Toleration.

TOLERATION .

IT is a well known feature of Freemasonry that the discussion of religious , political ancl other controversial subjects is prohibited at the meetings of its Lodges , and any one who has been present at

gatherings where no such restriction is enforced , and has listened to the varied views expressed by those who thoroughly enter into a discussion on some controversial matter , will readilv understand that serious

differences would inevitably result , among such mixed companies as are often found in Freemason ' s Lodges , if full license were allowed . Liberty of speech in such cases would be productive of no possible good , and although any restriction seems to be at variance

with the boasted freedom of Freemasonry , a moment's consideration will show that restriction in this respect is , in reality , freedom , for without it the members of our Lodges would not be free to entertain their own particular views on such subjects as religion , politics

and similar questions , and as a consequence Freemasonry would be deprived of one of its principal features—the ability to entertain men of all opinions and creeds at one and the same time , and under the one banner .

Freemasonry requires a perfect freedom of action on the part of its members , and such being the case it is only fair for Freemasonry to give a similar freedom ; the only requisite being that its members shall obey the moral and civil laws , and act in a

fraternal spirit towards each other . This freedom of thought and action is a most essential feature in Freemasonry , and any suggested departure from it is viewed with alarm and universal disfavour . This is never more apparent than when some speaker

incautiously touches on religious or political ground , perhaps without any intention of offending against the spirit of the Masonic law which prohibits it , but rather introducing the subject in a purely illustrative

sense , and without any desire to start a discussion upon it . If such does occur it seldom happens that he is allowed to proceed without a challenge , there being brethren present at every meeting who will not

tolerate the slightest slip m this direction . But respect for this ordinance of Freemasonry is carried too far when it leads brethren to forget the spirit of toleration that should mark all our actions as Masons , and impels them to act in a questionable

manner in their professed attempt to uphold this important feature of Freemasonry . We remember being present at a Masonic meeting when the name of a leading politician was mentioned—not with any idea of introducing politics , but merely for the purpose of " utilising an expression he made use

of at-a purely non-political gathering , and which was particularly appropriate as an illustration of the Masonic speaker ' s views . What harm could possibly come from the mention of that name ? Yet two or three of the party considered it

Toleration.

their duty to respond with a hiss , and attempted to defend themselves when called to order on the plea that the Masonic law forbade any reference to politics . They were certainly to be sympathised with for their

apparent lack of discernment , in failing to recognise the difference between the mention of a politician's name and the discussion of politics , just as they were entitled to pity for their lack of toleration , but it is

none the less to be deplored that they acted as they did , and seemed to pride themselves on the stand they had taken in defence of what they were please to consider the rights of Masonry . While we are ready

to urge that ali controversial matters should be excluded from Masonic assemblies we are equally enthusiastic in raising our voice in support of that snirit of toleration which allows the Mason to trespass

a little outside the bounds of Freemasonry , provided that in so doing he does not attempt anything wholly at variance with the teachings of the Craft .

The Mark Benevolent Fund.

THE MARK BENEVOLENT FUND .

THE annual festival of thia Fund waa held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons' Tavern . Bro . Colonel G . Noel Money , C . B ., Provincial Grand Master of Sarrey , presided . There was a list of 150 Stewards , and many of

them and several ladies supported tbe Chairman . The Earl of Euston and the Earl of Yarborough were present , and Bro . 0 . F . Matier Grand Secretary took charge of one of the tables . Several Pasfc Grand Treasurer ' s were

present . A nice selection of music waa played daring dinner . Each lady was presented with a handsome bouquet and a bottle of scent . The gentlemen were presented with cases of Dragoumis cigarettes . Tbe dinner was of a choice description , and was personally

superintended by Bro . Mnnloll . The speeches after dinner were exceptionally brief , though they did not lack earnestness . The Chairman admirably gave the health of the Queen , which be followed up by that of tho Prince of Wales , whom ho described as not only an ornamental head

of the Masonic Order . Col . Money had many words of praise for Lord Euston the Pro Grand Mark Master , for the thorough way in which he did all Masonic work , and the Earl of Eustoii , in replying , expressed himself as fully repaid for any trouble ho had taken in Masonry if it had

met with the approbation of tbe brethren and had been to the advantage of Masonry . Without sitting down he proposed the health of tho Chairman , and hoped the result of tho present - Festival would beat the record . He hoped to take the chair himself on some occasion , and then he

wonld try to beat even Col . Money ' s total . Colonel Money said very little in the way of reply to the toast , and went off immediately to propose prosperity to the Mark Benevolent Fund , now a quarter of a century old , which had worked gradually , beginning wifch helping tbo distressed ,

going on to educate children , and establishing a third branch , the pensioning of the aged and widosvs . After mentioning thafc many circumstances bad dnring the last two years combined fco prevent people giving so liberally to Charities as heretofore , he nevertheless hoped that a good list would be announced , and that Mark Masons