Grand Master. The law of Colorado declares that all non-affiliates "shall be deprived of all the rights and benefits of Masonry." This looks very much like an innovation upon ancient practice. Bro. FRANK CHURCH delivered an admirable oration, from which we quote the final passages: And finally, my brethren, in our estimation of Masonry, let us look beyond its secret works, its rituals, lectures, ceremonies, signs and symbols, for these are but the garment in which it is clothed — they are the visible

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b o d y — M a s o n r y i s the invisible soul: The promotion of'virtue, the practice of morality, and the relief of distress are but the fruits of the vital active principle within. Masonry is more than mere signs and ceremonies. We may knovif its history, its traditions, its achievements and its laws; we may be learned in its lectures and masters of its secret work; we may be able to understand and interpret its symbolism, and be termed " b r i g h t Masons," and yet the whole volume of Masonry be to us a sealed and a silent book. We may admire its spirit, and refuse that spirit a dwelling within our soul; we may admire its wisdom, its strength, ifs harm'ony (which is beauty), the perfection of its ceremonies, its lectiires, and its laws; and yet if we have failed to learn that these are but avenues leading up to the moral edifice beyond, that they are only emblems of like qualities in the spiritual structure, then, indeed, have we labored in vain and spent our strength for naught.. The. power which expands, purifies, elevates and ennobles the soul and fills us with the presence of the Infinite and prepares us for a better life, is the divinity which dwells within your Temples, and if it dwell not in your hearts then are you b u t whited sepulchers, bearing the name, but mocking the spirit and purpose of the Fraternity. Bro. E. H. COLLINS presented the Report on Correspondence, chiefly confined to quotations ffoin the other proceedings, Kansas for 1878 among the number. M.-.W.-. BYRON L. CARR, Longmont, Grand Master; R.\W.-. E D . C . PARMELEE, Georgetown, Grand Secretary. CONNECTICUT.

1880.

.. The volume of Proceedings before us contains a full list of all the Subordinate Lodges, with the names of all their members, and also the Constitution; and By-Laws, Permanent Resolutions and Decisions of the Grand IVTasters, the entire mass of matter arranged in the best shape for convenient reference, with a neatness and precision ever characteristic of the land of steady habits. . • A Special Communication was held October 23, 1879, f""" ''^^ purpose of rendering to their lamented Grand Master, ISRAEL H . BULLOCK, the last sad duty that we owe to man, that of tenderly laying him to rest after the battle of life. M.-.VV.-. Bro. BULLOCK had been stricken down while in the performance of duty. This, it seems, was the first time in the history of the venerable Grand Lodge of Connecticut, that their chief died while in office. Memorial services were held by the Grand Lodge, and the proceedings were published in a handsome volume, a copy of which we have received. The Annual Communication was held in January, 18S0. There was a full representation from all the Subordinate Lodges, only one being conspicuous for its absence. The business of the session seems to have been harmoniously transacted, and the work done was such as will redound to the good of the Order in Connecticut. The acting Grand Master, J O H N H . BARLOW, opens his address with an appropriate notice of the death of his predecessor in the Grand East, pay-

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ing a merited tribute to his memory. The remainder of the address is devoted to local matters, save only the Webotuck Lodge dispute between the Grand Lodges of New York and Connecticut. Of that unfortunate affair he says but little. In the report of the Grand Secretary we find the following reply from the Grand Lodge of Scotlarid: On the 28th of January last, agreeable to the direction of this Grand Lodge, Iforwarded to the Grand Secretary of the M.'.W.-. Grand Lodge of Scotland an attested copy of the report of your Committee on Jurisprudence relating to the controversy existing between that Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Quebec, on the question of jurisdiction, and shortly after received a reply which indicates the views of Scotland in reference to the matter. " The Grand Secretary says: "Meantime permit me to say for the information of your Grand-Lodge that the Grand Lodge of Scotland has no intention of invading the Masonic territory of any Grand Lodge in the United States; on the contrary, the Grand Master and other office bearers and members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland are most desirous of cultivating fraternal relations with these Grand Bodies. It is right, however, that you should know that the Charters issued to new Lodges in the city of Montreal, •province of Quebec, will certainly not be v/vthdrawn." Since the receipt of the foregoing I have received nothing relating to the subject. This answer is about what we might reasonably expect from the Scottish brethren, if we take their past actions in matters of an international interest as a criterion by which to judge. It is not at all unlikely that they may yet attempt to set up some of their son's of light in the missionary business on American soil, with full power to act regardless of Yankee manifestos. In any event, we can hardly pin our faith to their promise not to do so before they make proper amends to the Grand Lodge of Quebec for their action in the past. The inference might reasonably be drawn, indeed, that they propose to themselves one rule of conduct toward Grand Lodges in the United States and another toward those in Canadian Provinces; but an inference would hardly be a safe prop for our hopes in the matter. The "Webotuck case" came up again, the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, of which M.-.W.-. Brb. LOCKWOOD was Chairman. A verbal report was made, a n d o n motion, the committee was continued, with permission to make report after the close of the session, and in time to be .incorporated in the printed Proceedings. With permission of our brethren, in Connecticut, we can not help thinking that they made a mistake in thus placing this matter in the hands of one who was thoroughly conimitted from the outset, to the false doctrines enunciated by him at the time he instituted the Lodge in question and installed its officers. Would it not have been better to appoint some one as head of that committee who has not already passed upon the case? Last year we devoted some space to the discussion of this important case, and we the.i entertained the hope that our brethren in Connecticut would be led to seethe error to which they werecommitted, and make the proper amends-to New York, but from this

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report it seems that they are farther from an adjustment than they were twelve months ago. We quote from this report a portion to show the position and the course of reasoning of Bro. LOCKVVOOD: " N e w York and Connecticut both concur in the doctrine of the Supreme Jurisdiction of its Grand Lodge over a// matters of Ancient Craft Masonry within the territorial limits of the State, and' over all Masons residingtherein. One of those matters, and an important one, is the constituting oi' new Lodge.s, by granting a Charter to a constitutional number of Masons residing therein. " I t follows from this doctrine that the action of a Grand Lodge within its own territory, upon Masonic material situate therein, including Masons therein residing, and especially those voluntarily invoking the action, can not be impeached, and must receive full force and effect in every other Grand Lodge; like the judgment of a Court of a sister State, having personal jurisdiction over a party, it can not be impeached.or avoided. The right of expatriation so strenuously insisted upon by the United States, and its claim that its act in clothing foreigners residing therein, with its citizenship, can not be disregarded, is a good illustration of this principle. The right to try a member of a Lodge of a Jurisdiction residing within the territorial jurisdiction of another Grand Lodge, and that his conviction and the sentence therein, even to the extent of expulsion, cannot be impeached, and that no redress can be had except through an appeal to the Grand Lodge having jurisdiction over the trying Lodge, are now^ generally conceded. In this instance, the consent of the Lodge of which he is a member' is not considered. The legal principle upon which it is based is, that the trying tribunal has territorial ^^nA personal]}xx\?,^\ci\on over the party tried."

" T o say that the Grand Lodge of Connecticut can not constitute Masons residing within ils territory into new Lodges, according to its own Constitution and Laws, because some of them are members' of a Lodge situate in another State, and because, by a law of that State, membership can not be terminated except in a particular way, is not, in effect, giving force to Connecticut law beyond its territory, as claimed by some of our New York brethren, but in truth giving effect to a law of New York outside of ils territory, and in so far abridging the sovereign prerogatives of Connecticut within its own territory, acting upon Masons residing therein, and invoking the exercise of its.p'ower. " I s it not a fair construction of the law of New York, providing for severance of membership, to hold that the present case is a casus omissus—• a case not contemplated by the Grand Lodge in the 26th section, enumerating the modes of terminating membership in Lodges? The power to constitute Lodges in its own territory is inherent and exclusive in a Grand Lodge. T h e very act consitutes the petitioners into a new Lodge {so says' New Y o r k ) , and makes them members thereof; and if it be conceded that a brother can not be a member of two Lodges at the same time, does it not follow that his membership in the old Lodge is terminated by that act? " W h a t would be the result if the other rule be applied? Seven resident Master Masons apply for a Charter; it is granted, and the Charter is issued and the Lodge constituted; it is then ascertained that one of the petitioners was a member of a Lodge in another State What becomes of the new Lodge? If this petitioner is not a member of the new Lodge, then the 'Charter has been granted to less than a constitutional number, and the Lodge has been constituted against the landrnark. It is absolutely void,

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irregular, and all its work is clandestine and spurious, although working under a Charter from the only Grand Lodge having jurisdiction and acting within its constitutional and inherent powers. We believe that the doctrine of supreme and exclusive territorial jurisdiction of Grand Lodges is of the most vital importance, and that the principle applied in this case by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut is a logical result of that dcctrine, and places it upon higher ground than the doctrine enunciated by New York would imply. But the Grand Lodge of New York recognizes, as has been shown, severance of membership through the granting of a Charter, and that, too, without the consent of the Lodge of which the petitioner is a member. Is the Grand Lodge unwilling to accord the same power to other Grand Lodges issuing Charters constituting its resident brethren into Lodges? " 'From this, Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maiiie, demurs, arid his demurrer will, we think, be sustained by almost every Grand Lodge on this Continent: • ^ If the first paragraph means that the Grand Lodge has supreme and exclusive jurisdiction over all Masons residing in the State, it is wrong; it is universally settled law that a New York Lodge may discipline one of its members resident in Connecticut and expel him from the Institution, and the Grand Lodge of the latter is utterly powerless in the case. Again, the Grand Lodge has not such supreme jurisdiction over reside'nt Masons as to be able to affect injuriously the rights of others out of the State. T h e case of a judgment cited by Bro. L0CK.WOOD is exceedingly unfortunate for his argument. No Court can render a judgment affecting injuriously the mutual rights of one of its citizens, and a party out of the State, 'unless it obtains jurisdiction over both. By parity of reasoning, the Grand Lodge of Connecticut can not affect the relations between a member and his Lodge, unless it has jurisdiction over both, except so far as such a result may follow a conviction for crime commited in its Jurisdiction. The judgihent of a Court having jurisdiction over only one party, as a general rule,,is utterly void. ' . ^ . Bro. LOCKWOOD also confounds jurisdiction in cases of offenses committed in the territory of a Grand Lodge with its jurisdiction in other .respects. The commission of an offense of itself gives jiirisdiction to the sovereignty within which it is committed, no matter where the offender may reside. But the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge for that purpose, and jurisdiction to adjudicate upon the mutual rights of a resident Mason, and a Mason or a Lodge in another Jurisdiction, are two very different things, and the latter can not be proved by the existence of the former. The jurisdiction in the former case is not ^^ territorial and personal ^wxystdAz^xoxv over the party tried," but grows out of the place where the offense is committed. The old universally acknowledged rule was, that membership could be severed only by the mutual consent of both the Lodge and the member, except when it resulted indirectly from conviction for crime or breach of the By-Laws. But then dual membership was allowed; and when that kind of membership was prohibited, it was held that another exception was created, and that the Grand Lodge which has jurisdiction of both the member and the Lodge could sever the membership by making the member, with his consent, a Charter member of a new Lodge. T h e argument in the last paragraph quoted seems to us to have no force. A Grand Lodge has no business to issue, a Charter under such circumstances; we might as well argue that including a man's name in a Charter makes him a Mason, because if a profane's name'should be thus inserted and should not have that effect, the Lodge would be an illegal Lodge, and all its work clandestine! 6

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The question at issue is an exceedingly important one, as Bro. LOCKWOOD says, and every Grand Lodge is interested in it; and for that reason we have devoted so much space to it. The ready pen of Bro. W H E E L E R has prepared for the Craft another of his excellent Reports on Correspondence.' He says in a note at the end, that the JProceedings of Kansas, (others named), did not arrive in time for review. Well, we await our turn. M.-.W.-. JOHN H . BARLOW, Birmingham, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. Jos. K. W H E E L E K , Hartford, Grand Secretary. DAKOTA.

1880.

The business transacted by this Grand Lodge at its last Annual Communication, was mainly of a local character, but not devoid of interest to us outsiders, and we hasten to hole the points of interest. Only six out of fifteen Lodges were represented. This can be easily accounted for when we consider the enormous distances many of the Dakota brethren have to travel, amounting in some instances to hundreds of miles. The writer well remembers meeting Bro. HOYT when he attended the Grand Lodge (of Iowa) in the interests of his (St. J o h n ' s ) Lodge. The jolting stages and hacks of the present day are hardly looked upon as luxuries, but even such conveyances were not then available for the Dakota brethren: mule back or afoot was the choice in those days. T h e Annual Address of Grand Master GEORGE H . H A N D is an official paper of no ordinary merit, and is, under the circumstances, exceedingly conciliatory. Dispensations were issued for the formation of five Lodges. Six new Charters granted. Their finances seem to be in a very healthy condition, S619.17 in the Grand Treasury, All this indicates a virile state of Masonic affairs in Dakota. Grand Master H A N D has this to say in relation to the future of our Order, and the duty we owe to it in erecting and maintaining for it. the highest possible standard: As we enter the new Masonic year, let us resolve in our hearts that whatever there is of good in practical Masonry shall be ours. The future is before us. Upon its unsullied pages let us record our determination that the standard of Masonry in this Jurisdiction shall not-be lowered; that its benign principles, which have survived the assaults of man and the lapse of time, shall be cherished by us and retained as our heritage forever. We do not need to cling to theories or wrangle over rituals to make the Institution we represent to-day respected and honored in the land. But, more than all else, we need that practical application of its principles in the lives of men, which challenges the admiration of the world. It is not so necessary that we should increase in numbers as that we should grow in the

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grace of charity. Not alone that charity which induces me_n to relieve the widow and orphan, but that broader one, which controls the unruly tongue, and covers with the mantle of silence the frailties of our common humanity. The past, with- all its rich inheritance of wisdom and truth, will be as a fitful dream if it does not teach us that amid the cares and perplexities of this busy life, we are not to forget the individual obligations we are under, to respect, defend and protect the character and reputation of each other. And so, with grateful hearts, we render thanks to Him who has blessed us in the past, and whose continued mercies come unbidden upon us as the gentle dews from Heaven. Keeping, then, our high resolves for a better future as the years come.and go, we shall reach the fruition of our hopes, and be filled with that charity which looks to the welfare of each other, and guards with jealous care the reputation of every individual Mason. Four decisions were rendered, all in accord with the common ^aw of our Institution. His " c a t a r a c t " decision is, we think, figured down to an exceedingly fine point, hardly warrantable. The candidate, we opine, is either physically qualified or he is not. We do not believe in calling in a physician to help a candidate out. You might as well call in a leg maker to fix up a candidate ( a gentleman ) with only one leg. He briefly reviews the Minnesota trouble in a candid arid conciliatory manner. We are pleased to note that the cause of all this unpleasantness has been removed, and the Lodge in question has by its own voluntary act become one of the Dakota family, as will be seen by the following quotation : . The committee to whom was referred the question of Jurisdiction, recommend that the Charter of this Lodge be surrendered to the Grand Lodge of Dakota, with a request that a Charter be granted to us by the Most Worshipful of the Grand Lodge of Dakota, with the statement that this Lodge has persisted in adhering to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, believing that it had the right to do so, hoping for an early division of Dakota which would end all controversy in relation to the matter, because it was more convenient for us to meet with the Grand Lodge of Minnesota than with the Grand Lodge of Dakota. Since there is a question, however, in the interest of right, we recommend the course advised above and promise a faithful allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Dakota. The above report was adopted in full by the Lodge, and in accordance . therewith I forward the Charter, and on behalf of the Lodge and in the interest of our Institution, 1 most humbly ask that our Charter be accepted and certified, and that we be permitted to affiliate with the Grand Lodge of Dakota, and anything that may be required of us by your Grand Body will be .cheerfully complied with. Your Special Committee to which was referred the application of Bismarck Lodge, No. 120, of the Register of Minnesota, located at Bismarck, .within the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, for affiliation with us and offering full allegiance to this Grand Lodge, respectfully report: They have read with sincere pleasure the address of Bismarck Lodge and its Worshipful Master to this Grand Lodge, surrendering their Charter for re-issue by and under our Jurisdiction; and express the universal sentiment of rejoicing and welcome to them for this act of fealty which makes . Masonry one, and all brethren of Dakota in accord. We find no action necessary, but that the M.-.W.-. Grand Master and R.'.W.'. Grand Secretary should certify and number the Charter in accord'

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February,

ance with the standing resolution of this Grand Lodge. We respectfully request that this be done at as early a day as practicable, and t h a t in returning the Charter to them our congratulations be presented that they remained alien no longer, and they assured that they are now received in our hearts and upon our Register with all the affection, rights and privileges that ever have been or can be enjoyed by any of our constituent Lodges. The above will b e h a i l e d with much rejoicing by the Craft throughout' the length and breadth of our Masonic Jurisdictions. Bro. W. H. H . BEADLE is the author of the Report on Correspondence, which is an effort of which he need not be ashamed, for it does him credit. We can only give place to his conclusion. Here is where he is sound, and gets in.his best work on our Minnesota, brethren. His report on the Minnesota case will do for many of us to refer to by and by, in relation to the question involved: . ' This report was written prior to the session of the Grand Lodge, except a few brief notices which indicate the difference. During the session the pleasant event occurred, which the. Proceedings show, whereby the Lodge at Bismarck yielded its allegiance to and was received upon the Register of Dakota Grand Lodge. This removes the last of the differences between , Minnesota and Dakota which have been the principal subject of discussion in these pages. We still, however, insist upon all we have said and stand firmly by the principles which must become universal in America before peace and comity are assured. We especially insist upon the right application of the American doctrine toward New Mexico, and every small and new Grand Lodge struggling against a powerful and older one. We have felt the sneer of assumed experience and the contempt of an established power too keenly to forget others in like travail of a just defense. If Masonry can not do the right and work justice and spread the cement of brotherly love by advances toward the weak and struggling, in place of sharp. and cold technical thrusts at their life, it is time it had taken a new lesson in the primer of its morals and learned again its upright steps in regular principle. How is it, Bro. BEADLE, that you have nothing to say about Kansas? We sent our Proceedings for 1879 t ° your Grand Secretary. M.-.W.-. GEO. H . H A N D , Yankton, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. CHAS. MCCOY, Bon Homme, Grand Secretary. . DELAWARE.

1879.

The Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for 1879 are exclusively of local interest, the business transacted relating only to home affairs. Twenty-one of the Subordinate Lodges were represented, and their deliberations were further assisted by the counsels of fourteen Past Grand Officers, who seem to be working and voting members. The Annual Address of Grand Master J O H N TAYLOR is quite brief, and devoid'of general interest outside of Delaware. He reports the Order in a healthy condition in his Jurisdiction, peace and harmony prevailing. Fraternal mention is made of those who have entered into rest. The reports of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer show a reasonably

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good financial condition for that Grand Lodge. The Grand Secretary very properly recommends that some action be taken to relieve many of their Lodges of a class of Masons who travel from " pillar to post," and never pay the least attention to the payment of their dues, and do not even advise their Lodges of their whereabouts. Some plan should be adopted to relieve Subordinates of all such burdens, unnecessarily imposed upon them by Grand Lodge By-Laws,.so that they may not be compelled to carry them along froiu one year to another, paying the usual capitation tax on useless material, with no earthly show of reimbursement. The Grand Lodge of Manitoba received the favor of recognition. The Committee on Correspondence made report of.the number of Grand Lodge Proceedings received, "only this and nothing more." This was in accordance with a vote of the Grand Lodge. Sorry that the brethren of Del'aware cannot afford even a synopsis of the doings of the Masonic world. •' M.-.W.-. JOHN TAYLOR, Wilmington, Grand Master; R.-. W.\ W M . S. HAYS, Wilmington, Grand Secretary. D I S T R I C T OF C O L U M B I A .

1880.

As usual, with this Grand Lodge, the Craft were assembled together several times during the year, and most of the business was transacted at these special and stated Communications. The work and lectures of the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry were fully exemplified. It was held, and we think properly s o , t h a t no one save a member of the GrandLodge could represent it near another Grand Lodge. We have always , favored confining distinguished honors to the members of the Grand Lodge only, and particularly so to those.who are regular in their attendance on the Annual Communications of their respective Grand Lodges. . New South Wales was recognized. The. brethren of the District are the first to do right in this direction, as we think, although our Grand Lodge thought differently*. We have always had a warm corner in our heart for the brethren in this Province, believing that our Scottish brethren were not disposed to look upon their effort to organize a Grand Lodge with favor under any circumstances. We clip the following from the Report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, composed of Bros. A. G. MACKEY and C. F. SxANssaRY: Every act appears to have been done in proper form. As the law has long been settled on this continent, and recognized in the case of the Grand Lodge of Canada by the Grand Lodges of Europe, that it is competent for any number of Lodges, not less than three, holding Charters from the same or from different Grand Lodges, and being in a territory where there is no Grand Lodge, to organize an independent Grand Lodge, your committee do not think it necessary to discuss this already adjudicated question, but simply recommend the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of the .District of Columbia recognizes the Grand Lodge of New South Wales as a legally-formed independent , Grand Lodge, entitled to all the prerogatives of such a body.

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• On the Quebec and Scotland troubles they passed resolutions similar to those of every Grand Lodge which has taken action upon this important matter. T h e Committee says : T h a t law, abundantly supported by precedents, is, that when a territory, having its political boundaries, has been occupied by a Grand Lodge duly and legally organized and established, no other Grand Lodge can invade that territory by granting warrants for Lodges within the boundaries of the territory. Every Lodge therein must give its obedience to the established Grand Lodge, and the acknowledgment of this obedience is absolutely . necessary to give the characterpf regularity to the Lodge. The Library Committee made an interesting report, showing the prosperous condition of that institution, and liberal appropriations were made for its support. All the Lodges in the District were represented at the Annual Communication. T h e Address of Grand Master H E N R Y A. W H I T N E Y is brief, and of interest only to the Craft in the District. This Grand Lodge being territorially small, the Grand Master is able to visit all the Lodges in his Jurisdiction. This was done during the past year, with good results, as we infer from the reports. The work and. lectures were exemplified, and in many instances very interesting addresses were delivered by brethren designated for that purpose. It appears that after many efforts the Grand Master is able to announce the formation of a Masonic Board of Relief. Bro. SINGLETON, Grand Secretary, submits a good report on the early records, etc., of his Grand Lodge, from which we extract the following list I t would seem to be a very small task to place these papers in a proper condition to make up a sufficient record, yet I found that frequently, after hours of labor and consulting other documents in the shape of private papers in my possession belonging originally to Past Grand Master CLEMENT T. CooTE, I was able to progress but slowly in my task. Day after day, and night after night, during the past summer, have I pored over those papers in my endeavor, by a comparative examination, to arrive at the facts, but often with small degree of success, yet never wearying of the pleasant, though fatiguing, task in reading over the thoughts and deeds of our noble dead, many of whose portraits look down upon me from day to day. I have been encouraged by the pleasing reflection that I may be able; after due patience and perseverance, to complete our so long neglected record, and to fill the hiatus of those years during which Masonry suffered such severe persecution in these States; but nevertheless, while in the country north of this District nearly every Grand Lodge ceased its activity, yet in the District of Columbia, under the very eyes of the most persistent anti-Masons and the influence of those who were in Congress, the Masons of this Grand Lodge never suffered their flag to be lowered or trailed in the dust before such dastards as at that day attempted to subvert an Institution like ours, the friend of all humanity, the foe of every oppression, the relief of the widow and orphan, and the consolation of the distressed, and inculcator of liberty, fraternity and equality. We sincerely regret that the Grand Lodge finds itself in such condition, financially, that they cannot carry out the plan of Bro. S. Such a work would undoubtedly be of great interest to all who care in the least for the early history of our Order. We will agree to take two and double the price

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named, and we certainly think it can be done for a much less sum than that mentioned by the Grand Secretary. Bro. W M . R . SINGLETON again furnishes another of his able and nstructive Reports on Correspondence', covering eighty-two pages. Kansas for 1878 is among the number, receiving kindly and fraternal notice. It is exceedingly to be regretted that so able and painstaking a writer should be restricted in his labors as he is. He has done and is still doing much valuable antiquarian work; digging scraps of history out of the rubbish left by early builders. In regard to the matter of trials, and the mode of voting on the degree of punishment, he has this to offer: ,

In all civil trials everything is openly transacted, and the jurymen, who decide upon the guilt or innocence of the accused, come openly into court, and unanimously, in a manful way, declare their opinion. We, therefore, individually, would wish, in our 'noble old Institution, to see such a condition of things prevailing, that every brother present could manfully, boldly and openly declare either for the guilt or innocence of a brother. Is it not a shame and reproach to us that the inquisitorial principles which prevailed in the darkest periods of Monkish domineering over the souls and bodies of men, should be insisted on in our brotherly Institution, or found necessary in the trials of the defections of our members. For our part, give us the open viva voce. How many an unpopular brother has been victimized by the silent vote since Aristides was ostracized because he was called the just, noneÂť but the Grand Master above can tell; yet how many cases on appeal to the Grand Lodges have clearly demonstrated that the votes in the dark have been, like assassins' daggers applied, to masonically kill a brother. The viva voce vote is the Maine law, and we favor it, as it will prevent skulking, and no small amount of spite work sometimes indulged in by those who have hot the good of the Order at heart. He says:

We object to his idea that no appeal can be taken against any decision when in the East in Grand Lodge, for he hiay ignorantly violate a landmark, or one of the sections of his own Constitution, and must the Grand Lodge submit to that when itself can only set aside a constitutional provision in a well-settled constitutional manner; and yet, forsooth, a creature of their own can have a power greater than theirs. Whenever was it known that in any constitutional government a fountain could rise higher than its own source? We object to his idea as to where a Past Grand Master should be tried. • If for an immorality, certainly in his own Lodge, for there his brethren are his peers in every Masonic sense. . We do not like that assumption in saying that he does not descend to the floor. Certainly he has lost sight of those beautiful lessons of equality, fraternity and liberty so well inculcated in the general charges to the officers and members in our installation service. It smacks too much of royalty. On the subject of a " uniform code," he offers the following suggestion, an excellent one: Here, it will be seen, no ritualism is intended. Why? Ritualism not being subject matter for type, runs the risk of all traditions, viz: liability to alteration ; but our statutes are subject matter for the type, and hence, like the statutes of the A. A. A. S. Rite from 1762-1786, become fixed and unalterable, and every Grand Lodge in the world will be conforinable to all the

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February,

others. T h e changes in ritualism do not affect the status of any one of the jurisdictions. No intelligent brother can fail to pass the tests even in Pennsylvania, where they do not use the Ancient York work, notwithstanding our brother's i/>se dixit. Pennsylvania Masons constantly visit our Lodges in this District. But there are now very serious difficulties existing between some of our Grand Lodges growing out of diametrical differences in law and practice, and hence again the cry is heard in the land, " Let us have a General Grand Lodge of the United States!!!" The Grand Lodge of Florida has the above cry nailed to the masthead of her ship of state. Now, a concensus of all the Grand Lodges, as to what is right and proper, in all of these questions of jurisprudence which can possibly apply to all extraneous, or involving by any means the inter-state action of Masonic matters, can be subjects for a convention, and it is eminently proper that a convention should be^jheld to adopt such a uniform Code as will meet the concurrence of all of our Grand Lodges. There is much confusion, and a Conference might be able to bring, order out of chaos. At all events, such a meeting could do no harm, and might result in good. Let us try it. We quote the concluding words of his Repoi-t, and say to all, read them: The rules and regulations of the Modern Societies have caused much trouble in our camp upon the principle of progression". We again raise the warning voice against this attempt to bring into our Institution, founded upon the strict principles of charity alone, such laws as must be employed in beneficiary institutions for their protection and preservation. Our's will stand forever, nothing can hurt it permanently; but the others must depend upon the most rigid principles of financial management, or they must succumb. The fig and olive trees are often cut down to their roots by the severe frosts in winter; in the spring young shoots will arise and the figs and olives will again be abundant. It is presumed that the same roots of fig and olive trees continue to bear trunks and branches filled with fruit that existed for many centuries before our era. Masonry like them may be cut down by persecution, by the defection of her own members, but the roots are deep down in our moral nature and must spring up again in the human heart. They can never die while men shall live. If our financial resources become exhausted, w,e can contribute no charity in funds, but the Hearts of the brethren may be as benevolent as ever if benificence be impossible. T h e difference between us and the other associations is manifest, and our legislation must also differ. And it is this point we desire to direct the thoughts of those who aim to make laws for our government. Take a look at our good old Mother Grand Lodge.in England. Her Constitution was last formed in 1813. Consult those articles and sections, and see how in the last sixty-six years she has been able to accomplish so much in the way of charity and how little legisla.tion has been done by her in these many years. M.-.W.-. JOSEPH MCCOY, Washington, D. C , Grand Master; R.-. W.-. W M . R . SINGLETON, Washington, D. C , Grand Secretary. FLORIDA.

1880.

T h e Proceedings of this Grand Lodge is somewhat diminutive in size, only fifty-three pages; the business transacted was, with few exceptions, local in its nature; sixty-three Lodges represented, seventyrthr?e made

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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returns. Of this number only forty were found correct, which will not seem at all strange to those who are in the habit of examining these annual returns. There is a slight decrease (thirty-seven) in the membership. The Grand Master, Bro. WILLIAM A. M C L E A N , delivered a'strong and well-written Address, setting forth his official actfe for the year, and concluding with a hearty exhortation and good advice to the brethren in his Grand Jurisdiction. . . T.wo Dispensations were issued for the formation of new Lodges, and one continued. We sincerely regret to notice the unfavorable report made by the Grand Master, of the financial condition of the Grand Lodge of Florida. We quote from his report: . •. . The question of finance has, all through the years of the past, claimed the attention of the best and wisest of men, and in these later years, very frequently becomes a source of fruitful annoyance to the .best classes and societies; even the highly-favored, time-honored Institution of Freemasonry, is sometimes greatly embarrassed for want of means to meet and discharge necessary obligations and carry on its legitimate work, and in this unenviable position the Grand Lodge of Florida stands to-day—a depleted treasury—no sources of revenue from which an income can be derived, in order: to replenish an empty treasury, are conditions which, if allowed to prevail to any considerable extent, .will result in debt, and sooner or later lead to the most abject poverty, and end in hopeless bankruptcy. I feel it to be my duty to direct the attention of the Grand Lodge to this matter, and it would certainly afford me very great pleasure to be able to suggest ways and means whereby relief' could be obtained, but I am constrained to acknowledge my inability to perform that difficult task; yet, the question— serious and perplexing though it be—must, of necessity, be considered and disposed of. To us, this looks like a little too much per diem- and mileage. If they' insist upon these expenses being paid by the Grand Lodge, the means must be forthcoming, and if their present source does not furnish enough to meet the drain, there is no other way, except to tax the Craft or else cut off the per diem and mileage, or at least cut them down. We are no believer in the per diem and mileage scheme, and hence would lift our voice against an increase of taxation for any such purpose. On examination of the annual printed Proceedings of many of our sister Grand Lodges, we find this per diem and mileage matter giving them much trouble and annoyance. Their income is insufficient to meet their current expenses and pay per diem and mileage, and yet they are unwilling to increase the revenue,'or, in other words, pay any more money into the treasury. They seem to feel as the old man felt when he bought cloth for suits of clothes for himself and the two'boys. The good matron of the household measured the aforesaid cloth in old-time way, with out-stretched arm, from the end of her nose to the thumb, and said it would not d o ; three suits could not be cut from it. Thereat the old gentleman, seeing that more money was wanted, testily replied: "Well, mother, I shan't buy anymore you must make it do." It seems that is about the way our Masonic brethren feel when this question is touched'upon. 7

•

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February;

The Grand Master says, very truly: But while it is a fact greatly to be regretted, that very many utterly fail to come up to the full measure of duty in displaying the beauties of holiness to the honor and glory of GoD, in the advancement of the pure principles of our art. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, will undoubtedly survive, for we believe it to be upheld by Supreme Power, and guided on its onward march of progress by Divine Wisdom. Its principles and teachings are not confined within narrow limits, but are broad, boundless an'd universal, adapted to every time, place and circumstance—at home and abroad-=-in peace and war; in the busy mart and the retired walks of life, Masonry has its important duties to fulfill, and these duties are not confined within the narrow limits of the Lodge room. Let every Masonic temple in the land cease to exist; destroy every Masonic edifice erected for the comfort, convenience and security of the Craft, still the attentive ear will continue to receive the welcome sound from the instructive tongue, and wise and serious truths will continue to be treasured up in the repository of faithful breasts, and thus, through successive generations, \yill be transmitted unimpaired, the most excellent tenets of our Institution. While from day to day and year to year we hear much of solid South and solid North, and witness the strife and warfare of contending sections and opposing forces in the great struggle for political supremacy, it is our pride and glory that we can boast a solid, undivided and undisturbed brotherhood, the purity of whose mission none can deny; it utterly repudiates all the narrow boundaries prescribed by party names, political affiliations and sectional preferments; extending its benevolent boundaries to the uttermost parts of the earth, claiming the universe as its field of labor and usefulness. Kingdoms and empires have risen, flourished and declined. Governments have.been established, and after an existence of many years of pros- ' perity and power, decline has been stamped enduringly upon their escutcheons. Parties have been organized under the most favorable auspices and with the most flattering prospects of success, but in the course of human events, corruption, confusion and disgrace have been wrir indelibly upon their banners; still, the'time-honored institution of Freemascnry has withstood the opposing forces of Times' relentless changes, and stands forth today the fairest, the purest and most potent for good of all'-the thousands of moral institutions which have bfeen known to exist through the ages of the past. This, unlike those which have flourished and declined, was estabiished'by'virtuous men, with the praiseworthy design of calling to. remembrance the important duties we owe to GOD, our neighbor and ourselves, and impressing upon the mind and heart those great moral duties, the strict observance and practice of which'are so well calculated in their nature arid tendency to insure peace and happiness here, and a preparation for an abundant, a joyous and triumphant entrance into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe presides. But Masonry, noble in design, pure in principle and excellent in its teachings as we know it to be. has not been exempt from the evil designs of wicked men. It has passed through fiery trials of opposition; well-directed thunderbolts of prejudice and superstition, ably assisted by the pent-up fury of unrelenting persecution and blind fanaticism, have been hurled against it in the vain hope of working out its Uestruclion ; but amid all such mistaken efforts, our time-honored Institution has never yet struck its colors, abandoned it's principles, or laid down its armor; but, with a nobleness of purpose never before displayed to the wondering gaze of the enemies of morality-and virtue,-has pursued the even tenor of its way undismayed, and like the ytfuthful David, marching forth in the strength of Israel's God to battle in the cause of right against the proud and mighty Goliath—reach-

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Grand Lodge pf Kansas.

77

ing forth to the brook of faith and hope, and supplying the slinÂŁ with the white, smooth stone of truth and justice for a-defense, the eneriiy has been vanquished and the victory assured. An effort is made to have Communications held biennially hereafter. Go slow, brethren, let us wait and see how Georgia comes on under such circumstances. We have little faith in this way of getting out of financial trouble. It looks too much like cowardice, leaving the ship for fear of its sinking, doesn't it? Stand by the old ship! Bro. D. C. DAWKINS presented a brief Report on Correspondence covering about three pages, the major portion devoted to the questions of Scotland and Cuba, and Cuba and Colon. On the former he stands even with every Grand Lodge on this side of the Atlantic. The' latter two have arranged their affairs among themselves, the best way to mend such matters. M.'.W.-. W M . A . MCLEAN, Jacksonville, Grand Master; R.-.W.\ D. C. DAWKINS, Jacksonville, Grand Secretary, IDAHO.

1879.

'The pamphlet before us is filled with valuable iriatter, neatly arranged. The typographical part was done by the Masonic Eclectic, Washington, D . ' C. It contains, in addition to the proceedings of the current year, a reprint of their proceedings for their first year ( 1868, ) which was by some means omitted from the reprint ordered by the Grand Lodge in 1876. Ten Lodges represented, forty-eight Past Masters and a, goodly number of Past Grand officers present. From the report of proceedings had, we conclude that their meetings were both harmonious and profitable. We are pleasedto note the prosperous condition of their finances.' It shows, what prudent management will do for an institution. They had an "orphan's fund " of 4(5,343.40 well invested in territorial warrants, which brings an income every year. The Annual Address of Grand Master EDWARD , A . STEPHENSON is an official paper of more than ordinary merit. It covers about twenty pages and is arranged appropriately, the valuable information conveyed being appropriately arranged under sub-heads, and each subject carefully treated of with an eye single to the best interests of the fraternity. 'We are pleased to note his disapproval of mixed funerals and also of joint occupancy of halls. We do not wish to be classed among the cold-blooded and selfish, nor yet hypocritical, yet we cannot favor the scheme of mixing Masonic ceremonies .with those of other societies, a living real labor with dead forms. We have always been opposed to it, yet our Grand Lodge has not condemned the practice, or "sat down upon " any Lodge for joining with other societies in the occupancy of halls, nor have they formally approved of such^practices, and Lodges in our jurisdiction are doing it all the same. On the subject of attending our regular Lodge meetings, he- truthfully says: • . ' I believe it would be for the best interests of Masonry if St. John's days were never allowed to pass by, without some kind of recognition in any community where there is a Masonic Lodge.

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February,

At those times should be gathered the fraternity and their families and combine pleasure with profit, cultivate a kind fraternal feeling among our members and those united to them by the ties of relationship and affection. Provide simple refreshments—a cup of good tea or coffee, sandwiches, cakes, nuts and other simple articles. Another and one which I fear is a growing evil and to which I would here allude is the indifference manifested by members of Lodges in their attendance upon the regular meetings. The slightest pretext is often sufficient to keep them away. In all the departments of business, punctuality and regular attendance upon its demands is the only sure guaranty of success. So in Masonry. If a Lodge is deserted by its members or seldom attended and then often out of season, it must languish and bring reproach upon the fraternity. It is far better that a Lodge should not exist than to maintain a feeble, morbid and sickly existence by the cold indifference and inattention of its members. True; we are taught that Masonry is by no means to interfere and embarrass our usual vocations, but where is the man of industrious business habits, who could, not by a little forethought so calculate and arrange his business that it would not suffer by a few hours attendance upon his Lodge? • , Frequently those who urge a pressure of business as an apology for neglecting the Lodge can find abundant .time and opportunity on Lodge nights to attend places of amusement, sit around saloons or other public places of resort, indulging in frivolous conversation (or perhaps doing worse) orvvalk- . ing several miles around a billiard table, when they are too busy or too much exhausted by fatigue to walk a single block to the Lodge Room. This evil where it exists should be remedied and it can be done in no other way but by pointing it out and convincing members of their duty and "••g'ng upon them a prom'pt performance._ With a view to its correction, I have thus referred to the subject, knowing that the evil does exist to an alarming extent in some Lodges, but hoping and trusting that this vile and pernicious practice is limited to few. In strong terms he urges that our emblems and symbols should be more frequently explained at the meetings of our Lodges. No man should assume the duties of the East who is not competent to explain every step taken by the candidate, from his entrance upon the ground floor to his final induction into the sanctum sanctorum. . The great trouble is that we have too many incompetent Masters in the Chair. We must remedy this evil first. Get good, thoroughly competent Master workmen in the East, and, ,in our opinion an interest will soon be awakened and a good attendance of the brethren will follow. A good officer has no trouble in getting his men to follow him, if they only have confidence in his ability to lead them. Ignorance and superstition never accomplish any good. We heartily"endorse the following: It is the duty of every Mason to so conduct himself that his word shall be above suspicion; he should always be governed by that divine attribute, the law of truth. Be behind a Mason's back what you are to his face ; guard a brother Mason's good n a m e ; above all, avoid the low contemptible unmanly and un-Masonic vice of slander. " What is to become of all our I teachings if we permit the vile and pestilent breath of slander to profane the lips with which we have pronounced all our solemn Masonic Obligations?" " Of all the villians that live under God's bright sun, the slanderer is the basest—and next to him the being who listens and encourages. None are safe from his attacks; there is no mark so high that his arrow will not reach, no reputation so bright his slimy breath will not tarnish."

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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79

While I am bound to vindicate a brother's character behind his back as well as before his face, I have a right to demand that every Mason shall furnish a.character worthy of being vindicated and not a character that if I attempt to vindicate it, I shall feel that I am debasing my honor as a man. Live up to the teachings of Masonry and our brothers will vindicate our character both to our face and behind our backs with pleasure to themselves and honor to the Masonic Fraternity. Like the rest, Idaho heartily condemns the action of the Grand Orient of France in her new departure. M.-.W.-. CHAS. HiMROD, Boise City, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. L. F . CARTEE, Boise City, Grand Secretary. ILLINOIS.

1879.

In this year's Proceedings we have a neat, well-arranged volume of foiir hundred and twenty-six pages, which in point of matter and typographical appearance is certainly equal to any of its predecessors. The attendance at the Annual Communication was good, six hundred and fifty-one. Lodges represented; a large number of Past Grand Officers present; only one new Lodge added to the roll; five Charters surrendered or arrested, thus evincing a slight falling off. This is not a bad omen .by any means; it simply shows that a process of pruning out is going.on, a little work which it might be well for other Grand Lodges to engage in. The Annual Address of Grand Master THEODORE T . GURNEY is long, occupying some twenty-four pages of the Proceedings, and yet not a word or line too much, for when the amount of work done and to be reported is taken into account it is very evident that the story could not be told more briefly. It is solid and we like it, for he speaks in no veiled phrases nor in words of uncertain application. Of all who read this Address, none, we opine, will be likely to say that they do not understand the Grand Master. Of the condition of the Craft in his Jurisdiction he has the following: One year ago we were walking hand in hand and suffering with every Association that relies 'upon the prosperity of its members for a generous maintenance. Masonry, generally, has been influenced by the current of fictipns that so frequently leave their enervating impress upon society, industries and trade. Men, during the past decade, have been in the habit of marking up their equities in corner lots and merchandise, until their imaginations were exhausted in fixing a limit to their aspirations. In this^general scramble for attainments. Masonry has been unpleasantly conspicuous. Lodges have multiplied, and IVork degenerated into an infatuation; but when revulsion came, we, with speculation, were relegated to a serious contemplation of our normal relations to the world. . We do not suppose 'that the Craft can be entirely disenthralled from measuring its imaginary wants by its imaginary surroundings, but we dp believe that the combined wisdom of the fraternity can devise some method that shall relieve us of the entire consequences of these too frequent indiscretions. I do not have any disposition to criticise the past, yet I feel that it will not be seriously questioned but that the number of our Lodges.are largely

80

Proceedings

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February,

in excess of our requirements; and for this reason I have refrained from authorizing any new organizations. 'Applications in this direction have not been wanting, and from sources that demanded earnest consideration; but acting in unison with convictions of duty to the entire jurisdiction, I have subordinated personal inclinations to the general welfare. It is not possible to fix any estimate upon the value of a weak and inefficient Lodge. It does not contribute to the character of its members, or to •the estimation in which it should be held by the community in which it' exists; and for this reason its continuance is more to be deprecated than, its extinction. Should your views on this subject reach a like conclusion, I •would recommend that it be made mandatory upon the Grand Master to suspend the functions of a Lodge that.fai+s of holding a regular Communication for the space of six consecutive months. I would also recommend that the restoration of a Lodge thus suspended can only be considered at the regular Grand Communication next succeeding such suspension. T h e suggestions contained in the above are good and worthy of serious thought by all.who-are interested in the building up and perpetuating of our noble Insitution. There is a duty for every one to perform and nowhere more necessary than in a Masonic Lodge. Prompt and punctual attendance on the part of both officers and members is^what awakes and maintains an interest in the Lodge. When officers are absent, members lose their interest and fail to attend; officers may be as punctual as it is possible to be, and if members are not.prompt and in their places the officers lose their interest. Let all alike be faithful and honest in the 'performance of every Masonic duly and there will be no more scantily attended Lodge meetings, or occasion for suspending any Lodge. In referring to one of their regulations concerning the granting of dimits on the apphcation of a brother, whose dues are fully paid and no charges pending against him in the Lodge, Grand Master GURNEY says: I have had frequent occasion to refer to this regulation, but invariably with the feeling that its provisions reflected upon the good sense of the brethren, and contravened rights of more than ordinary importance. The argument that a brother came into the organization voluntarily, and should be permitted to depart at pleasure, is plausible as an abstract proposition; but when it is insisted that the members shall not \>e con&aXteA in this or any other proposition that only affects its local welfare, then I must dissent. I do not believe it to be sound doctrine that an applicant for the degrees or membership must receive unanimous assentof the Lodge, and then determine for himself how long the relation shall exist. When a person unites with the Lodge he assumes a pro rata of its cares and responsibilities.- It is demanded by the terms of his obligations that he will conform to its laws and regulations. Under whatever circumstances he may find the Lodge, or under whatever circumstances it may be placed during his connection therewith, he is irrevocably bound to its condition, and should not be allowed- to escape responsibilities which he has voluntarily accepted, except the brethren are disposed to comply with his wishes. The cases are not rare where brethren have dimitted to avoid the consequences of their acts. Indebtedness has been incurred, and when the Lodge is di.stracted by embarrassments, and for which the member was directly responsible, he dimits to rid himself of a burden that was imposed, with his consent and encouragement, to be met by unfortunate but braver associates I could never comprehend the justice of the law as it now obtains.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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To which Bro. DRUMMOND adds: This is becoming a serious question, and the practical matter reduces itself to this, "Can a member of a Lodge in dtbt demand a dimit without providing for his share of the d e b t ? " It is very manifest that Lodges should never be allowed, under any circnimtances, to get in debt, or else that all the members should share the burden. Instances in this State have occurred in which members of a Lodge have found that a debt had been in.curred by their Lodge, and have hastened to dimit to escape coutribuling towards liquidating it.- Of course, every member of an unincorporated Lodge is liable for all debts contracted during his membership, and, if the worst come to worst, could be compelled by the creditors to p a y them in spite of a dimit. But some-provision should be made to prevent such a result on the one hand, or, on the other, to save the whole burden being thrown upon a few. This subject of dimits is an important one and should be thoroughly understood. There is little doubt that this privilege is abused and a remedy should be fixed. We are all by the fallibility of humanity too willing to run after false gods and to go to foolish extremes, even to things which we in after years would be ashamed to own we favored. The following quotation would indicate that the Grand Master is' not particularly enamored of the Past Master's degree: For many years I have looked upon the so-called degree of Past Master as a misnomer, and entirely out of place. I am not acquainted with any right derived from our rituals, or the common law of the fraternity to create an additional degree, much less a something which is not obtainable by. the humblest member of a Lodge under the customary rules of advancements. If we are to maintain our system in its integrity, we weaken our power for defense by indulging in that which we so quickly condemn in others. Its antiquity is not questioned, neither is the antiquity of the Devil, but we do not suppose that hoary age is a sufficient justification for the retention of either. Whatever preparation, by obligation or otherwise, that may be necessary to prepare a Master elect fon his duties, let it be administered in the presence of his brethren, and not retire him to some secluded corner to be invested with a side degree that does not have any place in the Lodge. The business transacted was of a local character, and most of it not requiring>any comment from us. One or two questions we feel some interest in. The subject of Territorial Jurisdiction was again brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge by the Grand Master and referred to a Special Committee, who reviewed the action had by the Grand Lodge from time to time. Illinois favors the death grip on the candidate when once in the toils. Here is their law as laid down by the committee. In some of our former Reports we have fully expressed our views, and we to-day remain unalterably opposed to the doctrine of personal jurisdiction, believing it to, be contrary to the teachings of our Institution. The Report on Correspondence is the work of Past Grand Master Dr. JOSEPH ROBBINS, and may in all respects be classed among the best. After the perus"al of such a review we feel as if we had read to some purpose, notwithstanding that the-brother swings a trenshant pen and is liable at times to impale our cherished ideas on the "business e n d " thereof. Qn the question gf opening a Lodge Bfo, RopBjNS says; o

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Bro. D O D G E thinks the Connecticut decision that a Lodge can not be primarily opened on the Entered Apprentice degree can serve no good purpose, and even if it did, he would still regard it as wrong in principle, which gives us an opportunity to say—without especially aiming our remarks at him — that this subject affords an excellent illustration of the bias a Mason gets from the practice with which he first becomes fafriiliar. Being taught that Masonry is unchangeable, whatever he finds in vogue upon his admission, though it got itself established but a week before, comes to him with all the force of immemorial law. It is the usar;e in this Jurisdiction to open on the several degrees, beginning with the first, and every stated meeting, and we have heard oceans of grave nonsense aired to prove that this practice of "opening u p " involved some occult principle which no Mason might violate without danger of falling into uncanny clutches; and ' now comes a pundit from the nutmeg State, who tells us that we must begin at the other end of the ladder, and we doubt not there are many who would shudder at the possible consequences of a failure to "open down." We presume the Connecticut decision reflects the prevailing practice there, .as we infer that it passed muster in Grand Lodge, whereas a similar decision was vigorously sat down upon a dozen years ago in the Gi'and Lodge of Missouri, where the first lessons of a majority had been the other way. Apart from local regulations, we know of no reason why the Master should not open his I^odge directly on any degree most convenient. Most heartily we concur with Bro. ROBBINS; some of our bright lights will not, perhaps, agree with us for the reason that they Mke to occupy more time passing from one degree to another. On the higher degrees he has this to say, by way of comment on the action of the Grand Lodge of Indiana: With the practical effect of this action on the brother's proposition as a reraedisil,measure, we have no fault to find, for we have neither sympathy with, nor faith in the result of, any attempt to hold members in nominal allegiance to Masonry after their hearts have gone out from it; but when the committee claims to have considered the subject in all its relations, not shutting its eyes, of course, to the growing feeling to which this'ill-considered proposition was an'attempt to give articulate voice, the adequacy of its report may well be questioned. We may shut our eyes to a fact and then deny its existence, but when we open them it will still confront us. The instinct of self preservation may yet compel Masonry to demonstrate that the parasitic bodies which exist only on its life-blood, are not entirely beyond its jurisdiction. That the relation of these organizations to Masonry is pressing itself upon us as a vital question i/iai will be discussed, the signs of the times unmistakably indicate, and that the Indiana committee descern these signs as clearly as others, the known ability of its members leaves no room for doubt. That they make no sign of,this, gives us no warrant to blame them, for we have shared their reluctance to precipitate the discussion until we are shamed at our own short-coming. ", It is time for some one to say plainly what so many feel, that Masonry is in danger of being crushed out of all semblance of itself by the weight of bodies superimposed upon it, not legitimately a part of it, more or less antagonistic to its spirit, and yet claiming to speak in its name. Their gaudy pagentry tends to beget dissatisfaction with the simplicity of Masonry; their sectarian teachings tend to narrow its fundamental basis whose catholicity alone warrants the claims of the Fraternity to universality; their peculiar ties tend to create an aristocracy among those who are entitled toequality, and with other features, to install an oligarchy in the government of an institution which in its purity is a representative democracy.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.'

83

We think the good brother is becoming unnecessarily alarmed over the • "higher degree" business, and can hardly believe it would be either wise or prudent for our Grand Lodges to attempt to legislate on the question of how many different societies one of its members may or may not attach, himself to if, such a relation seems to him desirable. We are not of the class of Masons who are hankering after some new secret organization; do not believe in it and would be glad if every Mason on 'earth felt as we do about it, but we never shall favor legislation looking to.the prohibition of such privileges, and if a brother can not rest easy until he has joined a baker's dozen of Orders we would say go in. ' We do not apprehend, however, any danger from the source indicated by Bro.

ROBBINS.

On the question of reinstatement and its effects, he says to the Indiana brethren: Although our law differs from that of Indiana in this, that re-instatement after suspension for non-payment of dues requires the same course of procedure as re-instatement after suspension for any other cause, yet the fact that it permits the Lodge to elect whether it will re-instate to riiem-" bership, or only to good standing in the Fraternity, leaving the brother unaffiliated, renders it obnoxious to the animadversions of the Grand Master as above quoted, and with which we agree. But it is not only those who disgrace the Craft by a violation of moral laws who may be turned adrift upon the Fraternity in good standing instead of being punished, but it is easily conceivable that brethren who render themselves obnoxious by what seems to others an unreasonable and untimely persistence in attempts to 'compel their brethren to live up to the high moral standard which they set up for themselves, may find themselves unaffiliated in. this indirect way. We object to clothing Lodges with power to oust a brother from his membership for what may be only a technical offense, and at the same time to practically rob him of his right to appeal. We recur to the use of the word "restore" by Grand Master H A Y , and in the same sense by the Committee on Jurisprudence in the rule above quoted, to say that we wish Masons everywhere would agree to restrict the word to its proper use, viz : the re-habilitation of an expelled Mason, using the word re-instate to express the removal of the disabilities of a suspended brother. It would save much confusion. He comes down upon Kansas with his sharpest quill, point foremost, and proceeds to knock our household gods all about our ears, to the eminent peril of. those valuables. He does not like Grand Master G U T H R I E ' S Scottish broth; found the milk in the Kansas cocoanut in the Indian Territory question. Had we not closed the books we might have a word to say in reply, but the ground has been so long and so well traveled over, that we are more inclined to let Bro. R. have his say,' solus. Here he goes for us again, saying that our Grand Lodge Had the rare pleasure of the presence of Brother ALBERT P I K E , who chanced to be in the city, and upon special invitation visited the Grand Lodge, and in an hour or more devoted to the " Symbolism of Masonry," gave what must have been a most excellent address, judging by its effect on the Grand Secretary, who, by the way, introduces him in the Journal as being, among other things, ' the highest Masonic dignitary in the Southern Jurisdiction," whatever that may mean; and unlike the Grand Lodge of

'8'4

Proceedings of the

February,

^California, vphich required a banking concern in San Francisco that had undertaken to prostitute the Institution to business purposes by calling itself " Masonic," to advertise in the public prints that Masonic authority was in no wise responsible for its existence, it seems to have submitted to ihe Philistines, and complacently puffs a " M a s o n i c " Life Insurance Company in its proceedings. We will forgive you this time. He considers the introduction of endowment and insurance.schemes into our affairs a Masonic felo-de-se; and says concerning Grand Orients: Illinois is of the opinion that she is not much in advance of her sister Grand Lodges in reaching the conclusion that the races who build the Grand Orients will not only have to delight themselves with a less composite style, but put their architecture on a different foundation before it can be recognized as Masonic. He believes that if Ihe Grand Lodge has power to hear and judge in appeal cases, that its reversal of the decision of the Lodge is effectual, not as a "restoration'to lost rights," but a declaration that the rights of the brother concerned " h a v e never been lost," a d d i n g : The spectacle of a Grand Lodge sitting as an appellate court, without the power to vacate the judgment of the tribunal whence the appeal comes, is one to provoke only the ridicule of gods and men. M . - . W . - . T H O S . T . GURNEY, Chicago, Grand Master;'R.-.W.-. J O H N F .

BURRILL, Springfield, Grand Secretary. INDIANA.

1880.

The attendance this year was large, over four hundred and sixty Lodges represented ; eight Past Grand Masters favored the Grand Lodge with their presence, and assisted in its deliberations; the business of .the session related to local matters, and was of little interest to any one outside of the jurisdic- • tion, save in two or three instances; no Report on Correspondence. Grand Master BELLAMY S . SUTTON submitted a very full account of the business of his office forthe year. The Temple debt is still a source of much annoyance and deep concern to the leading membersof the Order in Indiana. The rate of interest now being paid is a terrible burden to the Craft.. The Grand Master, with t h e valuable assistance of Bros. SMYTHE and LYNCH made an effort for a reduction of the rate of interest, buf to no- avail, the cold and iron graspof theShylockwasupon them and could not beraised. We would say g e t out of his clasp, if possible, and trust to luck in falling into the hands of some more generous one of his kind who does not want more than his pound of flesh. The plan of "Biennial Sessions" was by the Grand Master brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge. He suggested the propriety of changing the Grand Lodge By-Laws so as to hold a State .1 Communication once in two years. T h e committee to whom this was referred submitted the following report: Your Select Committee, to which was referred the matter of adjournment of this Grand Lodge until the fourth Tuesday of May, 1882, beg leave

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

85

to report that owing to the condition of the treasury of this Grand Lodge, and the character and amount of indebtedness of the same, we believe there exists an emergency for such adjournment, and, therefore, offer the following resolution, viz: Resolved, That when this Grand Lodge be adjourned it shall not meet again until the fourth Tuesday of May, A. D. 1882. Like Georgia, we think they have made a mistake ; time only can determine. We opine that the per diem and mileage question had much to do with the bringing about of this unfortunate action of the Grand Lodge, and Indi ana is not the only Grand Jurisdiction that is weighed down with the same kind of a debt, each year. On the ballot question the Committee on Jurisprudence brought in the following report: The Committee on Jurisprudence, to which was referred) so much of the "Most Worshipful Grand Master's Address as relates to the matter of a separate ballot for each degree as also the memorial of Center Lodge, No. 23, on the same subject, offers the following report: That on a careful exainination of the question, we find that the practice in the different Grand Jurisdictions is notat all uniform, some requiring, as we do, a separate ballot for each degree, while others allow but one ballot for all degrees. Others again require but one ballot, unless another ballot is called for by some member of the Lodge. The committee are therefore led to the conclusion that the number of ballots necessary to admit a petitioner to the several degrees, is a question • that is entirely subject to local legislation. Under the regulations prevailing in this jurisdiction, when a petition is presented to a Lodge, it sets forth that the petitioner "is desirous of being admitted a member thereof if found worthy," and to qualify him to become a member he must be in possession of all the degrees conferred in a. Lodge. Hence, it is the duty of the Committee on Character to inquire not only as to , his fitness to be made an Entered Apprentice, but a Master Mason as well. Then, upon the report of that committee, we can see no good reason why a single ballot should hot be sufficient to elect the petitioner to all he asks for in his petition ; for if an applicant is not worthy to be made a Master Mason, surely he should not be made an Entered Apprentice or Fellow-Craft. The question of advancement after initia'tion then becomes one simply of proficiency) and a majority vote of the Lodge is fully coiiipetent to decide that point without the necessity of a ballot. • After some discussion this report was adopted. .This is the Kansas rule, and it seems to work well with us. We shall not hear from the brethren of Indiana again till 1882. wish them abundant prosperity in the .interim.-

W^

M.-.W.-. CALVIN W . PRATHER, Jeffersonville, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. W M . H . SMYTHE, Indianapolis, Grand Secretary.

86

Proceedings of the INDIAN TERRITORY.

February, 1879.

Ten Lodges-represented, a limited amount of work done, pure local in nature. A committee was appointed on work, with instructions to procure the work and lectures of the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, and to exemplify the same before the Grand Lodge before its adoption of the same. The work and lectures of Arkansas were adopted in 1876, and repealed at this session. Only one Charter granted, to a Lodge in the eastern part of the Territory, near Fort Smith. The Annual Address of Grand Master J. S. MuRROW is an elaborate and well-prepared document. . He handles the affairs of-his Grand Lodge as only a Master workman can. He '"speaks out in m e e t i n g " and calls things by their proper names. His statement of Masonic " p r i n c i p l e " is terse, vigorous and directly to the point. 1 I t is well to often review theprmi'i/i/is of our Institution that we may know whence we came, what we are and whither we are traveling. A firm, live, sincere belief in GoD as the Moral Governor of the Universe, is a principle that lies at the foundation of all true Masonry. This should not be a hidden, dead principle. It should permeate every Mason's whole life. He should manifest it in his talk, in his business, in his disposition, in his whole, character. Three great and important ditties were charged on every one of you,*my brethren, at your initiation ; to GoD, your neighbor alnd yourself. To God by avoiding profanity, by constant prayer, by esteeming Him " tlie chief good. " To your neighbor by not defrauding him in business, by not backbiting or slandering him; in short, ,by " d o i n g ' u n t o him as you wish h e ' should do unto you." To yourself by avoiding all irregularity and intemperance of every kind, in thought, word and a c t ; by being in the dark what you seem to be in the light. These duties are founded upon Masonic/^-znciples to which you have sworn allegiance.- To the above are also added subordinate duties, as Brotherly Love, and this towards every being capable • of happiness or exposed to misery ; Relief, do something for somebody ; Truth, buy the truth and sell it not, let your veracity, your honesty, your integrity be undoubted. Let your word be as good as your bond. " What is truth" is the great secret of Masonry, and it is answered in John xvii, 17,—"Thy word is truth."" ' Temperance, use your compass constantly ; Fortitude, be able to say "no" when it is right, and " ^ « " when r i g h t ; Prudence, mind your own business and don't meddle with others; Justice, this i.s moral rectitude ; Faith, in G O D and m a n ; Hope, that blessed anchor of the soul which keeps.us from founderingin this stormy world; Charily, and now abideth this beautiful galaxy of virtues—Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth, .Tempei'ance, Fortitude, Prudence,- Justice, Faith, Hope, Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity. Thirteen decisions rendered, harmonizing in the main with the common law of Masonry. We believe in the doctrine that it requires the same number to open a Lodge that it does to form one U. D. It is always the safest plan to have as large a representation of the Lodge present as possible and thus avoid complaints of snap'judgment being taken in the absence of a reasonable number of the membership. Last year in our report we made mention of two cases of undue haste, on the p a r t o f Lodges to take in members with whom they were not sufficiently acquainted at the time of election to membership.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

87

One was not only made a member, but was also soon after elected Master. The Lodge discovered their irregularity, and suspecting the party to be clandestine in his Masonry, deposed him from office by striking his name from the roll. The Grand Lodge, after a full investigation of the case, decided that the action of the Lodge in dropping the name of the supposed spurious Mason from its rolls was illegal and ordered the charter of the Lodge suspended " d u r i n g the pleasure of the Grand Master." The members of the Lodge all seemed well satisfied that the man JOHNSON was an imposter, but they were unable to prove it. They were so bitter in their denunciations of the man that they "evidently preferred to surrender their Charter rather than tolerate him in their Lodge. Grand Master M U R R O W visited the members of this (Elm Springs) Lodge and after a protracted conference and much good advice thrown in by the Grand Master, the Charter was restored arid the man JOHNSON declared suspended.

,

•

. .

The Grand Master reported his action in the premises and the. committee to whom that part of his Address was referred made report, mixing the matter up still more, and the Grand Lodge, in order to get out of the muddle, declared that the party never was a Mason, hence never could have been a member. This is one way of getting out and perhaps the best way,; at all events we will not undertake to suggest a better one. •The brethren of Ok-la-ho-ma Lodge, No. 2, have been very unfortunate during their existence as a Lodge, having lost two halls .by.fire. Not dismayed, they are at work on a new hall, as we have been informed, and ex-,[ pect to have it ready for occupancy at the time of the Annual Meeting, No- . veniber 2, l88o. The Grand Lodge Library, which they had collected, was destroyed in the last conflagration. ' ' A brief Report on Correspondence of twenty-six pages was presented by some one too modest to append thereto his signature.Our old and valued friend and brother, P. J. BYRNE, was elected Grand Master, Ft. Gibson, Cherokee Nation; R.-.W.-. \V. A. MCBRIDE, Atoka, Grand Secretary. IOWA..

i88o.

The volume of Proceedings before us, like its predecessors from the same source, is " b r i m full" of valuable and interesting inforination. We always find much to interest us in the perusal of the Iowa " Annals. '•' T h e first thing that strikes the eye on opening the pamphlet is the well-executedportrait on steel, of the present Grand Master, M.-.W,-. Bro. J. N. MCCL'AN- ' AHAN. The representation from the Lodges was large, oyer 280 representatives attending the Annual Communication, and twenty Past Grand Officers. T h e business was of a routine and local character. The Annual Address of Grand Master, ALBERT C . ABBOTT, varies from the style of many, in being simply a business paper, devoted to Masonic matters in Iowa. He gives a full account of his official acts for the year. He calls the attention of the

88'

.

Proceedings of the

February,

' Grand'Lodge to-Past Grand Master-GUILBER-T'S pet scheme, the Widows' and Orphans' Home. This matter was pressed upon the attention of the Grand Lodge by Bro. GUILBERT, some years ago, b u t no definite action was ever had in regard-to it, that- we are aware of, notwithstanding which its devoted friend never wearies in well-doing, and eventually, we opine, something will have to be done in the premises, for he is bound to stay with them till it is done. From t h e following, we conclude thait the Grand Master is not a supporter of reimbursement: It hardly seems necessary to reiterate that which has heretofore been so plainly expressed by this Grand Lodge upon this subject. It seems to me strange that fraters can be found who, losing sight ofvthe vital principle of our Order in its universatility, cannot divest themselves of that mutiiai stock benefit idea, which has no affinity in the domain of Masonry. In the cases referred to, I have followed the position as heretofore taken by this Grand Lodge, that there is no Masonic law, either local or general, giving either a Lodge or.individual brother a claim ^^r j.? upon another.for such services or expenses. He makes mention in terras of fraternal sorrow of the Masonic dead,— among the number our old and tried friend and brother. Past Grand Master CAMPBELL IC. PECK, one of G O D ' S noblemen, whom it was our good fortune

to know intimately from 1859 to .the day of his death. No one knew him but to-love and respect him as a gentleman and a genuine Mason. This good brother died in Chicago, December 2, 1879, away from home, but not among strangers, for he was a stranger to b u t few between New York and San Francisco. But his loved ones were not with him in the last hour of his life. From t h e following, we infer that our Iowa brethren have found their so-called fifteen year rule rather troublesome : I desire to call especial attentign to this, that, upon your expression, all Lodges who have been legislating under its heretofore supposed validity may take notice and govern' themselves accordingly. A rule of this character seems, upon casual consideration, to be equitable and praiseworthy in its provisions of reward for faithful years of continued service on the part of ' members. Experience, especially among the older constited Lodges who have been acting under this rijle, demonstrates the fact that, aside from any income from " work" ( which is not to be considered in this connection), ihe roll of active and paying members being decimated more or less each year by the suspension of delinquents for non-payment of dues, the revenue is fast becoming inadequate to iheet ordinary Lodge expenses. " T h e G r a n d Master of Louisiana, in his address before that Grand Lodge at its last session, in speaking upon this subject, (the Lodges in that jurisdiction having a local regulation of exemption, although the Grand Lodge had, in 1877, repealed it as a general law,) says: " T h e l i f e members themselves seem to conceive that they have, been blessed with some signal prerogative or exemption—exemption not only from pecuniary liability, but from ordinary attention to Lodge duties—and lay themselves out for an otium quite refreshing and never contemplated. I assume no ken of prophecy when I foretell the destruction, in the course of a few years, of all who carry the clause in their by-laws." The above is but a brief extract from a very able argument of that M.-.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

'89

W.'. Grand Master against the pernicious evils resulting from the workings of an exemption law from dues. I hope that you will, by your positive action, make it distinctly understood that we favor no legislation for the creation of drones in our Masonic hive. We have always been strongly opposed to all such rules, believing that they work out more mischief than almost any thing else, granting as they do extraordinary privileges'to a few. What we do must be done by and for all, let us ever bear and share alike. The Grand Secretary hits the nail squarely on the head in the following : •It is not our province to speak of t h i s ^ r e a t evil, but' a. few facts set forth in the annual returns sent iii may throw some light upon the subject, and lead to a more enlightened legislation. The dues of a Lodge five yeai-s ago exceeded Sioo; now, with an increased membership, it pays less than 850 ; and a similar state of facts exists in a large number,of older Lodges. This not only throws the burden of Lodge support from the older to the younger portion of its members, leading, in some cases, directly to their withdrawal, but devolves the support of the Grand Lodge upon the younger Lodges (least able to bear the burden) and the newer members, who complain of this injustice to them. In several instances brothers of fifteen years standing have removed to other jurisdictions, and there -affiliated with the Chapters and Commanderies, and so helping tO'sustain them, while they retained their membership in our Lodges, where their "Masonry (like some men's religion ) costs them nothing." The reverse of the adage that " the laborer is worthy of his h i r e " is true, and " h e who will not work should not eat "—^ the bread of'Others. Under this supposed rule many members in arrears for Lodge dues have been released from the payment of Grand Lodge dues, and thus the support of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges has been cast upon those who follow the Scriptural injunction, "owe no man anything." We are glad to note the fact that Iowa is about to return to her first love, and we will again be favored with a Report on Correspondence. The discontinuance was a mistake, and we are rejoiced to learn that they have found it out. The move was a remarkable one for Iowa, for- the reason that she has never been in the habit of making any backward moves in anything. Your seat in the quill-drivers council has remained vacant, an'd we are m'ore than well pleased to have you resume your place in the ranks of the land of " mutuals." Bro. PARVIN never loses an opportunity to say a good word for the Grand Lodge I,ibrary, or to secure an old and rare book for its already well-filled shelves. , We quote the following from his annual report: Daily as we go into the library and open one or more of the volumes containing the garnered wisdom of the past, we not only behold old truths clothed in new forms, but gather an inspiration which well serves to strengthen us for the daily toils of office-life. It is well, now and then, to measure ourselves by the staiidard of other men, and no standard so correct as a library of. well-selected works. It is only as we look up through nature that we get an adequate idea of nature's GoD. So we must look into the past through ihe medium of the printed page which the writers of old have left us. And whe'n we have mastered their works will'our eyes have been opened to a knowledge of that which before was unknown. We once called upon a brother (a physician) who prided hims'elf upon his knowledge and intelligence, and asked him to subscribe for a Masonic periodica}; and was shocked at his reply : " I know all about Masonry and don't need it. "

90

'

Proceedings of the

February,

" Well, then," said we,' "only let us come and sit at your feet and learn that knowledge which we have long and diligently sought to acquire. It is only after years of laborious study that we have learned how little we know of the great subject]of Freemasonry." The brother subscribed and paid for the work, and boasts no more of his great learning. ' T h e newly-elected Master of one of our older and more decayed Lodges, a few days since, said to u s : • " ! intend to inaugurate a series of monthly lectures upon suitable topics in my Lodge, the coming fall and winter; can the brethren selected have the benefit of the library to prepare themselves for this work?" Certainly, we assured him, nothing can be more desirable than to utilize the means we have for the enlightenment of the brethren. The members (twenty,.all told) of a country Lodge have, for"the past year, taken and read more Masonic works from the library than any other hundred and twenty Lodges in the State ; and in iAai Lodge we hear of no '!dimits," no lukewarmness; but many of the niembers ride five to ten miles each Lodge night to attend the meetings; while in our cities, half of those within sight of the hall seldom darken the doors. It is- only by seeking the light that we may hope to find it. The committee to whom the subject of the Grand Lodge Library was referred, presented an able and exhaustive report, urging the many advantages to be derived frorri the possession at an early day of so valuable an acquisition as a Grand Lodge Libra!-y, from which we clip the following : That a collection of books so happily begun and so successfully fostered, should continue to be enlarged. Old Masonic works are scarce, very seldom . found, and more difficult to be obtained. Ancient brethren were very particular about spreading before the world anything pertaining to Masonry, and frequently destroyed many valuable documents, under false notions of secrecy. Could a PARVIN, a BOWER, or a LUSK have laid hands on these old papers, they would to-day be preserved to us, to add to our Masonic light and settle many disputed questions. The bujlding up of Masonic libraries has done more than any other agency to correct those peculiar notions of many good old brothers, and led to a better knowledge of w.hat are matters of record. To illustrate.: The four old.Lodges which met in London, in 1721, and composed the first Grand Lodge of England, issued an edict to the Craft to bring-up all the old records and documents in their possession. Fearing many old, and to them important, matters were about to be brought, 'before the outside world, those old brethren destroyed a large portion of everything relating to Masonry then in existence. Many things, however, supposed to be destroyed, were copied and preserved, and during recent years have been dragged to light by antiquarians and given to the Craft. The Librarian should be authorized by the Grand Lodge and prepared with • funds to secure at once any of those old antiquities to be obtained. A little delay is sometimes expensive. We commend the foregoing extracts to the careful reading of all, but ' more especially to those who think the library is of no benefit to any one, save perhaps-the Librarian. .The Grand Officers were installed in public, and during the ceremonies a pleasing episode occurred. Bro. Lus-E, the installing officer, omitted the usual formula observed when he came to the installment of the Grand Secretary and Grand Tyler,and improvised some happy and appropriate remarks applicable to the case of each brother. After receiving the hearty applause and kindly and fraternal greeting of the multitude, Bro. PARVIN stepped to the front and in his usual happy manner, ofi^ered the following:

i88o-i.

