The "One-Man" Element.

THE " ONE-MAN" ELEMENT .

ONE of the most potent factors that we have to contend against in the general battle of life is without question the One-Man element that , moro or less , holds a prominent place in every phase of our daily existence . Prom our earliest years we feel the effects—beneficial or otherwise—of this

wonderful mastery , a mastery that may control us , for good or for evil , at the will of the individual who thinks it is his mission to rule and direct his fellows . The master mind will assert itself , all we can do is to so guide and direct the course of its action , that beneficial results may follow .

In our Masonic Lodges the One-Man element is brought before us to a very considerable extent , and we are bound to say that in a large majority of the

cases where we recognise its influence we have no cause to complain . Where the controlling power is exercised by a judicial mind , and where experience

has been acquired by a long and careful study of our Constitutions , with a wholesome desire to stand by and uphold old traditions and landmarks , Ave feel every confidence in the rulings and recommendations that may from time to time be made to us by the grand old Past Master who has served us so faithfully , either

as . treasurer or becrotary . We aro ready to concede the point when we are told that he knows what he is about ; that he has the interest of the Lodge at heart , and whatever course he recommends will be the one that should be adopted by tho members generally . Happily the majority of our old Lodges have on their

roll of members one or more such brethren , and it is to this fact that" may bo attributed the unanimity and happiness that permeates our periodical gatherings , and fosters and sustains the happy feeling that is inseparable from the Masonic Institution .

There is , however , a second standpoint from which we must examine the One-Man element , and here our task may not bo of so agreeable and satisfactory a nature . We have amongst us many men who have appraised themselves according to a standard of their own ; a standard whose foundation is often of the

weakest , and it is when such mon have for tho time being brought themselves to the fore that we may expect to see dissension and disruption in full blast . Such men are generally ready to advance their opinions and to formulate a dictum , which in far too

many cases turns out both unsound and misleading . They boast of a full acquaintance with the Constitutions , but when they are put to it they speedily show that such knowledge has never been fervently sought after , and certainly never acquired . In such cases as these , then , what wonder if the One-Man finds himself

in a minority , with the result that eliquism , with its train of evils , is engendered , and a once happy and contented Lodge enters upon a course of evil days that will exercise a baneful effect for many a long year .

The "One-Man" Element.

And now just a word or two upon tbe question of eliquism . Brethren , we urge you to beware of the

endless evils that follow m the train of this degenerate power ; this pernicious foe to happiness and concord . Where eliquism is allowed to gain ascendancy tho Lodge is practically doomed , in any case bad feeling is to be avoided , but whore the

greater ol the evils is tolerated and encouraged all hope for successful working and prosperity must be abandoned . We have been told , and we arc inclined to favour the opinion that eliquism is not so rampant now as it was some ten or twenty years back , and some sound reasons have been advanced to support this contention . In the

Provinces the executive officers are more pertinncious now than they were formally in securing the necessary returns that private Lodges are called upon periodically to make . Where accounts are kept close it may bo accepted that a Lodge is working on a

substantial basis ; where funds are recklessly expended , it necessarily follows that when the day of reckoning comes the members have a disagreeable duty that must be taken in hand and dealt with without fear or favour . By all means . * , strive to work harmoniously and happily , but if

unfortunately the . baser elements havo gamed' ascendancy then look round and see if thbjOne-Man element exists ; a brother with the requisite p & wors of logic and persuasion to bring about a . reconciliation between the eontending parties may be with you . By all . means enlist his sympathy , and then profit by his advice and recommendations .

The Other View.

THE OTHER VIEW .

PROPERLY to understand a subject thafc is discussed for the purpose of eliciting * knowledge , ifc is wise to take the other vieiu of ifc . This brings the whole question before those who wish to consider all its bearings before decision .

Ifc is the just method of honest investigation . Prejudice , lack of full information , tho impulsiveness of feeling , fclu . mero impressions without analysis of their character , or

how created , tbo superficial consideration and fcho decision that comes out of it , are not over to bo regarded as tho elements of sound judgment . To present this , tho other view , is as necessary as important .

Therefore , in treating of Freemasonry , all thafc is inherent and indestructible in its organisation carries with ifc the asseveration of its verity . Ifc is nofc to be questioned . It is immutably fixed . Time has solidified what tradition has established . The consent of ages has created

landmarks thafc distinguish the eternal verities of Masonry which marked it from the beginning . Masons , then , who are properly instructed , must know these truths . The law

of Masonry emphasises obedience to them . Bat there are societies of Masons , to which only Mason * can be eligible , thafc in modern times have been established and are organized for special teachiogs of virtue , morals