Random Notes And Reflections.

RANDOM NOTES AND REFLECTIONS .

MINUTES are the records of proceedings , and if they were nothing more all that -would be necessary would be to see that they were correctly entered and order them to be signed . That they are regarded as of more importance than a mere register of facts is often forcibly

manifested , and with some show of reason . The common belief is that b y confirming minntes acts done at a previous meeting and dnly entered are confirmed as well , which at once makes them law . The only remedy left is

to rescind an objectionable act , which in some cases can only be done after a certain lapse of time , or under conditions very dissimilar to those under which the original motion was carried . The process is clumsy , and is often

fraught with injustice . A resolution carried hastily , 01 under pressure—a snatched vote , in fact—becomes a fixed law , at least for a time , without a remedy being afforded , except such as we have indicated .

In the foregoing paragraph we have dwelt briefly with the general question of confirmation of minutes . We perceive that it has arisen with regard to the proceedings of Grand Lodge . An evening contemporary hardly puts

the matter fairly , because something is withheld that would have weight y If we remember rightly , at the last Quarterly Communication it was stated by a brother , of good authority , that it was competent for any member of Grand

Lodge to move that the minutes of a preceding meeting or meetings should be confirmed except such portion or portions as might be pointed out . That opinion seemed to prevail , for if the minutea were correctly entered there was

no reason why delay in signing them should be granted . The motive for delay was evidently to obtain a wider judgment upon a certain act done , and by postponing the signing of the minntes the right to question any part or

parts of them is clearly recognised . We believe it is the wiser course to pursue . We know there is the danger of provoking talk , , of vexations delays , and of irritating

grumblings , but as the Grand Master has supreme power over the conduct of the Lodge , he would take good care that a high privilege should not be turned into an obstructive weapon .

§ Take the vexed question of the status of Past Masters , for instance . Is it not a fact that a very large number of brethren are interested in the matter who have not yet had an opportunity of expressing an opinion ? Many men

object to disturb an accomplished act , that is one that had not onl y been carried but had also been confirmed . They would , however , be glad of a chance to urge their views npon confirmationand they see no reason why they should

, not have the opportunity afforded them . But is it quite certain that the minutes are regarded as being correct in tne case now before us ? Some one got up in Grand Lodge , we believe it was Bro . Le Feuvrewho took exception to

, tne record . Possibly he did not wish to disturb tbe decision '" 'rived at with regard to the Past Masters , bnt he decidedly ad an objection of some kind on a point of accuracy . h is

nardl y fair , therefore , to assume that the minutes were even correct of themselves , and it would be simply deferring ne consideration of a vexed question by forcing the

confirmation of minutes which contain the record of an objectionable or doubtful act . The whole matter has been very properly delayed . We

are nofc unmindful of the high authority of Bro . Mclntyre , the Grand Registrar , but better far that he be proved in the wrong , than that an injustice even in form should be done . Besides , the status question had reached an angry

point , and time was required to cool down the fiery spirits on both sides . If confirmation had been forced , exasperation would have been intensified , and the prospects of a settlement of a very vexed question would have been prolonged in heartburning and strife .

What do our brethren think of this ? A brother m a Minnesota Lodge is exercised in his mind as to whether it is right to tolerate a member who engages in the liquor traffic . Personally he is shocked at the idea , and writes

to the editor of the Voice of Masonry for light on the matter . Our contemporary is cautious in his reply . He says there is not unanimity of opinion nor of legislation on the subject . He has not time to hunt up

the rulings on the question , but he adds : . —We , as a Mason , cannot engage in the liquor business , because neither our conscience nor our judgment of Masonic duty will permit it . We feel that we have no right

to tempt our brethren to injure themselves , their relatives , their neighbours , and their country by becoming drunkards , and that if we did such work we would be guilty of un-Ohristian and un-Masonic conduct .

What about " labour aud refreshment ? and of -what is the latter to consist ? If of intoxicating liquors , who is to supply them ? We admit that there is a difference between the open sale of drink and supplying it to Lodges

on special occasions , but it is only in degree and not m essence . To be consistent it should be made compulsory for every brother to become a teetotaller , or abolish all festive gatherings in which strong drink is used . We

have some idea of what bar keepers are m America , and it may be that the business is essentially a low one . We have a better knowledge of the Licensed Victuallers in our own country , and we have no hesitation in saying that , as

a body , they are not behind any other class of tradesmen in intelligence , probity , and charity . If the moral teaching of Freemasonry is nofc sufficient to regulate a brother's habits and conduct , we are qnite sure that no penal

law will be prohibitive of indulgence . On the contrary , it is calculated to provoke rebellion , as an improper interference with personal liberty . It is very singular that the people who boast so much of freedom shonld be the

first to forge the fetters of tyranny . So it is , and ever has been ; and we suppose ever will be . Virtue comes by self-control and not by force , and nowhere is that lesson more forcibly taught than in Freemasonry . '

Only a few days ago a gentleman told us of an incident that occurred during the Crimean War , which is not only interesting , but noble and beautiful . In one of the many

skirmishes that took place during that prolonged campaign a Russian officer and an English soldier came to a hand-tohand conflict . It was death to one or both , unless some unforeseen power intervened . The English soldier , in a moment