Cfrand Lodge of Kansas.

91

He little anticipated such a greeting when an inspection of the very fitting programme gotten up by the local committee and our now worthy Past Grand Master—out of the usual order, but the better designed for our entertainment and that of the friends who had honored us in their presence tonight—showed the rich treat in store if they would only wait awhile with patience. The Grand Master had, in his wisdom and great forethought, chosen three great lights, well armed with SHAPE'S self-loading rifles, who, in turn, would quickly fire into our midst such a volley of instruction and amusement upon the varied and interesting topics assigned them, that it would be folly for him, who was only armed with a scatter-gun, to attempt a successful parry at arms upon this occasion. He could not, however, forego a word of thanks and recollection, as he stood 'mid this large and intelligent throng of "men and brethren," gathered from all parts of the great State, of whose history we are all so proud and in whose destiny we have such an abiding hope. And the more was he thankful that he saw so many of the fair ladies of the capital city of Iowa honoring us with their presence and smiles to-night, when the weary labors of the day are past and recorded. How strange the scene to-night as contrasted with that of thirty and seven years ago. It was in the early dawn of our history as a territory, and before the State of Iowa had put on its swaddling clothes, while yet the red men were the undisputed monarchs of all they surveyed in the rich territory bordering the two rivers upon which the beautiful capital city of the State now sits, the queen of beauty and the monarch of successful growth and progress—at a time when the civilization of an embryo State was bordering the great river of the east, while all upon the west was unknown ground— at a time, too, when he himself was but a youth unskilled in the Craft—that the Grand Lodge of Iowa was launched upon the sea of life.

It is more than a third of a century ago—a period of the greatest progress Masonry and the world has made—that this jewel (holding it up was placed upon my breast by a dear friend, the Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Mis_souri, from the Grand Lodge of which the constituent (four ) Lodges and this Grand Lodge have legitimately sprung. How well and how faithfully I have, during all these long and eventful years, observed his injunction " t o wear it with credit to the Grand Lodge and the Masons of Iowa, and with honor to myself," let the published record of those years attest myhonorable observance of the one, and your repeated re-elections and the grand and flattering vote of this morning, coupled with the hearty welcome! of that and the present hour, bear me witness. My brethren, I thank you from my heart of hearts, and renew the pledge given again and again, to strive to serve you in the future as in the past, and seek to let my feeble light shine, that not only Iowa, but the nation and the world, may know that the Grand Lodge of Iowa has a name to live among men and Masons when'you and I shall be no more. These are all old and tried friends and brethren of more than thirty years standing with some and it always does us good and makes our very heart leap with joy when we see any good dealt out to any one of them. M.-.W.-. J. N. MCCLANAHAN, Chariton, Grand Master; R.\W.-. T H E O . S. PARVIN, Iowa City, Secretary. 9 c

92

Proceedings

of the

KENTUCKY.

February,

1879.

Their Proceedings for this year are quite voluminous, showing a large amount of business transacted during the sessio'n, much of" which will, no doubt, be of profit to the Craft in that Jurisdiction. There were present. Representatives from four hundred and twenty Subordinate Lodges; five Dispensations issued for the formation of new Lodges; three continued. The business transacted related mostly to home affairs, but presents many • points of interest. • •• The Annual Address of Grand Master THOMAS S. PETTIT is a strong, _clear exposition of the various labors and duties attached to his office during the official year, and like most men, he has not been able to please all. Well, we can not think that it would be a wise thing for an officer to make himself pleasing to a// with whom he has to deal. H e has handled most questions without gloves, especially that one which has proved a stumbling block for so many other Grand Lodges, the ^"conflict of jurisdiction." It seems as if agreement upon this vexed question was beyond hoping for, the metes and bounds, how far we may go, and • the line beyond which we may not go, yet engage the attention and occasionally divide the hearts of the brethren. We copy in full his remarks on the Tennessee trouble, and invite a careful perusal: A legacy from the last Grand Lodge to your Grand Master, of very great importance to the Craft, is the principles involved in the case of S. M. TOLIVER vs. King Solomon Lodge, No. 94, at Gallatin, Tennessee. It necessitated a long-controversy between the worthy and talented Grand Master of that State and myself, and to which I respectfully refer in the appendix of this address. Succinctly stated the case is this: TOLIVER, a member of Simpson Benevolent Lodge, No. 177, at Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky, while sojourning in Gallatin, Tennessee, a few- miles distant from Franklin, was charged with an unmasonic act. The Lodge at Gallatin took up.the charges, after TOLIVEK removed from their Jurisdiction, and expelled him, although this Grand Lodge had requested said Lodge to discontinue the proceedings and refer them to his own Lodge for trial. ( See printed Proceedings 1878, page 47, paragraph 4.) TOLIVER, feeling himself aggrieved by the action of King Solomon Lodge, No. 94, appealed to your Grand Master, who directed that liis own Lodge, where similar charges were pending, should proceed with the hearing of his case without regard to the decision of Lodge, No. 94. This makes a bold and broad issue, and had as well be settled now as at any other time. In emphatically denying the jiirisdiction of the Tennessee Lodge, I feel there is a connection- ex- isting between a Lodge and its members which no other Lodge has power to sever or annul, and should not have. Grant it, and you but give a Lodge power to suspend or expel the membership of a rival Lodge, and blot it forever from existence. MITCHELL, in his Common Law of M.isonry, page 206, lays down the true doctrine. He says: "Masons holding membership in other Jurisdictions, must be tried where they hold membership; but it is the duty of any Lodge to prefer charges, have them authenticated and forwarded to his Lodge. Not so with non-affiliated Masons; they must be tred by the nearest Lodge." It will be observed, in the Correspondence, that Grand Master CONNER admits the doctrine to some extent, but errs, as I think, in supposing that it

i88o^i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

93

is or can be affected by change of residence or length of time a metnb.er may be bodily absent from the jurisdiction of his Lodge. So long as be holds membership in it it is his Masonic home, and I care not how long he may reside in another I^odge jurisdiction ; and whatever part he may take in its "work or processions" is but the courtesy extended to a visitor. Your Grand Master is aware that the offense with which TOLIVER is charged is one against the whole body of Masonry, and not simply against the Lodge in whose jurisdiction he chanced to be when the act was perpetrated. But be it so. Where better could a fair trial be.had, obligated as we are, than in his own Lodge, with all the evidence easily accessible? I can never assent to the doctrine that a Lodge in another State can take up and expel or suspend, and turn a brother out of his own Lodge, so long as I have control over this Jurisdiction. King Solomon Lodge, No. 94, and Simpson Benevolent Lodge, No. 177, being only a short distance apart, I endeavored to secure a hearing for TOLIVER in his own Lo.dge on the.more pleasing ground of "courtesy" between the Jurisdictions; but failing in this my efforts were as -indicated above, and I submit to the disinterested judgment of all Masonic jurisconsiilts whether the comity of Freemasonry was fairly regarded in this case, when his'own Lodge—one of the oldest and best in Kentucky—-was first ready to deal with the offender, and had appointed a coni-' mittee to proceed to Gallatin to procure all evidence. It is quite evident that the brethren in Tennessee proceeded in this case with undue haste. We see no occasion for such a procedure; they were neighbors, the State line only separating them, seeing each other almost daily. It would have been in keeping with the teachingof pur Order for the Tennessee I,odge to have called the attention of the Kentucky Lodge to the conduct of the member, and asked their neighbors in a friendly and fraternal manner to deal with the erring brother, and then, had the Kentucky Lodge refused or neglected to proceed, it would have been quite time enough for them (the Tennessee brethren) to have taken the rnatter in hand. It is not good policy to attempt to govern other people's families, unless you are-called upon for such assistance. A little Masonic'courtesy goes a good ways, and it is well to use it when it is in demand, as it seems to us it was in this case. We do not agree with Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine, in his view as to who takes precedence in all such cases; first come,and first served, will not do in such matters, nor serve to maintain harmony. The per diem and mileage question has become troublesome, and is likely'to be a disturbing element in this as well as in other Grand Lodges. Our Kentucky brethren are becoming alarmed,"as well they may when the per diem and mileage absorbs about four-fifths of their income every year. Their entire receipts for current expenses amount to ^15,806.30, and the pay roll foots up $12,269.10, leaving only $3,657.20 to pay the necessary expenses of running the Grand Lodge. This balance, left after paying the per diem and mileage, will not in that Jurisdiction pay over one-half of this expense. Hence arises the necessity of borrowing money, leaving debts unpaid, or dispensing with printing the Proceedings. There is unquestionably very just cause for complaint, and it is well that the Grand Lodge has taken this matter in hand. I t would seem that it has done so none too soon. Such condition of affairs is calculated to breed discord and confusion among the Craft, and the sooner a remedy is applied the better ,it will be for the

94

Proceedings of the

February,

prosperity and well-being, in the future, of any Grand Lodge afflicted with such financial troubles. Several plans were suggested. Among the many proposed we find the following, offered by the Committee on Per Diem and Mileage, to whom this question was referred : Your committee, in pursuance of the above views, present a plan by which the number of representatives may be brought within the scope of a manageable congregation: J^t'rsi—Divide the Jurisdiction into Districts. Second—Each County in the State to be a Masonic District. . Third—The Lodges in any county not having over one hundred members in the aggregate to be entitled to one representative. Fourth—A District' having over one hundred members and less than two hundred, shall be entitled to one Representative ; if over two hundred members, one Representative for the first hundred and one Representative for every additional two hundred members. Fifth—Districts not having over one hundred members shall be entitled to one Representative. Thus it will be.seen that this plan, while it reduces the number of delegates under the present system in attendance upon the Grand Lodge, gives to every Lodge in the State representation. Sixth—The mode and manner of selecting the delegates to be this : T h e Representative of the oldest Lodge in the District shall be the Representative to the Grand Lodge for the District the first session of the Grand Lodge after this system goes into effect; the next oldest Lodge, the second year, and so on, as to age, until every Lodge in the District has in turn had the representative to the Grand Lodge. After each Lodge in the District shall have had its year of representation, then the turn of the oldest Lodge again commences, and the rotation to be followed as before. After much discussion of the many plans suggested, the amendment to the Constitution proposed by Grand Master T I L D E N in 1878 was adopted, as follows: " T h a t Article IIIj Section 6, pa;-t 4 of the Constitution, b e ' amended by striking out the words four and five and inserting the words three a.ni four, in lieu thereof," (so that the per diem shall be reduced to three dollars and the mileage to four cents.) This, as we understand it, will reduce the expenses about 151,300. According to prices paid by us, " o n our native heath," this expense account could be reduced again at least ^1,300, and then not a dollar would be lost by any brother attending Grand Lodge, unless he or they went into the extras pretty deeply. There certainly should be neither speculation nor extravagance in this little Masonic work. We find on exarnination of the various Grand Lodge Proceedings, that many of the Grand Lodge treasuries are drained in the same way as that of Kentucky. We are glad to say our own is not, but we do not know how it will be in the future, as the matter of per diem and mileage is now in the hands of a committee who are to prepare a plan and present it at the next Annual Communication. We have never favored such a scheme, fearing that it smacked too much of speculation. We have heard those who belong to other Societies say that they could save from 25 to 50 per cent, of their per diem and mileage. It may be all right for other Societies to allow their

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members to speculate in that way, but it would not do for Masons unless they courted criticism, and that of the sharpest kind. Bro. DRUMMOND says on this subject, " W e think our plan in Maine about as good as any; we pay mileage and not per diem, and we make the amount such that the Grand Lodge and the Representatives divide the expense, the Grand Lodge, however, bearing the greater part." This may do. Forty-five decisions were rendered, of which we quote the following: Fraud and falsehood can not be countenanced by Masonry; it teaches honesty and truth." There is no obligation resting upon a brother to keep inviolate a falsehood, even communicated upon the "five points; and especially so when an injury is thus done a worthy brother; nor is the brother so exposing such perfidy liable to be dealt with under Masonic law. Each brother must have due summon and separate trial before he can be lawfully suspended for non-payment of dues, or any other offense. It is a violation of State law, and contrary to all rules of decorum and common decency, for a brother to enter a Lodge room "carrying a weapon," and subjects him to rigid Masonic displine. The Grand Lodge heirs what may be left by a Subordinate Lodge when the demise takes place. While a "candidate must be physically able to give all the signs, dueguards," etc., yet it is " the internal and not the external qualifications of a man that Masonry regards." Held, near-sightedness does not exclude from membership. When minutes of a preceding meeting are read, the only question is as to their correctness before approval. Should any action of the Lodge at next meeting be deemed unwise or impolitic, a motion to reconsider would be in order, according to parliamentary practice. When a new trial is granted, the status of the accused is the same as before conviction. The moral law is a Freemason's great pattern, and the higher'the standard the purer the Masonry. Simply a defect in the administration,of the obligation is no justifiable plea to a specific charge' of gross unmasonic conduct. A Subordinate Lodge can not be deprived of its Charter until being cited by the Grand Lodge to "show cause why it should not be done;" nor can a Master Mason be deprived of his rights as such except by due trial and conviction. Senior Warden may call Lodge to order and resign gavel to a Past Master, and after doing so, take his station in the West. Said Past Master is then clothed with all the powers of the Master—Senior Warden reserving none. Evidence taken in court can not be accepted in a Masonic trial. It is taken before a committee duly appointed, as set forth in Article 4 of Constitution. The first decision quoted was not concurred in by the Grand Lodge. The committee in their report on this decision say: We would respectfully submit that these well-defined restrictions being themselves restricted in their operation are emphatically inclusive and necessarily render all other restrictions, however salutary, exclusive. It will readily occur to every Mason that were the door to such additional restrictions once opened, and such modifications and qualifications declared admissible, this most valuable " t e n e t of our profession" might be divested of all

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protecting-power as a safeguard and shield, and become virtually inoperative sav.e only perhaps to spread discord and confusion among the Craft. "Better suffer the ills we have than .fly to those we know not of." Your committee therefore feel reluctantly compelled to recommend a reversal of this decision of our Most Worshipful Grand Master. When in 1877 the special tax was laid for the Widows' and Orphans' Home, one of.the Subordinate Lodges refused to pay the assessment, hold-' ing such a levy to be unconstitutional. They even went to such unwise lengths as to circularize all the 'Other LoSges in the State, declaring their intention of refusing the payment of any such assessment, and going so far as to say that rather than pay the tax they would surrender their Charter. This was no doubt without due consideratioh-on the part of the members. The Grand Lodge acted almost as hastily themselves, arresting the Charter without notice, or even a hearing. In this, as in every other instance, " t w o wrongs do not make one right." We are pleased to note the restoration of the Charter, the proper and almost the only course open'in such a case, unless they want to punish first and try afterwards. It is generally best to hasten slowly, although there may be rare instances where the Grand Lodge would be justified in recalling Charters in a summary manner as it did in this case. Bro. ROB. MORRIS presents another of his very able Reports on Correspondence, covering one hundred pages. H e has managed to put his work together so that it is almost impossible for us to " g o b b l e " therefrom. It is one of his sharp tricks, but if he doesn't look sharp we will get him yet before we are through. He says of the Grand Lodge Representatives: In connection with this we observe that our Representative near the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, Bro. J O H N T . BUCK, was not reported present. We propose next year..=to name all absentees, and hope our fellow chairmen will do the same, and then, if a Representative does not render proper excuse to the appointing power, he should be requested to resign. If the matter is carefully .examined it will be seen that in our own list ( published on page 289, Proceedings Grand Lodge Kentucky,'1878), there are names of brethren who never attended Grand Lodge in their representative capacity. If the system is worth maintaining, and we think it is, it should be regulated by strict law. He does not seem to regard with burning admiration the class of Masons who let a Lodge die out, for when the Grand Secretary of South Carolina remarks that by the cessation of labor in these Lodges the Fraternity loses the co-operation "of a large number of influential and zealous members who actively engaged in the cause of benevolence," he says: We can not see upon what principle Masons are styled "influential and zealous," whose influence and zeal are too feeble to sustain a Lodge! Why, in scores of the backwoods settlements of Kentucky fifteen or twenty men, plain woodsmen, men who would blush to be styled "influential," keep the Lodge-fires burning, pay dues, and maintain active charity from one generation to another. Such a compliment sounds too much like that we hear every day of the reckless sot, " a good-hearted fellow, a splendid man, hightoned, honorable, only—/te drinks." That is, he barters his heart, splendor, tone, honor, for a dram of whisky! Out upon such honor. It seems that the Grand Lodge of Kentucky has recognized the so

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called Grand Lodge of Spain. We do not fully understand this action. Bro: MORRIS is as well or perhaps better posted than a;ny'other Mason in this country on the status of foreign Grand Lodges and Grand Orients. H e has never favored the hasty recognition of any of these Orients, hence we are a little surprised. 'He says: ' W e have under date of December lo, 1878, notification of the officers elected and installed over the Order in Spain for the present year. The titles, etc., smack trangely to us of the Scottish Rite or some other of which the Grand Lodge can know nothing officially, and but that we find an occasional reference to "Grand Symbolical Lodge," we should send the document to Washington City as out of place. J U A N A. PEREZ RICARDO is Grand Master of the Symbolical Department; JOSE LEONARDO, Deputy Grand Master, and PEDRO PABLO CASTANERA, Grand' Secretary. They are all 33ds; all display private signets stamped below their names, like thorough bass under a good old-fashioned tenor, and the thing looks so little like Blue Lodge Masonry that we hope Bro. HIRAM BASSETT, who is the Representative of Spain near our Grand Lodge, will learn Spanish next year expressly to.do the translating for us. In the meantime, if our good Brothers, PEREZ, LEONARDO and CASTANERA, will pardon our old-time notions and accept our counsel, they will omit their Grand Commanderships, their three-and-thirties, and their signets, when addressing a body of ancient Masons like ours, and we shall know much, better how to talk of them hereafter! He gives Kansas his attention, and that in a lively manner; approves Bro. GUTHRIE'S plan for consolidation of two Lodges into one, and likes the Kansas resolutions concerning Quebec and the Scotch difficulty. M.-.W.-. JAKE R I C E , Louisa, Ky., Grand Master; R.-.W.-. H I R A M BASSETT, Millersbiirg, Grand Secretary. LOUISIANA.

1880.

The attendance at the opening of the Annual Communication was quite srriall, only fifty-three Lodges r'esponding'to roll call; before the close of the session, however, eighty-three reported to the Committee on Credentials. The business transacted at the session was local in nature and unimportant to outsiders; no new Lodges organized; several consolidated. The Annual Address of Grand Master E D W I N MARKS contains a full and clear statement of his official acts and of the condition of Grand Lodge affairs during the year. He pays an affectionate tribute to the memory of one of their noble veterans, who passed over the great river during the year; we excerpt therefrom the following : The Mastership of Relief Lodge is at no time a sinecure, but when to the ordinary daily and practical duties it entails, is added the concomitant scenes that arise and have to be passed through, an amount of heroic selfsacrifice is required that tests the stoutest heart and entitles the hero to a high nich in the estimation of his fellow-men. This language, my brethren, may be deemed extravagant, but, in my humble judgment, it is truthful and is justified by my own observations. Throughout the long trying hours of that fearful summer he was ever at his post, prepared to answer the calls of distress, or perhaps gathering about him a few faithful brethren, proceeded Jo the place of the last sad scene that ended'his tninistralioos. His worH

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can not be here recounted — language can not portray incidents that appertain to and environ sorrow, and the photograph can not depict the glisten of the eye that moistens as it looks upon the sufferer. His noble, sympathetic heart felt for the distress about him, and his venerable, honored form seemed to bow itself^as his manhood moved about his bitter theatre of action. God rest his soul in peace. On the question of life-membership, he says: I feel that I am imperatively called upon to jot down my reflections upon the subject of Life Membership, which I regard as a growing evil, and which, if not checked, is destined ultimately to sap the very life, or undermine and prostrate the well-being and usefulness of some of the hitherto most prosperous Lodges in the State. W h e n first instituted by the Lodges, as a reward for certain years of continuous service on the part of their members, it appeared as a well deserved ovation to those who had remained faithful and regularly fulfilled their duties for a lengthened period, but, like many measures of the sort without the test of experience, it has^proven itself a serious bane — each year resulting in a marked decline of the Lodges^ in a financial point of view, that may lead them finally to enforced dissolution. The Grand Lodge itself fell into the same error, and for several years, by edict, so encouraged the system by the Constituent Lodges as to exempt from dues to itself those thus created for a period of fifteen years; but in 1877 by a unanimous vote it was repealed. This action was wise and prudent, for it would finally have lead to a serious decrease in the course of years and have dangerously lessened our revenues. The Lodges still continue to exempt their members from payment of dues for periods varying from ten to twenty years, and the consequence is, that with comparatively a hiatus in the work and the constant suspension of delinquents for non-payment of dues, the roll of active and paying members is inadequate to meet the ordinary expenditures, and Lodges are now finding themselves becoming involved in debts they can not manage. The life members themselves seem to conceive that they have been blessed* with some signal prerogative or exemption — exemption not only from pecuniary liability, but from ordinary attention to Lodge duties, and lay. themselves out for an otium quite refreshing, and never contemplated. The question of how to rid themselves of this canker worm to their eventual existence is a matter resting clearly with the Lodges, but I assume no ken of prophecy when I foretell the destruction in the course of a few years of all who carry the clause in their ByLaws. The remedy lies, first, in a proper spirit of abnegation on the part of the life members themselves—the ultimate results being plainly portrayed to t h e m — t h e y must necessarily conclude that, after all, they will lose by decease of their Lodges the very privilege that has been entailed upon them. And if in the face of this stubborn fact i/iey should continue to insist on their immunity from dues, then the only possible safety for the perpetuation of the Lodge will be the repeal of the law in the future, to summarily arrest the creation of any further drones. I trust that the Lodges whose By-Laws contain this dangerous feature will at once rid themselves of it and harvest all their legitimate resources for their necessary expenses. We cannot too heartily commend to the earnest and careful consideration of the membership of our own Lodges these words of warning. This evil is found to exist to a greater or less extent in almost evei'y Jurisdiction on the Continent of America, and wherever practiced it surely works mis chief, and ultimately destroys the harmony of any Lodge. This life membership has been a disturbing element in Louisiana for many years, although it has many warm friends who are also its strong advocates. In relation to the right of objection, the good brother presents his views of the law of his own Jurisdiction, and its unjust effects, in this wise:

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As time and experience discloses the operation of laws, it demonstrates their efficacy and salutary effects, or testifies to their failure or injustice. Observation has proven to nriy mind that the right of objection to the initiation or progress of a candidate should have a prescribed limit, a limit coequal with the silent expression of the ballot and not exceeding it. As the Edict exists, any Brother M. M. can, by virtue of his prerogative right of objection, interpose a barrier to the progress of a candidate, that is to stand just so long as he remains a member of the Lodge, and no matter whether present or not in the Jurisdiction, such objection is potent at the will of the objector and can last a life time. In our Jurisdiction there is no difference made where the party has been initiated or passed, the objection entered standing as a barrier, and no explanation can be demanded. In many other Jurisdictions objections after advancement must be followed by charges. I do not adduce, this fact, as an argument that we should change our Law. in the latter respect, but only to evidence the radical view we have entertained on the whole matter. I believe that the right of objection is sacred, should be secret as to reasons, if so desired, and preserved intact as a safeguard to the Institution, but when it borders upon autocratical pretensions and is senselessly prejudicial to ordinary individual rights, it should be confined to the limits of safety to the Order and justice to the man. If based upon moral grounds when instituted by the objector, they should be worth renewal after a time, either as an uttered objection or by a black ball. A black ball rejects for six months; why shoiild an objection stand longer? Both acts are expressions of the will. I recomme'nd that the right of objection be limited to six months, and subject to renewal for like periods. Our own law is substantially the same as in many other Jurisdictions. We have, after many years experience in the affairs of the Craft, come to the conclusion that this right of Objection is about the worst abused prerogative given to man, and it does seem, as Bro. MARKS says, that there should be some limit to this right. Concerning this subject, Bro. SIMONS, of New York, says: . ' ' We do not allow a mere verbal objection to prevail or have any weight, but insist that the objector shall demand a ballot. In the case of a profane, this ballot has the same eff'ect as the original, which is to say that, if there be an adverse ball, the candidate is rejected just as he would have been had the same thing occurred on the original ballot. On the ballot for advancement, we hold that an adverse deposit has only the effect to stop the candidate for the time being, and that a favorable ballot thereafter will confer upon him the right to advancement. This would appear to be more just to the candidate. It is time this subject was discuss^ed and some change effected in the rule by which justice could be done to all. __ . We are pleased to note the prosperous condition of Louisiana Relief Lodge, No. I. This has proved to be one of the grandest institutions of this country, and well may its founders be proud of its record, which stands without a paralell. The Grand Lodge showed by the adoption of the following resolution, its high appreciation of the good work done by the officers of this noble organization: Resolved, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge, and the favorable consideration of the whole Fraternity, in this Jurisdiction, is due, and is hereby given, to the officers and members of Louisiana Relief Lodge, No. I-, past

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and present, for the faithful performance of their arduous duties, and they are requested to continue in the labors, confident in the support of the Grand Lodge and the Fraternity. Bro. WILLIAM R . W H I T T A K E R , presented the Report on Correspondence. It is written up in hasty pudding style (owing to unforseen drafts on the writers' time), and like that national 'dish it is full of richness, "strong meat," in fact, and we regret that he finds it impossible to continue on the Correspondence Committee, for we always like to meet such vigorous and spicy writers, who can give us something new and interesting in their yearly reports. We wish that Louisiana may have the good luck to match him in his successor. He gives Kansas for 1879 kindly notice, making free quotations and criticising fraternally. For the high compliment paid'the writer hereof, we return thanks; such words of kindly appreciation accorded to our imperfect endeavors are ever encouraging, especially from such sources. He agrees with us on the question of dispensing charity, and quotes us approvingly on the Dakota and Minnesota trouble. T h e trouble is over, all the Lodges in Dakota have joined the " h o m e circle," and the love feast has been held. Thus it should be among brothers. M.-.W.-. E D W I N MARKS, New Orleans, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. T. C. BATCHELOK, M . D . , New Orleans, Grand Secretary. MAINE.

1880.

We note the attendance.of all the Grand Officers except the lamented DODGE, who passed over the Great River since the Annual Meeting in 1879; in him another of Maine's true Craftsmen has gone to receive his re.ward. One hundred and seventy-two Lodges represented, ten Past Grand Officer, six of them Past Grand'Masters. The Annual Address of Grand Master CHARLES I. COLI.AMORE is a business paper and relates almost entirely to local affairs. He pays fraternal tribute to the memory of distinguished members of his Grand Lodge who have died during the Jyear, the first being the ReV. Bro. CHARLES A. CURTIS, Grand Chaplain, who was accidentally drowned in Moosehead Lake, whither he had repaired to improve his failing health, the second being Bro. DODGE, already mentioned, one among the many prominent citizens of that good old State. He Kad been Grand Treasurer • for twenty-five years. He was a physician by profession, " kind to the poor, gentle to the suffering," as the Grand Master says, and withal a tried, true and faithful friend of the Mystic Art. ST. JOHN'S day, was appropriately celebrated by the Lodges in Portland and a general ^ood time enjoyed. This is as it should b e ; this day should be celebrated by every Lodge in Christendom. A splendid Hall was dedicated at Belfast; among the many good things served up by the good brethren of Belfast was a good hot dinner and an excellent oration by M.-.W.-. Bro, DRUMMOND. It seems in the State of Maine the various J^ocjges have to furnish their history for the last ten years. This is an ex-

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cellent idea,'and should be followed by every Lodge in each Grand -Jurisdiction. Two applications were received for Dispensations to form new Lodges. The Grand Master entertaining grave doubts as to the desirability of organizing any more new Lodges in the Jurisdiction, referred the applications to the Grand Lodge. The committee to whom these applications were referred concurred in the views of the Grand Master, and no Dispensations were granted. It might be well to remind our Kansas brethren that in one case there were twenty-four and the other thirty-one names on the petition, yet it was not thought advisable to grant Dispensations in either case. From the following we conclude that the Grand Master does not favor the idea of being a member of the many secret societies now'engrossing the attention of members of our Order. He says: • . It is possible, that in some cases we are brought, unconsciously, perhaps, into competition with them in the matter of increase of membership. We must also take into account, tiiat a great many Masons belong to some or all of these societies, and, as I have before said, having been taught none of the principles of Masonry, naturally remain longest with those which seem to afford the most amusement, or the most and quickest return for the money invested. The number of Lodges has grown, td its present proportions rather as a matter of form, because, having granted one, there seemed no good reason why we should not another, and as a matter of convenience to,the brethren. A ready answer to the last reason, I think, may be found in the fact, susceptible of proof from the records, that those Lodges whose membership is the most widely separated, have the largest and most constant attendance. In 1848, when we had sixtyrnine Lodges, Grand Master HUMPHREYS, after having granted six Dispensations for new Lodges, used this language: " I have, however, had great doubts of the propriety of increasing the number'of Lodges to the extent which seems to be anticipated by the present prosperity of Masonry. What may now be considered prosperity may prove hereafter to be adversity. I doubt not the same thing has suggested itself to many now present, whether we are not creating too many Lodges, and that in the end some may prove to be the nurseries of individuals wlio ought not to be admitted to the Institution." We have always held to the doctrine that a small farm, well cultivated, is far better and more profitable than an all-out-door farm, poorly cultivated. So we say of Masonic Lodges; give us a few, well-officered and the membership selected with an eye single to the best interest of the whole Fraternity, rather than a number of Lodges located at every cross-road and postoffice with poor, inexperienced officers, debts hanging over their heads, and with loose and indifferent ideas as to the class .of material to be used in building up the Lodge. These unfavorable conditions could all be removed in due time were officers always selected who had the moral courage to do the right that their conscience points out to them to say yes and no, especially no, in the right place and at the right t]me, and to require as much of others, when the best interest of the Order demands such decisive action. This may be an educational work iii part, requiring time and much external resistance to make it a reality. When the brethren realize that it is the

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interest of Masonry at large that they are to observe and not the interest of one individual, nor of one Lodge, then we may hope to see these things practiced as a matter of course. The Grand Master does not favor,the doctrine of requiring a newly admitted member to sign the By-Laws in order to complete his membership. We have ever regarded such a requirement as quite unnecessary, and the rule in that regard is perhaps more frequently violated than any other on the Statute books of the Grand Lodges where it prevails. When the a p p l i ' cant has applied for and is elected and the Records show as much, it seems as if the work were complete and nothing further should be required. In concluding his very excellent remarks he offers the following suggestions: From time to time, in different parts of the country, and recently in a neighboring Jurisdiction, designing men have endeavored to start a cruside against secret societies, but particularly against Masonry. These efforts have been futile, and will remain so, unless some over-zealous or indiscreet Mason renders them the assistance they desire. The duty of Masons, in this matter should be well understood, but it may not be unwise, at this time, to urge upon this Body, and through it upon the whole Craft, the'practice, not only with regard to this but all subjects connected with Masonry, of that cardinal virtue' in a Mason, silence. T h e experience of the year leads to the reflection that the brother who occupies theexalted position with which you have honored me, overlooking the wh'ole Craft, should be observant of the working of our laws, quick to •discern any danger which may threaten from within or without, prompt in correcting such infractions of the law as may come within his province, and conscientiously calling the attention of the Grand Lodge to such things as demand its attention and action. We now pass to the Report on Correspondence, prepared by Bro, J. H . 'DRUMMOND. His work fully justifies the reputation which has grown with every recurring issue of the Maine Proceedings. He thus speaks of Bro. ROBBINS' objection to the motion to lay on the table: He speaks of the motion " t o lay on the table" as unmasonic. We can not for the life of us see why, if the Grand Lodge desires to lay aside a .pending subject for a time, in order to take up some other business, it may not do so/unless the Grand Master interferes. A Grand Master,.presiding i n l h e Grand Lodge, will generally consult the wishes of the Grand Lodge as to the order in which it will transact its business. We see that in the Grand Lodge of Illinois business is often made the "Special Order" for a particular hour—and rightly, too. In our Grand Lodge we have often known a matter to be "laid on the table" on account of the absence of some , member interested in it; and then taken up again and acted upon, and we . never suspected it was unmasonic. The fact is, that because when a matter is "laid on the t a b l e " in our National House of Representatives, it is practically killed, the erroneous notion has obtained, that a motion to lay on the table is a motion to kill the pending proposition; whereas a motion to take it from the table is in order at any subsequent session of the Body, under parliamentary law, except in those Bodies which have for every session a prescribed "Order of Business."

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So that a motion to lay on the table is ordinarily no more than a laying of the matter aside until the next daily session of the Body, when a motion to take it up is in order: if such motion is voted down it can not be renewed at that session. But even if a Grand Lodge desires not to pass upon the merits of a question, and lays it upon the table and ieeps it there, we do not see anything unmasonic in it. Of.course the Grand Master may intervene; but we are speaking of cases in which the Grand Master is willing to consult the wishes of the Grand Lodge. But it may be said that the motion cuts off debate? Well, if the Grand Lodge so wills, and the Grand Master concurs, it should cut off debate. The'fact is, that the will of the Grand Lodge (except when the Grand Master intervenes) should prevail: a motion to give expression to that will cannot be unmasonic: it uses motions by the same name as those in parliamentary law, but untrammelled ,by the teclrnicalities of that law. To illustrate: A matter is under discussion, and a member, believing that further discussion is profitless, moves that the Grand Lodge now proceed to vote; the Grand Master says that he is disposed to follow the wishes of the Grand Lodge in reference to a continuance of the discussion, and so will put the motion. He does so, and it is carried. Wnerein is this unmasonic? But this is equivalent to a motion for the previous question, which, in general terms, is said to be unmasonic. The true doctrine is, that the Grand Lodge is not bound by parliamentary law at all, except so far as it expressly adopts it; but may, under the supervision of the Grand Master, use any of the parliamentary machinery to carry its will into effect. ' This is the first time we ever heard this that Bro. ROBRINS wrote that article on the somewhat "exercised in mind" by some of life," and disposed.'to make that unoffending goat for his feelings. • .

right questioned, and take it right to lay on the table when the " p e t t y miseries of human parliamentary measure a scape•'

Bro. DKUMMOND has devoted, much'of his valuable space to the Past Master question, and while paying his respects to Missouri he makes a lively tilt at Bro. ViNCiL, leading off in this wise: He attacks our decision in relation to Past Masters, declaring it to be "unfounded, unauthorized, unsustained, and on no ground justified." This is an immense pile of adjectives, and deserves consideration. Before considering his argument, we must notice one matter relating to Missouri. He says: " W e are happy to add that such provision was dropped by Missouri, just thirteen years ago." But yet, at this very session his Grand Lodge adopted the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, declaring that in case of a funeral, with the charier present, the Lodge may.be opened by a Past Master, in the absence of the Master and Wardens. Now Bro. VINCIL holds that only a Lodge of Master Masons can perform the funeral service. What is the difference in principle between opening a Lodge for a funeral or for any purpose? It is said that a woman once pleaded in mitigation of'being mother of a baby "without due process of law," that it was a little one; but il was a baby for all that! ' . •. He says: " I f not found in the Constitution, except by implication, we regard the right or power o( a Past Master to open a Lodge and preside therein in the absence of the three officers named in the Charter—Master and-Wardens— ' as unfounded, unauthorized, unsustained and on no ground justified. The only way such power can exist in a constitutional way, is to create it. No suc)\ power inheres in or belongs to the thing. It is not an office, for there is no station or place in a' Lodge for a Past Master to fill. A Past Master is not an officer. If not an officer, what right has he to exercise official func-

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tions? None at all, unless he is endowed with such power by constitutional enactment. Therefore such authority must be found in the Constitution before it can be exercised. It is not in oitr Constitution, but, on the contrary, we forbid the opening of a Lodge in the absence of the Master and Wardens; and for the simple reason that they are the custodians of an official trust, reposed in and committed to them, and to no one else. Certainly not to a Past Mast r fcr he is unknown to the law, to the Grand Master or th'e Grand Lodge, in creating a Lodge. The term /'asi Master is a designalion applied to one who was once a PVors/itfifu/ Master, but now no longer one, having/>n.rj^(^ out of office. It implies nothing, officially^ except that the wearer of the title was once honored with the confidence of his brethren, and filled the responsible station of Master of a Lodge. None of the rights or power of the station, lately filled, descend with him from the chair. And we believe that to endow a Past Master, by constitutional en-actment, with such power as is only implied in the Maine law, is as gratuitous as it is needless." The fallacy in this argument is, that he starts substantially with the proposition that all Masonic law is created by constitutional enactment, utterly ignoring those ancient usagfes and customs which have become not only law, but irreparable law. We don't care whether a certain power naturally " i n h e r e s " in an officer or past officer or not; but if, from time immemorial, the usage has been for him to exercise that power, it is well founded, fully authorized, perfectly sustained and wholly justified; or, to put it in fewer words, zV is a law. H e says " a Past Master is not an officer. If not an officer, what right has he to exercise official functions?" A Warden is not a Master: if not a Master, what right has he to exercise the functions of a Master? In both cases the reply is the same, and very simple: "M^ law gives hint tlie right.'" He further says, "official authority cannot r^z/^/-/ to one out of office; it'may descend, but cannot revert." Certainly there is no more//y.ÂŤVÂŤ/difficulty in authority's reverting than in descending. The Warden is as much out of the Master's office as the Past Master is. In both cases the authority goes to one who is not a Master, simply by force of law, and without reference to whether it,reverts or descends. The relation of the Warden to the Master is fixed by usage which has become law; the relation of the Past Master to the Master also is fixed by usage which has become law. Now, then, tracing the usage back to the earliest times; finding it still in existence in the Grand Lodge of England, and in all Grand Lodges which have sprung from her since 1813; seeing that it was exercised in all the old Grand Lodges in this county, and in their subordinates from the time they came into existence, we are justified, nay, compelled to hold that the practice is in accordance with long usage and therefore with law; a law, too, which a partial abandonment thirteen years ago by Missouri, can not control. '. He also lays stress upon the fact that ANDKRSON'S Constitutions provide that the Past Master could not act until the Senior Warden has once congregated the Lodge. Of course he could not, for in those days the Lodges had no fixed times of meeting, but met wherever the Master congregated them; that wns the only way they could get together. But when together, the Past Master could act, and before they came together it could not be known that the Master and Wardens would all be absent. But now the Lodge is congregated by law without the summons of Master or Warden, and the By-Law, fixing the time of meeting, takes the place of the congregating of the Lodge by the proper officer: being congregated by due authority, the Past Master acts in absence of Master and Wardens. He says, further: " T h e Maine Committee said that when a Senior Warden is around, a Past Master can act only under his authority. 'But that when neither a

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

. 105

Master or Warden is.present, a Past Master can open a Lodge and preside therein.' " ' " T h i s is stranger doctrine than that of the Master's.authority reverting to the Past Master. .We ask, if the Master and Wardens are absent, who congregates the Lodge,' according toANDEKSON? Certainly not the Past Master aforesaid, for he is not an officer of the Body. And surely none will contend that a Lodge may be congregated, opened and presided over by a party who is not an officer and has no official standing. Where is his right •to do so? It does not belong to the title styled Past. The wearer is not an officer, but a past officer—an out-o'f-office party; anci in the fact that he is out of office, is found reason sufficient to settle the question, and to squelch the claim of power to 'open a Lodge and preside therein in the absence ' of those who are alone authorized to congregate and open the same. "Once more. We wish to learn why a Past Master may do certain things in the absence of certain officers, which he can riot do in their presence. When the Senior Warden is present, he 'fills the chair, even though a former Master be present.' So said ANDERSON. "Again, the same authority said, a Past Master can not act unless the Senior Warden congregates the Lodge. Here the Senior Warden is present, and the Past Master can not act without his permission and direction. And yet he will exercise 'power' in the absence of the Senior Warden that he is not endowed with'in his presence. It is admitted by our Maine brethren, that, officially, the Past Master is the subordinate of the Senior War-' den. when he is present; being endowed with no official attributes, how does the Past Master become so potent just as soon as the Masterand Wardens are out of sight? Can't see it." Let us test this logic a little: Read " W a r d e n " for " P a s t Master,''and '' Master" for "Warden." We wish to learn why a Warden may do certain things in the absence of the Master which he cannot do in "his presence? When the Master is present, the Warden cannot act as Master without his permission and direction ; and yet he, will exercise power in the absence of the Master that he is not endowed with in his presence. Officially, the Senior Warden is the subordinate of the Master when he ispresent. Being endowed with no attribute of the Master, how does the Warden become so potent just as soon as the Master is out of sight? Can't see-it? If Bro. . VINCIL'S logic proves that the Past Master can not'act as Master in the absence of Master and Wardens, it also proves that a Warden can not act as Master when he is absent! It proves altogether too much, if it proves anything, and so we suspect it does not prove any theory ! He still insists that because a Grand Lodge will not grant a Charter to less'than seven, it takes seven to make a Lodge ! The law does not say tliat the whole seven must be present when the Lodge is constituted. - The granting of the Charter does not make a Lodge: the.act of constitution makes it. Bro. ViNCiL infers from the fact that a Charter will not be granted to less than seven, that less than seven can never open a Lodge, but it requires a good deal of power to draw that inference from that fact. Seven members are.required to do certain business, and a Charter would not be granted to a less number than can do all the business of a Lodge. But it does not follow, therefore, that certain other business can not be done by a less number. Here, again, Bro. VINCIL loses sight of usage. He claims, that a Past Master is o'nly an ex-officer. . This may be so in Missouri ( but we doubt i t ) , but it certainly is not so, generally. In many Jurisdictions, Past Masters are ex-officio members of the Grand Lodge; in others, they are entitled to be present in Grand Lodge, although not members; in others, they are eligible to any. Grand office; and the ancient idea >vas, that a P^st Master bore niueli the same relation to Master Masons as

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'

February,

the latter did to Fellow Crafts and Entered Apprentices. ancient idea was, that "once a Master, always a Master."

The still more

In some place, he or some one else ( we cannot tell which ) has founded an argument upon the proposition that the Charter is granted to the Master and Wardens, and, therefore, they only have the powers. This is an illustration of how merely local law will often be taken for general law, and arguments based thereon. For the fact is, that in many Jurisdictions the Charter issues to the brethren named therein, without any designation of officers. Such is the custom of the Grand Encampment of.the United ' States. In early times in this country, Charters were issued to the Master alone,.and he was authorized to "congregate the brethren together and form them into a regular L o d g e : " and no further action by the Grand Lodge was required, the ceremony of constituting a Lodge being then unknown. The old Charters of Portland Lodge were of that character. But, since WEBB'S time. Charters have -been issued to the brethren, and the Grand Master has been obliged, by himself or Deputy, to "congregate" the brethren and form them into a Lodge. This form was prescribed bv the tirand Lodge of'Massachusetts in its Book of Constitutions of 1798. T h e New Hampshire Charters, with few exceptions, were in the same form. In the first edition of WEBB'S Monitor, the forms assume that the Master is " n o m i n a t e d " in the warrant, and that he appoints his Wardens. We should be glad to pursue this investigation further, but neither time nor space will permit. In concluding his Report he leaves the following bit of valuable information for the consideration of those who seem so anxious to increase the grand army of non-affiliates: With the revival of business comes an increase in the number of candidates: but we have not yet reached the point where the terrible loss by non-payment of dues is overcome. Fully one-third of the Masons, or of those who once were Masons, in the United States, are either unaffiliated, or deprived of Masonic rights for non-payment of dues! There are many causes for this. The depression of business, the multitude of'rival societies which give now disproportionate "benefits" for the dues paid. Grand Lodge debts causing heavy taxation, and a failure to cultivate the principle of Brotherhood among ourselves; all have more or less effect. But we incline to the belief that the policy of some Grand Lodges also contributes to this result. The greater the disabilities under which non-affiliates labor, and the more stringent the regulations against them, the greater.their number seems to be. For example, since. New York adopted her present system she has been losing at the rate of more than five thou-, sand a year—an aggregate, in three years, of twenty per cent, of her entire membership. In our State we have not felt it so severely, probably because our Grand Lodge dues and Lodge dues are less than in almost any other Jurisdiction. But we believe that this is but temnorary. Business is reviving, and will soon become stable. The rival organizations are spending now the money which is as certainly to become due hereafter as death is certain; and when their money becomes exhausted they go to pieces, after demonstrating once more that a system of dues and benefits, based upon an even rate of sickness and mortality, utterly fails when applied to an increasing rate of both, and that the rate of both increases as the age of their members increases. Grand Lodges are at once paying off their debts, and giving warning to others not to become similarly involved. Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and others will not repeat their experience; and, with their examples before

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

107

them, others will not be likely to travel the same path : and as we recover from the rush of candidates of the years of the war, we believe the bonds of Brotherhood are strengthening. So mote it be. We have-followed Bro. DRUMMOND as far as our space will permit, but our quotations are only as crumbs frorn the table of!wit and wisdom he has spread for his readers. He adds to their value by full and exact tables of Masonic statistics both for his own and other Jurisdictions. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. MANITOBA.

1880.

Last year we received several documents from the officers of the regular Grand Lodge of Manitoba and took occasion to make brief mention of the final adjustment of the unhappy difficulty then lexisting in that Grand Jurisdiction. We have now before us their printed Proceedings for the year 1879-80. While we feel inclined to rejoice at the healing of a schism that at one time threatened to overturn all Masonic authority in that Grand Jurisdiction, we must confess our lack of confidence in the coming of good to the Oirder in Manitoba when a compromise is brought about as it was in this case. The disloyal members should not have been permitted to dictate the entire plan of " a d j u s t m e n t " (we question the use. of the word, or any action based upon it, in a case where one party is wholly right and the other is wholly wrong); neither should- they be at once placed in the various official positions. They had forfeited such rights and privileges and should not have asked for any such favors. In the beginning they were the minority, and not being satisfied with the rulings of the Grand Lodge, took it into their heads to withdraw from the.lawful liody and set up an independent and spurious body of their own in defiance of all Masonic law and usage. When'they realized what a fearful mistake they had made and that' they were about to lose their Masonic heads, one and all sent in the white flag and made overtures of peace. The Grand Master at once assumed the power and authority of healing up all trouble, by allowing the recusant members virtually to come in and assist in the voting on the terms of settlement and virtually to dictate those terms. We cannot see the justice of such proceedings, and they look very much like a setting at defiance of all old well-established rules of jurisprudence heretofore accepted far the government of bodies of Ancient Craft Masonry on this Continent. The modtis ' operandi oi the settlement was, in our opinion, terribly bungled. No disholution of the spurious body was necessary, for its existence was a matter of indifference to all Masonic bodies. Neither was the election of officers anew for the consolidated, or reconstructed, a necessity, and we are simply led to believe that the Grand Master,' by the high power and authority (?) in him vested, appointed these officers, and most certainly without adequate authority except by assumption. The Grand Master in his Address acknowledges the illegality of the settlement in substance. All things considered, if the rebellious brethren had unconditionally abandoned ^their spurious organization, confessed their errors and humbly thrown themselves upon 11

'

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Proceedings

of Hie

February,

the mercy of the Grahd Lodge, they might have considered themselves well treated if once more acknowledged as brethren and quietly relegated to Masonic obscurity. We extract the following, in relation to the cause of the disturbance, from the report of the Board of General Purposes: • T h e Board, while admitting the desirability that exists in most GrandLodges for having only one ritual, yet cordially agree with the M.-.W.-. Grand Master that for this Grand Lodge it is inexpedient that the two rituals practiced in this Province, and known as the Canadian Work and the Ancient York Rite, be interfered with in any particular. This being a new country, and brethren constantly coming in both from Canada and the States, it is most desirable that they be enabled to visit where they will find familiar work and are at once placed on a home footing. Your Board, however, while strongly approving, for the reasons stated, of the system now in vogue, would recommend that no other ritual, now or at any future time,' be permitted to be introduced into the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, on any pretense whatever. We cannot agree to the views of the Board and we venture the prediction that our brethren of Manitoba will realize in five years that they have made a mistake right on the ritual question. No two fa'milies can live in peace in the same house and, under one roof. Tt has been tried and has failed too often to admit of any confidence in such a scheme. The work will have to be done over again, but when it is done, and during all time, we hope most earnestly, that our Manitojia brethren will remember the clangers of "Mexicanization " as applied to Lodge polity, and that peace and harmony may prevail in all their councils. M.-.W.-. J O H N H . BELL, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. WILLIAM G . S C O T T ,

Grand Secretary. M A R Y L A N D . 1879. The Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge was held in Masonic Temple, commencing November 18, 1879. Representatives from seventy-two Lodges were present and the usual routine business transacted, much of it relating to management of Temple affairs. Grand Master JOHN M . CARTER conveys in his Address the pleasing news of a reduction of $68,000 in the Temple debt. This must be truly .•gratifying to the Craft in Maryland. If pluck and unwearied zeal can accomplish any thing, the Temple debt will soon be extinguished and a vaU uable property saved to a deserving brotherhood. We have watched the struggle with much interest, never losing faith in the ultimate success of the brethren in Maryland. The Grand Master thinks it unwise to establish Lodges to meet out of the.Temple building. A little strong, we think,'but if the brethren of Baltimore can stand it, it does not become us to criticise. A Special Committee was appointed to revise the standing regulations of the Grand Lodge and report the result of their labors at the Semi-Annual

Coramvtnic^tion,

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

109

A very brief Report on Correspondence was submitted by the committee, with a statement that the financial condition of the Grand Lodge did not allow of an extended review. We excerpt the following from the conclusion : • The Grand Orient of France has addressed an appeal to the Grand Lodge of England against the exclusion of its members from the English Lodges, and threatens, if this "course is persisted in, to charter-Lodges in London and elsewhere within the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England. In contrast with the determination of the Grand Orient of France to exclude recognition of the Deity, the Supreme Council of Peru has issued the following decree: " N o profane shall be initiated into a Lodge, and no brother shall be.affiliated, without having declared by the living voice and in writing that he believes in the existence of GOD as the Grand Architect of the Universe, and in the resurrectiou into the future life." The Official Bulletin 'of the Grand Orient of .Brazil informs us of the bitter conflicts between the Masons and the Catholic clergy of that country, the controversy not being confined to Masonic matters, but extending into political aff'airs of the country. At a recent election the Masonic party achieved a victory over the Catholic party, which has exasperated the latter to such a degree that their clergy refuse to perform the marriage ceremony, according to the Catholic rite, for members of the Masonic Order. Masonry is the apostle of liberty, equality and fraternity, not the fanatical propagandist of any creed or theory. And while we deplore the necessity for any connection of Masonry with extraneous or profane matters, yet nothing more conduces to the beauty and glory of one's country than the preservation against all the enemies of its civil and religious liberty, for " the true Mason identifies the honor of his country with his own," and is ever the votary of liberty and justice. Our brethren of Brazil, contending against a dark array of obsolete opinions, superstitions, persecutions and obloquy, claim our sympathy and encouragement in their patriotic efforts to prevent, remedy and reform evils, oppressions, wrongs, cruelties and outrages, and we rejoice in the honor and glory of the result of their contest against intolerance. . • Grand Master and Grand Secretary-both re-elected. MARYLAND.

1880.

A Special Communication was held January II for the purpose of-interring with Masonic rites the remains of their deceased Bro. NICHOLAS ' BREWER; P. D. G.

M.

The Semi-Annual Communication was held May 11 and 12. . Grand Master JOHN M . CARTER delivered a brief and business-like Address, giving a clear statement of the status of affairs in that Jurisdiction. He referred in feeling terms to the loss sustained by the Grand Lodge and Community in the death of R.-.W.-. Bro. FRANCIS BURNS, P. D . G . M . , who departed this life on the 28th day of December, 1879, ^t ^^^ ripe o'd age of 88 years; also of R.-.W.-. Bro. NICHOLAS BREWER, P. D. G. M., January 9, 1880, aged 90 years; and of R.-.W.-. Bro. W M , CAMPBELL, P. S. G. W., March 2, 1880, aged 63. Three wise and honorable brothers gone, in one half year, to meet again in the Grand Lodge above.

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Proceedings of the

- February,

The Grand Master holds: T h a t while the generally recent investigation as to character practically limits the subsequent ballots to the question of proficiency, yet'should there • be any newly discovered evidence of objection to character it is a Masonic duty to exercise the privilege of the .black ball in the ballot for advancement; and though there is no necessity for a new Committee of Investigation simply on the score of lapse of time, yet, if there be any doubt about the character of the applicant a Committe'e on Inquiry should be appointed. He also says: A brother who had removed to another State was forwarded a bill for arrearage of dues, and in remitting the amount to a mernber of the Lodge he stated that his removal was permanent and asked for a dimit. The money was paid over, but the dimit was inadvertently withheld and dues were charged up until quite an arrearage accumulated, which the absent brother was rather urgently requested to pay. He very naturally look umbrage at this, arid in examining the correspondence of the Lodge, Kis application for a dimit was found. The question then arose how to dispose of the charge against him for dues, and it was thought that it would be necessary to remit them in the usual way. Held: that such a proceeding would, on its face, imply a censure upon . the brother, while the Lodge only was to blame, and that a dimit should be granted him stating the date at which he had been entitled t"o have the same". This form of dimit was. especially required in his case, as the brother, supposing that the paper had been purposely withheld,-had refrained from • visiting a Lodge or in any wise enjoying the privileges of Masonry during the several years he supposed he was laboring under some censure. The Inspectors did not all send in reports, and from those received and considered by the Grand Lodge there would appear to be on the whole no great zeal or activity. The lack of these can be usually traced to individual brethren, whose actions are the negative [i. e., unhealthy) element in Lodge life which stands as a causative for all such symptoins. Let each member be punctual in his attendance on all Lodge meetings, endeavor also to be punctual in his knowledge on the work and lectures, as well as in the history of Masonry, an important element of Masonic education, too often overlooked, and it would not be long ere the reports of Inspectors would be commendatory, yea'even jubilant. ' The labor of creating and maintaining an interest in a Lodge does not rest upon the officers alone, but upon each and' every individual member. - Let us keep ever in mind that emblem ol industry, ihe bee hive. The committee to whom the reports of the Inspectors were referred, reported in favor of discontinuing the inspection system, and offered the fol,lowing resolution: Resolved, That a Special Committee of three be appointed to examine into and report upon the system of Grand Inspector's and of District Deputy •Grand Masters in vogue in sister Jurisdictions. On the subject of begging, circulars for aid, etc., they adopted the following standing regulation : •Resolved, That the Subordinate Lodges of this Jurisdiction are prohibited from soliciting aid from foreign Jurisdictions for any purpose whate ver, unless the permission of the Grand Master be previously obtained.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

Ill

Bro. FERDINAND J. S. GORGAS furnished a brief Report on Correspondence, wherein he has packed much valuable and interesting information. For his brevity he offers, the follovving apology: Reference to the Proceedings will show that the Committee on Correspondence has been restricted to seventy-five pages. We have endeavored to obey this mandate, and on the principle that "a little too much is better than not enough," have almost succeeded in presenting reviews of fifty Grand Bodies within the prescribed space, limiting ourselves to the notice of interesting matter, and omitting many comments we should otherwise have been pleased to make. • We present this Report, such as it is, asking for it all the indulgence our reportorial brethren can' possibly grant, and with the hope that the points given may prove interesting to those of our brethren who desire to know what transpires outside of their own Jurisdiction. Well done, good brother, thou hast "come within o n e " of scribed limit. We hope soon to learn that the Maryland brethren to learn the length of this Report to the taste and good judgment able committee.

the pre-" are able of their •.

Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected.

MASSACHUSETTS.

1879.

The printed transactions of the Grand Lodge of the Old Bay State, the head center of Ancient Craft Masonry, came to us this year, as usual, in broken doses, or homeopathically, and we are .pleased to say that we have found the portions of such a cordial and cheering nature as to wish -that they may continue to be.dispensed, for yet a thousand years. The annual, quarterly and special Communications sum up eight in number. The quarterly and special meetings were devoted to business matters, to Lodge dedications and installations, feasts, and the like pleasing and.prpfitable labor. The Temple affairs came in for a large share of their attention, and it is gratifying to note that there is a favorable outlook for the brethren of Massachusetts in regard to the extinction of the Temple debt. They are truly deserving of success in their noble efforts to extricate themselves from the heavy burden which has weighed upon them for the last decade or more. Too miich credit cannot be given to Grand Master W E L C H for his able and untiring efforts for the best interests of ^the Craft. He has worked in season and out of season, at no time faltering. Let his-name.be inscribed on the tablets of memory by the Masonic Brotherhood of the Commonwealth, and let Masonic histo.ry tell the story of the faithful friend of Freemasonry. The soldiers and sailors .monument at Gloucester was dedicated by the Grand Lodge with peculiarly interesting ceremonies. The Deputy Grand Master, Bro. ABRAHAM H . HOWLAND, delivered an excellent oration, from which we can only quote the following, although we would gladly give space to more of i t : In "all that strengthens virtue, enlarges charity, and inspires patriotism, this Fraternity has a deep and strong interest. It is here to-day, not simply to see and to be seen, but to express its joy at the erection of this granite shaft, to praise the valor, and bow before the sacrifice which it commemorates.

112

Proceedings of the •

February,

Our Institution desires to exalt the love and defense of home and of native land, and to officially and publicly endorse such memorials as stimulate public spirit, make heroes immortal, and teach the passers-by what liberty has cost. We congratulate the Grand Army of the Republic upon the completion of this appropriate and beautiful monument, and this municipality upon the possession of so fine a work, so great a treasure, so constant and truthful a teacher. In the coming years it will stand, giving out its lessons and impressing its truths upon innumerable minds. Its lesson is devotion. How devoted to country and liberty were parents, wives and sisters who gave to them their sons, husbands and brothers! How devoted the comrades in arms who were joined in battle line! How devoted the living army, vvhich keeps the memories of its'dead ever green, and erects such memorials to perpetuate their heroic deeds! Let devotion burn. Gather around this altar in memory of the sublime fidelity of'the Federal Army. Let us vow a more steadfast purpose in all that is true, self-denying and patriotic. . We give place to the following, and suggest to our Kansas brethren who may anticipate a journey to the H u b , and have a desire to visit Lodges there, that they had better arm themselves with the necessary documents to entitle them to favor as visitor's: Among the official directions given by one of my predecessors was one directing that no person should be admitted into a Lodge who was not properly known to be a Mason in good regular'standing, unless he was vouched for by some well-known brother, or produced the certificate of some Grand Lodge, a'nd passed a strict examination. This regulation, which requires both an examination and a certificate, is dated February 8, 1872, was reported to the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Communication in March, 1872, in an address made by the Grand Master, and has never been rescinded. I have reason to believe that some Masters of Lodges, not being aware of this regulation, have not always conformed to i t ; and your attention is therefore called to it, and you are desired'to enforce it strictly'. Complaints have some times been made to me by Masons from other' Jurisdictions that they were excluded from our Lodges, and the privileges of Masonry, by this rule; but it is no good reason for the non-enforcement of a regulation or for its rescission that it sometimes operates with hardship upon individuals; all rules do so at times; the general good is the matter to be considered and legislated for; and in these days, when imposters abound, " and it is not impossible for them to acquire a' sufficient knowledge to enable them to pass an examination, the written certificate is perhaps a better, certainly as good a safeguard as the examination. Both together, with the visitors' book added, should be used to keep off the cowan and eavesdropper. If a Mason from another State or country comes here to remain any length of time, and can not, for .satisfactory reasons, procure a certificate or diploma, application should be made to the Grand Master, who will, when . in his power, satisfy himself as to the Masonic character of- the applicant, and, if on examination the case requires it, provide a remedy. It seems that the irrepressible C. C. BuRT, with his Memphis-tican outfit, is doing the Bostonians this year. The Michigan officials have told us who he is and how to treat him when he comes around. Our opinion is that he should be let severely alone, for his affairs concern us not. The Grand Master is not favorable to joint occupaiicy of halls with other secret societies, if it can be avoided. So we say.

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Grand Lodge of Kavsas.

113

The plan adopted to wipe out the Temple debt, at first met with much and quite determined opposition; but a personal visit of the Grand Master and his presenlation of the claims of the Grand Lodge upon the Craft of the Grand Jurisdiction set the Lodges right, and the burden ^is being assumed with great unanimity and good feeling among the brethren. The Grand Lodge granted permission to Germania Lodge to work in the German language. A Special Communication was held on the 24th of June to celebrate t h e centennial anniversary of the institution of old Essex Lodge at Salem. Many of the Masonic lights of the Jurisdiction were present. The oration delivered on the occasion was by the Recording Grand Secretary, Bro. TR.^CY B . CHEEVER, and we are pleased to learn that it is to be published. It will no doubt contain much entertaining information of ai historic nature. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. MICHIGAN.

1880.

The attendance of the Craft this year was full; three hundred and thirty-one out. of three hundred and thirty-eight Lodges on the roll were represented by the proper officers or duly appointed proxies; four Chartersissued to new Lodges; a Masonic burial service to be prepared and a committee appointed for that purpose; The Annual Address of Grand Master D A N I E L STRIKER is a solid business paper, covering all the official transactions of his office for the fiscal year, showing no mean amount of labor performed. He speaks encouragingly of the success of the'Schools of Instruction held during the year, at which he was present. He says: This is gratifying, as it bespeaks an earnestness in becoming more familiar with the lectures, as well as proficient in the work. I have this to urge, in connection with calling Schools of Instruction in the future: they should be held as soon after the close .of the Grand Lodge as possible, in order that the newly elected officers may have the benefit of the instruction received, for the major part of the year; in fact, I am not sure but arrangements should be made by the District Deputy Grand Masters and the Grand Visitor and Lecturer of the-times and places for most of the Schools before ' leaving the city. A wise suggestion and one that should be followed. We have tried this same idea in our own Jurisdiction. There is no better time to open one of these Schools of Instruction than in the first three months after a Worshipful Master has been duly installed in office. He does not favor the joint occupancy of halls with non-Masonic organizations. On this question we heartily agree with the Grand Master and say he is eminently sound in the following: . The right of a member of a Lodge to vote at the annual election of its officers can only be annulled by suspension or expulsion, and he can not be deprived of his right to vote by failing to pay his dues unless regularly suspended.

114 The B U R T case Master's Address. trouble, annoyance, amount of paper in

Froceedinga of the

February,

was up again, occupying nearly eight pages of the Grand T h e affair had cost the Grand Master a great deal of the shedding of a flood of ink.and the waste of a large correspondence respecting the ne'er-do-weel.

We are inclined to think that our good brothers of Michigan are giving quite too much publicity to such a character as that supported by this man BURT, Short and sharp is the word in dealing with such charlatanic geniuses. He only stirs up all this trouble among the various Grand Lodges to get a little cheap advertising for the "wild and woolly" degrees of the Ancient (?) rite of what-do-you-call-it. He cares nothing about restoration. • We devoted some space to his case last year. We say set him down and let him stay. The finances do not seem to be in a remarkably prosperous condition at present, only a small balance remaining in the Treasury. We think there is a decided improvement upon the last few years. The best way to reduce expenses is to cut down the per diem and mileage for officers and members, but it will be no easy matter to introduce any such reformatory measures, or put them in force. The Grand Master offers the following wise words in conclusion: Although we are able.to report but moderate increase in membership, yet the weeding process seems to-have been judiciously applied in most cases, and those that remain are the better off for the riddance of the drones that infest our Lodges; and this brings the question very forcibly home to us-to ask.ourselves in what does Masonry and Fraternity consist — how exemplified — and do we fully appreciate its sublime teachings? Are we to understand that it is only an annual, monthly or stated gathering in a room called a Lodge, furnished though it may be with gilded walls, arched ceilings; well carpeted floors, wherein all the apartments are made to harmonize, and made a convenient place, as many suppose and are taught to believe, where the faithful convene to commune, make a few signs, exchange passwords and friendly greetings; or of the number, wealth or popularity of its members, of the brilliancy and oratory displayed by its advocates, or of an idle ceremony of the gathering together of the few or many, a formality, a special parade of members on public occasions and addresses. I never so learned or understood its teachings; but that is something more lasting and enduring than such hollow formality, something deeper, more vital and more sacred, made so by the exercise of the better part of our moral natures, and by exercising those acts ofbrotherly kindness which binds heart to heart, so they beat as one; it is an alliance that knows no territorial limits — the sympathetic power of kindred affections, having but one aim — that of bettering his fellow man. The true Mason can hear the cry of anguish from the fever districts of the South, and appeals for bread from Ireland, equally distinct, without the aid of a modern telephone. We are judged by what we do, more than what we say, it is the acts of members in their individuality, in the performance of their obligations to their fellow man, in the discharge of the duties of every-day life, that make up the aggregate by which we are tried. Public opinion is generally an impartial tribunal upon a fair trial. It is a universal law that a man passes in public opinion after becoming acquainted for just what he is worth, and although he may for a while mislead or deceive.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

115

sooner or later the cloak of hypocrisy is removed, the mantle of deceit falls, • the long ears creep out from under their covering and his true character revealed, and we stand aghast and wonder how we are so easily deceived. Forgetting, that the thinner the. fabric the more easily it will take starch. The most sacredly kept contracts or solemn obligations are not those usually made in public, and heralded from the street corners and house tops — but those that rest upon the honor and conscience, and usually unwritten and unsung, and are exemplified by the faithful discharge of the trust received, and by the principle of truth being indelibly stamped upon the inner conscience of the man. We, therefore, who profess to love the truth must so have it in our hearts that we will show it in our lives and in our dealings with each other, and thus show that it is our guide, our rule, our faith and our practice. If it be grand and noble to be rivals for fame and honor, how much more so is it to be friends for the promotion of truth and the protection of virtue. In reference to the consolidation of Lodges the following excellent provision was adopted: It shall be lawful for two or more Lodges having concurrent or adjoining Jurisdictions to consolidate and become one Lodge under the name and number of the Lodge'so consolidating, whose Charter was first issued, with the consent of two-thirds of the members of each Lodge present, voting at such Regular as may be agreed upon, provided, that at least fifteen days notice of such proposed consolidation shall be given to all the members of each Lodge, residing within their respective Jurisdictions. And the Lodge so continuing shall take possession of all the books, papers, jewels, furniture, funds " and other property 'or evidences thereof of the Lodges so consolidating, and shall have exclusive personal jurisdiction over all the members, rejected and unfinished material as well as of all suspended and expelled members of the Lodges so consolidating. But if any Lodge in this Jurisdiction shall cease to exist, except as is herein before provided, the last Master or Wardens shall, within sixty days thereafter, transmit to the Grand Secretary all the books, papers, jewels, furniture, funds and other property or evidences thereof of the Lodge'ceasing to exist. R.'.W.-. Bro. INNES presented a Report on Correspondence, brief, systematic and readable. It is followed by an admirable compilation of notable decisions of Grand Masters of the United States of America for 1878-9. M.-.W.-. JOHN W . M C G R A T H , Detroit, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. W. P. INNES, Grand Raipds, Grand Secretary.

MINNESOTA.

1880.

The attendance of officers and members at the Annual Communication held January 13 and 14, 1880, was very full; one hundred and twelve Lodges were represented; five Charters granted to new Lodges; like most other Grand Lodges, they had an exemplification of the work.. A large amount of business was transacted, of a routine and local character. Grand Master H E N R Y R . WELLS delivered an able and dignified Address, giving a very clear account of his official doings for the year and the condition of the Craft in that Jurisdiction. He is most decidedly in favor of a system of visitation of Subordinate Lodges, believipg that it will conduce to the well-being of the Craft as well as promote peace, order and har-

116

,

Proceedings of the

February,

mony among the members of particular Lodgse, and likewise aid in obtaining accurate knowledge of their financial condition. H e deprecates in very strong terms the pernicious practice of many Subordinate Lodges in running into debt with no visible means of paying the same. The Grand Lodge most heartily endorsed these views This very practice has done as much, and we think, more, to bring the Craft into disrepute than any other one thing, and it would be very well for Grand Lodges to put a stop to all such reckless proceedings so far as in their power lies. He is in favor of a uniform code of By-Laws for the government of Subordinate Lodges; thinks dues should be fixed at the lowest practicable figure, and that further, when once so fixed, rigid rules, should be adopted for the faithful and prompt collection of the same at specified times. He congratulates the Craft of Minnesota on the very gratifying condition of their finances, and well he may, after the expensive and annoying experience they have had in years gone by. In this we see the result of having the right man in the right place, and it is to be hoped that the . Grand Lodge will not soon forget its past expensive experience and place their financial interests in the hands of the careless or unfaithful. Of " Lodge Charity " he well says : There has been a practice, reprehensible in my judgment, obtained to a degree among Subordinate Lodges in our own and other Grand Lodge Jurisdictions of calling upon the Lodge of which a sojourning brother, in want, is a member, for remuneration, and in' some cases for compensation for relief extended. I esteem this course as subversive of the great underlying fundamental principle of our Institution. It is making relief a subject of charge, and charity a creature of commerce.. To relieve a worthy brother in distress, so far as we may do, without injury to ourselves, is our prerogative and our duty. If actuated by the expectation of a fee or hppe of reward in sustaining a falling brother it is a prostitution of our high calling. I am aware that the practice alluded to has the countenance and support of very many conscientious brothers, and I fraternally concede to them the best intentions and purest motives. It is based upon the ground that there is nothing inconsistent with our principles and themotives which actuate us in rendering a statement of expenses incurred for an afflicted brother or his family in distress, to the Lodge from which he hails, and leaving it to their Masonic courtesy to reimburse, if they may and their financial condition will warrant. I can not see a distinction between this course of action and an actual demand, and if otherwise it is so absolutely certain to degenerate and become a subject of gross abuse, that I hope to see this Grand Lodge give emphatic expression of its sense of the practice, and if in accord with its judgment, that Subordinate Lodges within this Jurisdiction be prohibited from directly or indirectly presenting any claim upon a sister Lodge, within this or any Jurisdiction — except upon request, — for reim^ bursement for moneys expended for the relief of a sojourning brother in distress. We note with pleasure the unqualified concurrence of the Grand Lodge in the views of the Grand Master, as set forth in the foregoing, by the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved, That in all cases where a sojourning brother in want receives relief, the Lodge ax brother extending such relief is prohibited from render' ing an account or request for payment of same to the Lodge of which such distressed brother may be a member, unless requested by such l-odge,

?88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kaiucus.

