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Article MASONIC HISTORY AND HISTORIANS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MEMORANDUM ON THE STATUS OF THE MASONIC CHARITIES. Page 1 of 2 →
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Masonic History And Historians.
shall be regulated and govern'd by One Grand Master , and as many Wardens as the said Society shall think fit to appoint at every Annual General Assembly . " I have no hesitation in declaring my belief that no MS . whatever ever did , or does , allude to the office of Grand Master prior to the last century , and that the assertion of Anderson is devoid of truth .
The " Harleian . MS ., No . 1942 , " British Museum , contains the regulation , as follows : " That for the future the sayd Society , Company , and Fraternity of Freemasons shall be regulated and governed by one Master , and Assembly , and Wardens , as ye said Company shall think fit to chose at every yearly generall assembly . " * When it is remembered that so many desired , in writing of the Craft , to
present a long string of Grand Masters back to "time immemorial , it is evident that this regulation -was altered to suit that view . By whom it is not for me to say , as I do not know ; but I know that the corrupt rendering is to be found in Dr . Anderson ' s Constitutions of 173 S , & c . As these are but samples of many , I , therefore , support Bro . Gould in his declaration that the " ground must be first cleared of much accumulated
error " before we can fairly consider the facts of Masonic history , and I wish he would undertake to write for the English Craft such an account of its proceedings as would not be open to the charge of credulity , on the one hand , or a disregard of our curious traditions on the other . Each has its part to play ; but the misfortune is that , speaking generally of the past , the traditions have been blindly followed , and the facts almost entirely neglected .
Added to which apocryphal statements , even when found to be without a shadow of proof , have been relegated to the region of tradition , though of purely modem growth , for which reason , at the present day , it requires no little patience and care to separate actual traditions from eighteenth century manufactures . Masonicallv sl > ealein < r , a \\ Degrees whatever must be of subsequent date to
those of the Craft , and as the latter do not appear on the scene as separate ceremonies prior to the early part of last century , I am able only to go with our good brother the " Masonic Student" in his study of Hermeticism , so far as his researches and suggestions are illustrative of the materials from which Masonic Degrees have been woven . I apprehend he only views the question as indicative of the
surroundings or circumstances affecting the so-called " Revivalists , " so as to discover , if at all possible , how much has been incorporated of other societies into our own system . It is well , however , to guard against the folly of assuming that because our Society and that of others have many points in common with older organisations that , therefore , Freemasonry is to be traced in them all .
Though the " Masonic Student " is in no danger of such a mistake , wc all know that many have "discovered " Freemasonry in most ancient societies by considering that the Craft preceded them , instead of their preceding the Craft . I am ' gratified to be assured by the indefatigable " Masonic Student " that no one that he is aware of contends "that previously to 1700 Degrees
existed , " as we understand them , according to our modern view , with separate teaching for each and all , for I have fancied there was a tendency in that direction by some who go in for the antiquity of modern ceremonies . I quite agree with him that " a triplicate form of Masonic system has been kept up from earliest times , " for as far back as we can go historically , we have the three grades or positions of Apprentice , Craftsman , and
Master Mason . It must be admitted , however , that many have seen in this old arrangement a proof that Masonic Degrees existed , but they have so without any justification whatever . In dealing with facts , or presenting what we claim to be fads , let us all keep to the truth , and " nothing but the truth , " and in quoting any of the traditions let us be assured that their claim to a pre-eig hteenth century
origin is clearly established . Whilst it is quite true , for instance , that we cannot prove to a demonstration that no series of Masonic Degrees were worked in the seventeenth century , or earlier , it is equally true that no proof of their existence at such a period is forthcoming , neither is there any tradition worthy of credence that such were ever worked prior to the advent of the Premier Grand Lodge
at London , in the second decade of the last century . It is quite possible to write a large work in which may fairly be stated hundreds and thousands of guesses as to what Freemasonry might have been during the period of the " General Assemblies , " but no one in his senses would call such a book a " History of Freemasonry ; " yet practically that is what several of the claims for the antiquity of certain Degrees
amount to , all of which at once disappear when the proof is demanded . I cannot quite accept Bro . Gould ' s view as to Drs . Desaguliers and Anderson not being Freemasons until after 1717 , as there were strong reasons to conciliate the operatives , and hence official positions might have been given them at first from motives of policy . If the time of Dr . Desaguliers was so devoted to scientific pursuits as to prevent his giving the
attention to our Society which is claimed prior to 1720 , it would clearly follow that he could not do so subsequently from the same cause , whereas we know he was "here , there , and everywhere" on behalf of the Grand Lodge . London and country lodges had the benefit of his services , and Scotland , France , & c , were also favoured in like manner . If it be true that the " Defence of Freemasonry , " appended to the " Book of Constitutions , "
was written by him' ( as is stated ) , I think it would tend to prove he was most active 1717-23 , as that able pamphlet appears to have been compiled by one who took part in the arrangement of the system alluded to . But I must forbear saying more now save to promise to give all the queries raised by Bro . Gould my careful consideration , and to thank him for the elucidation of several points of value . * " Old Charges , " p . 57 .
