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Original Correspondence.
stand this when I say the incidental expenses arc not more for a festival represented by 200 Stewards than one represented by 100 . From my experience in these matters there is always a surplus , sometimes a large one . After discharging the ordinary incidentals , the question arises at the final meeting how this is to be expended . The brethren do not like
to receive part of it back . No , they have paid their money thinking it would be required , and dismiss such an idea from their mind . Then some one presses the claims of the 1 lonorary Secretary and proposes a grant for his services , which is generally carried ; other things are proposed and carried , and the Stewards , not many , attend the final meeting , and are very glad to get quit of it .
The Honorary Secretary to the Boarel of Stewards is invariably the Secretary of the Institution for which the festival is held , whose duty it is to do all in his power for the benefit and advancement of the Charity he represents ; and his position as Secretary to the Boarel is an essential part of his duty . Besides , the Stewards exert themselves for the benefit of the Charity alone , and that certainly ought
to have a prior claim to any available surplus . In support of these remarks 1 have made , it is proved they are practical , anel I am sure may be improved upon , by the method adopteel by Bro . Little , the Secretary of the Girls' School at the festival in May last , when the Stewards' fee was fixed at two guineas . Those who required ladies' tickets paid for them , on that occasion . With
an ordinary number of Stewards there was a surplus in hand , which the board votcel to Bro . Little , who , I am told , respectfully declined to receive it , thereby acknowledging the princip le I have laid down . Our oreler is increasing wonderfully in numbers , and with that increase our casualties must necessarily keep pace , our institutions must , at no very elistant period , be made to accommodate double their number , which can only
be brought about by increased sympathy on the part of the Craft at large in response to those who serve the office of Stewards at our anniversary festivals , and thereby make themselves acquainted with the peculiar wants of each . Trusting these few remarks , if not effective in themselves , may lead to a ventilation of the subject , so as in lime to bring about the elesired result , 1 remain , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , P . M .
To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Kindly permit the insertion of this in your next issue , to enable me to correct a statement made in a letter of mine which appeared in last week ' s Freemason . I staled in that letter that " I had not been supplied with any particulars by which I could show a return for the support I
hope to receive when appealing ( as Steward ) to the brethren of my lodge on behalf of the Benevolent institution . " It was not my intention , when writing , that any of your numerous reaelers should presume I had not been supplied with the usual circulars by Bro . Terry , who has at all limes been most willing to furnish information in any way connectcel with the noble charity he so well represents , anil lo
whom I readily apologize for the mis-statement ; and thanking you , sir , for allowing me to further trespass on youi space , I am , yours fraternally , HAIIUY J . MOXON . 220 . New Kent Road . London , Dec . 22 , 1 S 74 .
SCOTTISH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND . To the Editor of the Freemason . Sir and Brother , — By accident referring to some back numbers of the Freemason I perceive that about a week before my scheme for a Masonic Benevolent Institution for Scotland was proposed in your columns , viz ., Sept . 12 th , in that
issue there is a letter from a brother signed "Scoticus Masonicus . " I know that editors receive names of writers of articles sometimes in secrecy . On considering said letter , and agreeing with nearly every word there written , I cannot help thinking that the said brother , whether living in London or in Scotland , might be of use to our undertaking , if he approves the scheme .
Could you kindly , with his permission , give me his address or ask him to write to me , as I feel certain the more labourers we can get at the work the better . 1 propose sending you an address for insertion earl y in January , as soon , in fact , as I can get in returns of our progress , and at the same time inserting it in all the
Scottish papers , provincial or otherwise , so as to keep up the attention of the Craft . I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , GEO . R . HARRIOTT , 32 , Prov . G . M . Wigtown and Kirkcudbri ght . No . 4 , Howard Place , St . Andrew's , Dec . 22 nd , 1874 .
MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I venture to give my opinion on the subject recently ventilated in your columns , on the status of a Remitted Past Master returning to his allegiance by rejoining a lodge . Whatever may be the spirit of the constitutions in the matter , their letter very plainly recites that a Past
Master , who for twelve months has ceased to subscribe to any lodge , shall no longer continue a member of the Grand Lodge , nor can he regain that privilege until again installed Master of a lodge . By the law , he would , if made a Warden , become a member of the Grand Lodge , for the Wardens of every private lodge arc members of Grand Lodge . I venture to think that the spirit of the Constitutions is to punish , by a deprivation of rank , those who , having had
Original Correspondence.
full experience as rulers of the Craft , forget the promise which they made at their initiation that they would ever observe the laws and regulations of the Order ; one of which , ns laid down in No . Ill of the ancient charges , is that " every brother ought to belong to some lodge ; " and 1 venture further to think that it is but fair to those who work with uniformly steady and persevering constancy in the interests of Freemasonry , that they
shoulil not be m any way superseded by men who have for a time deserted their colours and given up the fig ht . Reading the Constitutions as I do , I venture to think that a demitted Past Master would , on regaining his privileges , rank below all Past Masters in his lodge who have attained the dignity of the chair during his secession from the Craft , and be treated in fact as though he had never before passed the chair . BUSY BEE .
