The Great Prior Of Canada On The Independence Of Great Priory.

THE GREAT PRIOR OF CANADA ON THE INDEPENDENCE OF GREAT PRIORY .

Reprinted from "Canadian Craftsman" December , 1 SS 1 . R . E . and Dear Sir , —My attention has been drawn to your editorial in the last issue of " Canadian Craft-. man , " relative to the NationalGreat Priory of Canada , containing statements at variance with the facts , calculated to convey

erroneous impressions . Supposing them to be based upon the printed proceedings and newspaper reports relative thereto ( incorrect in many instances ) , and which have been forwarded with the proceedings to the members of the Order in Canada and elsewhere , quite unknown to , and unauthorized by , me , it becomes necessary to place things in a proper light . I may premise that the proofs of the

printed proceedings were not , as usual sent to tne to look over . I was consequently quite unprepared to learn that we had entirely severed cur connection with H . R . H . thc Prince of Walesas Supreme Grand Master of the Templar Order . So far as I can understand , the only ground for this ineorrect statement was the entirely needless ceremony of electing a " Great Prior" at the last annual assembly

of Great Priory in July . It is well known to all who were present , that when the Grand Chance'Ior , Sir Kt . Daniel Spry , on announcing Uie election of officers , introduced my name , as he said , "just to show how much 1 was appreciated by thc Fratres in Canada , as then Great Prior , " Sec , & c ., and then himself proclaimed the election —( but no installation took place , as

stated in tile proceeding- ) . I immediately declared to Great Priory that although agreeable to me as a mark ol good-will , it was a most unnecessary proceeding , as I held my office of " Great Prior" by patent , direct from the Prince of Wales , the Supreme Grand Master of the Order . At this time I attached no importance to the above circumstances , having been assured by thj Grand Chancellor that

it was merely Ior the purpose of paying mc a compliment and proving the good feeling of th : Body . Hut upon learning from the pages of the printed proceedings that my remarks had been omitted , I applied to him for an explanation . He replied , " that it was not the custom to report speeches in proceedings ( at the same time he had published his own ) and that there was nn use

in now discussing these matters , as when ' Convent General ' died out , my patent became worthless , of no use , power or effect whatever ; " and otherwise expressed himself in such language as to prove to me lhat I had inadvertently ( alien into what only can be called a pre-concerted scheme to entrap mc into apparently giving my assent to his views , and thus violating my vows of allegiance to the Grand

Master . It must be recollected that at the annual assembly of 1 S 79 , " Convent General " having become a dead letter , the independence of the Canadian Branch of thc Order was declared and jurisdiction c aimed over the whole dominion , at thc same time the supremacy of H . R . II the Prince of Wales as -irand Masterfully acknowledged .

In justice to myself , holding thc po-ition of Great Prior by virtue of my patent so creating me , and not by virtue of any pretended election by the body in Canada over which 1 preside , and , in fact , having called thc Gieat Priory into existence by and through thc powers conferrt d upon mc by my patent , it is r'diculous to suppose that that body , orcanised bv me . can now turn around and repudiate the

authority that gave them birth , and assert that they live by virtue of their own inherent powers . 1 have thought H necessary to make this plain statement of facts , and cannot too strongly repudiate thc idea of seeming to consent ir any way to a movement intended to set aside the supremacy of out Koyal Grand Master . It is evident to all of us that since " Convent General *"

failed to attain thc object for which it was created , each Great Priory has become ( with the assent of the Supreme Grand Master ) an independent and supreme body , for the reason lhat theic is not now in existence any body that can claim authority over the National Great Priories of Kngland , Ireland , and Canada . These Great Priories an ; independent of each other , and must bc self-ruling , inasmuch as

they have no ruling body to whom to look for direction . Hut it is d iff ere t in regard to thc Grand Master . The Prince of Wales having been elected Supreme G and . Master of the Order by the representatives ol all the Grea * Priories ( although " Convent General" as a separate body ceased to exist de facto but not de jure , and can be called together by His Koyal Highness at any time ) , retains the

positio . i . Never having resigned it , and still claiming and asserting his right to it , therefore he cannot bc regarded in any other light than as Grand Master of Templars in Kngland , Ireland , and Canada , and the "Great Priors " of these three nationalities arc his lieutenants , holding office b y his appointment , hi this case there is no possibility of arguing by analogy ; as there is no precedent for

our guidance , we cannot therefore be governed by the accustomed usages of Masonry . In a few words , the Great Priory of Canada is a supreme and independent body , ruled and presided over by the Princo of Wales , who is for life Grand Master of the Templars of Canada , as well as of England and Ireland , and whose representative , lieutenant and locum tenons in Canada I am , representing his

authority when he is not personally present , lhis is our legal position , and I cannot conceive that the great majority of Canadian Templars would in the least desire to change it nor to exchange our Royal Grand Mas'cr for some provincial celebrity . I feel satisfied that all loyal Templars in Canada must sec they have no hardship to complain of in thc Constitution ; on thc contrary , they , to all intents and

purposes , are self-governing , manage their own affairs , dispose of their money , and nominate their Great Oflicers , which latter privilege 1 voluntarily surrendered into their own hands . It is difficult , then , to know what thc malcontent of the Order really want . We have a supreme and independent organization for Canada , and the first man in the empire

for Grand Mast- r , and if this will not content every loyal Canadian , then 1 say the same objection might be raised to the Queen ' s supremacy in political matters , as to her right to appoint her own Govcnor General for Canada . If anv of us are so iealous oi British connection , and so

selfseeking and selfishly ambitious as to object to the heir to the throne being our Grand Master ( nstead of thereby f cling ourselves highly honoured ) , those so feeling are unworthy to be classed as British Templars . To prove I have long entertained the same sentiments as regards our connection with the patent stock , I tefer all