The Paris Salon opens this year on May 2 nd , as the 1 st falls on a Sunday , and will continue until June 20 th . Not more than 2500 oils and 1200 water-colours and drawings will be admitted , each artist bein" -allowed to contribute two works to theformer and two to the latter section . Some of the alterations too will considerably affect the public at large . Thus , Thursday will no longer be a free day , though , as heretofore , people will be admitted gratis on Sunday , while on the opening day and every Friday the entrance fee will be five francs . As the paintings are to be sent in between March 10 th
and 20 th , Parisian studios arc very busy just now . Amongst the contributions of the bestknown artists will be M . Henner ' s "St . Jer 6 me ; " M . tiouguereau ' s "Aurora ' s Kiss " and " Sleep of the Virgin and Child ; " M . Carolus Duran's " Entombment of Christ , " " Young Marino Faliero , " and a lad y ' s portrait ; M . Bonnat will send portraits , and is also going to paint M . Gambetta . There will be two pictures , by MM . Bataille and George Becker , of the late distribution of the Colours , and another military work will be M . de Neuville's "Interrogation of a Courier , " the latter artist ' s portrait being contributed by M . Ducz , while two likenesses of M . Rochefort will appear by MM . Manet and Boldini . M . Basstien-Lepage sends a " Beggar . "
Memorandum On The Status Of The Masonic Charities.
MEMORANDUM ON THE STATUS OF THE MASONIC CHARITIES .
Bv BRO . MAJOR E . BOND . Brethren , —In bringing to your notice the status of our Masonic Charities , I feel I am entering on a difficult task , and , therefore , in asking your indulgence for any shortcomings , I trust you will give me credit for honesty of purpose in my endeavour to rectify what appears to me to be a great abuse in the distribution of the funds of those Charities .
1 shall endeavour to lay before you the state of the case , without partiality , so that you may yourselves judge whether some change might not be advantageously introduced to make our Charities more flexible , and to give hem a wider scope , in order that a greater number of our poorer brethren , idows , and orphans might enjoy the benefits of that large-hearted benevolence which is so characteristic of our Craft .
In entering on my argument , I would therefore explain that by the term " Masonic Charity " I mean the charitable gifts of subscribers and donors , irrespective of the cause for which such charity is given . By the term " Charitable Institution " I mean one of the purposes to which , such charity is given , whether it be to a benevolent fund for aged Masons , a benevolent fund for widows , a girls' school , a boys' school , or a Lodge of Benevolence .
