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Article Order of St. Lawrence. ← Page 2 of 2 Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Page 1 of 2 Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Page 1 of 2 Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Page 1 of 2 →
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Order Of St. Lawrence.
D . D . G . M . Malta , and both those brethren were accordingly lected . Bro . J . S . Cumberland , S . W ., was unanimously > lected W . M . ; Bro . G . Simpson was elected Treasurer ; : ind Bro . Pearson was re-elected Tyler . Two auditors . vere appointed , and the lodge was closed . The brethren afterwards met at a grill supper , and passed a most social evening .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
The Jahuary Quarterly General Court of the Governors and subscribers of this Institution washeld | on Saturday last , at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Col . Creaton , J . P ., Grand Treasurer , presided . Amongst other brethren present were Bros . Col Burdett . P . G . M . Middlesex ; Rev . A . F . A .
Wood' . orrt , P . G . C . ; Alfred W . Stanheld , G . Bolton , Arthur E . Gladwell , Co . James Peters , John A . Rucker , Griffiths Smith , Thos . F . Peacock , A . J . Duff Filer , Louis Hirsch , A . K . Tattershall , John Sampson Peirce , William Stephens , G . R . Shervill , S . Rawson , William Roebuck , Wm . W . Baxter , H . A . Dubois , E . Letchworth , George Weeks , Herbert Dicketts , Henry Venn , E . Cox , H . T . Thompson ,
Frank Richardson , John Davis , John M . Clabon , Fredk . Binekes , John Williams , Henry James Johnson , W . Parrington , Peter de L . Long , Fredk . Adlard , Wm . Pass , Wm . F . C . Moutrie , Thos . Meggy , Charles John Perceval , C . F . Matier , Henry J . Belts , F . R . W . Hedges ( Secretary ) , and H . Massey { Freemason ) . When the minutes of the last Quarterly Court in October
had been read , Bro . A . E . Gladwell , before they were put for confirmation , moved that the portion of them be not confirmed which related to the election of Secretary . Bro . Birch , who then moved an alteration in the laws by which provincial brethren would be allowed to vote by proxy , and so avoid the necessity of personal attendance in London , had said on that occasion that the election was
practically vested in the London brethren . He ( Bro . Gladwell ) admitted now that there was an appearance of inequality , and that the provincial brethren virtually were debarred from a voice in the matter , but he ventured to submit that this objection was more sentimental than real . For his own part he would willingly surrender his right of voting as a member of the General Committee , and
allow the election to be by the House Committee . When they considered the labours unelertaken by the House Committee and the Building Committee , they must surely come to the conclusion that they were more capable of judging of the abilities and qualifications of a Secretary than brethren at a distance , who did not come across the Secretary . He could not avoid the reflection that
supposing they succeeded in electing a man whom they diel not know they practically excluded him from becoming known to them afterwards , unless he neglected his official duties and went about the country . He thought the Secretary should be appointed by those who had the most intercourse with him . At the half-yearly elections the provincial brethren put in an appearance in large numbers .
Although Bro . Birch s motion was supported by several London brethicn , he had mentioned this point to many of them , and they had replied that they had never seen it in that lig ht . He , therefore , thought the motion was carried without being properly considered previously . It was on this account he now moved the non-confirmation of this portion of the minutes .
Col . Burdett , for the sake of formality , seconded the motion . Bro . Edward Cox said that although he had no interest in this amendment , because as a London brother he was entitled to a vote , he could not agree with Bro . Gladwell , There were at the last Quarteily Court several provincial brethren present , and after a calm and serious discussion
the resolution was come to that the method of voting for Secretary should be different . It would be a manifest in - justice to all the provincial brethren if that resolution were now rejected when they were not present . They had m . t had notice that such a motion would be made and had not attended . If Bro . Gladwell's course were taken it would lead to the secessiein of the provincial brethren , and it was
highly desirable that the London brethren should keep on good terms with them . Bro . Gladwell's proposition was then put anel lust , and the minutes of the October Quarterly Court were confirmed . Bro . Hedges read the minutes ol the Special Court on 3 rd January .