To Ihe Editor ( if the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — About six months ago I invited the brethren of my lodge to attend a funeral of a departed brother , anil on that occasion , I , as W . M ., took precedence , which was in accorelance with the opinions of the P . M's . present . This week
I invited them again to another funeral , when it was ruled that the W . M . took rank in the procession after the youngest P . M . Please inform mc which is the correct opinion . I enclose my card and remain , Yours Fraternally , ONE or vouu Oi . n SUUSCHIIIEIIS .
To the . Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother . Woultl you , when convenient , oblige by inserting in your Notes and Queries the following , that they may be answered for the information of brethren generally , particularly Scottish brethren . ist . Does the Charter of Constitution and erection of
all lodges holding under the Grand Lodge of Scotland , empower and give them ( the lodge ) the right to work the Mark Degree ? 2 nd . If any lodge has not worked the Mark Degree , can it ( the lodge ) now do so , without any other other charter from the Grand L'xlgc . ef Scotland ? SJU Scotch Constitutions , page 2 , chap . 2 , sec . 1 , also page 4 6 , chap . 2 C ,
Sec 1 . 3 rd . Is the Installed Master's Degree a new one , or how long since it was first conferred on duly elected W . M ., under the S . C ., and how can it be reconciled with the charges , tic , e > f a W . M . ? See S . C . appendix , C . page 10 , sec . 10 , see Freemason oi Nov . 28 th , 1874 , in a report of proceedings of Lodge Thistle , No . 87 , S . C . page 761 , Sill
and 6 following lines , centre column . 51 I 1 . Would a Royal Arch Companion S . C , be admitted into a Royal Arch Chapter S . C , he not being a Mark Master and M . E . M . ? I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , J SMITH . 1257 , E . G ., ni , S . C .
MASONIC PORTRAITS . Tii the Editor of I lie Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — As you invited expression of feeling on the above subject a week or so ago , in reply to the suggestion of a brother for some means ( of which he suggests the above ) of making the Freemason become more extensively
circulated amongst the Craft , will you kindly allow me lo suggest that there shoulil appear weekly , on the front sheet e . f the Freemason , a portrait or carte-de-visilc of some of our leading members of the Craft , slightly gummed 011 , so that it could be removed without being torn , and
could then be mounted by your subscribers , or pasted in a scrap-book , by which means a feeling of greater interest might be awakened , and an incentive given to many to work themselves well up in the Craft , as well as a stimulus to become thoroughly acquainted with what Freemasonry is doing , not only in England but on the Continent ,
1 quite agree with your remarks , made 011 many occasions , that Masonic literature is not patronised or encouraged as it ought to be ; and it is to be feared ( and 1 say it with all due respect ) that there arc too many simply Masons by name , who , after once being raised to the sublime degree , seem to have no desire to make further progress either in the working of their lodge , or the
acquisition of a general knowledge of what Freemasonry —so widely spread over the surface of the earth—is doing . I am often much surprised at the number of brethren whom I meet to find that many have never heard of such a Masonic periodical as the Freemason , and others , knowing its existence , do not subscribe to it . and I could
mention one town m winch there are but about five thousand inhabitants , with a Masonic Lodge of about thirty members , and 1 am assured by the stationer that there is only one subscriber for the Freemason . Now , from what does this arise , seeing the Freemason is the only Masonic weekly organ we have in England ? It seems to mc there are but two answers—viz .: That the interest the Craft in
general manifest for the cause of Freemasonry must be very limited indeed , or the Freemason is not sufficientl y attractive to recommend itself thoroughly to the great brotherhood . 1 feci confident with J . C , in yours of 19 th inst ., that the increase of circulation would amply repay the extra
outlay . I ; I would suggest that when any great event in Masonry is taking place , such as dedications , installations , decease of any popular brother , or any important appointments , that a carlc-de-visitc should be given in the style suggested , with a full account of . the proceediiiys , as far as
Original Correspondence.
practicable , or , in the event of decease , an interesting account accompanying the portrait of any brother who shall have so iar distinguished himself in Freemasonry as to be worthy of note . If the above arrangements were carried out 1 believe I could induce many to become subscribers who do not care
for the I ' rcema . mn m its present style . I trust this may lead to further correspondence on the subject , and I shall be pleascel to know if this idea is approved of by your subscribers . I am , Sir , yours truly and fraternally , H . SMART , S . W . 096 .