The theory of the constitution of the three Charitable Institutions of the girls , boys , and the aged Masons and widows ( reckoned for the present as one ) , is that they are absolutel y independent of each other , and also of the Grand Lodge ; and that they are separately controlled by the large body of subscribers and donors , numbering in all about 2 S , ooo persons , scattered all over the kingdom , and who are supposed to be represented by a separate
General Court for each Institution . These several Courts have the power of appointing each a separate General Committee , a House Committee , and an Audit Committee , consisting of nine , twelve , and thirty brethren , so that there arc no less than ninety-six brethren in nine sets of Committees , meeting on different days of the week and various days of the montn , each having its own highly-paid Secretary , with an expensive secretariat . But in
looking into the formation of diese Committees , we find that they mi ght practically be one set of Committees , that is , one General , one House , and one Audit Committee for the whole Masonic Charity , for I find the same brother serving on various Committees but in the different Institutions . Thus , he will be on the Audit Committee of the Boys' Institution , on the General Committee of the Aged Masons and Widows' Asylum , and the
Audit Committee of the Girls'Institution ; another brother will , in like manner , ring the changes on other Committees , so that , to all intents and purposes , one set of brethren on one set of Committees could easil y control the whole of these Institutions . But then any such amalgamation would be a death blow to a separate secretariat , wherein lies my chief difficulty . Then , again , the system of voting for members to serve on these
Committees is unsatisfactory . At present , whilst the voting for the election of aged Masons' widows and children to the Charitable Institutions and the right of voting in any motion before the General Courts may be by proxy , votes for the election " of members " for the General Courts and General Committees ( other than privileged members ) must be given in person at Freemasons' Hall , in London , so that practically the large body of provincial subscribers is absolutely excluded
from any control in the formation of these Committees . Although the subscribers are nominally the controlling authority , it is a self-evident fact that from their isolation and being scattered all over the United Kingdom , they are unable to attend to give their votes at Courts and Committees , which are so arranged as to oblige the attendance of non-residents of London to meet forty times on different days of the month and of the week during the
year . The voting is , therefore , practically , under such a system , confined to a few London brethren , to the exclusion of the whole of those residing in the provinces . And , to add still more to all this confusion , it is most difficult to find the proper authority to apply to in any enquiry into these Charitable Institutions . For instance , the Aged Masons and Widows' Institution is , in the matter of election of the annuitants , in the hands of the subscribes ?
whilst the alteration of any rule or regulation and proceedings of all general meetings must be approved by Grand Lodge . So in the Boys' and Girls' Institution , the Presidents and Vice-Presidents are the Grand Master , Pro Grand , and Deputy Grand Masters , who form part of the General Courts , but in no other way has the Grand Lodge or its officers any control whatever over these Charitable Institutions , which are
absolutely under the General Court , constituted , as I have above described , to the detriment of the great mass of subscribers . Human ingenuity has been taxed to the utmost in fusing together for some purposes , and , again , keeping separate for other purposes , this Will o' th ' Wisp constitution—it is here , there , and nowhere ! Thus the task I have undertaken bristles with a mass of difficulties , and is surrounded by a dense jungle of abuses , through which I trust I may clear a path , so that I may
reach a still greater abuse which stands within . And this is the astounding fact that of an income and expenditure of about £ 60 , 000 no less a sum than £ 2500 is paid to three Secretaries for salary and their peripatetic wanderings , for commission , and for messengers ; that the office expenses of pens , ink , paper , and postage of these three gentlemen are over £ 300 per annum ; and that no less a sum than £ 1244 is put down against our benevolence for stationer }' , postage , and election expenses , and so on through the whole list a reckless expenditure of moneys is the order of the day .
The brethren will pardon me for refraining in this address from going through the items of expenditure , but I can assure them they are of the most reckless kind . . I . would , however , draw attention to the statement made in the published reports that each boy costs about £ 43 per head , and each girl £ 32 ; but this is most incorrect , as the item of rent of the buildings is entirely left out ; for in the Boys' establishment at Wood Green the enormous
sum of £ 65 , 900 has been spent , which at 5 per cent ., the usual interest charged for building purposes , adds over £ 3000 per annum to the cost per head of the 215 boys . These items show that the loud complaints from all sides are not unfounded , and I trust every lodge in the kingdom will send me its authority to strengthen my hands in attacking these gross abuses , and to insist on a system which shall be under the complete control of the subscribers , and not , as at present , under the dolce far niente control of
Committees of a purely metropolitan character . We , who are in the provinces , consider that by the present rules we are practically excluded from any control over our Charities , and from the extraordinary multifoldnature of these regulations of apparently separate Institutions we are unable to obtain any reformation . I trust , therefore , that your lodge will give me an expression of opinion on the following propositions , and authorise me to act on their behalf : —
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic History And Historians.
shall be regulated and govern'd by One Grand Master , and as many Wardens as the said Society shall think fit to appoint at every Annual General Assembly . " I have no hesitation in declaring my belief that no MS . whatever ever did , or does , allude to the office of Grand Master prior to the last century , and that the assertion of Anderson is devoid of truth .
