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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Cor respondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , no necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good / aitn .
SUPPORT TO OUR CHARITIES . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DIAR SIR AND BROTHER , —With constantly increasing occupation , and growing engagements , I see no reasonable probability of continuing in a manner satisfactory to myself tho consideration of the means of larger support to our Masonio Institutions than is now
afforded , other than through the Anniversary Festivals . Much in tbe way of statistics would be required to elucidate my views , or to prove my positions , and I find it absolutely impossible to devote the timo requisite for their collection , and to ensure their accuracy , and I should deeply regret to mislead by hasty , and consequently careless , statements .
While , therefore , acknowledging without reserve the generosity of the Governing Bodies outside Craft Masonry—notably the Supreme Council 33 ° , and the Grand Lodgo of Mark Master Masons , including their daughter Chapters , & c , and Lodges respectively—I think it will bo universally conceded that the annual grant of £ 10 10 s from the Supreme Grand R . A . Chapter is an amount not consistent with the
dignity or resources of that body . With regard to Provincial Grand Lodges , Chapters , & e ., exceptions doubtless exist , but as a rule it will be found that the grants from their funds are on the whole fairly satisfactory , some giving their support regularly , in the shape of either a grant oi stated amount , or varying from year to year as their funds will
permit ; others , at intervals voting largo sums ; somefew contenting themselves with moderate annual subscriptions . For all this it appears to me that an extension of support from these prosperous organisations may not unreasonably be looked for . Under the head of " Private Lodges , Chapters , Ac , " much unquestionably remains to be done . From the large additions to onr Roll during the last seven years how many can still be selected who
have dono nothing practically in support of our Institutions Allowance must of course be made , for mauy of these in the first or second year of their existence , on the principle of being just before being generous , as heavy expenses have to bo incurred which must be regarded as a first charge . Still , with this deduction , the number of Lodges whose contributions may be described by the algebraic " x " or by " " is undoubtedly larger than it should be .
Before leaving the subject of" Private Lodges" ( though this is rather in connection with the Anniversary Festivals ) , I cannot but wish that every Lodge would adopt a Resolution by which ifc shonld every year be represented by one Steward , selecting one Institution , and taking the threo in rotation . The Institutions would havo a
ce-tainty to a great extent on what they could rely , one appeal annually by a Steward would not be regarded as excessive , as are three , and even sometimes two ; and a regular systematic support would be ensured , advantageous to the Institutions and not burdensome on the Lodges .
Tho " Charitable Associations , springing up and spreading in all directions , have been productive of an enormonsamount of pood , and will , I am sure , yet prodnce much more . Indeed , the results which may be expected from their extension are incalculable . All honour and credit to those earnest brethren who found them , and expend so much labour and valuable time in their management .
These Associations have enlisted the support of an immense number of " Private Members , " many of whom would in all probability be inacessible by other agencies , and therefore will gradually lessen the number of those who up to the time of their foundation helped to constitute the class styled as the " majority being non . givers . " Bnt it may fairly be asked , how many thousands are there yet who have
never contributed ? Prominence has recently been given to the suggestion that every Mason should contribute five shillings annually to each of the three Institutions , and who amongst ns is thero that does not ardently desire to see the accomplishment of snch an assnred , steady annual support . The suggestion , or idea , or wish , has been urged over and over again , everywhere—though withont mentioning
a specific sum— " that every one admitted as a Member of the Order would prove the sincerity of his profession , nnd the mindfulness of his obligation , by annually contributing—however moderate the amount—to our Masonic Institutions , " and I sincerely trust I may live to see the day when this duty shall bo universally observed . In the recent remarks of a Grand Officer , in » n " after dinner
speech' afc au Installation Banquet , I notice a repetition of the old cavil afc the Appeals for aid to our Charities addressed from time to time by those officially associated with them . This is curiously blended with the deservedl y warm eulogy on the merits aud virtues of a brother whose loss is everywhere deplored , but who , singularly enough , was not only a constant ,
liberal contributor to our Institutions—a member of the various Committees , taking an extensive interest in everything connected with their welfare—but also one who never missed an opportunity to encourage others in a similar course . No one can be found who for a moment believes that "Masonic Charit y consists of nothing else than giving away money to these Institutions ,
that this duty is the sole aim , the beginning and end of Freemasonry ; " but I contend that so long as thero is to be fonnd a mass of the Fraternity who as yet have uot been stimulatpd iuto wholesome and healthy action , there is every justification for a continuance of these Appeals , which are not directed to the class of which the speaker is a distinguished ornament ,
Correspondence.
