Ruled From The South-East.

RULED FROM THE SOUTH-EAST .

ONE of the most important features in connection with Freemasonry—the one in fact that is aT the basis of the Institution—is that of equality , which characteristic is not only made a special feature of at the time of the reception of

every new candidate into the Order , but is acted upon throughout tho working of our Lodges , and is , indeed , generally recognised in Masonic matters . This being so it must appear somewhat of an anomaly to notice the power

conferred on a Worshipful Master , when he is appointed to rule and direct his Lodge ; but even here we find the spirit of equality is maintained , and its principle is not violated ,

for the Craft recognises that each succeeding Master is equal to his predecessor , or in other words it is the Office that rules the Lodge , rather than the individual who for the time being fills the appointment .

This is the basis on which success can best be assured , and the Lodge that allows its Masters to retain the power of direction after they have passed the chair , or in other words permits itself to be ruled from the south-east corner , is

running a very great risk , and may really be said to be courting dissention among its members , if not ultimate disaster . We have the greatest respect for the Past Masters of our Order , fully recognising that it is to them the Craft

owes much of its present proud position , but we have far greater respect for the principle of equality among Freemasons , and on that account consider that Masters after they leave the chair should at once recognise that they have again come to

the level of equality among the fellow members of their Lodge , and have no more authority in directing its affairs than the private member who has not yet received the first step on the road to promotion . It is true those who are qualified to a

place in the south-east corner of the Lodge have the advantage of experience of actual superintendence , but that does not entitle them to any greater power in the management of their Lodge than their fellows who have not goue through the same

training , although any advice they may offer is usually received with respect , and not infrequently acted upon in preference to the opinion expressed by members who have not yet won the distinction of bavins ruled in the East .

It is very dangerous for anyone in the position we occupy to take note of special cases , and attempt to apply them to the whole Craft , but in this particular we are well aware the facts laid before us , and which have more immediately led to

our present remarks , are by no means exceptional—many cases have come under our notice of overbearing conduct on the part of Past Masters , and we feel the subject is an appropriate one for consideration , more particularly because

we know that the large majority of those who have passed the chair recognise the principle we assert , and are careful to act up to it , never obtruding themselves beyond their fellows , or attempting to violate the principle of equality they have in their time taught to those under their direction . This fact

Ruled From The South-East.

makes any deviation from the usual course all the more apparent , and may really be regarded as excuse for any discontent that is shown among the members of a Lodge that has the misfortune to have allowed itself to come under the control of the south-east corner .

The Press And Freemasonry.

THE PRESS ANO FREEMASONRY

A DEPARTURE from the ordinary course in regard to the proceedings of our Provincial Grand Lodges is recorded by the " Birmingham Gazette , " in connection with the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of Warwickshire on Tuesday , our

contemporary remarking that in obedience to the expressed wish of Lord Leigh Provincial Grand Master the Provincial Grand Secretary declined any information of the proceedings , or the names oi those taking part .

With all deference to Lord Leigh we think his action a mistake , forming our opinion in this case on the basis that there is nothing to be ashamed of in connection with

Freemasonry , while any attempts to unnecessarily add mystery to its proceedings are very apt to be misunderstood and lead to trouble .

We by no means wish to imply that we should like to see more details of Masonic work published in the general press —tbat is certainly not our desire—but we think a Provincial Grand Master should be expected to give the whole of those

under his rule some idea of what is being done by the ruling body of his district , recognising that a very small proportion of its members can attend the annual Communications , and to attain this object he can hardly do better than bring an efficient

representative and a good local paper to his aid . No properly qualified reporter would publish anything dealing with the secrets of our Order , but to say the publication of an outline of what is done at a Provincial Grand Lodge is acting in

contravention to the regulations of the Order is , to our thinking , stretching the point beyond the range intended . Of course details of such meetings get into print , and this being so it is

far better to have them prepared by someone fully qualified to deal with the matter , backed up by the reputation associated with a well known and long established paper , than to leave the matter to haphazard chance .

We are quice in accord with the Warwickshire chief when he rules that a list of those taking part in the meetings of his Lodge is not suitable matter for publication , as we cannot see what good purpose is served by the appearance of a long

list of names and titles iu an outside periodical . It may be two or three among the number are vain enough to be flattered by such a record , but by far the greater proportion are quite indifferent on the point , while a few are positively

adverse to it , ancl while this latter class numbers even one member we would refuse to pander to the taste of those who delight in seeing their presence in Freemasonry blazoned forth to the world at large in this manner .