The " Harleian . MS ., No . 1942 , " British Museum , contains the regulation , as follows : " That for the future the sayd Society , Company , and Fraternity of Freemasons shall be regulated and governed by one Master , and Assembly , and Wardens , as ye said Company shall think fit to chose at every yearly generall assembly . " * When it is remembered that so many desired , in writing of the Craft , to
present a long string of Grand Masters back to "time immemorial , it is evident that this regulation -was altered to suit that view . By whom it is not for me to say , as I do not know ; but I know that the corrupt rendering is to be found in Dr . Anderson ' s Constitutions of 173 S , & c . As these are but samples of many , I , therefore , support Bro . Gould in his declaration that the " ground must be first cleared of much accumulated
error " before we can fairly consider the facts of Masonic history , and I wish he would undertake to write for the English Craft such an account of its proceedings as would not be open to the charge of credulity , on the one hand , or a disregard of our curious traditions on the other . Each has its part to play ; but the misfortune is that , speaking generally of the past , the traditions have been blindly followed , and the facts almost entirely neglected .
Added to which apocryphal statements , even when found to be without a shadow of proof , have been relegated to the region of tradition , though of purely modem growth , for which reason , at the present day , it requires no little patience and care to separate actual traditions from eighteenth century manufactures . Masonicallv sl > ealein < r , a \\ Degrees whatever must be of subsequent date to
those of the Craft , and as the latter do not appear on the scene as separate ceremonies prior to the early part of last century , I am able only to go with our good brother the " Masonic Student" in his study of Hermeticism , so far as his researches and suggestions are illustrative of the materials from which Masonic Degrees have been woven . I apprehend he only views the question as indicative of the
surroundings or circumstances affecting the so-called " Revivalists , " so as to discover , if at all possible , how much has been incorporated of other societies into our own system . It is well , however , to guard against the folly of assuming that because our Society and that of others have many points in common with older organisations that , therefore , Freemasonry is to be traced in them all .
Though the " Masonic Student " is in no danger of such a mistake , wc all know that many have "discovered " Freemasonry in most ancient societies by considering that the Craft preceded them , instead of their preceding the Craft . I am ' gratified to be assured by the indefatigable " Masonic Student " that no one that he is aware of contends "that previously to 1700 Degrees
existed , " as we understand them , according to our modern view , with separate teaching for each and all , for I have fancied there was a tendency in that direction by some who go in for the antiquity of modern ceremonies . I quite agree with him that " a triplicate form of Masonic system has been kept up from earliest times , " for as far back as we can go historically , we have the three grades or positions of Apprentice , Craftsman , and
Master Mason . It must be admitted , however , that many have seen in this old arrangement a proof that Masonic Degrees existed , but they have so without any justification whatever . In dealing with facts , or presenting what we claim to be fads , let us all keep to the truth , and " nothing but the truth , " and in quoting any of the traditions let us be assured that their claim to a pre-eig hteenth century
origin is clearly established . Whilst it is quite true , for instance , that we cannot prove to a demonstration that no series of Masonic Degrees were worked in the seventeenth century , or earlier , it is equally true that no proof of their existence at such a period is forthcoming , neither is there any tradition worthy of credence that such were ever worked prior to the advent of the Premier Grand Lodge
at London , in the second decade of the last century . It is quite possible to write a large work in which may fairly be stated hundreds and thousands of guesses as to what Freemasonry might have been during the period of the " General Assemblies , " but no one in his senses would call such a book a " History of Freemasonry ; " yet practically that is what several of the claims for the antiquity of certain Degrees
amount to , all of which at once disappear when the proof is demanded . I cannot quite accept Bro . Gould ' s view as to Drs . Desaguliers and Anderson not being Freemasons until after 1717 , as there were strong reasons to conciliate the operatives , and hence official positions might have been given them at first from motives of policy . If the time of Dr . Desaguliers was so devoted to scientific pursuits as to prevent his giving the
attention to our Society which is claimed prior to 1720 , it would clearly follow that he could not do so subsequently from the same cause , whereas we know he was "here , there , and everywhere" on behalf of the Grand Lodge . London and country lodges had the benefit of his services , and Scotland , France , & c , were also favoured in like manner . If it be true that the " Defence of Freemasonry , " appended to the " Book of Constitutions , "
was written by him' ( as is stated ) , I think it would tend to prove he was most active 1717-23 , as that able pamphlet appears to have been compiled by one who took part in the arrangement of the system alluded to . But I must forbear saying more now save to promise to give all the queries raised by Bro . Gould my careful consideration , and to thank him for the elucidation of several points of value . * " Old Charges , " p . 57 .