Col . Creaton said that since that meeting he had received a letter from Bro . J . T . Moss , and attached to that letter the opinion of Bro . Locock Webb , Q . C ., which letter and opinion the Secretary would lead to the meeting . Bro . Hedges read the following : —
"To the Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon , & c , & c , _ c ., ' and others , the Trustees of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . " 38 , Gracechurch-street , London , E . C . " January 6 th , 1880 . " My Lords and Gentlemen , —
" In your official position as Trustees of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , you have doubtless been made acquainted with the nature of a proposal to expend £ 6500 of the funds in the purchase of a house and a small piece of land in the neighbourhood of the existing schools ; and
you have also probably been informed that a number of the comparatively few subscribers to whom the project is known very strongly disapprove of this proposed inversion of the funds from the purpose for which subscriptions have been collected .
" One General Court to authorise the suggested expenditure was convened in November last , but the proceedings were so palpably irregular , that an objection being raised a second meeting was convened for Satuarday , the 3 rd inst ., to re-pass the resolution of the meeting on 22 nd November .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
" Having been consulted by several of the objectors to the proposed expenditure , I was compelled to advise that the proposal was illegal , in addition to being antagonistic to their views . I accordingly recommended that a case , embodying all the facts , should be submitted for the opinion of Mr . Locock Webb , Q . C , who besides being one of the best authorities in Chancery practice , is a Past Grand
Officer in the Craft , as well as a Life Governor ami Past Steward of this Charity . " In forwarding you a copy of his opinion , 1 must express my regret that the intended resolution should have been pressed after the personal communication made by me to the Treasurer before the hour advertised for the meeting on Saturday last , and it is my unpleasant duty to add
that , unless the necessary steps for cancelling tho iljegal proceedings are at once taken , my instructions are forthwith to appeal to the Court of Chancery to enforce a clue observance ol the laws , and the restitutio . ! of any funds which may have been misapplied . " I shall be obliged by an acknowledgment of the receipt of this communication , and I have the honour to remain , my Lords anel Gentlemen , your faithful servant , ( Signed ) "JOHN THOMAS MOSS . "
"ROYAI . MASONIC INSTITUTION- 101 : Gini . s . " Proposal to expend £ 6500 in the purchase of a house and three-quarters of an acre of land . " Extract from the case submitted to C . Locock Webb , Esq ., on behalf of several subscribers to the Charity , by Mr . J . T . Moss , solicitor , 38 , Gracechurch-street , London . " Counsel ' s opinion is requested
" 1 . Whether the Charity funds collected for the general purposes of the Institution can be applied to the purchase of houses and land not really necessary for the purposes of the Charity ? { vide CI . 2 . ) " 2 . Can the trustees be held peisonally liable to the
Charity for any funds which they may have applied already , or may in future expend out of any other than the Sustentation Fund , in the acquisition of buildings and lam ! ? " 3 . What course is advised to preicnt the monies of the Institution being devoted to other purposes than those set forth in CI . 2 ?
" 1 . I am of opinion that the purchase , by the I rustecs of the General Fund , of Lyncombe House and grounds would be clearly ultra vires , and an illegal application of the monies vested in them fe-r the general purposes of the Institution . It would not be competent for any General Court to make any new law , or any grant authorising such purchase , or ihe advance out of the General Fund of
the proposed consideration money of £ 6500 , or any part thereof ; and any resolution purporting to ilo so woulel be utterly null and void . I think that the notice convening the Special General Court for to-morrow ( the 3 rd January ) would be bad , even if the objects of such meeting were valid , instead of being , as in my judgment they are , clearly invalid .
" The funds collected for the general purposes of the Institution could not properly be applied to the purchase of any houses or lanels not really necessary for the purposes of the Institution , and I doubt if any of such funds could , strictly speaking , be applied in the purchase of any building or lands ( see Laws 11 . and VII . ) The General Fund would seem to be applicable to the maintenance ,
clothing , and education of the children , who , being duly elected , are , or may become ) inmates of the establishment . The " Sustentation " Fund would seem to be applied to the maintenance of the buildings . " If it is eleemed expedient to enlarge or add to the existing Institution a speciat fund should be subscribed for that purpose .
