Lodge Dues.

LODGE DUES .

FROM THE VOICE OF MASOXKT . PROBABLY there is no question involved in what mny be termed the domestic or internal economy of Lodges which is more perplexing , and in its tendencies exorcises a "renter influence for prosperity on the one hand , and for apathy , dissatisfaction , nonaffiliation or its more advanced condition , suspension , on the other ,

than non-payment or non-collection of dues . I use the two terms in this connection because the fact or existence of the first is largely due to the nn-bnsinpss-1 ike performance of the latter . Laxity on the part of the Secretary in attending to the collection of Lodge dues , as he wonld do in any private business affairs , begets a corresponding looseness and carelessness on the part of the membership ,

who , in this respect , fail to perform their duties with the same constant regularity with which other obligations , less important , are performed . A majority of Secretaries nnfortnnatoly conceive that they aro fulfilling their duties in posting up their ledgers at the end of the year , and having their books in readiness for settlement when the

brethren present themselves for payment . It is one of tho peculiarities in hnman nature that a portion of the human family require to be reminded of pecuniary obligations before they will make any effort to discharge them , and it is also true that a large number of this class will respond when properly called upon . With this class , therefore , the failure may be properly charged .

not as non-payment of dues , but the debit should appear in the Secretary's acconnt , as non-collection of dnes , if reasonable diligence and energy is not exercised in the effort , to collect them . Secretaries , as a rule , are like other men and Masons , solicitous to avoid wounding the feelings of delinquent brethren by plainly asking them to pay their dues ; and , as they are held responsible only for

what they receive , and , though they may realise the desirability or even necessity of seonring payment , they still feel a delicaoy , and in many cases a repugnance , to presenting a statement of account to delinquents . It is safe to assume that a majority of those who , under this system , settle np at intervals of two , three or more years , are brethren who are best able to meet their dues , who could pay them at

any time , but who allow the debt to accumulate simply because their attention is not called to it . After a time it amounts to a sum which is not so easily paid , and , finally , the debtor will reach a mental conclusion something like this : " I justly owe the Lodge this sum of money , but just at this time I need it in my business , and can't well afford to pay it . If the Secretary had only called my attention to it

annually , I could have paid it without feeling it , but just now I'll wait until I am a little easier in money matters . " So it keeps accumulating , until , finally , under an order of the Lodge , for there are but few Masters who will assume the responsibility , citations or summonses are issued requiring perhaps a dozen members to appear at some fixed time , and show cause why they should not be disciplined

for non-payment of dues . Minds are differently affected by this procedure . Those who have merely been careless , and have failed to pay because they have not been requested to do so , resent it as unbusinesslike , and unfraternal , and feel wounded that such extreme measures have been resorted to . As a rule , this class hasten to settle their dues before the time set , but , probably , they would have done

so just as promptly and with far better grace had they been presented with a statement of account and fraternal request for pay . ment within a month after the close of tho Masonic year . There are some , too , who affect an indignance and wounded pride , who really deceive themselves into the belief that the procedure is extreme , and a breach of fraternal courtesy , and so justify a failure either to pay

dues or to appear and show cause ; permit themselves to be suspended , and then regard themselves as good Masons at heart , but the victims of unfraternal action on the part of the Lodge . These men all have personal friends in the Lodge , who greatly regret the necessity of the action whioh is taken , and in some instances disapprove of and condemn it j thus superadding another element of weakness or

discord to the weight already existing . I might refer to many more conditions and phases of this question , and to its disastrous effects on Lodges , but every brother must have noticed them , for they exist in many Lodges ; and , these premises admitted , the question naturally reverts to the remedy . I think it is easy to define ; it is prophylactic , not curative . It is the " ounce of prevention , not the pound of cure . "

Let the Seeretary understand that it is his duty not only to receive &» monies from the hands of the brethren , but to collect all monies due the Lodge , or to make a reasonable business effort to do so . But how and in what manner is this duty to bo enjoined upon him , and how can he do so without being deemed over-zealons if not discourteous , and thus become the obiect of personal dislike or

resentment , especiall y if his predecessor in office has been one of tho easygoing kind ? Again , I would prescribe tho ounce of preventive . Amend if necessary your bye-laws . Make it Lho duty of tho Secretary , first to snow in his annual balance sheet tho amount due the Lodge , aa dues , Without mentioning names of debtors . If they attend the Lodge , it

™ ay serve to jog their memories . Second , let it be his duty within thirt y days after the expiration of the Masonic year , to send a statement of acconnt to every brother who is one year or more in arrears , this be unhedeed for thirty days , another statement should be sent , and in a large majority of cases the second statement will be onnd unnecessary . Then , thirty days after tho second statement , it should

be his duty to send a citation to all who are two years or more r * arrears , to appear ah a stated time , and show cause why charges nould not be preferred for non-payment of dries ; or sncli action hnd . Dere on as may be prescribed by the regulations of the Grand Lodge «> such case * . If this be done there will be no heavy delinquent accounts , aa only two years' dues will be permitted to accumulate , and the proba-