and who may comfort themselves with tho reflection , " let tho galled jade wince , my withers are nnwrung . " To adopt nn agricultural illustration , if " the man who by the application of improved means of cultivation has caused two blades of grass to grow where one only grew before , is to bo accounted a
benefactor to his speoies , I have a right to argue that the brother who by moans of legitimate persuasiou has enlisted the support of two members of tho Craft for each oue ho found in existence at the date of commencement of his mission cannot be described ns
otherwiso thao a benefactor to our Masonic Institutions . This happy result has been achieved by many , and I trust that their numbors may from time to time be largely increased . I am , Dear Sir and Brother ,
Yours faithfully and fraternally , FREDERICK BINCKES . London , 20 th January 1879 .
QUARTERLY COURT OP THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .
To the Editor of Tur . FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , — Eveu tho few lines devoted to tho report of this meeting in your last issue are so many lines in excess of tho space the proceedings merited , for if any proofs were needed of the present dulness of trade , very strong evidence would bo forthcoming in the fact that about forty men could bo found to waste
two of the best hours of a working day in tho puerile frivolity which has been dignified by yonr term of " a discussion on the uew laws of tho Institution as drawn by tho special Sub-Committee . " The notice convening the meeting , published in the CHRONICLE of the 4 th inst ., stated ns a part of the business of the meeting , " to receive and consider the Report of the Sub-Committee on the Revision
of the Laws . " Where was this Report ? Conspicuous by its absenco ; its place supplied by three pages 4 to of so termed " Verbal alterations , or re-arrangement , substantive alterations ; additions , omissions ; " as many errata as it has ever been my fortnne to sou in tho same space of type ; without any list of the Committee , or even a signature of tho Chairman ; aud said to be accompanied by a " Proof Copy of Laws as amended . " This latter document was rendered
particularly intelligible by the omission of the wording of the original laws , without which it was impossible to tell what alterations were suggested . Add to this , that tho printer had been left to put in italics where he pleased , and to leave them out where he thonght proper , and yon may form somo idea of tho pleasure and ease with which the Subscribers wero enabled to judge of the merits of this " special Snb-Committee ' s" work .
I will not ask you to waste space on any remarks npon what you have so generously called a disenssion , but should like to enquire how there camo to be a Sub-Committee , and why the Snb-Committee ( if appointed ) should make their report (?) to the Quarterly Court ? Law 30 defines the business of a Qnarterly General Court to be" to elect the Patron or Patrons , Treasurers , Trustees ,
Vice-Prosidents , Life Governors ( other than thoso who become Vice-Prosidents or Life Governors in right of their contributions ) , — the twelve representative members of the General Committee and Medical Officers : —to declare Vacancies , —elect Girls , —make new laws , and abrogate or amend existing laws ; and generally to direct and control the affairs of the Institution . A Quarterly General Court has
the power of adjournment . The Quarterly Court then has no power either to appoint Sub-Committees or to receive the report of any Sub-Committee . Law 35 specifies the dnties of the General Committee , inter alia , " to appoint Sub-Committees , receive the reports of all committees , consider and decide upon their recommendations . " Therefore the
General Committee has the power both to appoint a Sub-Committee and to receive its report . I am not aware if the School Committees have any claim to the Graud Registrar ' s opinion ; but if not , it is certain that with his invariable courtesy he will give it if requested ; and there can be little
donbt he would say that in appointing a Sub-Committee , and in receiving its report , tho action of the General Court has been ultra vires , and that their minutes relating thereto must be expnnged . In a future number I may beg space to . show what would have been expected from a lawfully constituted Committee , compared with what has been done by this illegally appointed body . I am , Dear Sir and Brother , Yours truly and fraternally , H .
BRO . NORTON'S CRITICISMS .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON s CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I often find myself in agreoment with Bro . Norton , bnt I cannot conceive any just reason for attacking what so many of our brethren hold in respect , if not in reverence . Freemasonry , like anything else that is human , his its share of hnmbng attached to it . That is , it is perfect—as far as anything human can be so—in theorv , but in practice there is much that we
have reason to regret . In this " much , " however , must not be included the respect that is dne to the principles on which tho Craft was established , aud under which it has flourished so amazingly . If tho act of any body of men is to be described as praiseworthy , it is unquestionably that of the members of our four old Lodges who met together in the year 1717 , and constituted the mother Grand Lodge of the whole world . They may , or may not have stipulated for the retention of what they deemed their peculiar privileges , and if they
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Cor respondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , no necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good / aitn .