" 2 . If the Trustees have already applied , or should in future apply , monies out of the General Fund in or teiwards the purchase of Lyncombe House and grounds , I think they would be personally liable to recoup all such monies . " 3 . I am of opinion that an action in the Chancery Division may be maintained at the suit of any member of the General Committee ( sec Law XXXV . ) who should
sue on behalf ot himself and all other members of such Committee , except the defendants , against the Trustees for an injunction to restrain the contemplated misappropriation of the General Fund . But , under the circumstances of this case , 1 should strongly advise that every effort should be made to avoid litigation . To that end 1 would suggest
that those on whose behalf 1 , im advising , being Governors , should attend the meeting to-morrow and state their objections ; they will not , of course , vote upon any resolution . And if resolution purporting to authorise such purchase should be carrieu , I think they should at once write to each of the Trustees such a letter as I have already suggested in conlerence before commencing an action .
" LOCOCK WEBB . " Lincoln ' s . inn , 2 nd Jan ., 1880 . " Col . Creaton said that after having heard that letter and opinion read he must ask for an adjournment of the Court in order that he might consult with his co-Trustees . Since that letter had been received he had not heard from his co-Trustees , and it was right they should be consulted . An
adjournment , therefore , was necessary . Col . Burdett said that letter was only elated on the 6 th inst ., and there had been no time for communication between Trustees . Counsel ' s opinion depended a great deal em the way in which the case was stated . One counsel might have the case bcfe > re him one way , and another in another way , an 1 they would form opposite opinions . He would move that the Special Court be adjourned till that
day fortnight at twelve o'clock . The Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , in seconding the motion , said that he thought due justice would then be . done to the case , and the Trustees would be able to consult together . Having taken some part in the proceedings of the previous Saturday , and having had a paper since then put into his handr . in which grave reflections had been cast upon himself personally , and upon Col . Creaton —( interruption ) .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
—He was perfectly in order—he begged to say to Bro . Thompson , having some character to lose before his brethren he thought he should be allowed to state what the facts of the case really were . A paper had been put into their hands . Not for the first time in the history of the Institution , he begged to repeat , and to this he new called attention . After their general meetings circulars had been sent round
among the Craft , and he remembered a circular in particular , in which an offensive by-name was given to their respected Bro . Chairman , and a very inoffensive member of the Craft was designated by the description of "The Melodious Grunter . " Was this a state of things which as gentlemen and Masons they were to sanction by silence ? ( Hear , hear . l It was
new in the history of Freemasonry , that when thsv met a <; gentlemen and brethren that some one should send ci cu ' ais all thrcughout the Craft applying to distinguished members of the Order aosurd by-names . As an old Mason , holding some position in the Craft and in the provinces , he thought he was not wrong in saying that this was something new and most objectionable . ( Hear , hear . ) He made these
observations because , as he said be-fore , he helilin his hands a circular in which two most palpable untruths were circulated among the brethren . The first was that their distinguished Chairman kept back from the last meeting his knowledge of an objection . With respest to counsel ' s opinion he ( the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford ) begged tei say that the Chairman did so at the request of Bro . J . T . Moss himself ,
which request was made in his ( Bro . Woodford's ) , the Chairman , Bro . Letchworth , and Bro . Griffiths Smith ' s presence . To Bro . Moss it was suggested that he should come to the meeting and read the opinion , and he distinctly stated that he could not do so , that he was acting as amicus curia ; and he did not wish the opinion to be read at the meeting . Bro . Moss ' s letter which had just been read
confirmed this statement , for he said he made a private suggestion to the Chairman . Therefore , this circular which hail been sent round was wrong when it said that the distinguished Chairman kept back the communication . Bro . Moss ' s words were , " I give it to you in confidence , as amicus euriir . " In this he ( Bro . Woodford ) would be confirmed by Bros . Letchworth
Col . Creaton , anel Griffiths Smith . The information having been given in strict confidence after Bro . Moss had been appealed to by him ( Bro . Woodford ) himself personally to come into the meeting and read the opinion , how was it to be now saiel that the Chairman hael kept back the information from the meeting ? The next statement in the circular which was erroneous was that the writer of
the circular " was improperly interrupted in attempting to make known to the subscribers present at Freemasons ' Hall on Saturday last the circumstances attending the opposition to this project . " The brethren would bear in mind what really took place , and he could call in aid the memory of several distinguished brethren near him , that Bro . Thompson distinctly stated that he diel not propose to
address the metting in opposition , that he was advised not to vote , and that he advised the brethren not to vote . He ( Bro . Woodford ) rose to order , anel stated that if Bro . Thompson had no amendment to make , and was not opposing the motion , he had no right to address the brethren in language which should influence them and tell them not to vote at all . So far from it being