'

117

The Grand Lodge put this rule into practical operation. It seems the Grand Lodge of Texas expended the sum of S34.50 on account of the funeral expenses of Grand Master BRADEN, who went to that State in the hope of regaining his health, (vain hope, alas!) T h e amount expended was promptly forwarded to the officers of the Grand Lodge of Texas, and was just as promptly returned by them to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, saying that while they appreciated the generous offer to refund the amount of money paid, " i t could not under any circumstances be accepted, for what was done, was done out of the fullness of our hearts for the Brotherhood, and with no thought of reimbursement." This action fully exemplifies and illustrates the sublime doctrine of Masonic charity. Let this in the future be the rule of every Grand Lodge, at least on the American Continent. Dual membership was up again, and the Grand Master discussed it at •some length, and pointed out some of the unfortunate'complications arising under the action had in that regard from time to time in the past. T h e committee patched up the trouble as best they could, but we fear that the arrangement is not such as to work well or endure. It is always best, when we find we have made a mistake, to go back and correct it fully, making no half-way work of it. /• The Dakota matter again came up, and occupied a goodly space in their Proceedings, being adverted to by both the Grand Master and Grand Lodge. It has since been fully adjusted by the parties most interested, and, we presume, satisfactorily, so we have nothing to add on that score, except that we are glad that it is ofif the books, and that one more step has been taken to complete the harmony which sways the action of almost all American Grand Lodges. The Report on Correspondence, presented by Bro. A. T. C. PIERSON, is, like all that comes from his pen, vigorous and lively. This year he deals largely in extracts from the,other Proceedings, occasionally putting in a sharp stroke at some brother of the guild. He is not over particular whose devoted head he raps, nor how hard he lets the club-fall. His chief battle this year was on the Dakota question, and his argument in favor of exclusive jurisdiction, •wii/i conditions and exceptions, is probably as strong as could have been penned by any one. As the cause of " a l l this dreadful b o t h e r " has vanished, we hope that the Northwestern sky will speedily clear up and give the bright, blessed sunshine of Masonic harmony and charity a chance to fall upon the brethren of those broad domains.' Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. MISSISSIPPI.

1880.

The Proceedings of-this Grand Lodge for'1880 are exceedingly interesting. The reports of the Grand Officers, as well as those of all the committees, are very full and complete, giving evidence' of a hearty interest in the well-being of the Craft, and of a vigorous Masonic life stirring the blood of the Mississippi brethren.

118

Proceedings

of the

February,

Two hundred and forty-five Subordinate Lodges were represented, one Charter issued, four restored, two Lodges merged into one, a large amount of business transacted, and much of it of general as well as local interest. , A steamboat excursion was tendered, accepted arid greatly enjoyed by all who availed themselves thereof. T h e steamer bore the name of one of their Past Grand officers, " O L I V E R CI.IFTON." An excellent idea, this of recreation, for the old adage of "all work and no play," etc., holds good in Masonic as in other affairs. The social features sh'ould never be lost sight of at our gatherings, for it is a landmark of itself. I t must be that the Mississippi brethren had this in mind when they voted to accept the invitation ; had we been one of them, we should certainly have voted in the affirmative. Grand Master FRANK BURKITT delivered an excellent address, giving a detailed account of his stewardship for the year, proving himself to have been an efficient and painstaking officer, meriting, as he received, the hearty approval of his brethren. He complains of the unhealthy condition of their general finance, and attributes it mainly to the fact that his Grand Lodge persists in keeping "on wheels." We hardly think the facts will bear out the Grand Master in this view of the matter. An examination of tlie financial reports of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, reveals anotlier and more pqtent cause, ^ c r f/;V;// and mileage, the same thing that is Iroubling Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana and many other Grand Lodges whose laws have been framed so as to make this matter of per diem and mileage a speculative scheme, ( not intentionally so, but in effect.) Change your laws and regulate the matter so that no one entitled to per diem and mileage shall receive more than his actual expenses, not allow delegates to draw upon the Grand Treasury for S3.50 and S4.00 per day when they actually pay only gi.50 to ^2.50; and 5 cents per mile when they only pay out 2 ^ to 3 cents. The Grand Master does not favor the post-burial funeral service, and we heartily concur in his view that it is a meaningless and out-of-place ceremony. For the life of us we are unable to figure out how or when they originated the idea of it. Certainly old Bro. King SOLOMON is the only authority, and that is doubtful. Bro. POWER, the faithful Grand Secretary, furnished another of his characteristically strong and vigorous Reports, showing the condition of the Grand Lodge financially, along with other matters of importance. H e says: There has been a steady decline in receipts, and in membership, .for the past six years, as will be seen by the following table: Year.

1874 1875

••

Membership.

Receipts.

u,8ii ".205

S12,834 40 IJ.364 09

1876 1877

»t,770 10,242

10,611 09 9,609 25

1878 1879

9,849

8,953 28 7.385 57

-.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kaiisas.

,

119

These figures should incite the Grand Lodge to an investigation of the causes for this loss in the numerical and financial strength of Freemasonry in our Jurisdiction. It has never been possible to get all the Lodges to send in their returns in time for the Grand Coiiimunication,.or lo be included in the published reports. It was my disagreeable duty to close the last volume of our transactions with forty Lodges delinquent as to returns and dues. As to thirteen of these, the Grand Master has enforced the Constitution by arresting their Charters; several have since sent in their returns and paid arrearages; others have made fair promises of squaring up at this meeting of the Grand Lodge, and others are hopelessly dormant or dead, and it only remains to observe the last sad offices provided by our regulations, and erase them from the roll of Chartered Lodges. The Grand Treasurer's account will, of course, show the disbursements for the year,.but a classified statement of same may not be inappropriate in my report: ' ' ' ' At the last Annual Communication, there were only 145 Lodges represented, and hence the Pay Roll amounted to only §3,245 75 Grand Officers, and Committees, same session 1)305 76 Biennial meeting of District Deputies 393 45 Proceedings and other printing for the year 886 22 Grand Secretary's salary 1,000 00 Postage, Foreign Correspondence, Lodge of Sorrow, and all other expenses . - 542 25 Total

•__

_

§7,373 43

When the Grand Lodge met in this city in 1876,'there were two hundred and sixty-one Lodges represented, and the pay roll for the session was $6,909.85. Should the attendance be nearly as large at this time, and the aggregate dues not show a decided increase on the previous year, the Grand Lodge will have to draw liberally upon its reserve in order to meet the expenses of the present year. I have not yet despaired of the adoption of some plan that will take out of the Gran I Lodge the whole business of mileage and per diem —a plan that will be just and equitable to the Lodges, and that will insure the running expenses of the Grand Lodge. A small per capita tax will be sufficient for this, and let the Lodges retain for the expenses of representative, the excess over same they now pay into the Grand Lodge Treasury. Each delegate would' thus be. insured his actual and necessary expenses from the hour he leaves home until his return, and instead of settlements at the Grand Annual Communication, taking much of the valuable time of, the Grand Lodge, he will make out his account on return to his Lodge, and have the same allowed and paid.. With such a system it would be immaterial where the Grand Lodge would meet, as the pay-roll would be limited to the Grand Officers and Committees, and the current ex-' penses would be provided for by an income corresponding to the membership. Let the per capita be as low as will just meet the expenses of the Grand Lodge, and let each Lodge retain the difference between that sum and the 75 cents per member now paid, and also retain the fee they now pay to the Grand Lodge, of $1 oo for each degree conferred. A large majority of the Grand Lodges of this country have discarded the mileage and per diem system, and so lar from diminishing the representation of the Subordinate Lodges, the reverse is the case. This is a subject that I have studied in all its bearings, and which I ventured on a former occasion to bring to the attention of the Grand Lodge, and I have presumed to do so at this time because of propositions submitted at the last Annual Communication, and which the Committee on Revision have doubtless under consideration. We commend the foregoing to the careful perusal of those of our breth-

120

Proceedings

Oj (he

February,

ren who so strongly favor the per diem and mileage scheme. This showing is made by one who is a careful worker in the Masonic field, and the facts set forth may be relied upon as accurately given. From the reports of the District Deputies we are led to believe that there is a lack of interest among the Lodges on the subject of work and lectures. I t is very probable that if some good brother would devote his time, without the hope of fe^ or reward, to posting these Lodges, they would deign to give him an audience, provided they did not have to make some calls or spend a few hours at some hotel, discussing topics of no earthly benefit or use to any one, on, under or above the earth. It is not knowledge that such men want. Several able reports on Jurisprudence were submitted by the committee, and did space permit we would transfer a moiety of them to these pages. We clip the following in relation to granting Dispensations th certain cases : The action of the Grand Master in granting Dispensations to confer the Degrees upon certain clergymen in violation of sections 46 and 47 of the Rules and Regulations, raises the question as to his power to set aside a law of the Grand Lodge. We deny that he has such powers, and much as we regret the necessity for doing so, must express our earnest disapprobation of the assumption of such powers,-but we do not intend in so doing to censure the Grand Master for the time being, for he has but followed the example of others who have preceded him in his exalted station, and may justly plead that he has the force of many precedents to sustain him. It is nevertheless desirable for the Grand Lodge to determine whether its chief executive officer possesses the power to set aside any of its laws. He is sworn to obey and to enforce the laws, and not to countenance any violation thereof, a duty which is entirely inconsistent with the assumption that he may dispense with a law and set up another law of his own making in its place at pleasure. We agree with the committee that every such stretch of authority is wrong, and it is time that the Grand Lodges were putting a limit to all such suppositious authority, but they had better add all, and not pick out only poor preachers. We believe the doctrine of setting aside statutory provisions of law by special dispensation to be most pernicious; Constitutions and ByrLaws are not made to be demolished by a pen stroke of the Grand Master, however'good may be his intentions, and in our way of thinking the Grand Master has no more right to. thus meddle with or violate Masonic law in any way than has his humblest subordinate. All such prerogatives have been magnified too greatly, and the limit, " thus far and no farther," should be set. He is placed at the head of the Order to execute the law as he finds it, only using his sovereign judgment and discretion in those instances not covered by the law of the Grand Lodge and indicated by the landmarks. The rules made by a Grand Lodge are not to be used as •playthings or movable gates and bars, to be let down at pleasure. We may have more to say on the subject in another place. Bro. JAMES M . HOWRY again enters the circle with one of his. notably strong Reports on Correspondence. Kansas is not among the favored ones reviewed. He leaves us somewhat in the fog. The good brother says:

'88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

121

" W e have reviewed all the proceedings which have come to hand, embracing, h'e helieve, all in North America, except Louisiana, our nearest neighbor." Did not our Kansa.s volume "come to h a n d ? " We did our part, in starting it on its way Mississippi-ward. Or do you consider us one of the isles of the sea, outside of North America? Now Bro. HOWRY, don't shove us out this way; we want our seat at the round table and a piece of the pie, good or bad. The best company is good enough for us any time, so.slide along, will you, and let us on the bench near that gentleman from Missisippi. In handling Bro. SINGLETON, he has this to say vegarding the conflicts likely to arise out of too much "previous'ness" in rushing into the arms of other secret societies: We can not altogether concur in this conclusion of his as to "assuming new duties until he knows they will not conflict with those he has already obligated himself to perform." This would equally apply lo every profane, who applies for admission to our Institution. How many Masons are there who ever made an inquiry as to the conflict of duties which might ensue between those of a citizen and of Masonry? Indeed, there can be no conflict of duties. The greater, in the estimation of every man that thinks, must be paramount; hence, since ^he institution of the modern beneficiary societies, there never has yet been a conflict in the breast of any right-judging man as to what he should do in any given premises which can legitimately arise. 'Tis true that in this very Jurisdiction difficulties have occurred between our "Masonic and other societies on "the subject of funeral services, but this wa.s purely the result of a gross neglect of the fundamental principles which should govern us, and to which every case should be referred; and when each reference snail have been properly made, then there, can be no conflict whatever. Grand Master MURRY'S points are well taken, in our humble judgment. Does the joining of other secret orders by Masons obstruct or hinder the progress-of Masonry, or is it a drawback to Masonry? We think there is no doubt about it! Masonry is the oldest, and, from those who have dabbled with all the secret orders which have sprung up during the present century, we learn that they regard it as the best. Its basis, its legendary history, its ritual, its morals, its beautiful forms and ceremonies, excel all those modern inventions which have sprung up and laid hold on .some of our ceremonies and' appropriated them to a pernicious purpose, it may-be, which in their tendency are calculated to weaken or detract from the merits of our Order. The time taken up by Masons in attending the meetings of other secret orders will ultimately destroy Masonry also. Let us look at it a moment. Lodge meetings require the a,ttendance of its members at the monthly or semi-annual meeting. Degrees to confer often require a meeting or two every week. The Chapter requires the same amount of time, and additional time for Council degrees. If, a Mason is a church member, he has the prayer meeting and regular lectures to attend. Social visiting, the opera and the theater take many from home at night. Uusiness men in towns and cities attend their oflfices. We imagine most men wish to read at night, and we think they ought to spend all the time they can spare from business and charitable purposes with their families, and, if young men, with their sweethearts! But Jiere comes along the society— 1. Hepsatoph, or Seven Wise Men. 2. United Order of Druids. 3. Ancient Order of Hibernians.

122

Proceedings

of the

February,

4. Ancient Order of Red Men. 5. Independent Order of Red Men. 6. The Ancient Order of Forresters. 7. Independent Order of Forresters. 8. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 9. Knights of Pythias. 10. United Order of Worknien. 11. Independent Order of Mutual Aid. 12. Benia B'rith. 13. About five orders of Temperance societies. 14. Knights of Honor. 15. Knights and Ladies of H o n o r — a n d we do not know how many other secret societies! We know where one of the orders has subverted Masonry. The old time-honored Craft has been made to succumb to one of these cruel inventions of modern bastard Masonry. The principles of maliy of them, perhaps all of them, may be very good, but we would like to know how a Mason can discharge his duties to his Lodge and Chapter and Commandery, and. to his family, his country and his GOD, and attach himself to many or even a few of them. Bro. SINGLETON thinks there can be no conflict of duties, arising from membership in a Masonic Lodge and other secret societies at the same time! We feel very confident that when a Mason does his whole duty there must be a conflict, unless he suffers to be neglected. Our views are the result of serious thought and we, trust are not dictated by prejudice or a narrow contracted policy. We have a good Baptist (hard-shell) friend who says he believes no man ought to belong to any.society, secret or open, but the primitive Baptist Church. We are willing to go this far with our Baptist friend. We think Masonry and the church of our choice furnish ample fields for the exercise of charity and brotherly love, and the performance of our duty to ourselves, our neighbor, our country and our GOD ! The man who weds himself to any considerable number of these orders will find himself about as happy as "too-much-married" men usually are. For ourselves we have never cared to extend our investigations outside the pale of Masonry, preferring to feed in our own pastures rather than wander in strange fields. Again he gets in his work, saying: This dimit question is a perplexing one. There i? much diversity of opinion about it among the Craft, and brethren who diflTer on the subject seem to cling to their opinions, and pertinaciously stick to them lik'e the fabled shirt of Nessus. There is, evidently, two sides to the question; and the Grand Jurisdictions should lay down a positive law on the subject and adhere to it. It is very desirable that the law should be uniform throughout the habitable globe, but we have but little hope of seeing it in our day. The brotherhood are a vast body of men, who bring themselves under mutual obligations to one another, voluntarily and of their own free will and accord, and the relation which they mutually sustain is of such a character that we do not see how one of the parties can absolve himself from the duties he has assumed without forfeiting all claims on the Brotlferhood for aid and protection of any kind. When he deserts the Organization, the remaining ones, should be absolved from all ties as well as he, and if those who favor the doctrine that a brother has a right to dimit when he chooses can suggest a plan by which the parties can be mutually relieved of the ties and

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

123

duties which bind them, and be as aliens, then, in all the social and conventional, relations of life, why, then, there would seem to be some plausibility in the doctrine that a brother Mason can quit when he pleases. The truth is, the idea is revolting to uSj and we do not see how a brother of sound moral principle can reconcile it to his conscience to diniit without a special cause, which we admit exists in some cases. Some men quit because Ihey are poor and can't pay their share of the expenses of the Lodge. In that case the brethren generally relieve him. It is not often the poor that quit. It is the rich or well-to-do in the world, who will neither work in the Lodge nor pay dues, nor relieve the poor, nor do anything to keep up the character of the time-honored Institution! We are rather inclined to the opinion that when a brother deserts his brethren they ought to desert him, and he ought never to be recognized, unless he quits for good cause. ' If we are in error on this point we plead the very nature of the Institution, which is founded on mutual support and protection. When a brother deserts his brother and renounces the Institution, and sears his conscience ^gainst the impressions which obligations impose, and afterwards gets into serious diffiulties, touching life, liberty'and character, the very first ones he calls upon in the hour of his extremity is his brother Mason. It reminds us of a homely anecdote: Two brothers fell out. They met in the woods hunting. A deer was discovered lying behind an immense log; the one nearest was stealthily approaching with tomahawk in hand. The other whispered, " M a k e a sure lick, brother." He turned and replied, "You call me brother, now I am about to get m e a t ! " The deer bounded away, of course! Away with such brotherhood! He thinks there is such a thing as the Grand Lodge doing things hastily, even to the extent of having to undo, or do over. Replying to Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine, Bro. HOWRY says: On our side of the question we say that in our judgment the principle of res adjudicata is not as sacred as the preservation of our Grand Lodge laws. We deeply regret that we are so deficient in the use of language and the power of exjiression, as not to be understood by one, who, as a Masonic juris consult, stands among the very few celebrities, who grace the composite column of our Masonic lore. We will make another effort to be understood. That there must be an end of litigation in Masonic courts as well as ill all others, we maintain. That res adjudicata is a good plea ordinarily, is not denied, but when any Lodge —Grand Lodge, if you please—hastily and without investigation decides a case in open violation of its own sacred laws and constitution, then we say the whole thing is void, or voidable, if. you prefer the word, and it can subsequently set itself right, and correct its own error, by making a decision in conformity with the laws, which, we have a feint idea, we ought to ever maintain and support. In such a case we declare our conviction to be, that the plea of res adjudicata should not prevail over our laws ! We have heretofore put a case or two to test this principle in discussing the question of the right of a Lodge to try a brother twice for the same offense. For instance, where a brother is charged with doing a great wrong to a brother's wife or daughter, and on trial is acquitted for want of proof, and afterwards it appeared that new evidence was discovered making the case clear, against the accused, he ought to be arraigned and re-tried, and in such case the plea of res adjudicata should not be interposed to prevent the true character of the crime from being fixed upon him. We do not favor technicalities in Masonic trials. We do not think we would rejoice in the conviction of a brother Mason, but the very nature of our Institution requires of every Lodge to prevent immorality and crime from taking shelter among the virtuous and the good.

124

Proceedings of the

February,

We regret the necessity of having to present our views and opinions on the principle involved in the discussion which Bro. DRUMMOND and your committees have been engaged in for some time, but we cannot afford to be misunderstood on a principle, which every lawyer in the civilized world understands. Many Masons have come from the profession of law into our Lodges, and in Masonic trials bring their law from the courts in which they practice to govern our courts. We might as well go by the rules of military or ecclesiastical courts as by the common law and criminal courts in Masonic trials. M.-.W.-. WILLIAM FRKNCH, Vicksburg, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. J. L. POWER, Jackson, Grand Secretary. e

•

. MISSOURI.

1879.

The Grand Secretary again furnishes the Craft with an excellently wellarranged volume of their Proceedings, containing three hundred and thirtysix pages, eighty-seven of which contain the journal of their Proceedings,, one hundred and eighty-thres are devoted to the Report on Correspondence, and sixty-six to well-arranged tables. One hundred and seventy-six Lodges were represented, ten Charters surrendered or arrested by the Grand Master^ seven Charters and three Dispensations granted and one Dispensation continued. Fifty-five .Lodges made no report for the current year. A way was fixed for the consolidation of Lodges, an excellent idea, but a better one would be to stop the propagation of weak-kneed Lodges. There has been much said on this subject, and more might be if it would correct the evil. Grand Master N O A H M . GIVEN delivered an elaborate address, giving a full report of his official acts for the year, with many good suggestions for the consideration of the Grand Lodge. He who fills the Grand East in Missouri, will surely find it a place unfit for the occupancy of boys, or of him who has not much time at his command to devote to the duties of that high place. Many seek the position once, but rarely care for a second trial of it. T h e Grand Secretary moved to St. Louis sooiÂť after his elevation to the office, and being desirous of connecting himself with one of the St. Louis Lodges, (fearing some good brother might discover a terrible violation of law), he applied to the Grand Master for a ruling on the question of the vacation of his office in case he dimitted. The Grand Master decided that he could dimit. The Grand Lodge thought differently, and reversed the decision. This may be good law in Missouri, but will hardly apply in most other jurisdictions. This, to our mind, looks too much like boy's play; to say that when a Grand Officer, during his terra of office, moves his domicil, to be ijiore conveniently located, he can not move his Lodge membership without vacating the office he hplds. This is spinning the thing entirely too fine, and if they have such a law they ought to repeal it before it causes them a sore mortification some day, or the loss of the services of some valued officer. We think the Grand Master took the common sense view of the case, and the Grand Lodge should have approved his decision, and not attempted the delicate job of hair-splitting on a small scale.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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The Grand Master reports peace and harmony prevailing throughout the Grand Jurisdiction, deprecates the vile practice of electioneering for office in Masonic Lodges, and has a word to say to those who wilfully neglect to pay dues at the time required under the By-Laws, and thus condemns two miserable habits too much indulged in by those who often seek for places of honor and trust in our Lodges': Drunkenness and profanity are evils that are reported to exist in some Lodges in the State. These are made misdemeanors by our law, and all Lodges in this Jurisdiction are commanded to enforce'the Masonic law in reference to them. Men whose lives are thoroughly imbued with the excellent and enobling teachings of the Order can not voluntarily engage in them. It would be a contradiction of terms to say that any man who loves Masonry also loves to indulge in either of these evils. He must be under the influence of a perverted appetite in one case, or an odious habit in the other, and should be dealt with in a truly Masonic spirit. • The absurdity of a drunkard delivering the lectures of our Ritual on Temperance, or of the very profane swearer instructing the candidate in the duty of reverence for Almighty GOD, is most apparent to the candidate, who is impressed with the idea that the proceeding is a farce. These evils are mentioned here, not to parade them, but with the hope that, by calling attention to their evil effects upon the good influences that Masonry should at all times and under all circumstances exert, they may be entirely eradicated. T h e power exists within the Order to correct them in the spirit of fraternity and brotherly love. There is, however, a brighter page in the annals of our cherished Institution. Its teachings awaken new perceptions of the beauty of those mild and amiable virtues which it is our care to cherish, and which contribute so much to make men better and nobler in their lives. They appeal to the . better impulses of our nature, and lead us away from self to a cultivation of that portion of us which is akin to the Divine. The Holy Bible, the Great Light in Masonry, is our rule of faith and practice. We unite on the broad platform of its morality. T h c w i s d o r n of its teachings ovr those of the schools of ancient philosophy, whether those of the epicure or stoic, or those of modern infidelity, is apparent. They embody the wisdom of this world, which begins and ends and centers in self. Our Great Light is the emanation of that wisdom from above from which we learn to love one another, toMb unto others as we would they should do unto us, and that the highest degree of happiness is in contributing to the happiness of others. The unpleasant difficulty with the Grand Lodge of New Mexico still exists, and we are sorry to say with little apparent prospect of an early adjustment. The Grand Master defends, to the extent of his ability, the right of Missouri to exercise jurisdiction over Silver City Lodge, in New Mexico, and fortifies himself by quoting the action of his own as well as other Grand Lodges, Kansas among the number. The good brother overlooks the fact that the case of Kansas and the Indian- Territory, Missouri and New Mexico" are not parallel cases by a long ways, and more, we fo.r our part, in Kansas, have smoked the pipe of friendship with the brethren of the Aboriginal region, and are sailing down the stream of time in the same canoe. We opine our Missouri brethren will sooner or later have to abandon this position, and fall in with'the rest of iis in harmony with the rule of exclusive jurisdiction. The Grand Secretary, in his Report, makes the following excellent sug'

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gestion in relation to the carelessness of Lodges in contracting debts, and afterwards surrendering their Charters and leaving creditors to whistle for their pay: Two practical points are thus suggested for consideration. J^t'rsl—That no Lodge be allowed to surrender its Charter until all Grand Lodge dues are paid, together with all claims in the community where the Lodge is located. In the too rapid multiplication of Lodges in this Jurisdiction there have been necessarily some very weak ones found here and there. Failing of success or forgetful of economy, they became involved, debts were contracted. Grand Lodge dues allowed to accumulate until embarrassment becomes an unbearable incubus. Then the only way to get out of debt is to surrender out, or to allow the Charter to be arrested. In either case, the obligations to the Grand Lodge for the privilege of existing as a Lodge are not met. This looks like bad faith, after all the good and earnest promises made in order to secure a Dispensation and afterwards a Charter. The Grand Lodge never solicits the organization of Lodges, and never grants the privilege except upon the fairest promises and best assurances. When these are not met, the Grand Lodge is wronged and Masonry suffers, and the parent body is thrown upon the necessity of guarding her interests, and the welfare of the Craft. To do this, she must not oply prevent the institution of Lodges in undesirable localities and under questionable conditions, but preserve the good name of Masonry from reproach by seeing that Lodges do not fail.to meet any and every obligation. Lodges become'indebted for hall rent, fuel, lights, etc., and cease to exist. Their creditors are not always Masons, and, if they should be, their claims are not less strong. But the profane creditor makes no allowance for these defalcations of Lodges, and the good name of Masonry suffers. Let no Lodge Charter be accepted as surrendered until full and satisfactory assurance, is furnished that all debts are liquidated and the claims of the Grand Lodge are met. Some of the Lodges which surrendered their Charters the past year have presented a clean and, complete record. One Lodge made the annual returns and paid its Grand Lodge dues for 1879, and surrendered its Charter at the same meeting. In the second place. Lodges which suffer their indebtedness to go unmet and increasing until the arrest of Charter becomes a necessity, should be carefully investigated, and some requirements made at their hands. Instances might be mentioned where returns were not made and dues not paid for years, with local dtbts contracted. An arrest of Charter was necessitated, and, indeed, it was desired by the members in order to get rid of already accumulated responsibilities. The next thing heard from such localities is an effort to start a new Lodge. Brethren regard it easier to pay fifty dollars for Dispensation and Charter than meet and liquidate old obligations. To say nothing more, the propriety of such action is very questionable. In all cases of this character Dispensations should be refused to erect new Lodges where dereliction and failure have marked llie history of former Lodges. If_ the Grand Lodge would place a barrier in ihe way of brethren obtaining dimits from the Grand Secretary until such liabililies were met, there would be an improvement in the condition of Lodges in ihis particular. Grand Lodge dues, and any given liabilities of a~ Lodge in the community, are obligations upon each individual -member of said Lodge, because all are parties to the liabilities so created in a Lodge character. Members would not be permitted to dimit from their Lodge while Lodge dues were unpaid. They should not, therefore, be allowed dimils. from the Grand Lodge through the Grand Secretary until these higher liabilities created by them in a Lodge character are paid. The Grand Secretary, Bro. ToH.*J D. ViNCiL, presented a Report on Correspondence which takes place among the very best of the year, being written in a style at once vigorous and dignified, and furnishing plenty of

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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food for thought. His special report on the Scotland-Quebec trouble is,an able vindication of the long cherished doctrine of exclusive Grand Lodge , jurisdiction over all Masons within given boundaries; but he forgets his denial of the rights of New Mexico to exercise jurisdiction over a Lodge within • the lines of Aer- Masonic territory. This is beyond all doubt a most knotty question, as all will find who investigate it. Some are very much inclined to think that the correct practice would be not to attempt the organization of a Grand Lodge until all the Lodges gave in their adherence to the proposition. This would leave the Lodges to arrange all these troublesome matters, and leave no doubtful questions to rack the brains or try the tempers of so many distinguished Masonic officials. After quoting an Alabama decision on the question of the number 'required to open a Lodge, he says, and we think correctly, too: If he had said, " N o Lodge shall open except as Master Masons," the argument would have reached a just and consistent conclusion. In the above decision Grand Master ARMSTRONG wisely concludes that the number must not he less to "hold a L o d g e " than to form it under Charter. Well, if'it requires seven to hold a Lodge, the number cuts an important figure in the legal transaction. Why not require that the character be equally as important? If seven be necessary to form or hold a Lodge, the status of the seven must be defined. " Master Masons" is the language employed to designate who the corporators shall be ^ so says the decision above. Such is the general rule. None but Master Masons can obtain a Charter to meet and work. The character of the corporators is as important as the number. Then does it not follow that the body chartered can not open at any time, in any other character than is known to the law when the Charter is.granted? viz: Master Masons. We think so. It is just as necessary to preserve and maintain the status of the. corporators in opening a Lodge as'it is to require the number — seven — to be present. From these •and many other considerations, we believe every Masonic Lodge should meet and open in its chartered character as Master Masons. Then the legal right is in tuU force, by which the other degrees may be used. When the work is finished in these, resume where all authority, corporate and legal, exists, and close that as the chartered body. On the question RoBBiNS'decision of ness of the principle accord with our own

of exclusive and endless jurisdiction, he handles Bro. 1877 with a lively logic that shows the. true inwardmost clearly. His position seeir.s well taken, and in for a certainty:

If a person petitions a Lodge where he resides and is rejected, and afterwards removes his residence to another Jurisdiction, then it requires the consent of both Lodges before he can be made a Mason. This declaration harmonizes with the views of M.-.W.-. Bro. ROBBINS, of Illinois, in his Annual Address as Grand Master in 1877. Indeed the rulings of the two Grand Masters are so much alike that one seems to be an echo of the other. It is the same old theory of exclusive and endless jurisdiction. There is involved in this claim of perpetual jurisdiction a principle at varience with human rights and human authority. It is an assumption of the absolute and the supreme, unwarranted and unsustained by any authority with which men or human sinstitutions are endowed. No mere hu-. man enactment can trammel the rights and liberties of man as to his moral being, in the manner and form contemplated in the law of Idaho. Man, in the exercise of his moral liberty and social rights, can not be pursued and disfranchised, forever by arbitrary legislation. When a party proposes to

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unite with a moral institution, such as Masonry, the Lodge may not accept . his overtures. But while rejecting his proposition, it can not thereby become possessed of an inalienable claim to him, soul, body and spirit. In the asserting of such claim there is a declared supremacy over the whole being of the party, autocratic, despotic, imperial and papistic. If the law of Idaho is correct, it places Masonry above the State in claims and as to privileges. We can move to Kansas and acquire citizenship by twelve months' residence, under the laws of the commonwealth. But we may live in Kansas ten years and acquire no Masonic rights, if some person in Missouri choose to reject our petition while residing in this Jurisdiction. No, there, is not the least chance to acquire Masonic privileges in Kansas without the consent of the rejecting Lodge here. i Now we submit to Grand Master STEVENSON,'and Idaho Masons, this proposition : Mr. J O N E S petitions a Lodge in Missouri for the Mysteries, and is rejected. T.welve months thereafter he may renew his petition in the same Lodge, and, if accepted, be made a Mason. We presume the same law obtains in Idaho. But at the expiration of twelve months he does not choose to renew his application to the Lodge that rejected him. He moves to Idaho. After the lapse of one year he becomes a iona fide citizen of that Territory, may vote, and exercise all-citizen rights and privileges. Before he left Missouri, the right to renew his petition to the rejecting Lodge was his by the law. Twelve months' residence in Idaho would entitle him to vote as a citizen, but not petition for the Mysteries of Masonry, and all this in the face of the fact that he was under no Masonic disability in Missouri. • Yet Idaho denies him an opportunity to secure Masonic citizenship, while the State grants citizenship. We assert that JONES is under no Masonic disability the day he may renew His application to the rejecting Lodge. That renewal may take place at the end of twelve months. If JONES were under Masonic disability here he c o u l d n o t renew his application. But he can renew at the expiration of a year. Therefore he is under no disability. If under none in one^Lodge (where he was rejected), disability can not be transferred to, and is not acquired by, another Lodge. Disability is not transferable, nor is it acquirable from a source where it does not exist. It does not exist where he was rejected, because twelve months removed the disabilities imposed by rejection. If-.this be not true, then law is a farce, "^and Grand Lodge legislation is a mockery. All Grand Lodges declare in their laws that a rejected applicant for the Mysteries may renew his application at the end ofcone year following the rejection. Does not the disability terminate with the year? If it does not, then every Lodge that receives the petition of a candidate rejected by itself, entertains the application of a party under Masonic disability. Who will say so? "But he is free from disability so far as that Lodge is concerned, and may renew his application there," will be the reply. Yes, and the fact that he may renew the application where rejected proves that the case is disembarrassed in the eyes of the law. Tbe'law recognizes him as a free man, who may go hence without delay, not being followed by the restraints and disfranchisements of arbitrary and unjust legislation. As these disfranchisements have ceased at home, and can not be transferred (because not in existence), therefore a rejected candidate may petition any Lodge where a Masonic residence is acquired. In the following there is an immense ammount of truth: We do not believe in sectarianizing Masonry. Far from it. We are broader in view, and freer from everything in Masonry that would destroy its unity, by virtue of being a Christian. Our religion makes us liberal, generou.s, free from narrowness, bigotry and the pitiable spirit of the sectary. No, brethren, it is not the " s e c t a r i a n " found in the Ritual of Masonry that calls forth these oft-recurring remonstrances and animadversions.

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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It is something else. It is not the religious element that has, by its mighty potency and Divine permeability, diffused itself silently through the Masonic system, that causes all this fuss and fuming from year to year. It is a restive, sore, chafing spirit that would first emasculate Masonry by striking down its moral character and strength. Then in due course of time demand, like France, that Masonry should proclaim the " N o G O D " lie. If those restless, noisy, agitators, who decry the religious element of Masonry, by calling i t ' " sectarian," would take the same care to preserve consciences void of offense, and guard their characters with the same zeal that they manifest concerning the non-sectarian character of our Institution, there would be far less occasion for stumbling among those who judge from fruits more than from profession*. It is a solemn truth, that will be readily accepted by many, that large numbers of our Brotherhood want Just as little ot G O D in Masonry as possible. It is the G O D idea against which many are fighting, who cry out "sectarian" Masonry. There is no such thing as "sectarian" Masonry. Men make Masonry narrow and partisan by their J>igotry, and none more so than those who nose and hunt for some Vord or expression in the Ritual which they may torture info sectarian bearing. We say most emphatically, let all who are losing sleep in consequence of too much G O D , Bible and religion in Masonry, ^o out. A Lodge is no place for them. They are among strangers, and we know them not. For the kindly words dropped^in our own way by the good brother, we thank him. The love of approbation does not lessen, whatever else time may rob us of, and if a "cheerful heart doeth good like a medicine," so also does a cheerful word now and then. Our valued friend and brother, J O S E P H S. BROWNE, was elected Grand Master, and should Providence and bur Missouri brethren permit, we propose to hear him deliver his Annual Address for 1880. R.-..W.-. Bro. JOHN D . VINCIL, St. Louis, Grand Secretary.

Less than a fortnight afterthe close of the annual session, th'e Grand Lodge was called upon to mourn with exceeding great sorrow the loss of an eminent and distinguished brother, R.-.W.-. JAMES E . CARTER, of Jefferson City, Grand Senior Warden. He was installed in the office October 16, 1879; on the 25th day of the same month the Grand Lodge was convened in special session to perform the Masonic burial service over his cold remains. What commentary on the uncertainty of human existence.

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Proceedings of the

MONTANA.

February,

1879.

T h e Report of Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge is very much like all of its predecessors, well-filled with information concerning the doings of the Craft in that Jurisdiction. The mountain brethren go at everything with such a fresh and earnest zeal that we are always glad to set eyes upon their record. We are not disposed to be hypocritical in looking over the work of our Masonic brethren, but when they get a little more careless than is absolutely necessary, it is well to touch them up a trifle. We think the Committee on Credentials a little negligent when they report twenty Lodges that have paid dues and are entitled to representation, without saying whether the parties named in the report were present or not. We presume; however, it will not be straining the point too much if we conclude that they actually were present and took seats in the Grand Lodge. The Annual Address of Grand Master JOHNSTEDMAN is chiefly devoted to well-conceived and eminently practical suggestions for the forwarding of all the interests of'the Craft in Montana; his words seem to be carefully considered, and to come from an earnest and far-seeing heart. H e evidently believes that there is now-a-days entirely too much eagerness among' the Craft to obtain new members, and not_^sufficient caution observed in the selection and use of material. All close observers will agree with the M.\ W.-. brother. H e thus speaks of a growing evil: Others wish to see public parades,, public installations and public Masonic performances of all kinds, the natural tendency of which is to divert the attention of the brethren from, and weaken their interest in that portion of the work of the Craft which is of the most vital importance, and, in the estimation of the profane, to place the Fraternity upo« a level with the political organizations of the day — a comparison, to say the least, not over flattering to Masonry. I have always felt — and time and observation constantly tend to confirm the opinion — that the practice indulged in to such an exteiit by the Craft, of appearing in public as Masons, except on such occasions, and for such purposes as are of a. strictly Masonic character, is a practice which it is the duty of every well-wisher of the Order to reprehend and discourage. It is, I believe, universally conceded that Masons, as Masons, should never, under any consideration, participate in any ceremonies, or in any way act conjointly, with, or be subject to -the control of any other organization whatever. A recognition of this rule is sufficient answer to the propriety of joining in processions for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary of our National Independence, and for similar objects. And the objections to public parades, when composed of and conducted exclusively by Masons — unless on occasions when there is Masonic wori to be done — are so numerous and conclusive that I am at aloss to understand how any brother having the good of the Order at heart can consent to such proceedings. I t is said that familiarity breeds contempt, and in no case more than this is the truth of the saying more clearly demonstrated. Time w a s . w h e n Masonry was regarded by the outside world with a respect due its dignified conservatism. Are we to forfeit our claim to that respect by obtruding our

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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doings upon the attention of the public, until it is forced to the conclusion that Masonry is but a cheap afifair after all, and not entitled to the consideration heretofore accorded it? • You tell me that improvement and change is the order of the day, and that Masonry must be made to conform to the modern idea of progress. When you prove to me that the eternal principles of truth and justice are •suscepible of'alteration or amendment, then I am prepared to admit that Masonry may' be modernized and changed from one generation to another to suit the peculiar notions of each. You tell me there is no longer a necessity for the observance ot the secrecy and unobtrusive methods adopted by our ancient brethren : that in. this favored land at least we are free t o - ^ what? expose.the secrets of our Order more and more.each yearby'encouraging Lodges and Masonic writers to encroach upon the domain of what once was, and what should always be held to be, the secret portion of our work. We most heartily concur in these remarks, believing as we now do — and have, ever since we gave, the subject any thought. In our opinion all public demonstrations, or grand shows, other than those of a strictly Masonic character, have a tendency to lower the standard and impair the dignity of Masonry, and to lessen the respect of good thinking Masons, as well as of people who are not members of the Order. Having heretofore expressed our views upon the- subject of parades and grand displays, not strictly Masonic in this, as well as in other branches of our Order, we say no more at present. We say with the Grand Master that any Mason who will so far forget himself as to be guilty of violating his obligations, voluntarily assumed, and persist in wilful wrong-doing, should be promptly disciplined by his Lodge..A reform in this, as well as in the matter of intemperance, must begin with the Lodges, at home, so to speak, and the first visible result of a continued war waged against any and all such vices-will be a diminution of the number of appealed cases which come up to annoy Grand Lodges each year. We commend the following excellent suggestions to the careful consideration of those who preside over Lodges: If a Master desires to see his Lodge meetings well attended, and an interest in the work manifested by his brethren, let him acquaint himself with the manner of conducting the regular business of the Lodge so as to be prepared at all times promptly to dis~pose of any subject that may come before him; post himself thoroughly in the work; be "wide a w a k e " and show by his actions that he knows his duty and means to,perform it, and means that those under his control shall know and perform theirs also; in short, prove himself qualified for a leader and he will not lack for followers. Tliere are many forever craving the honors, who are entirely unwilling to make the exertion necessary to qualify themselves in any degree to fill the responsible station of W.-.M.-. — an office the most, important of any within the gift of the Fraternity, as having a more direct bearing upon its destinies, and being more powerful for good or evil, from the fact that the Master has it in his power to a great extent to shape the course of his Lodge, and through the Lodge the character of the Fraternity generally. • He is the teacher—the school master of the Order — and it depends upon his skill and ability almost entirely, whether the material contributed by his Lodge for the building of the Teinple shall be " perfect ashlers," properly "squared, marked and numbered," such as would bear the inspection of a/

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skillful-master builder, or whether his blocks shall Be mere trash, fit only to be cast into the rubbish heap. Here is another good dish for those who take part in pur elections: . I wish to caution the Lodges against the suicidal-policy too often adapted, of undertaking to reform brethren who have fallen into evil ways by elevating them to places of trust and responsibility. The risk is too great, and the prospect of success too remote to justify the experiment. Nor is. the practice of rewarding those who have shown the Lodge a favor. When that is tlieir only recommendation — by placing them in office, scarcely less to be condemned. Lodges should-never be influenced in their choice of officers by any consideration except that of fitness for the position they are to occupy. They should be very careful to select such brethren as are distin-' guished for dignity of character and moral worth: who are temperate and prudent, and withal, such as have skill and ability, and who have shown . themselves able, ready, and willing to assist in the work of their Lodge whenever their services were needed. This quotation is complete in itself, and is worthy of more than a passing thou'ght. • By the Reports of other Grand Officers, we see that the Grand Lodge of-Montana is improving'financially, and harmony holds sway within her borders. Bro. CORNELIUS HEDGES, Grand Secretary, presents the Report on Correspondence, which, although brief, contains a very neat synopsis of the doings of other Grand Lodges. He has put his work together so compactly that we can only get in' our scissors at the conclusion, from which we excerpt the following, because we think it embodies some sound sense: If we turn to consider the few starveling seminariesand asylums that' have sprung up here and fhere in more direct response to the inspirations of duty and the demands of charity, we must confess, likewise, that these, too, are cumbersome and expensive failures, in which, as a rule, it costs two dollars to give one. • We would hardly venture to say a word in discouragement of any measure calculated to relieve any portion of the world's suffering, were we not sure that it is soon to be the recognized duty of every State to provide amply for every class of its unfortunates- at the general expense. So long as this is to be done, and Masons have their full share to pay towards the general burden, is it not a misdirection of effort and means to try to build up special institutions, which, unless open to all deserving ones, will bring against us the charge that our charity is too circumscribed to be a genuine article. Cannot Masons serve the cause much better by using all the influence in society and the State to provide for all the unfortunate classes as a public trust and duty? As for all other cases and classes where only partial and temporary assistance is necessary, we are certain that the most natural, economical and effectual method is to work through the individual members of our Lodges. We do not mean to say that organizations to dispense charity are not good institutions, or that it is notdesirable to have funds raised by general assessment to answer the most pressing, extraordinary calls, but we are very clear that it is unwise to make this the only or principal channel through which tobestow charity. It neither promotes liberality in the soul of the giver, nor gratitude in the recipient. The individual soul, which is the only kind we know of, needs to be brought into the very presence of want and suffering, before its depths and energies can be properly stirred, and the enlarging, cultivating influences come into free play in a natural arena.

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Grtuid Lodge of Kansas.

133

It seems to us that the methods now too exclusively employed are ob-. noxious to the criticism that we are cultivating a barren soil by an exhaustive process to the neglect of the richer soil in the individual heart, which, by proper stirring, will produce larger harvests at each successive planting. If we do our chaiity to gratify pride, or attract the praise of men, we may gain thePharisee's reward; but it is a very inferior'article to that which is laid up for the unobtrusive and untrumpted ministrations of individual effort and self-sacrifice. Wh^t we need most to cultivate is the spirit of private, personal beneficence. Let every Masonic heart become an asylum, warmed, lighted and. expanded from internal, connected with infinite and eternal, sources of supply. We want even more than our organized, concentrated systems of charity, fed by tithes, perhaps grudginly paid, a diffusive system in which each individual member shall strike out and pursue bis independent career of benificelice continuously, intelligently, energetically, and, as a necessary consequence, profitably and successfully; M.-.W.-. HIRAM KNOVVLES, Deer Lodge City, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. CORNELIUS HEEIGES, Helena, Grand Secretary. NEBRASKA.

1880.

^

The Proceedings this year contain only seventy-six pages, arranged in the elegant manner, ever characteristic of Bro. BOWEN'S work. T h e busi-. ness transacted was mainly of a local character, and, as a matter of course, not particularly interesting to those who reside outside of the borders of Nebraska. The attendance from the Subordinate Lodges was good, sixty-two being represented;* six Dispensations issued for the formation of new Lodges, and three continued until the next Annual'Communication ; four Charters granted.' , The Annual Address of Grand Master ROLLAND IL. OAKLEY is purely a business paper, giving in detail the Official transactions of the year. H e refers in feeling terms to the fraternal dead of the Jurisdiction. He gave the following decision: Question-^—A. B., a Master Mason, is expelled for unmasonic conduct, at which time he is in arrears six dollars for Lodge dues; t h e G r a n d Lodge r e stores him (o good standing in the Fraternity, and he is ultimately admitted a member of his Lodge upon petition. Can the Lodge demand payment of the amount due at date of expulsion? Answsr—It can not. Expulsion would cancel the claim, it being Masonic death. The Committee on Jurisprudence dissented, very properly, as we think, and the Grand Lodge concurred. The Grand Master must have been, in the course of his life, a commissioner in bankruptcy. He walked into the delinquent Lodges in a lively and effective manner, and from the financial reports submitted we infer that it brought forth good results. Sometimes it is the only way to stir up the drowsy ones who are nodding in their chairs. The Grand Master does not seem to take very much stock in the compromise made in the Manitoba embroglio. He will perhaps think differently when he receives a full statement of the case.

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Proceedings

of the

February, •

He says: Under our present law no brother is a member of a particular Lodge until he has signed the By-Laws. Were this strictly enforced, it would be alarming to see what a vast line of equities would confront us, and what a large per cent, of Masons in this Grand Jurisdiction have no membership whatever. We believe it to be the true practical theory, that w.hen a man petitions a Lodge for initiation he desires membership, and his election to receive the Tiiird Degree is his acceptance by that particular Lodge, and the O.-. B,\ is the crowning act that consummates membei'ship. And we also believe that when a brother petitions for affiliation, and the Lodge elects him, and when the declaration of the Master that he is elected is made, we believe that to be the crowning act that consummates membership, and from these two principal epochs a complete membership is' had, and from.that tirne the functions of membership exercised and assumed. This is both rational and practical. This Grand Lodge is to-day receiving dues, and our Constituent Lodges are collecting them Irom scores of Masons whose names do not appear, for sundry good reasons, upon any Lodge bylaw, ^and have under our existing law.no membership. OurTaw of limitation on dimits is such that brethren frequently visit a Lodge and petition for membership, and may not, for good reasons, attend again for months, and possibly for years, as is frequently the case.. This is the case in our own .Jurisdiction, and we have no doubt that it is true of all to a greater or less extent. We believe, indeed, that it is folly to enact any such law; it is never strictly complied with, for the reasons stated by the Grand Master. T h e Grand Orator, Bro. H E N R Y S. HALEY, delivered an excellent and well-prepared oration. We cfuote from the conclusion : In conclusion let me say, my brethren, we may not only feel a thrill of joyous pride in the reflection that our beloved Order has held such a lofty rank in the affairs, of men, r.nd has wielded such a powerful influence for good, but that in the splendor of its present civilization its influence and power is greater than ever before. These auspicious times, when science is so vividly unfolding the vast storehouse of nature's treasures, when' the genial beams of an enlightened • civilization is radiating into the remotest corners of the earth and lighting up the pathway of every oppressed household, when iron thrones are trembling beneath their oppressors' weight and.golden crowns are being torn from the monarches brow, when everywhere throughout the globe the watchword of the people is human equality and the brotherhood of our race, may we not fondly hope that Masonry has not yet reached the zenith of its grandeur and power, biit that she may realize the full fruition of her lofty teaching and continue to illuminate the pathway of humanity, until the nations of the earth shall be bound together in the strong cords of fraternal fellowship, nnd the millions of our race receive the divine inspiration of our holy Christianity. From the report of the Committee on Pay Roll, we are led to ihink the Grand Lodge is not' pleased with \\\e per diem and mileage. This luxury is not altogether satisfactory, and the committee offered an amendment to the By-Laws looking to the abolishment of the whole thing, leaving the Lodges to attend to the per diem and mileage business. Bro. W A R R E N presented a special Report on Correspondence. H e takes strong ground in favor of Minnesota in her late controversy with Dakota.

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We do not regard the brother's position as a tenable one, |^but as the unpleasantness is tided over for the present, we refrain from discussion. H e strongly favors the issuance of a regular yearly Report on Correspondence,saying:Your Committee are unanimously of opinion that there should be a review of the Proceedings of our sister Grand Lodges prepared and printed in our own Proceedings each year, for the benefit of our brethren, that they may know what is being done elsewhere. The cost thereof is .immaterial,provided il is not extravagant, as the benefits to be derived therefrom far exceed the cost, and we know of no better way to use our funds than a judicious expenditure of. a portion thereof in thus disseminating information to the Craft at home. The committee closes their Report with the following: We further reccommend that recognition be extended to the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, as an independent, sovereign Masonic Body, all proceedings connected with the formation and organization thereof appearing to be regular; That no such recognition be at this time extended to the Grand Lodge of Colon and Cuba, the evidence before your Committee failing to satisfy them that they are entitled to the same. We therefore ask further time upon this matter. We fail to see the grounds for the latter part of this, relating to ColonCuba. A careful study of the subject has led us to opposite conclusions. The following we deem to be a correct and just definition of the rule in relation to reinstatement of a brother who has been susp'ended for non-, payment of dues: • That whenever a brother suspended for non-payment of dues shall pay or cause the same t(j be paid, said suspension shall thereby be rem.>ved and the brother be restored to good standing without action of the Lodge, on the announcement thereof by the Master. The CJrand Master elect, JAMES A. TULLEYS, not being present, was installed afterwards at a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge convened for that purpose, June 7, 1880. R.-.W.-. Bro. W. R. BowEN, Omaha, re-elected Grand Secretary. NEVADA.

1880.

A Special Communication of this Grand Lodge was held in the city of •Reno on the 4th day of October, 1879, ^°^ '''^ purpose of placing the corner . stone-of the new public school building. The proceedings _were rather new to us. They may be in correct shape, but if so we have not received o u r ' Masonic training aright, e. g., " t h e Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment, and marched in procession to the site of the new Reno school building," where they performed labor in laying the aforesaid corner stone! An oration was delivered by the orator of the occasion, and the whole affair passed off, no doubt, to the entire satisfaction of the participants. 1880.

The Annual Communication was held in Virginia, June 18, 19 and 20, Nineteen Lodges represented out of twenty on the roll. The address

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of Grand Master D E W I T T C . M C K I N N E Y is, like many others this year, brief and relating to local affairs only. In his exordium he touches upon moral views and Masonic virtues, and condemns in strong terms the practices of gaming, profanity, intemperance and their concomitants. These vices are becoming entirely too common. It is quite time that decisive measures were resorted to, to the end that a stop be put to their further'encroachments upon society. Common consistency and decency demand that not 'only they be protested against, but that the protest be made effective. It does us'good to read such utterances coming from a society, hardly, as yet, settled down from the new and chaotic state of existence. It might be-well for a few'of the Grand Masters in some other Jurisdictions to offer as plain a condemnation of these yices as the Grand Master of Nevada has done. The Grand Master had few official acts to report, a general indication of harmony and good order among the Fraternity. Only one new Lodge organized during the year. A palrty applied to one of the Lodges for the degrees, and was rejected. Soon after he went to England, and while there petitioned, was elected and took the degrees. He returned to Nevada, applied to one of the Lodges to visit, and they said to him, " We know ye not." This all occurred, as it appears, within the short space of a year. We fully concur in the following concerning the modus operandi of restoring a brother who has been suspended for failing to. pay the annual dues assessed against him: The Craft within this Jurisdiction seem to be well governed, and it is a source of congratulation that peace and harmony prevail among our Lodges. The occasions have been rare when the advice or decisions of the Grand Master have been called into requisition. I therefore have but few suggestions to make in the way of legislation. I woul'd recommend for the consideration of this Grand Lodge the propriety of so amending Section 78, Art. • III, Part I I I , that when a brother has been suspended from all the rights and privileges of Masonry for the non-payment of dues,'he may restore him- ' self by the payment of all dues to the time of his suspension. It does not seem to me to be in accordance with strict justice to compel the payment of dues during the time for which he has been denied all the rights pertaining to Masonry. The payment of dues is not required of a brother suspended indefinitely, or for a specified time, for unmasonic conduct, and it is difficult for me to discover why a brother guilty of non-payment of dues should be subjected to a harsher penalty than the one guilty of a more heinous offense. In the administration of criminal law in all civilized nations, the punishment is intended to be commensurate wi'th the offense for which the person has been duly convicted—the greater punishment for the higher offense. Suspension for non-payment of dues is a summary proceeding in which, in many instances, the brother has no opportunity for a hearing. It seems to. me that suspension from all the rights and privileges of Masonry is a punishment commensurate with the offense, without the further penalty of paying dues when all the benefits are denied. We excerpt also the following, in regard to improper balloting: The matter of improper balloting has been called to my attentio,n. The right of a member to cast a white or black ball is indefeasible, yet in some instances the black ball is cast for unmasonic reasons. Sometimes because the candidate belongs to a particular nationality; at other times a member will cast a black ball against a calndidate in every way worthy, because his

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friend has been rejected on a previous occasion. Of course nothing can be done if the member keeps llie reason to himself, but quite frequently a voluntary confession is made, showing clearly that the mo'.ive was selfish, revengeful, or the result of unwarranted prejudice. If such a state of facts be conclusively shown, what recourse has a Lodge? It seems to me a member should be tried upon his own voluntary confession of wrong doing, and if found guilty of casting a black ball for unmasonic reasons, he should be suspended, and, perhaps, expelled. All will agree with the Grand Master when the objecting brother owns up to casting a black ball. Should he.do so, charges should be at once preferred against him for abuse of a IMasonic privilege given him in a.most solemn manner. No Mason-.has a right to divulge the color of his ballot. The .Address of the Grand Master met the hearty approval of the Grand Lodge. We are led to think that the Grand Lodge of Nevada ;is made up of careful builders, and that the best, interest of our beloved Order will be faithfully guarded and protected. The Annual Report on Correspondence was presented by Bro. ROH'T H . TAYLOR, who gives us an entertaining restitne of the Proceedings of the several Grand Lodges; covering over qne hundred and twenty pages of the Proceedings, Kansas for 1879 receiving attention among the number. He quotes liberally, and is sparing of criticisms and comments. His Report is indeed mainly made up of well-selected quotations. He "lets d o w n " on the Grand Master of Indiana, who was doing his level best to be serious, a little savagely, we think, in the following. ( H e might have tempered- his justice ÂŤtith mercy): The italics are ours. Good morning, "Old Father Time," how are you to-day? How do you atld weight to a list? Why not make a retrospect of the coming year? If "many of our sister .States can tell a diff"erent story of //creavement !i.nA deat/i," how does it happen that " we are all here?" Seriously, such things ought not to come from'the Grand Master of so grand a Jurisdiction. He is in faVor of counting the blank ballot same as any other, and offers the following in answer to Bro. W A I T S ' (of New Hampshire) objection: ~ The quotation from GUSHING admits that "in some sections of the country" blanks are counted. But he says, " t h e right of suffrage is a right on the part of the electors to elect some one to an office, and not a right to prevent an election from being made." If this reasoning is sound, then ".some one" should be declared elected when a count of the votes shows a lie! Suppose that there are just one hundred votes in a body whose rules require a majority vote to elect, and that ofthese SMITH receives fifty, JONES Iwenly-five and BROWN twenty-five. No one is elected. Is not suffrage free? Ha\;e not the fifty who voted for SMITH, the twenty-five who voted for JONES, and the twenty-five who voted for BROWN, the right \o vote the same way again and again, and thus " prevent an election from being made ?" And, one hundred qualified voters haviftg deposited "pieces of p a p e r " representing ballots, should it in reason make any difference that but twentyfour instead of twenty-five ballots have the name of BROWN upon them, and that one have no name upon it? Because, in neither case has SMITH, for whom fiUy votes were cast, recei"ved a majority vote of the persons who have gone through the form of voting.

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As to the application of the reasoning of the authors quoted, to Masonic elections, we have to say that we can-perceive no reason why blanks should be excluded, any more readily, than, in municipal elections. On the contrary, we do not believe that declaring a person elected to a Masonic office, who has not received the suffrages of a clear majority of his brethren, would, add anything to the "peace and h a r m o n y " of the Craft. We are therefore still in favor of counting blanks, in determining a majority vote. M.-.W.-. O E W I T T C. M C K E N N E Y , Austin, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. JOHN D. HAMMOND, Carson, Grand Secretary. -NEW BRUNSWICK.

1880.

The Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for the current year are somewhat meager, covering only fifty-six pages, and containing but little of especial interest to the Craft outside of that Jurisdiction. The attendance of Representatives was quite small; only sixteen Lodges represented; the business transacted of a purely local character. The Annual Address of the Grand Master, Bro. RoisERT MARSHALL, is brief and relates to local matters. He says of the progress of Masonry in the Province: Since the formation of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of New Brunswick, we have passed tlirough many changes, yet, in the midst of all this change, the good work, which it is the object and aim of our Institution to extend and advance — not only in this city of St. John, but throughout the length and breadth of the Province, from the Restigouche to the Saint Croix — has prospered, and to-day peace and harmony prevail, and an abiding faith animates our membership as to the success of our endeavors to give point and force to the work which we all so deeply love. I suppose at no time during the existence of the Grand Lodge has there been so much real quiet in our Fraternity; indeed, it perhaps may not be improper for me to notice the comparative absence of any " h u m " in Masonry; and perhaps that is not to be regretted, for, to my mind, our work is of such a character, and is so deeply grounded, that its interests are best advanced by steady, unobtrusive, persistent efforts. ' ' It appears that a spurious outfit, styling itself the Grand Orient of Louisiana, is knocking at the doors of New Brunswick for recognition; they very properly passed them by, saying: " We know ye not." There is an immense sight of impudence in the rnanagement of that.. Louisiana outfit. We have never been favored with any communications from that source. The Grand Master also looks with disfavor upon the new organization .styling itself the "Symbolic Grand Lodge of the Scottish Rile in France." The Committee on Correspondence concurred in the views of the Grand Master, and recognition was declined. The Grand Lodges of Cuba and Colon and of New South Wales \\;ere duly recognized. Here is what the Committee say about the latter Grand Lodge: The Committee have carefully examined the papers relating to the formation of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales. That Body appears to

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have been regularly formed by the constitutional number of Lodges in a colony having local self-government, and with quite as much right to possess Masonic government as the Province of New Brunswick. It is quite true that all the Lodges in the territory of New South Wales have not yet given in their adhesion to the new Grand Lodge; but it is also true that so long as this Grand Lodge exists there, no other can be lawfully formed. .There is no legal Ma'sonic obstacle to prevent our entering into fraternal relations with it. The new. Temple building is giving our New Brunswick brethren some trouble, and we hope it will only be a temporary trouble. The store rooms and offices in the edifice do not rent as readily as they had reason to expect at the outset. >, Apart from this debt, the financial affairs of the Grand Lodge seem to be in a most grritifying condition. R.-.W.-. P.OBERT MARSH.'iLL, St. John, Grand Master; R.-.W.-.WILLIAM F. BU.NTING/ St. John, Grand Secretary. NEW HAMPSHIRE.

1879.

The volume of Proceedings before us contains the printed transactions of a Special as well as t h e ' A n n u a l Communication. The former was held for the purpose of witnessing the exemplification of the work and lectures on an actual candidate, and was followed by a sumptuous banquet, provided by the brethren of Manchester. At the Annual Communication there were present Representatives from the fifty-six Subordinate Lodges; one Dispensation granted for the formation of a new Lodge, but a Charter was refused. The Annual Address of Grand Master SOLON A. CARTER is short and relates to home affairs in the main. He mentions in a fraternal way the death of several distinguished members of our Order, both within and without his Jurisdiction. H e does not favo'r Lodges parading on other than Masonic occasions, not considering "Decoration D a y " as such. He is of opinion that Section 115 of their Constitution, which claims perpetual juris-, diction over all rejected candidates, should be modified, so that the restriction would not apply to candidates who have been rejected and have subsequently removed into another Jurisdiction and gained a lawful residence therein. It is about time that some of our modern laws were receiving the skillful touch of the reviser's pen. We must say that after many years of close observation we are satisfied that the rigid enforcement of the rule referred to is working an unnecessary^hardship to such parties as have applied to our Lodges and been rejected, because forsooth they have crossed the path of some one member of the Lodge to which their application was sent in, in the wrong phase of the moon, at which unfortunate moment advantage has been taken and the' eternal barrier interposed, that can never be removed except by the objecting brother, or in case of his death. I t makes no difference where the candidate may go, or how well he may behave, or how acceptable he may prove to any other Lodge, it is " n o

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good." We say let our laws be bjimane and just; they will thereby lose none of their ancient prestige. The District Deputy Grand Masters all made valuable, and, indeed, interesting reports concerning the condition of the Craft in their respective districts. The Committee on Appeals and Grievances presented a very able and interesting report in a case wherein one of the Subordinate Lodges arraigned, tried and found a brother guilty of gross unmasonic conduct, as charge'd in the complaint, but refused to either e.xpel or suspend, and simply sentenced the party to a reprimand. It seems there was no appeal taken, but the casefound its way to the Committee through the Address of the Grand Master. The question was raised as to whether the Grand Lodge had jurisdiction in such cases. We are glad to note that the Committee took a sensible view of the situation and made a thorough examination of the whole affair; from this report we clip the following : Other Grand Regulations, relating to the mode of procedure in the matter of discipline and government, contemplating a revisory power in the Grand Lodge, undoubtedly refer to such cases as have resulted in expulsion Lr suspension, but it does not follow that the Grand Lodge has nothing to do with any other case, or that any particular Lodge where the trial was, could finally dispose of a case by refusing to inflict adequate punishment. Such can not be the meaning of the Grand Constitution or a correct interpretation of the law relating to that subject. The, Grand Lodge intended to reserve to itself the right to pass final judgment upon all matters affecting tire Masonic standing of every brother within its Jarisdiction. Expulsion and suspension — having practically the .same effect for the time being — were not to be inflicted, said the Grand Lodge, except in such cases as deserved the severest penalty, and should he administered with equal certainty whenever the good of the Order required. ' • Aiming at such results, the Grand Constitution makes plain and unmistakable provisions to . that' effect. But in such unimportant matters as should receive but a reprimmand, not afiTecting the "Masonic standing," and of such a nature as neither to be affirmed or annulled, the Grand Lodge saw fit to leave with the particular Lodge wherever the trial may have occurred: Rule lo is as follows : The Secretary shall keep a full record of all proceedings, and shall transmit within thirty days, and befor.e the meeting of the Grand I^odge, to the Grand Master, a full copy of all the evidence, charges, specifications, notices, services of same, and of all things in any way pertaining to the trial, which copy shall be signed by the Master and attested by the Secretary, under seal. Thus it is provided that all papers, etc., in every case shall be placed in the hands of the Grand Lodge in due course of procedure—certainly with some purpose, and there can be no other than to see what had been done and pass ujDon the whole matter. Now if it is true that the Grand Lodge has no power to consider cases where the particular Lodge had administered only a reprimand, many of the provisions of the Grand Regulations are useless and absurd. . Such a doctrine would lead to very dangerous and objectionable results. Any Lodge by refusing to expel or suspend a brother convicted of

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crime, no matter how great, might thereby put it beyond the power of the Grand Lodge or the Fraternity to rid themselves of the vilest, even if his • offense were capital crime. But there is still a higher power in the Grand Lodge in all such matters. It is the supreme authority in the Jurisdiction where it is situated, and has no limit except the Ancient Landmarks and its own Constitution. Such is the law laid down by every work on Masonic Jurisprudence throughout the country. The government of the Fraternity is certainly as important a subject as the Grand Lodge has to consider, and if there were not ample provision in its Grand Regulations, it would be bound to govern them nevertheless, and especially when the good of the Order demands. When the honor of the Craft is at peril and its fair name is liable to be blackened by the gross and shameless conduct of those under its control, whether individuals or Lodges, this Grand Body will, if necessary, invoke its extraordinary power and take cognizance of all matters of discipline and government, and see to it that justice is done in the premises. We had a similar case in our own Grand Lodge, and disposed of it in the same summary way. Such action as we had was severely criticised by many of our contemporaries. We believed that we were right, and we believe so still. Bro. A. S. W A I T presented an excellent Report on Correspondence, covering the Proceedings of forty-seven Grand Lodges, Kansas for 1878 among the number. On the insanity dodge in Illinois he hasthis to say: We can not help thinking the refusal of this Dispensation an adherence to the letter and forms of the law to the destruction of its spirit. The only object of the ballot is to ascertain the sense of the brethren as to the fitness of a candidate for the Masonic degrees. When, for any reason, a ballot is . such as not to determine this, it does seem to us that.it should be set aside. We have always been a strict constructionist in our views of Masonic law, • and would countenance no departure from its ancient maxims or usages; but when such circumstances enter into the ballot as to show that it does not and can not ascertain the sense of the brethren, we are aware of neither reason' nor law which requires it to be held binding. The acts of an insane mind are everywhere in the law held to be of no validity or binding force. We see no reason why a ballot in a Masonic Lodge, which is the product of insanity, should be any more valid or binding than is in law a contract which has the same source. It seems to us that to correct such acts as this is the very object of the extraordinary prerogative of the Grand Master, and we think it ought to be exercised in all such cases for the good of Masonry; with care, doubtless, and with a d e e p sense of the gravity of the occasion; but when the occasion arises, we think it should be exerted for the conservation of .the best interests of the Institution. Point well taken. We very heartily concur in the following: We hold this to be a self-evident principle of our Institution, growing necessarily out of its very nature, and implied in all its incidents, viz: That a person, having, in a regular Lodge of the Order, and by the voluntary act of that Lodge, been invested with a knowledge of what is peculiar to the Institution, and himself voluntarily received that knowledge, and willingly entered into the required obligations to the Order, howevfr irregular may have been the forms of the work, or ho\vever irregular, or even unlawful, may have been the preliminary proceedings, he has thereby become a regular Free and Accepted Mason; and there is no power which can lawfully deprive him of the privileges of the Institution except upon due trial, and

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as a punishment for Masonic crime. Lodges may do many wrongs, for which they should be held responsible, even to the extent of being stricken from existence; but while working under regular Charters they are the a u thorized bodies of the Order, and their acts can with no more justice be repudiated than can, in the business world, the acts of an authorized agent within the general scope of his agency, be repudiated merely because he has disregarded the private instructions of the principal from whom his authority is derived. It would be a mortal reproach to our Institution if Lodges were to be vested with powers of conferring its honors, and as such held forth to the world, and then, men who have thus been invited to seek, through them, the honors of the Order, could be denied Masonic standing merely because the Lodge has disregarded some requirement of which the candidate possessed no knowledge. In a former Report we expressed substantially the same views, and for so doing were sharply criticised by some of the Guild. It did not, however, change our views one jot. Irregularities should not be made to affect the standing of an innocent candidate. Here he again hits the nail squarely on the head, in the Montana case, where a party obtained the degrees under an assumed name, and several years afterward, and after he had left the Territory, he applied for a dimit and asked for it under the right name, explaining the reasons why he so applied, being in good standing at the time. The dimit was declined and his name was stricken.from the rolls, leaving him a Mason without membership or a right to acquire one in any Lodge. The Lodge was not defrauded, and as Bro. W A I T says (and we fully agree with h i m ) : We agree, fully, that if the name were assumed for the purpose of enabling the party to obtain the degrees, and a fraud were thus practiced upon the Lodge, it would fiirnish a very clear case for expulsion. But when it is considered that by the solemn decision of the Court of King's Bench in England, as well as by several of the most respectable judicial tribunals of our country, a person has a right to change his name, and that having assumed a name different from that of his baptism, and become known to the public by it, the latter becomes, to all intents and purposes, as much his lawful name as if he had received it at birth or baptism, we feel justified insisting, that, receiving the Masonic degrees by an assumed name, with nothing more, furnished no ground for animadversion of any kind. We will have-to pass to 1880, which is on the table awaiting our notice. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. NEW HAMPSHIRE.

1S80.

