Caste.

CASTE .

OFFICIA LISM is , unfortunately , bnt too often another name for cliqueism , and we strongly suspect that the action taken by certain brethren with regard to the re-election of Brother J . D . Allcroft as Treasurer will still further tend to prove the identity of the two terms . A circular has been issued from 28 Golden-square , to which

is attached a formidable array of signatures . Many who have permitted their names to be appended to this document are held in the highest esteem by the Craft ; their motives cannot be questioned , and their characters cannot be impugned . It is this factor in the subject that makes the

duty of criticism not only difficult , but painful . We approach the matter , therefore , with regret , bnt with no misgivings as to the justice of our position . Ou reading the list of names , which fills a considerable space in the columns of our contemporary , it cannot fail to be observed

that a large proportion of them are of those who hold , or who have held , official positions in Grand Lodge , or in Provincial Grand Lodges . Sympathy prevails in official as in private life , and we are doing no injustice to the signatories in saying that most of them would append their

names to any document that was not harmful on the face of it , if put forward in high quarters , and with the sanction of those who form a section of Grand Lodge , always , of course , excepting those of the very highest grade . Many accept the assurance of brethren in authority for argument ,

and are ready to back them up without pausing to inquire too closely into the object in view . We believe this course has been followed in the case before us , hence we find the names of brethren attached to a circular , the contents of which are strangely illogical , and , by inference , offensive .

Let us look at this strange document , which contains an admixture of arrogance and humility . At tho beginning Bro . Allcroft is described as " a man of good means , " a liberal supporter of our Charities , and as having the inclination and leisure to assist in their working . No one

desires to question this description ; we have never disputed the excellent qualities of Bro . Allcroft , if he had not possessed them , he would not have been elected , and no brother would stand any chance of succeeding him unless he were similarly endowed . This obtrusion of character

and personal , fitness , then , is beside the question , and is intended to create a favourable prejudice in the outset . What Bro . Frank Richardson and those who are actively supporting him have to do is to disprove the assertion that Bro . Allcroft was elected for one year only , and to prove

that the Craft would suffer were he displaced . There is an effort to do something of the kind , with what effect we leave to our readers to determine . As a specimen of reasoning , the following is , to say the least , rather peculiar . We are told that the Grand Treasurer " is ex officio a Trustee ,

and as such a member of all our Charity Committees . . . . It would be most unwise to remove a brother from his office just at the time when he has made himself

thoroughly qualified to perform its duties . " Surely this is a reason against any change whatever , and in favour of making the office of Grand Treasurer perpetual in the person of Bro . Allcroft . This intention is disclaimed in

Caste.

another part of the circular , which says , " We by no means desire to keep any such Officers in place for a long series of years , because "—mark the phrase— " we believe that it is good to have fresh blood , which is always to be found when the necessity arises . " Pat it in the form of a

syllogism , it comes to this : Experience is necessary to discharge the duties associated with the office of Grand Treasurer , Bro . Allcroft has gained that experience , therefore he ought to be continued in that office . So far so good ; but then there is the fatal admission that it is

desirable to have " fresh blood " occasionally , so that the experience theory is abandoned for expediency . A few questions are here suggested . For instance : What is tho determining cause of the necessity ? Who are to estimate its value , nnd fix the time for its operation ? Had the

necessity arisen when Bro . Colonel Creaton was super , seded ; if so , what was its nature ? The answer to this latter question is to be found in the fact that the majority of Grand Lodge felt that the office of Grand Treasurer was purely an honorary office , that belonging to it was the

only collar it was in their power to bestow , and that they were determined to choose the brother yearly upon whom they wished to confer honour . This principle was shadowed forth when Bro . Col . Creaton was elected , and it was put into practice last year when Bro . Allcroft

succeeded him . We pass by , as p » erile , the argument of experience . There are no duties attached to the office of Grand Treasurer . The brother appointed has nothing whatever to do with either money or accounts , and , so far as they are concerned , he might bo an automaton . His

connection with the Charities is no closer than that of any other member of the several Boards ; he cannot influence them by virtue of his office . His power would come in consequence of the interest he took in the Institutions as a generous member of the Craft We venture to say that no

one would be elected to the office of Grand Treasurer who had not like sympathies . Nay , it is because we have so many brethren who take a deep and abiding interest in the welfare of the Charities that the Craft desire to pay the only tribute to worth it is in their power to give . They

know all about the office , and they are as good judges of the fitness of men as are these self-elected guides , who , to be logical , should advocate the perpetuity of the office , or , to

be thoroughly ingenuous , should state that their desire is to make it a terminable sinecure , the time of change to be determined by the official voice , and not by the votes of the Craft .

The promoters of the circular deprecate the idea of a yearly canvass , the division of the brethren into parties , and the splitting up of the Craft . They think it " impolitic for any section of Grand Lodge to call upon any brother to pledge himself that , if elected , he will only serve

for one year . " Then we are treated to a charming specimen of simplicity . " It is clearly to be understood that we have no party motive . " Oh dear no ! that is all on the other side . We , say these would-be dictators , scorn

to canvass , we would not split up the brethren , we would not exact a pledge , we are of no party . All these sins belong to those who differ from us . Was there ever a clearer case of Phariseeisin ? How has the list of names attached to the circular been obtained ? Have not the

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