SUPPORT TO OUR CHARITIES . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DIAR SIR AND BROTHER , —With constantly increasing occupation , and growing engagements , I see no reasonable probability of continuing in a manner satisfactory to myself tho consideration of the means of larger support to our Masonio Institutions than is now
afforded , other than through the Anniversary Festivals . Much in tbe way of statistics would be required to elucidate my views , or to prove my positions , and I find it absolutely impossible to devote the timo requisite for their collection , and to ensure their accuracy , and I should deeply regret to mislead by hasty , and consequently careless , statements .
While , therefore , acknowledging without reserve the generosity of the Governing Bodies outside Craft Masonry—notably the Supreme Council 33 ° , and the Grand Lodgo of Mark Master Masons , including their daughter Chapters , & c , and Lodges respectively—I think it will bo universally conceded that the annual grant of £ 10 10 s from the Supreme Grand R . A . Chapter is an amount not consistent with the
dignity or resources of that body . With regard to Provincial Grand Lodges , Chapters , & e ., exceptions doubtless exist , but as a rule it will be found that the grants from their funds are on the whole fairly satisfactory , some giving their support regularly , in the shape of either a grant oi stated amount , or varying from year to year as their funds will
permit ; others , at intervals voting largo sums ; somefew contenting themselves with moderate annual subscriptions . For all this it appears to me that an extension of support from these prosperous organisations may not unreasonably be looked for . Under the head of " Private Lodges , Chapters , Ac , " much unquestionably remains to be done . From the large additions to onr Roll during the last seven years how many can still be selected who
have dono nothing practically in support of our Institutions Allowance must of course be made , for mauy of these in the first or second year of their existence , on the principle of being just before being generous , as heavy expenses have to bo incurred which must be regarded as a first charge . Still , with this deduction , the number of Lodges whose contributions may be described by the algebraic " x " or by " " is undoubtedly larger than it should be .
Before leaving the subject of" Private Lodges" ( though this is rather in connection with the Anniversary Festivals ) , I cannot but wish that every Lodge would adopt a Resolution by which ifc shonld every year be represented by one Steward , selecting one Institution , and taking the threo in rotation . The Institutions would havo a
ce-tainty to a great extent on what they could rely , one appeal annually by a Steward would not be regarded as excessive , as are three , and even sometimes two ; and a regular systematic support would be ensured , advantageous to the Institutions and not burdensome on the Lodges .
Tho " Charitable Associations , springing up and spreading in all directions , have been productive of an enormonsamount of pood , and will , I am sure , yet prodnce much more . Indeed , the results which may be expected from their extension are incalculable . All honour and credit to those earnest brethren who found them , and expend so much labour and valuable time in their management .
These Associations have enlisted the support of an immense number of " Private Members , " many of whom would in all probability be inacessible by other agencies , and therefore will gradually lessen the number of those who up to the time of their foundation helped to constitute the class styled as the " majority being non . givers . " Bnt it may fairly be asked , how many thousands are there yet who have
never contributed ? Prominence has recently been given to the suggestion that every Mason should contribute five shillings annually to each of the three Institutions , and who amongst ns is thero that does not ardently desire to see the accomplishment of snch an assnred , steady annual support . The suggestion , or idea , or wish , has been urged over and over again , everywhere—though withont mentioning
a specific sum— " that every one admitted as a Member of the Order would prove the sincerity of his profession , nnd the mindfulness of his obligation , by annually contributing—however moderate the amount—to our Masonic Institutions , " and I sincerely trust I may live to see the day when this duty shall bo universally observed . In the recent remarks of a Grand Officer , in » n " after dinner
speech' afc au Installation Banquet , I notice a repetition of the old cavil afc the Appeals for aid to our Charities addressed from time to time by those officially associated with them . This is curiously blended with the deservedl y warm eulogy on the merits aud virtues of a brother whose loss is everywhere deplored , but who , singularly enough , was not only a constant ,
liberal contributor to our Institutions—a member of the various Committees , taking an extensive interest in everything connected with their welfare—but also one who never missed an opportunity to encourage others in a similar course . No one can be found who for a moment believes that "Masonic Charit y consists of nothing else than giving away money to these Institutions ,
that this duty is the sole aim , the beginning and end of Freemasonry ; " but I contend that so long as thero is to be fonnd a mass of the Fraternity who as yet have uot been stimulatpd iuto wholesome and healthy action , there is every justification for a continuance of these Appeals , which are not directed to the class of which the speaker is a distinguished ornament ,
Correspondence.
