" Pitchforking."

" PITCHFORKING . "

IT is only a few weeks back we referred to the differences which were supposed formerly to exist between English Freemasonry and its counterpart north of the Tweed . Perhaps a goodly number of the peculiarities of the northern system only existed in the imagination of those who sought to compare it unfavourably with the English Order ; but , on the other hand , there were some points of difference which were indisputable , and which were regretted by those whose chief aim was to raise the Scottish Craft to a

better position than it then occupied . One of these points was in regard to the lax manner in which the three degrees were conferred , the whole being rushed through at one meeting , without any regard to decency or proper appreciation of the beauties of the different ceremonies , as we are accustomed to regard them . We believe this undue haste has been less practised of late than was the case a few years back , and we had almost hoped a new and better state of affairs was recognised among our Scottish brethren .

but the proceedings at one of their Lodges , which we reported last week , would seem to point to a contrary direction , and would lead us to suppose it is just as easy to " manufacture" Freemasons in Scotland as ever it was , the whole of the three degrees being obtainable within an hour or so by any one who can " pay the piper . " This is not as it should be , and we think those who have the best interests of Scottish Freemasonry at heart would do well to take steps to

prevent the recurrence of what is at best a most objectionable practice , and one which is certainly open to the severest condemnation , for it is not only impossible to appreciate the beautiful lessons of the Masonic system , if so much haste is used in conferring the degrees , but it also lowers the whole basis of the Craft , when such irregularities are permitted and practised , without any sufficient cause or excuse .

In the case we refer to the three degrees were conferred on four professional gentlemen who happened to be in Glasgow on business ; and although it is not so stated , it is more than probable their names were submitted to the test of the ballot at a few minutes ' notice ^ and the only excuse to be offered for this "rushing through " was that their engagements at Glasgow would end in a few days , and they would be travelling about . This is no sufficient reason , and

although we believe the gentlemen thus " pitchforked " are valuable acquisitions to the Craft , they are not properly made Masons from an Englishman ' s point of view , and it seems unfortunate we should be obliged to receive them in our Lodges just as though they had been admitted to the benefits of Freemasonry in accordance with the rules and regulations laid down by the Craft in England . The question may not be a matter for the breaking off of friendly relations between the two Constitutions , but a " question " might certainly be asked by our Ambassador at the

" Pitchforking."

Grand Lodge of Scotland , as to whether such practices are recognised as being in accord with the spirit of Freemasonry , and it might even be urged that the English Craft wonld view with pleasure the promulgation of an edict prohibiting such un-Masonic Masonry in the future . We do not believe it would be

necessary to do more than mention the matter in Scotland to ensure a very strong expression of disapproval from the Scottish Craft , and we hope our remarks on this subject may be the means of calling attention to it , and that they will lead to an early reform of tho evil which now exists , and which to our way of thinking is diametrically opposed to the true principles of Freemasonry .

Provincial Charity Funds

PROVINCIAL CHARITY FUNDS

HARDLY a month passes bnt some special effort is made by Provincial brethren with a view of extending the system of organised local Masonic benevolence , and if matters progress for the next year or two as they have

done in the past it is not too much to expect that ore long there will not be a corner of the country unrepresented in the great work of practically proving that the boast of tbe Masonic Brotherhood , that their principal care is to help those in distress , is justifiable , and fully acted up to .

The Province of West Lancashire has long been regarded as among the foremost supporters of Masonic benevolence , and its members have probably done more than any other district of England in the matter of establishing and maintaining local Charity Funds . Indeed they may be said to

have set the example in this respect , an example which has been followed to such an extent that ere long , as we say above , it is probable every district will have its own local organisation , and true Masonic relief will be available for the distressed Craftsman no matter in what district he may be stranded .

The forty-second annual Festival and Ball in aid of the funds of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution was recently held in the Town Hall , Liverpool , and proved to be a great success . This annual meeting is regarded as one of the events of the year among the

Mason 3 of the district , and when we say there was an active b 6 dy of over two hundred Stewards it will be understood how wide and general is the sympathy on its behalf . The president of the Institution , the Bight Hon . the Earl of Lathom Provincial Grand Master , waB nnable to be

present at tho meeting , but there was a very large number of tbe principal supporters of the Fund in attendance , and evidence was not wantiug that the future of the Charity ia

as secure as at any period of its existence , while it is not too much to say that should occasion arise for its extension the necessary funds would soon be forthcoming , even if the reserves were not sufficient to meet the claims .

We cannot do better than quote the following details in regard to the Institution from the Liverpool Daily Courier : —

Like all other Masonio Charities the West Lancashire Masonio Educational Institution is conducted en the moBt thorough principles . Children of distressed nnd deceased brethren when received there are nob only educated , clothed , and maintained , but when their school days aro completed everything possible is done for their advancement