Masons At Sight.

MASONS AT SIGHT .

THE equality of Freemasonry , on which so much stress is laid the world over , is never more forcibly illustrated than on the occasion of a candidate's admission into the Order . The peculiar methods of preparation then

adopted are all intended to impress upon him the particular fact that in Masonry he is on an equality with his fellows , and that mere worldly possessions are of far less value that a good reputation and sincerity of purpose . We are accustomed to tell our initiates that each member

of the Craft has experienced the same trials and been taught the same lessons as himself , and thus it is we should most strenuously oppose any departure from the established custom and routine of the past .

Masonry under the English Constitution has seldom , if ever , sanctioned what is regarded in America as the prerogative of Grand Masters—the , making of Masons at sight , as it is called , that is , the conferring of-the three

degrees on distinguished men at the same sitting , and without going through all the forms and ceremonies of the Order , and we think the English section of the Craft is justified in holding itself up as a pattern in this ' . and

similar matters . How is it possible to convince a newlyadmitted member of the Fraternity that all must enter Freemasonry by the same routine , if he knows that all forms and requirements have been ruthlessly set aside in

favour of some well known individual , whose chief qualifications for Freemasonry appeared to be his popularity in the outside world ? It is absurd to preach equality

under such conditions , and we are wholly at a loss to understand how Brethren who pride'themselves on their strict adherence to the form and ceremonies of the Craft

can justify the absurdity of making Masons at sight . We are prompted to these remarks by the publicity given in many parts of the United States to the " unusual distinction conferred on Maryland ' s Governor , at Baltimore "

—as one of the attractive headlines so popular with our transatlantic cousins puts it—in having been initiated , passed and raised the same evening , by the Grand Master and Grand Officers of the State , not because of any

particular qualification he possessed for Masonic preferment , but because he happened to hold a position of distinction in the profane world . Surely this is a perversion of the

best principles of Freemasonry , and we should like to see an official protest offered , with a view to restraining such undesirable enthusiasm in the future .

There is an old adage , however , that may be said to apply in this case—those who live in glass houses should not throw stones—and if the Grand Lodge of England

were to point out to the Masonic rulers of Maryland that their action in this matter was unconstitutional there is no knowing in what way our American friends mi ght retaliate , for there is much going on day by day in

Masons At Sight.

English Freemasonry that is opposed to the new fangled ideas of our friends across the water . We at least enjoy the distinction of being older than they , however , and

there would be very little difficulty in showing that making Masons at sight is not in accord with the original intention and spirit of our Brotherhood .

. . Should it become necessary to argue this question with the Freemasons of the new world it would be

possible to strengthen our contention by reference to their opposition to the practice formerly common in Scotland , of conferring the three degrees on ordinary candidates the same day , but we can hardly imagine sufficient interest

being aroused to . lead to a conference or this or any similar question . Whatever reputation or distinction the Craft of Freemasonry miay enjoy throughout the world

its rulers can hardly be accused of interesting themselves in or interfering with the internal arrangements of other governing bodies in the Craft .

Lodges Of Instruction.

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION .

\ : S . we have said on more than one occasion in the past r ^~ we shall , have much pleasure in placing space at the disposal of Brethren interested in Lodges of Instruction ,

with the view . of < making the CHRONICLE the means of communication between those useful Schools of Masonry during the coming season , and , it may be , thereby increase their membership and sphere of action .

In London , more particularly , the good work done by Lodges of Instruction is becoming more marked year by year , ; for , not only are our regular Lodges better officered than was formerly the case , but a considerable amount of

routine work , is discussed and arranged by Brethren at these weekly gatherings , alike in matters concerning their individual Lodges as well as in connection with subjects which at one time were regarded as somewhat outside the

scope of our Order . Only last week we had to record such an . event , the presentation of a Lifeboat by the members- of a Lodge ( or rather Club , to be more precise )

of Instruction , and scarcely a day goes by without our receiving proofs of the great assistance the Charitable Institutions' of the Order receive , directly or indirectly , from the Lodges of Instruction around us .

¦ There are some who argue that reports of such gatherings are all so much alike as to prove monotonous and most uninteresting , but on the other hand there are

many who look , week by week , for the names of Brethren with whom they are personally acquainted and who they are anxious to see rehearsing their way through the different Offices of the Craft .

We look upon the regular attendance of the Officers of the Mother Lodge on particular occasions at the Lodge of Instruction , when they take their respective places and rehearse what will probably be required of them at their next assembly , as one of the best features of the