To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I am very much pleascel to find from letters in this and last week ' s Freemason , that you contemplate some improvements . Will you permit one who has taken very considerable interest in the paper , from the issue of its first number , to suggest a few improvements , which would
tend , I am certain , to swell very much indeed the number of your subscribers . ist . Do not let advertisements interfere with paging , but let the page containing them serve as a cover , thus enabling your subscribers to bind their volumes . Lodges , Chapters , tic , woulel then have no excuse lo urge for not taking in the paper as loelge property .
2 nd . Encourage a system of notes and queries , admitting all that relates to , or is in any way connected with , the Order , requiring only that all letters shoulil be written in a gentlemanly and fraternal spirit . 3 rd . Establish a sort of Masonic exchange , all articles to be of a strictly Masonic character , and only articles that cannot readily be procured .
4 th . Admit no letter or article abusing a Brother to your pages , show to your correspondents that if they forget the O . B . of the 3 rd elegrce , you do not . I consider the portraits and other Masonic sketches woulel be appreciated by the Craft , but do you not think they had better be given with your Monthly ? The idea of issuing them as supplements is one that might enable them to be given more frequently , and at various
prices . Do you not think that were you in the Monthly to confine your articles to purely Masonic ones , your circulation would be improved ? Wc have in England a large number of Monthlies , why try to compete with them ? If matter fails fall back upon translations from French and German Masonic authors , or extract from American Masonic
Magazines . I trust you will take the few remarks 1 have ventured to make in the spirit in which they were writtena sincere elesirc to increase the circulation of both our Masonic papers , in which I feel ( as all lovers of the Order should , ) a deep interest . With the compliments of the season , I am , dear Sir and Brother , fraternally yours , F . G . In WIN , P . M . P . Z . & c .
To Ihe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I am glad to see that the above subject is being ventilated , and hope that it will result in your taking it up . As you kindly invite opinions I take the liberty of
suggesting one . Coulel you not gtvc us photographs from life , such as are now being issued by the " Figaro Programme" with such great success ? For they really are works of art , and should you issue such as those , the increase in circulation of the FREEMASON' would soon
recoup you for the trouble and outlay . I am , fraternally yours , M . M . I 2 -j n .
THE OFFICE OF GRAND MASTER . To Ihe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — It appears to me that although the rule against the resignation by a Worshipful Master of his office , may be of time immemorial , it is still within his power to divest himself of the duties and privileges of his position , by
ceasing to be a member of his lodge . In the Constitutions of 175 6 and 17 ( 17 ' fi ' ' > t slated that "On Nov . 25 th , 1723 , it was agreed that if a Master of a particular lodge is deposeel , or demits , certain rules should be observed as to his successor . This right of demission ( defined by Bro . Paton as " the act which in any other society would be railed a resignation" ) , is clearly common lo all Masons ,
anel if a Master demits , or resigns membership of his lodge , he , ipso facto , renders himself incapable of discharging the duties of his office , for which event provision is made by our present Book of Constitutions , chapter " of the Masters and Wardens of lodges , " section 6 . Doubtless he
cannot resign his office , anel continue to be a member of his lodge , but however strongly the course I have pointed out is to be deprecated , as a violation of the obligation taken on assumption of the Master's chair , the power of demission which I attribute to every Mason , cannot , I think , be denied . II . MARTIN GREEN .
To Ihe Editor if I lie Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — As an Irish Mason , I cannot be expected to know perfectly the working under the E . C , though 1 take a livel y interest in all that concerns the Craft ; and therefore carefully read the interesting letter of Bro . Warren and your leader on it in the Freemason of the loth ult ., anel after
wcighing all his arguments , I have not been able to come to his conclusion . If the M . W . G . M . desired to resign early in the year , and that he could not do so , 1 understand Bro . Warren to say the D . G . M . would rule the Craft ; but suppose he were to die , who then woulel rule ? I think it would have been better if Bro . Warren had been able at first to have stated his views , but as things are , I cannot see any good to be gotten by opening of the eiuestion .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
stand this when I say the incidental expenses arc not more for a festival represented by 200 Stewards than one represented by 100 . From my experience in these matters there is always a surplus , sometimes a large one . After discharging the ordinary incidentals , the question arises at the final meeting how this is to be expended . The brethren do not like
to receive part of it back . No , they have paid their money thinking it would be required , and dismiss such an idea from their mind . Then some one presses the claims of the 1 lonorary Secretary and proposes a grant for his services , which is generally carried ; other things are proposed and carried , and the Stewards , not many , attend the final meeting , and are very glad to get quit of it .