A Semi-Annual Communication was held in Manchester for an exemplification of the work and lectures of the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry. Sixty-two Lodges represented, and much interest manifested. The Annual Communication was held in Manchester, May 19, 1880 ; fifty-six Lodges represented; one Dispensation issued for the formation of a new Lodge, one refused. The business transacted was of more than ordinary interest. The Annual Address of Grand Master CARTKR is brief and to the point in all respects. He does not favor the plan of incorporating Lodges, (nor do we), thinking it highly reprehensible, and indeed a violation of precedent, for a

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Lodge to sue a brother for unpaid dues. It is nothing new for such idle • and nonsensical ideas to crawl into the cranium of some Masters. If it would do any good we would suggest to all such questioners to read up on Masonic law and usage, but it would do no good. Like old Thomas they • would still doubt, and say they can see no good in it. i On the question of reimbursement, the committee to whom it was referred'submitted an able report, from which we extract the following, together with the accompanying resolution: Your committee have endeavored to consider the subject with that degree of care its importance demands, and to give due weight to every view material to a just conclusion, and they are of the opinion that, although a Lodge bestow'ing'charities upon a needy sojourning brother may properly give information of the fact, and ask reimbursement from the Lodge of which the brother is a member, no claim for such reimbursement, as a matter of positive right can, upon any law, principle or usage of Masonry, be m.aintained. Relief of a brother Mason in distress is a duty incumbent alike upon all brethren and all Lodges, according to his necessity and their ability; but such relief is required by Masonic principle, to be bestowed "in pure charity, and upon it no right to reimbursement arises. Were this otherwise,-Masonic charity would be reduced to a mere system of credit among Lodges, with all its attendant disputes, which would not only deprive Masonry of its high character as a charitable Institution, but would introduce an element of discord which could not fail in' the end to prove mischievous in the extreme. '' ^ Your committee recommend the passage of the following resolution ; Resolved; That it is the sense of this Grand Lodge that Masonic charities are free gifts for the relief of such as are in distress; and when bestowed in aid of a sojourning brother of the Order, no .claim arises thereupon for reimbursement, which can be enforced against the brother, or against the Lodge of which he is a member; and that although, .where moneys have been expended for the relief of such a brother, notice to his Lodge and a request for reimbursement will not be deemed improper, no Lodge or brother within this Jurisdiction will be compelled to make such reimburse• ment; nor will any Lodge receive aid froin this Grand Body in the enforcement of such a claim against any Lodge or brother within the Jurisdiction of any sister Grand Lodge. 'This settles the question in New Hampshire; how about the rest? The Committee on Jurisprudence submitted a strong report on the question of restoration, (of a brother who has been either expelled or suspended), to the rights and privileges of Masonry. The question came u p ' on an amendment of their Constitution. Here is what they h a v e ' t o say, and we think embodies the correct doctrine, after reciting the rule of the Grand Lodge: We are aware that there is a large numerical preponderance of authority in support of this rule. We are also aware that the contrary rule is sustained by MACKEY and other eminent Masonic jurists with a strength of reasoning which has never been answered because it is unanswerable. How Masons ever came to consent to such a rule in the outset is more than we can conceive. It is directly in the teeth of the fundamental principles of justice, and every Masonic tenet. It cannot stand t h e test of the plumb, the level or the square. A. rule that treats the innocent as if he were guilty has no place in Masonic jurisprudence. In general every Blue Lodge is free

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February,

to accept such persons as members as it sees fit and no other, but when it has once made them members they have rights of which they cannot be deprived except for an offense either against that Lodge or the general body of Masons. If it were otherwise, every Lodge would have the right to expel any member at pleasure and without cause. This' might lead 'to most anomalous results. A Lodge might be. composed of eight members; the seven might be thieves, adulterers or murderer.s, and might expel the eighth because he was not as bad as themselves. Tempests test the endurance of the oak, and strong cares test principles. It may be urged that no such case could ever arise; the difficulty with this suggestion is that it is not true. In two instances in this Stale, those who never ought to have been admitted, by their conduct drove out belter men than themselves, admitted spirits of their own kidney, stole the Tunds of the Lodge, and divided the booty among themselves in a way that would have made the "forty thieves" proud of those who followed in their footsteps. T h e y would undoubtedly have t'rumped up false accusations, and driven beyond their pale the old and infirm, but respectable members of the Lodges, had it not been for the fact that they could accomplish the same thing easier by indirection, arid without the fear of the heavy hand of the Grand Lodge. Whenever a guilty man sues for pardon, and is restored as'an act of mercy to the rights and privileges of Masonry, he is, by the express provision of . our Constitution, prohibited from becoming again a member of his former Lodge, without its unanimous consent. A pardon by the supreme Masonic authori.ty is one thing ; the verdict of acquittal by the judgment of his peers is another, and a very different thing. When the accused is set free because he is adjudged innocent by the Grand Lodge, he should stand like any other innocent man; he should be put precisely as he stood before any accusation was levelled against him; he should be restored to everything of which he had been unjustly deprived. The only substantial argument in favor of the opposite view is that it will disturb the harmony of the Lodge. .No Lodge is fit to live or worthy of existence, whose harmony must be preserved, if at all, by rascality and injustice. . We-therefore recommend the Grand Lodge to expunge Section 140 of Article 17 of the Grand Constitution, and to substitute therefor the following: Whenever the Grand Lodge shallyf/za//)/ reverse or abrogate the decision of a particular Lodge, suspending or expelling a brother from all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry because adjudged innocent of the offense with which he was charged, he shall thereby be restored to all such rights and privileges, including membership in the Lodge from which he was thereby suspended or expelled. There is some humanity and justice in such a rule, and it has always troubled us to understand why it was that the leadmg Masonic jurists"of our time favored the rule that restoration should not include membership^ The subject of the three ballots was up on the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, and the BELL: rule amended and the CHASE rule adopted, so hereafter in New Hampshire it will require three ballots in order to gain admission into a Lodge. In Kansas we only require one ballot for all the degrees, and we merely vote on the proficiency of a candidate by a show of hands. Bro. A. S. WAIT again favored the Grand Lodge with a well prepared Report on Correspondence, covering loS pages. Forty-nine Grand Lodges passed under review, Kansas among the number. . H e thus comments upon one of the decisions of Grand Master WELLFORD, of Virginia:

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Grand Lodge of Kamas.

145

" A n Entered Apprentice who had a stiff knee and a wooden leg, desired to be advanced. I decided that, as an Entered Apprentice, he had claims upon us and was entitled to the benefit of all reasonable doubts, and that if, upon the most charitable but honest consideration of his infirmity, the Lodge was of the opinion that he could conform to the Ritual, he might be advanced." We wish the Grand Master" could have felt it right to have gone further, and declared that the rule of physical perfection has no application whatever, except to the tiinking oi Mason.s, and that after a'person has received the Entered Apprentice's degree he is within the fold of Masonry, and entitled, if remaining morally and intellectually worthy, to advance to possession of all its degrees and knowledge of allits teachings. We have always been "an advocate of the physical qualification requirement, regarding it as a landmark of Masonry; and when Master of our Lodge enforced it, even against the protest of some of our brethren. We believed then, and still hold, that the rule goes no further than the ancient charges, which apply only to the first degree. It seems to us a palpable reflection upon the character of our Institution, that a person f'lund worthy to be made a Mastn should be denied atlvancement merely because he has subsequently been overtaken by misfortune. The loss'of a member, it is true, may render one unable to conform literally to all the ritualistic forms of the Masonic degrees; but they can be comniunicated, and he can make them available to him when occasion may require. No landmark, nor any ancient charge or regulation, denies to him such advancement; and having once passed the portal and entered within the Temple, we hold a brother, still remaining . worthy, has a right to kneel at all its altars, to drink a t all its fountains, and to live and be guided by all its lights. In answer to Bro. MoRRls' question, he says of the Past Master's degree: "Now, dear brother Chairman, do you mean that a man' can really take a degree over again ?" We truly do no not think that a man can take a degree- over again in any ]")roper Masonic sense; but if he has assumed to obtain a degree in a body which the Symbolic Lodge does not and cannot recognize, it is to the lat'ter as though it had not been obtained at all. The Past Master's degree in the Royal Arch Chapter, is a mere fiction, never authorized by the Blue Lodge, and not entitled to recognition from it. It is, so far as the Blue Lodge is concerned, clandestine and spurious; and in view of its history in the Chapter, and the manner of its acquirement in that body, we do not think it entitled to much better repute there. It is obtained in the Chapter irregularly, and on the merest pretense, without authority, and we think, therefore, it- is not entitled to be recognized as any part of the qualification of a presiding Master of a Lodge. We have alwayf, from the start, been opposed to the recognition of virtual Past Masters by Blue Lodge Masonry, and we fully agree with Bro. W A I T in his views, and would be well pleased to see. it set down upon in our Grand Lodges. M.-.W.-. ANDREW HUNTON, Manchester, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. G E O . P . Ci.EAV.EL, Concord, Grand S,ecretary.

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Proceedings

of the

N E W JERSEY.

February,

1880.

Over two hundred pages of the Proceedings are taken up with the published list of Lodges and the names of all the members enrolled. A very finely engraved portrait, on steel, of Past Grand Master ISAAC VAN WAGGONER' graces the commencement of the volume. The ninetythird Annual Communication was held January 21 and 22, 1880; the Representatives of one hundred and thirty-seven Subordinate Lodges were present; busines.s transacted mostly of a local nature. Grand Master H A M I L T O N W A L L I S delivered a fair business Address; He refers in feeling terms to the death of two distinguished Masons of that Juri_sdiction, Past Grand Master ROBERT RUSHING and the lamented THOS. J. CORSON, M . D . , so well and favorably known among Masons through all the length and breadth of America. Memorial pages were inscribed to the ' memory of these and other eminent and devoted Masons. The Grand Master takes strong ground against Scotland in the Quebec trouble. The Grand Lodge of New Jersey last year extended recognition to the Grand Lodge of the Island of Cuba, and he sees no good reason for receding from the position taken. ' T h e following suggestion appears to us worthy of attention and action : Early in the year my attention was called to a matter which convinced me that, to faithfully and surely guard the Fraternity from imposition, some new rule should be adopted in respect to dimits. Some years ago a brother holding a dimit from a Lodge in_New York became a member of a Lodge in this State. His dimit, which became the property of his Lodge, remained among its archives unmutilated. Shortly afterwards charges were preferred against him for grave Masonic offenses, when he surreptitiously obtained possession of his dimit, and for some years has been using it improperly, to the great scandal of the Fraternity. This would have been impossible if the dimit had been properly cancelled when it became the property of the Lodge. I would, therefore, recommend that, whenever a brother, applying to a Lodge for affiliation, shall have been elected, the fact of such election, with the date and name of the Lodge to which elected, be written across the face of the dimit, over the signature of the Worshipful Master and the seal of the Lodge. This would effectually prevent the improper use of dimits. Some such rule should be adopted by every Grand Lodge, in America at least. Here is what the good brother has to say about the terrible swarm of "Masonic tramps" who infest every town and city, and coax here and there a small contribution from generous-hearted Masons to the hurt of the really needy: I have been asked, too, to devise some way by which our Lodges can be protected from Masonic tramps. They are not only a scandal to the Fraternity and a crying nuisance, but they tend to steel our hearts and close our purses to the appeals of the really deserving. Against this evil the Lodges can not be protected — they must protect themselves. No perfect remedy can be found; but a. suggestion has been made to me which will

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

"

]47

mitigate the nuisance in the cities and larger towns which are most frequented by them. Let the Lodges in such places jointly enter into some arrangement by which applicants for relief can be comfortably provided for until the Lodges, from which they hail, can be communicated with. If the response is favorable, extend to them all needed assistance; if unfavorable, prosecute them under the vagrant laws of the State. In no case give an applicant for relief money, until perfectly satisfied as to his worthiness. Some such plan would speedily make the business of the tramp unprofitable, and would thus prove a benefit to worthy brethren in distress. We notice the case of the notorious CALVIN C. BuRXis again before the Grand Lodge. There is nothing new added to the case since our last Report, and we certainly think there is entirely too much attention paid to this chap. The game isn't worth the powder. The Masons who read know the man and his Masonic standing and will not be liable to be gulled by him, and for those who will not read and learn to avoid the tempter, let them bite at his hook, and when they get it in the gills they will remember the man BURT and the " Memphis Rite." The following resolutions were presented and referred to the Commit- ' tee on Jurisprudence with instructions t o . report at the next Annual Communication: Resolved, The inherent right of a Subordinate Lodge " to make By-Laws ' and Regulations for its own government and concerns," is a Landmark that can not be too closely guarded. Resolved, That regulations relating to the finances and revenues are of the most vital importance to every Lodge._ Resolved,'X\i'!it the question, " D o any. of the decisions or regulations promulgated by this Grand Lodge, concerning affiliation fees, fees for dimits and kindred subjects, encroach upon the proper rights and privileges of the Subordinate Lodges?" be referred to the ComThittee on Masonic Jurisprudence and Charity, for their examination, to report at the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge. • . Bro. JAMES A. NORTON is the author of the Report on Correspondence, and, as usual with him, brings forth a most readable and chatty review.Like most men, he has a hobby or two, perhaps more, and one of them is the question of physical qualifications, which he discusses at length under the head of Maine, in answer to Bro. DRUMMOND : " N o Master should take an Apprentice, unless he has sufficient employment for him, and unless he be a perfect youth, having no maim or defect in his body that may render him incapable of learning the art of serving his Master's Lord and of being ma'de a brother. - "And insists that all after 'perfect y o u t h ' may be eliminated without affecting the sense. We admit the rule that words are to be used in their ordinary sense; but we insist upon the-other rule that such construction must be adopted as will give a meaning to all the words employed. In its strict sense, the word 'perfect' has but one meaning, and can not be compared as most other adjectives can be. But the word is not ordinarily used in that strict sense. We find that 'more perfect' and 'most perfect' are often used, meaning 'more nearly perfect,' if we insist .upon the strict sense of • the word. Now a 'perfect youth,' physically, is as rare as a 'perfect youth,' mentally; and we hold that .the language following the words 'perfect y o u t h ' have an important meaning; while there is no such thing as a 'perl6

•

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February,

feet youth,' yet he must be so nearly perfect as to have no such maim or defect in his body as to render him incapable of serving his Master's Lord. The concluding words are the test of the degree of perfection which the candidate must possess. In Bro. DRUMMOND'S opinion the law reads that a youth "must be so nearly perfect as to have no such maim or defect in his body as to render him incapable of serving his Master's Lord." We think'the law reads that the aforesaid " y o u t h " must be perfect, as far as human observation can determine— having no observable maim or defect in his body," to "render," etc. As this is n question of interpretation, we presume it will be long ere the matter will be settled; very long before an interpetration^—such as will place brethren of different mental habitudes on. the same visual level — will be attained; and we are content to leave the matter in just that condition, for we have no pet theory upon the subject.. On the contrary, as we last year said" in our reply to Bro. PARVIN, of Iowa, while we would be rigid as to moral defects', we would not favor a too nice application of the law as to physical defects. But we gave this as sentiment, not as an interpretation of the law. In reading Bro. DRUMMOND'S remarks, above quoted, we have been struck by the difference between his own composition!;, as to perspicuity, and the style which h e seems to contend for in the construction he puts upon the law touching "physical qualifications." Bro. D. may, in or'dinary . conversation, make use of phrases similar to "more perfect" and "most perfect," but in writing he does not, and we incline to doubt whether a man talks ambiguously who writes as clearly and concisely as he does. But there is usage in speaking as well as in writing. Rules as to syntax, and grammatical rules in general, are not, even by the best of talkers, as closely observed in talking as in writing. In talking, colloquialisms will sometimes obtrude upon the speech of the most careful and best trained. But admitting that such phrases as "most perfect" are sometimes, in conversation, used by such persons, it by no means follows that they would make'use of them in writing,*especially when writing for posterity. Just there is where we take our stand in our interpretation of this law. The authors of the law have shown that they knew how to use the English language, and we are to take for granted that they used words according to their radical significance, and not according to any alleged local or colloquial or even a secondary signification. Now, assuming that the English language has not materially changed since their tinie, and it has not, how can we adopt the interpretation which makes the law read so as to justify the acceptance of candidates with any and every degree of physical imperfection according as this or that man interprets the law? Bro. DRUMMOND says:

" W e admit the rule that words are to be used in their ordinary sense; but we insist upon the other rule that such co'nstruction must be adopted as will give a meaning to all the words employed." Certainly, when " a meaning" and sense can be given " t o all the words employed." But the only safe canon of interpretation is, that all words are to be taken literally; that no secondary, equivocal or ambiguous meaning is to be assumed for words, especially the principal 'or dominant words of a sentence, unless such secondary or equivocal meaning is in proof from passages of the same writer or of contemporaneous literature. The propriety of this canon is obvious, and will secure a ready assent. How otherwise can we arrive at a knowledge of a writer's meanings? And unless a writer uses words literally (we mean, of course, in grave compositions) how can he expect to be understood ? No person shall deny the proposition that all

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

149

writers write with the expectation of being understood; and if one meant to convey the idea of nearly perfect,'\iovi easy it would be for him to write the words—how easy, for example, to have written the law in question, thus: " N o Master should take an Apprentice, unless he has sufficient employment for him, and unless he be a youth so nearly perfect that any maim or defect in his body may not render him incapable of learning, the art of serving his Master's Lord and of being made a brother." If that is what was meant, as some of our learned brethren contend, how easy it would have been to place such meaning beyond controversy. It is incumbent on those who'hold as Bro. DRUMMOND holds, to show, that, in contemporary documents and by the pens of the same authors, the word "perfect" is found in such a connection as to justify their interpretation. • If one case is brought forward in which the word "perfect" is used in such a way or in such a situation that it OKxn not possibly have the literal radical signification (whether as applied'to physical qualifications or not), then, we hold, there is justification for the interpretation against which we are contending. The burden of proving the existence of any such instance lies with Bro. DRUMMOND and tho'se who take the same view of the law. No such instance has been adduced. Understand us brethren: We are not contending for any theory in which pride of opinion is at stake. As already stated, our sentiment is against the rigid application of the provisions of the law, as we understand those provisions; but, in such a case, when sentiment and fealty clash, we feel that we have no business to hesitate in making choice of service. And now, we would like to propound a question: " I s it not possible that in this very Jaw our predecessors wrought better than we k n o w ? " Close and well-qualified observers have asserted that moral defects usually, if not invariably, accompany congenital physical defects. If this is so—and the writer, as the result of many years' personal observation, believes it to •be susceptible of proof—we have the fact established that congenital physical defects advertise a moral diathesis predisposed to obliquity! Did our predecessors take this view of things? What is there lo show that they did ' n o t ? If they did, whether they were led to it by observation or by an experience growing out of their dealings with the physically defective, matters not. A law has been handed down to us which, reads so as to make it appear that an apparently perfect physical condition was. required; and the latter view is sustained both by Masonic tradition and by the practice of a large part of the Fraternity down to this very day. From our point of view, therefore, the law is entitled not only to respect on account of its age, but to veneration on account of its wisdom. A proneness to moral waywardness may, for a time, he concealed; but physical defects, generally,,can not be; and if the latter betray a propensity to the former (which, when congenital, we know they generally d o ) , we can see a very good reason for the law, and for its strict construction, when congenital physical defects present themselves as candidates for mysteries which Masons guard with so much vigilance. Of course we make a distinction between congenital and mechanical physical defects. We hardly think Bro. NORTON'S finely-spun theory will harmonize with the -doctrine that physical deforrriity argues moral deformity. Like Bro. DRtTMMOND, we have not been educated in this lijie of study, and hence will not attempt to controvert the theories of Bro. NORTON on the subject. He believes that the Lodge, as such, has rights, and having, as a Lodge, by means of the ballot, passed upon the question of the qualification of a can-

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February,

didate, it ought not to allow an uninvestigated objection to overrule and set aside its action, or, in other words, what a Lodge has done, no single member ought to be allowed to estop by a mere objection and thus check the progress of the candidate. • We shall have to make our bow to Bro. NORTON until another year. M.-. W.-. HAMILTON WALLIS, Jersey City, Grand Master; J O S E P H H . HOUGH, Trenton, Grand Secretary. N E W MEXICO.

R.-. W.-.

1880.

We have the printed Proceedings of the Second Annual Communication of this young but vigorous Grand Lodge, put up in elegant shape typographically and otherwise. Four Lodges (all) represented. Nineteen Past Masters and thirty-one Wardens reported present by the Committee on Credentials. This is a new feature, admitting Past Wardens as Representatives; we would hardly favor such a' rule for our part, and should our New Mexico brethren continue the practice for a dozen years, and Wardens increase as fast as they do with us, no_ ordinary hall would begin to hold them; they would have to go out and find a ten acre lot on some high hill, or in some low vale, for room, and another unpleasant feature would be in its bearing on the Deacons. The labors would be such as but few brethren would care to assume; too much travel for them from the three important stations. Grand Master WILLIAM A. G R I F F I N delivered a good practical Address, reports the condition of the Craft in that Jurisdiction as good, peace and harmony prevailing, with only one exception, the trouble anent Silver City Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Missouri. From present appearances we ' fear this disturbing element is likely to continue. Last year.we gave this unpleasant matter considerable attention, and we then entertained the hope t h a t . the refractory Lodge would give in its adherence ere this, and thus put an end to the disturbing element. But it looks to an outsider as if willful and unnecessary stubornness had taken possession of the members of Silver City Lodge, and they still stand out and almost bid defiance to the legal and constituted authority in that Territory, and we think it quite time that our good brethren of Missouri speak a word or two to these unwise children of theirs in New Mexico. As many of the ablest writers have expaated upon ihe subject to the fullest extent, we see no need of extending the discussion, for certainly but little could be added to what has been so ably •presented, and the questions involved are now well understood. The Grand Master presents an exhaustive review of the case, making a large part of his valuable Address. He refers somewhat sharply to a paragraph taken from the body of a committee report on the Quebec-Scotland dispute, made to the Grand Lodge of Kansas in 1S78, and the use which is made of it by the Grand Master of Missouri. The point is well taken, for in the next succeeding paragraph to the bne quoted, the American doctrine on this point is clearly stated, and our adherence to the same is announced in unmistakable terms in the resolutions appended to the report.

'88o-i.

Qrand Lodge of Kansas.

-\b\

We do in fact know of no means by which a Grand Body can compel a Lodge working under the warrant and authority of another Grand Lodge, to come into its fold. There can be no such thing as coercion in Masonic matters of this kind. But this does not militate at all against the doctrine expressed further on in the report in question, and also in the resolutions, the application of which in this case lay against the conduct of the Grand Lodge of'Scotland and not against Elgin Lodge, which merely followed its leader. A little less pride, a little less haughtiness, a little more of charity, of the laisser aller, and a little more application of the principle, " t h e greatest good for the greatest number," in the intercourse of Grand Bodies with each other would pave the way to a speedy settlement of all these difficulties. When the children make up their mind to leave the old folks and go to house keeping for themselves, the best way is to help them off and bid them a cheerful " G O D speed," and in case one of the brood is sulky and refuses to join the rest, a kind word from the parent would generally remove all such feeling, and in causing it to join its fortunes with the new and happy family, remove a stumbling block from their path and result in real benefit to all parties. All this hesitation, or opposition, even, merely postpones the inevitable, and when the trouble is over, leaves a sting behind for yaors, where only kindness and brotherly love should exist. T h e Grand Secretary, on behalf of the Committee on Correspondence, presented an able report on the Cuba-Colon question, favoring the recognition of the former Body, and declining the latter. The Grand Lodge concurred in these views, and adopted suitable resolutions. Since this action was had these two conflicting bodies have adjusted all matters of difference, and united their fortunes. This gives reviewers a needed rest on that point. The Report on Correspondence was presented by Bro. DAy. J. MILLEK, Grand Secretary, and does him credit. He favors a uniform " m a n u a l " for the use of Lodges, as we are led to think from the following: We do not think that any Lodges need different " Installation Services'" from those laid down in the diff'erent manuals. A departure by any Grand Lodge from established customs-in the Fraternity, tends to weaken that bond of unity which should hold all Lodges and all Masons together as " o n e and inseperable," Masonry requires good and efhcient Masters, and if a certificate of qualification should be required from the Grand Lecturer before any Master elect could be installed, many of our Lodges would certainly be better and more efficiently governed. But we do not like the idea of a State organization compiling a moni* torial wfjrk for its own especial use, while at the same time we deplore the fact that so many different works of the kind are in use by the various Lodges. Why can not a single work be adopted or compiled for use in all our Lodges? Then the work would be measurably the same everywhere. A General Grand Lodge for the settlement of all such questions seems to be an impossibility, but means can be employed to give us uniformity in many things. Suppose, brethren of California, that, instead of compiling a manual for yourselves, you propose a commission to be composed of, say the Grand Lecturers of all the States, to adopt or compile a manual and agree upon,a ritual io\- general use. This would tend to strengthen that unity which we all so much desire in the maintenance of our time-honored Institution.

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Proceedings of the

'

February,

However desirable such a thing might be,, we are inclined to think such an arrangement would be hard to consummate, with such a diversity of opinion as must certainly exist in this country. We fear such a thing would lead us into a war like unto that had annually among school book publishers, and from all such recurring unpleasantness, "Good Lord, deliver us!" would be our most emphatic prayer. We say, for our part, let it alone. Our Lodges are, as a general rule, working smoothly and harmoniously, each one choosing from the pile such as suit their peculiar tastes and ideas. It will be soon enough, when in the course of human events we adopt a uniform work and lectures, to have a uniform monitor and a uniform code of laws for the government of Grand as well as Subordinate Lodges, a rule not likely to be adopted in the next Jive or six generations. Bro. MiLLKR swoops down upon Bro. VAUX in the following manner, in regard to their organization : What "difficulties" can be in your way, Bro. VAU.X, as regards our organization? We have been recognized by our mother of Missouri, and by very much the larger number of the Grand Lodges on the Continent, all of which declare our Proceedings regular and our laws in full accord with the general laws of the Craft; we have no other Grand Lodge within our limits to question our right of Jurisdiction ; a majority of the Lodges of the Territory are at work under us, and we know of nothing done or undone to compromise our good standing as a legitimate, independent Grand Lodge. We are not beggars and we desire no favors, but knowing that we are a lawful Grand Body and entitled to rule the Craft inside of our Jurisdictional limits, we claim the consideration we esteem to be our due and seek Fraternal-intercourse, not as a matter of grace, but as a right, with all Grand Bodies recognized as true workers in the Masonic field. Bro. MILLER believes in holding to the old words and sayings, for there is good in them: We would as soon think of interpolating the ritual as of interfering with the peculiar language of Masonry. We have many words and phrases that are and have been for ages peculiar to. our Order. We all understand them and have, come to feel a kind of reverence for them. They are, as it were, pillars in our Temple, connecting ancient with modern times. Tear one of them away and you mar the beauty of the structure. Who would like to see the word brethren replaced by the word brothers? This would accord well with modern idea.s, but what claim would thpre be in it to us? The ring of the word, brethren as used in our Lodges is neaquetic and reaches the heart. We wish no change in our vocabulary. We love the old way, and desire to pursue it to the end. Ours, as we said above, is in no wise a progressive Institution. While we may desire not to fall behind in our individual capacities, the improvements, or advancements of the day, we can not forget that our Institution is an ancient one, and can only thriv.e by keeping • alive the noble precepts and practices handed down to us from our fathers. That is all right, Bro. MILLER, provided we have not some titles and pet phrases ingralted in our phraseology, which come from external or fanciful sources, if there be such, let them be dropped. At best it is a ques.tion of tweedle-dum or tweedle-dee. Let us merely try to conform to historic accuracy, good sense and good taste so far as each knows how, and it will do. M.-.W.-. W I L L I A M L . RYERSON, Las Cruces, Grand -Master; R.-.W.-. DAV. J. M I L L E R , Santa Fe, Grand Secretary.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas. N E W YORK.

15S

1880.

The Official Transactions of this, among the old Grand Lodges, come to us, as ever, well-freighted with useful information, which no thinking Mason can fail to appreciate. No one can give these annual visitors careful attention without feeling that he has gained in knowledge and Masonic .light. The attendance this year was reasonably good; six hundred and sixtysix Lodges represented; it seems that but one Representative is admitted, either the Master or one of the Wardens, or their proxy. We note also a large attendance of Past Grand Officers, amoug them nine Past Grand Masters. A peculiar practice of our New York brethren is that they never admit visitors until the Grand Lodge is opened, nor permit, any but members of the Grand Lodge to be present during the election of Grand Officers. This will seem rather strange to many of our brethren, and should we introduce the practice hereabouts the complaints would be numerous, and, we opine, loud as well. Not all who are in the habit of attending Grand Lodges would like it, surely. It does not seem so bad when we tell our brethren that the brethren of New York meet in New York City, the focus of political rings, such as encircle Uncle Sammy, Tammany Chief KELLY, et /., 'who hibernate the boys who " r u n with the machine," whether it happens to be their funeral or not. It might be well for the good of the Order to keep down outside pressure in more Jurisdictions than one, for it is hard for professionals.to keep hands off an election, whether Masonic or not. Among the distinguished visitors we notice the, name of Past Grand Master H E N R Y L . PALMER, of the State of Wisconsin. Grand Master CHARLES ROOME, in opening his strikingly able Address, fraternally welcomed the Representatives of the various Subordinate Lodges to the ninety-ninth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Empire State. Of the evils disturbing the Craft at the present time he calls the attention of the Craft to two, in the following well-chosen words: First, the apparent unwillingness of the brethren to examine for themselves the written law as set forth in the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Lodge—of which every Lodge has, or should have, a copy—and, the ever pressing desire to cure every real or imaginary grievance by an amendment to the Constitution. It is clear, as was well stated by my honored predecessor, that piecemeal amendments can never affect any real good, and that the only way to change any general principle which in itself involves a change of many articles in the Statutes, is to have the whole principle referred to a discreet committee and that the Grand Lodge, after deliberation, pass upon its report. I respectfully reiterate this.thought and recommendation and urge you to make no change in our general regulations to meet a single idea, formulated, it may be admitted with the best intentions, but failing in the respect that in nine cases out of ten the equities of the remaining regulations are not considered, and that in most instances to change'one is to require that half a dozen others should be reformed in order to conform to the first change. Let us make no mistake, brethren. If our present Constitution .does not meet our needs it should be changed; but when we are agreed upon

154

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such needed change let it be understood that we will not make it without due consideration, and without having examined all the points bearing upon the proposition, whatever it may b e ; for, believe me, if we give way to the general idea of amending the. Statutes at every demand, we shall labor under the disadvantage of having the regulations in a continual disarray and the trouble of not knowing what the-law actually is. If, then, my brethren, you will be guided by experiepce you will at once resolve to have no further change in your organic law until a committee specially charged with the subject shall have passed upon the propositions submitted, not only by one, but as a whole. We have always been opposed to changes in the fundamental law, except in cases of absolute and^ obvious necessity, and believe that even then the work should be done with great caution. We are sorry to say so, but our New York brethren do more tinkering with their law than any other Grand Jurisdiction, and we might perhaps as well say any half dozen others. " L e t well enough alone," is a good motto. H e is strongly opposed to the offered amendment: " T o strike out from Article 2 of the Statutes the words ' a n d Past, Elected and Installed Grand Officers.'" Shouldjthis amendment carry, it will, in our judgment, completely ostracise all Past Grand Masters and take from the floor of the Grand Lodge the very best and most efficient working material in the body. In all candor and siricerity we say, go slow, brethren; knowledge of the sources of law and experience in its application and execution are not easily gained, nor to be held in light esteem, and all such propositions as the one referred to tend to weakness rather than strength. It is most gratifying to note the progress made by our New York brethren in building up the Board of Relief, organized a year or more ago. It is a commendable'enterprise and should be encouraged by every member of the Order in the State. ' The'Board in New Orleans has done an immense amount of good since its organization, especially during the prevalence of the yellow fever epidemics, and in thus-doing good to humanity, have crowned themselves with unfading laurels. We hope the brethren of New York may meet with like unbounded success without such fiery trials of faith. The Grand Master congratulated the Craft of the Empire State upon the near approach they have made to a uniformity of ritual for the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry. We venture to say that if they have a uniform ritual it is more than.almost any other State can boast of. The centennial year in New York is near at hand. Eighteen-eighty-one rounds out their century, and the appointment of a Committee on "Centenn i a l " shows that the brethren do not propose to let it slip by unheeded. T h e now famous " W e b a t u c k " matter was up again for a share of the Grand Master's attention and was very thoroughly discussed in his Address. Last year we devoted considerable space to this subject, and hardly feel warranted in going over the ground again. As the matter stands, it has led to an indefinite suspension of friendly relations between the Grand Lodges of New York and Connecticut. We are sorry to say that our reasonable expectatioas, expressed last year, have not been verified.

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The Special Committee presented the following resolutions, which were adopted: Resolved, That the right of the Grand Lodge of New Y o r k t o regulate the affairs of Ancient»Craft Masonry within the limits of its territory is absolute and indefeasible, and hence membership lawfully acquired in a New •York Lodge can not be terminated except by the operation of New York laws. Resolved, That the act of our Grand Master in suspending official intercourse with the Grand.Lodge of Connecticut is hereby approved. Resolved, That the honor and dignity of the Grand Lodge requires that all intercourse between the Masons of Connecticut and New York should be interdicted and_ forbidden, and, therefore, this Grand Lodge does hereby interdict and forbid all intercourse between the Masons of 'New York and, all Masons hailing under the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge will entertain any proposition which may be submitted to it by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, looking to the submission of the matter in dispute to a tribunal composed of the peers of the respective Grand Lodges in the United States, and that, should such proposition be made during the recess of this Grand Lodge, the Grand Master may take such action as may seem to him to be proper, and may in his discretion remove the edict of noii-intercourse enacted by this Grand Lodge. In conclusion, as it seems impossible at this writing for the two contending parties to get together and-reconcile their differences, we would suggest as a feasable plan that each of them select two brethren of experience and thorough knowledge of Masonic law; let them, in turn, select a fifth,"and that the entire matter in question, in all its details, be submitted to them as a board for their careful consideration, their decision to be final. The case has gone so far and the two Grand Lodges are placed in such an antagonistic position that this seems to be the only way out of the entanglement. Let us hear from some-others.of the brethren; we have spoken and would like to listen. Let all speak if necessary and see if this unfortnnate dissention in our Masonic family can not be healed at once. What affects one affects all alike, and all are interested in seeing that justice is done. M.-.W.-. Bro. J O H N \ V . SIMONS, on behalf of the Committee on Correspondence, presents a report, concerning which it is only necessary to say, to those who have read him before, that "SIMONS wrote it," and it is sufficiently commended. This distinguished and patriarchal Mason writes with -an enviable ease arid instructiveness, and is almost always sound on points of Masonic law; the only time when he gets " off" is when " off from home." In regard to dispensing with.Reports on Correspondence he makes some sharp hits. We quote: Another thought which seems to-be constantly overlooked is the fact that succeeding Grand Masters rarely address the same constituency. Those who preside in Lodges this year may not, indeed, a considerable proportion will not, be in the East next year, not but that it would be much better that they should, because at the end of his first year a Master jiist begins to comprehend his duties and reponsibilities, but we see at each meeting of the Ornnd Lodge that at least one-half of the Masters of Lodges are present for the first lime. These brethren do not know the jurisprudence of the 17

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Institution, are not competent to say what has or what has not been settled, but yet they are entitled to know and to have access to authoritative sources of opinion. T h e mass of the Brotherhood are still further in the shadow, and they, too, are entitled to know, and this is why we are always ready to share with them what little we have been able to glean, to encourage tliem in the pursuit of the right; from all of which we conclude that the time for closing the portals has not yet arrived, nay, that as long as men die and others take their places there will be no time when we can reasonably say that there is no need for the repetition of old questions because new ones are not presented. He gives Kansas most fraternal notice, quoting liberally. Bro. SIMONS is right when he says; " W h e n a member is placed under charges his membership is in abey•ance." • On the contrary we insist that his membership remains intact until a verdict of guilty has been rendered and judgment of expulsion lawfully pronounced, .\fter that appeal to the Grand Lodge remains, and if on such appeal the Grand Lodge finds the proceedings have been irregular or the proof insufficient and it reverses the proceedings, it does not leave the membership in abeyance, but places the member where he was when the charges were preferred, which i.s to say—accused, but entitled to be considered innocent until proved guilty, and, therefore, as much a member of his Lodge as he was before the charges were preferred. This we think, must be considered an unsettled question, and there aVe two points in it which merit attention. • One is, that su.spension, whether definite or indefinite, does not and in its very nature can not terminate membership, because then it would be the same as the ultimate punishment, which can do no more, but only suspends the Masonic rights of the delinquent for the time being, be that more or less. r

The other point is, as Bro. TAYI.OK very properly remarks, that when the Grand Lodge on appeal reverses the proceedings on a Lodge trial, it declares in fact that there have been no proceedings at all, and hence that the membership of the accused has not been affected. Let us return for a moment to Bro. TAYLOR'S first proposition, that the fact of charges being preferred,against a brother places his membershij) in abeyance, and see where it will lead us. The time, we will suppose, is near at hand when a closely contested election is about to occur, charges deftly preferred against the right men may change the result, or a party being suspected of opposition to a candidate, let charges be preferred and his" voice is silenced till after the ballot, or an officer having been elected and it is desired to prevent his installation, prefer charges, and where is he? We have known all these things to be done, and hence we protest with all possible energy against the doctrine enunciated by our R.-.W.'. brother. We can not understand why there should be any conflict or confusion of opinion upon a subject so easy to be com^^rehended and. understood by all well-informed Masons, unless there be a &tr,eak of prejudice operating against it. There certainly should be no misconception on this subject, for there seems to be no foundation in justice for any other belief than this that a brother remains a member of the Lodge in full possession of all his rights until action has been had and judgment pronounced by the Lodge. Under head of Virginia, while on the question of suspension for nonpayment of dues and the extent to which it affects the membership of the brother suspended^ he saysi

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We respectfully insist that suspension does^not, and in.the very nature of things can not terminate membership, but only place it in abeyance, and hence, that the removal ot the cause occasions the cessation of the effect. It is held as a general principle of Masonic law that expulsion by a Lodge being the Major Masonic penalty, dissolves all membership. . This being the case, we can all understand that restoration to good standing does not carry with it restoration to special membership, but only places the individual in the same place as any other unaffiliated Mason; but if it be argued that suspension has precisely the same effect, why multiply, terms, and why rfot say at once that a brother may be or is expelled for non-payment of dues. The theory of the Institution as well as the general sentiment of the Craft is decidedly opposed to making financial inability a Masonic crime, and therefore the same causes stand in opposition to assessing the same penalty for being poor as would be pronounced against a member who had perpetrated every crime named in the Decalogue or cut the throat of his mother-indaw. The requirement that every member shall pay annual dues is, at the best, a modern invention, and rests rather upon the fact that we can not hire Lodge rooms and pay running expenses without money, than upon ancient usages, or—as many choose to say—ancient landmarks, and we should not'confound one with the other, nor attempt to solve mere local and familv questions b y l a w s and penalties only applicable to offenses infinitely more serious. Our conclusion is that suspension for non-payment of dues is not equal to murder or other felony, and does not equitably or Masonically destroy membership, and consequently that payment of the amount due, by removing the cause of suspension, puts an end to its effect, and therefore that a member suspended for non-payment of dues only, is by that fact, at once restored to membership. We shall be glad to have our Virginia brethren study this matter out to'its logical and legitimate conclusion. Much more of interest we find, but time and tide warn us that we-must leave you, Bro. J O H N , and hasten to the next of the " N s . " May we oft meet again. " • M.-. VV.-. JESSE B . ANTHONY, Troy, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. JAMES M .

AUSTIN, M . D . , New York, Grand Secretary. NORTH CAROLINA.

1879.

The representation from the Subordinates was small, only about onehalf ( I I I ) the whole number (231) of Chartered Lodges. Four Lodges had ceased to work, .one was reinstated, two Charters issued to new Lodges. They have adopted the practice of appointing the standing committees at the close of each Annual Communication, with instructions to prepare their Reports in advance of the next session. This is a good plan, and will undoubtedly do much to facilitate the labors of the annual meeting, for several reasons. In the first place, if members-of committees do their duty, they most certainly can not do much besides in the way of* gathering information for, or representing, those who send them up to Grand Lodges; again, the members will be iTiui:h better able to discharge their duties on committee, is when they have no other duties to interfere with them. Furthermore, in the interim between Communications they have more lime to

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examine authorities, and will thereby be enabled to furnish a more concise and valuable report upon the matters entrusted to them for investigation. On the "Bible" question, the Grand Master, WILLIAM R . CO.X, says: In all of our Lodges there are altars upon which constantly rest the Holy Bible, which we recognize as the " moral and spiritual trestle-board " of our faith; and thereon the Great Architect has drawn the designs which every faithful Craftsman is expected diligently to copy. Hence it is unmistakably recognized as one of our landmarks: " A Mason is bound by his tenure to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understand the art, he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine." Masonry erects no system of theology for its votaries; it sustains to the church militant the same relations which the asymptote bears ;o the hyperbolic curve, ever approaching, never touching it; and it contemplates the promotion of man's truest happiness by the inculcation of genuine morality, and the practice of the triune virtues—Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. While it is not sought to enforce impossible conditions, every Mason, by his tenure, is obligated to live soberly, act discreetly, and uniformly obey the moral law; he is rigidly enjoined never to mention the name of Deity, but with that reverential awe, which is due from the creature to the Creator. While paying all lawful respect to those in authority, it never mingles in the political controversies of State, or seeks to influence in matters of religion. ^ Even amid the angry dash of arms and the fierce conflicts of civil war, its holy mission was to relieve suffering and misery, to pour oil into the gaping wounds, and to provide for the dead suitable burial. Hence it has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and has survived to command the confidence and respect of all, and to receive within its folds the good and great of every age and nation. Here is a true and certain test. Observe it, without fail: Wherever you shall find a bright and fearless Master, assisted by a prompt Secretary, you will see a flourishing and well-regulated Lodge; but wherever you discover these officers ignorant and indiff'erent, you will find the Lodge in arrears, and in all probability be importuned with petitions for the, remission of the dues, which self-respect requires should be promptly met, and dimits and decay mark its downward course. True as Bible. Non-affiliation and its effects upon our Institution are proving, in North Carolina, a disturbing element, as it is doing in every other Grand Lodge on the North American Continent. The Grand Secretary reports the number of non-affiliates for the past three years as greater than the number of admissions from all sources, and points out, among the many causes of this state of things, the practice of creating excessiv^e debts without the visible means of paying the same; the admission of unworthy material during the late war, and the depression of money matters, and asks the following pertinent question: Again, a negligent Secretary, instead of forwarding to the members notice of their dues each qua'rter, omit it until the amount becomes inconveniently large, the brother grows careless, is disheartened and eventually dismembered. This is not Masonic. It should be regarded as an honor to be a Mason—a reproach to be a non-affiliate. If the Craft would evince the same zeal in upholding a falling brother as they do in instructing him when an initiate, such would be the universal opinion.

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And again he says: . • There are men and Masons who can readily be persuaded, but never driven, and I fear ther.e is just no\v rather too much tendency to drive. Two Past Grand Officers from a single Lodge, worthy, distinguished, and of good worldly substance, have been summarily dealt with during the present year, and though they may have again become affiliated, there is naturally some sting remaining. Before dismemberment for non-payment of dues a brother should be summoned to appear and pay; if he fails to appear, he should be cited to show cause why he should not be tried for disobedience of summons, and if still recalcitrant he should be tried and punished. A careful Master will avoid such trouble by requiring his Secretary to notify the members regularly when in arrears. None who are able should be excused ; indulgence does not always, or usually accomplish its object. • There are, however, brethren whose circumstances are so cramped that they are absolutely unable to meet their assessments, while a feeling of false pride keeps them from acknowledging it. Let such unbosom themselves to a brother, and relief will surely follow. The Oxford Orphan Asylum received especial notice, and from the various reports we are pleased to note the prosperous condition of this Institution and the liberal patronage it is_ receiving at the hands of the people of that State as well as the brethren of the Jurisdiction. The reports show that they have now in attendance one hundred and thirty-eight pupils. The Grand Master says of them : It is a touching and interesting spectacle to see gathered into one house.'hold so many desolate ones, houseless, motherless, fatherless; rescued in many instances from virtual slavery, taken from want-stricken homes, from beside newly made graves, and brought together members of a happy family. Their wants are relieved, their physical energies strengthened, their mental and moral nature cultivated, until suitable provision is made for them to go forth into the busy conflict of life. Who can properly estimate the value of the social forces, set in motion by this magnificent charity, inaugurated and sustained by the Masons of North Carolina? Bro. ROBERT T . GRAY presented a Report on Correspondence, with which we can only find one fault, viz., that it is short. We would like to see more of the same sort of writing. You did much in that "half, hour," Bro. GRAY.

_ '

M.-.W.-. WILLIAM R . COX, Raleigh, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. DONALD W. BAIN, Raleigh, Grand Secretary. NOVA SCOTIA.

1879.

The business transacted by our Nova Scotia .brethren during 1879 was large in amount, but mostly of local character, and not of general interest to the Craft. The representation was good, forty-six Lodges taking part in the Proceedings; no new Lodges organized during the year; one Ciiarter revoked. The Grand Lodges of Cuba and New Mexico were each, formally recognized and the usual fraternal greetings extended. Grand Master J. WINBURN LAURIE delivered a brief Address upon Masonic affairs in that Province. He favors the plan of a general visitation of

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Lodges by the official head, considering that much good may .result from such encouragement to the Fraternity in the Jurisdiction; entertains the hope that the unfortunate troubles in Quebec and Manitoba may be soon and finally settled to the honor of all concerned and satisfactorily. He decides that the character of the report of a committee on the application of a profane for the mysteries of Freemasonry should never be made a matter of record; enters his objection to the incorporation of Lodges and further congratulates the brethren on the absence of vexed questions and grievances, regretting that other Orand Lodges in the Dominion have been less favored. From the very interesting Report of the Grand .Secretary we gather the following information concerning the progress of Masonry in the Province of Nova Scotia. The membership has in ten years increased twelve hundred and fifty, or nearly sixty per cent. The membership has fallen off about one hundred in the last two years, the total at present bemg about thirty-four hundred. The suspensions and dimissions for the last ten years sum up twenty-five hundred and ten. The Grand Secretary explains this seemingly excessive falling off in the following words: These figures may be reduced to some extent by the few reinstated from year to year; but the rkumber of those who return after having seen their names published to the world in the black list is so exceedingly trifling as to make no tangible difference in the figures quoted. The growing evil of non-affiliation, with its possible cure, has for some years been engaging the serious attention of thoughful Masons'in this and many other Jurisdictions. T h e question " W h a t is to be done to arrest its progress and blighting influence?" is more frequently asked than satisfactorily answered; yet it appears to me that one or two suggestions would not be out of place here. First, have our Lodges a bar to the return of those who are estranged from us, in the shape of an affiliation fee? If they have, let it be removed as. quickly as possible^ Let no obstacle in the shape of a money consideration • operate adversely to the non-affiliate inclined to resume his obligations. The ordeal of the ballot box is of itself a check, although a necessary one. Second, are our stated meetings made attractive? Do the rulers of .the Craft perform the duties they are said to be placed in the East to perform, viz: to employ and instruct the brethren in Freemasonry—that peculiar system of morality veiled in,allegory and illustrated by symbols? , In this age of intelligence and mental culture men soon become surfeited with the routine of an oft-repeated ritual, in which but few of the members can participate. As in social life, those will be inclined to go abroad for recreation whose -homes are made uncomfortable and unattractive, s j , many.of our members will avoid the Lodge room, and dimit, just as soon as they find the meetings uninteresting, monotonous and unattractive. An intelligent, active and, of all things most desirable in Masonry, a well informed Master, will soon infuse <:uch energy and emulation into the members of the Lodge as to induce a desire for more light; and when this desire for increased knowledge pervades the members of the Lodge, applications for dimit will be few indeed. Let the brethren renember that the regular meeting of March is, to our Lodges in Nova Scotia, the most important meeting of the year. We think Bro. CORRAN has hit very close to the cause of the trouble,

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and the remedy he suggests is a good one, if not the only one. All the legislation that the wisdom of man can possibly contrive will not so effectively bring about the end sought for as the method suggested in the above quotation. Let our daily walk and conversation among men be such as to commend us to the favor of all mankind, and we need have no fears of our success in building up an interest in our Order and a faithful attendance at the regular meetings. j The Report on Correspondence w_as presented by the Committee, of which Bro. A. H. CROWE is Chairman. It covers about ninety pages, and is chiefly of the nature of an abstract, but accompanied by sound comments and some interesting suggestions. Kansas receives kindly attention. They say: " T h e notice of Nova Scotia is full and fraternal, while a delicatelyfeathered shaft of compliment is aimed at the Chairman of our Foreign Correspondence Committee in the following: " The Report on Correspondence is handed in by Bro. A. H. CROWE. It covers eighty-one pages, and is fine and clear in its delineation of Grand Lodge work, as we should naturally expect from a ' crowe-quill.' " Bro. CROWE, it is the point, not the feather, of the quill that counts; plume yourself on that! • Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected. OHIO.

1879.

The first,thing that attracts our attention on opening this volume of Ohio Proceedings, is an excellent portrait of our old friend and Bro., JOHN D. CALDWP:LI., the irrepressible hunter after "new days," " n e w duties," etc. It is a spirited likeness of a good-looking man, and an ornament to the Proceedings. The attendance of Representatives is fair, not general as it sho.uld be, in an old Grand Lodge, provided with excellent facilities for reaching the place of meeting, wherever it might be. The business transacted was not of general interest. The mileage and per diem question was up for consideration, and the formei'was reduced from ten to six cents. Four Charters issued to new Lodges. 'Y\\e. per capita was raised from twenty-five to thirtyfive.cents. Why not put it up to an even half dollar; there is where it will have to go eventually? We notice among the distinguished visitors our old and valued friend and Bro., .THEO. S. PARVIN, Grand Secretary of Iowa. Another honor was accorded the veteran, an honorary membership in this Grand Lodge, with the rank of a Past Grand Secretary. If we are correctly informed, Bro. PARVlN'first beheld Masonic light in the Queen City. The Annual Address of Bro. WILLIAM M . CUNNINGHAM is a full statement of official transactions, decisions, and many valuable suggestions for the guidance of the Craft. He announced the death of Past Cfrand Master GEO. R E X , a Brother whom it was our good fortune to know well for many years. He says of that good man :

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,Bro. R E X was the last survivor of that trio of eminent and scholarly Masonic jurists—Past Grand Masters W I L L I A M B . H U B B A R D , T H O M A S SPAR-

ROW and G^EOKGE R E X — w h o contributed so much to the judicial literature of this Grand Body, and who, by their courteous regard for the rights of every brother, the jealous care with which constitutional enactments'and , the landmarks of the Craft were observed, their executive ability and legal' acumen, ever maintained the high position of this Grand Lodge among sister Jurisdictions. Having been honored with the warm personal friendship of our late distinguished brethren, but few, if any of the Craft, had a better opportunity of knowing them than the writer, although much their junior. In this connection, having for many years enjoyed the personal friendship of Bro. R E X , and having had in so many instances the advantage of his large and varied Masonic experience, it is but due to his memory to 'say that no brother was entitled to a greater degree of Masonic love and respect at his hands,"or at the hands of this Grand L!odge, than our lamented brother. Concerning hasty and inconsiderate legislation, he very correctly says: T h e history of all Grand Lodges apd legislative assemblies. Masonic or. otherwise, has evinced the fact that too much legislation, or too frequent change in constitutional enactments, has been and is detrimental to their prosperity! And, as mentioned in my Reoort of last year, the-snrinl rpl.n. tions of Freemasonry are second only to its moral teachings; hence nothing should be done by this Grand Body to prevent a complete representation from the Subordinates of this Jurisdiction to the Grand Lodge, or to retard a more general acquaintance between the Representatives in attendance at our Annual Communications. Short sessions of tliis Grand Body are not only-productive of hasty and unwise legislation, but they are also inimical to the cultivation of fraternal intercourse between its members. And whilst judicial enactments and routine legislation are matters to be provided for, yet they are also of but secondary importance in comparison to the pleasant duty of knowing more of each other. T h e power and authority of Subordinate Lodges to make their own By-Laws is well expressed in the following, which we quote from the report of Committee on Unfinished Business: " E a c h Subordinate Lodge possesses the inherent right to enact ByLaws and Ordinances for its own government, provided the same are not inconsistent with the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules' and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, and the fundamental principles of Masonry. And to the end that these shall be preserved always inviolate, it is hereby declared that no By-Law or ordinance of government of a Subordinate Lodge shall be of any validity until approved by the Grand X^odi^^;provided, however, that so much of the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge as relates to, and fixes the time of, the stated meetings thereof, and the amount of the annual dues, may be altered or changed without submitting the same to the Grand Lodge for its approval." In response to a claim made by the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco, Cal., for reimbursement for aid rendered to an Ohio Mason, they .decided that the Grand Lodge had no power to enforce a rule compelling its Subordinates to refund monies paid voluntarily by foreign Lodges in the way of charity, and then adopted the following resolution: Resolved, That it is the duty of Middleport Lodge, No. 363, of this Jurisdiction, so far as they may be able, to repay to the Masonic Board of Relief of San Fraticisco, California, whatever monies may have been by it necessarily expended in the relief of the member of their Lodge, and that

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their Grand Secretary send said Lodge, No. 363, a copy of this report, under Seal of this Grand Lodge. We must respectfully dissent from any such conclusion as that embodied in the resolution. Having fully expressed our views regarding the question in former reports, we do not care to discuss it further, except to remark that we are sorry that Ohio has lost her grip, and that we are opposed to any such corruption of the fountain head of Masonic charity. It is a coldblooded business,-neither more nor less, and contracting it all at one end of the line without the consent of the other contracting (?) party, is .a procedure we do not believe in under any circumstances. When business is transacted that we'are interested in, we generally want a hand in it, particularly when we are to "pay the shot." / The Grand Master announced that Bro. MARVIN, Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence, would not be present; his ill-health is the cause of the non-appearance of a Report on Correspondence. We trust he will recover his health, and that when another year comes round he will have a "double-barreled l o a d " to fire at us. M.-.W.-. REUBEN C . LEMMON, Toledo, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. J O H N D . CALDWELL, Cincinnati, Grand Secretary. ^

OREGON.

1879.

The various Lodges very fully represented at the Annual Communication, fifty-nine out of sixty being present; a considerable amount of business transacted, chiefly of domestic nature and interest; they have so amended their Constitution as to fix the election of Grand Officers on the first day of the session. Why so done we can not imagine, unless on the same principle as that of the boy who commenced eating on his dessert first and go on so as to have the best all the time. New d a y a n d new things in the Order. Two Charters were granted and one revoked. Grand Master ROBERT CLOW delivered a good business Address, congratulating the Craft upon the favorable circumstances under which they were permitted to assemble in Annual Communication and pays a merited tribute to the memory of the distinguished dead. Among the number is Past Deputy Grand Master THOS. H . COX, of that Jurisdiction; Bros. CORSON, of New Jersey, and ANDREW J. WHEELER, of Tennessee. Memorial pages in their Proceedings were set apart to each. The Grand Master is one of the industrious kind. He visited some thirty of the Lodges during the year, and reports peace and harmony prevailing with but few exceptions, a reasonable amount of work being done, and generally done well. Among decisions made we find one wherein he decides that ah objection filed against an initiation or advancement is only good while the objecting brother remains a member of the Lodge, or, in other words, the odjection is removed when the objector dimits, dies or is expelled-. The 18

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Grand Lodge did not concur in this view and very properly, we think, reversed the decision and held the objection good. Dimits are only granted in Oregon to brethren when they are required for the purpose of joining another Lodge, or in case of removing from the Jurisdiction. This is the law of Missouri also, but there is an amendmerrt pending, which will come up for final action at the Annual Communication, October, iSSo, making some change. For the information of our readers we give the Grand Master's argu ment in favor of the Oregon rule : I am aware that some brethren, eminently distinguished for learning and knowledge of Masonic law, hold this doctrine to be erroneous, and claim that inasmuch as a brother enters the Lodge of his own free will, so should the duration of his membership therein be voluntary. That he comes into the Lodge of his own free will can not be questioned, but he does so with a full knowledge of the rules which govern the Order—if he is an intelligent man, and none other should be permitted to apply. I t is an old proverb, "Once a Mason, always a Mason." A brother, when he severs his connection with the Lodge, is no longer bound to discharge the duties of a 1, . . . lIll-liiL'V...

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vidual brethren? Is he not bound to them, and are they not bound to him by covenants from which nothing but expulsion or deatli can release them ? If an individual brother may sever his connection with the Fraternity at will, or when he sees fit to take oflTense, be the cause real or imaginary, or , becomes dissatisfied with the action of the Lodge in any particular ; and then, if, when he changes his mind or is .overtaken by misfortune, and the heavy hand of adversity is laid upon him, to ward oflF calamity and advance his material interest, he can resume his-active relations with the Lodge; then, indeed, is there no encouragement or inducement for brethren who have a proper appreciation of their duties, to remain faithful, and our boasted chain of brotherhood, linking us together in the strong embrace of brotherly love and affection, becomes a myth. Suppose, in the mean time, death should claim him for his victim, and after he is laid away at his last resting place, his widow or orphans call upon you for the common necessaries of life, you can not turn them away empty-handed and say they are stopped because the father or 'husband forfeited his rights by refusing to bear his proportionate share of the burdens, for they can confront you with his dimit, the evidence of his good standing, and you are unable to gainsay it or produce any evidence to show that any Lodge ever reversed that judgment. . " Once a Mason, always a Mason," in the fullest sense of the ternj, until death or the judgment of the Lodge cutting him off, after trial, for some offense deserving expulsion, is the only safe and the only true doctrine. Retrenchment and reform being the order of the day, the annual dues were reduced from Si-50 to $i.oo. It was soon found that the income from all sources was not sufficient to meet the expenses of the Grand Lodge by nearly or quite §1,003 and pay the per diem and mileage of mernbers. They had to stop paying the per diem and mileage or else increase the revenue. They chose the latter, and \\\e per capita was restored to $1.50. The Educational Fund has increased to the handsome sum of $18,000, a gratifying result, but we fear the investments will not prove either satisfactory or profitable to the Grand Lodge. T h e notes of individuals are good for some kinds of investments not of a permanent character, and many times cause much dissension among the Craft. Much care should be taken

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in all such matters, at least to the same extent that would-characterize the management of private business affairs. They express themselves strongly in favor of Quebec and the doctrine of exclusive and undivided jurisdiction. After ©ne year's trial of the District Deputy system they have repealed • the law by which those offices were created. Bro. J. R. N. BELL, Grand Orator, delivered an oration, not of great length, but containing excellent thoughts and good advice to the brethren, very forcibly expressed. We find in relation to honorary membership the following standing regulation: WHEREAS, There are a number of venerable brethren in this Jurisdiction who have faithfully practiced the precepts taught in Masonry during a lifetime, "whose brows are now silvered by the blighting frosts of age, and, though traveling with tottering steps down the pathway of life to the near approach of its setting sun, are ever constant in their devotions to MasonryMany of these brethren now find it difficult to keep up the stated contributions and yearly dues. Justice, love and gratitude demand that these brethren be honored for their long faithfulness and zeal, and that they may now be relieved from any burden or taxation that our laws may impose ; therefore, be it Resolved, By the Grand Lodge of Oregon, that; any Lodge within this Jurisdiction may, at a stated Communication, elect any Master Mason, who has been a contributing member of any Lodge for a term not less than twenty years, an honorary member of such Lodge. Resolved, That all honorary members shall be relieved from the payment of Lodge dues, and the Subordinate Lodges from the payment of Grand Lodge dues for such members; furthermore. Resolved, That no Lodge in this Jurisdiction shall be required to pay Grand Lodge dues upon indigent Masons who are supported at the expense of the Lodge. Bro. S. F. CHADWICK submitted the Report on-Correspondence. K a n . sas for 1878 is-among the number reviewed. He favors the Masonic Aid. Associations, and says: . We think the best way to do this is to have each member pay so much annually into the Lodge as a pledge that at the death-of a brother his representatives, wife and children, shall receive as many dollars as there are members of his Lodge. Suppose there are fifty members, that would be the number in dollars to be paid on the death of a brother. If it were possible' for a Grand Lodge to make a scale of insurance and insure the lives of its members, it could be done for one-half of what is now paid. We have wondered why this could not be done. Suppose there are 5,000 members, what would be the average mortality? Would it be fifty per annum. If so, have each member pay Jfio.oo per annum into this fund for insuring his life. T h e return would be very handsome to his family. The good brother had better look a "little out." get after him, and, that with a sharp quill.

Bro. DRUMMOND will

• We belong to some four different Masonic Aid Societies, and like the plan of life insurance involved, and especially the small amount we are required to pay each year.

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He devotes considerable space to the Grand Orient of France, from which we clip the following: '* Lo, the poor Indian ! whose untutored mind. Sees GOD in clouds, or hears him in the wind." Here the Indian is made to kno^v that there is a living GOD. Is not this figure truthful? If so, what realties must strike the tutored mind; for, says S T . PAUL, " W e walk by faith and not by sight." We say that this belief pr faith "springs eternal " in the human breast. For instance: In the tongue or langiiage of every people, so far as can be ascertained, there is to be found a word signifying Deity, and it is an interesting fact to know that these several different words have a similar meaning. They all characterize Deity as a supreme and powerful being—equivalent to lord or ruler, infinite father, etc. How do we account for this, unless the soul.of man does recognize its great Creator? This ability to know and feel this is "eternal in the human- breast." The French are of this number, and a reference made to their cornmon phrases will not be out of place. Around the name of their Deity—Z>/V« —are associated all the attributes of a personal G O D . Dieti merct-^thajnU. GOD,; Di'eu le veinlle—GOD grant i t ; Dieu vous le rende—GOD reward you for it, etc. Here G O D is referred to as the Lord or Ruler and Father. This G O D of the French was Solomon's GOD, and is the G O D of all true

IViaSV*'^.

. ^ , ' 1 ^ iiUW COIliC t m s X-ICIIUII IiiCliii:iCi u i i j u i u m v c i B r t i j n o i i - u -

tion, founded on the immortal truth that a belief in the existence of GOD is essential to its very life, and declares virtually that a. belief in a golden calf will answer as well. The world long since passed upon this issued M.-. W.-. R. P. EARHART, Salem, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. J. W. PRATT, Portland, Grand Secretary. OREGON.

1880.

We are just in receipt of the Proceedings of t h i s G r a n d Lodge for the current year, well filled with Masonic information from the " web foot" country. At the Annual Communication there-was a reasonably good attendance, fifty-nine Lodges represented ; eight Past Grand Masters were present, and assisted in the deliberations of the Grand Lodge. Three Dispensations issued for the formation of new Lodges, four Charters granted to new Lodges, one Dispensation continued, and the usual amount of routine business transacted. Grand Master R. P. EAR.HART delivered an excellent Address, giving a complete history' of his official acts for the current year. Of the general welfare of the Craft in Oregon, he says: At no time in the history of our State has Masonry stood higher in the minds-of Masons than at the present. From one end of the Jurisdiction of the other, we hear of one entire voice.in condemnation of the vices of gambling and drunkenness. No longer are these evils winked at. If a Mason has made a vow, let him stand by that vow, and the true and faithful will stand by him. This disposition to adhere strictly to the moral requirernents of our Order has benefitted our brethren in another direction. Our Lodges are niore circumspect as to membership and material than ever before. Never were there so many rejections as now, and this principle of purer life among our brethren spreads over the Fraternity in every part of our land. W e can see and feel it in our daily intercourse with brethren, and realize it in the happy and entertaining countenances within the Lodge-

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room. No other than sound timber can be used in our buildings, and that which is used as sound, is now discarded the moment its defects are known, and found incurable. Our respect for one another is greater; the Masonic standing of the faithful is belter; and the principles of the Order go out among men like the sun of heaven, with power and beauty, giving life and happiness to every recipient of them. Many a fireside is happier from this pronouncement of Masonic principle — this decision on matters vital to Masonry — and a few years of experience in this direction will make bveth'ren feel that the ritual is not a dead letter, a morsel for initiates only, but that the spirit of that letter is within the heart and head of every Mason. . We may notice another feature of the improved condition of things We are rapidly gaining in population. Masons -from other States are seeking homes among us. These families are a valuable acquisition to our new State. -In many instances, on their arrival, they seek out brothers here who are able to give the necessary information respecting climate, farms and localities. Here we have presented, those who have mutual confidence and respect, which could not exist unless these brethren were free from one of the vices we speak of. There is a dignity and a bearing in these cases that none but reliable Masons can bring into requisition in establishing confidential Masonic relations. Our brethren, therefore, are useful to our new comers. Population is what our new State needs, and to foster it is a high and honorable aim• . ' It must be a source of pride to our Masonic strangers to find here a higher standard of excellence among brethren than our isolated position would indicate we possessed. But so it is. Good reports come from every direction, and every brother begins to feel that he, himself, is an element of harmony, and his mission is only fulfilled when he realizes that he is part of one grand harmonious whole. Encourage this feeling. Do all you can to make the stranger a home among you. Display, on all occasions, that Masonic character that builds up an edifice of strength and imparts security to all around it. By so doing, you build yourselves up, and elevate your standard of usefulness to that point where the golden rule is practiced throughout the long, long day. From the report of-the Grand Master we conclude that the Lodges in Oregon must be badly scattered: Lake View Lodge is located in the extreme southern part of the Jurisdiction, at a distance of over five hundred miles from Salem, and separated from it by a range of mountains, which, during all the winter months, are covered with, deep snows. While awaiting cessation of the winter storms for anopportunity to visit this Lodge, which I very much desired to'do, the brethren becoming anxious concerning the matter, dispatched Bro. JAMES H. EVANS, their Worshipful Master elect, as a special messenger to visit me. Bro. EVANS safely accomplished his perilous journey, traveling a large portion of the distance upon snow shoes in the dead of winter, arriving at Salem on the — day of February, bringing with him a petition, signed by nearly all the members of the Lodge, praying the return of their Charter and their restoration to Lodge privileges. o c

.

A special Deputy was dispatched to the location of this Lodge, traveling one hundred and twenty miles over hill and dale and ranges of snowy mountains. The Craft assembled, all differences were reconciled, and the Lodge again set at work under new officers. . ' The following decisions were rendered by the Grand Master and adopted by the Grand Lodge:

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T h a t a committee of investigation, upon an application for the degrees, can not be compelled to give their reasons for an unfavorable report. T h a t the testimony of an expelled Mason, can not be received in evidence upon the trial of a brother. T h a t the Charter of a Lodge can not be surrendered by the Worshipful Master upon his own motion, and without the consent of the members of the Lodge. • T h a t an Entere_d Apprentice of a Lodge, which has surrendered its Charter to the Grand Lodge, becomes, upon restoration of the Charter, again the material of the Lodge in which he was initiated, though, in the intervening time", he may have changed his residence to another Lodge jurisdiction. A Worshipful Master is'amenable to the Grand Lodge for his acts during his term of office only. When his official term has expired and he has ceased to be Master, he is amenable to the Lo.dge for misdemeanor or unmasonic conduct, and he can be tried by his Lodge, though the acts complained of occurred while he was Master. That the retail traffic in intoxicating liquors is demoralizing in its tendency, and is a Masonic offense within the meaning of, Section i of the Penal Code adopted .by this Grand Lodge, and that a brother engaging in sucn occupation is iiaDle to aiscipline. A Lodge can not suspend the operation of a By-Law, to meet special or emergent cases. Question—Is it proper for a Lodge to confer the first section of a degree, and then defer the remaining section until a subsequent meeting? Answer—No. A degree once commenced must be finished before the Lodge is closed. The Committee on Masonic Law and Jurisprudence make the following special mention: Your committee would especially recommend to the careful consideration of the members of the Subordinate Lodges in this Jurisdiction, the principle enunciated in decision No. 7, and the several Masters are hereby enjoined to enforce it. Here is more trouble for some of the members of the Guild who are so mortally afraid of too much temperance being incorporated in our legislation. We waited a long time for a commencement of reformation in the East, the supposed place for it'to commence, but the East lacked the pluck to let its light shine in that respect. They were too conservative in that end of the vineyard, and their regard for every thing old extended, we fear, even to " o l d rye." We of the West love all that is old, and good, and in our oldest lectures we find mention made of Temperance as a virtue not merely to be commended, but to he practiced, while on the other hand some ancient things, such as old sins, (intemperance), old rye and the Old Nick, we have deemed it well to set our faces against like flint. God speed the right! The oration by Bro, M. C. GEOKGE, Grand Orator, was a fine production, conveying the beautiful lessons of Masonry in the most polished and eloquent diction. We would like to quote, but could not do it justice by merely taking'one or two paragraphs, so we forbear. The Report on Correspondence is the work of Bro. S. F. CHADWICK, and as usual with him, a neat and readable production. He says of the decisions:

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Two decisions of Bro. CLOW are reported as important. One is, can a brother under charges be installed Master of a Lodge, the other, can we entertain the petition of a man born a slave. Bro. ROBBINS concurs in the opinion expressed by Bro. SIMONS of New York, as to the first. He can not admit that a brother's standing or eligibility may be impaired by an accusation. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Bro. ROBBINS is correct. But how strange it is, that Masons, even, will forget themselves in these mjitters. In political and in social affairs, Masons, who above all other men should bS just and impartial in their opinion, because they promise to be so; but they too often adopt the French or political fashion, which is, first murder the accused and then try him. A trial of this kind may result in his acquittal, but the verdict comes too late; the victim, though innocent, received a stroke at the outset that destroyed him to all intents and purposes. Wherein is the Masonic principle in these cases. Mere jealousy, political or otherwise, may destroy with one blast of the tongue the good name of a brother. The slanderer may walk boldly and unharmed over the Masonic field, adorned with the emblems of the Craft—evidences of virtue he does not possess. He may, perchance, display from his shirt bosom a square and compass larg eenough to decorate the book of rules of the Sazarac Lying Club, or embellish the cover of a blacking box. Such Masons should go to that place ''prepared for them from the beginning of the world."

•

• :•

Here is a nut^to crack, and as our hainmer is not large, we leave it to others, only saying this much, that we consider Bro. C's opinion about right. Again we have the thing in a nut-shell, and as true as the rising and setting of the suri: The-re is nothing so important and essential to the success of Masonry, as for Masons to keep themselves within theinselves. The publicity that has been given to. Masonic matters has done more to retard the progress of the Order than anything else. It has made the whole thing common. To maintain this Order there must be a closer communion of brethren. The , more exclusive they are, the more devo'ted they become; more self respect they show when they are confiding and reserved. There is less criticism and greater harmony when brethren are near together. The more mysterious the ceremony and character of the Lodge, the more it is respected. The influence of brethren is better. The world then thinks that there is something in the Lodge that makes men more circumspect, and which inspires the surrounding multitude with esteem. From the following we infer that Bro. CHADWICK is a friend to cooperative life insurance when properly conducted: Our views of co-operative life insurance take well. Our brother looks upon us as the proper person to help work out this idea. Masons could do much good in this way. How about the Chicago company; we want to join it. If- the 36,000 Masons of Illinois will lay aside the price, in coin, of one cigar-a week, they would furnish g2,ooo to the widow or representative of every deceased brother in the State, under the co-operative plan. Figure on this and see how easy §2,000, on the death of a brother, could be raised in this way. We want no grocery as a promotor. Six cents per capita would pay for one death rate of §2,000. Suppose there were one hundred deaths per year, one dime cigar would almost cover the expense. A small tax levied to operate the thing and it would be a blessing. Bro. ROBBINS, aid us in making the blind see this proposition. Have the right men in the right place to conduct the business. Ten cents js^*- capita should pay this expense. Have it so that we too could subscribe and pay our mite. We will furnish a few more members.

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Proceedings of the

February,

T h e brother omits to add an item in the " w e t grocery" line which could Well be added to swell the total and keep up payments. Cut off the fifteen to twenty-five cents per day spent for the extract of J. Barleycorn, which too many, alas, of our brethren send down their throats to the damage of the "department of the interior," (both of stomach and purse) and to the ruin of happiness in countless families, bowed down with grief and sorrow. This would .swell the sum to magnificent propontions, and make the scheme a well-rounded and brilliant success. M.-.W.-. ROCKF.V P. E A R H A R T , Salem, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. F. J. BABCOCK, Salem, Grand Secretary. PENNSYLVANIA.

1879.