true that he was improperly interrupted , Bro . Cover , who spoke after him ( Bro . Woodford ) , expressed his surprise that an objection had been taken to the meeting without the grounds of the objection being communicated . Under these circumstances he ( Bro . Woodford ) now protested against the circulation of charges like Bro . Thompson ' s , which , as in the former instance , were characterised by a
spirit of most base personality , which , he held to be 111 direct contradistinction to the principles of Freemasonry . He did not wish to say more , because when tiiey were all assembled as brethren abuse and personality were disgraceful and derogatory . ( Hear , hear . ) Col . Somcrvillc Burney wished to move that the Trustees be authorised to take the opinion of counsel , and to
select such counsel as they might deem best . Bro . Edward Cox , agreeing vvith the motion for adjournment because a decision on the question before the meeting in its present state of excitement was likely to be excessively damaging to this and ihe other Institutions , wished to state that his sole objection tn the confirmation of the minutes was simply on the i ; iound that lie thought the
amount to be paid lor Lyncomfic House ami ground ! , was too large , lie had no other objection . In the present state of excitement it would be almost impossible to come to a fair and adequate conclusion on the matter , and , therefore , he thought the adjournment should be for a much longer period thin a fortnight . It might be for next Quarterly Court , but the day ( Saturday ) was
extremely inconvenient , If a convenient day was fixed the provincial brethren might attend , the whole question might be raised and discussed , and if the provincial brethren attended ; the whole Craft might be considered as fairly represented . Then the opinion could be taken whether the Craft considered the price too high , and if the majority should think it was not , he should bow to that
opinion , and never raise the question again . Col . Creaton said the only objection to the adjournment was that the owner of the property proposed to be purchased expected an answer that day . A fortnight he he might not mind waiting , but hi : might object to three months . Bro . H . T . Thompson did not desire to aggravate or
increase the warmth of feeling 111 the brethren , but he simply wished to see things conducted legally in the course he had taken . It was perfectly we-il known to large numbers of brethren that , both in this Institution and in the Boys' School , hh was not a new question . For two years and more he had objected to various propositions in regarel to the Institutions , but he had never attempted to introduce a collision between any sections of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Order Of St. Lawrence.
D . D . G . M . Malta , and both those brethren were accordingly lected . Bro . J . S . Cumberland , S . W ., was unanimously > lected W . M . ; Bro . G . Simpson was elected Treasurer ; : ind Bro . Pearson was re-elected Tyler . Two auditors . vere appointed , and the lodge was closed . The brethren afterwards met at a grill supper , and passed a most social evening .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
The Jahuary Quarterly General Court of the Governors and subscribers of this Institution washeld | on Saturday last , at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Col . Creaton , J . P ., Grand Treasurer , presided . Amongst other brethren present were Bros . Col Burdett . P . G . M . Middlesex ; Rev . A . F . A .
Wood' . orrt , P . G . C . ; Alfred W . Stanheld , G . Bolton , Arthur E . Gladwell , Co . James Peters , John A . Rucker , Griffiths Smith , Thos . F . Peacock , A . J . Duff Filer , Louis Hirsch , A . K . Tattershall , John Sampson Peirce , William Stephens , G . R . Shervill , S . Rawson , William Roebuck , Wm . W . Baxter , H . A . Dubois , E . Letchworth , George Weeks , Herbert Dicketts , Henry Venn , E . Cox , H . T . Thompson ,
Frank Richardson , John Davis , John M . Clabon , Fredk . Binekes , John Williams , Henry James Johnson , W . Parrington , Peter de L . Long , Fredk . Adlard , Wm . Pass , Wm . F . C . Moutrie , Thos . Meggy , Charles John Perceval , C . F . Matier , Henry J . Belts , F . R . W . Hedges ( Secretary ) , and H . Massey { Freemason ) . When the minutes of the last Quarterly Court in October
had been read , Bro . A . E . Gladwell , before they were put for confirmation , moved that the portion of them be not confirmed which related to the election of Secretary . Bro . Birch , who then moved an alteration in the laws by which provincial brethren would be allowed to vote by proxy , and so avoid the necessity of personal attendance in London , had said on that occasion that the election was
practically vested in the London brethren . He ( Bro . Gladwell ) admitted now that there was an appearance of inequality , and that the provincial brethren virtually were debarred from a voice in the matter , but he ventured to submit that this objection was more sentimental than real . For his own part he would willingly surrender his right of voting as a member of the General Committee , and
allow the election to be by the House Committee . When they considered the labours unelertaken by the House Committee and the Building Committee , they must surely come to the conclusion that they were more capable of judging of the abilities and qualifications of a Secretary than brethren at a distance , who did not come across the Secretary . He could not avoid the reflection that
supposing they succeeded in electing a man whom they diel not know they practically excluded him from becoming known to them afterwards , unless he neglected his official duties and went about the country . He thought the Secretary should be appointed by those who had the most intercourse with him . At the half-yearly elections the provincial brethren put in an appearance in large numbers .
