The Ballot.

THE BALLOT .

IN all societies where the ballot is introduced , each member is invested with an extraordinary power , which he is to use , and not abuse . The present system of taking the ballot in Lodges , is ( in my humble opinion ) a great mistake . I have frequently noticed , when the Deacons are taking the ballot , that there is little or no secrecy in connection therewith . It is in the

power of any member to know how fche Brother on either side of him votes ; even the Deacons can , if so minded , tell who has black-balled a candidate . The simplest and best system adopted ( fco my mind ) is that in use at Geelong Lodge of Unity and Prudence . The ballot box is put behind a temporary screen , placed in one corner of the Lodge , having both ends open , so

that each Brother can pass through , one at a time , record his vote , and take his seat . When every Brother has voted , and the W . M . declares the ballot closed , fche S . D . submits fche ballot to the J . W ., S . W ., and lastly the W . M . By this simple method it is utterly impossible to know how any Brother votes ; I therefore recommend this system to your favourable consideration , feeling

convinced thafc the secrets of the ballot box would not then be abused . In a Masonic Lodge especially , where the most humble may black-ball the most illustrious candidate from , it may be , caprice , or other reasons , and vice versa—where questions of differences are sometimes remembered and raked up—where Brethren meeting in charity forget their principles—where the

inferior dictates are unhappily allowed to have the ascendancy , and where wicked instignation prevails , the efficacy of the system is stultified , and the ballot ( the instrument of precaution ) becomes the instrument of wrath , and is disastrous to the vital interests of our Order . It is a grievous thing where differences of the smallest nature exist , without an opportunity occurring for their adjustment by mutual explanation and concession , or in

any other way , as is often the case , where each fancies himself right and the other wrong , and where , probably , both are at fault ( and in such cases the powerful barrier of pride and ill-nature are sufficient , unhappily , to preclude , it may be for years , the possibility of a settlement ) . It is a grevious thing , if , under such circumstances , the ballot in a Masonic Lodge is made the first medium for satisfaction—that the grievance so long smouldering , as ifc were , is there and by such means fco be avenged .

Ifc is a notorious fact in many instances that one half of the men who are black-balled in our Lodges , are black-balled through pique , or spite for some long past but nofc forgotten grievance ; and , indeed , it sometimes happens that the candidate becomes the victim of a displeasure contracted by his proposer , and to which he has been no party—which is worse and worse ! For

example : —A and B , vie will say , are both Masons , and belong to the-., same Lodge . A has in some way offended B , and B blackballs the first man whom A proposes . Another case ;—C is , we will say ,, a prominent member of another Lodge . He either has been , or . fancies he has been , slighted by D ; however , he had

not been " consulted" in some matter by the latter , who proposes shortly afterwards two ., or three candidates * in every way unexceptionable , and well qualified candidates for Masohry ,-yet each is black-balled ignominiously as though he were a blackleg , either by C , or , what is still more cowardly on his parfc , by some leagured friends at his instigation 1

Now , how is it possible that Lodges should prosper under such influences and connivance , where hatred , and malice , and all uncharifcableness reign instead of charity , which "is not easily-provoked , " and "doth nofc behave itself unseemly , " but " endureth all things . " ? Let us take a brighter instance , when frailty , which is the common lot of all , may exist without

corruption . I know a man who had a serious difference with a Brother ; no doubt both were at fault , as is usually the case . Perhaps one " more so" than the ofcher . The former was proposed as a candidate for Masonry in the very Lodge of which the latter was Junior Warden . It would have obviously been the easiest thing in the world for the latter to have black-balled

the other ; bufc did he do so ? No ! he said to himself , he knows I am a member and Officer of fche Lodge , and still he comes determinately forward . He comes , therefore , evidently in a charitable and forgiving spirit , charity "hopeth all things ; " he perhaps hopes I will refrain . At first I acknowledge I feel half inclined to exclude him , to pain him ; but it is only an angry passing thought . He has certainly offended me , but what then ?

are there any reasonable grounds further ? Does there exist in my own mind the slightest stain upon his social character ? No ; on the contrary , I consider him unexceptionable in both respects ; but still he has offended me . This is all I can urge . Let me hope , then , that his character as a Mason may confim his " good reporfc . " Instead of black-balling let me assist to show him the " light" by extending to him the right hand of fellowship , which it will be my province to do , one of the first .

Depend upon it , Brethren , our conscience is our high appeal . In all things ifc exists as our earthly monitor . If too weak , through our own perversity , it may be strengthened by an appeal which cannot fail , an appeal to the Great Architect of the

The Ballot.

Universe , who is always listening to our inmost pleadings . As men , we have great duties to perform in this life ; as members of a social brotherhood that binds us mystically where first we were unknown , we have still further obligations , which have been imposed upon us " of our own free will and accord . " When we

knelt upon the cushion before the Sacred volume we were taught what is " natural equality and mutual dependence , " but , above all , our duty to God , our neighbour , and ourselves . There we saw Charity , supported by her confiding sisters , Faith and Hope ; If we perform our duties like men we shall never forget our

duties as Masons . There is no reason why a non-Mason may not be the best of men . There are , we know , many such ; and God grant that the day may never arrive when it will be requisite thafc a man should be a Mason before he can be good .

On the ofcher hand , the Craft reposes on us extra duties and responsibilities ; and just as the study of the dead languages facilitates fche comprehension of the mother tongue * so Masonry assists us in the contemplation of religion , and of our " living in due bounds with all mankind . " Let us nofc belie ourselves as

men , but , as Masons with increased responsibilities ; let us never forget that Justice should be fche " guide of all our actions . " Let us , then , be mindful how we exclude a candidate for Masonry . The ballot is good , and the ballot should be unanimous for election as a prudential method , i . e ., one black ball should exclude . Bufc woe to the Brother who makes use of that fatal

instrument improperly , from unworthy motives , his conscience dissenting . Great power involves great responsibilities . Socrates says it intoxicates the stoutest hearts , as wine the strongest heads . Let the great power , then , which this system of voting gives , remind us how to use it . Temper justice with mercy .

Let us place ourselves in the position of a candidate for Masonry who has been excluded without due reason , as in the picture I have just painted , and be careful of our future conduct in this respect towards our neighbours and ourselves . What benevolence teaches , charity upholds . So mote ifc be . —W . H . Kingbury ( Ballarat ) , in " Masonry . "

THE HAPPY HOME , a weekly magazine published at 172 Strand , at the . price of one penny , is hardly of a character to interest the ordinary member of our Fraternity , but there are many of our fair sisters who will find much that is useful and instructive in its pages , which are largely devoted to the all-absorbing topic of fashion , and are freely illustrated .

Ad00502

GAIETY RESTAURANT , STiR ^ nsr iD . LUNCHEONS ( HOT and COLD)—At Popular Prices , in BUFFET and RESTAURANT ( on 1 st floor ) . Also Chops , Steaks , Joints , Entrees , & c , in the GRILL ROOM . AFTERNOON TEA — Consisting of Tea or Coffee , Cut Bread . and Butter ; . Jam , Cake , Pastry , ad lib , at 1 / - per head ; served from 4 till 6 in RESTAURANT ( 1 st floor ) . DINNERS IN RESTAURAiST'I ? - ^ From 5-30 till 9 at Fixed Prices ( 3 / 6 and 5 / - ) and a la Carte . In this room the Viennese Band performs from 6 till 8 . Smoking after 7-45 . AMERICAN BAR . THE GRILL ROOM is open till 12-30 . PEIVATE DINING E 00 MS TOR LAEGE AND SMALL PAETIES . SPIERS AND POND , Ltd ., Proprietors .