We have in these Proceedings a handsome and well-arranged volume of nearly two hundred pages, with a beautiful cut of the new Temple on Broad street, which is one among the finest architectural ornaments in the Quaker City, and one that the Craft of Pennsylvania rnay well feel proud of. Thev held several Ouarterlv Commiinicatinns. ISTn Kncinf.cc ii^cc t,..mc. acted of importance e.\cept at the September Quarterly. . W e have an able report from the Committee on Landmarks in reference tO' the legality of the following proposed amendment to the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge : "Whenever thereunto requested in writing by ten or more Master Masons, members of the Lodge, it shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master to convene a special meeting." • Whereupon so much of their report as related to the power of any number or members to direct the Worshipful Master to call a special meeting was referred to your Committee on Landmarks, with instructions to report at this Communication. The solution of the question so referred depends upon a consideration of the powers inherent in the Worshipful Master and vested in him by virtue of his office. He is not the president or presiding officer of a modern voluntary association,.subject to.written rules and statutes, enacted and ordained for their government by the members over whom he is called to rule, and for a violation of which he must account to them and be obnoxious- to their censure. He is much more. There is no written law which prescribes the fullness of his authority, or defines the limitations within which it is to be exercised. Within the boundaries only of ancient constitution, custom and usage, and written laws not inconsistent therewith, must our search be made for the rights, powers, privileges and prerogatives which appertain to' this high office. Grave is its responsibility, full and great is its authority. From a manuscript, whose age is now more than three centuries, we learn that it was then a part of traditional history, that when Masons were sent forth, they were given a charge in this manner: " The first was that they should be true to their King Lord or Master that they served, and that they should ordaine the most wise and cunning man to be Master of the King or Lord's worke that was amongst them, and neither for love, riches nor favour to sett another that had little cunninge to be Master of that worke whereby the Lord should be ill served and the Science ill defamed." In the "Charges of a Freemason, extracted from the ancient records of Lodges beyond sea and of those in England, Scotland and Ireland,'for the use of Lodges, to be read'at the making of new Brethren, or when the Mas= ter shall order it," republished by order of the Grand Lodge of England in

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1815, and in our Ahiman Rezon, approved by this Grand Lodge in 1825, it is written : " W h e n a fellow craftsman is chosen Warden of the work under the Master, he shall be true both to Master and fellows, shall carefully oversee the work in the Master's absence to the Lord's profit, and his brethren shall obey him." Here is no uncertain sound as to the relationship between the Master and the members of his Lodge in the direction of its work; rule and oversight on the one,part, service and obedience on the other. And to enable him the better fitly to perform the high duties and meet the weighty responsibilities resting upon him, he is invested with powers and prerogatives, exclusive and peculiar privileges, inalienable and indefeasible, to which immemorial tradition and usage bear witness. Among these most frequently mentioned and recognized is at his will and pleasure, without let or hindrance, or dictation from or by those he governs, to assemble his Lodge in emergency, to preside therein, and at his like, will and pleasure to open and close his Lodge. When convened no majority of his members, however great, can require him to adjourn. He, in his lofty station, is presumed to know what work is needful to be done, when it shall be done, and see it is well done, in accordance with the landmarks, customs and usage to which he must render rigid obedience. As in the Constitution of our Commonwealth the right of enjoying and defending life and liberty is declared, not conferred, so in/ our written Masonic Constitutions, where it is said as in Anderson's Old Regulations, adopted in General Assembly at Stationer's Mall, on the 24th of June, 1721 : " T h e Master of a particular Lodge has the right and authority of congregating the members of his Lodge into a Chapter upon any emergency or occurrence; as well as to appoint the time and place of their usual forming;" or as .in that of the Grand Lodge of England: " A Lodge of emergency may at any time be called by the authority of a Master, or in his absence, of the Senior Warden, but on no pretence without such authority first g i v e n ; " or in our own: " H e is empowered to call meetings of his own Lodge at pleasure." It is but a declaration and witness to an existing, continuing, exclusive prerogative and not the creation of it. Nowhere, after diligent examination of the old Constitution, can your Coinmittee discover that ever was committed to any number of members, the right or power to determine for themselves the propriety of a convention of their Lodge, and to require of their Worshipful Master obedience to such determination. Nowhere of old can we find the right recognized for members to place themselves in the judgment seat devoted to the use of their Worshipful Master, and to pass with authority upon the fit time or the necessity for such convening. We have searched in vain through the old Codes of By-Laws of many of our Lodges whose warrants bear date before the abounding modern societies were breathed into existence, to find trace of any power in the membership to override or control the judgment of the Worshipful Master, and to make it mandatory upon him to assemble his Lodge at their pleasure. In the early days of our history this doctrine was unknown. Toengraft such a provision in our code as that under consideration and condemned by the Committee on By-Laws is an innovation. It would be to import from societies of recent birth and of utterly different constitution and government a regulation which would be a spoliation of the prerogative of the Worshipful Master, and would be in derogation of the power held and enjoyed by him under immemorial usage. It would give to" the untrained and inexperienced, whose duty- it is to learn and obey, authority over him who by landmarks is the "he'ad of the Lodge," and, at their behest, oblige him to convene his Lodge, when in his judgment it might be most inopportune and advisable. 19

172

Proceeding) of the

February,

Because the. conclusion reached by your Committee is variant from not fully considered action hitherto had by this Grand Lodge, it has been deemed expedient to present these views more at large than otherwise would have seem'ed necessary. Your Committee have sought to stand " i n the ways and see and ask for the old .paths, where is the good way, and walk therein," and are of one mind that it would be in a contravention of custom and usage to authorize any number of Master Masons to direct their Worshipful Master when to assemble his Lod(;e. We. have read this very able and exceedingly interesting report with deep and interested attention, and are only too glad to give such an expression a place in our Report, heartily commending it to all .who are in search of light and law and opposed to the modernizing of -Masonry, by overturning all conservative checks and substituting therefor "new days and new duties." This idea of turning out of doors the old and true friends to make room for new and strange ones we do not favor, and we are unalterably opposed to ingrafting any of the ideas and notions of modern societies upon o u r F r a t ernily. Masonry is like a perfect and noble building handed down to us from the primitive brethren, and the addition of modern " b o w .irinclnnfc "

n r ^ n I'll »ir.C(-»^'L-c n i i i l

n V> i IT* l-» fi \7.n n t c n / / ~ i l l l r l / ^ n l ^ r Ae^^mi^y

fi-/im

ttt- e i , n .

pie grandeur and make that common and ridiculous which before was venerable. During the year another of Pennsylvania's distinguished and true jions' of light answered the call of the Supreme Grand Master, M.-.W.-. J.A.MES M. PORTER, Past Grand Master. A beautiful and, merited memorial was prepared and presented by Past Grand Master RICHAKD V A U X and adopted by the Grand Lodge. At the Annual Communication, held Decefnber 27, 1879, Grand Master M I C H A E L N E S B I T delivered a good, practical business Address, such as ever comes from the Chief Officers of that grand old Jurisdiction, full of wise suggestions for the consideration of the Grand Lodge. During the year he .visited eighty-one Lodges. He thinks the importance of these visitations can not be over-estimated, and says : Deeply interested as we are in everything that will tend to prorriote the prosperity of the Craft, our own inclinations have as strongly prompted us to this service, as our sense of the duty we owe to it, and our only regret is, that we were unable to increase the number of these visits. That they have aroused a spirit of improvement is evident from the number who have . availed themselves of our off'er, and sought the proper instruction. The Report on Cori-espondence was again presented by Bro. R I C H A R D VAU.X, who never fails to make these commentaries instructive and valuable. He comes to the front and manfully defends the old and well-established doctrine of supreme authority: It'has become'a landmark in American Grand Lodges that the sover^ eign, the supreme power vested in each Grand Lodge, within its boundaries, is not only indisputable, but inviolable by any Masonic body. This is now tHe Masonic law of these Grand I^odges. It is a law of Freemasonry in the United States. These Grand Lo'dges intend to maintain and defend it a_gainst all attacks. Whatever the consequences may be to those who openly or invidiously assail this doctrine, the American Grand Lodges will in

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neither jot nor title abate the l»old, open, defiant defence of'their supi-eme sovereignty. This is right. The fraternal relations between Grand Lodges can only be secured by the unqualified acceptance of this Masonic law " as a rule of action" commanding obedience. It would be useless to give examples of the evils, mischiefs, disturbances, discord and disruptions of harmonious accord between Grand Lodges, unless this Masonic law is inviolate. It is not now to be considered what are Grand Lodges of the Craft, or when and how they acquired supreme sovereignty. They possess it,- and claim the right 'to execute the law they assert, created it. It may have, been'the law of necessity, of geographical location, of devotion to the essential principles of Ancient Freemasonry, of order, harmony and fraternity, of the permanence of fraternal relations, or any other sufficient, paramount, or controlling reason—^that matters now nothing. This law existi^. This law has been recognized. This law has been accepted. All the Grand Lodges of the United States of America obey its intent and purpose. To. disregard it because it may have grown out of either or all these reasons which may not be considered by some Grand Lodges of the Craft in other parts of the world as conclusive of its Masonic origin, an origin recognized as belonging to t,he tea'chings or usages of what is sometimes claimed to be and called " universal" Freemasonry, will not be permitted to those protesting Grand Bodies. This law we acknowledge. This law we ob'ey. This law is a rule for our action. No Grand Lodge in the United States claims the right, however it may be justified by the supposed rule of universal Freemasonry, to violate the jurisdiction of any, of even these protesting Grand Bodies. No one, would attempt to charter Subordinate Lodges within the boundaries of those protesting bodies. The self-denial of this right by our Grand Lodges, their determined opposition to its exercise by any Grand Lodge within the Jurisdiction of either of our Grand Lodges' in the United States, destroys even the semblance of the rule of universality on which the Masonic jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge is invaded. The theory that the universality of Freemasonry carries with it the right of a Grand Lodge to establish its Lodge anywhere, is limited to territory over which no soverign iVIasonic authority exists. Else the efTort to maintain the theory of the universality of Masonry would destroy it. When in such territory. Lodges by,whomsoever of the Craft constituted, agree to create a supreme sovereign Masonic authority, and it is set up, drily a n d ' lawfully, and is recognized as a creation of Masonic power by competent Masonic authority, then it is supreme and sovereign. Then it has all the functions and capacities of sovereignty. Possessing these, it must exercise them. The first duty enjoined on such a Grand Lodge is to require obedience from all Subordinate> Lodges within, its jurisdiction. This it must enforce. It would not be perfect in all its parts if it permitted its power to be cjuestioned or defied by Lodges in. tlie territory over which it declared itself supreme. . , _ Subordinate Lodges owning allegiance to the body that constituted them were only constituted because they acknowledged allegiance to a superior Masonic power. Then there was no other superior to which they could render homage but that which presented them their charters. It was their allegiance to the highest Masonic authority tlfey could recognize—it was their creator. Now a sovereign Masonic authority exists in the territory where these .Subordinate Lodges were located. The conflict which is created by such .Subordinates continuing their allegiance to a body that has no existence as a Masonic authority in that territory,'where a sovereign Grand Lodge does exist, would destroy all idea of supreme and subordinate characteristics and relations. It would make iVIasonic chaos. It would, if permitted, destroy Masonic harmony, and totally wipe out this "universality of Freemasonry,'.'

174

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tiie

February,

that is relied on for its justification. But the time for this line of argument has gone by in the United States. The American Grand Lodges will not tolerate or permit any such violations of their Masonic sovereign supreme authority. This ends all argument. It would be wiser, therefore, for those Grand Lodges outside.of the United States to try and understand the spirit which actuates the Grand Lodges in the United States in their determined denial of the right to violate their supreme authority. We assert, we think, the universal determination of the American Grand Lodges to resist each, every, and all efforts to set up Lodges of the Craft within their jurisdiction by any authority other than their own. . T h e good brother further says: When a territory is open to the settlement by competent Masonic power of Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons, no one Grand Lodge has exclusive, prior, or pre-emption rights. When three or more Lodges so constituted, and located in this territory, agree to form a Grand Lodge, with notice to all, and such Grand Lodge is lawfully and duly set up, and recognized as' such Grand Lodge, she then becomes supreme and sovereign. To her attaches the sovereignty which duly warranted and lawfully constituted and located the Subordinate Lodges before she Was set up.. It is then the duty. Masonic duty, the obedience to the law of Masonry, which is its own law, for each o'f the Lodges within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge to surrender their original charters to the power which granted them, and accept charters from the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction, and become faithful devoted children of the Masonic Mother. It may be said that there is no analogy for such a course in universal Masonry in the affairs of the profane world. T h a t " universal Masonry" contains within its theoretic doctrine the very certain incident of its destruction we can not admit. T h a t is preposterous either in theory or practice, for the practical attempt to carry it out would, produce fractions of this universal rule, if it was ever either a theory or a rule, which we deny. T h e experience in Masonry, the traditions'of centuries, the very principle of obedience, the subordination to ancient methods of procedure, the causes which have made Masonry a law unto itself, are unanswerable reasons why this new interpretation of an unrecognized' theory was never formulated into even a precept. T h e principle of Masonic law we have thus enunciated, as governing the Masonic relations between Grand Lodge and the Craft, are applied to all cases in which it is violated. We most heartily endorse the views of Masonic law so well and logically enunciated by the able Pennsylvania Committee, and we here fraternally inquire of our good brethren how and why it is that after they have so ably and faithfully expounded the law in relation to jurisdictional rights, they could consistently refuse to lend a helping hand or a word of encouragement to the Grand Lodges of Dakota and New Mexico, while in their struggle for the enjoyment of the very same rights and Grand Lodge privi- . leges laid down by the Committee. Was it simply because one or two Lodges refuse to give in their adhesion to the legally constituted authority ? The Dakota-Minnesota matter is already a thing of the past, as we with pleasure noted in reviewing Dakota, but there is still one case remaining and there is a principle involved in the controversy. Why not boldly apply the principle? We have an earnest desire to get at the truth, and we sincerely hope the able Chairman of the Committee will give this case further attention, and, if possible, favor us with more light. -

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Under Illinois he says: ÂŤ . And we endorse cordially the expressions he makes as to ethical Masonry; but we are not prepared to admit that virtue even can make possible the brotherhood of man, though it may aid the unregenerate heart in aspiring to the fatherhood of GOD. Withoufmaintaining or rejecting the ideaof our Most Worshipful'Brother as to virtue and the brotherhood of man, we think the antecedent inquiries as to what is "virtue," and what is the "brotherhood of m a n " must be first determined.- If we are to accept ARISTOTLE'S view of " v i r t u e , " and admit that it means what he intended to convey by the term, then we are to ascertain what " b r o t h e r h o o d " means. The broad signification of " brotherhood" we do not accept, as including all mankind, because there are a proportion of what are called humari beings that can never be comprised in this "brotherhood," so that the term itself loses its significance. The true "brotherhood of m a n " comprises, then, the lesser number of human beings, and must necessarily exclude that other portion from what is called the "brotherhood." We do not intend to say this is Most Worshipful Brother GURNKY'S view ; we prefer to interpret his words thus: That the Masonic virtues can only rhake possible a true fraternity of men who adoringly worship GOD the Father, which empatically defines who are Freemasons, whatever other sorts and conditions of men it may describe. He thinks our Reports are too elaborate and partake too much of the nature of a yearly historic review of the condition of the Craft in our respective Grand Lodge Jurisdictions instead of a concise review of important subjects found in the printed Transactions of the Grand Lodges, and says: It may be but a matter of opinion, or taste, but we rather prefer the brief treatment of the 'matter that we notice in the several Proceedings of other Grand Lodges with which we are in Masonic harmony, and fraternity. All that these reviews really efi"ect is the acknowledgment of these relations, and a care that nothing takes place in Grand Lodge which might have an injurious effect on the Craft, without a suitable notice of either warning, counsel or condemnation. To establish a uniformity of opinion and action of all our Sister Grand Lodges on questions of vital Masonic principles ; to guard against ill-advised action on-less important subjects, which by precedent or example might be unfortunate in their efTects on other Grand Lodges, are probably t h e ' most that these reports from Committees of Foreign Correspondence can make valuable. This is our purpose. VVe try to reach it in the most fraternal spirit, not claiming the right either to dictate or to censure, but only to present our own views on questions, when they arise, and with our greetings to our Sister Grand'Lodges, in the bonds of Masonic faith and practice. We seek to maintain the. most harmonious relations with Grand Lodges, to defend true Masonic principles, to aid in the dissemination of true Masonic knowledge, to refuse recognition to Bodies we think have neither gained nor de-' served it, to protect our own Grand Lodge from the disturbing influences which may approach our "outer door," and if no precautions are taken, try to enter, -these are among the duties we. regard as primary and most important for us to discharge. Grand Master and Grand Secretary both re-elected.

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February,

PRINCE EDWARDS ISLAND.

1879.

.

The Proceedings of this young Grand Lodge have been very irregular in their annual visits, one or two volumes we have never received, and have been compelled to garble (or gobble) the best we could from the Proceedings of other Grand Lodges more favored than ourselves. The lines now seem to be up and working, and we hope they will so continue. This Grand Lodge, like all others in the British American Provinces, meets .severaltimes during the year. At a Communication held June, 1878, one Charter was granted to a new Lodge. • • At the .Special Commimication held June, 1879, but little business was transacted apart from the notice and acceptance of the recognition of the Grand Lodge of England, and also that of Scotland, subject to certain restrictions, a conditional honor which was gracefully declined. They are entitled to the grateful than/is of the entire Fraternity this side of the water for their defense of the doctrine of supreme authority over the territory embraced within their borders. We think it is fair to presume that our good brethren of the Island willbe able to till their Masonic field without the aid or recognition of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. At the Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge ten Lodges were represented and the usual local business transacted. Peace and harmony appear to have characterized their meeting. _ VVe find nothing of special in•terest to n o t e ; no Report on Correspondence was presented, but a very full and_ complete digest of decisions, taken from the various Proceedings, was given in its stead, and reflects credit on the compiler. iVI.'. W.-. Bro. JOHN YEO, notwithstanding his declination, was again elected Grand .Master; and R.-.W.-. Giio. VV. WAKEl'0!in, Grand Secretary. ' P R I N C E EDWARDS ISLAND.

1880.

-

A small, neat pamphlet of one hundred and forty-seven pages contains the Proceedings of this Grand Lodge at its fifth Annual Communication, as well as a Semi-Annual Communication and the meeting of the Board of General Purposes. Tire transactions were of little interest, except to the Masons of the Island. The business done related chiefly to the finances, which, we are pleased to note, are in good condition. The Annual Communication was held June 24, 18S0; one Charter granted to a new Lodge.- The Jurisdiction is small, and of necessity but •few Lodges will.be organized on the Island. The Annual Address of Grand Master YEO is a short business paper, giving a brief account of the business and other transactions of the Grand Lodge, from which we clip the following words of encouragement : I feel that at this time it is necessary that an extra exertion should be made by those who have the good of Masonry at heart, as I am under the

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impression that there is a lukewarmness and apathy existing amongst us, which must be overcome if we wish our Institution to flourish. Our Jurisdiction is limited in extent with few Lodges, arid the membershij) necessarily small; therefore the greater reason that harmony and unanimity should prevail and that all sliould give a helping hand. Our By-Laws provide for the appointment by the Grand Master of competent brethren to visit the different Lodges, and though I would gladly visit all personally, I find that my business and other engageinants will not permit me to do that which I would like, and, to conform to the Constitution as nearly as possible, I have, during the past year, commissioned a 'nuniber-of the members of the Grand I^odge to visit the Subordinate Lodges as my representatives, and have requested them to furnish to the Grand Lodge at this. Annual Communication a report in writing of their doings, and trust that all have attended to their duty, as I am of opinion that the Lodges should be visited by the Grand Master or other officer or member of the Grand Lodge at least once a year. ' An exchange of Grand Representatives was made with eight other Grand Lodges. Two decisions rendered ; both approved. Mention was made:of the. death of Grand Master Bui.i^ocK, of Connecticut, and of Grand Treasurer O. H. MINER, of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. The question of non-payment of dues agitates the Craft on this northern Island; we qu,ote from the report of the Committee: We concur in tlie expressions of regret in regard to suspensions, and trust this Grand Lodge will take some decided action concerning suspension . for,non-payment of dues; whilst we recognize the necessity of inflicting this penalty for misdeeds and violations of Masonic rules, we can not but deprecate the indiscriminate use of it to compel payment of dues, and in many cases, too, where the brother is unable to pay. We are glad to learn that the differences which existed in the Jurisdictions of Manitoba and Cuba have been satisfactorily settled, and that peace and. good will how prevail among the_brethren in those countries. From this we are led to believe that the Grand Lodge is not disposed to favor the practice of some of our Grand Lodges and compel Subordinates to suspend their members when they fail to pay the yearly stipend. No Report on Correspondence presented. M.-. W.-. JOHN Y E O , Charlottetown, Grand Master ;* R.-. W.-. G. W. WAKEKORD, Charlottetown, Grand Secretary. QUEBEC.

1879.

The attendance of members at this Annual Communication was good, and much interest was manifested in the business transacted; forty-nine Lodges represented, Indian Territory and New Mexico both recognized and the usual Masonic greeting extended. The Annual Address of Grand Master T A I T is brief and to the point. General harmony and good feeling held sway, the only exception being in regard to the mixed and unsatisfactory state of their relations to England and Scotland, which remain substantially the same as last year. One of the English Lodges has joined fortunes with the Grand Lodge of Quebec, thus leaving out tvvo English

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and three Scotch Lodges which remain in opposition to the Grand Lodge of the Province. T h e question has been so thoroughly discussed in all its length and breadth by the savans of Masonry, not only in this country, but all over the world, wherever Masonic authority is set up and recognized, that we feel that further discussion and argument would be idle, and unlikely to elicit any new points that would at all aid the contending parlies in coming to a speedy and satisfactory adjustment of their unfortunate difficulty. We notice that our brethren in the Canadian Provinces have, like many . of us on this side of the line, engaged in the scheme of consolidating their Lodges where they seem to be "too thick to thrive." This is better than to let them sicken and die. . The District Deputies made reports which are always interesting, because they show the condition of the Order from the nearest stand point. T h e generally favorable picture presented in these Reports and the financial statements of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary are very pleasing. Our Canadian brethren seem very tenacious to their ideas in regard to wearing of Masonic clothing, especially with Grand Officers when appearing in Lodge, either officially or otherwise. The question arose in one of the Districts, whether a District Deputy could exercise the functions of his office without being 'clothed in the prescribed regalia of his rank. The Grand Master decided that he could do so. We think the Grand Master's decision eminently correct, and it would probably, have been so accepted but for a little newspaper scribbling done by a good brother who is, no doubt, tenacious of the regalia mania. He ( t h e brother) holds th.it therank and powers of the Grand Officers amount to nothing unless their persons be clothed in the Tegalia which h a p p e n s t o be de regie, and, expressing himself in regard to the District Deputy Grand Masters, claims that in ca.se of their appearance in Lodge without the prescribed regimentals, the brethren need not pay any attention to them or recognize the authority of their commands. From which we infer that the power and authority of the Canadian officials is, Sampson-like, located in their respective ornamental appendages. When W A N T E E V A N TWILLER, first Dutch Governor of New York, held • sway, he was wont, on sending a Constable out to make an arrest or serve a summons, to send along his well-known and ponderous jacknife, for a warrant. On the same principle, which we commend to the attention of the good brother, a Grand Officer in Quebec, if unable to attend a meeting, could send his regalia and thus hold sway by proxy. We believe Mr. GESSLER did something in this line in the early days of Swiss history, which led to a personal difficulty between him and Mr. W. T E L L . It would be shocking if the Grand Master were to perform any official act while not incased in all the appendages of his official rank ; such an act, under the above view, must of necessity be null and void. The knottiest question would be to prove whether that high Official was, or was not, clad in the proper regalia of his office at the moment when he penned the order that

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arrested the jewel of Worthy Bro. J O H N SMITH. If he were, at that time, in slippers and shirt sleeves, enjoying his atium cum dig. and transacting a little business, at once, then Bro. J. S. could appeal, and—O, horrors! behold another source of infinite agony to the Woathy Committee on Grievances! What has the Craft done to that Canadian brother that he should afflict them thus? Regalia may be very pretty to. look at and wear, but it certainly carries little weight of authority with it. We clip the following from the Report of the Board of General Purposes, showing the rise and progress of Freemasonry in Quebec and its present condition: The number of initiations during this period has been 2390, and of joining members 539; to these must be added 654 members of Lodges, which at first adhered to the Grand Lodge of Canada, thus showing a<total increase of 3583 on the other hand we have lost by the hand of death 196 brethren, 1221 have withdrawn; and 666 have been suspended, a total loss, after deducting 86 restorations, of 1997. . T h e total increase has therefore been 1586. The Board regret to note that of the initiated 309, or about 13 per cent, have failed to prosecute their search into the hidden mysteries of our Order with sufficient zeal to entitle them to pass within the portals of the inner chamber; while even of those who obtained the second degree about 10 per cent, failed to obtain the secrets of a Master Mason. This should, we consider, cause our brethren to see to it, that more discrimination be observed in the acceptance of material, so that none biit those really desirous of knowledge and likely to prove master-workmen, be associated with them in the great work of Masonry. A still greater cause of regret is to be found in the fact that so few of those who have been suspended have sought to be re-instatedin their Masonic standing; this is by no means creditable to the Craft, inasmuch as most of these suspensions have been the penalty of the failure of brethren to pay their accustomed dues, and especially wheii we consider that these dues are lighter than in most other Jurisdictions, although from the weakness of our numbers it might reasonably be expected that a more liberal support from each individual would be necessary. Within these ten years, all differences with the Grand Lodge of Canada I (to whom oiir organization at the time appeared an act of rebellion) have been happily set at rest; and nearly the whole Masortic world has sustained us in our independent position. There has arisen, it is true, a serious difficulty with the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and we have not yet fully established our relations to the Grand Lodge of England. Time, however,, must remove all differences with both these Grand Bodies, and we trust that a continuance in the dignified but unobtrusive conduct which has characterized this Grand Lodge from its inception, will, at no distant day, bring about perfect peace within our borders. The Reports of the different D. D. G. M's, which have been submitted for our consideration, exhibit on the whole a healthy condition of the Craft. No Report on Correspondence. M.-.W.-. J O H N H . GRAHAM, Richmond, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. J O H N H. ISAACSON, Montreal, Grand Secretary.

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Proceedings of the QUEHEC.

'

February,

1880.

We have the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Quebec for 1880, being their eleventh Annual Communication, held September 22. There was a large attendance of Grand arid Past Grand Officers, forty-seven Lodges represented and the usual amount of business transacted. After the Grand Lodge was opened the Grand Chaplain, by invitation, delivered a brief address, from which we extract the following very sensible paragraphs: Not for a moment would we undervalue the importance of those matters of detail in organization and administration which are so necessary to •the efficient and harmonious working of the Institution to which we belong; but we must never allow,ourselves to forget the grand object for which we are organized and the noble purposes which as Masons we are called upon to keep in view. All our deliberations will amount to little unless they are subordinated to the great ends which form the only excuse for bur existence as a society. We must remember that we do not exist simply for the pur-' pose of increasing our membership and of collecting fees and disbursing them for current expenses, nor even for social intercourse alone. These are only means to an end, and that end is ever the promotion of uprightness in the individual, and of charity and brotherly love between the various members of the Fraternity. We are seeking to erect a noble temple of righteousness and love, which shall he vast enough to embrace within its spacious courts all right-minded men, and ultimately, if possible, the whole human race itself. AH else is but the scaffolding—useful enough in its way and place—but temporary and destined for removal as soon as the edifice shall be complete. May the great and wise Master Builder further this good work, and may all Masons be fellow-workers with Him in hastening it to a completion. T h e importance' of these general aims of Freemasonry has, however, been frequently brought before the notice of this Grand Lodge, and it is to be hoped not altogether without result. I desire, therefore, at this time to call attention more especially to what may be regarded as our great guide and instructor in the promotion' of uprightness and charity—the volume of the Sacred .Law—which, in the technical language of the Craft, is known a s . the first great light in Masonry. The place-which the volume of the Sacred Law holds in our system is a very prominent and important one; it lies open upon the altar of every Lodge, and without its presence no proper Lodge of Masons can be held at all. I t is the first object which iheets the gaze of every newly enlightened neophyte. In so far as the ritual is historical at all, the materials are drawn from its pages. The precepts which Masonry lays down for the guidance of its members.are, without exception, those which find sanction in its principles, and are often in its very words. Every candidate initiated into the Fraternity is recommended to study it, being solemnly charged at the same t i m e t o regard it as the unerring standard of truth and justice, and to regulate his actions by the' divine precepts which it contains. So prominent indeed is the place it receives that it could not well be placed higher without making Freemasonry a distinctively religious institution—^ character which it prefers to avoid for good and sufficient reasons. T h e Annual Address of Grand Master J O H N H . GRAHAM is an able and well-prepared resume of business and other matters of importance. He speaks encouragingly of the condition of the Craft within that Jurisdiction, and the friendly and fraternal relations which now exist between the Grand Lodge of Quebec and other Masonic Bodies, with the exception of England and Scotland. He speaks in commendatory terms of the District Deputies

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and the good work they are now performing in their respective Districts. Of the District meetings he says : As you are aware, a " n e w departure" was taken .by me the past year, in holding meetings of the officers and members also of the several Lodges m each of the five Districts of the Province. In conducting these meetings I was ably assisted the D. D. G. M.'s and other Grand andli'ast Grand Officers; by the officers of the respective Lodges, and by visiting and other brethren. To all such I beg to return my especial thanks, as also for the many fraternal courtesies extended to me in connection with their assemblies. ' Among the objects sought to be attained was the communication of important information concerning the Craft; the awakening of a greater interest and zeal; the improvement of work and governance, and the becoming !>etterand more intimately acquainted with the rulers and members of the Fraternity throughout our Jurisdiction. Here is a " n e w d e p a r t u r e " worthy of imitation. He makes the following excellent suggestions in relation to the manner of perfecting the officers in the work: In very many instances there is yet doubtless very great room for improvement. There is far too little of that generous, fraternal rivalry of who can best work. The Worshipful Masters and their officers should, during their term of office, seek to make their Lodge the best worked Lodge in their District, or even in the Province. This is a noble ambition, and is worthy of the best Masons in our Jurisdiction. It is, moreover, intended the coming year to have the officers of such first-class working Lodges exemplify the work, or a part of it, before their respective District Assemblies, and perhaps before the Grand Lodge. A Lodge reputed to be the best, or among the best working Lodges in the District or Province, would not long have to complain of non-attendance, either of its own members, or of visitors both from home and abroad. That brother is to be viewed with compassion who speaks disparagingly of excellence in ritualism. Of course, to be perfect, or nearly-so, in ritual, is to be in possession of one only of the prime qualifications of a thoroughly educated Master of a Lodge or other officer; but it is one of the most important, when other requisite qualifications are added thereto. Strive earnestly, therefore, and labor zealously to attain perfectness in work, as well as to acquire all the other necessary attributes of a "perfect Master" or a "model officer" in your respective rank; .Rivalry of this kind will do in Masonry as-well as in secular affairs. A generous emulation in the fulfilment of duty is one of the most hopeful signs - for any institution. The Grand Master favors a plan of "Masonic Life Insurance," to be based on the mutual plan, without any financial connection with the Grand Lodge. This is another bite for Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine. He condemns the many uncomfortable and ill:ventilated Lodge rooms. This evil can not be too often and too strongly condemned, and some means . should be found to prevent members of Lodges from poisoning themselves by degrees in this way. His remarks are worth reading by our brethren : Not a few Lodges are often, in a double sense, unconciously the victims of incipient or advanced consumption in great part from the somnific a n d even deadly effects of breathing, in their otherwise splendid halls, overheated, foul, fetid and poisonous air. This is the case not only in the sweltering heat of midsummer, but oftentimes as bad or worse in' midwinter.

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February,

Let there, I beseech you, be at once put into all such badly ventilated rooms and halls a sufficient number of good-sized outlets, running from the ceiling up through the roof into the open air and well protected above from the storm, and have a corresponding or sufficient number of inlets for fresh air beneath, so that there will be a constant, but well regulated, circulation of the pure fresh air of heaven throughout the Lodge room, carrying up and out that which has become vitiated and wholly unfit to breathe. This done, what a change for the better among officers and workmen. Comfort and cheerfulness would take the place of supreme discomfort and languor, and other things being equal, drowsiness and somnolence amongst the occupants of the cushioned seats would be among the things that were. I beg of you, therefore, officers and brethren, to see to it that your Lodge rooms are well ventilated. I speak of this important matter from personal experience and observation. The following bit of history will be read with pleasure by many: By the favor of the Deputy Grand Master, I was recently enabled to forward to R.-.W.-. Bro. W. J. HUGHAN, of Truro, who is one of the learned historians and antiquaries of the Grand Lodge of England, and of worldwide repute as a Masonic writer, a copy of the Warrant of Albion Lodge, Quebec, No. 2, on our Registry, and also a sketch of their centenary medal, and a copy of the authorization from the Grand Lodge of England for Albion to use the same, the receipt of which has been gratefully and fraternally acknowledged by Bro. H U G H A N .

Albion was originally a military Lodge, attached to the Fourth Battalion, Royal Artillery. Its Warrant was of date December, .1761; at first No. 9, but after the union No. 17 on the Registry of the United Grand Lodge of England. The present Warrant is a duplicate, of date London, January 27, 1829 —the Duke of Sussex, Grand Master; Lord DUNDAS, Deputy Grand Master, and W. H. W H I I E and EDWARD HARPER, Grand Secretaries. Since- the latter date Albion has been permanently located in the City of Quebec as a civil Lodge. Through the assistance.of leading brethren in Quebec, it is anticipated •Jhat the original Warrant of Albion Lodge, and other- valuable papers and documents relating to it and other Lodges, as well as to the earliest Provincial Grand Lodges, may yet be obtained. In Bro. HuGHAN's Numerical and Numismatical Register of English Lodges, in a list of twenty-seven, ancient Lodges under the heading, "Special Centenary Jewels," second on the list is the following record: "17, Albiop Lodge, Quebec (now under the Grand Lodge of Quebec)," and it is the only one in the list under the jurisdiction of a Sovereign Grand Lodge other than that of England. In the " Early Records of the Grand Lodge of^Vermont" I find that Dorchester Lodge, Vergennes, Vt., now No. i on the Registry of that flourishing sister Grand Body, and the third Lodge established within the limits of the Green Mountain State; was chartered by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Quebec in 1791. The intimate friendly relations of that Grand Body to this are not, therefore, so much to be wondered at, since the Premier Lodge on her Registry hails from Quebec as its chartered birth-place. Such and such like historical facts forcibly remind us that had the Lodges and brethren of this Province been, at an early day, true to themselves and to their bounden duties, the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Quebec, instead of having just passed the tenth year of its existence, might soon have been celebrating its hundredth anniversary, as one of the oldest Grand Lodges on the Continent of Arnerica, outrivaling in age the United Grand • Lodge of England itself, and having a long record in imitation of her noble deeds of charity and Masonic beneficence, and having exercised its legiti-

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mate influence as a Grand BodyJ through these past generations, in moulding the intellectual, social and moral destiny of our pepple. But thus generally has it ever been with unorganized "colonial." Freemasonry. Its career has, in great part, been checquered, incohesive, uncontinuous—by far too dependent, dissevered, and consequently unproductive of good, as compared with the renowned sources whence it sprung. Witness the wondrous Masonic progress in the United States of America, in our own country, and in other lands, east and west, as a consecjuent chiefly of the .formation of separate and independent Grand Lodges, holding and exercising exclusive and undivided sovereign territorial jurisdiction, as compared with the state of the Craft in.mosl of the "colonial" Masonic dependencies; and is it not a fact that since the formation, a quarter of a century ago, of the Canadian Mother Grand Lodge (now de facto and de jure " O n t a r i o " ) , that more has been accomplished by her for the cause of Masonry during'the short period of her independent, sovereign existence than had been done b y the whole of dependent "Colonial Masonry" in all of Bristish North America for the past hundred years; and are not all the other Sovereign Grand Lodges of the Dominion commencing upon a like prosperous career? and is it not far more in accordance, with the genius, the traditions and the constitutions of Freemasonry; and far better from every possible point of view (except the mercenary one of a few pounds, shillings and pence coming annually into the treasury) for the British Mother Grand Lodges to have (instead of what has generally prevailed " colonially " and to a feeble extent still exists) a world-encircling aggregatidn of independent Sovereign Grand Bodies like themselves, connected with these mother Grand Lodges in a perpetual alliance of fraternal amity? The following shows the status of the Anglo-Scotch controversy: My official and other correspondence in relation to Quebec-English and Quebec-Scottish aiifairs has been very extensive and various. My policy and proceedure, as well as my principal foreign communications, have generally been submitted in. advance to my principal fellow-officers in Grand Lodge, -and they have in every instance, I believe, given their hearty, fraternal approval thereof." , In all that I have done thus far in regard to the adjustment of interjurisdictional matters between us and these Grand Lodges of Great Britain, I have sincerely sought to obtain peace, harmony and unity peacefully and with honor, and, as I said in another place a year ago, " I have too firm a faith in the intelligence and fraternal prudence and good will of these brethren now in dissent here, and in the wisdom and ability of the rulers and fathers of the Craft in the mother-land, to have any present doubts as to the ultimate result. I trust, therefore, at no distant day, to lie able to communicate ~' Ž " Ž the consummation so devoutly to be desired." The correspondence and events of the intervening months have served measurably to strengthen the then expectations; but should it be that these seemingly well-grounded anticipations of a peaceful, honorable and constitutional adjustment of these unhappy international differences be not soon realized, the Grand Lodge of Quebec will be fully prepared for any other contingency which may unhappily arise; and in case it is unfortunately required (which we fervently trust may not be), there will be in readiness to submit, for the approval of the Grand Lodge, at an Emergent Communication, if need be, such a course of action as, I believe, will be strictly warranted by the constitutions and ancient practice of the Fraternity; and will, in my opinion, be generally sanctioned and sustained by the Craft, as " Q u e bec" has hitherto been by nearly all the regular sister Grand Lodges of the world.

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February,

We have not by any means, as some brethren timidly suppose, exhausted all the constitutional measures at our command, in defense of the exclusive undivided sovereignty of the Grand Lodge of Quebec, and of the numerous sister Grand Lodges in frafernal accord and alliance with her, and whose international sovereign rights and prerogatives we are bound to sustain and defend as sacredly as our own. ' •But, as the correspondence relating to these international matters of imminent importance is still being carried on, and is therefore necessarily incomplete, and as events of more or less importance are now transpiring, which to a greater or less extent, may materially affect the final adjustment of these inter-jurisdictional matters as well as affect the peace, unity and. welfare of the Craft both at home and abroad, I do not deem it wise or prudent to submit the correspondence to the Grand Lodge at its present Communication, and I therefore beg most respectfully to suggest the sanctioning by the Grand Lodge of a course similar to that occasionally pursued in Parliament, when a motion is made aslcing for the production by the Government of papers relating to important pending negotiations and transpiring events, the Premier in reply thereto feels justified in affirming that the interests of the State would not be subserved by the production of said papers and correspondence at the present time, but that they will be submitted in full to the House on.some future day, and in general, every well-disposed member on either side readily acquiesces in the. decision of tile Government, as announced l)y its chief. I therefore fraternally request the Grand Lodge to exercise and extend a like confidence, and for the reasons assigned and for others which must be quite obvious, to acquiesce in the above proposal, the more especially as at no very distant day the whole of the correspondence will be submitted to the Grand Lodge, and, if deemed best, published in full in our Proceedings; and hence I now submit to the Grand Lodge the advisability of re-afiirming the resolution of last year, leaving the whole matter of our inter-jurisdictional and other relations to these'and other Grand Lodges in the hands of the Grand iVIaster for the coming year, or until the holding of an Emergent Communication of the Grand Lodge, should such be deemed necessary or advisable. ' . • • We certainly think our good brethren of Quebec are entitled to all credit for the dignified and fraternal manner in which they have, from the very outset, been disposed to treat this unfortunate affair. Tlie Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, by their Reports, show the finances of the Grand Lodge to be in a reasonably good condition. A highly interesting relic was presented to the Grand Lodge, being the original Warrant granted to Albion Lodge No. 2 (one of the Subordinates), dated June I2th, A. D., 1.752, and renewed December 20th, 1787. This Lodge has existed for a period over 128 .years. The brethren of Albion Lodge are proud, as they tiave, indeed, the right to be, of their record, and for this fact, at the next Annual Communication, an effo.rt will be made to permit the officers and members of this Lodge in the future to wear gold instead of silver upon their jewels and aprons. The business transacted is of local interest only, save in regard to the Anglo-Scotch affairs, which seems to be sn route to a final, and we hope, satisfactory adjustment. Committees have been appointed on both sides, and they have the matter in hand. M.-.W.-. J. A. GRAHAM, Richmond, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. J O H N H . ISAACSON, Montreal, Grancl Secretary.

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R H O D E I S L A N D . 1879. The first thing that strikes the eye on opening these Proceedings is an elegant steel engraved portrait of Past Grand Master WILLIAM F I E L D . We also find the revised Constitution, Standing Regulations and the decision rendered by the Grand Masters. Several Special Communications were held, for the purpose of constituting Lodges and the dedication of a hall, for action upon the revised Constitution and By-Laws and other business. ^ The Eighty-ninth Annual Communication was held in Masonic Hall, May 19, 1879. Grand Master CHARLES R . CUTLER delivered a brief address confined to local matters. The per capita tax was increased to thirty cents. We apprehend it will yet have to go to fifty; probably the sooner it is fixed at that amount the better it will be. Peace and harmony prevails, and the Craft seems to be moving on in their accustomed quiet, effective and unostentatious way, not running after new things nor imitating anyone. The Committee on Correspondence presented a brief Report, only recommending the recognition of the Grand Lodges of New Mexico and the Indian .Territory. No action had on the Colon-Cuba case nor New South Wales. Our Rhode Island brethren usually make haste slowly, and, on the whole, it is the safest plan. In regard to the Quebec-Scotland disagreement, they take about the same groundas the majority of other American Grand Lodges, and condemn the position of Scotland in the hiatter. Our good Bro. H E N R Y W . RUGG, on behalf of Bro. R. H . TULBY, pre-

sented to the Grand Lodge a gavel made of ^hard wood and said to be ornamented with bits of wood from the coffin of our illustrious brother and ex-President, General GEORGE WASHINGTON. We would like to know how . they got those " trimmings" from the grave of our pater patriae^ Grand Master CUTLER dispensed with the provisions of the Constitution in reference to granting special Dispensations in two cases. T h e Committee to whom this question was referred submitted an able Report, from which we extract the following : Your Committee acknowledge the power existing in the Grand Master of Masons in this Jurisdiction to issue such a Dispensation, but inasmuch as the law of Masonry provides for filling such a vacancy by succession, your Committee suggests that the exercise of the power of Dispensation in such cases should^only be used as in this instance after mature deliber,ation. The second matter is that of issuing a Dispensation for the formation of a Lodge without a fee therefor. , This presents a question of great importance to Grand Lodge and onebrought to its notice for the first time in its history so far as is believed. It is the understood law of the Jurisdiction that the Grand Master may dispense with any provision of the Grand Constitution at his pleasure, except that fixing the hour of the election of a Grand Master of Masons, but at the same time it is'also understood that there are certain provisions

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which should not be dispensed with, and in this class is that provision requiring the payment of a fee for the issuing of a Dispensation of the Grand Lodge. T h e principle applies to all the regulations in regard to the formation of Lodges, and these should on no account be subject to change at the pleasure of the Grand Master of Masons, and only after due deliberation of Grand Lodge. The Committee regret to disapprove of this action of the M.-.W.-. Grand Master.in this respect. • When the Grand Master assumes the authority to dispense with or set aside the provisions of the fundamental law, in our opinion, he travels beyond the line of his official duty. H e should ever understand that h'e is not the law maker; the legislative function belongs only to the Grand L o d g e ; indeed, he is no more above the law, or entitled to neglect or trample upon its smallest provision, than the humblest member of the least among the Subordinate Lodges. It is enough for him to enforce' the law faithfully, and thus set before his brethren a good example. We believe in giving the Grand Master all the latitude that the Constitution permits, and no more. If that high functionary has the power, at will and pleasure, to set aside la'ws that have been enacted by the Grand Lodge, why not pass over the legislative power to him entirely, or let him assume it, and not bother ourselves with the expensive luxury of meeting annually to do what the Grand Master can undo with one stroke of his mighty pen". M.-.W.-. Bro. CUTLER declirted a re-election on account of pressure of business cares. . • No general Report on Correspondence submitted. M.-.W.-. EDWARD L . FREEMAN, Central Falls, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. E D W I N BAKER, care of H . BAKER & SON, Providence, Grand Secretary. SOUTH CAROLINA.

1879.

The Grand Lodge met December 9th and l o t h ; was opened in AMPLE • FORM ;'orie hundred and fifty-eight Lodges represented ; six Charters granted to new Lodges, two revoked and one surrendered. T h e Grand Master, AUGUSTINE T . SMYTHE, presented a short business address, giving a clear and succinct statement of official matters for the year. We are pleased to note the following in his address:

0

It is pleasant to be able to state that the past year has been one of quietness, and so far as I have been informed, of more than usual harmony. The peacefulness which has prevailed within our borders generally, has been favorable to Masonry, while the abundant harvests with which our people have, been blessed, and the prosperity which seems to be dawning brightly on our State, all tend to increase and promote the material and financial' interests of the Craft. Let us with zeal and energy make use of these favorable surroundings, to work with renewed heartiness in the cause of Masonry. .He takes concilitory grounds on the Quebec-Scotland troubles, and revokes the commission of their Representative near the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, on account of his participation in the revolt against the regularly constituted Grand Lodge. Some might look upon this as a bringing up with a round turn. It was deserved for disloyalty. We are pleased to note

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his refusal to re-appoint this Representative, notwithstanding that he had been requested by the Grand Master of Manitoba to do so. This is an e.xcellent precedent, and will do to follow hereafter. We are glad Grand •Master SMYTHE had the pluck to say, " N o ; thus far thou hast gone, further thou shalt not go." In feeling terms, expressive of regret and sympathy, he refers to the distinguished dead of his own and other Jurisdictions. We give place to the following among his decisions rendered during the year: There is no rule that requires or allows a'committee on an application to give reasons for an unfavorable report. An expelled Mason loses all connection with his Lodge, and is no longer a member. To be again admitted, he must petition the Lodge to remove the punishment and readmit him ; which petition must be referred, and upon a favorable report, the ballot must be unanimous as with any other nonaffiliated Mason. This remits the penalty and restores him to good standing. While under sentence he was not a member. He is not, therefore, chargable with arrears during that period, but should pay the fee for affiliation. A Lodge can not, by simple resolution, drop members from the roll for .non-payment of dues, but must proceed as in Article 104 of the Constitution. Under this Article there is no necessity for charges to be preferred by the Junior Warden. The notification by the Secretary in writing, setting out the charge and notifying him to appear and show cause as therein required, is a sufficient compliance with Article 138 of the Constitution. SucK notice contains the charge against him, and also information of the time and place of the trial. A Mason, a member of two Lodges, and whose name, is dropped from the roll of one for non-payment of dues, is not thereby affected in his standing in the other Lodge. ' An unaffiliated Mason is not in good standing, and can not therefore be one of the applicants for a dispensation to open a new Lodge. There is no rule or law in Masonry which makes it necessary for either brother or Lodge applying for aid, to have the certificate of the Grand Lodge to such application. Once satisfied that the applicant is both worthy and needy, and if there be the ability, the aid should be furnished. In these days, however, of Masonic tramps and Masonic beggars, close scrutiny is necessary. While, therefore, a Grand Lodge certificate is not absolutely essential it certainly gives great weight to have it attached, and its absence necessarily weakens to that extent the force of the, application. We do not like to take issue with Grand Master SMYTHE upon so small a matter, but we do not think it the right thing, masonically, to require a restored Mason to pay an affiliation fee ; it smacks rather too much of extortion, a thing not permissible in the conduct of Masonic matters. Restoration is, as we understand it, intended as a full and complete pardon, and should be so considered, and as carrying with it a repossession of all the Masonic rights, benefits and privileges of which he had been deprived by the act of his Lodge. We are opposed to any half-way business; either give all or none at all, and that without fee. The Grand Master very properly, as we think, declined to allow the seal of the Grand Lodge to be used upon applications of Lodges soliciting aid, 21

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as well outside of their State as inside. Far too much of this has been done already, and it is well that the Grand Master exercises a little caution in such matters. In considering the Quebec-Scotland affair, the Grand Lodge took strong ground against Scotch interference. • Like the rest of us, South Carolina is troubled as to how to get rid of that class of Masons who fail to get round once a year to square up accounts. The following amendment to the By-Laws was offered by Bro. CHAS. INGLESBY, and after some pruning, was laid over under the rule until the next Annual Communication : Any member of a Lodge being twelve months in arrears, and residing within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, shall be notified by the Secretary that unless within thirty days, or if residing without the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, within sixty days, from the date of the Regular Communication at which such delinquency shall be made known to the Lodge, either his dues be paid, or sickness or inability to pay be shown as the cause of such refusal or neglect, he will be liable to erasure from the roll for nonpayment of dues, and to the penalties of non-affiliation. If neither of the foregoing excuses be made, he may, at the first Regular Communication after the expiration of the specified time be declared by the Master to be erased from the roll, unless for special reasons shown, the Lodge shall remit his dues, or grant him further time for payment. But any Mason thus erased from the roll, who shall at any time pay the arrearages due at the time of his erasure from the roll, or who shall have such arrearages remitted by his Lodge, shall be declared by the Master thereof restored to member-, ship. It seems that the brethren are never unmindful of Masonic duty, nor dispo.sed to ignore true merit when it raises its modest head among them. It became at once their d u t y and pleasure to acknowledge the long and faithful services rendered by Past Grand Master WiLMOT G. DESAUSSURE as the financial agent of their Grand Body, and they gave such acknowledgement a tangible form by presenting him with a most elegant jewel, as a token of the high estimation in which he is held. T h e Report on Correspondence was again presented by Bro. CHARLES INGLESBY, Grand Secretary. It is well prepared, the selections good, and the comments eminently sound, with only very "semi-occasional" exceptions. We note one : With deference, we'fail to be convinced, and it still seems to us that Bro. DRXJMMOND misunderstands our position. Let us illustrate. Upon a ballot for a candidate named Mr. Big A, a black-ball is cast. Before the Lodge is closed, a member states to the Worshipful Master, in open Lodge, that he has cast the black-ball, supposing the candidate to be Mr. Little A, an entirely different person. That he has no objections whatever to Mr. Big A ; in fact, knows him to be a worthy man, etc., and therefore asks permission to correct his mistake. No\y, our position is, that not only can . the member make known to the Lodge the fact that he had cast the blackball under a mistake, but as a man and Mason he is bound to do so. There is no dispute about his having made a mistake, which has inflicted a wrong and a humiliation upon an innocent and worthy man. He does not " t h i n k that he knows," but states as an absolute fact, that he had deposited the black-ball by mistake, and desires to remedy the wrong by repairing his mistake. If he did not do this, he would not be half a man or a Mason at all.

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It would be very unsafe to adopt any such rule as that indicated in the foregoing. We have on a- number of occasions known this dodge to be played in order to get another ballot, in the hope of scaring off the one who actually cast the black-ball. We believe in the doctrine enunciated by Bro. DRUMMOND, of Maine :

He thinks that we (unintentionally) misstate his position in relation to correcting an erroneous ballot. We used the word "thinks," but he used the word "knows," and says the questions are very different. We did not write last year precisely what was in our mind. " A s a man thinketh, so is h e ; " when a man thinks he knows any thing, it is, to his mind, absolute knowledge. We have so many times known men to think they knew that a certain state" of facts existed, when it did not, that we hold it to be altogether better to waif for a mistake in the ballot to be corrected in a way in which there can be no error; rather than risk that a man knows a thing, when, in many cases, he can not know it — especially a man who has confessedly made one mistake about the same matter. He thinks his reply to Bro. GtJRNEY, above quoted, applies'in this case. Of the pernicious and devilish practice of gambling, he says: In the same spirit he answers the interrogatories as to whether gaming • and keeping dram-shops are moral disqualifications. We concur with him in saying that "these questions,might well be referred to each individual Mason to settle in his own mind when called upon to exercise the ballot." He nevertheless expresses the opinion, and we also concur in that, that a public gambler does not live " u n d e r the tongue of good report," and, therefore, that the Mason who knowingly recommends such an one, ought to be disciplined. With reference -to the remaining question as to dram-shop keepers, we would be glad to reproduce his entire answer, but must be content to summarize. It'has always appeared to us as passing strange that any Mason could, in the light of the many sublime lessons he has received, so far forget himself as thus to engage in a business which is in open violation of the laws of his country and of GOD, and yet expect protection. All such men we may safely set.down as having gone far down in the scale of human depravity; they only prove their lack of manhood when they dare afterwards to make themselves known as Masons. Too much can not be said against such vile and nefarious pursuits, which rot and ruin the whole social body. For such Masons as follow them we have no use; let us get them out, and see to it that no more get in. M.-.W.-. AUGUSTINE T . SMYTHE, Grand Master, Charleston; R.-.-W.-. CHARLES INGLESBY, Grand Secretary, Charleston. .

TENNESSEE.

1879.'

This well-arranged volume of about two hundred and forty-five pages contains the Reports of the Grand Officers, Proceedings of a Grand Lodge of Sorrow, Report on Correspondence, and a valuable compilation of the decisions of various Grand Masters now in force. Three Hundred and forty-five Lodges represented; three Dispensations for the formation of new Lodges and seven Charters granted; the work and lectures exemplified by the Lodges of the City of Nashville. The business ' transacted was mainly local in its nature.

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T h e Annual 'Address of Grand Master GEO. C. CONNER is an elaborate official paper, giving a full and complete report of his official acts. He devotes a considerable portion of his Address to a discussion of the difficulty which arose between his own Grand Lodge and that of Kentucky. We have already noticed this affair under the head of Kentucky. Grand Master CONNER presented his side of the case in an elaborate manner, citing the law bearing on the case : A Lodge has penal jurisdiction of all Masons, whether affiliated or not, residing or sojourning in its territory. A Lodge does not lose penal jurisdiction over a Mason who commits a crime in its territory when he absconds from the geographical jurisdiction of said Lodge. When'a Mason is expelled, after due trial, by any I^odge having penal jurisdiction, he is expelled from'all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry. He is masonically. dead, and can be restored to those rights by the Lodge that expelled him, or by a Grand Lodge onlyl He claims further that the law of Kentucky is substantially the same as that of Tennessee. H e says: I believe it to be the duty of this M.-. W.-. Grand Lodge to make an earnest effort to maintain the friendly relations now existing between us and our sister Jurisdiction of Kentucky, and therefore recommend that a Commission composed of Past Grand Masters be appointed to visit the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, at its next Annual Communication, and lay the whole matter before them in our name as a Grand Lodge and from our standpoint,to the end that uniformity of law may be secured, and that brotherly love and good will may prevail in the future as it has done in the^past. We sincerely hope that a conference will be held, the whole matter satisfactorily arranged and good fellowship once more restored. On the Scotch question the Grand Master is eminently sound, as we conclude from the following: I am unable to grasp the wisdom in the claim that Americans have nothing to do with the Masonic manageinent of the British Dominions. To our mind it is clear that the law should be the same in all of North America whether her Majesty, the Queen, or his Excellency, the President, preside over the destinies of its political divisions. As American Freemasons we claim no right—but would promptly .repudiate such an assumption—to establish Lodges in the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland wherever that Jurisdiction lawfully exists. Holding that view, this Grand Lodge could not consent, even to an inference from its silence, that Scotland could, by any possibility of circumstances, establish Lodges in the Jurisdiction of a recognized independent Grand Lodge. Tenderly do we prize the friendship of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, whose Lodges are-centers of culture and civilization wherever established, whose rolls of membership include a multitude of the brightest luminaries of the Masonic firmament, and whose deeds of charity and good works stand among the most brilliant on record; and earnestly do we pray for the return to Old Scotia of that better judgment and more conservative spirit which will restore her to the full confidence of the hearts that can not, even now, cast her off; nevertheless, in defense of our sovereignty—and our duty Ifeaves us no other alternative—I recommend that this Grand Lodge declare non-intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

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He utters the following well-chosen words on the Reports on Correspondence: Wrapped up in our own conceit, and saturated with the foolish opinion that we already know all that is valuable, and improving in Masonry, we may be misled into casting aside so valuable a medium of education; but when we open our minds to the doings of our brethren, "wherever dispersed," the flimsy veil of prejudice is torn away, and we huilger and thirst for that Masonic meat and drink of which we have already had but the mere tasting. After a careful inquiry into the workings of this American method of "uniting the Grand Lodges into one united whole in the pursuit of knowledge," I am convinced that to it, more than to all other agencies;, are we indebted for the general diffusion of information on the subject of Masonic jurisprudence. I might go farther, and say that to these Committees on Correspondence are we chiefly indebted for the elevated standard which Freemasonry has assumed in this great American Republic. If the Masters and Wardens will encourage the careful reading of the Report this year, by every member of their Lodges, they will find their brethren growing into wiser men and better Masons. Speaking of what are and are not Masonic offenses, he lays down the correct rule in that regard: Lodges should not take cognizance of any breach of contract between Masons where moral turpitude in the offending one is not clearly involved, for Masonry does not assume to adjust mere legal rights. Several instances were brought to my knowledge in which it was sought to punish bretliren , for alleged offenses which should have, come first before the civil courts; and I am'salisfied that in every instance the interests of the parties charged were seriously prejudiced, in those courts, by the premature inquiries in the Lodges. If a brother wrongs or defrauds another, wilfully, let him be punished as our law provides; but let us not rend our Lodges in sunder by trials to enforce the cutting of saw logs, the removal of fence rails, the delivery of wheat, and such failures of contract, until the civil courts first de' termine that the failure to fulfill those contracts'was with intent to wrong and defraud. Let me n o t b e misunderstood. The same commercial ethics govern pur dealings with each other as with profanes. Our Lodges should not suffer themselves to be degraded to collecting agencies, or to tribunals for the settlement of questions growing out of failures of contract. A failure to fulfill a contract may involve fraud, as aforesaid, or it may not. If the specifications of the charges do not set forth fraud, a Lodge is not justified in entertaining the charges at all. It is clearly tlie duty of the Master, in such an event, to.rule the charges out. Nothing can be truer than the following in regard to Lodge officers: No Lodge can be genuinely prosperous if its officers are not intelligent, prompt, zealous and conversant with their duties_ and the usages of the Craft. It is doubtful if all the Lodges agree with me in this opinion, if I am to judge from my official correspondence. It is clearly the duty of a Lodge to choose for its Master a brother competent as a ruler and ritiialist, and a careful student of the law and usages of the Fraternity. Upon his "skill, integrity and p r u d e n c e " depends the usefulness of his Lodge, and to this end he should in an especial manner study the charges delivered to him at his installation. The Secretary, too, should be fairly educated, prompt and faithful, and thoroughly conversant with his important duties. This Grand Lodge adopted a Constitution in l8i2. Article III., Section 3, reads :

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"The'^Grand Secretary must be a brother who can write a fair hand." Every Subordinate Lodge should have a like regulation; otherwise, how can the Lodge records be " a source of pride to the Lodge, and of satisfaction to the Secretary?" No matter how aged or good a brother may be, he is unfit for^Secretary if he can not write his own language correctly. Masonry is making^history in Tennessee, and that history should tfe worthy of our sublime principles, and be correctly and neatly recorded. I t would not be a bad idea to read these few words in each Lodge about the time when they are to select officers for the ensuing year. T h e Grand Master complains of the non-attention of the Worshipful Masters of Lodges to letters addressed to them, he having written 305 epistles concerning their condition and prosperity, with a request for a reply. He also complains of the irregular manner in which the secretaries keep their records, often committing to paper such matters as should not be written, reports of Committees on Petitions, favorable or unfavorable, etc., e t c H e does not seem to. favor the idea of joining- modern societies, espe. cially when it seems to wean the Mason from his "first love." We agree with him, and take this occasion to remind all who are seeking to add to the long list of different orders and societies that ours antedates them all and none affords so grand a field for a thinking mind. H e thinks we have too many Lodges; so do we, and so, apparently, do all the Grand Masters, yet they go on establishing new Lodges from year to year. It might be well to do one of two things, either to stop complaining of there-being too many Lodges in existence to prosper and do well, or'else stop establishing them. Tennessee, like many others, has for the last few years had too much per diem and mileage, and it has told seriously upon their treasury, as it will in every case where the income is not immense. The condition of Masonry in Tennessee has much improved in the last year or two, and we think much credit is due the present Grand Master, • Bro. CONNER, fc$r bringing about this favorable result. Bro. GEO. S. BLACKIE reported to the Grand Lodge that the Grand Lodge of Scotland would not retrace her steps, but stand firm in her present position, whereupon the Grand Lodge of Tennessee interdicted all Masonic intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Scotland until that Grand Body shall have made suitable reparation. Bro. BLACKIE seems to blame the Grand Lodge of Quebec, and thinks they have not kept the faith. H e says: I think that the Grand Lodge of Quebec acted .improperly in insisting on the surrender of the Charters of the English and Scottish Bodies, seeing that she owed her Masonic existence to the very compact, by which they were permitted to remain with their parent Grand Lodges. She should not have disturbed the peace of the Masonic world by raising the question at all; and when she did so, she ought to have resorted to more conciliatory measures, and to have preferred arbitration to war. Quebec's action simply irritated Scotland, and it is possible Scotland is sorry for what she has done, but is not to be bullied out of it. My own opinion is that Scotland owes it to herself and the whole Masonic Fraternity to act in this matter in the interests of good Masonic government, which can not be advanced by differ-

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ent and discordant authorities in one Jurisdiction giving opportunity for brethren who may be contumacious to defy the lawful Masonic authority of the country in which they may reside. We think the good brother is mistaken in his views, and that he will find but few to agree with him in Jiis proposition. The Report on Correspondence is the work of Bro. BI.ACKIE. It covers about sixty pages of the Proceedings, taking the form of an interesting resume of the Proceedings of fifty-four Grand Lodges, Kansas for '878 being among those which passed beneath his scrutiny. His work is so compactly done that we can not get a hold for our lever and will have to let i t stand till next time. M.-.W.\ W I L B U R F . FOSTER, Nashville, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. J O H N FRIZZELL, Nashville, Grand Secretary. TEXAS,

1879.

We have before us the printed Transactions of the Forty-fourth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the " Lone Star" State. The attendance, we note, is small, only about one-half of the Lodges on the rolls represented. Two hundred and ten Lodges represented; one Dispensation granted for the formation of a new Lodge; the Charters of three Lodges restored and nine revoked; a large amount of business transacted, chiefly of a local character. The Annual Address of Grand Master JOHN B . JONES is a resume of official transactions for the year. He announces the death of two distinguished Craftsmen of his own Jurisdiction, Bros. E. H. CusHiNG and J. J.MCBRIDE, the former a very able writer, for many years in the front rank as author of Reports on Correspondence. Tt has been the pleasure of the Chairman of this Committee to read the productions of this able author and to derive therefrom much valuable Masonic information. We shall miss none from our annual feast more than Bro. CUSHING. Thus they go, one by one. Bro. M C B R I D E we knew but little of, but from the Grand Master's Address learn that he occupied many important official positions, among them that of Deputy Grand Master and Grand Lecturer. Of him the Grand Master says: It has well been said of him that he was " a man distinguished among brave men for courage; among patient men for fortitude; among true men for fidelity; among honest men for singleness of purpose, and simplicity of character; and among patriots for a love of country so beautiful, steadfast and sincere that it seemed to grow brighter and purer in the face of disaster, suffering and death." I knew him intimately, and long and well, and can speak from my own knowledge of the perfections of his Masonic character. It was from his lips I first learned of the principles and practices of Freemasonry, and of the perfect skill needful in conferring degrees. It was from him I received my first instruction whereon to erect my moral and Masonic edifice. It was he who first told me as a Mason of brotherly love,'relief and truth, and instructed me in the meaning and usefulness of those grand cardinal virtues of Masonry^temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice; and I do but my

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Proceedings of the

February,

duty, in this place, to render this poor tribute to his memory. Let us incribe a memorial page to the virtues of tTiese two distinguished brethren. The Grand Master announces the revision and publication of their law and jurisprudence, compiled by J O H N SAYLES, Past Grand Master.- A copy of the text-book was ordered to be sent to each Subordinate Lodge. This will, no doubt, prove a valuable work to the Craft of Texas, if the officers of Lodges will only give it a careful and attentive reading, and thus save them-' selves the annoyance and trouble of writing to the Grand Master and Grand Secretary for information concerning the law for the government of their Lodges. This book contains " the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, the . charges of a Freemason, resolutions and edicts of the Grand Lodge, digest of the decisions of Grand Officers and Committees, the various forms and ceremonies required by the Lodges, and the only full and complete Code of ByLaws I have ever read, all systematically arranged and numbered and made of easy reference by an index to each title, and a general index besides." Our Texas brethren, it seems, have followed in the footsteps of Delaware, and have decided that a Grand Lecturer is a useless appendage and more of a luxury than a necessity of life, Masonically speaking. This appears to us an "advance backwards," and our good brethren down there' will surely find it so in due time. T h e report of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances develops some very queer proceedings among their Subordinate Lodges. In one case we find a brother was arraigned, tried and found guilty and expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry. An examination of the records of the Lodge disclosed the fact that there was only in evidence the testimony of a profane, and he of bad character for truth and, veracity, and his evidence • only based upon mere suspicion. The Committee very properly recommended the restoration of the brother to all his rights and privileges of Masonry, including membership in his Lodge, and the Grand Lodge concurred. One step farther, the Lodge which had so far overstepped the bounds of justice should at least haye received a reprimand for its careless and hasty action. How will the following do for an exhibition of Masonic charity and brotherly love : The charge is gross unmasonic conduct. The specification—that' he had been suspended for non-payment of dues over twelve months, had been duly notified of the same and had failed to respond. H e plead in substance that he was entirely unable to pay. That he had become embarrassed in his circumstances and had given up all his property to pay his debts; had even sold his last corn and nearly all his furniture for that purpose, and had offered his homestead to one of his creditors, who had generously refused to let him make the sacrifice. There seems to have been no testimony adduced on the trial by either party, except the proceedings showing his suspension for non-payment of dues. It has ever been the boast of the American citizen that it is no crime to be poor. The laws for imprisonment for debt are regarded as relics of barbarism, and their abolition as triumphs of an advanced civilization.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

195

Masonic authorities generally condemn the infliction of severe penalties for non-payment of dues. The practice of suspension for that offense is, it seems, a modern regulation growing out of bur present system of Lodge government, and while our edicts authorize the suspension oi those in arrears, and even their expulsion, it should be remembered that, the latter is the severest penalty known to our Code, and corresponds with capital punishment in our civil government. It should, therefore, only be resorted to in extreme cases, where the ability to pay is undoubted and the refusal amounts to absolute contumacy. To suspend, much more to expel, a Mason for non-payment who is too poor to pay his dues is in conflict with the charitable features of our Institution and an outrage upon those principles of humanity on.which the Order is founded. The evidence certainly does not show that defiance of .authority and studied disregard of duty that would warrant the extreme penalty of the law, and if the facts stated in the answer are not entirely fictitious, the Lodge greatly erred in its action. The Committee properly recommended that the appeal of the wronged brother be sustained and that he be restored to all his rights as a Mason, including membership in his Lodge. In this the Grand Lodge concurred. A brief lecture to the members of this Lodge upon some of the cardinal principles of Masonry might do them some good, perhaps even to the extent of preventing them from ever again doing such wrong. There is quite to much animus shown in this matter of collecting dues, and a stop should be put to it. Some years ago this Grand Lodge adopted a standing regulation restricting the printing of the reports of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances to a mere publication by caption and the final action by the Grand Lodge thereon. It was found to be unsatisfactory, and the. regulation was rescinded. ,A similar resolution to this was introduced, and referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence, who recommended its non-adoption. We most heartily concur in the following from the report of that Committee: "Your Committee would gladly see the evidences of crime expunged from the printed Proceedings, but until Masonry is purged of all unfit material we must submit to seeing offenses against its laws held up for review. If Lodges would be more careful in their admission of candidates, mucdi of these objectionable cases could be avoided." We would add, keep out of the daily papers. It is in bad taste and wholly uncalled for to let such matters go into their columns to be gloated over by the profane, and by those harpies who can make more capital out of the fall of one erring brother than they can find in the virtues of a hundred who have kept the faith. Bro. J. H. MCLEARY presented a Report on Correspondence, covering one hundred and fifty-six pages and treating of the doings of eighty Grand IJodies. He commences with a deserved tribute to the memory of his immediate predecessor, Bro. E. H. GUSHING. He divides his Report up in a very scientific manner, first giving us a cursory review of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodges of the United States; secondly, those of the British-American 22

196

Proceedings of tlie

February,

Provinces; third, those of England, Scotland and Ireland; fourth, the Germanic Grand Lodges; fifth, the Latin Grand Bodies, and sixth, " o t h e r Graiid Lodges throughout the Globe." H e also introduces a collection of interesting letters and reports from the Grand Representatives of Texas near other Grand Lodges, which is, of course, sui generic, and the genus-^oot!^. Add to this a topical review of current opinion upon several of the most mooted questions in Masonic publications and we have a Report of which the brother may well be proud enough to repay him for his pains. He denounces in unmeasured terms the action of the schismatics in Manitoba, thinks Maine and Texas did right in removing their Grand Representatives and supplying their places with loyal subjects, and strongly dissents from the action of the Grand I^odge of Missouri on the question of reimbursement, as becomes apparent from the following: Now, we humbly conceive that the decision of these cases, and all such cases, is radically wrong. T h e burying of a destitute brother is not a matter of pecuniary obligation on his Lodge, but a matter of charity; and to demand reimbursement for a charily is lowering Masonry to the level of a mere mutual aid association. It robs it of the underlying principle of universal brotherhood, which is its chief corner stone. We are glad to state that the general current of decisions is the other way. Upon the per diem and mileage scheme he has the following under the head of Montana: This Grand Lodge expended the sum of SI1O23 for mileage and per diem.' Again we can not but approve our own plan of allowing each Subordinate Lodge to pay the expenses of its own Representatives, or letting each pay the same out of his own pocket. Any Mason ought to think enough of Grand Lodge to visit its Communications at his own expense. However, very many Grand Lodges pay mileage and per diem, and probably secure a better attendance thereby.. But Texas, with the largest area of any Grand Lodge Jurisdiction known to us, has a full and fair representation from every portion of her territory, without pecuniary reward or punishment. He says of non-affiliation : It can not be denied that there are too many drones in the Masonic hive.' Certain persons have sought admission to our Craft through curiosity or other unworthy motives, and when the novelty has worn off or they have failed to prostitute its power to their own personal ends, have retired from its active labors and relapsed into non-affiliation. Cases are known, though, for the honor of Masonry be it said they are few and far between, where men blessed with an abundance of this world's goods have dimitted to save the necessity of paying their annual dues. A soul that can be guilty of such meanness can never add anything to the cause of Freemasonry, and never receive and benefit from the teachings of our sublime symbolism. All such are a good riddance. But there are others who, from sheer poverty, are compelled to dimit or be suspended for non-payment of dues, unless they are willing to undergo the humiliation of confessing to their brethren their inability to meet their regular pecuniary obligations. Others, having peculiarly sensitive natures, receiving some real or fancied affront, rather' than endeavor to arrange or reconcile their difference, retire from the Lodge and relapse into a cold indifference. While it is true that no good cause can be given why any man should sever his connection with his Lodge, yet we have to meet the evil as it is, and to find a remedy if we can.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

197

That's what we wish Bro. M C L E A R Y would do, furnish us with a panacea for the spreading eviUof non-afifiliation; then all would rise and call him blessed. " / Kansas receives brief and kindly attention at his hands. He says of the author of this that " h e wields a real Damascus blade." This, we suppose, refers to our shears. Thanks.' M.-.W.-. E. G. BowEK, Dallas, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. GEO. H . BRINGHURST, Houston, Grand Secretary. UTAH.