The Honorary Secretary to the Boarel of Stewards is invariably the Secretary of the Institution for which the festival is held , whose duty it is to do all in his power for the benefit and advancement of the Charity he represents ; and his position as Secretary to the Boarel is an essential part of his duty . Besides , the Stewards exert themselves for the benefit of the Charity alone , and that certainly ought
to have a prior claim to any available surplus . In support of these remarks 1 have made , it is proved they are practical , anel I am sure may be improved upon , by the method adopteel by Bro . Little , the Secretary of the Girls' School at the festival in May last , when the Stewards' fee was fixed at two guineas . Those who required ladies' tickets paid for them , on that occasion . With
an ordinary number of Stewards there was a surplus in hand , which the board votcel to Bro . Little , who , I am told , respectfully declined to receive it , thereby acknowledging the princip le I have laid down . Our oreler is increasing wonderfully in numbers , and with that increase our casualties must necessarily keep pace , our institutions must , at no very elistant period , be made to accommodate double their number , which can only
be brought about by increased sympathy on the part of the Craft at large in response to those who serve the office of Stewards at our anniversary festivals , and thereby make themselves acquainted with the peculiar wants of each . Trusting these few remarks , if not effective in themselves , may lead to a ventilation of the subject , so as in lime to bring about the elesired result , 1 remain , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , P . M .
To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Kindly permit the insertion of this in your next issue , to enable me to correct a statement made in a letter of mine which appeared in last week ' s Freemason . I staled in that letter that " I had not been supplied with any particulars by which I could show a return for the support I
hope to receive when appealing ( as Steward ) to the brethren of my lodge on behalf of the Benevolent institution . " It was not my intention , when writing , that any of your numerous reaelers should presume I had not been supplied with the usual circulars by Bro . Terry , who has at all limes been most willing to furnish information in any way connectcel with the noble charity he so well represents , anil lo
whom I readily apologize for the mis-statement ; and thanking you , sir , for allowing me to further trespass on youi space , I am , yours fraternally , HAIIUY J . MOXON . 220 . New Kent Road . London , Dec . 22 , 1 S 74 .
SCOTTISH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND . To the Editor of the Freemason . Sir and Brother , — By accident referring to some back numbers of the Freemason I perceive that about a week before my scheme for a Masonic Benevolent Institution for Scotland was proposed in your columns , viz ., Sept . 12 th , in that
issue there is a letter from a brother signed "Scoticus Masonicus . " I know that editors receive names of writers of articles sometimes in secrecy . On considering said letter , and agreeing with nearly every word there written , I cannot help thinking that the said brother , whether living in London or in Scotland , might be of use to our undertaking , if he approves the scheme .
Could you kindly , with his permission , give me his address or ask him to write to me , as I feel certain the more labourers we can get at the work the better . 1 propose sending you an address for insertion earl y in January , as soon , in fact , as I can get in returns of our progress , and at the same time inserting it in all the
Scottish papers , provincial or otherwise , so as to keep up the attention of the Craft . I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , GEO . R . HARRIOTT , 32 , Prov . G . M . Wigtown and Kirkcudbri ght . No . 4 , Howard Place , St . Andrew's , Dec . 22 nd , 1874 .
MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I venture to give my opinion on the subject recently ventilated in your columns , on the status of a Remitted Past Master returning to his allegiance by rejoining a lodge . Whatever may be the spirit of the constitutions in the matter , their letter very plainly recites that a Past
Master , who for twelve months has ceased to subscribe to any lodge , shall no longer continue a member of the Grand Lodge , nor can he regain that privilege until again installed Master of a lodge . By the law , he would , if made a Warden , become a member of the Grand Lodge , for the Wardens of every private lodge arc members of Grand Lodge . I venture to think that the spirit of the Constitutions is to punish , by a deprivation of rank , those who , having had
Original Correspondence.
full experience as rulers of the Craft , forget the promise which they made at their initiation that they would ever observe the laws and regulations of the Order ; one of which , ns laid down in No . Ill of the ancient charges , is that " every brother ought to belong to some lodge ; " and 1 venture further to think that it is but fair to those who work with uniformly steady and persevering constancy in the interests of Freemasonry , that they
shoulil not be m any way superseded by men who have for a time deserted their colours and given up the fig ht . Reading the Constitutions as I do , I venture to think that a demitted Past Master would , on regaining his privileges , rank below all Past Masters in his lodge who have attained the dignity of the chair during his secession from the Craft , and be treated in fact as though he had never before passed the chair . BUSY BEE .