The Paris Salon opens this year on May 2 nd , as the 1 st falls on a Sunday , and will continue until June 20 th . Not more than 2500 oils and 1200 water-colours and drawings will be admitted , each artist bein" -allowed to contribute two works to theformer and two to the latter section . Some of the alterations too will considerably affect the public at large . Thus , Thursday will no longer be a free day , though , as heretofore , people will be admitted gratis on Sunday , while on the opening day and every Friday the entrance fee will be five francs . As the paintings are to be sent in between March 10 th
and 20 th , Parisian studios arc very busy just now . Amongst the contributions of the bestknown artists will be M . Henner ' s "St . Jer 6 me ; " M . tiouguereau ' s "Aurora ' s Kiss " and " Sleep of the Virgin and Child ; " M . Carolus Duran's " Entombment of Christ , " " Young Marino Faliero , " and a lad y ' s portrait ; M . Bonnat will send portraits , and is also going to paint M . Gambetta . There will be two pictures , by MM . Bataille and George Becker , of the late distribution of the Colours , and another military work will be M . de Neuville's "Interrogation of a Courier , " the latter artist ' s portrait being contributed by M . Ducz , while two likenesses of M . Rochefort will appear by MM . Manet and Boldini . M . Basstien-Lepage sends a " Beggar . "
Memorandum On The Status Of The Masonic Charities.
MEMORANDUM ON THE STATUS OF THE MASONIC CHARITIES .
Bv BRO . MAJOR E . BOND . Brethren , —In bringing to your notice the status of our Masonic Charities , I feel I am entering on a difficult task , and , therefore , in asking your indulgence for any shortcomings , I trust you will give me credit for honesty of purpose in my endeavour to rectify what appears to me to be a great abuse in the distribution of the funds of those Charities .
1 shall endeavour to lay before you the state of the case , without partiality , so that you may yourselves judge whether some change might not be advantageously introduced to make our Charities more flexible , and to give hem a wider scope , in order that a greater number of our poorer brethren , idows , and orphans might enjoy the benefits of that large-hearted benevolence which is so characteristic of our Craft .
In entering on my argument , I would therefore explain that by the term " Masonic Charity " I mean the charitable gifts of subscribers and donors , irrespective of the cause for which such charity is given . By the term " Charitable Institution " I mean one of the purposes to which , such charity is given , whether it be to a benevolent fund for aged Masons , a benevolent fund for widows , a girls' school , a boys' school , or a Lodge of Benevolence .