Although Bro . Birch s motion was supported by several London brethicn , he had mentioned this point to many of them , and they had replied that they had never seen it in that lig ht . He , therefore , thought the motion was carried without being properly considered previously . It was on this account he now moved the non-confirmation of this portion of the minutes .
Col . Burdett , for the sake of formality , seconded the motion . Bro . Edward Cox said that although he had no interest in this amendment , because as a London brother he was entitled to a vote , he could not agree with Bro . Gladwell , There were at the last Quarteily Court several provincial brethren present , and after a calm and serious discussion
the resolution was come to that the method of voting for Secretary should be different . It would be a manifest in - justice to all the provincial brethren if that resolution were now rejected when they were not present . They had m . t had notice that such a motion would be made and had not attended . If Bro . Gladwell's course were taken it would lead to the secessiein of the provincial brethren , and it was
highly desirable that the London brethren should keep on good terms with them . Bro . Gladwell's proposition was then put anel lust , and the minutes of the October Quarterly Court were confirmed . Bro . Hedges read the minutes ol the Special Court on 3 rd January .
Col . Creaton said that since that meeting he had received a letter from Bro . J . T . Moss , and attached to that letter the opinion of Bro . Locock Webb , Q . C ., which letter and opinion the Secretary would lead to the meeting . Bro . Hedges read the following : —
"To the Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon , & c , & c , _ c ., ' and others , the Trustees of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . " 38 , Gracechurch-street , London , E . C . " January 6 th , 1880 . " My Lords and Gentlemen , —
" In your official position as Trustees of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , you have doubtless been made acquainted with the nature of a proposal to expend £ 6500 of the funds in the purchase of a house and a small piece of land in the neighbourhood of the existing schools ; and
you have also probably been informed that a number of the comparatively few subscribers to whom the project is known very strongly disapprove of this proposed inversion of the funds from the purpose for which subscriptions have been collected .
" One General Court to authorise the suggested expenditure was convened in November last , but the proceedings were so palpably irregular , that an objection being raised a second meeting was convened for Satuarday , the 3 rd inst ., to re-pass the resolution of the meeting on 22 nd November .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
" Having been consulted by several of the objectors to the proposed expenditure , I was compelled to advise that the proposal was illegal , in addition to being antagonistic to their views . I accordingly recommended that a case , embodying all the facts , should be submitted for the opinion of Mr . Locock Webb , Q . C , who besides being one of the best authorities in Chancery practice , is a Past Grand
Officer in the Craft , as well as a Life Governor ami Past Steward of this Charity . " In forwarding you a copy of his opinion , 1 must express my regret that the intended resolution should have been pressed after the personal communication made by me to the Treasurer before the hour advertised for the meeting on Saturday last , and it is my unpleasant duty to add
that , unless the necessary steps for cancelling tho iljegal proceedings are at once taken , my instructions are forthwith to appeal to the Court of Chancery to enforce a clue observance ol the laws , and the restitutio . ! of any funds which may have been misapplied . " I shall be obliged by an acknowledgment of the receipt of this communication , and I have the honour to remain , my Lords anel Gentlemen , your faithful servant , ( Signed ) "JOHN THOMAS MOSS . "
"ROYAI . MASONIC INSTITUTION- 101 : Gini . s . " Proposal to expend £ 6500 in the purchase of a house and three-quarters of an acre of land . " Extract from the case submitted to C . Locock Webb , Esq ., on behalf of several subscribers to the Charity , by Mr . J . T . Moss , solicitor , 38 , Gracechurch-street , London . " Counsel ' s opinion is requested
" 1 . Whether the Charity funds collected for the general purposes of the Institution can be applied to the purchase of houses and land not really necessary for the purposes of the Charity ? { vide CI . 2 . ) " 2 . Can the trustees be held peisonally liable to the
Charity for any funds which they may have applied already , or may in future expend out of any other than the Sustentation Fund , in the acquisition of buildings and lam ! ? " 3 . What course is advised to preicnt the monies of the Institution being devoted to other purposes than those set forth in CI . 2 ?
