Outside Charity Appeals In Our Lodges.

OUTSIDE CHARITY APPEALS IN OUR LODGES .

TT is but natural that one outcome of the reputation enjoyed by Freemasons in matter of benevolence should be the attraction of appeals from outsiders on behalf of objects for which special efforts are being made , or for which particular need can be urged , and although members of the Craft as a rule sot their face against any canvass in Lodge for matters unconnected with the Masonic Order , there is no hard and fast rule against such a proceeding , while as a matter of fact appeals often do find their way into regular assemblies of Freemasons , with results more or less satisfactory to those who promote them , and generally

to the advantage of the cause on whose behalf they are made . Freemasons cannot be accused of being wholly selfish in this respect ; they recognise their responsibility as members of the Order to maintain the splendid Charitable Institutions which have sprung up in connection with the English Craft , and further than this , they seldom turn a deaf ear to the appeals of any of their brethren in distress when those appeals are regularly brought under notice . Those who are fully acquainted with the working of

the'Craft know that these particular channels of benevolence absorb a very large amount year by year , and entail a tax on the charitable members of the Craft which it would be unfair to increase to that great extent that would be necessary if outside appeals for assistance were to receive anything liko regular recognition . We have from time to time had

occasion to speak of matters for which it was sought to introduce a Masonic bearing , in order that systematic appeals might be made to members of the Craft , and to the Lodges of the country ; and although , as we have pointed out , there is no necessity to be anything like selfish in this particular , we must again urge that Freemasonry has enough of its own affairs on hand to prevent it rendering substantial

and systematic aid to outside objects , however deservingthey may be , or however much may be urged on their behalf to give them a Masonic bearing . Of course there is nothing to prevent one member of a Lodge addressing an appeal to the other members , on behalf of any particular object he may desire to benefit , but the introduction of such anneals at the

regular meetings of his Lodge , or at the festive board after the business of the day has been completed ; is decidedly out of place , and may almost be regarded as a violation of the rights which he enjoys as a Freemason . It may appear childish to say that any

body of men cannot resist an urgent appeal when submitted to their notice by a friend , but the temptation to decline in such cases is very often upset by the feeling that a refusal to assist may appear paltry or contemptible , and as a result assistance is rendered , but with no good grace , and really with the

Outside Charity Appeals In Our Lodges.

idea that something must be done to keep up appearances . The subject under notice is a most difficult one to deal with , particularly so because few members of the Order care to express an opinion openly , as it is possible for us to do in a public journal . We should not take upon ourselves the consideration of the matter were it not that , trivial as the whole subject

may seem to some , it is regarded by others m a very different light , and instances are not wanting where a respected member of a Lodge . has brought himself into discredit and ill favour simply on account of tho persistency with which he urged some outside appeal on the notice of his brother members . To such wo would address the query , —is the possible gain in this

direction sufficient to warrant the probable upsetting of a Lodge , or the alienating of the regard of the whole of the members ? In this same connection may be considered the practice which prevails in some Lodges—but which is happily forbidden in many—of asking visitors to contribute to the Lodge Charity Box when it is passed round at the festive board .

These are really minor matters ol detail m connection with the internal management of our Lodges , and it may be best for the respective Masters to be left to judge for themselves how far departures from routine shall be allowed , but to those who are undecided whether to permit them or not we would at once say , forbid all outside appeals in every shape or form ,

unless they are properly placed on the agenda of the summons calling the meeting , and thereby brought under the notice of the several members at a time when they can consider the subject in all its bearings , and come to a decision without the excitement naturally attaching to a surprise proposition at a public meeting .

The Romantic Interest Of Freemasonry.

THE ROMANTIC INTEREST OF FREEMASONRY .

rpHERB is nothing thafc the average man enjoys so mneh ¦*• as that which has connected with it a tinge of romance . Story has more readers than history ; and yet the strangest and most captivating stories are all gathored

from life-histories not generally known . So trae is it that tho human mind cannot invent situations and persons equal to those which are discoverable in fact .

Freemasonry has its story as well as its history . A part of this story is the environment of one of its central characters . There is no more engaging porsonage in Masonry

than Hiram , the artist . History tells us much about him that is admirable , while tradition farther clothes his career with its weird story , and thus rounds off a life which is remarkable , from its opening to its close .

Some critics tell us that Hiram ' s life is a fable . Bat what say the Books of Kings and Chronicles ? They give no uncertain sound concerning his personality and historical identity . We might as well doubt our own existence as his . We read , that " King Solomon sent and fetched Hiram