The theory of the constitution of the three Charitable Institutions of the girls , boys , and the aged Masons and widows ( reckoned for the present as one ) , is that they are absolutel y independent of each other , and also of the Grand Lodge ; and that they are separately controlled by the large body of subscribers and donors , numbering in all about 2 S , ooo persons , scattered all over the kingdom , and who are supposed to be represented by a separate
General Court for each Institution . These several Courts have the power of appointing each a separate General Committee , a House Committee , and an Audit Committee , consisting of nine , twelve , and thirty brethren , so that there arc no less than ninety-six brethren in nine sets of Committees , meeting on different days of the week and various days of the montn , each having its own highly-paid Secretary , with an expensive secretariat . But in
looking into the formation of diese Committees , we find that they mi ght practically be one set of Committees , that is , one General , one House , and one Audit Committee for the whole Masonic Charity , for I find the same brother serving on various Committees but in the different Institutions . Thus , he will be on the Audit Committee of the Boys' Institution , on the General Committee of the Aged Masons and Widows' Asylum , and the
Audit Committee of the Girls'Institution ; another brother will , in like manner , ring the changes on other Committees , so that , to all intents and purposes , one set of brethren on one set of Committees could easil y control the whole of these Institutions . But then any such amalgamation would be a death blow to a separate secretariat , wherein lies my chief difficulty . Then , again , the system of voting for members to serve on these
Committees is unsatisfactory . At present , whilst the voting for the election of aged Masons' widows and children to the Charitable Institutions and the right of voting in any motion before the General Courts may be by proxy , votes for the election " of members " for the General Courts and General Committees ( other than privileged members ) must be given in person at Freemasons' Hall , in London , so that practically the large body of provincial subscribers is absolutely excluded
from any control in the formation of these Committees . Although the subscribers are nominally the controlling authority , it is a self-evident fact that from their isolation and being scattered all over the United Kingdom , they are unable to attend to give their votes at Courts and Committees , which are so arranged as to oblige the attendance of non-residents of London to meet forty times on different days of the month and of the week during the
year . The voting is , therefore , practically , under such a system , confined to a few London brethren , to the exclusion of the whole of those residing in the provinces . And , to add still more to all this confusion , it is most difficult to find the proper authority to apply to in any enquiry into these Charitable Institutions . For instance , the Aged Masons and Widows' Institution is , in the matter of election of the annuitants , in the hands of the subscribes ?
whilst the alteration of any rule or regulation and proceedings of all general meetings must be approved by Grand Lodge . So in the Boys' and Girls' Institution , the Presidents and Vice-Presidents are the Grand Master , Pro Grand , and Deputy Grand Masters , who form part of the General Courts , but in no other way has the Grand Lodge or its officers any control whatever over these Charitable Institutions , which are
absolutely under the General Court , constituted , as I have above described , to the detriment of the great mass of subscribers . Human ingenuity has been taxed to the utmost in fusing together for some purposes , and , again , keeping separate for other purposes , this Will o' th ' Wisp constitution—it is here , there , and nowhere ! Thus the task I have undertaken bristles with a mass of difficulties , and is surrounded by a dense jungle of abuses , through which I trust I may clear a path , so that I may
reach a still greater abuse which stands within . And this is the astounding fact that of an income and expenditure of about £ 60 , 000 no less a sum than £ 2500 is paid to three Secretaries for salary and their peripatetic wanderings , for commission , and for messengers ; that the office expenses of pens , ink , paper , and postage of these three gentlemen are over £ 300 per annum ; and that no less a sum than £ 1244 is put down against our benevolence for stationer }' , postage , and election expenses , and so on through the whole list a reckless expenditure of moneys is the order of the day .
The brethren will pardon me for refraining in this address from going through the items of expenditure , but I can assure them they are of the most reckless kind . . I . would , however , draw attention to the statement made in the published reports that each boy costs about £ 43 per head , and each girl £ 32 ; but this is most incorrect , as the item of rent of the buildings is entirely left out ; for in the Boys' establishment at Wood Green the enormous
sum of £ 65 , 900 has been spent , which at 5 per cent ., the usual interest charged for building purposes , adds over £ 3000 per annum to the cost per head of the 215 boys . These items show that the loud complaints from all sides are not unfounded , and I trust every lodge in the kingdom will send me its authority to strengthen my hands in attacking these gross abuses , and to insist on a system which shall be under the complete control of the subscribers , and not , as at present , under the dolce far niente control of
Committees of a purely metropolitan character . We , who are in the provinces , consider that by the present rules we are practically excluded from any control over our Charities , and from the extraordinary multifoldnature of these regulations of apparently separate Institutions we are unable to obtain any reformation . I trust , therefore , that your lodge will give me an expression of opinion on the following propositions , and authorise me to act on their behalf : —