More Class Masonry.

MORE CLASS MASONRY .

IT seems those in authority in the Masonic Order do not by any means share tho views we have more than once expressed in regard to Class Masonry , and we are of opinion that nothing short of a Masonic calamity will make any impression on them in this particular . We may be wrong , but wo consider continuance of the tactics of the past few years , in regard to the establishment of new Lodges ,

limited to particular classes or sections of the community , must , sooner or later , end in disaster ; and we are more than surprised that the Grand Master and his advisers cannot see the danger towards which they are drifting . Masonry is free—freedom is , indeed , one of the most prominent features in the structure , and it is impossible to explain how this

freedom can be maintained in association with numberless class Lodges—or in other words , Lodges which are only free to particular persons . The whole system of making stipulations as to who shall and who shall not be admitted amongst us , except those which have been associated with thfi Craft as Inns —

.. . . . o as it has existed in its present form , is an innovation , and a departure from the established customs and usages of Freemasonry that should have called down the condemnation of Grand Lodge rather than have received encouragement and support from that quarter . We do not suppose anything we can urge will cause an immediate alteration in regard to existing class

Lodges , neither do we imagine we shall be able to influence the opinions of those who have the power to recommend the granting new Warrants , but we may arouse the feelings of individual Craftsmen on the subject , and , it may be , lay the foundation for a movement which shall p . vfintnallv vAstnvfl

Freemasonry to its original freedom . We are told the strength of a chain is the strength of its weakest link ; in like manner the prosperity of Freemasonry is influenced by the prosperity of its subordinate Lodges , and if one of these acts in any way contrary to the spirit of the Order the whole suffers , perhaps not to any appreciable extent where small matters are concerned , but none the less certain on that account . If

Class Masonry is to be allowed m individual Lodges , it is only the stepping stone to a huge system of cliquism , of combinations and of sectionism , which can do no good to those who support them , and must work detrimentally to the Craft as a whole . Looking at the matter calmly , and from an unprejudiced point of view , we cannot see any ground on which to excuse thfi fnvrrm . tinn nf

exclusive Lodges , while , on the opposite side , we see much to cause anxiety and alarm . It is as well sometimes to see ourselves as others see us , and as we have recently had practical experience in this direction , perhaps it Avill better illustrate our case if we recount such experience . A Colonial paper was

More Class Masonry.

sent us by an old friend , wherein was recorded the fact that a new Lodge was to be established in London , under the title of the Scots Lodge—which , as our readers are aware , was duly consecrated . To this was added , as an explanation of the title , an

announcement that the Lodge was established ior the purpose of giving Scotchmen in London a special Lodge for their particular benefit , and , further , that only such candidates as were born in Scotland would be admissible as- members . Our friend , who has not been well posted as to the

growing tendency to establish class Lodges in this country , could not understand the restrictions set out in his local paper , * and he asks us , among other matters , if this Scots Lodge is to own allegiance to the Grand Lodge of England , or to the Grand

Lodge of Scotland ? while , in either case , he is puzzled to see the way in which the members will adhere to their restrictive laws , and at the same time keep to the spirit of their Masonic obligations . Here is the opinion of a brother thousands of miles

away , one who has been accustomed to see Lodges of more than one Constitution at work side by side , and yet he can find cause for surprise in the present procedure in the Masonic home of the world—in enlightened England . Of course our correspondent is wrong in even supposing the Scots Lodge is to work under the

jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , but his query gives rise to another . If it is legal for the Grand Lodge of England to establish a Lodge for Scotchmen alone , in London , how much worse would it be for them to warrant a Lodge exclusively for Englishmen , in Edinburgh ? This would be

trespassing on another Grand Lodge's jurisdiction , and no doubt it would be speedily resented ; but by adopting the course that has now become so popular we consider that Grand Lodge is encroaching on the liberty of its own subjects . Will they be equally alive to the situation , and will they ever resent it ?

Outside Criticism.

OUTSIDE CRITICISM .

IT will generally be conceded that the purveyors of intelligence of tho present day have their work cut ont for them , but as to whether or no they possess tho requisite skill to make a good job of what they undortako we dare not venture to give a decided opinion upon . In the old days it was generally recognised that before a

writer took up his pen to set forth his views on any given subject it was absolutely necessary he should undergo a course of " coaching " or " reading up , " but tho modern caterer , for the news of the hour , cannot devote his

timeleisure ho has not—to a course of preparation ; he must supply , in order to keep pace with demand , and ho cares little as to the value or quality of what he offers . As a

consequenco tho papers of the day in relation to technical or special matters are continually at fault . This is borno out by a statement made in the Evening Nnr * of tho