1879.

The little pamphlet before us, neat and tasty in dress, like its predecessors, is a welcome visitor, and comes to us with pages well filled with. vahial>Ie information concerning the doings of the Craft in that territory. At their Annual represented; amount the Lodge, or a per down this way say if of our brethren think

Communication all the Lodges in the territory were of dues collected, ^1,201, an average of about S200 to capita of $3.20. What would some of the brethren their Lodges should tax them to this extent ? Some fifty cents a heavy tax upoii them.

The brethren of Utah have adopted a ritual for a Lodge of Sorrow, and directed-the Grand Master to call one each year in memory of those who have passed over the great river. They also adopted a new Masonic Code, and ordered copies sent to each Lodge. The Annual Address of Grand Master THOMAS E.. CLOHECY is quite brief, and confined to local matters. He says: Vice, in every shape, should be visited with condemnation ; if by mild and lenient measures a weak brother can not be brought to realize the error of his ways; if, in violation of the duties he owes to his GOD, his family and himself, he persists in his evil course, then visit upon him the severest punishment. Let no mistaken idea of charity prevent your proceeding in a manner that will most surely vindicate the principles of our Institution. Masonry in Utah has suffered sufficiently from such causes, and the time has arrived when we must proceed to cut off these worse than dead branches; A society founded upon the principles of Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love, teaching in the strongest possible manner, the necessity of a strict observance of the virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence' and Justice can not consistently, in justice to itself, continue to -retain in good I'ellowship those of its members who are known to be constantly addicted to any of the vices that drag man down from the high estate in which G o o placed him. Let us, therefore, my brethren, see to it that ere the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, those who, notwithstanding good counsel and kind admonition, shall continue recreant to their trust, be sent out from our midst, that the honor and good name of Masonry may no longer suffer. The distinguished dead of his own and other Jurisdictions are referred to in fitting terms of mingled eulogy and regret. • He visited all the Lodges in the territory, and reports all in good condition and working harmoniously, with only one exception, and even there

198

Proceedings

of Uie

February,

he entertains the hope that harmony may be restord. He refers in commendatory terms to the faithful and efficient manner in which the Grand Lecturer has performed his duties, and of the close approximation to which he has brought the Lodges to a uniformity in the worU and lectures of the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, and urges, in stiong terms, the co-operation of officers and members of each constituent Lodge lo bring about the consummation of so desirable a work. He predicts that with proper encouragement and support the Grand Lecturer will bring about, ere the close of ^mother year, a complete uniformity in their ritual. Bro. D E I H L , as usual, presents an able and interesting report. Among the many official acts reported is the completion of the reprint of their Proceedings for 1872. This will be good news to the trade. Of the condition 6{ Lodges, he says : As will appear from the annexed table of statistics, the condition of our Lodges may be considered sound and healthy. Although our net gain in membership has been but seven, it is presumable that during the ensuing year the increase will sho' a much larger figure. To a great extent the progress of Masonry runs parallel with the general prosperity of the country. Evidently every business branch in Utah shows this autumn an upward tendency, more especially the mining industries have a rich harvest in store for all those who engage in bringing to the surface the hidden treasures of our moiintains. Never looked the future of Utah brighter than at the present time, and \v\t!h this prospect before us the Grand Lodge of Utah need not desp"air, and with hope and cheer may she direct her eye to an increase of her numerical strength as well as to the moral influence o\'er many of the inhabitants of the rich and fertile 'I'erritory of Utah. He announced' his intention to decline a re-election, but the Grand Lodge, appreciating his valuable services, did the wise thing, re-elected him and raised his salary to $500, and by this act they have placed all who correspond with this officer under lasting obligations to them. Though we have never met' the good brother face to face, we have .ever esteemed him as one of the first among his compeers — a live Mason, and ever ready for any good work. He reports his pet, the Grand Lodge Library, in excellent condition, with many valuable acquisitions made during the year to their already large and \'aluable collecti6n. In this Bro. D E I H L has proved what well directed effort can accomjilish. .We can not refrain from clipping the following from his report : Novernber I, 1878, there were in the library 2,462 books; during the year 317 have been added, making a totaj of 2,779. Ihe books added are on various subjects and by well known authors. 1 have tried to keep posted on the new issue of works of importance, and have purchased such books as I thought would be of interest to the library. A choice selection of good books, circulating freely, is like a bounding river: it carries joy, peace and fertility everv where along its course. This has been my motto in selecting new books, and I trust it will have your hearty approval. During the year 8,142 have been drawn, being 1,745 more than the previous year. Of these 8,142 books drawn,'5,498 were books of fiction against 2,644 of ^ " other classes. This shows clearly that the facination of romance controls the. human mind, more particularly the minds of the patrons of the library. 'The use and abuse of works of fiction has lately been made a great question among all those who look upon libraries as the best means of elevating the character of men, but as yet no definite answer has been given.

i88o-i.

Grand Lochje oj Kansas.

1^9

The reading room connected with the library is always well patronized. It is furnished with the leading newsjiapers and periodicals, and is free to all who wish to enjoy the privileges and improve their intellects by reading. I have noticed of late that quite a number of transient Masons visit the reading room and study the Masonic journals and Granfl Lodge Proceedings, which is not only gratifying, but also a sign of advancement in the right direction. Above all other men Masons should read, in order to practice their profession more intelligently. We regret to notice the advent of the Mormon question in the Grand Lodge. It came up on a report from the Committee on Appeal and Grievances. It appears that one of their members was charged with nnmasonie conduct in joining the Mormon church, and declaring himself in favor of the degrading practice of polygamy. It was claimed by a member of the committee that no Mason should he held to answer for his religious or political opinions (except only ath.eism), and that therefore no Masonic offense was committed. To this it was re]>lied : ' ' In Masonic jurisprudence, many wrongs are punishable which are not so' by municipal law; and whether the acts of the said SoRKNSON are, or are not, in violation of the laws of the Territory, or general government, makes no difference in this case. Because by joining the Mormon church conspiracy, the said SORENSON became an al)ettor of. those members of the church, who have violated, and are constantly violating, the law against polygamy, and as such abettor is morally responsible although he may not l>e amenable to civil punishment. As n]any offenses against morals are punishable by the laws of Masonry, which are not so by municipal laws, we think the acts of. which the said SORENSON has been pro\'en and found guilty constitutes a Masonic offense, rendering him unlit to be continued in the fellowship of the Fraternity, and for which he should be promptly expelled. Congress, in permitting an acknowledged polygamist to sit in that body, is a national humiliation, which every true citizen deprecates, and which il is to be hoped for the honor and dignity of Masonry will never be followed by the F'"raternity. For the reasons set forth herein, your committee recommend that the judgment of expulsion in this case be affirmed. The Grand Lodge concurred in the views of the committee, and the friend of Mormonisni and concubinage stands expelled from all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry. The course pursued by the Grand Lodge is the correct one, and the firm stand taken by them in support of law and morals, reflects credit upon them as individuals and as a body. The Quebec-Scotland trouble came up for consideration on the reports of the Grand Representatives, and the committee to whom the matter had been referred. We conclude, from a perusal of the various reports, that our Utah brethren got a little mixed, but as the whole affair seems to be in process of settlement, to the satisfaction of the parties interested, we will not follow it further. Bro. CHRlsroi'HER DlEHl. presented another of his readable and valuable Reports on Correspondence, full of acute comments, sandwiched in with brief but appropriate quotations. His report covers the'Proceedings of fiftyone Grand Lodges, Kansas among the number. M.-.\V.-. FRANK TILKORD, Grand Master, Salt Lake City ; R.-.W.-. CHRISTOPHER DiEHL, Grand Secretary, Salt Lake City.

200

.

Proceedings of the VIRGINIA.

February,

1879.

This Grand Lodge commenced its One Hundred and Second Annual Communication on the 8th of December; representatives present from one hundred and five Lodges; the usual amount of business was transacted, mainly of local interest; one Dispensation continued; one Charter granted, five surrendered, and one suspended. Grand Master BEVERLY R . W I L L F O R D , in his Annual Address, omits all "spread eagle," and devotes his space to a recital of his official acts. l i e announces the death of two eminent Masons of that Jurisdiction, Bros. E D WARD H. LANE, Past Grand Master, and SIDNEY S. BAXTER, Past Grand Master. The death of the latter was announced during the session. The Grand Master pays an eloquent and merited tribute to the memory of these good men, the former of whom fell in the prime of life. H e says of his official acts : I have disapproved By-Laws enacting that if a member be absent from the Lodge for twelve months successively he shall be cited to show cause why he should be suspended therefor. This provision is contained, it is true, in the Code of By-Laws published in the Text-Book. That Code, however, has never been formally approvetl by the-Grand Lodge, and, I think, in this particular, conflicts with our fundamental laws. Masonry is a voluntary institution, and attendance upon our meetings, except when the brother is specially summoned, can not be enforcetl by fines and penalties. The effect of such a law, if enforced, could only be to encourage what it is our duty and interest to discourage as far as practicable—the evils of non-affiliation. T have also disapproved By-Laws prescribing the penalty of suspension or expulsion for certain specified offenses. No Subordinate Lodge has a right to make an exceptional criminal code for its own members. They are amenable to the general Masonic law ; and if they violate that the Lodge must discipline them. A large discretion is conferred upon the Lodge in determining in each case whether the offense should be visited with the gravest or the lightest punishment, and that discretion can not be restricted in advance of the trial by any general law peculiar to that Lodge. If it were otherwise, the rights and obligations of a M.ison would not be measured by any unchangable landmarks, but might vary in every Lodge in the same Jurisdiction.

Âť^ In passing upon the By-Laws of some twenty-two Lodges, he took occasion to call the attention of the Craft to the words "summons" and "eStation," and points out the difference ; the former requires absolute presence of the party, while the. latter leaves the matter of appearance optional. Each is a demand made by an ofiicial, and we can not see that there is any great difference in the force and effect of these words. It would not be well for any one to stand on any such flimsy technicalities. The Grand Master holds that the single fact that a brother had committed suicide, is not sufficient cause to deny him Masonic burial. He also thinks it would be a gro.ss violation of Masonic charity and principle to reject a man who was otherwise worthy, simply because he was engaged in the business of* selling liquors under State authority. He very properly refused to allow one of the Subordinate Lodges to publish their Proceedings condemnatory of a recrusant

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

201

member of the Order. Such things should never be permitted except by order of the Grand Lodge, and then they should only appear in our own .printed Proceedings, and under no circumstances in the secular papers. Here is what he has to say in reference to our present system of Grand Representatives : I have been advised of the appointment of Representatives from several corresponding Grand Lodges to this Grand Lodge, and I have made sundry appointments on behalf of this Grand Lodge. The law upon this subject is not as clear and explicit as it might be, and I call the attention of the brethren to the subject as one needing some legislation. The policy of this body has been to promote the efficiency and value of the Representative System by appointments for limited terms. .By limiting the terms of our own Representatives, and reappointing them, or substituting others from time to time, we remind them, and the Grand Body in which they appear, tha-t the ' office is not merely designed to give them consequence and importance at home, but to impose upon them the obligation of intelligently ob.serving and reporting to us, if necessary, anything occurring in their Jurisdiction which a Kepresenlative of this Body ought to observe, and report to the Grand Lodge, whose honors he wears. And by re;quiring that any brother claiming to represent a corresponding Grand Lodge before this Body shall be subject to the same limitation upon his tenure of office, we have some assurance that our correspondent knows who undertakes to represent her here, and claim in her behalf the right of representation, and for hiinself, by virtue of that right, honors and privileges among us which we might be very unwilling to accord to him upon his individual merits or services to the Craft. When we designate a representative, we give authority to the body, to which we appoint . him, to approach us, if necessary, through him, and we commend him as one through whom we are not only willing to communicate, but through whom we have a right to expect to receive any and all information which may make it our duty or interest to take the initiate in communication.. Such authority may not be wisely and providently conferred, except for a limited time, or for special service. To limit the tenure, enhances the honor to the incumbent, and while, imposing the slightest impossible inconvenience, preserves, in our opinion, the dignity of the Grand Lodge, and tends to render the representative system one that, while it must promote harmony and fraternity among the Craft throughout the world, may be of valuable practical utility on occasions when . the intercourse of corresponding Grand Bodies is liable to embarrassment from conflicting views of right and duty. Past Grand Master and Present Grand Lecturer, JAMES EVANS, submitted a most excellent report from which ' e extract, with pleasuse, the following bits of history in relation to esoteric work : It may not be out of place for me at this time to avert to the fact, that from the organization of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and running through a long succession of years, there was no one subject deemed of greater importance, or more worthy the attention of the Grand Lodge, than that of acquiring a thorougji knowledge of the Ritual of Ancient Craft Masonry. The records of the Grand I^odge will show what interest was felt on the subject, and what steps were taken, year by year, by the wisest and most intellectual • men of the age to obtain this knowledge and perpetuate it in its purity. To impart it to the Subordinate Lodges of the State, was appointed to that duty a distinguished brothes from the east, well skilled in the work and lectures of Ancient Craft Masonry, Bro. JAMES CUSHMAN, who visited many of the Lodges and established the work. On his retirement were appointed

202

Proceedings of Uve

February,

two Grand Lecturers, Most Worshipful LEVI L . STEVENSOIN, Past Grand Master, and Rev. Bro. JAMES D . MCCAKE, who traveled in opposite section.<: of the Stale, and imparted the work to the Lodges who desired instruction. In 1843 iTiany of the Grand Lodges of the United States seemed to wake up to the necessity of having uniformity of work in their respective Jurisdictions, which resulted in a convention of delegates from sixteen Grand Lodges — Virginia among the number. Right Worshipful JOHN DOVE, of Virginia, was selected as President. The work of that distinguished body, after great research and critical examination, was adopted by the several Grand Lodges of the United States, and also by Virginia, all of whom recommended it, and adopted it as the established work of the Craft the in United States. It was the embodiment of the work of Virginia, with but slight change, which had been in use years before. On the resignation of the two distinguished brethren, named above as Grand Lecturers, the undersigned was induced, after much reflection, to accept the office, to which he was annually reappointed for eighteen successive years, when he resigned. After an interval of three or four years, at the death of his successor, his services were again solicited and called into requisition. < I confess to have felt, and still feel a most earnest and sincere interest in the propagation and continuance of the work, as understood to be the Ancient York work, as adopted by Virginia, and that it be imparted to the Craft in the State without the slightest alteration, no right attaching to any individual to make change of the dotting of an i ox the crossing of a'< without authority of the the Grand Lodge of Virginia. I know from long experience how difficult it is to withstand the tempting suggestions of highly cultivated intellects, who propose merely alterations in the quaint and expressive language of our ritual, but I felt compelled to be inflexible, permitting no deviation, however slight, but referred all who desired the change to the Grand Lodge for its action if they thought it needful, but so far no variation has ever been made. A proposition was before the Grand Lodge to reduce the per capita tax from fifty to twenty-live cents. They failed t.o see their way clear, and the fifty cent tax was continued. The Grand Master was authorized during the recess of the Grand Lodge to accept a surrender of the Charter of John Dove Lodge, No. 104, under their ju?isdiction, the said Lodge desiring to transfer its allegiance to the Grand Lodge of West Virginia? R.-.W.-. Bro. W M . F . DRINKARD submitted a brief report of sixty-two pages on Correspondence. Though short, it is .equal in interest to any of his former efforts. . In reference to reinstatement in Virginia, he says: We have to say that in Virginia no Mason pays dues_for the period during which he is suspended. When he wishes to.return to the Lodge he asks for reinstatement in the rights and benefits ot Masonry and for membership. The former may be granted by a two-thirds vote. The latter by a majority, if the vote be taken at the same meeting at which he is reinstated in the rights and benefits of .Masonry, but a unanimous vote is required at any subsequent meeting to restore to membership. These latter regulations do not apply to brethrensuspended for unmasonic conduct, who are required to petition in writing and o^re otherwise treated differently, and very properly.

i8So-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

203

Me goes for our Montana brother's "rules of order" in this wise: We must say to our Montana brethren that "rules of order" are out of place in a Masonic Lodge. If our brethren there could see for themselves how the Virginia custom of giving supreme power to the Master prevents all foolish discussions on frivolous points of order, and squelches all litigious brethren, how it saves hours and hours ol time, and fences out all subjects that could occasion trouljle or cause a brother's feelings to be wounded, they would soon be glad to follow our example. And of course our Grand Master has like power in the Grand Lodge. There is nothing in Masonry we more admire than this most efficient means of protecting the brethren from annoyance and trouble. But as our Montana brethren have rules, we are glad that they do not allow a motion to postpone indefinitely,'(or the previous question, or to lay on the table, to be entertained. We note the following in explanation of the fine-haired difiTerence made by that Grand Lodge in regard to " s u m m o n s " and " c i t a t i o n " : The tender-hearted amongst them will learn with pleasure that our Grand Lodge has forbidden her Subordinates to summon members to show cause why they shall not be suspended for non-payment of dues, requiring them to confine themselves to mere citations; and has also authorized them, upon mere motion, to remit the dues of a brother suspended for non-payment of dues, and forthwith to reinstate him, both to membership and in the rights and benefits of Masonry. Of course members may still be suspended for non-payment of dues. The citation paves the way for that punishment. . The new regulation only protects from the O. B. to obey the summons, which is an Irish bull of our making, there being no summons allowed. .Such tender-heartedness is note-worthy, and the spirit dictating the action is laudable, even if the distinction is a trifle far-fetched. M.-.W.-. PEYTON S. COI.ES, Grand Master, Estouteville; B. ISAACS, Grand Secretary, Richmond. WASHINGTON TERRITORY.

R.-.W.-. W M .

1879.

Neither the Grand Master nor the Deputy Graqd Master were present during the Annual Communication. The former was at t!ie time Governor of the Territory and was absent on official business, hence there was no Annual Address from which a gleaner of Masonic items may cull. No reason was given for the absence of the Deputy. It was unfortunate that neither of these officers was present to fill his station. .All the Lodges but two were represented. One Charter was granted to a new Lodge; one Dispensation continued for-further evidence of fitness for higher Masonic honors. Two applications were received for Dispensations to form new Lodges and referred to the incoming Grand Master. Fraternal recognition was extended to the Grand Lodge of New Mexico. The Grand Secretary submitted a very full report of official transactions for the year. We notice that members of Lodges in that Jurisdiction can not join in the formation of new Lodges without each one first producing a dimit from the Lodge he was formerly a member of. Had Connecticut observed this simple rule they would to-day be on better terms with 23

204

Proceedings

of the

February,

their next door neighbor, the State of New York. We say require diraits in every case, whether the petitioner comes from within or without our own Jurisdiction. Such a rule will save much trouble and annoyance to the officers of Grand as well as Subordinate I,odges. In relation to honorary membership, the Grand Lodge adopted the following resolutions: WHEREAS, There are a number of venerable brethren in this Jurisdiction who have faithfully practiced the precepts taught in Masonry during a. life-time, whose brows are now silvered by the blighting frosts of age, and, thoughrtraveling with tottering steps down the pathway of life to the near approach of its sitting sun, are ever constant in their devotions to Masonry. Many of these brethren now find it difficult to keep up their stated contributions and yearly dues. Justice, love and gratitude demand that these brethren be honored for their long faithfulness and zeal; and, that they may now be relieved from any burdens or taxation that our laws may impose; be it Resolved, By the Grand Lodge of Washington, that any Lodge within this Jurisdiction may, at a Stated Communication, elect any Master Mason, who has been a member in good standing for a term not less than twenty years, an honorary member of such Lodge. Resolved, That all honorary members shall be relieved from the payment of Lodge dues, and the Subordinate Lodges from the payment of Grand Lodge dues for such members. Resolved, ficrlhenii'ore. T h a t no Lodge in this Jurisdiction shall be required to pay Grand Lodge dues upon indigeht Masons who are supported at the expense of the Lodge. Bro. R E E D presented a report on the question of the recognition of the newly-formed Grand Lodge of New South Wales, rather, leaning to the fa' vorable consideration of the subject, but he finally recommends a postponement of the question. The Grand, Lodge, after a discussion of the subject, non-concurred in his recommendation and extended fraternal recognition. The Report on Correspondence is again the work of Grand Secretary THOMAS M . R E E D . His able review covers only eighty-two pages, but is couched in language indicative of sound judgment and a charitable heart. He announced his determination to retire from the labor of reviewing in future, but the Grand Master said, " N o , Bro. R E E D , we can not lose y o u s o easily; tarry yet a*while in the Reporter's chair." This is well, for we shall again be favored %mth light from the West. He very truthfully says of the b r . a k n e c k style of making Masons : Thousands of men are passed through the degrees, and that is all thev know or care to know of Masonry—only to be acknowledged as Masons. They care little for the ritual, and still less for the moral and impressive teachings of the Order. Totally ignore its literature; spurn the idea of patronizing a Masonic paper or magazine—prefer some sensual novel—are tickled to see their names printed in the rolls ol the Grand Lodge, but don't know by what system of laws or regulations the Fraternity are governed, for they never read the Constitution and know nothing of its provisions. They are opposed lo printing Reports on Foreign Correspondence because they don't read them; therefore, in their estimation, it is a useless expense. We know of just such Masonic characters. Men who have their thousands and who never gave a dime's patronage to Masonic publication, and per-

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haps less for a charitable purpose. Masonry with them is used only as a means for selfish purposes. This may seem harsh, but 'tis true, and " p i t y 'tis 'tis true." The brave reviewer lets his eagle swoop down upon our Iowa brethren, and gives Bro. PARVIN a punch ( without sugar) on the question of dropping the Report on Correspondence: 0

We are sorry to think that Bro. PARVIN has nothing further to offer for the general good of the Fraternity in this relation. If the necessity does not exist for such reports now, it never has existed. Doubtless Bro. PARVIN'S convictions are well settled regarding all questions coming within the province of the committee to notice, but that fact does not wholly satisfy the intelligent demand of a progressive Masonic age. The acme of Masonic sciencft has not yet been attained; its jurisprudence and moral philosophy are well uiiderstood only by the few. Though Bro. PARVIN be one of these, should he thus be satisfied and cry, "Hold, e n o u g h ! " and ''hide his light under a bushel?" With equal propriety, should not Grand Masters 'and Committees on Jurisprudence cease formulating their decisions and opinions on Masonic law? With equal propriety church edifices should close their doors and ministers cease their proclamations of Divine truth; equally no use for the publication of the Word. Admit that a few important questions of Masonic jurisprudence have been settled by the experience and wisdom of the past, does not the same thing apply to our civil law and jurisprudence? Are the opinion's of our courts and law commentators to have no value in the future? Is the grand temple of reason complete? Is the shrine of logic to receive no further adornment? Is there no virtue in progressive thought? We had supposed that mind, like all growth in nature, has no fixed resting' place; that it is either progressiv<5 or retrogressive. We imagine Bro. PARVIN has undertaken a leap too far into the future. But we are pleased to know that his conclusion is based upon so desirable result, if such existed. Objections more or less serious are made from year to year in our own Jurisdiction to the printing, of these reports, but from a standpoint directly the opposite, viz: that the reports are not read, or, at most, only by a few; hence, they are of little value. Not that the reporter is wholly at fault, though his work be imperfect, but that Masons do not care to read. The objectors, as a general rule, know little of Masonic jurisprudence and are strangers to the Masotiic literature of the day. We opine that Bro. PARVIN is fully as rnuch of a friend to the Reports on Correspondence as Bro. R E E D or the writer hereof. fie handles our Scottish brethren so well that we must quote : The inconsistency of the course of Scotland is boundless, and can not be reconciled upon any principle of reason or justice. The argument advanced in support of her action is supremely absurd to say the least. The Grand Lodge of Scotland, and likewise the Grand Lodge of England coinciding with Scotland, ever jealous of their revenue and the contraction of their powers, adhere to the fallacious and unreasonable idea that no Grand Lodge can exist with supreme and sovereign Masonic power in a n y Province or State organization not wholly supreme or national in political power. Notwithstanding this they are willing to concede sovereignty to our American Grand Lodges, upon the hypothesis that no analogy exists between our American States and the British Provinces, in the authority of government. This theory is wanting in intelligence. Argument based upon sueh flimsy foundation is unworthy the source from which it emanates. Freemasonry is a society universal in its habitation, so to speak, and is not alTected in any degree by any forms of political power or government, and its very nature and independent character is proof that such power, with no

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purpose or intent, can neither impose conditions, nor detract from its rightful authority to establish and maintain its own sovereign boundaries. Its laws are peculiar to itself. It accepts political boundaries for its own local convenience. It follows, therefore, that, whatever ol difference in autonomy that may exist between the States and Provinces, be it much or little, amounts to nothing Masonically considered. There is no uncej^ain sound to this; it has the ring of the true metal. M.-. W.-. OLIVER

PERRY LACV, Walla Walla, Grand

Master; R.-. W.-.

T H O S . M I L H U R N E R E E D , Olympia, Grand Secretary. WASHINGTON TERRITORY.

1880.

Our good brethren of this Gran I Lodge are peculiarly unfortunate; they again met in Annual -Communication without the presence of their Grand Master. I t seems that he was detained by reason of sickness in his family. He sent in his Annual Address, which was read by the Grand Secretary. This is an improvement upon his immediate predecessor. The attendance was small, only eighteen Lodges represented. Five Dispensations granted for the formation of new Lodges; Charters issued to all. The usual and routine business was transacted, chiefly interesting to the "folks at home." The Annual Address is a brief business paper. The Grand Master reports the issuance of the usual number of Dispensations for special purposes. Mention is made of the fraternal dead and a memorial page suggested to be . inscribed to the memory of M.-.W.-. Bro. HARVEY G . HAZELRIGG, of Indiana. Only two decisions rendered, both of local interest. Exchange of Representatives was made with a iiumber of sister Grand Lodges. He censures the Grand Orient of France pretty severely for leaving the ranks. In this the Grand Lodge concurs. The Grand Secretary again brings in an able and highly interesting report of his official action and of the financial condition of the Grand Lodge. He says : • The general financial condition of the Grand Lodge may be regarded as prosperous and its future prospects encouraging. Some complaint has been made by Lodges (and in my opinion very justly) of the heavy annual per capila tax of two dollars for each Master Mason borne on the Lodge roll -—half of which is for the payment of Representative expenses. It is clearly my opinion that this Representative tax, as such, should be abolished. I have no doubt that the actual expenses of Representatives attending Grand Lodge can be from this time forw'ard fully met from the General Fund, with a per capita of one dollar, by adopting the suggestions herein stated. This would relieve the Lodges ol a very heavy burden, and enable ihem to dispense the charities of the Order and maintain a' healthful and vigorous existence; whereas, under the existing amount of taxation many of them have burdens and discouragements they can illy afi'ord to bear. I am induced to make these suggestions, not only in justice to our contributing membership, but in appreciation and recognition of the generosity and courtesies shown to this Grand Lodge by the various railroad and navigation companies in extending the privilege of half fare rates to all our members and delegates traveling over their lines to and from the Grand Lodge. Delegates and

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207

Representatives paying full fare in coming are guranteed a return free from any transportation charges, upon presentation of the proper certificate from the Grand Secretary. Delegates, therefore, in presenting their expense accounts, should only cliarge for transportation one way.. By this means I am confident that the Grand Lodge could abolish the Representative per capita tax and be enabled to meet its current expenses from year to year from its ordinary sources of revenue. Here the per diem and'mileage question cuts an important figure. Bro. R E E D submitted a brief but excellent Report on (Correspondence, touching only a few topics of the most importance. He says: Our relations with every Grand Lodge in America, and with all those in foreign lands, with which we have had any iiiterchange of official courtesies, are of the most cordial, pleasant and fraternal nature. We send forth with this our fraternal greetings to our brethen of both Hemispheres. We would gladly make special mention of each Grand Body, but, for reasons self-apparent, can not. In this report we regret the departure from the usual course pursued, not only as denying the privileges of a closer interchange of salutations to all, but as lessening the probability and opportunity of presenting to our brethren of this Jurisdiction, who feel a deep and lifelike interest in Masonry, a clear and comprehensive view of the leading features of Masonic interest, now engrossing the attention of the great body of the Fraternity throughout the earth, respecting its systems of work, polity and jurisprudence, both moral and governmental. These, if our conceptions of the matter are correct, are the leading objects for which this committee was created and has existence. Its labors, well performed, afford the means, in a great measure, by which the links in our grand fraternal chain are burnished and strengthened, and a zealous inspiring love for truth and correct action stimulated. They incite an emulous desire for reaching out after higher attainments in the realm of Masonic thought and duty, placing within the reach of all Lodges and individual Masons much that pertains to a correct knowledge of the laws, vital principles and purposes of Masonry, so necessary and desirable to every intelligent brother. • Nearly nine pages are devoted to the "little unpleasantness" between New York and Connecticut. The Reporter thinks that New Mexico can not compel the obedience of Silver City Lodge, it being a child of Missouri, and that the compromise in ., Manitoba is " n o good," fearing that too much of the old uirus remains to warrant the hope of permanent prosperity in that. Province, in which we agree.with him. He thinks that his Grand Lodge did just right in recognizing the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, subsequent events having proved the wisdom of their action, and extends congratulations to the United Grand Lodge of Cuba and Colon. The Grand Lodge consolidated its various funds in one general fund, and have come to the wise conclusion that the Grand Lodge of Washington Territory is only a legislative body, and should never be called upon to disburse its funds for charitable purposes. The committee had better read Bro. R E E D ' S report before they commence to undervalue the Annual Reports' on Correspondence. There is no money in any such plans of sav

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•

February,

ing at the spigot. We do not dwell in Washington Territory, and hence we may not be a competent judge, but we think we could point out a better way of reducing expenses than by cutting out the most valuable part of the Annual Report, the solid meat, in the shape of information gathered and condensed into a Correspondence Report. A little less per diem and mileage will do it. Tlie way usually taken reminds us forcibly of the manner in which railroad managers get out of trouble with anxious stockholders who are hungry for " d i v i e s " and cry aloud for "retrenchment and reform. Tlie first thing they do is to issue a circular cutting down the wages of every employe below general superintendent, never once thinking of themselves, their own enormous pay, or of cutting down the hush money they pay to Legislators and-Congressmen. The question of perpetual jurisdiction over rejected candidates came before the Grand Lodge through a resolution offered by Grand Secretary R E E D to amend Article X I I , Section 58, of their Constitution. The majority of the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom this matter was referred, presented a brief report recommending 'its rejection, to which Bro. R E E D dissented, with the following excellent presentation of his side of the case: Masonry is said to be " a law unto itself." While this, in the opinion of some, may be an ideal proposition, we accept it as true. But to disrobe it of all doubt and give it force and plausibility, it is certainly necessary that all those elements which make up and are ever regarded as the distinctive characteristics in this unified law of Masonry, must be consistent with themselves, and not destructive of each other. It will not be denied that Grand Lodge enactments everywhere should be made as nearly as possible to harmonize with the "universal l a w " of Masonry. Every departure from this standard of procedure is an error, and must be so regarded, no matter from whence it emanated or by whomsoever • sanctioned. The too frequent innovations by Grand Lodges in this direction doubtless often arise from hasty legislation, immature thought, or an over-estimate of their powers to enforce a "rule of action " outside their own prescribed jurisdictional limits. These "new departures" not only darken the pathway of obedience to ancient law and traditions, governing the "universal brotherhood," but seriously antagonize that very principle of Grand Lodge supremacy which they seek to maintain. • We believe that any rule or law of Masonry to be made of force and.' effect beyond the limits of the Jurisdiction by, or within, which it was enacted, must, substantially at least, receive universal sanction; otherwise its pretended enforcement is an unwarranted assumption of authority, and is liable to become a source of discord and confusion rather than afford protection, or result in practical benefit. There is no other hypothesis upon which the autonomy of a Lodge or Grand Lodge can exist. In no. enunciated principle of Masonic law, recognizing and upholding Grand Lodge supremacy, can we find any justification for the assumption of this "perpetual jurisdiction" theory over a rejected candidate for the degrees of Alasonry. Such a theory in itself is logically a paradox. It assumes the imperious exercise of a kind of adhesive power over that which it repels. It not only denies to other Jurisdictions the right of free choice in the selection of their own members, but attacks the intelligence and judgment of its neighbors, both near and remote. A theory so illogical and self-destruclive can not promote harmony or be of any practical good to Masonry. Observe, for a moment, its workings in our own Jurisdiction, in the one principal case of grievance now before Grand Lodge. Again,

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suppose a case: A man petitions a Lodge and is rejected. Twelve months elapse; all disability is removed by operation of law; h e c a n now renew hi.s application to the same Lodge, and if no objection is iinposed, he is made a Mason. But suppose he does not choose to renew his petition to the rejecting Lodge, but subsequently removes to another Jurisdiction, and there acquires a bona fide residence, Masonically, and as a citizen ; here the old restraining power, though dead at home, is resurrected to new life, and,^(?r j ^ , with no offense existing, but perfect innocence on the part of the petitioner, says, "you can not be a legal petitioner, nor receive tlie degrees of Masonry without our consent; your former disabilities by the operation of our law are not only rehabilitated, but made perp'etual." We can not but regard such an assumption as at variance with every principle of moral justice arid human right-6. It ventures upon the exercise of authority outside the pale of Masonic government, and such as it can have no power to enforce. It is antagonistic to the moral government of our Order. Why should Masonry presume upon a law or scheme, the very spirit of which amounts to envy and proscription, if not direct persecution? We might here rehearse the principal arguments in favor of this " p e r p e t u a l " theory. There are but few, so far as we have noted. They dwell upon its expediency and deference to precedent, neither of which can claim the virtue of ancient methods and usage, for^the practice is comparatively modern, and adopted only by a portion of our American State and Territorial Grand Lodges. We know of its existence nowhere else. Further advantages are alleged for the sake of unanimity, and to prevent the introduction of improper material into the Lodge, but except in very isolated cases it neither promotes the one nor serves as an appreciable check upon the other. Every avenue to the Lodge should be faithfully and rigidly guarded. All Lodges are well provided with the means for this, without the usurpa- , tion of power, or the aid of extraneous dictation. Courtesy and the highest respect for opinion should be cherished and encouraged between Lodges in the admission'of candidates. But in the determination of this question each Lodge must be its sole arbiter. 7'he landmarks of*Masonry give Lodges this right to be the exclusive judges of the fitness and qualifications of those who seek their fellowship and the privileges of Masonry at their hands. What is needed more?' -^ This is the best presentation of this much-discussed question we have seen, and we hope it may serve to open the eyes of some of our leading lights in regard to this important matter. We have for years been satisfied of the injustice of our law upon this point of perpetual jurisdiction, and have been waiting patiently for some one to attack and expose its failings. Bro. R E E D has certainly commenced the battle bravely. Now, " l a y on, MacDuff;" we are sure of one champion at least. M.-. W.-. LOUIS JOHNS, Vancouver, Grand Master; R.-. W.-. THOMAS

MiLBURNE R E E D , Olympia, Grand Secretary. W E S T VIRGINIA.

1S79.

Special Communications were held December 7, 1878; May 3, and November i, 1879, for the purpose of dedicating two new halls and of laying a new corner stone. The Fifteenth Annual Communication was begun and held in the city of Wheeling, November 11, 1879. Seventy-six Lodges represented; one

210

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Dispensation issued for the formation of a new Lodge; one Charter refused on the ground of lack of proper interest among the members, they being perfectly apathetic in regard to the building up of the Lodge. Rightly done; it is always well when the members of any Lodge lose their interest in the Order to shut their shop at once. Masonry never goes begging for favors, nor does she dwell in the house of her enemies. Such was not the intention of the noble founders of our Order, and those who, having eyes to see, see not, and having ears to hear, hear not, are not worthy to be favored with her divine instructions. • A digest of the decisions of the various Grand Masters and Committees on Jurisprudence was prepared and printed as an appendix to the Proceedings. We regret the non-appearance of a Report on Correspondence. The Annual Address of Grand Master GEORGE BAIRD is quite brief, and mainly confined to home affairs. We are sorry that there seemed to be any necessity for fulminating the following, and we are inclined to believe the good brother is unnecessarily alarmed: In closing my official relations with you as Grand Master, I would beg leave to direct your attention to a matter which has for some time seemed to me to be a growing evil in some parts of our Jurisdiction, and also one upon which your Grand Body can not legislate. It is presented here now more with the hope that Masons who are engaged in it may be induced to pause and reflect and of themselves make a change than with any desire to have your Grand Body attempt to legislate upon it. The subject referred to is the gradual overshadowing of both Lodge and Chapters by the Commanderies. The idea seems to be slowly, but surely, taking possession of the minds of large numbers of our members that to be a Sir Knight is the whole end and aim of Masonry; that in Templarism is the realization of everything great and good pertaining to the Qrder. And the unfortunate brother, who through poverty or lack of opportenity has failed to become entitled to "wield his sword in defense of innocent maidens, des'titute widows, helpless orphans and the Christian religion," is being gradually taught to feel that his Masonic life has been a failure, and that his longer continuance in membership in the Fraternity can hardly be tolerated. The Lodges are looked on as organizations for preparing recruits for the Commanderies and the initiate is solicited to go into a certain Commandery before he has learned enough Masonry to be passed to the degree of F. C. While having fresh in his mind the statement of the Worshipful Master that Freemasonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise remain at a perpetual distance, his attention is drawn to that, which he is told is the higliest branch of the Order, which, being confined to believers in the religion of Christ, excludes all others except these believers and divides instead of uniting men of different sects and opinions. A Sir Knight dies, and at once an application is made by the officers of his Commandery to obtain possession of his remains, for what? to have greater respect paid to his memory than can be done by brethren of the Lodge? Not at all. But to enable the Sir Knights to appear before the outside world in all the grandeur of black uniforms and white feathers, with swords buckled to their sides, and preceded by a band of music, to impress the public with a due sense of their importance as the representatives of all that is to be desired in Masonry. It is seldom that prior to his death a Sir Knight is the recipient of Masonic relief from the valiant and magnanimous

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

211

Sir Knights of his Commandery, but the humble and despised Lodge, in fulfillment of, her Masonic obligation performs that duty, and is frequently compelled to yield her wishes in the matter of following to the grave the remains of the brother she has nursed and cared for before death. It is safe to assert that for one dollar expended by the Commanderies in the interests of benevolence and charity, fifty dollars are spent in public parades and foolish endeavors to impress upon the world at large how essential they are to the very existence of Freemasonry. This is not written from any unkind feeling towards the Commanderies, nor from any feeling of jealousy of them or their members, the writer being among the oldestxmembers of that branch of the Order in this city, having been made a Sir Knight between twenty and thirty years ago; but it is written because he knows that the course pursued by some of our Commanderies is (Joing harm to Freemasonry in this State. Brethren whom I know to be zealous and devoted Masons, who have the best interests of Masonry at heart, and who are anxious to check, if possible, a steadily increasing evil, have appealed to me to try and do something to stay it. One brother writing during the past year about a proposed display by the Knights Templar, said : " Why this vain display? Why spend so much money in a foolish effort to glorify and exalt one branch of our Order to. the injury of the other two? Why not save the money and expend it in "deeds of more exalte(l usefulness? Why not try to make good the claim that as valiant Sir Knights their well-earned fanie has spread both far and wide for acts of charity and pure benificence.'" We can hardly realize that there is'any actual occasion for sounding the alarm on this account. We- admit that occasionally, here and there, there may be a Commandery whose members have so far forgotten the first lessons they have received as to run wild over pageantry and display, but such persons are of no particular benefit to our Order in any,of its branches ; they are usually degree hunters, and only posted on the number of degrees they have taken and the number of different secret orders they are members of.. From our own experience of many years in the management of both Grand and Subordinate.Bodies, we are led to believe that where you find a live and enthusiastic Commandery there also wiH you find the same spirit animating the Lodge and vivifying the Chapter. Life, energy and love of the cause never stand still, nor circumscribe their field of labor. Among our Orders as well as in all other societies and gatherings of men we find representatives of a certain class of human beings who are chronic grumblers and fault-finders, never satisfied with anything that'did not originate from their own brain, and equally unsatisfied with the work that is done in secret, having no ear for the "still, small voice," that is more powerful than the thunder that controls the heavens, they measure results by the amount of fuss and feathers produced to view. Such would fain go back on the work of ' their own hands if some one else ">vill not do it for them, and like the Irishman at Donnybrook, they watch and wait for some one to tread on their coat tail. For such Masons a 'retreat,is offered by France, where they do not require a belief in GOD or man, and have very little respect for the devil. A genuine Mason, imbued with the principles and siiblime teachings of our Order, never finds a place in his heart to harbor envy or ill-will toward his neighbor because of the ability of the latter to wear a little better clothes or belong to more different orders and societies than he. M.-.W'.' J O H N W . ARBUCKLE, Lewisbui-g, Grand Master; R.-.W.'.O. S. LONG, Wheeling, Grand Secretary. . . . . . 2 4

'

',:•: •

212

Proceedings of the WISCONSIN.

February,

1880.

A Special Communication of this Grand Lodge was held June 29, 1879, for the purpose of laying the corner stone of the new hospital building for the Soldiers' Home, near Milwaukee. Past Grand Master J E D D P. C. CoTTRiLt delivered a brief and appropriate address. On the 30th of October of the same year the Grand Lodge met irf Special Communication to place the corner stone of the new Chamber of Commerce in the city of Milwaukee. Past Grand M a s t e r . H E N R Y L . PALMER delivered an excellent oration, reviewing the rise and progress of the institution, the erection of whose new home they were about to commence, and of the history of our Institution. He says: , I t is sufficient for our purpose, however, that we can say with confidence that Freemasonry in its simplest form, embracing all the essential attributes of the first three degrees which constitute the foundation of all legitimate Masonry now known to the civilized world, practicing the rites and teaching the ethics of the Order, substantially as they are practiced and taught to-day, has lasted for a period of time so long that its origin is lost far back in the shadowy, traditions of past ages. Its mission has always been the uniting of men in a common bond of fraternity for mutual improvement and • niutual aid, and the practice, in its Own quiet and unostentatious way, of a broad charity towards its unfortunate members and those depending upon it. The great corner stone underlying the Institution, and upon which the entire superstructure rests, is a firm, unfaltering belief in GoD as the Creator and the Ruler of the Universe, and the main purpose of all its rituals and ceremonies and symbolism is to inculcate a better knowledge of Him and His attributes, and to teach its votaries their duties to GoD, to their country and to their fellow-men; a belief in the immortality of the soul being an essential element in the faith of every true Mason. And while the lessons inculcated at every step of the progress made by its members are intended to make them better men, and more faithful in the performance of their obligations and duties as citizens, they are also intended to impress upon them the duty of such a life here as will better fit them for the unknown and unfathomed hereafter. The third Special Communication was held in Kilbourne Hall, in the , city of Milwaukee, for the purpose of publicly installing the officers of Independence Lodge, No. 80, and from the record kept we learn that the occasion, grated by the presence of ladies, enlivened by social oratory and rounded out by the savory contents of the festive board, was amply enjoyed by all present. Add to this the rendition of our beautiful ceremonies by M.'.W.-. Bro. PALMER, and it needed no more to make the occasion one of ever pleasing memories. We do not blame Bro. WooDHULL lor waxing eloquent over it. Any true Mason would, or, if he did not, we would favor his immediate relegation to a back seat in the darkest corner. T h e Grand Lodge met in Annual Communication, in the Grand Secretary's office, June 8, iSSo, and called from labor to refreshment until two o'clock in the afternoon of June 15th. It seems that this action was taken on account of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Reunion in that city. This may be all correct, but we hardly favor the idea of letting the doings of any other organization interfere with our meetings. They are fixed as to time a year in

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

213

•advance, and it does not seem proper to let others change our purposes, but as this is in Wisconsin and not in Kansas, we do not feel called upon to enter any solemn protest. At the time fixed upon the Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor; all but two of the Grand Officers present; one hundred and eightynine Lodges represented; one Dispensation granted for the formation of a new Lodge, and one Charter issued. The Annual Address of the Grand Master is a brief recital of his official acts'. The few decisions' rendered by him would seem to indicate that the jurisprudence of Wisconsin is pretty well settled and understood. They are " at peace with all mankind." The report of the'Grand Lodge Trustees shows a small financial deficit. They irecommended that the dues of Master Masons be increased to fifty cents. The report was adopted. M.-.W.'. Bro. T. T. GHKNEY, Grand .Master of Illinois, was present and received with due honors. The Proceedings were brief, of a routine and mainly local nature. The United Grand Lodge of Colon and Cuba was recognized. On the evening of the l6th of June a Grand Lodge of Sorrow was held in memory of deceased brethren. M.-.W.-. Bro. J E D D P. C. COTTRILI. spoke in eulogy of Past Grand Treasurer WILLIAM H . HINIIR, of Past Grand Junior Warden H E N R Y TURNER, and of the venerable .Bro. R U M R I L L , who died

during the year, at the ripe old age of eighty-three, after more than sixty years of Masonic life. Bro. E. A. CALKINS spoke in commemoration of the virtues of Bro. " S A M " BRANNAN, a pioneer of the best stamp, and of their much esteemed Grand Treasurer, DAVID S. VITTUM. The ceremonies, rendered doubly impressive by solemn music filly rendered, will, no doubt, be long remembered by those assisting. No Report on Correspondence published this year, which cuts down the size of their volume, but can hardly be called an improvement. M.-.W.-. E.MMONS E. CHAPIN, Columbus, Grand Master; R.-.W.-. J O H N W. WooDHULL, Milwaukee, Grand Secretary. .WYOMING T E R R I T O R Y .

1879.

We have the printed transactions of this Grand Lodge, comprising about ninety-two pages of matter, mainly devoted to matters of local interest, which certainly is proper in a young and growing Jurisdiction w.here many questions of law and custom, derived from almost as many sources as there are States in the Union, have to find their level and receive final settlement. All the Lodges but one were represented in Grand Lodge. No general Report on Correspondence. Sorry the brethren of Wyoming can not afford to have a report inserted in their handsomely printed pages. They made a good start last year, and we should have been pleased to hear from the same author this time.

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Proceedings of (lie

February,

Bro. H E N R Y L . MYRICK delivered a learned and highly interesting oration. We would be glad to reproduce a part of it, but it is not one of the kind that can be cut up into pieces to suit; the work was too well done, and offers no cranny or chink for our scissors. Grand Master JAMES H . HAYFORD delivered a short business-like Address, throwing in a little old-fashioned, exhortation as a. Jinale. He makes some good suggestions, among them one to have some competent brother selected to deliver, at each Lodge meeting, an oration or essay on some Masonic subject or the symbolism of our emblems. (The phrase " t h e symbolism uf Masonic emblems" covers a hidden mine of knowledge, of primal importance and wondrous beauty, well worthy the most untiring study of the best minds, and as yet comparatively little known. The mystic laws of the Hebrew cabala, the laws of numbers, and the sacred significance of geometric forms, are the keys to this treasure chamber, and free to all who will use them. May their number increase, and GOD speed them). The Grand Master thinks that a little more conviviality would help the Lodge, and that it is profitable as well as pleasant once in a while to gather in the wives and daughters and enjoy the comforts of social intercourse.' Such meeting indeed do serve to do good, if not carried to excess, but of this we have no fears. , Grand Master H A Y F O R D never spares the rod even when it is painful to apply it witji just vigor. He suspended th°e Master of one of the Lodges for immoral and unmasonic conduct, and cited him to appear and answer. This he failed to do, and was thereupon expelled by the Grand Lodge from all the rights and privileges of Masonry for contempt of the Grand Lodge. They adopted the two following standing resolutions: Resolved, That whenever Entered Apprentices or Fellow Crafts neglect or refuse for a period of two years to pass an examination upon their proficiency, or to make application to take the next degree, theirmames shall be dropped from the rolls, and reports of such Lodge and such Entered Apprentices or Fellow Crafts stricken from the roll, shall forfeit all moneys paid into the Lodge for any degree they shall have received, and shall be refused advancement except-upon a petition in writing therefor, to be acted upon in like manner as is a petition for initiation. Resolved, That all Subordinate Lodges in-this Jurisdiction be, and they are hereby required to pay'to the Grand Lodge-, as a part of its du'es,_the sum of five dollars for each initiation in each Lodge, in addition to other Grand Lodge dues provided by law. The Grand Librarian reported many contributions to their young library, and the Grand Lodge voted a small contribution for its increase. Bro. TONN, Grand Secretary, made a modest little report, three and_ a half pages, on Correspondence. Give us a big one next time, Bro. TONN, the sample is first rate. . , M.'.W.-. JAMES H A Y F O R D , Grand Master, Laramie City; R.-.W.-. W M . G. TONN, Grand Secretary, Evanston. Fraternally submitted, J O H N H. B R O W N , Chairman,

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

215

STANDING C O M M I T T E E S .

The M.'.W.'. Grand Master announced his appointment of Standing Committees of the Grand Lodge for the session as follows : On Grand Master's Address—Bros.

D. BVINGTON, W . R . BROWN, A. F .

ELY.

On Grievances and Appeals — M.-. W.-. Bros. J O H N G U T H R I E ,

DAVID

K E L S O , W . D . THOMPSON. On Credentials — Bros. F R A N K DRUMMOND, J. C. B E N N E T T and G E O . C. K E N Y O N .

On Masonic Jurisprudence—M.-.

\V.-. Bros. O. A. BASSETT, E . D .

HiLLYER and S. R. PETERS.

On Finance — Bros. W. J. COCHRAN,'H. M. WATERS-and E. E. FOSTER. On Lodges U. D. — Bros. J. J. BUCK, A. H . E L L I S and E. W E C K .

. . On Returns of Chartered Lodges—Bros.

B. E. LANGDON, S. M . F O X and

H. C. COOK.

On Grand Lodge Library — Bros. C. D. NICHOLS, G . F . POND and J. E. PICKET. On Unfiiiislted Business—Bros.

J. W. PIAMILTON, JAMES H O L L A N D and

A. E. BOND.-

R.-;W.-. B R O . C H A S . C. W O O D , O F M I S S O U R I .

R . ' . W . . Bro. BROWN announced to the Grand Lodge that R.'.W.'. Bro. CHARLES C. WOOD, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, was in the ante-room, and moved that a committee be appointed to wait upon the visiting brother and conduct him within the Grand Lodge, which motion was unanimously adopted. , The M.-.W. •. Grand Master appointed Bros. BASSETT, BYiNGTON and HoGEBOOM as such committee, and thereupon the R.'.W.'. brother was introduced and duly presented to the Grand Lodge by Bro. BASSETT on behalf of the committee. The M.'. W.". Grand Master, in the name of the Grand Lodge, welcomed the R.'.W.'. brother, and .invited him to a seat at the right of the R.'.W,'. Gra:nd Senior Warden. G R A N D MASTER'S ADDRESS.

Bro. BYINGTON, from the Committee on Apportionment of Grand Master's Address, made the following report:

216

• Proceedings of the

February,

To the M.-. IV.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your committee, to whom was referred the Address of the M.-.W.-. Grand Master, have carefully considered the various subjects contained in the same, and respectfully offer the following recommendations : ' J^irsi — T h a t so much of the Address as refers to new Lodges and to Leota and Onaga Lodges, be referred to the Committee on Lodges U. D. Second—That so much of the Address as refers to Nemaha Lodge, No. 13, be referred to the Committee on Chartered Lodges, with the suggestion that this committee confer with the Committee on Lodges U. D. with reference to Onaga Lodge U. D. Tliird—That so much of the Address as refers to the non-payment of dues, non-afifiliation, revision of Constitution and By-Laws, and orders and decisions of the Gi-and Master, be referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. Fourth — That so much of the Address as refers to the investment of Grand Lodge funds be referred to the Committee on Finance. Fifth — That so much of the Address as refers to promiscuous begging be referred to a Special Committee of three. Sixth — T h a t so much of the Address as refers to publicity in Masonic matters and insurance companies be referred to the consideration of the members of the Masonic Fraternity in this Jurisdiction. Seventh — That so much of the Address as refers to Special Dispensation, applications to lay corner stones, appointment of Grand Representatives, Deputy Grand Lecturers, members of the Board of Custodians and Removal of Lodges, be approved by this Grand Lodge. Fraternally submitted, D. BYINGTON, \VM. R. BROWN, A. E. ELY, Committee.

On motion of Bro. D E W I T T the report was adopted. The Committee on Credentials made an additional partial report. Bro. W O O D moved that that portion of the report of the Committee on Credentials just submitted, referring to the credentials of proxies of officers of Jewell Lodge, No. 11, be referred back to the committee for inquiry as to whether the proxy is a member of the Lodge he purports to represent. It was so ordered. The rest of the report was adopted and the committee continued.

i8So-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

217

PER DIEM AND MILEAGE.

Bro. J. J. BUCK, from the Special Committee on Per Diem and Mileage, submitted the following report: To the M.-. W.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your committee, l o whom was referred, the propriety of and attendent cost of this Grand Lodge paying the expenses of one Representative from each Subordinate Lodge to this Grand Lodge, have had the same under consideration and submit the following report: The committee have caused an accurate estimate to be made of the traveling expenses of each Representative from every Lodge now in existence. Chartered or U. D., upon a basis of five cents per mile one way and by the most practicable route. As the expense of printing the tabulated statement in the Grand Lodge Proceedings will be slight, we recommend that the Grand Lodge order its insertion therein. Many of the earnest advocates of this expenditure are absent from this Session, and we therefore suggest, out of a spirit of fairness to such brethren, that the matter be not now acted upon. We are of the opinion that the tabulated statement submitted herewith will enlighten the members of the Grand Lodge upon the wisdom or unwisdom of ordering this outlay, and desiring that all shall have the benefit of the facts and figures, and therefore recommend, for the sake of just and intelligent action, that the whole matter lie .over until the next Annual .Communication, and be made the special order for to o'clock of the second day of the Session of the Grand Lodge. Respectfully submitted, J. J. BUCK, E. H. C R A W F O R D , Committee.

On motion of Bro. BROWN, the report was adopted. The following i.s the estimate of per diem and mileage submitted by the committee:

No

N A M E OF LODGE.

Smithton Leavenworth 3 Wyandotte ' 4 Kickapoo S Washington 6 Lawrence 1_ 7 Union 8 Rising Sun 9 Ar.acia l o King Solomon __ II Jewel 12 Emporia •3 Nemaha H Oskaloosa 15 Great Bend 16 Lafayette •7 Topeka 18 Franklin - — 19 Olathe .. 20 C^^ircleville 21 Valley .Falls 22 Olivet 23 Palmyra 24 Osage Valley 25 High Prairie 26 Longton -_ 27 Neosho 28 Eldora ___:_-.-_ '. 29 Pacific 31 Arcana 32 Auburn 33 Mound City 34 Extinct 35 Hiawatha 36 Council Grove 37 Paola . 38 Tola 39 Seneca 40 DeSoto 41 Blooming Grove. 42 Holton 44 Delphian 45 Easton 47 Xenia 48 Monrovia 49 Nine Mile 51 Orierit 1 S3 Granada 54 Shawnee 55 Troy L 56 Spring Hill 57 Coyville_, I 2

February,

Proceedings of iJie

218

LOCATION.

COUNTY.

Highland Leavenworth _ Wyandotte Timber Ridge Atchison Lawrence Junction City _ Fort Scott Lawrence Leavenworth _ Jewel City Emporia America City _. Oskaloosa Great Bend Manhattan Topeka . _ Ottawa Olathe Circleville Valley Falls __ Melvern Baldwin City Ossawatomie..^ Leavenvv'orth _ Longton Le Roy Mapleton Humboldt Doniphan Auburn Mound City __

Doniphan Leavenworth _ Wyandotte Leavenworth. Atchison Douglas Davis Bourbon Douglas Leavenworth _ Jewel Lyon Nemaha Jefferson Barton Riley Shawnee Franklin Johnson Jackson : Jefferson Osage Douglas Miami Leavenworth. Elk Coffey Bourbon Allen Doniphan Shawnee Lynn

Hiawatha _. Council Grove Paola lola Seneca DeSoto Trading Post Holton __.. Garnett Easton Xenia Monrovia Lansing Topeka . Wetmore Shawnee Troy ISpring H i l l . - . jCoyville

Brown Morris Miami' Allen Nemaha Johnson Lynn . Jackson Anderson LeavenworthBourbon Atchison Leavenworth. Shawnee Nemaha Johnson Doniphan ^ Johnson Wilson

AM'T.

--\$ 3

60 40 40 70 40 50 3 42 2 2 2 2 1

6 84 I 50 2 40

7 50 94 5 70 7' 10 S6 2 46 2

2 70 2 04

3 54 I 14

3 30 2 25

4 90 2 4-^ I I

19

4 69 8 40 6 04 2 70 60

6 10 4 74 3 94 4 55 .1 40 6 44 I 56 5 70 J 24 2 55 I 74

8 40 2 40 2 00

3 80 2 70

3 24 J 90

5 49

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

i88o-i.

No

N A M E OF LODGE.

Mt. P l e a s a n t . Dick R e e s Salina LaCygne Ridgeway Adams : Wathena Gardner Burlington Frankfort . Hiram Carbondale Baxter J Huron Clietopa Mystic T i e Wamego Erie — 1 White Cloud-Corin'thian Zeredatha N e w Albany__ Tuscan Doric Jefferson Sutton Evergreen Eureka .: 89 H o m e go G o l d e n R u l e „ 9 ' Marysville • 92 Mission, 93 G i r a r d 94 H a r m o n y 95 C o n s t e l l a t i o n _ 96 D e l a w a r e 97 P a t m o s 98 Benevolent 99 W i c h i t a 100 Prudence lOI Euclid I02 Keystone 10,5 C e d a r 104 F r o n t i e r ' 0 5 Solomon City , 1 106 F i d e l i t y 107 F o r t i t u d e 108 Zion 109 A m e r i c u s n o Adelphi .III Hesperian 1 1 2 Blue Val)ey__. 58 59 6o 6i 62 63 64 65 66 67 .68 .70 71 72 73 74 75 76 78 79 .80 81 82 83 84 85

25

219

LOCATION.

COUNTY.

Mt. Pleasant Hoge Salina LaCygne Ridgeway Oswego Wathena Gardner ' Burlington Frankfort Leavenworth '.-. Carbondale Baxter Springs !_. Huron Clietopa-: Augusta Wamego E r i e ._ 1. White Cloud Burlingame C o t t o n w o o d F a l l s _New Albany 1. Neosho Falls Eudora Winchester Waterville Montana Pleasanton C e n t r a l i s .^ North Topeka Marysville O s a g e Mission Girard Neodesha Fredonia White Church Abilene . Eldorado Wichita Columbus . Lyndon CofTeyville Chanute Washington ' _. Solomon City Eureka Independence Staiiton Americus Winheld Rossville Irving

Atchison Leavenworth Saline Lynn Osage " Labette Doniphan Johnson Coffey -_ Marshall Leavenworth Osage Cherokee Atchison Labette Butler Pottawatotfiie Neosho . Doniphan.: Osage C h a s e _1 Wilson: :_ Woodson Douglas Jefferson Marshall Labette Lynn Nemaha Shawnee Marshall Neosho Crawford Wilson Wilson ^^-1 Wyandotte.__ Butler __Dickinson Sedgewick Cherokee Osage 1 Montgomery Neosho.; Washington • Dickinson Greenwood .i._ Montgomery i... Miami : Lyon .' . Cowley . Shawnee Marshall J-_

AM'T.

I I 5 6 1 8 3 2 4 6 . 2 'o 2 •8 6 I 8 4 I

4 II 5 I I 7 S. 6 5 •8 10 8 9 li

62 80 70 06 44 49 24 39 19 30 40 84 35 40 89 48 80 44 14 32 90 09 14 20 64 26 14 10 40

24 15 60 24 19 40 48 62 80 75 68 8 69 6 44 8 18 10 10 24 60 74 30 78 78

No

Febr lary,

Proceedings of Vie

220 N A M E OF LODGE.

" 3 St. Johns 114 Aclv.Tiice III Excelsior 116 Muscotah '_ " 7 Parsons A1 toona iiS 119 Cherokee 120 Halcyon 121 Wood.son Liberty "23 124 Clodfrey Cawker City 125 Meridian 126 Palestine 127 Ottawa 128 Belleville 129 Polar Star '30 '3' Equity Carson 132 '33 Crescent '34 Clay Center. 13 = Lenexa . 136 Vesper '37 Cherryvale _ 138 Pomona Sedgewick _. '39 RenoLj 140 Signal 141 Newton 142 .Minneapolis '43 Gilead '44 Mt. Vernon. 145 Ellsworth __ 146 Center 147 Thayer 149 Willington _ 150 'S' Douglas '53 Cato 154 Lincoln '55 Hope 156 Dexter '57 Haven '5» Active 159 Robinson 160 Saqui 161 Sabetha . 162 .•Vlma '63 Greenwood ., 164 Cedarvale ._. .65 Oxford 166 Farmers ." 167 learned

LOCATION.

Concordia . Klorence Unioniowii Muscotah I'arsons .Mtoona Cherokee Peabody Toronto Libeiiy Godfrey Cawker City.-Elk Falls Wellsville Ottawa 1 liellevilie.N'etawaka r-'antana Elk Oily Ark City Clay Center . : Lenexa Sedan Cherryvale Pomona -Sedgewick City Hutchinson _. Osage City Newton l._ Minneapolis Yates Center Beloit • Ellsworth Marion Center Thayer . .Wellington Douglas Cato Lincoln Center Howard Ci:y : Dexier •ioulh Haven Atchison Kobinson Osborne City Saljetha_ Alma Charleston Cedarvale Oxford .May Day Lamed

COUNTY.

Cloud Mai-ion Piourbon Atchison Labette Wilson Cherokee .Marion .:. \Voodson .Montgomery . Bourbon .Mitchell Elk Franklin _.. Franklin Republic Jackson .Miami iMontgomery . Cowley Clay Johnson Chautauqua.. Montgomery . Franklin Sedgwick Reno Osage I larvey Ottawa Woodson Mitchell Ellsworth _• .Marion NeoshoSumner Butler Crawford Lincoln Elk Cowley Sumner Atchison Brown Osborne Nemaha Waubausee Greenwood _. Chautauqua . . Sumner Riley Pawnee

AM'T.

5 6 82 5 20 8 .40 - 3 60 7 69 6 44 9 15 5 70 5 96 9 •^4 8 55 9 02 10 62 3 SS 2 «5 7 29 4 20 5 15 10 b2

9 5 3

30 04 20 10 62

8 74 2 70

6 96 . S 10 I 68 6 40 8 28 6 .04 8 02 7 SO 5 70 7 19 9 .^0 8 30 • 7 95 5 70 10 12

• 9 30 9 30 2 40

4 39 10 02 5 29 I 80

5 95 37 9 So 4 7 0 11 64 11

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

221

LOCATION.

COUNTY.

Parkerville i6S Parkerville Blue Rapids ^_ Blue Rapids Ida Ida— Sterling Sterling McPherson _. McPherson Belleplain 173 l^elleplain Smith Center __ 174 Western Star . fvirwin 175 Kir win Clyde 176 Prairie Queen li- Russell 177 Russell 178 Burr Oak Burr Oak 179 Mt. Moriali Ivinsley 180 Louisburg Louisburg 181 Olive Twin Falls 182 Burrton Burrton Gaylord •83 Gaylord Phillipsburg 184 Phillipsburg Hamlin _:. 185 llamlin 1S6 Mountain Slope Oberlin 187 Pittsburg : New PittsburgLeota U D Leota Onaga . U D Onaga U D N'ewahcuba Stockton U D Henri Tonganoxie U D Walnut Valley Sidney U D Hartford Hartford U D Lyon Lyon . 0 D Galena Galena U D Hays City Hays City U D Madison Madison U.D Canton Canton U D Blue Hill Delhi „ U D Norton i Norton U U Mulvane 1 Mulvane U D. Anthony Anthony U n Delphos.^ Delphos U D Sumner Caldwell -•-

Morris ; Marshall Mitchell .-• Rice McPherson Sumner Smith Phillips Cloud Russell Jewel . Edwards Miami GreenwoodHarveySmith I-_, Phillips lirown-. Decatur Crawford Norton Pattawatomie Rooks LeavenworthNess Lyon Rice Cherokee Ellis Greenwood - McPherson Osborne -,. Norton Sumner ilarper1 Ottawa Sumner

No

169 170 171 172

N A M E OF L O D G E .

AM'T.

• 4.42 7 IS 8 02 8 76 6 90 8 80 10 17 10 32 6 12

9 7 12 4 5 7

36 50 78 20 45 3S

10 10 5 14 9 10

17 32 04 28 10 32

• 4 49 12 07 I 50 11 64

3 8 II 10 • 3 5 8

54 76 15 68 94 70 88

10 32 9 30

1° 55 6 10

8 25

222

.

Proceedings of the BEGGING

'

February,

CIRCULARS.

The Special Committee provided for by the report of the Committee on Grand Master's Address, relating to the subject ^of " Begging Circulars," was then appointed by the Grand Master, as follows: Bros. G. W. HOGEBOOM, P. C. GARVIN and J. H.

AUSTIN. RIGHTS OF E N T E R E D APPRENTICES.

Bro. KoHN submitted the following question to the Grand L o d g e : Can an Entered Apprentice Mason object to the initiation of a profane after his election ? On motion, referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. S U S P E N S I O N FOR D U E S .

Bro. ELLIS submitted the following question to the Grand L o d g e : Can a member of a Lodge, less than two years in arrears, be suspended for non-payment of dues? On motion, referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. The M.". W.'. Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until '/ o'oclck P. M.'

EVENING

SESSION. ToPEKA, February 16, 1881.

The M.'.W.'. Grand Lodge was .called from refreshment to labor at 7 o'clock p. M. Bro. BASSETT, from the Committee on Jurisprudence, made a partial report upon the decisions of the M.'.W.'. Grand Master, which was accepted and adopted. (See report of Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence.) Special order was announced, but before proceeding with

i88o^i-

Grand Lodge of Kansas. •

223

the same Bro. R. . M . WILLIAMS obtained the unanimous consent to introduce the following resolution : WHEREAS, The Masonic Bodies of Topeka have tendered to the Grand Lodge of Masons of the State of Kansas, free of charge, the use of their hall, together with rooms for a library and the use of the Grand Secretary, and a fire-proof vault wherein to deposit'tlie jewels and archives of said Grand Lodge for a period of ten years; therefore, Resolved, That the ensuing session of this Grand Lodge be held in the city of Topeka, and that before such session a proposition to amend t h e ByLaws of the Grand Lodge by fixing and locating the Annual Communication at Topeka, for a period of ten years from this date, shall be submitted to the Subordinate Lodges for adoption; be it also Resolved, That hereafter the Grand Secretary shall be a resident of the place where the Grand Lodge is located.

Bro. BENNETT moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. . Bro. HoGEBOOM moved to amend so as to instruct that committee to report the resolution at l o o'clock A. M. to morrow, and that its subject matter be made' a special order for that time. Bro. BENNETT accepted the amendment, and the motion, as arhended, was adopted: Bro. DRUMMOND, from the Committee on Credentials, made an additional partial report, which was adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The special order being the election of officers of the Grand Lodge, was then proceeded with, and the following brethren were declared duly elected : M.-.W.-.WILLIAM C O W G I L L

Grand Master.

R.-.W.-. A. D. McCoNAUGHY R.-.W.-. GEO. S . GREEN R.-.W.-. SAMUEL R . PETERS

Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden.

R.-.W.-. CHRISTIAN B E C K

Grand Treasurer.

R.-.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN •

_J

Grand Secretary.

W.-. L. P. MASON W.-. J. M. K E C K W.-. E. D. H I L L V E R

Custodian. '

1

Custodian. Custodian.

The city of Topeka was duly declared the place at which

224

Proceedings oj 'the

P'ebruary

the next Annual Communication of the. Grand Lodge shall be h e l d 1.S82.

INITIATION FEES.

Bro. BROWN introduced (by request) the following amendrhent to the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge : That Section 23 of the By-Laws be amended.so as to read as follows: Section 23. No Lodge shall confer the first three degrees of Masonry for a less sum thmi 824.00, $8.00 of which shall accompany the petition; provided, ministers of the gospel in actual service may be admitted gratutiously by the unanimous consent of the Lodge..

On motion of Bro,GUTHRIE, the proposed amendment was . referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. L O D G E S U. D.

Bro. lluCK, from the Committee on Lodges U. D., submitted the following report: ' ' To the M.-. W.'. Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your Committee on Lodges Under Dispensation beg leave to report that they have had'under consideration and have carefully examined, the records, transcripts, by-laws and other papers connected with the following Lodges U. D., viz: , LEOTA, A T ' L E O T A ,

NORTON

COUNTY.

T h e Dispensation in this case was continued over to this Communication (see Journal of 1879, page 54) for reasons there assigned. Since that time nine Communications have been held and work done in three degrees. At the time for the Regular Communications in October and November they failed of a quorum. The transcript is tidy and accurate as to formality, but your committee are informed that the maintainance of a healthy Lodge at "this point is extrf^niely doubtful, as they are too near Norton Lodge and have not sufficiently established themselves in the confidence of the Craft. Your committee therefore recommend that a Charter be not granted to this Lodge. ONAGA, AT O N A G A , P O T T A W A T O . M I E C O U N T Y .

The Dispensation in this case was also continued over (see Journal of 1879, page 56) for reasons there appearing. During the present Masonic year these brethren have held twenty-one Communications, have initiated two, passed three and raised two.'' They did not meet between August 20th and December 4th, not learning until the latter date that they were authorized to work during that interval. The' records, though not formally certified, are otherwise in good shape.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

225

These brethren send a Representative, who assures your committee that with a Charter will come a change for better in officers, and many good dimitted. Masons will seek a home amongst them. The question of localities has troubled your committee, and they, with some hesitation, recommend a Charter. N E W A H C U B A , A T S T O C K T O N , ROOKS COUNTY.