" 1 . I am of opinion that the purchase , by the I rustecs of the General Fund , of Lyncombe House and grounds would be clearly ultra vires , and an illegal application of the monies vested in them fe-r the general purposes of the Institution . It would not be competent for any General Court to make any new law , or any grant authorising such purchase , or ihe advance out of the General Fund of
the proposed consideration money of £ 6500 , or any part thereof ; and any resolution purporting to ilo so woulel be utterly null and void . I think that the notice convening the Special General Court for to-morrow ( the 3 rd January ) would be bad , even if the objects of such meeting were valid , instead of being , as in my judgment they are , clearly invalid .
" The funds collected for the general purposes of the Institution could not properly be applied to the purchase of any houses or lanels not really necessary for the purposes of the Institution , and I doubt if any of such funds could , strictly speaking , be applied in the purchase of any building or lands ( see Laws 11 . and VII . ) The General Fund would seem to be applicable to the maintenance ,
clothing , and education of the children , who , being duly elected , are , or may become ) inmates of the establishment . The " Sustentation " Fund would seem to be applied to the maintenance of the buildings . " If it is eleemed expedient to enlarge or add to the existing Institution a speciat fund should be subscribed for that purpose .
" 2 . If the Trustees have already applied , or should in future apply , monies out of the General Fund in or teiwards the purchase of Lyncombe House and grounds , I think they would be personally liable to recoup all such monies . " 3 . I am of opinion that an action in the Chancery Division may be maintained at the suit of any member of the General Committee ( sec Law XXXV . ) who should
sue on behalf ot himself and all other members of such Committee , except the defendants , against the Trustees for an injunction to restrain the contemplated misappropriation of the General Fund . But , under the circumstances of this case , 1 should strongly advise that every effort should be made to avoid litigation . To that end 1 would suggest
that those on whose behalf 1 , im advising , being Governors , should attend the meeting to-morrow and state their objections ; they will not , of course , vote upon any resolution . And if resolution purporting to authorise such purchase should be carrieu , I think they should at once write to each of the Trustees such a letter as I have already suggested in conlerence before commencing an action .
" LOCOCK WEBB . " Lincoln ' s . inn , 2 nd Jan ., 1880 . " Col . Creaton said that after having heard that letter and opinion read he must ask for an adjournment of the Court in order that he might consult with his co-Trustees . Since that letter had been received he had not heard from his co-Trustees , and it was right they should be consulted . An
adjournment , therefore , was necessary . Col . Burdett said that letter was only elated on the 6 th inst ., and there had been no time for communication between Trustees . Counsel ' s opinion depended a great deal em the way in which the case was stated . One counsel might have the case bcfe > re him one way , and another in another way , an 1 they would form opposite opinions . He would move that the Special Court be adjourned till that
day fortnight at twelve o'clock . The Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , in seconding the motion , said that he thought due justice would then be . done to the case , and the Trustees would be able to consult together . Having taken some part in the proceedings of the previous Saturday , and having had a paper since then put into his handr . in which grave reflections had been cast upon himself personally , and upon Col . Creaton —( interruption ) .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
—He was perfectly in order—he begged to say to Bro . Thompson , having some character to lose before his brethren he thought he should be allowed to state what the facts of the case really were . A paper had been put into their hands . Not for the first time in the history of the Institution , he begged to repeat , and to this he new called attention . After their general meetings circulars had been sent round
among the Craft , and he remembered a circular in particular , in which an offensive by-name was given to their respected Bro . Chairman , and a very inoffensive member of the Craft was designated by the description of "The Melodious Grunter . " Was this a state of things which as gentlemen and Masons they were to sanction by silence ? ( Hear , hear . l It was
new in the history of Freemasonry , that when thsv met a <; gentlemen and brethren that some one should send ci cu ' ais all thrcughout the Craft applying to distinguished members of the Order aosurd by-names . As an old Mason , holding some position in the Craft and in the provinces , he thought he was not wrong in saying that this was something new and most objectionable . ( Hear , hear . ) He made these