Lodge Dues.

bilities of collection will be correspondingly enhanced . There is a natural feeling of repugnance to pleading nctnal inability or poverty in bar of payment , but the feeling is , though natural , un-Masonic , because no brother shonld hesitate to avow the f ; ict when called upon , find tho Lodge generally will bo able to judge intelligentlv as to the correctness thereof , and will tako pleasure in relieving the mind of

tho brother by remitting his dnes , and placing him in good standing in his feelings as well as in tho Lodge . After an experience of ovor a quarter of a centnrv , I can assert that I have never known a brother to be suspended or disciplined for non-payment of dues when it was showu that he was unable to pay . But why incorporate those provisions in the by-laws ? I mi"ht

answer by asking , why not ? Bnt as my objeot is what might be termed ex parte argument , and not controversy , I will endeavour briefly to answer it . First , because in addition to the usual requirements , that every brother shall pay a certain amount annually , as dues , it does not leave the matter entirely at , the discretion or pleasure of the member , bnt defines the time when it , shall he paid , the

means to be employed in collecting it , and the officer on whom the dnty devolves . Second , the duty of tho Secretary is not only clearly defined , but the members know what to expect , and will govern themselves accordingly . Third , it relieves tho Secretary from any feeling of delicacy or embarrassment , and protects him against any dissatisfaction on tho part of delinquents , who realise that ho is simply

obeying the bye-laws , and faithfully performing the duties of the office to which they have elected him . Thus he has no discretionary power , is above the reproach of overzeal or favouritism , and the financial machinery of the Lodge works along smoothly and satisfactorily . The different regulations of different Grand Lodges might necessitate some slight modifications of tho system indicated , bnt the

essential featnres can easily be incorporated into the by-laws and practice of every Lodge , and a vast amount of delinquency , with all its demoralising adjuncts , obviated or prevented . I have seen it tested in Lodges where , at its introduction , the books and finances were in a very unsatisfactory condition , and under its operation , fraternally executed , two years' experience proved the value of the

system , cleared the books of delinquent accounts , and placed the finances of the Lodge in a healthy condition . True , it may become necessary to suspend some delinquent , who may be what the world thinks a good fellow , bnt if suoh things must be , the sooner it is done the better for Masonry , for the example will prove a two-edged sword , removing bad examples from those who

might either imitate them or plead them in bar for their own delinquencies , and , on the other edge , indicating that such things will not be tolerated , but will be regulated , when necessary . Nor will Masonry suffer from the loss of such members . Better a healthy tree , whose branches , though few , are sound , and whose fruit is vigorous , than one more lofty and wide spreading , whose half-decaying boughs draw

and exhaust the sap contributed by the healthier roots , and thus rob the fruit of nourishment , and dwarf its fruition . I might also add , that suspension in such cases is not to be regarded abstractly as a punishment for non-fulfilment of duties , because the recipient invites it and aids in accomplishing it ; and can at his pleasure relieve himself from its operation and restore himself to good standing . Hence it is not punitive , but disciplinary ,

and , in nearly all cases , is of his own freewill and accord , by providing the means which must produce this result , This article has been penned at the suggestion of a Worshipful Master , whose Lodge has been loaded with an incubus of unpaid dues , with all the attendant evils which that condition engenders ; and , having strong faith in this preventive treatment , I offer the prescription gratuitously to the Yoke of Masonry , for the consideration of the Craft .

Great Western Railway Literary Society.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY LITERARY SOCIETY .

THE Great Western Railway Literary Society has , rast issued its thirty-first Annual Report , whioh describes the Society as having attained a very satisfactory position . This Society was instituted for the benefit of the officers and clerks of the Great Western Railway Company and its immediate connections , and possesses a well-selected library of upwards of ten thousand volumes ,

and the tables of the reading-room are furnished with the leading morning , evening , and weekly papers , and the principal reviews , magazines , & c . The number of members now on the Society's register is 603 . During tho past year 517 volumes have been added to the library for circulation , exclusive of 107 works necessarily renewed , and 74 withdrawn from circulation , making a total of

10 , 106 in the possession of tho Society . The average monthly circulation continues at about 3 , 200 volumes . Extra copies of the most popular works have been purchased , aud nearly 500 volumes have been rebound . AChess Clnb in connection with the Society was established in 1850 , and this has , to no inconsiderable extent , assisted in keeping alive among the members a deep and continued interest in the game .

The members of the City of London Orchestral Union announce a Grand Evening' Concert in celebration of the Sixteenth Anniversary of their establishment , which will take place at the Albion Hall , London Wall , on Wednesday evening next , the 18 th inst . Bro . G- T . H . Seddon , P . M .

177 , the conductor of this popular Orchestra , will doubtless display his usual care in the selection of a programme for the occasion , and we anticipate a repetition of the many successful meetings we already have had to chronicle in respect of this prosperous society .