and who may comfort themselves with tho reflection , " let tho galled jade wince , my withers are nnwrung . " To adopt nn agricultural illustration , if " the man who by the application of improved means of cultivation has caused two blades of grass to grow where one only grew before , is to bo accounted a
benefactor to his speoies , I have a right to argue that the brother who by moans of legitimate persuasiou has enlisted the support of two members of tho Craft for each oue ho found in existence at the date of commencement of his mission cannot be described ns
otherwiso thao a benefactor to our Masonic Institutions . This happy result has been achieved by many , and I trust that their numbors may from time to time be largely increased . I am , Dear Sir and Brother ,
Yours faithfully and fraternally , FREDERICK BINCKES . London , 20 th January 1879 .
QUARTERLY COURT OP THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .
To the Editor of Tur . FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , — Eveu tho few lines devoted to tho report of this meeting in your last issue are so many lines in excess of tho space the proceedings merited , for if any proofs were needed of the present dulness of trade , very strong evidence would bo forthcoming in the fact that about forty men could bo found to waste
two of the best hours of a working day in tho puerile frivolity which has been dignified by yonr term of " a discussion on the uew laws of tho Institution as drawn by tho special Sub-Committee . " The notice convening the meeting , published in the CHRONICLE of the 4 th inst ., stated ns a part of the business of the meeting , " to receive and consider the Report of the Sub-Committee on the Revision
of the Laws . " Where was this Report ? Conspicuous by its absenco ; its place supplied by three pages 4 to of so termed " Verbal alterations , or re-arrangement , substantive alterations ; additions , omissions ; " as many errata as it has ever been my fortnne to sou in tho same space of type ; without any list of the Committee , or even a signature of tho Chairman ; aud said to be accompanied by a " Proof Copy of Laws as amended . " This latter document was rendered
particularly intelligible by the omission of the wording of the original laws , without which it was impossible to tell what alterations were suggested . Add to this , that tho printer had been left to put in italics where he pleased , and to leave them out where he thonght proper , and yon may form somo idea of tho pleasure and ease with which the Subscribers wero enabled to judge of the merits of this " special Snb-Committee ' s" work .
I will not ask you to waste space on any remarks npon what you have so generously called a disenssion , but should like to enquire how there camo to be a Sub-Committee , and why the Snb-Committee ( if appointed ) should make their report (?) to the Quarterly Court ? Law 30 defines the business of a Qnarterly General Court to be" to elect the Patron or Patrons , Treasurers , Trustees ,
Vice-Prosidents , Life Governors ( other than thoso who become Vice-Prosidents or Life Governors in right of their contributions ) , — the twelve representative members of the General Committee and Medical Officers : —to declare Vacancies , —elect Girls , —make new laws , and abrogate or amend existing laws ; and generally to direct and control the affairs of the Institution . A Quarterly General Court has
the power of adjournment . The Quarterly Court then has no power either to appoint Sub-Committees or to receive the report of any Sub-Committee . Law 35 specifies the dnties of the General Committee , inter alia , " to appoint Sub-Committees , receive the reports of all committees , consider and decide upon their recommendations . " Therefore the
General Committee has the power both to appoint a Sub-Committee and to receive its report . I am not aware if the School Committees have any claim to the Graud Registrar ' s opinion ; but if not , it is certain that with his invariable courtesy he will give it if requested ; and there can be little
donbt he would say that in appointing a Sub-Committee , and in receiving its report , tho action of the General Court has been ultra vires , and that their minutes relating thereto must be expnnged . In a future number I may beg space to . show what would have been expected from a lawfully constituted Committee , compared with what has been done by this illegally appointed body . I am , Dear Sir and Brother , Yours truly and fraternally , H .
BRO . NORTON'S CRITICISMS .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON s CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I often find myself in agreoment with Bro . Norton , bnt I cannot conceive any just reason for attacking what so many of our brethren hold in respect , if not in reverence . Freemasonry , like anything else that is human , his its share of hnmbng attached to it . That is , it is perfect—as far as anything human can be so—in theorv , but in practice there is much that we
have reason to regret . In this " much , " however , must not be included the respect that is dne to the principles on which tho Craft was established , aud under which it has flourished so amazingly . If tho act of any body of men is to be described as praiseworthy , it is unquestionably that of the members of our four old Lodges who met together in the year 1717 , and constituted the mother Grand Lodge of the whole world . They may , or may not have stipulated for the retention of what they deemed their peculiar privileges , and if they