observations because , as he said be-fore , he helilin his hands a circular in which two most palpable untruths were circulated among the brethren . The first was that their distinguished Chairman kept back from the last meeting his knowledge of an objection . With respest to counsel ' s opinion he ( the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford ) begged tei say that the Chairman did so at the request of Bro . J . T . Moss himself ,
which request was made in his ( Bro . Woodford's ) , the Chairman , Bro . Letchworth , and Bro . Griffiths Smith ' s presence . To Bro . Moss it was suggested that he should come to the meeting and read the opinion , and he distinctly stated that he could not do so , that he was acting as amicus curia ; and he did not wish the opinion to be read at the meeting . Bro . Moss ' s letter which had just been read
confirmed this statement , for he said he made a private suggestion to the Chairman . Therefore , this circular which hail been sent round was wrong when it said that the distinguished Chairman kept back the communication . Bro . Moss ' s words were , " I give it to you in confidence , as amicus euriir . " In this he ( Bro . Woodford ) would be confirmed by Bros . Letchworth
Col . Creaton , anel Griffiths Smith . The information having been given in strict confidence after Bro . Moss had been appealed to by him ( Bro . Woodford ) himself personally to come into the meeting and read the opinion , how was it to be now saiel that the Chairman hael kept back the information from the meeting ? The next statement in the circular which was erroneous was that the writer of
the circular " was improperly interrupted in attempting to make known to the subscribers present at Freemasons ' Hall on Saturday last the circumstances attending the opposition to this project . " The brethren would bear in mind what really took place , and he could call in aid the memory of several distinguished brethren near him , that Bro . Thompson distinctly stated that he diel not propose to
address the metting in opposition , that he was advised not to vote , and that he advised the brethren not to vote . He ( Bro . Woodford ) rose to order , anel stated that if Bro . Thompson had no amendment to make , and was not opposing the motion , he had no right to address the brethren in language which should influence them and tell them not to vote at all . So far from it being
true that he was improperly interrupted , Bro . Cover , who spoke after him ( Bro . Woodford ) , expressed his surprise that an objection had been taken to the meeting without the grounds of the objection being communicated . Under these circumstances he ( Bro . Woodford ) now protested against the circulation of charges like Bro . Thompson ' s , which , as in the former instance , were characterised by a
spirit of most base personality , which , he held to be 111 direct contradistinction to the principles of Freemasonry . He did not wish to say more , because when tiiey were all assembled as brethren abuse and personality were disgraceful and derogatory . ( Hear , hear . ) Col . Somcrvillc Burney wished to move that the Trustees be authorised to take the opinion of counsel , and to
select such counsel as they might deem best . Bro . Edward Cox , agreeing vvith the motion for adjournment because a decision on the question before the meeting in its present state of excitement was likely to be excessively damaging to this and ihe other Institutions , wished to state that his sole objection tn the confirmation of the minutes was simply on the i ; iound that lie thought the
amount to be paid lor Lyncomfic House ami ground ! , was too large , lie had no other objection . In the present state of excitement it would be almost impossible to come to a fair and adequate conclusion on the matter , and , therefore , he thought the adjournment should be for a much longer period thin a fortnight . It might be for next Quarterly Court , but the day ( Saturday ) was
extremely inconvenient , If a convenient day was fixed the provincial brethren might attend , the whole question might be raised and discussed , and if the provincial brethren attended ; the whole Craft might be considered as fairly represented . Then the opinion could be taken whether the Craft considered the price too high , and if the majority should think it was not , he should bow to that
opinion , and never raise the question again . Col . Creaton said the only objection to the adjournment was that the owner of the property proposed to be purchased expected an answer that day . A fortnight he he might not mind waiting , but hi : might object to three months . Bro . H . T . Thompson did not desire to aggravate or
increase the warmth of feeling 111 the brethren , but he simply wished to see things conducted legally in the course he had taken . It was perfectly we-il known to large numbers of brethren that , both in this Institution and in the Boys' School , hh was not a new question . For two years and more he had objected to various propositions in regarel to the Institutions , but he had never attempted to introduce a collision between any sections of