To Ihe Editor ( if the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — About six months ago I invited the brethren of my lodge to attend a funeral of a departed brother , anil on that occasion , I , as W . M ., took precedence , which was in accorelance with the opinions of the P . M's . present . This week
I invited them again to another funeral , when it was ruled that the W . M . took rank in the procession after the youngest P . M . Please inform mc which is the correct opinion . I enclose my card and remain , Yours Fraternally , ONE or vouu Oi . n SUUSCHIIIEIIS .
To the . Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother . Woultl you , when convenient , oblige by inserting in your Notes and Queries the following , that they may be answered for the information of brethren generally , particularly Scottish brethren . ist . Does the Charter of Constitution and erection of
all lodges holding under the Grand Lodge of Scotland , empower and give them ( the lodge ) the right to work the Mark Degree ? 2 nd . If any lodge has not worked the Mark Degree , can it ( the lodge ) now do so , without any other other charter from the Grand L'xlgc . ef Scotland ? SJU Scotch Constitutions , page 2 , chap . 2 , sec . 1 , also page 4 6 , chap . 2 C ,
Sec 1 . 3 rd . Is the Installed Master's Degree a new one , or how long since it was first conferred on duly elected W . M ., under the S . C ., and how can it be reconciled with the charges , tic , e > f a W . M . ? See S . C . appendix , C . page 10 , sec . 10 , see Freemason oi Nov . 28 th , 1874 , in a report of proceedings of Lodge Thistle , No . 87 , S . C . page 761 , Sill
and 6 following lines , centre column . 51 I 1 . Would a Royal Arch Companion S . C , be admitted into a Royal Arch Chapter S . C , he not being a Mark Master and M . E . M . ? I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , J SMITH . 1257 , E . G ., ni , S . C .
MASONIC PORTRAITS . Tii the Editor of I lie Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — As you invited expression of feeling on the above subject a week or so ago , in reply to the suggestion of a brother for some means ( of which he suggests the above ) of making the Freemason become more extensively
circulated amongst the Craft , will you kindly allow me lo suggest that there shoulil appear weekly , on the front sheet e . f the Freemason , a portrait or carte-de-visilc of some of our leading members of the Craft , slightly gummed 011 , so that it could be removed without being torn , and
could then be mounted by your subscribers , or pasted in a scrap-book , by which means a feeling of greater interest might be awakened , and an incentive given to many to work themselves well up in the Craft , as well as a stimulus to become thoroughly acquainted with what Freemasonry is doing , not only in England but on the Continent ,
1 quite agree with your remarks , made 011 many occasions , that Masonic literature is not patronised or encouraged as it ought to be ; and it is to be feared ( and 1 say it with all due respect ) that there arc too many simply Masons by name , who , after once being raised to the sublime degree , seem to have no desire to make further progress either in the working of their lodge , or the
acquisition of a general knowledge of what Freemasonry —so widely spread over the surface of the earth—is doing . I am often much surprised at the number of brethren whom I meet to find that many have never heard of such a Masonic periodical as the Freemason , and others , knowing its existence , do not subscribe to it . and I could
mention one town m winch there are but about five thousand inhabitants , with a Masonic Lodge of about thirty members , and 1 am assured by the stationer that there is only one subscriber for the Freemason . Now , from what does this arise , seeing the Freemason is the only Masonic weekly organ we have in England ? It seems to mc there are but two answers—viz .: That the interest the Craft in
general manifest for the cause of Freemasonry must be very limited indeed , or the Freemason is not sufficientl y attractive to recommend itself thoroughly to the great brotherhood . 1 feci confident with J . C , in yours of 19 th inst ., that the increase of circulation would amply repay the extra
outlay . I ; I would suggest that when any great event in Masonry is taking place , such as dedications , installations , decease of any popular brother , or any important appointments , that a carlc-de-visitc should be given in the style suggested , with a full account of . the proceediiiys , as far as
Original Correspondence.
practicable , or , in the event of decease , an interesting account accompanying the portrait of any brother who shall have so iar distinguished himself in Freemasonry as to be worthy of note . If the above arrangements were carried out 1 believe I could induce many to become subscribers who do not care
for the I ' rcema . mn m its present style . I trust this may lead to further correspondence on the subject , and I shall be pleascel to know if this idea is approved of by your subscribers . I am , Sir , yours truly and fraternally , H . SMART , S . W . 096 .