The Dispensation to this IjOdge was granted December 15, 1879. Lodge w.Ts instituted January 9, 1880, by \V.-. Bro. JOHN BISSELL, since which time twenty-four Communications have been held in DUE FORM, and one not so regular. They have done work in all the degrees, having conferred in all twenty-six. They have adopted suitable By-I^aws. In the Secretary's minutes of proceedings there appears no distinction between Regular and Special Communications, but we gatlier such facts from the petitions, dates of meeting and times when'minutes were read. I n other respects the transcript is comely. It appears, however, that at meetings held on the I4tli and 28th of January, 1881, without any warrant or authority of law, they elect'ed one member and did work in all three degrees. Under the circumstances your committee recommend that the Committee on Jurisprudence be instructed to submit a resolution to this Grand IjOdge ratifying and confirming the work and proceedings of these two Communications. We also recommend that the By-Laws be approved and a Charter granted. HENRI, AT TONGANOXIE, L E A V E N W O R T H

COUNTY.

• The Dispensation to this Lodge was granted December 16, 1879, and the Lodge set to work December'17, 1S79, ''y ^^•'- E''°- L- ''• MASON. Thirteen Communications have been held. They have initiated four, passed three and raised three. T h e transcript is neat, full and accurate.' Your committee are pleased to recommend that a Charter be granted. W A L N U T V A L L E Y , AT S I D N E Y , NESS C O U N T Y . .

Dispensation granted December 18, 1879, and the Lodge set to work by the W.-. Bro. J. P. H O W A R D January 13,

18S0.

Twenty-two Communications have been held, at which fourteen have been initiated, thirteen passed and thirteen raised. The transcript evinces good work; By-Laws in conformity with the tandard, have been adopted. We recommend that a Charter be granted and the By-Laws approved. •

LYONS, AT LYONS, RICE COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted on January 9, 1880, and the Lodge set to work January 29, ISNO, by W.-. Bro. W. J. PICKERING. The transcript shows that fifteen Communications have been held, four initiated, two passed and two raised. We infer that there is a lively interest taken by the Craft in the progress and prosperity of this Lodge. As many as-nineteen visiting brethren attended on two different occasions. No meeting was held in June.

226

Proceedings of the

The transcript is a model of neatness, fullness and accuracy. pleasure in recommending that a Charter be granted.

February, We take great

HARTFORD, AT HARTFORD, LYON COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted January 2, iSSo, and the Lodge set to work by W.-. Bro. L. P. MASON. Thirty-nine Communications have been held, at which ten have been initiated, passed and raised. The transcript in this case is neat, full and workmanlike, and the Chairman of your committee vouches for the ability of the officers. We recommend that a Charter be granted .and their By-Laws approved. G A L E N A , A T G A L E N A , CHEROKEE COUNTY.

The Dispensation was issued to this Lodge March 9, 18S0, and the Lodge was instituted by W.-. J A S . SNEDDEN. This Lodge has held twentyone Communications. The brethren attempted two more, but failed of a quorum. They have initiated four, passed three and raised three, and present a faithful and tidy record of their labors. We recommend a Charter. HAYS, AT HAYS CITY, ELLIS COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted to this Lodge March 11, 18S0, and it was set to work April I, 1880, by W.-. Bro. H. D. PALMER. These brethren have held twenty-six Communications, initiated ten, passed eight and raised sixThey are blessed with a model Secretary, to whom your committee are much indebted. Their records are tastefully kept and their work properly formulated. A goodly number of visiting brethren were always in attendance. They present proper By-Laws, and your committee recommend that the same be approved and a Charter granted. __ MADISON, AT MADISON, GREENWOOD COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted March 30, 1880. The Lodge was instituted April 25, 1880, by W.-. Bro. J. J. BUCK. There were present at time of institution ten Master Masons. These brethren have held fifteen Communications, initiated four, passed three and raised two. They present for approval proper By-Laws, and with one exception, this is the only Lodge that have so formulated their work, as to render your committee any assistance. The town where this Lodge is situated is twenty miles from the nearest Lodge, and though a small place, is a growing one. A recently organized Odd Fellow's Lodge has appropriated good material, which miglit have been used in the "Masonic edifice. Owing to the small number of petitioners the Grand Master had doubts upon the. propriety of granting this Dispensation. Bro. BUCK, however, afte'r looking over the ground, advised its issuance. The members are scattered over a farming community, and the getting up of a quorum is attended with much effort on the part of the faithful. The officers are capable of doing accurate work, and at one time certain local jealousies seemed certain to impair the influence of this Lodge, if. not to'destroy it. These difficulties have in a measure passed away, but not wholly so. Under all the circura.stances we would recommend the approval of the By-Laws, and that a Charter be granted.

i88o-i. •

Orand Lodge oi Kansas.

227

CANTON, A T C A N T O N , M ' T H R R S O N COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted April 14, 1880, and the Lodge instituted April 26, 1880, by W.-. Bro. S. D. H O W E . Number of Stated Communications eight. Special Communications ten, number initiated seven, passed five and raised two, one of whom had received the first degree in McPherson Lodge. .I*roper By-Laws have been adopted. Your committee desire to compliment this Lodge on the satisfactory showing made. We recommend that the By Laws be approved and a Charter granted. B L l i e H I L L , A T D E L H I , OSBVRNE COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted May 3, 1880, and the Lodge organized May 19, 1880, by W.-. Bro. E. T. WATROUS. Thirteen Communications were held, four initiated, three passed and two raised. The transcript is not creditable, phraseology is inaccurate, spelling is bad and the chirogrophy bul little better than this report. There is no formal certificate showing that the transcript contains aiV the transactions of the Lodge, but each meeting of which we have a record, is attested by the Worshipful Master and Secretary. This criticism is intended to prompt other applicants for a Charter to greater care and accuracy. We know no reason why a Charter should not be granted, and therefor recommerd one. NORTON, AT NOK :()N, NORTON COUNTY.

Dispensation was granted May ic, 1880, and Lodge set to work on '.'-'e igth of the same month, by W.-. Bro. J O H N BISSELL. Thirteen Communications were held. The work consists in initiating; passing and raising seven. The work appears to.be in good hands, and we recommend that a Charter be granted. —

ANTHONY, AT ANTHONY, HARPER COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted May 12, 1880, the Lodge was set to work July 6, 1880, by W.-. Bro. G E O . W . W I N N . Fourteen Communications have been held, two passed, one raised and two affiliated Under Dispensation. A neat and full report is sent up and we recommend that a Charter be granted. MULVANE, AT MUI.VANE, SUMNER COUNTY.

The Dispensation was granted July 6, 18S0, and the Lodge set to work July 14, 1880, by W.-. Bro. W. S. CORBHTT. These brethren have- held twenty Communications, initiated six, passed two, raised two and affiliated one. We recommend a Charter. • » D E L P H O S , A T D E L P H O S , O T T A W A COUNTY. .

• The Dispensation was granted July 31, i8So,>and the Lodge set to work August 3, 18S0, by W.-. Bro. GEO. MCKEN/.IE. These brethren have held ten Communications, initiated four, passed four and raised two. The transcript is full and appears to be accurate. They have adopted suitable By-Laws. We recommend that the By-Laws be approved and a Charter granted. 26

,

•

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Proceedings of the •

February,

SU.MNER, AT- C A L D W E L L , S U M N E R C O U N T Y .

Dispensation was granted .September 9, 1880, and the Lodge set to word September 17, 1880, by W.'. Bro. PICKEKING. Ten Comtpunications hav.e been held,-three initiated, three passed and two raised. The transcript ismechanically in good shape, but the phraseology might be improved. Proper By-Laws are reported. We recomrnend that they be approved and a Charter granted. Referring to the suggestions of your, committee of one year ago as to certain memoranda, to accompany each transcript, we take pleasure in saying that two viz : Madison and Canton complied with that suggestion. The several showings as they appear upon paper are creditable enough, and there is little, room for criticism, on the contrary, if it were proper in such report as this to do so, we might pass elaborate compliments upon the records'and the work. Outside of these records, however, we are constrained to express our opinion that the work in all new Lodges i$ a little too much crowded. All of which is fraternally submitted, J. J A Y BUCK, A. H. E L L I S , E D W A R D WECK, Co7}nnittÂŁe.

The report was received and adopted. LEOTA LODGE U. D. Bro. BROWN moved that since the Grand Lodge had refused to grant Leota Lodge U. D. a Charter, that the Grand Secretary be, and is hereby instructed to issue certificates of good standing to all members whose names appear in the Annual Returns for the year ending December 31, i8So.B L U E H I L L L O D G E U. D.

Bro. BROWN stated that the members of Blue Hill Lodge U. D. were partakers of the rriisfortune that had overtaken the Northwestern counties in the loss of crops last year, and therefore moved that, by reason of such misfortune, the fee for Charter be remitted. Bro. DoDD moved to amend by directing a continuance of their Dispensation another year. The amendment was withdrawn, and, the question recurring on the motion of Bro. BROWN, the same did not prevail. The M.'. vV.'. Grand L o d g e . was called from labor to

refreshment until g o'clock A. M- of Thursday.

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansaa.

MORNING

22M

SESSION

ToPEKA, February 17, 1881. The M.-. W.-. Grand Master called the M.-. W.\ Grand Lodge.from refreshment to labor at 9:30 o'clock A. M. Officers and membe'rs were present as at the evening Session of February 16, 1881. BEGGING C I R C U L A R S .

Bro. G. W. HoGEBOOM, from the Special Committee on the issuing of circulars by Subordinate Lodges, addressed to Lodges outside the State and asking for aid, submitted the following report: To the M.-. W.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your committee, to whom was referred that portion of the M.-.W.'. Grand Master's Address in reference to Mountain Slope Lodge, No. 1S6, have had the same under consideration andbeg-leave tb report: Your committee'most heartily endorse the action and views of the M.-. W.\ Grand Master in this behalf, and believe that they are fully justified. Particularly do we approve the assurance given by the M.'.W.-. Grand Master that Kansas Masons are not only able, but willing to relieve their destitute brethren within the State. We recommend an expression of the sentiment of this M.-.W.'. Grand Lodge, condemning and reprobating all such appeals as-being at once discreditable to the manhood of th'e Craft engaging in it and bringing discredit upon our Grand Jurisdiction. We further recommend that this Grand Lodge shall, by the adoption of this report,.notify the Craft throughout the country that such circulars are wholly unwarranted, and are entitled to no credit or charitable response from those receiving them.. Fraternally submitted, GEO. W. HOGEBOOM, T. H. AMSDEN, P.C.GARVIN, Comiiiitlee.

On motion of Bro. MCCONAUGHY, the report was adopted. SPECIAL O R D E R POSTPONED.

Bro. GUTHRIE moved that the special order for 10 A. M., being the question of locating the Grand Lodge at Topeka,

230

Proceediwjs

of the

February,

be postponed until the Committee on Jurisprudence shall report, the resolution, which motion prevailed. FINANCK.

Bro. WATERS, from the Committee on Finance, made the follow'ng repoit:. " To >he A .-. PV.\ Gland Lodge of

Kansas:

You.' Committee on Finance respectfully report as follows: We h ive carefully examined the accounts of the R.-.W.-. Grand Treasurer and R.-.W.'. Grand Secretary, showing the amount of funds that came into their hands and the amount disbursed by them for the fiscal yeap,''and find the same correct. Your commitlee would respectfully recommend that the following appropriations be made to meet the current expenses of this fiscal year: For contingent expense of Grand Secretary's office, consisting of , postage, priming and binding 1,200 copies of the Grand Lodge Proceedings of this Annual Communication and for rent $1,100 00 Christian Beck as Grand Treasurer ---75 00 Salary of Grand Secretary 1,000 CO E. D. Hillyer, expense as Deputy Grand Master in visiting Leota and Onaga Lodges 20 00 The Grand Master for money advanced by him and sent to Mountain Slope Lodge .for the relief'if destitute brethren 100 00 R.'.W.'. John H. Brown, Grand Se-::retary, for sundry expenses, as per account, rendered over the amount allowed at meeting of last Grand Lodge loi 05 R.'.W.'. John H. lirown, experses at Grand Lodge . 15 CO R.'.W.'. J. Y). McCleverty, expenses at Grand Lodge 25. 00 Grand Master for annual expense, 53'~o 00, and extra five months, $125 0(.^

;

1

425 00

M.'.W.'.W. Covvgill, expense at Grand Lodge , 25 65' W.'. Bro. L. P. Mason, expense as Custodian and at Grand Lodge. 44 30 R.'.W.'. Bro. A.. D. McConaughy, expense at Grand Lodge • 15 00 W.'. Bro. Fritz M.Tgerj,, Tyler of Grand L o d g e . . 20 00 Bro. R. Edwards, .Nssistant Tyler 10 00 Rev. Thos. Burrows, Chaplain 10 00 Bro. W. IL Rossiiijjton, Assistant Secretary at Grand Lodge 20 00 M. M. Miller, Junior Grand Warden, expenses attending Grand Lodge 25 00 W.'. Samuel Saylor, expense attending Halcyon Lodge by order of Grand Master 2 50 Your committee would respectfully recommend that the action of the Grand .Master in tlie matter of in-,'ts.ing the surplus funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer be approve", and your committee would further recom-

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Grand Lodge of Kansas.

231

mend that if, in the judgment of the incoming Grand Master, such surplus funds can be invested in a manner designated last year, that they be so invested. Your committee take pleasure in reporting that nearly all the Lodges that were in arrears for dues and which had also failed to make their r e . turns to the last Grand Lodge, have, diiring the past year, complied with the requirement made at the last Annual Communication,'and found on page 67 of the Journal of Proceedings of 1879. Respectfully submitted, H . M. W A T E R S , W. J. C O C H R A N , E. L. F O S T E R , Conimiitee.\ G R A N D LODGE L I B R A R Y .

Bro. POND, for the Committee on Grand Lodge Library, reported that no business had been submitted for their consideration. Bro. DRUMMOND, from the Committee on Credentials, ma'de^an additional partial report,\vhich was adopted, and the committee continued. G R I E V A N C E S A N D APPEALS.

Bro. KELSO, from the Committee on -Grievances and . Appeals,-submitted the following report: To the Mr- W.\ Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your Committee on Grievances and Appeals have had under consideration sundry matters of appeal from Subordinate Lodges, and respectfully sul)niit the following report thereon : The matter in the action of King Solomon Lodge, No. 10, against Bro. J O H N A. Ross.

The accused brother in this case was charged with embezzlement, and your committee after having carefully examined the proceedings and all the evidence, recommend that the action of King Solomon Lodge, No. 10, in .the matter be. approved andaffinned. In the matter of the action of Frontier Lodge, No. 104, against Bro. HENRY W . CURTIS.

In this case your committee find the record and proceedings are incomplete, and is insufficient for the purpose of reaching a proper judgment, and we therefore recommend that Frontier Lodge, No. 104, be required to send up a full and complete record of the case, together with all the evidence in obedience to Section 41 of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge. In the matter of the action of Western Star Lodge, No. 174, against Bro. PAUL ARNOLD, an Entered Apprentice.

232

Proceedings of Ihe

February

In this matter the accused brother was charged with drunkenness and unmasonic conduct. After a careful consideration and reading of the record we recommend that the proceedings and action of the Lodge in. this behalf be approved and affirmed. In the matter of the appeal of W I L L R . L E E , from the action of Sterling Lodge, No. 171. Your committee find the transcript full and complete, and the proceedings regular and duly authenticated. Your committee find further that the sentence of expulsion as inflicted by the Lodge, is fully sustained by the evidence, and recommend that it be affirmed. In the matter of the appeal of ROBERT S. CARNEY, we find the proceed• ings regular and the sentance of expulsion warranted'liy the testimony. We therefore recommend that it be affirmed. In the matter of the appeal of R. T. WOODDARD, we find the proceedings .regular, but.the transcript is somewhat meagre, and does not show the regularity of the filing of charges and the citation of the accused to appear. But the same is properly verified. T h e evidence fully sustains the findings and the sentence of expulsion, and we therefore recommend that tlic action of the Lodge l:»e affirmed.

• .

All of which if fraternally submitted, JOHN GUTHRIE, • W. D. THOMPSON, D A V I D KELSO, Committee.

The report of the committee was adopted. O F F I C E R S A P P O I N T E D BY G R A N D MASTER. W.-. T H O M A S BURROWS

W.-. W.-. W.-. W.-. W.-.

A. H. ELLIS W I L L I A M JULTEN A. M. SwiT/.ER E . ' L . FOSTER J O H N L . JONES _.

:

'

W.-. F R A N K J. B R O W N '

W.-. H . D. PALMER W.-. F R I T Z MAGERS

Grand Chaplain.

•_.

1

Grand Grand Grand Grand Grand

Senior Junior Senior Junior Sword

Deacon. Deacon. Steward. Steward. Bearer.

Grand Marshal.

•

. G r a n d Pursuivant. Grand Tyler.

' S T E R L I N G LODGE, No. 171.

On motion of Bro. BKOWN, the Charter of Sterling Lodge, No. 171, which was destro.yed by fire, was ordered to be reissued free of charge: Bro. BENNETT, from the Committee on Credentials, made an additional report, which was adopted:

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Grmid Lodge of Kansas.

•

233

C H A R T E R E D LODGES.

Bro. S. M. Fox, from the Committee on Chartered Lodges, submitted the following report, which,,on motion, waS adopted: To the M.-. VV.\ Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your Committee on Chartered .Lodges after having carefully examined the returns submitted to, them, respectfully beg leave to submit the following report: We find the returns of the.following Lodges correct, to wit[: Nos. I, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, lo, i i , 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26, 28, 31, 32, 33, 35, ' 36; 37, 38, 40, 44> 48, 49. .53> 54, 55, 56, 59, 61, 62, 63, 65, 71, 73, 74, 75, 81, 83, 84, 85, 91, 93, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, loi, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 109, I I I , 112, 113, 115, 117, 118; 119, 121, 123, 126, 127, 128, 130, 131, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 142, 143, 144, 145. 150, 151, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 160, 163, 165, .167, 168, 170,171, 173, 174, 175, 180, 182, 183, 184, 186. We are unable to harmonize the returns of the'following I^odgcs wdth their previous reports, without examining said reports for several years past, to wit: Nos. 14, 17, 23, 24, 29, 41, 45, 47, 64, 76, 78, 80, 82, 88, 89,. 90, 92, 94, 120 and 125. The following Lodges have failed to pay their dues, to w i t : 42, 66, 86, 132, 141 and 169.

Nos. 15, 21,

• No returns have been received from the following Lodges to date : Nos. 9, 72, 97, 108, 114, 164, 166 and 179. We find the returns of the following .Lodges incorrect, as follows : Kickaapoo Lodge, No. 4, not signed by the Secretary; High Prairie Lodge, No. 25, not signed by the Worshipful Mastei'; Salina Lodge, No. 60, not signed by the Worshipful Master; Orient Lodge, No. 51, no seal attached; Frankfort Lodge, No. 67, not signed by the Secretary; Hiram Lodge,' No. 68, not signed .by the Wdrshipful Master; Carbondale Lodge, No. 70, not signed by the Worshipful Master and no seal attached; Corinthian Lodge, No. 79, no seal attached; -Adelphi Lodge, No, n o , not signed by Secretary; Godfrey Lodge, No. 124, not signed by the Worshipful Master; Carson Lodge, No. 132, not signed by the Worshipful Master or Secretary; Crescent Lodge, No. 133, no seal attached; Centre Lodge, No. 147, not signed by the Secretary, nor is there anything to indicate the name or number of the Lodge on this return; Thayer Lodge, No; 149, the Worshipful Master's signature is signed per the Treasurer; Robinson Lodge, No. 159, no seal attached ; Prairie Queen Lodge, No. 176, no signature or no seal attached; Russell Lodge, No. 177, no seal attached; Hamlin Lodge, No. 185, no seal attached; Pittsburg Lodge, No. 187, no signature of Secretary or no seal attached; Signal Lodge, No. 141, no seal attached. J.

Your committee consider such carelessness as that above mentioned exceedingly culpable, and deem it best to call the attention-of the direlect offir ccrs thus publicly to these erro'rs. Jt niiist certainly be a source of great an.

234

Proceedings nf^ the

February,

noyance to the Grand Secretary that so many imperfect rSturns are sent in. We deem such errors inexcusable, and would urge upon the Masters of all Subordinate Lodges a careful supervision of all returns. Palestine Lodge, No. 127, at Wellsville, Franklin County, ask that a dispensation be granted them to remove their Lodge, to Edgerton, Johnson County. This action of Palestine Lodge was cember 30, 1880, after due notice had Lodge.V This petition is accompanied liy Lodge, No. 65, the nearest Lodge to the

had at a regular meeting held Debeen given each member in their the unanimous consent of Gardner proposed new location.

After a careful considering of all facts submitted, your committee recommend that their petition be granted. In the case of Nemaha Lodge, No. 13, located at America City, who ask for Dispensation to remove their Lodge. A few of the members desire to locate at Soldier City; a majority, however, consider Havensville the most desirable'place.' From all the facts submitted to us, it is the opinion of your committee that the Lodge can not exist in its present location, and that its removal to Havensville will best promote the. interests of the Craft. We would therefore recommend that the Grand Master, immediately after the close of the Grand Lodge, make an order of removal from America City to Havensville. Fraternally submitted, B. E. LANGDON, . S. M. FOX, • H. C. COOK, Commitlee. •

The M.'.W.'. Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 1:30 P. M.

AFTERNOON

SESSION.

TOPEKA, February 17, 18S1, The M.'.W.'. Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor at 1:30 P.M. Officers and members present as at morning session. MASONIC PROCEDURE. The following written statement and queries were subrnit-

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

235

ted to the Grand Lodge; by Bro. C D. NICHOLS, and, on motion, referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence : A brother is charged with a Masonic offense. The Worshipful Master appoints the time of trial and a committee to take' evidence. The Secretary, in citing the accused brother to trial, informs him that such trial will take place-at the time set by'the committee' for taking the evidence, without reference to the appointment of the Worshipful Ma.ster, and less than ten days from service of citation. In response to the citation, the accused appears specially by counsel and objects to the taking of testimony on account of these irregularities. On this state of facts I respectfully request an answer to the following queries: J^irst—Haye the committee a right to entertain such objection and adjourn without taking evidence? • Second—At an ensuing Communication, when the committee report action and that they have adjourned the taking of evidence, is the Worshipful Master right in declaring that their irregularity was fatal to the charges, and that they must be dismissed and presented again as though no action had been taken upon them? Third—Can the Master, before setting the charges down for trial, pass upon their sufficiency as constituting a Masonic offense without action of the Lodge? Fourth—Is the Junior Warden required, at the request of a suspended member, or from information derived from a profane, to prefer charges against a member of the Lodge? A M E N D M E N T TO BY-LAWS —SUSPENSION F O R D U E S . .

Bro. ELLIS introduced the following, which was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence: Resolved, That Section 44 be amended by adding thereto the following words: Provided, Subordinate Lodges may adopt By-Laws providing for the suspension of all members in arrears for dues for one year, and all proceedings to enforce such By-Laws shall be in conformity with the provisions of this section. .

The Grand Secretary called the attention of the Grand Lodge to a letter recei.ved from JAMES F . LEGGETT, at\d moved its reference to Leavenworth Lodge, No. 2, to inquire into the facts and report upon the merits of the claim for re-instatement. The letter is as follows: ToPEKA, KAN., February 16, 1881 To the M.-. W:. Grand Master and Members of Grand Lodge of Kansas: Some five years ago I was a member of Leavenworth Lodge, No. 2, and my dues had not been paid. I was going to leave the city, and meeting 27

236

Proceedings of Hie

February

W M . HUTCHINSON, who was at that time Master of the Lodge, I gave him the money to pay my dues. He neglected to pay over the money, and after the lapse of a certain time I was suspended for non-payment of dues. I never knew anything of it until after I was suspended. I.visited the Lodge by permission as a suspended member and made the statement. The only reply I received was that I was s.uspended for non-payment of dues. Vexed because they took no notice of my statement, I left the Lodge room, and have never visited that or any other Lodge since. I.understand that, under the rules as laid down by the Grand Lodge, the Lodge to which I belonged require that I must submit to a vote of the Lodge whether I may be returned or not. I desire to submit to the Grand Lodge whether that is Masonic law. W h a t is my status :.s a Mason? What are my relations to Masons? I shall cheerfully bow to whatever decision you may reach. Fraternally yours, JAMES F. L E G G E T T .

Bro. FREEMAN introduced the following foregoing letter:

touching the

Resolved, That this Grand Lodge direct the Leavenworth Lodge to investigate the matter as to whether Bro. JAMES F . LEGGETT paid his delinquent dues to the Worshipful Master of said Lodge; whether said dues, i' paid, were mis-applied, and that said Leavenworth Lodge report its'findings forthwith to the Grand Master, who is hereby clothed with full power to act upon the facts as they appear. INVESTIGATING COMMITTEES.

Bro. ELLIS introduced the following query, which was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence: After a petition for initiation or affiliation has been received by a Lodge and referred to a committee, and remained in the hands of the committee one lunar month, and on failure of the committee to report, may the Lodge discharge such committee and appoint one in its stead with instructions to report forthwith, and, on such report being forthwith filed, may the Lodge take action on the petition the same evening? ORPHANS' FUND.

Bro.

THOMAS M . PIERCE

introduced the following:

Resolved, That a committee of five, composed of Past Masters, be appointed to take into consideration the ways and means of creating an orphans' fund and plan of controlling the same by this Grand J^odge, to report at the next Annual Communication.

The resolution was adopted,

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,

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

237

INSTALLATION.

The list of Grand Officers elect and appointed was then called, and M.-..W.'. Bro. OWEN A. BASSETT, acting as Grand Master, proceeded to duly install the same and conduct them to their lespective stations, as follows: M.-.W.-. WILLIAM, COWGILL R.-.W.'. ALBERT D . MCCONAUGHY R.-.W.-. GEORGE S . G R E E N R.-.W.-. SAMUEL R . PETERS R.-.W.-. CHRISTIAN BECK R.-.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN

' ^

W.-. THOMAS BURROWS

W.-. W.-. W.-. W.-. W.-. W.-. W.-.

A. H. ELLIS WILLIAM JULIEN A. M. SWITZER E. L. FOSTER JOHN L . JONES FRANK. J. BiiowN H. D. PALMER

Grand IVt-ister. Deputy Grand Master Grand Senior Warden Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Chaplain.

•

-.

-• J

W.-.,-FRIT/. MAGERS

Grand Grand Grand Grand Grand Grand Grand

Senior Deacon. Junior Deacon. Senior Steward. Junior Steward. Sword Bearer. Marshal. Pursuivant.

Grand Tyler.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

R.'.W.'. Bro. JOHN H . BROWN, Chairman of the Commit-

tee on Foreign Correspondence, presented report", which was, on motion, adopted : ^

the

following

7^0 the M.\ VV.'. Grand Loiige of Kansas : The undersigned, your Committee on Correspondence, beg leave to submit the following special report on the .recognition of new Grand Lodges. ISLAND-DE-CUHA AND COLON.

Several official documents have been placed in the hands of your committee, from which we glean the following satisfactory information of the final adjustment of all differences heretofore existing on the Island of Cuba and the uniting of the fortunes of the Masonic' Fraternity on the Island. • We therefore offer the resolution appended to this report. NEW SOUTH WALES.

Your committee have carefully examined all the official documents and other papers placed in their hands concerning the formation of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, an applicant for fraternal recognition, and from these documents it appears that this Grand Lodge has been regularly formed by a constitutional number of Subordinate Lodges, the Colony having a local self-government, and we think possessing as much right as any other

238

Proceedings of the

February,

State oiÂť Province to Masonic government. Your committee can see no good reason why recognition should be longer withheld. We therefore offer the resolution appended to this report. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of Kansas hails with much pleasure ' the final adjustment of all differences heretofore existing in the Masonic Fraternity on the Island of Cuba, and cordially extend to the United Grand Lodge of the Island of Cuba arid Colon the right hand of fellowship. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, having fully established a Masonic government in the Colony of New South Wales, the Grand Lodge of Kansas hereby extends to this new Grand Lodge the right hand of Masonic fellowship, and bids her a hearty welcome into .the sisterhood of Grand Lodges. - . GRAND

REPRESENTATIVES.

The credentials of W / . Bro. L. P. MASON, as the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, and M.'.W.". Bro. J. D. MCGLEVERTY, as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico, near the Grand Lodge of Kansas, vi^ere duly presented, and the usual courtesies were extended to the respective Representatives. BOARD O F CUSTODIANS.

W.". Bro. L. p . MASON, of the Board of Custodians, pre- . seated the following report: To the M.\ W.\ Grand Lodge of

Kansas:

The Board o( Custodians beg leave to submit their annual report: They have issued twenty-one certificates to Worshipful Masters of proposed new Lodges. At the last Session of the Grand Lodge the Board appointed M.-.W.-. Bro. E. D. HILI.YER Grand Lecturer. We refer you to his report for information as to the discharge of the duties of his office. On M^y n , nn informal meeting of the Board was held at Fredonia, at which Bros. .MASOX and COWGII.L were present. Business connected with the duties of the Board was then transacted. On November d, on the occasion of the Session of the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory, Bro. MA.SON exemplied the work as authorized and taught in Kansas, and the Board are able to congratulate their brethren of this Jurisdiction on the fact of its adoption by the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory. On November 19th, the Board met at Fredonia, pursuant to a call of the Grand Master. We regret that Bro. GREEN was prevented (rom being present, owing to business engagements.

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.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

239

Bro. GREKN tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the Grand Master, and, on recommendation of the Board, Bro. E. D. H I L L Y E R was appointed to fill the vacancy thus occasioned. Bro. GEO. V,. BULLOCK was appointed Assistant Grand Lecturer. All of which is respectfully submitted, W. C O W G I L L , L. P. MASON, Custodians. .

S T E R L I N G - L O D G E , NO. 171.

The petition of Sterling Lodge, No. 171, was presented, as follows, and on motion the petition was granted: To the M.'. W.\ Grand Lodge of

Kansas:

Whereas, Sterling Lodge, No. 171, located at Sterling, has, during the • past year, suffered the loss, by fire, of all their property, therefore said Lodge respectfully petitions this M.-.W.'. Grand Lodge to refund the dues of said Lodge for the year ending December 31, 1880. W.U.l.A.U.B,'lVorship/ul Master. ,H. L. M I L L A R D , Senior Warden. J. L A R U E , Junior Warden. C O M M I T T E E ON O R P H A N S ' F U N D .

The M.'.W.". Grand Master appointed the following Special- Committee, in compliance with the resolution of Bro. PIERCE, already adopted, relating to the creation of an orphans' fund: Bros. THOMAS M . PIERCE, JOHN GUTHR;IE, S . E . SHELDON, FRANK DRUMMOND and

L. P. MASON.

The resolution of Bro. W O R K on this subject, which had been referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence, was directed to be reported back and re-referred to this committee: MASONIC J U R I S P R U D E N C E .

M.'.W.'. Hro. BASSExr, from 'the Comrnittee on Jurisprudence, made the following report: To the M.-. W.-. Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your Committee on Jurisprudence respectfully report upon portions of the M.'.W.-. Grand Master's Address referred to us: . J^irst—Upon

those

the subject of suspension for non-payment of dues.

In 1875 the M.-.W.-. Grand Master reported his opinion No. 22: " N o one can be deprived of his rights and privileges as a member until by due trial and conviction for some offense charged and sentence has been recorded.

S'lO

^

Proceedings

oj die

•.

February,

and all regulations depriving any of their prerogatives are obnoxious and ought not to be regarded." Proceedings of '.S75, page 34. Upon this the Committee on Jurisprudence for that year reported : " But in view of existing regulations of this Grand Lodge, as found in Section 44 of the By-Laws, we recommend that Decision No. 22 should not be so construed as to apply to members of Lodges suspended for non-payment of dues under provisions of said By-Law." Proceedings of 1875, page 55. Afterwards, at .the same Annual Communication, the same committee, • in their report upon a resolution referred to them, said: " T h a t a Lodge has no right to suspenda member for non-payment of dues by a mere resolution, or by any other action, without due notice; except when the member's residence is unknown; that the law on this subject is full and explicit, as found in Section 41. of the By-Laws; and, if any member has been suspended for non-payment of dues without t h e L o d g e having complied with the provision of said Section 4i,-such suspension was illegal, and the members so suspended should be reinstated." Proceedings of 1875, P^gs 71. ' In 1877 the iVI.-.W.-. Grand Master reported his opinion No. 5 : " I am clearly of the opinion that the correct interpretation of Section ^4, in relation to suspension for non-payment of dues, is that all suspensions for nonpayment of dues must be 'without form or trial' other than the proper notice to be given as prescribed in that section. In all true Masonic trials the Lodge has the choice to either expel, suspend, reprimand or acquit. But if a trial in the true sense was allowable for non-payment of dues, the Lodge could exercise no discretion in regard to the nature or extent of the punishment, for Section 44'says they shall be suspended." Proceedings of 1877, page 21. Upon this the Committee on Jurisprudence for that year reported: " With regard to decision No. 5 we are of the opinion that the idea intended to be conveyed by said decision is in harmony with the former action of this Grand Lodge, as found on pages 55 and 71 of the Proceedings of 1875. But, for the purpose of making the construction of Section 44 of the By-Laws definite and certain as to the manner of proceeding -with brethren who are two years in arrears for dues, we would report that in such cases the brother is in default. If residing in the county where the Lodge is located he shall be personally served with a summons'to be present at a Regular Communication of the Lodge, which summons-should state the date of the Communication, which shall be not less than one month after service of the summons, and shall also state the amount of dues owing by said brother, and a further statement that if he fail to be present and pay said dues he will be suspended from membership in the Lodge in accordance with Section 44 of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. If the brother reside out of the county, and his residence be known, then such summons shall be served by sending the same through the mail, addressed to the brother at the place where he. usually receives his mail, and if one month elapse after the sending of the summons, and the brother fail to appear, then a second summons shall be mailed to him, citing him to appear in not less than one month from that d a t e .

1880-81.

Grand Lodge of Kansas

241

and, if he fail to respond to the second summons, he shall be liable to the penalty of Section 44. If the residence of the brother be unknown, the brother shall be suspended without notice after three months from the time the Lodge shall have ordered the summons to be issued." Proceedings of 1877, page 55. In 1879 the Committee on Jurisprudence, in their report on a proposition for the amendment of Section 44 of the By-Laws referred to them, said : " Y o u r committee are of the opinion that no one, for any cause whatever, should be debarred from all the rights and privileges of the Order without due trial, and a trial can be had only upon specific charges, designating some Masonic offense with such particularity as will inform the accused of what he is charged,-and in what act his omission or commission consists. Any other course would be as dangerous to the rights of the Mason as it would be in a court of law to the liberty of the citizens." Proceedings of 1879,. page 60. • Your committee have cited at length the previous action of this Grand Lodge upon the subject of .suspension for the non-payment of dues, because of the importance of having some definite understanding of the law and the pro.cedure under it. Simplicity in form in the administration of the law is always desirable, and a complex and intricate mode of procedure no longer . cpmmends itself to the intelligent mind.. ' a The Committeeon Jurisprudence in'1877 gave a construction to Section 44 of the By-Laws by stating the proper procedure under it. T h e mode reported is simple and plain, and we see no,reason why it should not be followed in all cases coming within the provisions of that section. It may be that the committee, in its report, was not quite explicit enough in its statement as to what should be the procedure after the summons was served (or mailed), but if that report is.read in connection with the decision then under consideration, it appears clear and well defined that after due notice has been-given " t h a t all suspensions for non-payment of dues must be without form or trial," which we construe to mean that after stimmons.has been served (or mailed, or, in case the residence of the brother is not known,- ordered to be issued ), and the requisite time has elapsed, the suspension is complete by a vote of the Lodge so ordering it, two-thirds of all the members present voting for the suspension (Section 4% Grand Lodge By-Laws). The report of the Committee on Jurisprudence in 1879 '^ not, we think, in conflict with these views, for'the committee therein did not attempt to construe the existing law, but rather pronounced a criticism on it or upon the proposition then under consideration. We are, therefore, of tiie opinion that no additional legislation is either necessary or desirable upon this subject. Seconds—Upon the subject of non-affiliation. It is among our cardinal principles that Masonry is a purely voluntary Institution. He who would behold the beautiful interior of our Mystic Temple must of his own free will and scgord knock at our portals; and

242

Proceedings of tlie

February,

when he has penetrated the myst'eries, and the sublime truths of Masonry have been unfolded to him, if he does not desire to dwell continuously with us, he may depart as he came, and the voluntary character of our Society is maintained and perpetuated. Can we legislate in violation of principle and preserve to ourselves a conscientious regard for that principle? Is the individual of more importance to Masonry than Masonry is to the individual? If this be so, let us disband at once and unite our fortunes with his and reap the greater reward ; but, if this be not so, let us pursue the even tenor of our way; let us enjoy the fruits of. our own labors; let us maintain the honor and integrity of our Institution, and the time will come when our brother, having filled his belly with husks, will, prodigal-like, of his own free will and accord, return unto his kindred, and when he does come we will extend agaiu to him the hand of brotherly love. As coercion and free will are antagonistic, we recommend that there shall not be any legislation on the subject of non-affiliation. Tliird—Upon the subject of a revision of the Constitution and By-Laws. In 1877 the M.-.W.-. Grand Master, under a resolution adopted by this Grand Lodge, appointed a committee, consisting of three Past Grand Masters, to prepare and present at the next Annual Communication a full and complete godification and revision of the Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Regulations, and at the next Annual Communication, on' application of that committee, the committee was continued, to report at the Annual Communication of 1879, since which time nothing has been heard from it. We therefore recommend the discharge of that committee, and the indefinite postponement of the subject|Of the revision of the laws. Your committee further respectfully report upon the orders and commissions issued by the M.-.W.-. Grand Master and referred to us. That we find nothing requiring special consideration except the order dated " J u l y 23, 1880, to Mound City Lodge, No. 33, perpetually staying proceedings in certain cases of advancement applied for." We find the facts in this case to be as follows: First—That one T. J. BAKERVILLK, residing within the jurisdiction of Mound City Lodge, No. 33, petitioned that Lodge for the degrees of Masonry. Second—That the applicant's petition was received and referred to the usual committee for investigation, reported on and the candidate elected to receive the degrees, all in due form and according to usage. - Third— Before the first degree was.conferred it was ascertained " that the mother of the candidate was a slave at the time of his birth; that his father was a free man, and that, by. the local law, his condition followed his mother's, and he was held not to be free-born." Fourth—These facts coming to the knowledge of the M.-.W.-. Grand Master, through a reference of the case to him for his opinion, he decided ."that a person, either'of whose parents was a slave at the time of his birth,

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansa$.

243

is not ellegible to receive the degrees of Masonry," and thereupon the M.-. W.-. Grand Master directed Mound City Lodge, No. 33, not to confer any of the degrees upon the candidate. The qualifications of candidates for the degrees of Masonry, so far as.it is necessary to define them in connection witli the subject under consideration, as we glean them from the ancient regulations are: " T h e y must b e good and true men, free born, of mature and discreet age, no bondmen, no women, no immoral or .scandalous men, but of good report." And it has been held that a slave, or one born in slavery, is disqualified for initiation into the rites of Masonry. Laws and local regulations, it is true, have been from time to time enacted and adopted, enforcing, modifying and explaining these ancient rules, bvit these qualifications were no doubt originally prescribed because of the peculiar nature of the Masonic Institution, wherein all .its members meet as equals, and from its symbolic teachings, and have ahyays existed as landmarks. Your committee considering this subject of more than ordinary importance, do not feel competent to make an intelligent report upon the same, to the end that the law may be established in this jurisdiction for the general government of the Craft, should like cases arrise in the future, without firsthaving an opportunity of examining and more carefully considering the principles involved than can be offered us in the short period allotted for our deliberations here, and because of other matters which claim a large space of our time during this session. We therefore recommend thai the further consideration of this matter be postponed until tlie next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge. Your committee further resj)ectfully report, upon the decisions made by the M.-.W.'. Grand Mastei-, and recommended : That, decisions Nos. 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, ig, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 be approved-. The decision No. I, be approved, but in making this recommendation we desire to say that we distinguish this from the one made in 1877. In that decision the M.'.W.'. Grand .Master said " A non-affiliated Master Mason, is not entitled to receive Masonic burial." In this decision the .M.-.W.'. Grand Master says: " l^.no\\-?^^\\3-\.ii may be given .Masonic burial." T h e distinction i.s Masonic burial t7Lay be given a non-affiliated Master .Mason, but it can not he demanded for him. That decision No. 4, be a]iproved. This is substantially the same.as the decision of 1867, on this subject. This decision was repoi'ted because of a difference of opinion as to what was (he meaning of the. words " Masonic .Month " in the former decision. ^V'e therefoi-e append this explanation. A Ma.sonic month is a lunar month, a mouth of twenty-eight days. That decision No. 3, be disapproved. We are of the opinion that a Worshipful .Master can order and can issue a summons; he can do this when the Lodge is not in "session, and also when the l.odge is assembled and open, z8

244

Proceedings of the

February

and in the presence of the open Lodge without the advice or consent of the Lodge. A Lodge may also order the issuance of a summons under its sea! and hand of its Secretary. That decision No. 6, be disapproved. In 1876 the M.-.W.-.'Grand Master decided " A person Ijlind in one eye can not be made a Mason." Tliat decision was approved by the Grand Lodge, since whicir time there lias Vieen no 'approved recision of that ruling. That decision No. 10, be disapproved. This Grand Lodge gave a con ÂŤ struction to section 44 of the By-Laws in 1877, ^^ hereinbefore stated, and the construction then given to the law on this subject has not been changed. That decision No. 21, lie disapproved. We agree with the first clause of this decision, " T h a t the Worshipful Master is not compelled to take notice of a verbal objection to the advancement of a candidate, made' otuside the Lodge," but we think the law has been better stated in a decision approved in 1872. T h e second clause of this decision, " B u t if the objecting brother be absent, the Worshijjful Master ought in deference to him, delay advancement at least until the next Regular Communication, to afford time for stating a formal objection," is a matter of ethics rather than of law. The last clause, " A brother, if unable to be present, may communicate his objection in writing to the Lodge, and such objection would bar advancement until withdrawn," we think extends the right and effect of an objection too far^ We are of-the opinion that the three approved decisions of 1872, on this subject, preserve to the membei' of the Lodge all the rights they are entitled to. ' T h a t decision No. 26, be disapproved. ing Regulation adopted in 1871.

This is, in conflict with a Stand-

That decision No. 33, be disapjjroved. This is in conflict \\'itb section 24, of the By-Laws, which is so. general in its terms as to embrace'all petitions, whether for affiliation, restoration or for the degrees. Your committee further respectfully report ujjon the several resolutions referred to us: J^irst—Upon the resolution relating to the permanent location of the Grand Lodge : " W H E R E A S , The Masonic Bodies of Topeka have tendered to the Grand Lodge of Masons of the State of Kansas, free of charge, the use of their hall, together with rooms for a library and the use of the Grand Secretary, and a fire-proof vault wherein to deposit the jewels and archives of said Grand Lodge for a period of ten years; therefore. Resolved, That the ensuing session of this Grand Lodge be held in the city of Topeka, and that before such session a proposition to amend the ByLaws of the Grand Lodge by fixing and locating the Annual Communicar tion at Topeka, for a period of ten years from this date, shall be submitted to the Subordinate Lodges for adoption; be it also Resolved, That hereafter the Grand Secretary shall be a resident of the place -where the Grand Lpcjge is located,''

"88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

24')

Wc are not informed as to the offer of the Masonic Bodies at Topeka referred to in the preamble to this resolution, as no papers have been submitted to us showing in what form the offer is made or by whom, and recognizing that property rights even among Masonic Bodies are governed by the laws of the land, we can.not recommend any action looking to an acceptance of the proposition tendered without knowledgeof its conditions. That the first clause of the''resolutioii designating the place where the next Annual Communication shall be held, is in conflict with section i of the By-Laws, which j^i-nvides the manner of determining the place, and we have not reported any resolution as an ameiiflment to existing laws, by which this Grand Lodge may be pernianently located, or located for any definite period at any particular place, for wc do not understand that we were by this reference instructed so to do. That it is not competent for^ihe Grand Lodge to say where its Grand Secretary shall reside; the location of his office may be fixed, but the Grand Lodge can not control his place of residence. . We therefore recommend the rejection of the resolution. Second— Upon the resolution offei'ed by Bro. W O R K ; ^'•Resolved, That the Grand Lodge hereby instruct the Grand Secretary, when issuing his annual circular of instructions to Lodges, to include in the same the following request: That each Subordinate Lodge within this Grand Jurisdiction shall include in their returns a sum equal to ten cents per capita for each member borne on the rolls of said Lodge, at the date of making the annual returns, for the purpose of creating a Widows' and Orphans' Fund, said fund to be held by the Grand Lodge until such time as the Grand Lodge may deem it necessary to order it otherwise." We have examined this resolution, antl \\'e are of the opinion that this subject matter is A\'ithin the scope of the powers of the Grand f.odge to deal with it as may appear best for the good of Masonry. Third—Upon the resolution offered by Bro. GAISDIS, We ha\"e examined this resolution; there is nothing in it requiring any "opinion except upon its merits, and this can be best given" by direct vote in the Grand Lodge. We therefore make no recommendation. Fourth — Upon the resolution offered by Bro. ELLIS :• "Resolved, That Section 44 be-amended by adding thereto the following words : Provided, Subordinate Lodges may adopt By-Laws providing for the suspiension of all members in arrears for dues for one year, and all proceedings to enforce such By-Laws shall be in conformity with the provisions of this section." This proposition authorizing Lodges to adopt By-Laws, providing that the penalty of suspension shall be applicable to any one who may be but one year in arrears for dues, we do not approve. It is wholly a question however, of policy which the Grand Lodge must deal with. We consider the present law as sufificiently severe in its provisions, and we recommend the re jection of the resolution.

246

Proceedings of

tiie

.

February,

Your committee further respectfully report upon the several questions referred to us for answer : First—Can an Entered Apprentice object to the initiation of a candidate? We answer, No. No one can object who has not the right to ballot. Second—Can a member t>f a Lodge less than two years in arrears for dues be suspended for non-payment of dues? We answer. No. Make your Lodges what they should be, and this subject- will not appear in so many forms. Third—From the consideration of the special case presented we ask to be discharged. Masonic proce<lure' for the trial of causes inay be illustrated *l>y special cases based upon assumed facts, but this method of arriving at a proper administration of the law is too cumbersome, and leads to too much circumlocution to i-ender it-prolitable. Fourth — Can a Committee of Investigation, to whom has been referred a petition for the degrees, or for restoration,^or for affiliation, \\'hich has failed to report on or before the expiration of one month, be discharged and another committee appointed ? We answer. Yes. Can. the second committee he instructed to report forthwith? We answer. No. For every such committee • is entitlefl to have a reasonable time to make a full investigation, and one month is by usage considered a reasonable time Vvithin which to perform this duty. But any Committee of Investigation may report as soon as it is fully satisfied in regard'to the mental, moral and physical qualifications of the petitioner, and such I'cport may Ije acted on .as soon as it is made; provided^ one iHQOnth has inter^'encd from the time the petition was received by the I.odgo. All of which is submitted, O W E N A. BASSETT, S A M U E L R. P E T E R S , Committee.

On motion of Bro. COCHRAN, the resolution to amend Section 23 of the By-Laws, relating to the fees for conferring degrees, was indefinitely postponed. Without further considering the report of Bro. BASSETT, the M.'.W.'. Grand Lodge was. called from labor to refreshment until 7 p. M.

'S8c-i-

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

EVENING

'

247

SESSION,

ToPEKA, February 17, 1881. The. M.'. VV.'. Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor at 7 p. M. The newly installed Grand Officers were in their respective stations. The consideration of the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence was renewed. Bto. E L L I S moved fhat the report be considered in sections, which motion was agreed to. The recommendation of the committee that the resolution to amend Section 44 of the By; Laws, so as to provide for the suspension of members in arrears for dues one year, was first considered. Bro. D E W I T T moved that the recommendation be adopted. Tile motion did not prevail. ,The other sections of the report were read and adopted, and the report, as amended, was adopted. The resolution of Bro. E L L I S was then taken up and agreed to, and ordered to be referred to the Subordinate Lodges for approval.. • . The M.'.W.'. Grand Master then ordered the list of standing committees to be called, and there appeared to be no business undisposed of by the committees, or any further reports to be made. Bro. B. F. EVANS offered the following resolution, which was, on motion, unanimously adopteii: Resohed^ That the thanks of lhi.s Grand ^Lo.dge lie and are hereby cordially and fraternally tendered to our retirinij Grand Master, Hro. JOSEPH D. MCCLEVERTY, for Ihe very faithful and impanial manner in which he has performed the duties of the office of .Grand Master during the past sixteen monlhs.

248

l^'ebruary,

FroceidiiKjn of the COMMITTEES A P P O I N T E D .

The M •. VV.'. Grand Master announced appointments of committees: On Correspondence—R.-.W.-.

tlie following,'

JoilN M. liROWN, R.-.W.-. A. D. McOoN-

AUGHY and M.-.W.-. J O H N G U T H R I E .

Board of Censors — WiLLiAM CowciLL, GEO. S. GREEN and SAMUEL R . PETERS. Advisory

Board—A.

M. CALLAHAM, L . P. MASON and JACOB D E W I T T .

No further business appearing, the Grand Lodgre of the State of Kansas was closed in AMPLE FOKM after prayer by the

Grand Chaplain. WILLIAM

I

COWGILL. Grand

Master.

ATTEST :

\J

Grand

Secietary.

t, ^- C i J ^ — ^ - ^

STATISTICAL TABLES.

^•>\.i^w^^<-"^

=5 26 27 28 29 3> 32 33 35 36

•=4

.=3

No,

Smithton. Leavenworth Wyandotte. Kickapop . Washington Lawrence'-' Union . . . Rising S u n t Acacia . . . King Solomon Jewel , . . Kmporia . . Nemaha . . Oskaloosa . G r e a t Be^nd Lafayette . Topeka . . Franklin . . Ulathe . . . Circleville . VaUev Falls Olivef . . . Palmyra . . Osage Valley High Prairie Longton . . Neosho . . Eldora . . . Pacific . . . Arcana . . Auburn . . M o u n d City Hiawatha Council G r o v e

LODGES.

CHARTKRED.

WHKN

Highland . . . J u l y . 1856. , J u l y 14, 1856, Leavenvi^orth Wyandotte . . . . O c t o b e r 20, 1856. R o u n d Prairie . . . . J u l y 14, 1856. Atchison | J u l y 14. 1856. Lawrence J u l y 14; 1856. J u n c t i o n City . October 20, 1857. F o r t Scott . . . M a r c h 4, 1878. Lawrence . . . O c t o b e r 17, 1S73, Leavenworth . O c t o b e r 18, 1858, J e w e l City . . . O c t o b e r 22, 1874 Fmporia . . . . D e c e m b e r 21, '64, America City . O c t o b e r 16, J867 Oskaloosa . . . O c t o b e r 18, 1858 G r e a t Bend . . October 22, 1874 Manhattan . . . O c t o b e r i8, 1859, Topeka . . . . O c t o b e r 13, 1857, D e c e m b e r 20, '64 Ottawa O c t o b e r iS, 1859, Olathe . . . . O c t o b e r 17, 1866 Circleville . . . O c t o b e r 18, 1859. Valley Falls . . O c t o b e r 22, 1874 Melvern . . . . O c t o b e r 18, 1859, Baldwin C i t y . O c t o b e r 18, 1865 Ossawatomie . . October 15, 1859. High Prairie . O c t o b e r 22, 1874 Longton . . . . October 18, 1865, LeroyO c t o b e r 17, T86O. Mapleton . . . O c t o b e r 17, i860. Humboldt . . , October 17, i860. Doniphan . . . O c t o b e r 17, i860, Auburn . . . . October 17, i860, M o u n d City . . O c t o b e r 16,1861 Hiawatha . . . O c t o b e r 12, 1862, Council G r o v e

LOCATION.

•

•

s-

3 2

3 • 2

I

I 2

3 7 7

I

2

"I

I

3

I

2

I

2

Z

I t

I I

I

I

2

2

2

2

4

2

1

I

2

5

2

6

4

7 I

12

6

II

10

5

6 I 2

2 I

c

•d

3 4

J

• ^

2

3

3 5 I I

I

1

r

2

1

2

2 5 2 I

I

I

2

6 9

3 4 3 S 5

6 .44 S 6

4 5

17

19

2

9 6

2 12

5'

7

5 I 11

6 4

•3

5 4

10

3

II

I

'3

2

13

'4

4

I

4

6 5

4

5.

5

< .1

12

i 14

12

1 •§

2

10

'a

V

10

4

6

2

7

I

4

5

5

I

Ed

C/5

V

a K

3

Q.

S u

TJ

7'

34 40 104

48 45

22

=3 27

IS 18

28 37

104 70

46 45 =4 39

27 22

17 23

37 "4

%

69 82 27

30 60

190

23 150 •135 59 •37 77 99 •36 97 33 50 103 59

73 «9

105 62 106

36 99 33 54

137 81 104

=3 •57 '37 66

50 ••3 lOI

V

u B

Synopsis of Returns of Subordinate Lodges for the Year Ending- December 31,1880.

QO 50 50 00 50 50 00 50 00 50 SO 00 50 00

50 50 50 so 50

00 00 SO 50 ' 00

50 50 00 00 50. 00 50 00

35 oo-

II 13 11 23 32 12 19 S2

8 so

18 48 16 25 5> 29 95 31 41 '3 =9 14 18 7

67 29 68 38 49

'24 56 50 11 75

a-

Paola . . . lola . . . , Seneca . . De Soto . . Blooming Or Holton . . .Delphian . Easton . . Xenia . . . Monrovia Nine Mile Orient . . Grenada . . Shawnee . Troy . . . Spring Hill Coyville'-' . Mt. Pleasan Dick Rees SaUna . . . LaCygne . Ridgeway Adams . . Wathena . Gardner Burlington Frankfort , Hiram . . Carbondale Baxter . . Huron . . Chetopa . .. Mystic Tie Warn ego . Erie . .• . White Clou Corinthian Zeredatha New Albany Tuscan . Doric . . Jefferson Sutton . . Evergreen Eureka . Home. .

Paola Tola Seneca De'Soto Trading Post . . Holton . . . ' . . Garnett Easton . . . . . Xenia . . . . . . . Effingham . . . . Lansing . . . . Topeka Wetmore . . . • Shawnee . . . . Troy . . Spring Hill , . . . Coyville . . . . Mt. Pleasant . . Hoge Salina LaCygne . . . . Ridgeway . . . Oswego . . . -. . Wathena . . . . Gardner ; . . . BurHngton . . . Frankfort . . . . Leavenworth . . Carbondale . , . Ba?;ter Springs .' Huron . . . . . . Chetopa . . . . Augusta . . , '• . Wamego . . . . Erie White Cloud . . Burlingame . . , Cottonwood Falls New Albany ; . Neosho Falls . . Eudora Jefferson . . . . Waterville . . . Montana . . . . Pleasanton . . . Centralia . . . . October October October October October October October October CJctober October October October October October October

October 21, '62. October 20, '63. October 18, '76. October 20, 63December 20, '64, October 20, 63. October iS. 65. December 30JV'f4 October 17, 66. October 17, 66. October 17, 66. October 16, 67. October 17, 67. October 16", 67. October 16, 67. October 16, 67. October 17, 67. October 17, 67. October 17, 67 October 20, 7 0 . October 20, October 22, 7 4 September 20,74 October 21, o, '61 October 21, 6i October 21, October iS, October 21. Octocer 20, October 21, 33 ^o 89 43

32 23 24 152 3-

3 4

2 1

14 0 12 so 29 25

39 34 33

25

37 36 45

=9 . 49 •

3" 03 30

29 15 31 15 14 24 18 18 22 12 19 17 16

00 50 50 00 5° 50 so 00 50 so so 00 50

CO 50 00 00 50

58 ,

41

38

39 32

48

27 26

'4 9b

20 14 16 82 59

45

Sq

28

33

13 82 63 18 31 22 22 152

24 19 16 19 20

30 GO 19 50 . 7 00 6 50 41 QO 3" 50 9 00 15 50 11 00 II 00 76 00 16 50 14 00 44 50 22 50 10 00 7 CO 8 00 41.00 29 50 • 7 00 48 00 13 59

60

39 'i

46 so

93

K> V\ 1—'

Ca

n

?J

~"

0

H a..

a-

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?

00

«i5 116 117 fi8 119 120 121 123 124 '25

114

"3

no

100 lOI 102 103 104 105 106 •107 108 109

98 99

90 91 92 93 94 95 96

No.

LODGE.

Americus , . A d e l p h i ,. . Hesperian , Blue Valley . St. J o h n . . Advance''' . . Excelsior-f . Muscotah . . .Parsons . , . Altoona| . . Cherokee . . Halcyon . . Woodson ; . Liberty'^ . . Godfrey . . C a w k c r City

Zion t . - • •

Golden K a l e Marysville . . Mission . . . Girard . . . . Harmony . . CLnstcllation Delaware . . Patmos . . . Benevolent . Wichita . . . Prudence . . Euclid . . . Keystone . . Cedar . . . Frontier . . Solomon City Fidelity . . . Fortitude . .

N A M E OF

North Topeka . Marysville . . . Osage Mission . Girard Neodesha . . . . Fredonia . . . . White Church . Eldorado . . . . Abilene Wichita Columbus . . . . Lyndon Coffeyville . . '. Chanute . . . . Washington . . . Solomon C i t y . . Eureka Independence . Stanton Americus . . . . Winfield Rossville . . . . Irving Concordia . . Florence . . . , . Uniontown . , . Muscotah . . . . Parsons 'Altoona Cherokee . . . • . Peabody . . . ' . Toronto Liberty Godfrey . . . . C a w k c r City . .

LOCATION.

, : , , , . ,

October 2 0 , 7° October 2 0 , '70 O c t o b e r 2 0 , 70 O c t o b e r 2 0 , 70 O c t o b e r 2 0 , 70 October 2 0 , 70 October 2 0 , 70 October 2 0 , 70 O c t o b e r ' 9 . 71 O c t o b e r 19, 71October October 19. 7>October 19. TO c t o b e r 19. 7'O c t o b e r •9. 71October '9. 71. O c t o b e r ' 9 . 7"O c t o b e r •9. 71October 19. 7"October ' 9 . 7 1 O c t o b e r 2 1 , 75October ' 7 . 72. October 17, 72. O c t o b e r •7. 72October 17. 72October 17. 72. O c t o b e r 17. 72. O c t o b e r 17. 72. O c t o b s r 17, 72. October 16, 76. October '7, 72. October 17. 72. October 17. ' 72. (October •7. , 72. October 17, 7 2 . •7. ' 72-

CHARTERED.

WHEN

SYNOPSIS OF RETURNS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES—Con^'ftued.

52

46

32

35 55

123 24

36

31

63

23 74 25

6

42 30 134

39 36

62 31 52

66 64 96

SI 80 46 70 20

49

24 34 55 32 •4 21 46

121

3' 35

42 30 134 6 =3 74 25

96 61 3' 5= 39 36

60

63

20

7°

46

00 CO 00 00 SO 00 00 50 50 00 50 00 00 00 00

15 17 60 12 17 27 16 7 10 23

50 so 50 00 00 50 00 CO so 00

9 50 30 so

11 50 37 00 12 50

3 op '

40 23 35 10 3' 30 48 30 15 26 19 18 21 IS 67

25 s°

$26 00 34 00

:&!!= = .

IllM

O^

to

»73

168 169 170 J7I

166

.63

'57 158 159 160 161 162 163 164

•ii

141 142 143 144 145 146 147 149 150 151 153 154 155

139 140

133 '34 135 i.;u 137 .38

J27 128

Sterling . . . Mcpherson . Belle Plaine .

Jda . . . . .

Meredian . Palestine . Ottawa . . Belleville . Polar S t a r Equity . , . Carson . . . Crescent . Clay C e n t e r Lenexa . . Vesper . . . Cherryvale Pomona . . Sedgwick . Reno . . . Signal . . . Newton . . Minneapolis Gilead . . . Mt. V e r n o n , Ellsworth . Center . . Tha;/er . . , Wellington , Douglas . . Caio . . . . Lincoln . . . Hope . . . Dexter . . . Haven . . , 'Active . ; . Robinson . . Saqui . Alma . , . . Sabetha . . . Greenwood . Cedarvale . Oxford . . . Farmer's . . Larned . . . Parkerville . Blue R a p i d s

Cherryvale . . Pomona . . . . S e d g w i c k C'ity Hutchinson . . Osage City .• . Newton . . . . Minneapolis . . Y a l e s City . . Beloit . . . . , Ellsworth . .' . Marion C e n t e r Thayer . . . . Wellington . . Douglas . . . Cato Lincoln C e n t e r H o w a r d City . Dexter . . . . South Haven , Atchison . . . Robinson . . . O s b o r n e City . Alma Sabetha . . . . Charleston . . Cedarvale . . Oxford May Day . . . Earned . . . . Parkerville . . Blue R a p i d s . Ida Sterling . . . . McPherson . . Belle Plaine . .

Sedan

Elk Falls . . . Wellsville , . . Ottawa . . . . Belleville . . . Netawaka . . Fontana . . . . Elk City . . . A r k City . . . Clay C e n t e r . Lenexa . . . .

, , , , , . . .

,

, , , ,

October 17 O c t o b e r 17 October 17 October i , O c t o b e r 17 October 17. October 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, October Hi, October i6, O c t o b e r 16, O c t o b e r 16, O c t o b e r 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, October J 6 , October 22, O c t o b e r 22, O c t o b e r 22, October 22, October 2rj October 22, October 22, October October 22, October 2i_ October 21, October 21, October 21, October 21, October 21, < ctober 21, October 18, October 18, October 18, October iS, October 18, October 18, October 18, October 18, October 18, October 18, 7 3

4

10

2

8

I

9 5

3

9 4

14

3 7 9

2 I

•

38 74 35

18

'3

82 25

82 25 13 18

38 74 35

44

44

24

18

39 '8

41 32 41 28 31 29 .

42 24

41 32 41 27 31 28

34

39

34

30

43-

58 30

58

40 25

«5 45 40 25

67 46

39 90 72 41

39 90 72 41

32 127

9 00 19" 00 37 CO 17 50

6 50

41 00 12 50

22 00

20-50 16 00 20 50 13 50 15 50 14 00 19 00 9 00 21 0 0 12 00

iy 00

50 50 00 50 50 00 00 50 50 50 00 SO 00 00

20 18 16 63 19 45 36 20 32 22 20 12 29 15

57 41

32 129

28 so

29

57 43 37

37.

53 76

00 CO 5° 00 50 50 00 50 00 50

29

60 13 21 32

16 9 41 30 6 10 16 26 38 14

53 76

13 21 32 .

32 18

83'

32 18

83 60

to

1^

192 193 194 ^95 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203

I go

183 184 185 186 187

174 »75 176. 177 178 179 180

No

Smith Center . Kirwin . . . . Clyde Russell . . . . Burr Uak . . . Kingsly . . . ' . Louisburg . . . Twin Falls . . . ' Burrton . . . . Gayiord . . . . Phillipsburg . . Hamlin . . . . Oberlin . . . . New Pittsburg Onaga . . . . : Stockton . . . . Tonganoxie . , Sidney Lyon . . . . . . Hartford . . . Gale Hays City . MadisQn . . Canton . . Delhi . . . Norton . . Anthony . . Mulvane .". Delphos . . Caldwell . . Lcota . . .

October 18, ' October 17, ' October 17, October 17, October .16, October 16, Uctober 16, October 16, lictober 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, October 16, February 17, February 17, February 17, Febiuary 17, February 17, February 17, February 17, February 17, February 17, February 16, February 16, February 16, February 16, February 16, February 16, February 16,

CHARTERED.

WHEN

•

10

9 5 8 5 II

2 2

2

2

u

'

XJ

'

2

I

I I

I

2

11 I

41

19 38 21 16 28 20 32 '9 34 23 20 12 22 17 22 •7 17 21 i3 18

17 28

26

29

16

16

45 22

32

32

.

I

2

3

2

•

•

^K "=

19 38 21 16 28 20 32 19 33 23 20 II 22 17 22 •7 17 21 18 18

17 28

24

29

16

16

22

39 32 1.29 45

If, u - o 1V. a

! 1! 1j..

. -c

1 ^-^

s

f Consolidated with Bourbon, taking the Number.

, 2

.5

4 3

2

6

3

II

13

2

3 8 3 5 3 7

II

3 6 3 •8

s

•^

•-d u

4 7 4 7 6 3 4 3

10

5

II

3 14

4 15

2

5 7 4 8 5 3

4

5

3 6 II

2 2

2 2

7 10

4

4 3 4 9

II

a.

•6 u

6

13

• 'S

TJ u rt

* The Charter of this Lodge has twice been destroyed by fire.

Western Star . . Kirwin • Prairie Queen . . Russell . . . . . . Burr Oak . . . . Mt. Moriah . . . Louisburg . . . •. Olive Burrton . • . . •.'. Gayiord . . . . . Phillipsbnrg . . . Hamlin Mountain Slope . Pittsburg . . . . Onaga . . '. . . . Newahcaubn . . "Henri Walnut Valley . . Lyon Hartford . . , . Galena Hays Madison ; . . . . Canton . . . . Blue Hill . . . . Norton Anthony Mulvane Delphos .•. . . . Sumner Leota . . . . . .

LODGE.

<u X

•c

•6 i>

1

SYNOPSIS OF RETURNS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES—Continuecf.

CiO

I

?

Keen 4^

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

SUMMARY OF LODGES M A K I N G R E T U R N S FOR T H E I D E C E M B E R 21, 1880.

255

ENDING

Number of Lodges working under Charters last year ^ 173 Number of Lodges whose Charters have been revoked last year Number of Lodges whose Charters ha've been surrendered Number of Lodges receiving Charters this year , .17 Number of Lodges working under Charters coming year 190 Number of Lodges who failed to make returns for 1880 4 Number of Lodges making returns but paid no dues 20 Numbft initiated during the past year 862 Number passed during the past year 7°3 Number raised during the past year 669 Number admitted during the past year 722 Number dimitted during the past year : 540 Number reinstated during the.past year 97 Number died during the past year : no Number suspended for non-payment dues during the present year. . 160 Number suspended for unmasonic conduct during the present year 10 Number expelled during the present year 14 Number of members reported to December 30, 1880 ; 81562 Number of members reported to October 30, 1879 ^ 7>443 Number of members gained over last year 1,119 Number of members exempt from paying dues for 1S80 137 Number of members chargable with dues 8,425 Amount Grand Lodge dues reported to December 31, 1880 $4,212 50

256

Proceedings of the

'

February,

SUSPiENDED FOR N O N - P A Y M E N T O F DUES. No

LODGE.

LOCATION.

2 Leavenwnrth- ..Leavenworth Leavenworth 2 Leavenworth Leavenworth 2 Leavenworth 2 Leavenworth _. Leavenworth Leavenworth 2 Leavenworth lO King Solomon-. Leavenworth lO King Solomon.. Leavenworth ID King Solomon Leavenworth ID King Solomon.. Leavenworth lO King Solomon.. Leavenworth 12 Emporia Emporia 12 Emporia Emporia 12 Emporia Emporia 12 Emporia Emporia Great BendIS Great Bend 16 Lafayette Manhattan

NA*IE.

DATE.

Joseph Harrop May 5, 1880. B. S. Richards May 5, W. T. Wood May 5, R. B. Partridge May .5, J. T. C. Willman May 5 Thos. P. Gable Feb. 6, T. A. Hurd Feb. 6, David Crusuis July '6, James W. English July ' 6 , " Godfrey F. M i l l e r . . Aug. 6, " Almerin Gillett Jan. 4, " Tj_G. H u n t Sep. 3, •' P. A. Bishop .Sep. 3, " W. A. Williams, Sep. 3, " Lewis Stewart Sep. 12, 1879.. S. B. Edelblute Mar. 5, 1880. i6 Lafayette Manhattan \V. A. Ensign Mar. 5, " i6 Lafayette Manhattan Wm. Reaser Mar. 5, " i6 Lafayette: '. Manhattan S. P. Voorhees ..^ Apr. 16, " i6 Lafayette Manhattan Fred. Blythe Apr. 16, " i6 Lafayette Manhattan H. C. Crawford Jan. 4, *' i6 Lafayette L Manhattan A. D. Goodwin Jan. 16, " i8 Franklin Ottawa J. W. Benduse Oct. if " iS Franklin Ottawa A. M. Cunningham Oct. i, " Ossawatomie A. J. White • Dec. 2, " 24 Osage Valley Ossawatomie Lewis Phinice Dec. 2, " .24 Osage Valley Ossawatomie L. Hendrickson Dec. 2, " 24 Osage Valley James A. Burks Dec. 2, " 24 Osage Valley. „ Ossawatomie Ossawatomie VV. H. Boucher Dec. 2, " 24 Osage Valley Ossawatomie T. W. Stebbins Dec. 2, " 24 Osage Valley Mapletou VV. E. Myrick '_ May 22, " 28 Eldora Mapleton A. C. Smith May 22, " 28 Eldora 28 Eldora Mapleton J. S. Wilson May 22, •' -.' 28 Eldora Mapleton ' M. T. Hudson May 22, " Humboldt A. L. Dornburgli Feb. 7, " 29 Pacific Humboldt W. A. Graves Feb. 7, " 29 Pacific E. A. Gleason l.J Feb. 7, " V Humboldt 29 Pacific Humboldt J. F. Dogenbert Feb. 7, '" 29 Pacific Humboldt J. R. Washburn Feb. 7, " 29 Pacific Humboldt George Marshall Feb. 7, •' 29 Pacific Humboldt Watson Stewart Dec. 7, " 29 Pacific Humboldt ^-T. S. Washburn Dec. 7, " 29 Pacific Humboldt J. O. Hattenstein Dec. 7, " 29 Pacific Humboldt J. VV, Barr Dec. 7, " 29 Pacific Paola J. Clayton Dec. 15, 1879. 1: 37 Paola Paola Dall G i l L -. Dec. 15, " 37 Paola Paola W. B. G u p t i l . . ,. Jan. 25, 1S80. 37 Paola Seneca ._ J. A. Anios .'_ Oct. 5, 187S. 39 Seneca July.17, iSSo. 41 Blooming Grove Blooming Grove R. C. Splawn July 17, " 41 Blooming Grove Blooming Grove Morris Howard July ' 7 , " 41 Blooming Grove Blooming Grove O. M. Rogers Blooming Grove Blooming Grove J. W. Davis ... July 17, " 4'

Gratid Lodge of Kansas.

i88o-i

257

S U S P E N D E D L I S T — Continued.

No

LODGE.

• 54 Shawnee 54 Shawnee 54 Shawnee 6o Salina .1 6o Salina 6o Salina 6o Salina 6o Salina 6i La Cygne 6i La Cygne 6i La Cygne 6i La Cygne 6i La Cygne 64 Wathena 64 Wathena 73 Chetopa ^ 73 Chetopa 74 Mystic Tie 74 Mystic Tic 74 Mystic Tie 74 Mystic Tie S5 Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton ; • 85Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 1 88 Eureka 90 Golden Rule 9Z Girard 93 Girard .. 59 Constellation. 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence -. 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 100 Prudence 101 Euclid 104 Frontier 109 Americus 109 Americus 109 Americus 113 St. John 113 St. John i ' 5 Excelsior 127 Palestine 131 Equity W2. Carson '

LOCATION.

