Halting Counsels.

HALTING COUNSELS .

rpHERB is a laissez faire spirit abroad . Matters that were ¦ *¦ considered important , and which still await settlement , are now regarded with little respect in certain quarters . A mighty change has taken place , apparently without cause . The mass of the brethren may still feel

the same interest in the question of the future Temple of the Craft ; they may continue to think that there is something more than a mere whim in the desire of a large number of brethren who advocate a great change in the

status a Past Master should hold upon joining a lodge . Whatever may be the fact with regard to them , it is quite certain that some who claim to speak ex cathedrd have come to the conclusion that it would be better to leave

well alone . They seem to think that Grand Lodge have done all that is required in one matter , and if they simply restore the old Temple they will have done all that is necessary . Just to keep their friends in countenance , tbey are prepared to accept some change in the kitchen

department ; in every other sense , " as you were " is the new policy . Men have a right to change their views ; the effect of such change varies according to the position held by the human chameleon . Those who aspire to be leaders should first make themselves sure of their ground and

only shift when compelled by the force of circumstances or the discovery of new facts . The mass who do not think , or who are guided by their feelings and friendships rather than by knowledge , may be expected to be fickle . We look for better things from those who should instruct

others . When the calamitous fire took place at Freemasons' Hall , it was thought a good opportunity would be afforded for carrying out improvements , which until then were looked upon as much needed . Among tbese were an enlarged Temple , better offices for waiting and otber

purposes , and a library and museum . . It is now held that it is only necessary to restore the one , and let tbe other questions slide into the tomb of forgotten or despised necessities . We cannot see the reason for this relapse into a worse feeling than that of indifferentism . If the late

Temple was too small for its purpose in the past , surely if it were simply restored it would be less suitable in the futnre , for the Craft is more likely to grow than to diminish . It may not be necessary to build a Temple capable of seating fifteen hundred brethrenthat would be virtually

, doubling its size . There are grave objections to this plan , but greater space is needed for the accomodation of the brethren , and to effect this purpose the skill of those versed in architecture should be called into exercise . The large scheme of the Special Committee has alarmed some

° f the brethren , and instead of seeking a more modest course , they resolve to- do nothing . They argue against the purchase of Bro . Bacon ' s lease , they object to let another part of tho premises out of their control for half a century . They are right in these conclusions . But the

necessit y for better accommodation is not thus satisfied , nor | s the formation of a library and museum forwarded . It is urged as a reason for restoring the Temple now , that when Bro . Bacon ' s lease falls in it will be time enough to consider tbe whole question . If that be so , then all that " ^ as considered urgent a short time ago will become urgent

Halting Counsels.

again , and w « shall see what we shall see . If those who reason thus mean what ihey say , in five years'time the whole question will ba re-opened . The circumstances will be changed , and what is comparatively easy now would become difficult then , unless it is intended to commence

forming a building fund at once that shall be large enough to meet the cosfe of any scheme , however elaborate . There are no signs of any such effort , although there are evidences of the existence of a very liberal spirit both among the blue and the red . Were such a fund started , and were it

as successful as the most ardent supporter could desire , it would become a question whether any outlay should be incurred at present , while so much doubt exists as to the plans of the future . It will be urged that the Templo cannot remain in its present condition , nor is it desirable

that it should , but better an eyesore than a wanton waste of money , which would result from mere restoration now and reconstruction five years hence . Something more than the re-building of the Temple is required by the majority of the Craft ; by the minority it is only regarded as a

question of time . It . may be urged that waiting will save at least £ 6000 that Grand Lodge might now have to give Bro . Bacon for tho remainder of his lease , but is it necessary to secure this part of the building at the present time ? We do not hold with increasing the Temple to double its

former size , and we ai'e strongly inclined to think that the contemplated arrangements for tavern purposes might be much modified , if not almost altogether dispensed with . It is desirable that where fjodge and Chapter meetings are held , there the brethren should dine , but owing to various

circumstances many members prefer to seek elsewhere the accommodation that is lacking at Freemasons' Hall . This has always been a defect , more or less , of the establishment . It cannot be altogether the result of want of room and convenience . There is something inherent in the spirit of

management which either despises competition or refuses to enter into it . It may arise from a sense of monopoly ; if so , then that feeling ought to have disappeared long ago . Fresh places are rising up which offer a tempting welcome to Lodges , and the tendency at the present time is to patronise these homes both of work and refreshment .

It is obvious , from wbat we have stated , that Grand Lodge cannot stand stiM . To advance one step now , and to have to retrace a dozen a few years hence , , would not be the policy of prudent men . There seems little chance of the scheme submitted by the Special Building Committee

going further than the Beport and its entry on the minutes . Under theso conflicting circumstances , it becomes difficult to know . what to do . If we were sure that the same objections that are HOW urged against the erection of a building with its adjuncts worthy of the Masonic body

of England would not be reproduced five years hence , we might be disposed to give the preference to delay . If a distinct pledge were g iven that the necessities of the whole case should be dealt with in a generous spirit , we should be tempted to warmly recommend delay . But experience

proves that it is dangerous to discount the present by drawing upon the future , and that it is better " to bear the ills we have , than fly to others wo know not of . " First of all , it is necessary to ascertain whether any and what property can be obtained west of tlie present building . That decided , all the possibilities would be before the Grand Lodge . The

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EPPS'S ( cS 5 = s ) COCOA .