To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I am very much pleascel to find from letters in this and last week ' s Freemason , that you contemplate some improvements . Will you permit one who has taken very considerable interest in the paper , from the issue of its first number , to suggest a few improvements , which would
tend , I am certain , to swell very much indeed the number of your subscribers . ist . Do not let advertisements interfere with paging , but let the page containing them serve as a cover , thus enabling your subscribers to bind their volumes . Lodges , Chapters , tic , woulel then have no excuse lo urge for not taking in the paper as loelge property .
2 nd . Encourage a system of notes and queries , admitting all that relates to , or is in any way connected with , the Order , requiring only that all letters shoulil be written in a gentlemanly and fraternal spirit . 3 rd . Establish a sort of Masonic exchange , all articles to be of a strictly Masonic character , and only articles that cannot readily be procured .
4 th . Admit no letter or article abusing a Brother to your pages , show to your correspondents that if they forget the O . B . of the 3 rd elegrce , you do not . I consider the portraits and other Masonic sketches woulel be appreciated by the Craft , but do you not think they had better be given with your Monthly ? The idea of issuing them as supplements is one that might enable them to be given more frequently , and at various
prices . Do you not think that were you in the Monthly to confine your articles to purely Masonic ones , your circulation would be improved ? Wc have in England a large number of Monthlies , why try to compete with them ? If matter fails fall back upon translations from French and German Masonic authors , or extract from American Masonic
Magazines . I trust you will take the few remarks 1 have ventured to make in the spirit in which they were writtena sincere elesirc to increase the circulation of both our Masonic papers , in which I feel ( as all lovers of the Order should , ) a deep interest . With the compliments of the season , I am , dear Sir and Brother , fraternally yours , F . G . In WIN , P . M . P . Z . & c .
To Ihe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I am glad to see that the above subject is being ventilated , and hope that it will result in your taking it up . As you kindly invite opinions I take the liberty of
suggesting one . Coulel you not gtvc us photographs from life , such as are now being issued by the " Figaro Programme" with such great success ? For they really are works of art , and should you issue such as those , the increase in circulation of the FREEMASON' would soon
recoup you for the trouble and outlay . I am , fraternally yours , M . M . I 2 -j n .
THE OFFICE OF GRAND MASTER . To Ihe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — It appears to me that although the rule against the resignation by a Worshipful Master of his office , may be of time immemorial , it is still within his power to divest himself of the duties and privileges of his position , by
ceasing to be a member of his lodge . In the Constitutions of 175 6 and 17 ( 17 ' fi ' ' > t slated that "On Nov . 25 th , 1723 , it was agreed that if a Master of a particular lodge is deposeel , or demits , certain rules should be observed as to his successor . This right of demission ( defined by Bro . Paton as " the act which in any other society would be railed a resignation" ) , is clearly common lo all Masons ,
anel if a Master demits , or resigns membership of his lodge , he , ipso facto , renders himself incapable of discharging the duties of his office , for which event provision is made by our present Book of Constitutions , chapter " of the Masters and Wardens of lodges , " section 6 . Doubtless he
cannot resign his office , anel continue to be a member of his lodge , but however strongly the course I have pointed out is to be deprecated , as a violation of the obligation taken on assumption of the Master's chair , the power of demission which I attribute to every Mason , cannot , I think , be denied . II . MARTIN GREEN .
To Ihe Editor if I lie Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — As an Irish Mason , I cannot be expected to know perfectly the working under the E . C , though 1 take a livel y interest in all that concerns the Craft ; and therefore carefully read the interesting letter of Bro . Warren and your leader on it in the Freemason of the loth ult ., anel after
wcighing all his arguments , I have not been able to come to his conclusion . If the M . W . G . M . desired to resign early in the year , and that he could not do so , 1 understand Bro . Warren to say the D . G . M . would rule the Craft ; but suppose he were to die , who then woulel rule ? I think it would have been better if Bro . Warren had been able at first to have stated his views , but as things are , I cannot see any good to be gotten by opening of the eiuestion .