NAME.

Shawnee Simon Colin Shawnee Will. G. Hamilton Shawnee Wm. L.,White Salina C. F . Healey Salina A. J. Bennett Salina James T. Marlin__ Salina E. T. Hill Salina S. H. Williams __. La Cygne W. S: Gray_..J La Cygne S. H. Hunt La Cygne J. S. Lane La Cygne 1 H. Robinson La Cygne Scott Shattuck Wathena : W. H. Ellsworth,-, Wathena W. H. Smallwood Chetopa Z. J. Campbell Chetopa J. W. Owens Augusta W. L. Pratt Augusta W. R. Carlton Augusta C. A. Stone Augusta M. J. Skinner Waterville Ed. A. Berry Waterville G. M. Lewis Waterville W. P. Mudgett Waterville W. H. Haskell ___: Waterville Lewis Kurth Waterville Robert L. White _. Waterville Lewis Pendleton _ Pleasanton Charles Barrick North Topeka H. Cannon Girard '. Allen McCray Girard Charles Pfeiffer Fredonia _^ J..H. Dugan Columbus J. H. Jenness Columbus R. E. Patterson Columbus J. F. Hitchcock __. Columbus.I W. H. Hitchcock.. J. E. McDowell __. Columbus W. B. McCormack . Columbus Columbus W. H . Stiner _. Bolumbus John Kirby Lyndon E. B. F'enn Washington John W. Cooper Americus H. L. Carpenter Americus W. C. Gause Americus George W. Ricker . Concordia D. T. Vataw Concordia Henry Patrick Union town Thomas Willett —. Wellsville John Bruner Fontana G. W. Robinson ._. Elk Cily - Johnson Whiles

DATE.

July 21, \i [uly 21, july2i, Sep. IS, Sep. 15, Sep. 15, Sep. 15, Sep. IS, Dec. 18, Dec. 18, ' Dec. 18, ' Dec. 18, ' Dec. 18, ' May 8, ' May 22, • ' May 29, ' May 29, ' Jan. ,1, Jan. I, ' Jan. I, Jan. I, May I, ' May I, May I, ' Nov. 20, .' Nov. 20, ' Nov. 20, ' Nov. 20, ' Aug. 7, ' Mar. 25, ' Dec. 27, ' Dec. 27, ' Jan. 7, ' Sep. 7, ' Sep. 7, ' Sep. 7, ' Sep. 7, ' Sep. 7, • ' Sep. 7, ' Sep. 7, ' Sep. 7, , .' J«'y 31. ' Nov. 13, ' Dec. 25, ' Dec. 25, ' Dec. 2S, ' Apr. 16, ' Apr. 16, ' Sep. 18, ' Dec. 13, ' Feb. 14, ' Jan. 24, '

SUSPENDED

No

February,

Proceedings of the

258

LODGE.

132 C a r s o n 132 C a r s o n 137 C h e r r y v a l e . _ 140 R e n o 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n 142 N e w t o n '43 Minneapolis143 M i n n e a p o l i s • 143 M i n n e a p o l i s 145 M t . V e r n o n 154 L i n c o l n 154 L i n c o l n 154 L i n c o l n •54 L i n c o l n 154 L i n c o l n '57 Hope 160 S a q u i 160 S a q u i 160 S a q u i 167 L a r n e d 167 L a r n e d 171 S t e r l i n g 171 S t e r l i n g 171 S t e r l i n g

LOCATION.

l.lSr

—

Conlinued.

NAME.

Elk City C. T . P l o t n e r J. B. C r a i g E l k City Cherryvale-; G i d e o n Niijh D. W. Flick Hutchinson Newton H. H. Torbet Newton J. V . H a m p t o n J . C. W o o d Newton Newton T . J . Griffith . . _ _ _ _ . J . B. W i l b a r Newton Newton E . C. B r o o k s ... Newton G. W . L o n g Newton L_ T . C. C u t l e r Newton; A. W . P a r k h u r s t — Newton G. F . R o g e r s ! Newton E . A. K l e e b e r g e r _ . Newton ;_ J . K i t c h i n g Minneapolis S. P . C o r n i n g D. Linderman Minneapolis W. H. Stockwell — Minneapolis Beloit H . C. B a n c r o f t . Lincoln Center W. M. Chitrestr Lincoln Center _ H . Naylor Lincoln Center E. F . Parker L i n c o l n C e n t e r W . C. R a c k e r b y Lincoln Center J o h n W e b b Howard W . M. V i n s o n Osborn C. F . Bliss L. H. Vantine Osborn J a m e s C. P a y n e Osborn Ferdinand Hascher Larned W . C. T o m p k i n s Larned Sterling Norman Reed A. J . H u l i n g 'Sterling Sterling 1_ E n o c h - T a y l o r

DATE.

J a n . 24, 1880. J a n . 24, " April 17, " O c t . 2, 1879. Dec. I I , 1880. Dec. I I , " Dec. I I , " Dec. I I , " Dec. II, " Dec. I I , " Dec. II, " Dec. I I , " Dec. I I , " Dec. II, " Dec. I I , " Dec. I I , " D e c . 22, " J a n . 16, " S e p . 10, " • Oct. 18, " Sep. I I , " Sep. I I , " S e p . 11, " S e p . I I , • •' Sep. I I , '• O c t . 5, N o v . 25, " N o v . 25, " N o v . 25, " F e b . 4,' F e b . 4, " D e c . 18, 1879. D e c . 18, " D e c . 18, "

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

i88o-i.

259

S U S P E N D E D FOR UNMASONIC CONDUCT. No

LODGE.

38 l o l a

63 A d a m s 95 (^Constellation ^ ioo| P r u d e n c e 100 P r u d e n c e 117 Parsons 156 Vesper 156 V e s p e r 157 M a v e n 162 A l m a

LOCATION.

Tola Oswego F r e d o n i a ._, Columbus..-. Columbus — Parsons Sedan Sedan H o w a r d _._ Alma

NAME.

J. L . B r o w n J o h n SanfordA l b e r t V,. S m i t h __ W . PL T i m b e r l a k c } . S. W i n c e n t W m . B. Blair A. P. H u n t [. F . H a m m e r : Q. A. H a l e Fred W. Kroneke.

DATE.

M a r . 25. 1880 Oct. 2, l! Sep. 8, l! F e b . 5- I S e p . 22, 18S0. Mar. 20, 1880. D e c . 11, 1880. May 22 1880. J u n e 12, 1880.

EXPELLED. No

LODGE.

'5 G r e a t B e n d 18 F r a n k l i n 28 E l d o r a 37 45 45 45 49

Easton Easton Easton Nine M i l e . Carbondale Frontier -. .Altoona _Vesper

70 lOI irS '36 157 174 W e s t e r n S t a r

LOCATION.

G r e a t Bend Ottawa i — Mapleton Easton ..-. E a s t o n Easton Lansing _ Carbondale Washing,ton Altoona _. Howard _ Smith Center

NAME.

R. T . . W o o d w a r d D . C. K n o w l e s H. Lants . . _ G e o r g e Crafton . Joshua Turner. F r a n k M. Wells . R. S. C a r n e y Henry W. Curtis.

DATE.

M a r . 18, iSSo. O c t . 22, 1880. ._ D o r . 27, 1880. N n v . 15, Ig79. S e p . 27, 1880. N o v . 16, 1880. N o v . 16, 1880. _ . J a n . - 2 4 , 1880. May. 22, 1880. N o v . 13, 1880. J a n . 3 1 , 1880.

I'^dward J . K e e u e y D a v i d P. R o b i n s o n J n n e 19, 1880. Paul Arnold _. _ _ J u l y 24, 1880.

260

Proceedings of the

February,

REINSTATED. No

LODGE.

' LOCATION.

Smithton Highland Smithton Highland 2 I.eavenworlh--. Leavenworth Wyandotte 3 Wyandotte Wyandotte 3 Wyandotte Wyanilotte 3 Wyandotte Wyandotte 3 Wyandotte Wyandotte _. 3 Wyandotte Timber Ridge 4 Kickapoo -_ Lawrence 6 Lawrence I^awrence 6 Lawrence Lawrence . 6 Lawrence Lawrence 6 Lawrence 6 Lawrence Lawrence 6 Lawrence Lawrence 8 Rising Sun Fort .^con S Rising Sun Fort Scott lo King Solomon Leavenworth lO King Solomon Leavenworth lO King Solomon- Leavenworth. _. lO King Solomon- Leavenworth lO King Solomon. Leavenworth America City.-. •3 Nemaha America City-_. 13 Nemaha Great Bend 15 Great Bend i6 Lafayette Manhattan Topeka 17 Topeka 25 High Prairie ..-- Leavenworth __ Leavenworth ._ 25 High Prairie Doniphan 3 ' Arcana Doniphan 3 ' Arcana Auburn 32 Auburn Auburn 32 Auburn Auburn 32 Auburn . Auburn . 32 Auburn Mound City 33 Mound City .. Paola 37 Paola Paola 37 Paola Holton 42 Holton Garnett 44 Delphian Garnett • 44 Delphian Garnett 44 Delphian .^ Garnett _. 44 Delphian 47 Xenia Xenia 47 Xenia Xenia' 47 Xenia Xenia 4'7 Xenia Xenia 47 Xenia Xenia 47 Xenia Xenia 47 Xenia Xenia .._: 47 Xenia Xenia . 47 Xenia Xenia

NAME.

J. B. Holland J. W. Hurchfield John W. Prest Silas Armstrong T. D. Mulberry D. Killen J. Grindel Jas. A. Howard John D. Potion vV. N . Bangs Robt..F. Barber J. W. Davis J. M. Enochs Robt. L. Gilbert Jonathan Ogden Charles Insley E. C. Hays Harry W. Cole Thos. P. Gable A. C. VanDyne Geo. H. Miller T. A. Hurd John Bundy James Shepherd C. B. Morgan A. J. Legore D. C. Howe ,: Anthony Way J. F. Cary M. L. Hudnall A. Harris Jerry McDowell W. E. Little Jerome Stahl_ Jas. B. Renick [esse Brown W. P. Bowen W. D. Fargo James W. Fox G. M. Everline A. L. Osborn John Picketts J. M. Axtel W. C. Anderson N. C. Bowlware J. M. Davis S. C. Johnson T. O. Markham M. V. Robbins R. .S. Tucker J. A. Willett H. H. Willett

DATE.

—

-.. ,. -__

._'.

_.

._. --.

Dec. 26, 1879Feb. 27, iSKo. J"ly 5. Dec. 19,- 1879Mar. 5, I S80. Apr. 2, Apr. 2, July 16, Oct. 25, •879. June 14 1880. June 14, June 14, June 14, Nov. 8, Dec. 8, Mar. 19, May 17, Feb. 20, Apr. 16, May 20, July 16, Aug. 6, May 22, Apr. 24, Feb. 13,Mar. 5, Feb. 5, Jan. 18, Feb. 21, May 22, Mar. 20, Jan. 27, Jan. 27, Jan. 27, Jan. 27, Feb. 20, Feb. 16, Jan. 5, Jan. IS, June 3, July I, July I, Nov. 2, •-ept. 22, Dec. 29, .879. Dec. 2g, Dec. 29, Dec. 2g, April 4, Dec. 27. 1880. Nov. 22, 1879NOV. 22,

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas. \l\l\^Sr

No

LODCR.

261

A.T'EX)— Conliiiiied.

LOCATION.

NAME..

DATE.

Nov. 22, 1879Xenia R. P. Willett Nov. 22, Xenia A. Williams Nov. 22, Xenia A. J. Withers -ieot. 4, I'opeka B. F. Kistbo Oct. 16, 8S0. Charles Dodd Spring Hill Oct. 6, Salina John O'Hara Jan. 5, Salina C. E. Healey June 21, Salina C. C. Gulp Nov. 20,. M. VV.'Nungesscr . LaCygne Jan. 22, Peter Anderson Oswego -^ Jan. 22, Oswego H. II. Stanley May 22, Boxter Springs J. W. llightower Dec. 16, 1879. Augusta . Thomas Creel July 20, 18S0. Reuben Bates Augusta Jan. 20; Jarred Wildny L Augusta . Aug. 4, John II. Crum Burlingame ,VIar. 10, W. H. ^•mi^h Burlinganie Mar. 10,E;l. A. Berry VVaterville .VI ar. 10, G. D. Bowling VVaterville .Mar. 10, E. W. Greenman VVaterville Vlar. 10, VVaterville L. W. H.'.Haskell .Mar. 10, Louis Kurth VVaterville Mar. 10, Frank Leach VVaterville .VI a r. 10, G. M. Lewis VVaterville .Vlar. 10, W. P. Mudgett _. Waterville Mar 16, J. C. McCandless VVaterville Mar. 10, Lewis Pendleton VVaterville :.: Mar. 10, W. W. Smith VVaterville Mar. 10, Robt. L White Waterville Nov. 30, Harvey Alexander Girard Nov. 30, 1879. White Church__ F. W. Crowder Jan. I, I 880. C. H. VVellman Abilene Dec. 27, Lyndon S. B. Black. •879Lyndon '_ I. N. Morris J"iy 31. 1880. Parsons .. Chas. II. Kimball Dec. 13, 1879. Parsons Geo. A. Reynolds June 16, 1880. Parsons Chas. A. llazzard_.._. Jan. 16, Cherokee F. P. Adam ' Nov. I, .879^ ICherokee Isaac McCune Aug. 7, 18S0. iCherokee Jacob Miller Oct. 16, |Godfrey J. A. Bowman May 5, Godfrey ._ W. S. Stroud :._. May 5, Elk Falls I. N. Bird 1_. May 21, Nov. 20, E. M. Pinkerton i34| Clay Center .. Clay Center 167 Larned Larned C. Kear

47 Xenia 47 Xenia 47 Xeiifa 5' Orient 56 Spring Plill 60 Salina 60 Salina 60 Salina 61 LaCygne 63 Adams 63 Adams 71 Baxter 74i Myslic Tie _ 74 Mystic Tie _ 74i Mystic Tie _ 79 Corinthian _ 79 Corinthian , «5 Sutton 85 Sutton' 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton__ .__ 85 Sutton 85 Sutton .... 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 85 Sutton 93 Girard 96 Delaware __ 98 Benevolent. 101 Euclid 101 Euclid 117 Parsons " 7 Parsons 117 Parsons 119 Cherokee 119 Cherokee 119 Cherokee ' 124 Godfrey 124 Godfrey 126 Meridian

1_,VMAN C. BfJADi.EV . . . . ". . No. 2, Lcavenworth, Leavenworth, July 27, 1880. E. W. BARKS No. 2, Leavenworth, Leavenworth, November 17, 79. L. T. PARK No. 3, Wyandotte, Wyandotte, December 14, 1879. AL., J. C)ih:RNV . ." No'. 3, Wyandotte, Wyandotte, December 30, 1879. Noiir.E O. KIRK No. 3, Wyandotte, Wyandotte, March 12, 18B0. T. D. Mur.BKkRV . . . . . . . No. 3, Wyandotte, Wyandotte, Jidy 11, 1880.' O.SCAR H. JnMN.STON No. 5, Washington, Atchi.son, September 14, 3879.. JACOB S. HOKFC No. 5, Washington, Atchison, October 18, 1879. E. D. RuDD No. 6, Lawrence, Lawrence, —, . JOHN H . DERIVING No. 6. Lawrence, Lawrence, Deceniber 12, iSSo. 1. ALBRIGHT No. 8,1^ ising Sun, Fort Scott, March 19, 1880, J. C. M C G H E : . No. 8, Rising Sun, Fort Scott, June XI, 1880, • M. COHRN No; 8, Rising Sun, Fort Scott, July 30, 1880. CARL REESE No. 10, King Solomon, Leavenworth, August 25, 1880. SAM'L J. PUFFER No. 10, King Soloman, Leavenworth, Nov. 25, 1880. W. T. BuRRis No. 12, Emporia, Emporia, January i, 1880. A. D, FRKEMAN No. 12, Emporia, Emporia, May 28, 1880. FfiEnRiCK: BoNjoiJR No. 13, Nemaha, Americus City, July 23, 1880. DAVID NEWJIOU.SE No. 14, Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa, June 11, 1880. ' cA. H. SELDKN No. 15, Great Bend, Great Bend, November 20, 1880. T. J. JENKINS . . . ' No. 16, Lafayette, Manhattan. March 21, 1S80. S. E. SWEET No. 17, Topeka, Topeka, July n , 1880. WILLIAM AVERS No. 17, Topeka, Topeka. August 28, rSSo. JOHN TOMLEV . • No. 19, Olathe, Olathe, October 19, 1880. JOHN L . BRUNTZ No. 21, Valley Falls, Valley Falls, October 17, 1879. M. P. E V A N S . . . . . . . . . No. 21, Valley Fail.s, Valley Falls, December—,1879. E. J. MERRILI No. 24, Osage Valley, Os.sawatomie, July 15, iSSo. SAMUEL STO.MK No, 27, Neosho, Leroy, December 13, r88o. j ; P. CLARK . . . . . . . . . No.,29, Pacific, Humboldt, November 11, 1880, M. T. LANOHM . . . . . . . . . No. 31, Arcana, Doniphan, February 18, 1880. M. H. CARSKADEN No. 33, Mound City, Mound City, February 28, 1880. R. S. FAIRCIIILDS No. 35, Hiawatha, Hiawatha, March 6, 1880. W. B. DICKINSON No. 35, Hiawatha^ Hiawatha, November 5, 1879. J. B. ALLEN ' . No. 35, ttiawatha, Hiawatha, October 9, 1880. ANDREW J. HUGHES No. 36, Council Grove, Council Grove, Dec, 31, 1880. B. MARTIN No. 57, Paola, Paola, January 25, 1880.

E. T. STOWE '. . . . No. 38, lola, lola, , . T. L. NuNAMAKER No. 42, Holton, Holton, June 4, 1880. JOHN N . WALTON No. 42, Holton, Holton, March 14, 1880. W M . LAUGHMILLER •'. No. 45, Easton, Easton, January 17, i88o. J. L. FITZGERALD . ' . . ' . . . No. 47, Xenia, Xenia, May 80, 18S0. JAMES ANDERSON No. 47, Xenia, Xenia, October 19, 1879. JOEL RYAN No. 55, Troy, Troy. October 4, 1879. J. B. KENNEDV No. 55, Troy, Troy, January 13, 1880. G. D. liuNCH No. 57, Coyville, Coyville, January i, 1880. J. A. PK;G . . . . . . . . . . No. 63, Adams, Oswego, April 5 1880. WM. C . SHAKCV No. 64, Wathena, Wathena, January 6, 18S0. CHARLES QUINN No. 64, Wathena, Wathena, April 25, 1880. \V. H. ELLIS No. 70, Carbondale, Carbondale, March 7, 1880. WM. SCHMIDT No. ji. Baxter, Baxter Springs, December —, 1879. WM. LEWMAN No. 73, Chetopa, Chetopa, December i, 1880. E. L. AKIN No. 74, Mystic Tie, Augusta, October 15, 1880.' ROBERT SWANK No. 76, Erie, Erie, January i, 1880. T. J. ORTON No- 78, White Cloud, White Cloud, Dec. 22, 1S80. JAMES ROGERS No. 79, Corinthian, Burlingame, January 27, 18S0. JOHN MOOKE No. 81, New Albany, !se\v Albany, March 27, 1880. A. G. HuFFiNGTON No. 84, Jcfferson, Winchester, March 8, 1880,. THOMAS L . MCCOMU No. 85, Sutton, Waterville, August 3, 1880. ^ H. J. STEWART : . . No. 86, Evergreen, Montana, February 11, 1880. HERMAN FENSKY No. 90, Gofden Rule, North Topeka, October 31,'80 J. C. NEWELL No. co, Golden Rule, North Topeka, Dec. 19, 1880. JOHN J. CLARK No. 95, Constellation, Fredonia, July 3, 1880. DAV:D HA.MMEK No 95, Constellation, Fredonia, September 5, 1880. THOS. CAMI'UELI No. 97, Patinus, Eldorado, -, . S. R. SHOEMAKER No. loi, Euclid, Lyndon, October 26, 1879. B. A. CoRNWKLL . . ; . . . . No, 106, Fide.ity, Eureka, September 26, 1879. 1. M. OLNEY No. 106, Fidelity, Eureka, August 14, 1880. G. W. J^ALTON No. 107, Fortitude, Independence, July 15, 1880. S. HODIBUGER \ . . No. 107, Fortitude, Independence, Sep. 24, 1880. C. H. WAUREN No. 109, Fortitude, Independence, —, . KiRKi'ATiticK . . . . . N o . Ill, Hesperian, Rossville, February 19, 1880. G. D. BALI No. 113, St. John, Concordia, November 23, )88o. A. A. WRIGHT No. 116, Muscotah, Muscotah, June 16, 1880. D/'.NiEL li. WOOD No. 117, Parsons, Parsons, September 14, 1879. GEO. A. REYNOLDS No. 117, Parsons, Parsons, July 6, 1880. S H . PuLMAN No. t2o. Halcyon, Peabody, March 6, 1880. W, H . WALKER No. 120, Halcyon, Peabody, October 18, 1880. J. S: DOWDALI No. 124, Godfrey, Godfrey, February 12, 1880. E D . WOOSLEV No. 129, Belleville, Belleville, , . S. H . RINKER No. 136, V^esper, Sedan, October 9, i83o. N. R. BARTON No. 140, Reno, Hutchinson, January 8, 1880. Gus C. MEAD No. 140, Reno, Hutchinson, September 26, 1880.

J . E. LANGELLE No. 140; Reno, Hutchinson, November i, 18S0. D. M. RICHARDS No. 141, Signal, Osage City, November 8, 1880. HUGH ROBERTS No. 141, Signal, Osage City, June 15, 1880. ALMON BAKEK . . . . . . . . No. 142, Newton, Newton, February 10, 1880. JERRV BRAGAMER No. 142, Newton, Newton, November 9, 1880, JAMES M . WAI-FER No. 144, Gillead, Gates Center, November 24, 1880. .JAMES E . REED No. 150, Wellington, Wellington, January 3, 1880. Ei-iSHA Si'HCKELMER No. 159, Robinson, Robinson, Maach ii, 1880, WM. L . BEAR No 160, Saqui, Osborn, November 26, i88o. NELSON SNIDER No. 162, Sabetha, Sabetha, March 9, 1080, A. MooREHEAD No. 162, Sabctha, Sabetha, January g, 1880. O. P. SMITH No. 163, Greenwood, Charleston, June 13, 1880. E. H. FOOT No. 165, Oxford, Oxford, March 18, 1880. JOHN C . CANFIBLD No. 171, Sterling, Sterling, January :, 1880Jo-SEijH 1 . PETERS ". No. 171, Sterling, Sterling, July 16, :88o JAMES MATHEWS No. 171. Sterling, Sterling, September 24, 1880. DAVID A. Co.x: No. 175, Kirwin, Kirwin, December 16, 1879. .,W. H. HOOKER No. 175, Kirwin, Kirwin, April 13, 18S0. Dr. A. W. CAMPBELL No. 176, Prairie Queen, Clyde, October i, 1880. A. J. McKiNNEV No. 178, Burr Oak. Burr Oak, January 12, 1880. WM. A*. QUADE No. 180, Louisburg, Lduisburg, November 15, 1879. THOMAS WILMS No. 183, Gaylord, Gaylord, April 6, 1S80. A. G. GARDNER No. 185, Hamlin, Hamlin, March 19, 1880. JAMES COTTRELL No, 185, Hamlin, Hamlin, November 27, iSSo. G. B. DAVIS No. 188. Onaga, Onaga,. January 16, 1S80. B. W. INGALSHRR .No. 188, Onaga, Onaga, August 7, 1880. J. G. BRANSON No. 193, Hartford, Hartford, April 9, 18S0 THOMAS TKIMULE No. 19S, Bine Hill, Delhi, March 27, 1880.

i88o-i.

265

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

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266

Proceedings of the

February,

N A M E S O F LODGES A N D O F F I C E R S FOR T H E YEAR 1SS1-2. No.

LODGE.

Smithton . . . J Leavenworth 3 Wyandotte . 4 fCickapoo . . 5 Washington . 6 Lawrence . 7 8 Rising S u n . . . . 9 Acacia TO K i n g Solomon 2

II 12.

13 14 15 16

^7 18 *9 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28

29 31 33

. 3=^ 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 47 48 49 5» 53 54

55 56 57 58 ° 59 60 61 62

63 64 65 66 67 68 70 71 7-2

73 74 75 76

LOCATION.

. . . . . .

Highland . . . Leavenworth . Wyandotte . . Round Prairie. Atchison ... . . l^awrence . . . 1 unction C i t y . Fort S c o t t . . . Lawrence . . . Leavenworth , lewel City . . . Emporia . . . America City . Oskaloosa . . . Great Bend . . Manhattan . .

COUNTY.

Doniphan . . Leavenworth Wyandotte . Leavenworth* Atchison . . . Douglass . .

W.

. . . . . .

MASTER.

L. Whittington A. C. Sloan . . M. M. H a r r i s . A. J Smith . .

SECRETARY.

. . . .

T. J. Vanderslice Ed. W. O.sgood. | o s B, S p e c k r>avid H . S p r o n g A D McCoiiaughv Alex. S h a w . . . L. S. Steele. G e o r g e F. T r o t t . G. r. G o r d o n . . B o u r b o n . . . S. P. T r e s s l a r . . L.* M, H a v e n s . . D o u g l a s s . . . F, D . M o r s e . . . A. L. Selig. . L e a v e n w o r t h . J o s . M c D o n a l d , J . W. K i r k h a m . lewel l a m e s H. Fox . . Cien. L. Christ.' I.<yon L. D. J a c o b s . . \'. W. H i r t h . N e m a h a . , *. . K. M. K e p l e r . Oskaloosa . . . J e f f e r s o n . . . B. P . F u n c h e s s . A. J . B u c k . G r e a t B e n d .* . Barton . . . . W m . J . P i c k e r i n g C. Goit. Riley fleo. S. G r e e n . . VVm. B u r g o y n c Lafayette . . • S h a w n e e . . . -. B, M c M u r i r i e . . H W F a r n s w o r t h J . A. D e V a l l e y . E. H . G r e g g FraiikHn , . . Olathe . . . . Olathe (ohnson . . . . F r a n k Maltby . . A S McCulloh. Circleville . . . Circleville . . Jackson . . . . 1 H . Baxter . . . C A Oursler V a l l e y Falls . . Valley Falls . . Jefferson . . . K. D HiUyer . . A M C o w a n Olivet Melvern . . . Osage W . H . Coley . . L F W a r n e r Palmyra . . . Baldwin C i t y . D o u g l a s s . '. . E . E . G a d d i s . . W m P l a s k e t t O s a g e Valley . O s s a w a t o m i e . . Miami L. W . ( a c o b s . . 'L'has H o d g e s . H i g h P r a i r i e . . H i g h P r a i r i e . . L e a v e n w o r t h . J . C. Gist . . . . J a s H u t c h i n s o n Longton . . . . Longton . . . . Elk J . K . J o h n s o n . . W Bolinger Neosho . . . . Coffey . . . . J. A. Holloway . D D'Elliott Eldora . . . . M a p l e t o n . . . . Bourbon . . . J. M. Lowrey . . J o h n Cross Pacific . . . . H u m b o l d t . . . Allen G e o . A . A m o s . . D I\f D e b o w Arcana . . . . Dohiphan . . . Doniphan . . . W. H. Nesbit . , J Schletzbaum Auburn . . . . S h a w n e e . . . Alex. D i c k s o n . J o h n L P r i c e Mound City . . Mound City . . D. Underbill . . J H Trego H i a w a t h a . . . H i a w a t h a . . . B r o w n , . . ." I r a J . L a c o c k . . J o h n S h e r r e t C o u n c i l G r o v e . Council G r o v e . John W Noland . A B Spencer Paola Miami E. W . R o b i n s c n . J B H o b s o n lola lola Allen . . . . . . W . G. Allison . . J a m e s B u r n e s Nemaha . . . J o s h u a Mitchell . J o h n F C u r r e n J o h n s o n . . . . A. R . Miller . . W H Smith D e Soto . .. , D e Soto Blooming G r o v e Blooming G r o v e Linn C. C. H a d s a l l . . N C L a n e J a c k s o n . . . . J a m e s A. Lowell. C C F r e e Delphian . . . G a r n e t t . . . . Anderson . . . J. L. Kerchevi! . C L Burrn F.aston . . . . R. A . K e l s e y .. . E R A d a m s o n Xenia . . . . . . Bourbon . . . J. R. Anderson . John H Decker M o n r o v i a . . . M o n r o v i a . , . A t c h i s o n . . . N . C o n n e l y . . . ^1 M W a l k e r N i n e Mile . . . T^ansing . . . . L e a v e n w o r t h . L . L . T e r w i l l i g e r . D R C h u r c h i l l Orient . . . . Topeka , . , S h a w n e e , . . F. Brooks . . . . C h a s S p a l d i n g Granada . . . Wetmore , . . Nemaha . . : N a t . Sworfeger . S C S n u e m a k e r S h a w n e e . . . S h a w n e e . . . J o h n s o n . . . . G e o . Blanton . . B F H o l l e n b a c k D o n i p h a n . . . N . B . W o o d . . . D C Sinclair Spring: H i l l . . S p r i n g Hill . . Tohnson . . . . Alex. D a v i s . . . H P Smith Coyville . . . . Coyville . . . . Wilson . . . . F . M. R o b e r t s o n . T h o s C C r a i g M t . P l e a s a n t . Mt. P l e a s a n t . . A t c h i s o n . . . M . L . E d w o r d s . S E K i n g Dick R e e s . . . L e a v e n w o r t h . R. M. Mullins . . J o h n H y d e J . R . C h a p m a n . A u g u s t Bondi Saline J H Sifers . . . E d C L a n e La C y g n e . . . La C y g n e . . . Ridgeway . . . Ridgeway . . . O s a g e . . . . . C. H . Easlon . . M H e s n i e r Osvi'ego . . . L a b e t t e . . . . H . C. Cook . " . . F D H o w e Wathena . . . . Wathena . . . S Hatch . . . . W W Carter G a r d n e r . . . . G a r d n e r . . . J o h n s o n . . . . W . L M c C i i n t o c k E Clarlv B u r l i n g t o n . . . B u r l i n g t o n . . . Coffey . . . . R. P . D o u g l a s s . J a m e s S K i n g . F r a n k f o r t . . . F r a n k f o r t . . . M a r s h a l ! . . . J a m e s Willson . . W L S o n d e r s L e a v e n w o r t h . Leavenwo»'th . G e o r g e K o h n . . H S h i n d l e r Jas. Dickensheet A V Sparhawk Carbondale . . Carbondale . . "sage Baxter . . . . B a x t e r S p r i n g s . C h e r o k e e . . . S. H . Smith . . . A S P e a c o c k Huron . . . . . Huron . . . . C h e t o p a . . . . C h e t o p a . . . . L a b e t t e . . . . J . L . D e l a r n e t t e . C 0 Williams Mystic Tie . . Augusta . . . . Butler . . . . H . D . Hill . . . . W A S h a n n o n W a m e g o . . . W a m e g o . . . . P o t t a w a t o m i e . R o b ' t Beattia . . L D P r o p e r Neosho . . V . | H . Kendall . . . Ira Steinbcrger

i88o-i.

Grand Lodqe of Kansas. NAMES OF LODGES

No.

LODGE.

78 79

White Cloud . . Corinthian , . Zeredatha . . . New Albany , . Tuscan . . . .

80 81 82

83 84 85 86 88 89 90 91 92

93 94 95 96 19 98 99 loo lOI 102 103 IC4 105 106 107 108 109 110 III T12 113

114 115 116 117

ir8 119 120 121 123 124 125 126 127

LOCATION.

Jefferson . . , Sutton . . . . Evergreen . . . Eureka . . . . Home Golden Rule . . Marysvillc . . Mission . . . . Girard . . . . Harmony . . . Constellation . Delaware . . . Patmos . . . . Benevolent . . Wichita . . . . Prudence . . . Euclid . . . . Keystone . . . Cedar Frontier . . . . Solomon City . Fidelity . . . . Fortitude . . . 2 ion Americus . . . Adelphi . . . . Hesperian . . Blue Valley . . St. John . . . . Advance . . . Excelsior . . . Muscotah . . . Parsons . . . . Altoona . . . . Cherokee . . . Halcyon . . . Woodson . . . Liberty . . . . Godfrey . . . . Cavvker City . Meridian . . . Palestine . . .

12S 129 130 131 132 133

»34 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144

MS 146 147 149

Belleville . . . Polar Star , . . Equity . . . . Crescent . . . Clay Center . . Vesper . . . Cherryvale . Pomona . . . Sedgwick . . Reno Signal . . . . Newton . . . Minneapolis . Gilead . . . Mt. Vernon . Ellsworth . . Center , .- , Thayer . . .

. . . . . . . . . , . .

267

AND.OFFICERS—Cc«rfK«fa'.

COUNTY.

W. MASTEK.

SECKETARV.

White Cloud . Doniphan . . . L L Orton . . . A Frost Burlingame . . Jno McPhillamy C W Coddingtoii Cottonw'ood F'ls H Ransford . . , W H Holsinger New Albany , . Wilson . . J L Toepfer . . Robt Mooney Neosho Falls . Woodson . J L Jones . . . . C C Kesner Eudora . . . . Douglass . Henry Copp . . M D Greenlee •Winchester . . Jefferson . R C young . . . W M Russell Waterville . . . Marshall . Geo W Winans . E T Durant Montana . . . Labette . . F H Charles . . J M Mahr Pleasanton . . J C. Matthews . . S Armsby Centralia . . . Nemaha . E Holtslander . . G W Pampel North Topeka Shawnee . S. R. Irwjn . . . W N Angle Marysvillc . . Marshall . I B Davis . . . . J Merklinghouse Osage Mission Neosho . . L S Orton . . . . E Cravens Girard . . . . Crawford . M A Wood . . . C Dana Sayre Neodesha , . . Wilson . . Sam'l E Fuqua . R H Ponue Fredonia . . . Wilson . . J Hudson . . . . P W Bahl White Church Wyandotte G I Way . . . . G U S Hovey Eldorado . . . Butler . . C. N. James . . L Knowles Abilene . . . . Dickinson . Geo C Kenyon . G S Barton Sedgwick . Geo E Harris . . C M Sherman' Columbus . . . Cherokee . C D Nichols . . J L Ryrd Lyndon . . . . Osage . . . John H Sowell -. J G Underwood Coffeyville . . Montgomery las McCreary . W T R ead Chanute . . . Neosho . . Frank Bacon . . J R Beatty Washington , . Washington S H Maunder Solomon City Dickinson . C W Adams. . . T S Blair Eureka . . . . (Greenwood C A Wakefield . L N F.THcher Independence Montgomery F H Amsden . . Jas Wetherby J T'Haight . . . 1 M Mamnen Stanton . . . . Miami . . 1) A.Stahl . . . S M Morgan Americus . . . Winfield . . . Cowley . . Jas S Hunt . . . E T Trimble Rossville . . . Shawnee . R Burns . . . A B Emerson Irving . . . . Marshall . J. C. Ward . . . L Chase Concordia . . Theo Laing . . . A A Carnahan Florence ' . . . G C Willey . . . T B Reeder Union town . . Bourbon Muscotah . . . Atchison . N Kline . . . . J C Heath Parsons . . . . Labette , . 0 Bronson , . . A OPeck Altoona . . . . Wilson . . T F C Todd . . R N Richardson Cherokee , '. . Crawford . E A Perry . . . W R Jones Peabocy . . . Marion . . Jas Stewart , . . C W (Jamp Toronto . . . . Woodson . Se/h R Kellogg . M H Wasson Liberty . . . . Montgomery M Ternes . . . . W L Stalnaker Godfrey . . . Bourbon . G F Pond . . . . R Ewing Cawker City . Mitchell . Jas Cummings . , W A Ren fry Elk Falls . . . Elk . . . C W Rambo . . Chas S King, Wellsville . . . Franklin . R Wolfley . . . f V\ atkins Ottawa . . . . Franklin . H D. Crane . . C R Meigs. Belleville . . . Republic . Wm Haskett . . C Perry Netawaka . . Jackson . . John Gibbons . . W W Letson Fontana . . . . Miami . . H B High . . . W L Ogden Elk City- . . . Montgomery S W Hough . . . los S Labaugh Arkansas City Cowley . . Jas Ridenour . , Jas C Tophff Clay Center . . Clay . . . W S Beattv . . . Chas H Perry Johnson . . W L Smithers . J P Bridges i Sedan Chautauqua J D McBrian . . D J Moore Cherryvale . . Montgomery . H C Todd . . . W H Weston Pomona . . . . Franklin . , . John M Dyer . . S L Newcomb Sedgwick . . , Harvey . J S Tucker . . . L L Ladd Hutchinson . . Reno . . A M Switzer . . Wm M Ingham Osage City . , Osage . . H B Miller . . . T G Randall Newton . . . . Harvey . Sam'l R Peters . J W Edwards Minneapolis . , Ottawa . D D Hoag . . . W D Thompson; Yates Center , Woodson George E Kaler . A L Freeman Beloii . . . . . Mitchell W S Search . . . W C Ingram Ellsworth . . . Ellsworth John S Bell . . . W A Gebhardt Marion Center Marion . V S Pratt . . . . W. H Dudley Thayer . . . . Neosho , S Rose J M Halsted

'268

Proceedings

of the

February,

NAMES O F LODGES A N D OYtlCZK'A— No. 150 151 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 16^ 166 167 168 169

17s 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 I8T 186 187 -I go •191 192 IQ3 194 195 ig6 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 «J n

LODGE.

LOCATION.

Wellington WeTlington Douglass . Douglass Cato . . . Cato . . Lincoln Center Lincoln . Howard Hope . . Dexter Dexter . South Haven Haven . Atchison . Active . Robinson . Robinson lOsborne . Saqui . . 'Alma , '. . Alma . . -abetha . . Sabetha . Charleston Greenwood Cedarvale Cedarvale Oxford . . Oxford . . May Day . FarmTS . I.arned r.arned . . Parkerville Parkerville Blue Rapids Blue Rapids Ida . Ida . . . . Sterling . . Sterling . . Mcpherson McPherson Belle Plaine Belle Plaine W«rtern Star Smith Center Kirwin . . Kirwin '. Prairie Quee Olyde . . Russell . . Russell . Burr Oak . Burr Oak , Mt. Moriah Kingsley Louisburg . Louisburg Olivet . . . Twin Kails Biirrton . . Bnrrton . . Gavlord . . Gavlord . Phillipsburg Phillipsbur Hamlin . Hamlin . . Mountain Slope Oberlin . . Pittsburg New Pittsbu r g Onaga . Onaga . .. Newahawba Stockton . Henri . . . Tonganoxie Walnut yall« Sidney . . Hartford . Hartford . Lyon . . . Lyons . . . Galena . . Galena . . Hays . . . HaysTity . Madison . Madisfiii . Canton . . f^antou . , Blue Hill . Delhi . . . Morton . . Norton . . Anthony . Anthony . Mulvane . Mulvane . Delphos . Delp)ios Sumner . . Caldwell . Leota . . . Leota . . .

COL'NTV.

Sumner . Butler . Crawford Lincoln . Elk . . . Cowley . Sumner . Atchison Brown Osborne Wabaunsee Nemaha Greenwood "Ihautauqua Sumner . . Riley . . . . Pawnee . . Morris . . Marshall . Republic . Rice . . . McPherson Sumner . . Smith . . . Phillips . . Cloud . . Russell . . Jewell . . Edwards . Miami . . Greenwood Harvey . . Smith . . . Phillips . . Brown . . Decatur . Crawford . Pottawatomie Rooks Leavenworth Ness . . . . Lyon . . . Rice . . . '•"herokee . Eliis . . . Greenwood Mcpherson Osborne Norton . Harper . Sumner . Ottawa . Sumner . Norton .

Contimiect.

W. MASTER

SECRETARY.

| G W Winn . J J Harney . [ %\ Swan D H Malone .Luther Scott . John D Maurer 'L A Pickering J C Greenwalt IChas Hack . D Brobst . . Ed Herrick . I F. Black . . G W Donart

W E Thralls L E W right <: E Taylor Lon A Slinx J B Dobyns J V Hines O Smith L N Lacey A Roudebush R R Hays H G Licht John Risen J M Frederick

Jas G Oliver

John H Corbin

B F Evans

E H Stuzenacker

A J Brown . Robert Kyle W M Lamb , W VV Murphy S Purcell . . F J Pattee . C. A Lewis . EWeck . . H O Pa!mer O F Roberts

S Hill M {; Williams George W Clark George J Beach

J H Davis Z C Clark J R Parker leremiah Oilman John Bissell . '• Evans . . A W Bariteau C W Long . . J B Hubbell W T Donneli E H Linion . John P Johnson Geo D Maxson Solon Grav , . Um R Stone . E S Beach . . W H Makeaney J W Jones . . Wm DaUon . . Albert Graves (J E,Cast«en . . T N 'I'rickey . Van E Butler" . W Crimble . .

'-. L Kelley H Howard H Emerson L R Blair J \^ Lee } W Kelsey J N Counter lohn R Lindburg R A 'I'homas L *' Smith Jas Duncanson R^B Linville Mark \* icks W :r Nichols R McCurley R C Diehl J P Havs G W Witter S McGee Samuel Means H O Meigs G H Gardner G N Billings S P G Lewis

D Cooper

Will D Jenkins A J Stiles T E Burke W A Lewis

i88o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

269

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS NEAR OTHER GRAND LODGES.

Arkansas . M.-.W. California 1 . M.-.W, Canada R.-.W, Colorado M.-.W. Connecticut M.-.W. District of Columbia M.-.W, Dakota ._'_! R.-. W.

ALBERT O . INGALLS

•Florida

S A M U E L PASCO

1__. M.-.W.

Georgia M.-.W. Idaho -__ _- M.-.W. Illinois — . '. J R.-'.'W. Indiana— 11___1 M.-.W. Indian Territory. M.-.W. Iowa —— l..._-R.-.W. Kentucky „ . M.-AV. J.ouisiana . ^ R.-. W. Maine .1 M.-.W. Michigan M.-.W. Minnesota . M.-.W. Missouri M.-.W. Mississippi ^ R.-.W. North Carolina .R.-.W. New York R.-.W. New Hampshire R.-.W. New Jersey .; R.-.W. Nova Scotia —.R.-.W. Nebraska —1-M.-.W. Ohio — . . . . M.-.W. Oregon . . . L _ . . R.-.W. Quebec '.. R.-.W. Texas . R.-.W. Tennessee R.-.W. Vermont .'. R.-.W. Wisconsin : M.-.W. West Virginia .M.-.W. England R.-.W. * Deceased. .

LUKE E . BARBER.^

i

of Little Rock.

ISAAC S . T I T U S

of Stockton.

J. J . ' M A S O N

o-f Hamilton.

W E B S T E R D . ANTHONY

of Denver.

L U K E A. LOCKWOOD :

of Greenwich.

C H A S . F . STANSBURY

of Washington.;

.of Lead

C'nj./

of Monticello..

DAVID E . BUTLER . _

. . o f Mason.

.. •

CHARLES H I M R O D

of Boise City..

HARRISON D I L L . .

of Quincy.

WM. HACKER

of Shelbyyille.

P . ' J . BYRNE

•

. . . . o f Fort Gibson.

.WM. P . ALLEN

of Dubuque. .

E D W A R D W . TURNER-

of Richmond..

H O W E L L CARTER

of Port Hudson-.

JO.'JIAH H . DRUMMOND . . . o f Portland. J. H U D S O N

.

of Paw Paw.

CHAS. G R I S W A L D

of St. Paul.

THOS. E . GARRETT

of St. Louis...

E. GEORGE D E L A P

of Natchez-^

D. W. BAIN

of Raleigh.

STEPHEN M . W R I G H T

of N. Y. City..

J O H N J. B E L L

of Exeter.

INGRAM CORYELL

of Lambertville..

DANIEL G. MCKAY

of Halifax.

ROBERT C . J O R D E N GEO. R E X * :

of Grand Islandi of Wopster.

SAMUEL H U G H E S

' . . o f Portland.

C. J U D G E W. B. BOTTS

. . . o f Montreall of Austin.

.

.•

JOHN MCLELLAN

of Nashvil.le;..

J. B. HOLLENBECK

of Burlington„

H E N R Y L . PALMER

of Milwaukee^

K. D . W A L K E R W M . J. H U G H A N

of Fairmount. of Turo.--

•270

Proceedings

of tlie

February,

REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER GRAND LODGES NEAR THE GRAND LODGE OF KANSAS...

W.-. THOS. J. A N D E R S O N , of Topeka

:.

i for Alabama.

M.-.W.-. M. S. ADAMS of Wichita ; R.'. W.-. E. T. CARR of Leavenworth M.-.W.-. O W E N A. BASSETT of Lawrence— M.'.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN of WyandotteL R.-.W.-. SIDNEY P. TRESSLAR of Fort Scott: R.-. W.-. G E O . W . HOGEBOOM_ of Oskaloosa.j. i M.-.W.-. J O H N M . P R I C E of Atchison M.-.W.-, JOHN M . P R I C E of Atchison M.-.W.-. J O H N H . -BROWN of Wyandotte M.-.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN of Wyandotte li R.-.W. . J O H N G U T H R I E of Topeka R.-.W.-. J O H N G U T H R I E _ _ of Topeka ; R.-. W.-. E. T. CARR of Leavenworth M.-.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN of Wyandotte R.-.W.-. FRANK D R U M M O N D . of T o p e k a . : . M.-.W.-. ISAAC B . SHARP of Wyandotte M.-.W.-. M. S. ADAMS of Wichita : M.-.W.-. M. S. ADAMS of Wichita' i R.-.W.-. E. T. CARR of Leavenworth R.-.W.-. E. T. CARR of Leavenworth R.-. W.-. E. T. CARR of Leavenworth R.-.W.-.E. D. HILLYER of Valley Falls W.-. SILAS E . S H E L D O N . , of Topeka

R.-. W.-. E. T. CARR R.-.W.-. R.-.W •. E. T. CARR M.-.W.-. M. S. ADAMS M.-.W.-. J O H N H . B R O W N M.-iW.-. B. J. F. HANNA

of of of of ..of of

;

l,^eavenworth Leavenworth Wichita • Wyandotte Hays City

for Arkansas. i_ for Canada. i_ for Connecticut. for California. for Dakota Ter. ;. for Florida. for Georgia. for Kentucky. for Illinois. for Iowa. for Indiana. for Indian Ter. _'for I'-ouisiana. for Maine. for Michigan. for Minnesota. for Missouri. :. for Mississippi. • for New York. for New Jersey. for Nova Scotia. for Nebraska. :

for Ohio.

for Oregon. for New*Hampshire for Texas. for Tennessee. : . . for Wisconsin. for Quebec.

tS8o-i.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

271

LIST O F GRAND LODGES I N C O R R E S P O N D E N C E W I T H T H E G R A N D L O D G E O F K A N S A S ; ALSO T H E NAMES A N D ADDRESS OF G R A N D S E C R E T A R I E S .

Alabama

DANIEI. SAYRE

Montgomery. .

Arkansas British Columbia

LUKK E . BARBER EDGAR C . BAKER

Little Rock. Victoria.

California

A L E X . G . ABELI,

San Francisco.

Canada Colorado

J. J. MASON E D . C . PARMELEE

Hamilton. Georgetown.

Connecticut

JOSEPH K . W H E E L E R

Hartford. •

Dakota Territory Delaware District Columbia

CHAS. A. MCCLERRY W M . S . HAY'ES W M . R . SINGLETON

Bon Homme. Wilmington. Washington.

Florida GeorgiaJ Illinois

D E W I T C . OAWKINS Jacksonville. J. EMMETT BLACKSHEAR __ Macon. J O H N F . BURRILI Springfield.

Iowa Indiana Indian Territory ladaho Territory

T. S. PARVIN W. H. SMYTH J. S. MURROW L. K. CARTER

Iowa City. Indianapolis. A-To-ka. Boise City.

Kentucky __^ Louisiana

H I R A M BASSETT__ JAMES C . BATCHELOR . -

Millersburg. New Orleans.

Maine

IRA BERRY

Manitoba Massachusetts Maryland

Michigan Minnesota

_— ^-

Grand Rapids. St. Paul.

J O H N D . VINCIL

i--

J. L. POWER CORNELIUS HEDGES W M . R . BOWEN .__

Portland. Winnipeg. Boston. Baltimore". •

WM. P. INNES A. T. C. PiERSON

Missouri

Mississippi Montana Nebraska

1

J O H N H . . BELL - T R A C Y P. C H E E V E R :-! JACOB H . MEDIARY

^__ St. Louis.

.:

Jackson. Virginia City. Omaha.

Nevada

J O H N D . HAMMOND..,

Carson.

New Brunswick New Hampshire

W M . F . BUNTING GEO. P. CLEAVES

St. Johns. Concord.

JOSEPH H . H O U G H D A V I D J. MILLER"

Trenton. Santa Fe.

Ne\V Jersey .New Mexico

New York North Carolina Nova Scotia

JAMES M . AUSTIN D. W. BAIN BENJ. CURRIER

Ohio

J O H N D . CALDWELL

Oregon Pennsylvania Prince' Edward Island Rhode Island South Carolina

F. J. BABCOCK JoHN THOMPSON G. W. WAKEFORD E D W I N BAKER CHAS. INGLESBY'

Tennessee

J O H N FRIZZEL

Nashville.

Texas Utah

GEO. H . BRINGHURST CHRIS. D I E H L L.

Houston. Salt Lake.

Vermont

H E N R Y CLARK

Rutland.

Virginia Washington Territory West Virginia

W M . B . ISAACS L_. THOMAS M . R E E D O. S. LO.NG

Wisconsin

._

Wyoming" <• D e c e a s e d .

JOHN W . WOUDHULL

i

,

New York City. Raleigh. Halifax. Cincinnati.

^_ Salem. Philadelphia. Charlottetown. Providence. Charleston.

Richmond. Olympia. Wheeling. Milwaukee.

Evanston.

INDEX-.i880-l of Graml Master, 9-19. ANNUAL—rAddress Topics of: New Lodges, lO. Leota and Onaga Lodges, 11. Nemaha Lodge, 11. Mt. Moriah Lodge, 12. Amendments, 13. Revision of the Constitution and By-Laws, T'4. Non-payment of dues, 13. • " Non-affiliation, 15. Publicity of Matters Masonic, 15. • Insurance Companies, 16. Mileage and Per Diem, 16. Special Dispensation issued, 19-21. Orders and Comniissions'issued,'21-22. Dispensations issued for New Lodges, 22-23. Decisions rendered, 23—26. A M E N D M E N T - T o By-Laws,-13, 235. Report of Committee thereon, 239-246. APPOINTED—Grand Officers, 232. EGGING CIRCULARS—Unauthorized, 9. Report of Committee on, 229. B L U E H I L L LODGE—228. BOARD OF CENSORS—Who appointed, 247. p A L L O F ROLL—3.

B

C H A R T E R FEES—Amount paid, 38. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS—Amended, 13. COMPOSITE LODGE—Re]iort on, 27. CONTRIBUTION TO R E E S MONUMENT—39.40. COMMITTEE—Standing, 215. On Credentials, 4. On Begging Circulars, 222. . On Widow and Orphans' Fund, 229. CUSTODIANS O F T H E WORK—Who elected, 232. Annual Report, 238. CURA AND COLON—Report on,-237. lE.ATHS—See List, 262-264.

D^

DECISIONS—Of Grand Master, 23-26. Report of Committee on, 239-246. D E L I N Q U E N T LODGES—28. D I S P E N S A T I O N F E E S PAID—38. D U E S COLLECTED—33-37. LECTION—Special, 43. ' Of Grand Officers, 223. E N T E R E D APPRENTICES—222. E X P E L L E D — W h o , see List, 259.

E

If

Index.

F

INANCE—Committee on, 215. Grand Treasurer's Report, 42 Grand Secretary's Report, 4 1 . Report of Committee, 230-231. F O R E I G N CORRESPONDENCE—44-238. Special Report, 237-238. p R A N D O F F I C E R S —Present, 8. G R A N D MASTER'S A D D R E S S — 9 - 1 9 . G R A N D T R E A S U R E R ' S A N N U A L R E P O R T —42. GRAND SECRETARRY'S ANNUAL REPORT — 4 1 . G R A N D R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S —Received, 238. I N S T A L L A T I O N G R A N D O F F I C E R S —237. I N S T A L L A T I O N F E E —Resolution on, 234. J U R I S P R U D E N C E —215. J Report of Committee on, 239-246. T E O T A LODGE—II. •L* Report on, 224. Members of granted Certificates, 228. L E G G E T T , JAMES F.—Case referred, 235-236. L O D G E S U. D.—Report on, 224, 228. L O D G E S C H A R T E R E D — R e p o r t on, 233, 234. " TASONIC P R O C E D U R E —234., No. 13 — Grand Master's Report, 13. NPEEMNAI HNAG, Report of Committee, 234. CEREMONIES — 3 . 0AST G R A N D O F F I C E R S — W h o are members, 265. Who present, 8. P PLACE O F NEXT M E E T I N G G. L.—233. — On Widows' and Orphans' Fund, by Bro. Work, 213. Masonic Procedure, by Bro. C. D. Nichols, 235. R E S O L U T I OOnOnN SAmendment to By-Laws, By Bro. A. H. Ellis, 235. On Leggett's case, by Bro. Freeman, 236. On Duties of Investigating Committee, by Bro. Ellis, 236. On Widows' and Orphans' Fund, by Bro. Pierce, 236. On Location of G. L. at Topeka, by Bro. Williams, 222, 223. R E P O R T S OF S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E S —On Credentials, 4-8. On Grand Master's Address, 215, 216. On Correspondence, 44-214. • On Appeals and Grievances, 231, 232. On Grand Lodge Library, 231. On Jurisprudence, 239-246. On Lodges U. D., 224-228. On Lodges Chartered, 233, 234. On Finance, 230, 231. R E P O R T SPECIAL C O M M I T T E E S —On Mileage and Per Diem, 217-221 On Begging Circulars, 229. O U S P E N S I O N S - S e e list, 256-259. • • S T E R L I N G LODGE —239. ^OOD, R E V . C H A R L E S C — G r a n d Senior Warden, introduced, 215.

W^

W I D O W S ' AND O R P H A N S ' F U N D , 215, 236. Who appointed Special Committee, 239.

PROCEEDINGS

M.-.W:.GRAND LODGE STATE OF KANSAS. /

TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION, H E L D IN T H E CITY O F T O P E K A , ^^• FEBRUARY

15 AND 16, A . D . 1882, A . L 5882.

M.-.W.-. W'lLLIAM C O W G I L L , G R A N D MASTER, FREDONIA. R.-. W.-. J O H N

H. BROWN, G R A N D SECRETARY,

LEAVEN

WYANDOTTE.

WO R TH :

KETCHESON A HUKBELL, STEAM PRINTERS AND ENGRAVERS,

iS8z.

G R A N D O F F I C E R S F O R 1852-3.

M.-.W.-. W I L L I AM COWGILL, R.-.W.-. SAMUEL R . PETERS R.-.W.-. GEORGE S. G R E E N R.-.W.-. J. JAY BUCK R.-.W.-. CHRISTIAN B E C K ^ R.-.W.-. JOHN H . BROWN W.-. THOMAS BURROWS W.-. JOHN \,. JONES W.-. CHARLES W . LONG W.-. SAMUEL W . YOUNG W.-. JAMES HOLLAND W.-. E. I. HUTCHINSON W.-. W. J. KEYTE • W.-. W. C. HOFFMEISTER W.-. F R I T Z MAGERJ;

Grand Master Fredonia. Deputy Grand Master Newton. Grand Senior Warden Manhattan. Grand Junior Warden __Emporia. Grand Treasurer Leavenworth. Grand Secretary Wyandotte. Grand Chaplain Emporia. Grand Senior Deacon Neosho Falls. Graiid Junior Deacon Pittsburg. Grand Senior Steward Spring Hill. Grand Junior ^/ifwari/...Wellington. Grand Pursuivant Marysville. Grand Sword Bearer Canton. Grand Marshal Beloit. Grand Tyler Leavenworth.

BOARD OF CUSTODIANS. M.-.W.-. O W E N A. BASSETT, W.-. A. H . ELLIS, W.-. C. S. W I C K S , -

.

. -

-

-

'

•

-

. • -

.

. -

Lawrence. Beloit. Fredonia.

C O M M I T T E E ON C O R R E S P O N D E N C E . R.-.W.-.'JOHN H. BROWN, Chairman,

-

-

•

Wyandotte.

.

Wyandotte.

COMMITTEE ON REVISION. R.-.W.-. J O H N H . B R O W N ,

.

.

.

.

T O P E K A , the third Wednesday in February, 1883, at 10 o'clock, A. M.

GRAND LODGE OF

ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF T H E STATE O F KANSAS.

T W E N T Y ; S I X T H ANNUAL COMMUNICATION.

The M.-.W.". Grand Lodge of ANCIENT, F R E E AND A C of the State of Kansas convened in annual communication, at Masonic Hall, in the city of Topeka, on the third Wednesday, the 15th day of February, A. D. 1882, at 10 o'clock A. M. CEPTED MASONS

Upon calling the roll there was found present the following GRAND O F F I C E R S V M.-.W.-. W I L L I A M COWGILL R.-.W.-. A L B E R T D. McCONAUGHV R.-.W.-. G E O R G E S. G R E E N R.-.W.-. SAMUEL R. P E T E R S R.-.W.-. C H R I S T I A N BECK R.-.W.-. J O H N H . BROWN W.-. THOMAS BURROWS W.-. A. H . E L L I S W.-. J O H N L . J O N E S W.-. A. M. SWITZER W.-. F. J. BROWN , W.-. F R I T Z MAGERS

-

,

Grand Master. . Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Chaplain. Grand Senior Deacon. Grand Sword Bearer. Grand Senior Steward. Grand Marshal. Grand Tyler.

VACANCIES F I L L E D .

The Grand Master filled the vacant places in the line of present Grand Officers by the appointment of the following brethren: W.-. W. E. MOORE W.-. SAMUEL T. HOWK

Grand Junior Deacon. Grand Junior Steward.

W.-. CHARLES FLANNER

Grand Pursuivant.

4

.

Prnceedhiga of ihfi

t"ebfuarv.

CALL OF LODGES.

The Grand Master directed the Grand Secretary to call the roll of Lodges to ascertain if there were present a constitutional numberito-operi-theilVLcMy,-!. Gr^nd-Lodge of Kansas. Upon calling 'me rotl, aft'er th^" re'qtiiVed 'ttumber had been reached, the further call was dispensed with by order of the Grand Master. There being.ptesfehtt rfe^raSebfatij^ast' ^i6vn a constitutional number of Subordinate Lodges, the M.'lW.'. Grand Master proceede9i(and^qp^_n,^dt^Jl§ Graji,d./j^pf^g^Qf-,thei3^te of Kansas in AMPLE FORM, after prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Rev. THOMAS BURROWS.

-oA aViA a a w l .TwaiaxiA lo agboJ briB-iO .-.V/.'.M sriT liiunnB ni bsnovnoD af>2/i-J$¥^5^5}i4S'^oib 1o ZYxOit^M aai'iHO no ,iqfH9og'rah-d-<jfes¥^^ fHnyGM;e?!"tK^'^fol!6wiH^l^i?eWF^H03s .?8§'G(^lniAtt'6feSbftdC?ed9ritia^srf^J(iH¥-'l^.yj^NS;§,^WM.i^Erf-''R^Ab and CHARLES W . LONG.

•'« -^ jfaob'o oi Je

aniv/ollol 'jflJ }n-j?.9i^^r^.^<gj^'|:^^;^i^ Ifel^'^'^ ^nillro noqU ^,

,.

. •.^i{^i.^Vi•^0(lY,J^'ylO

,.

- ,

The reading of the journal of proceedings of last year ,,-.3J<;i;M bjiciy.t--,,u

u- - J . J l O V / p a l/.Al,IJIV/..-.7/.-.M .

.,9Mn^ a)A.ibSrli§i^g.es_m .t]lLS__Gra?d^;Jgiri5^igti9ni(^f Ov.e.l.l/as,ia .isiliitable)ia-tf.reiberoof_copies__pre.''ent;>itOTa:he^iuiSKJofAnieiiibets durihrthfe^seSSian.>i^2ia Y.AiTdA'AHO .-.w.-.^i .yijj33i3'jP, hni.iO KV/OMa .H VA\0\_ .:U.-.A .niElqi!t.O bfunO ...YISITING.BRE-IiH/IiENiUtl r!AI/.OHT .-.7/ .iKO£i..a ioin:i^ bnmO HIJ.IH .H .A .-.'//

.inalvwielcdmebtoia'll brethren, whether.of Ahisidirjt^or/.spjou'rners to the"'se§sidns^'df-the Grand -Lodge,-and 'd'i'/dctedl the'committee on examinations to see that all brethren wlio were not known and vouched'fofr-lrycfeiv^'prb'm'pt'/attention. To anil orii ni aaDuicj in/^'+sMj^irfl-jiwlTfl 'SSKKM bniJ-iO ariT jjriivyollol ofij lo Jnamlnioqq/i 'jflJ vd aiiiafflO LntiD Jnaeaiq Bro. JONES, from the Committee on Credentials, tsufeinfidtte'd f;he,/oUo,\^y]ng,^_^eport, which was^ on motion,]^rejCejyed-/and adppbtediiianjdjithe .committee contiaued,ivWjiidh'unstniiGtions to -•.it.liiiu'-I bi!.uiO . . . .

.1.:'/./.j'-I tiM.ia/.Hj . .'//

1882-3.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

5

add the names of such delegates who have not already reported : To the M.-. W.\ Grand Lodge of Kansas : Your Committee on Credentials beg leave respectfully to report that we find by reference to the Grand Secretary's annual report that the Lodges named below have paid annual dues, and in all other respects complied with the Constitution and By-Laws of this Grand Lodge in relation thereto, and are entitled to representation. We also find a number of Past Grand Officers and Past Masters present who are entitled to a seat and. vote at this annual communication named in this report. Smithtqn, No. i

-| A. LEIGH, W . M., and proxy for S. W. and J. \V.

Leavenworth, No. 2

-] CHRISTIAN BECK, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J . W.

Wvandotte No ? wyanaotte, jvo. 3

f JOHN H. BROWN, proxy for \V. M.; JAS. SNEDDEN ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^^ g_ ^ _^^^^ j _ ^^

Kickapoo, No. 4

\ JOHN A. MOORE, S. W . , proxy for W. M. and J. W.

„,

, .

,

„

Washni^ton. No. < s

„

•

'

-"

«•

f W. W. HURLEY, W . M . ; W. B. CLARK, proxy for S. T-, T T^ T T»r X W. ; R. L. KEPPERLING, J. W.

Union. Ao. 7 '

,,.

- •< ,,7

'

.

c •^

, ,

„

'

. . ,, Acacia, No. Q '

( A. P. TENNEY, W. M.: T. M. PIERCE, proxy for S. -( ^^T T T»«- V » r -r -V^T ' 1 W . ; JOHN M . PRICE, proxy for J. W.

f THOMAS DICKINSON, W . M., and proxy for S. W.: \ LUKE M . HAVENS, proxy for J . W.

f J. M. TURNER, S. W . , and proxy for W. M.: A. L. {i. „ r T ixr •

^

I. SELIG, proxy for J. w.

King Solomon, No. 10 \ D. BYINGTON, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. . ,, , , Jewell, No. ri ^ , . ,,

( T. C. POSTLETIIVVAITE, W . M., and proxy for T. W.; | J^_ ^ IC^APPENBERGER, S. W . . f TOHN C. TONES, W . M., and proxy for 1. W.; W. W.

„ , , ,, Oskaloosa, No. 14 ' ^

I B . P. FUNCHESS, W. M., and proxy for S. W. ; A. T. -^ L),,„,, C 1 \\I \ BUCK, proxy for J. W.

„

f CLINTON GOIT, proxy for W. M.; W. W. CLEMENT,

r,

,

,,

Great Bend, No. ,S- - | s_ ^ ^ . ^ y^, SMITH, J. W. • „

,

i^afayelie, A o. lb ^

,

,,

f L. E. ESHLEMAN, W. M.; W. S. RANKIN, S. W. ;

Topeka,No.i7

,,. ,, l-rankhn,No.iS

( S. M. FOX, W . M . ; H . C. CRUMP, S. W . ; GEORGE

| ^^ BROOKS, proxy for J. W. | JAMES RAMSEY, J. W.

„

Olathe, No. i<) Circleville, No. 20.

( T . P. WAY, S. W . , and proxy for W. M ; E L I H . { GREGG, J. W. . '...{ D. C. ZERCHER, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. f HH. . :DECKER, W . M . ; C. I W.; F. BAXTER, J. W.

A. OURSLER," proxy for S.

6

Proceedings of the

February,

Valley Falls, No. 21.. \ E D . D . HILLYER, proxy for W. M., S. W. and J. W. Olivet, .No. 22 .

.. -j W. H. CONNELLY, W . M., proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Osage Valley, No. 24. \ L. W. JACOBS, W . M., and proxy for S. W. and J. W. Pacific No 2a ^acijic, i\o.2g

I J"'^^"- ^- "^^'^'"'' P''°''>' ''°'" ^^- ^^- ' ' " ' ^ J- ^•'' ^- ^ • I p^^^ g ^

. ., Alcana, No. ?/

) W. H. NESBITT, W . M . , and proxy for S. W.; A. B. ---^ o T i^r

•^

1 SMITH, J. W.

4nl„ir« No ^^ Aubuin, N0.32 .,

, r~:

„.

.,

i^- ^^- I^'^CHE, proxy for W. M.; H. H. BUCKLEY, j g ^y . p^^j^,^ ^v_ HARRISON, J. W.

r.r

f O. P. WATSON, proxy for

Mound Czty, l\o. ?? _ _-^ <• c n; 1 T nr -^' -'-' 1, proxy for S. W. and J. W. ,j

W. M.:

R. B.

BRYAN,

f JOHN SCHILLING, proxy for W. M.; E. N. MORRELL,

Hiawatha, No. 75. _ ..•;•' r e wj 1 r -n; J-' 1^ proxy for S. W. and J. W. „ ., „ ., A ( H. W. GiLDEMEisTER, W. M.; T. T. CROWLEY, S. Counctl Grove, No. 36 -j ^^,_ ^ ^ KNIGHT, J. W. „

,

.,

f E. W. ROBINSON, W . M . ; W M . GANO, S. W . ; JOHN

Paola,No.37

j WHERRELL, J. W.

lola, N0.3S

-I W. G. ALLISON, W . M . , proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Seneca, No. 3g

-. \ JOSHUA MITCHELL, W . M,, proxy for S. W. and J. W.

Desoia, No. 40 „,

.

^

-| A. B. MILLER, W . M., proxy for S. W. and J. W. .,

(SENECA JOHNSON, S. W . , and

proxy for W. M. and

Blooming Grove, No. 41 j T w „

,,

.,

f

}

f CHARLES HAYDEN, W . M • A. W. POST, T. W . , and

Ho/ton, A 0.42. ' ^

__{ r c \\j \ proxy for b. W.

'J

'

Delphian, No. 44

\ W. H. STEWART, S. W . , proxy for W. M. and S. W.

Monrovia, A^o. 48,^:-

-j JOSEPH LOGAN, W . M., proxy for S. W. and J. W.

.,. .,., ., Ahne Mile, No. 40 ^

f W. J. MORRIS, S. W . , and proxy for W. M.; D. R. < r^ •' /• T H, I. CHURCHILL, proxy for J. \V.

„

,

-r

f DAVID BOWEN, W . M . : A. C. EICHENBERG, S. W . ;

Orient, No. sr

| ^^^^ SPALDING, proxy for J. W.

Granada, A'^o. S3 •-- - \^- CAMPFIELD, S. W . , proxy for W. M. and J. W. Sha-unee, No. 34 „

-j J. C. FERGUSON, W . M., proxy for S. W. and J. W.

. ,

/A.

Troy, No. S3

PERRY,

W . M . ; R. S. DINSMORE, S. W . ; G. T.

| ^y^^^_ ^^^^^ ^^^ j _ ^^

Spring Hill, No. 56 . . -{ S. W. YOUNG, W . M., proxy for S. W. and J. W. Coyvilie, No. 57 .,,

„,

^

;,

-j F. M. ROBERTSON, VV. M., proxy for S. W. and J. \V. o

) S. E. K I N G , proxy for

ML Pleasant, No. SS-W „

,.

ST

I.

Sauna, No. 00

^

TDAN'L

< T ly

\V. M.^nd

J. W.;

GEORGE

g, ^ WHITEHEAD,

\ V . M . , proxy for S.

<f

J

W. and

1882-3.

Grand Lodge of Kansas.

LaCygne,

No. 61

„.,

jr

Ktdgeway, Adams, It/

-j G E O . F . H A M L I N , p r o x y for W . M., S. W . a n d J . W .

^

f C. H .

No. 63 itr

,

,,

Gardner, p

„

,

hf

I

M

A

| g^ y^, . j ^ y^_ W A T S O N , p r o x y for J . W .

No. 68

,

, ,

\ H E N R Y S E L I . E K , W . M , , p r o x y for S. W . a n d J . W .

,,

f JAMES D I C K E N S H E E T S , W . M . ; A.

No. 70 '

Chetopa,

< -'

'

No. 7j

sr

r

c ^^r

-c-

-r, /-.n>.T

V. S P A R H A W K ,

T 117

\ p r o x y for S. W . ; F E L I X P . 0 N E I L , J . W .

\ F . M . R E A M E R , S . W . , p r o x y for W . M . a n d J . W .

Tie, No. 74.^.

j„

D A N L E Y , S. W . ; A L

f B E N J . M C E L R O Y , W . M . ; R . S. N E W E L L , p r o x y for

ivo. 07

Caroondale,

Mystic

f T- B . B R U N E R , W . M . ; I I . - E . T iir \ BABCOCK, J. W.

< •;,

-"

^rani^jorl, Hiram,

( O . C. J O N E S , p r o x y for W . M . ; W . W . C A R T E R , S . T r^ r T WT I " ' • ; J O S E P H . D A V I S , p r o x y for J . W .

^ ,,-

No. Of

'

JOEL M . K E T C H ,

„ _ E A G A N , J., W .

-j H . C . C O O K , p r o x y for W . M., Si W . a n d J . W .

JL Wathena, No. 64 ' ^ ^

E A S T O N , p r o x y for W . M . :

No. 6 ^ — . | ^^ ^y . j

,7