The Great Prior Of Canada On The Independence Of Great Priory.

our fratres to my annual address delivered before Great Priory in 1 S 75 , wherein I advised the members under all circumstances to continue firm in allegiance to the supreme head of the . Older , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , not only as being our most natural chief , but where Cuuld wc lind so honourable a banner to serve under a * , that of the heir to the throne , who rules us with the sanction and approval of

Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen , the Patron of our Order . I shall therefore , unhesitatingly andunflicliingiy , continue to assert my rights and privileges as Great Prior of the national Great Priory of Canada , by virtue of the patent

I hold and am honoured with , ignoring all attempts to change its present si . prcme and independent position ; feeling satished lhat all true fiat res of the Order in Canada will assist me in upholding the dignity of the Great Priory and the supremacy of H . R . H . thei . Prince of Wales as our governing head whom " God preservr . " WILLIAM J . B . MACLEOD MOORR , G . C . T . Great Pnor Dominion of Canada .

Laprairie , Province of Quebec , 27 th November , 1 SS 1 . NOTE . —Since the foregoing letter was written , it appears necessary to explain , that when thc consolidation of the Order ol the Temple in thc British Dominion was first contemplated , the ruling bodies at the time asked H . R . H . the Prince of Wak-s if lie would honour them by accepting the position of Supreme Grand Master of the Order , to rule

tin ** -entire body j and on liis assent being obtained , a Convent General was formed of the Nationalities of England and Ireland , at which H . R . H . was formally elected and installed . The Conven'ion being found lo work unsatisfactorily , has not been called together for .- ome years , foi the reasons stated in the " Proceedings of the Great Priory of Canada

in 1 S 79 "—H . R . H . continuing 10 hold * thc position of Supreme Grand Master in England , Ireland , and Canada —which has nothing to do with the vitality of a "Convent General " that grew out of the acceptance of his office ; no objection has been raised thereto , until the hunicJ action taken ( without previous discussion ) in thc Great Priory of Canada at thc meeting of last July . If complete independence or severance from the authority

of H . R . H . can now bc proved as necessary for the future welfare of thc Order of Canada , recognition must be asked for , and obtained in a constitutional manner , for it is evident lhat the mere declaration of indi-pen lence docs not absolve the members from thoir vows of f > : alty voluntarily taken on joining the Order—and the Great Piior cannot resign his office to Great Priory ; resignation can only be addressed to the Grand Master who issued the authority .

The Annual Masonic Ball In Liverpool.

THE ANNUAL MASONIC BALL IN LIVERPOOL .

The thirty-third grand annual Masonic ball in Liverpool , in aid ofthe funds of tho West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , took place at thc Town Hall , on Tuesday evening , thc loth inst ., but unfortunately the attendance wa 3 not so large as the best friends of the Charity could have desired . The general enjoyment , however , showed that the " Masonic" still holds its place as one of thc most pleasant te-unions of the year . As usual , the bre'hren

appeared m full dress Mat-unic clothing , wearing thc jewels and insignia of their offices , and the scene was accordingly of ihe most animated and brilliant description . The object of the ball , wc need hardly say , was such as to commend itself to all true Maons . I'hc " West Lancashire , " which is thc pride and best ol the Fraternity in the district , bears ample testimony to the benevolence of thu Craft . The institution is doing a noble work in promoting thc education

aud advancement in life of the children of deceased and distressed Freemasons . During the past year the sum of £ 1000 was pa-. d fn . ni the funds on behalf of 150 children , l-rom thc last printed report—that for 1 SS 0—it appeared that iho ( irofrcss of the Charity continued . Although lli : subscriptions wcre less than in thc preceding y-.-ar , the benefits which had been derived from the fund by the fatherless children and orphans of deceased brethren had been

greater than in any former year . During the year ninetythree children had been assisted , the sum paid living £ 671 17 s . iod . The prosperous state of the institution had allowed the Committee to take thc children at an earlier age than hitherto , namely at six years , and to keep them at school ayear longer—unlil 15 years of age . It had also enabled them to permit a payment towards clothing the children , so as to send them to m ire respectable schools

than had been in some cases possible previously . There was much cause for c-ratitudc in the financial position of of the Charity , the invested fund amounting to nearly £ iG , ooo . 'The In dilution was represented at thc ball by Bro . | . T . Callow , P . P . G . T ., thc Hon . Treas ., and the patrons by Bro . C . N . R . Beswick Royds , Prov . G . S . W . West Lancashire , and W . P . I'rov . U . S . W . East Lancashire . The ball was under the the patronage of thc Mayor of

Liverpool , Bros , the Earl o [ Carnarvon , Prov . G . M ., the Karl of Lathom , Lord Uc Tabley , Colcnel thc Hon . I ' * . A . Stanley , Eavl Bective , thc Earl cf Dalhousie , Sir W . W . Wynn , Bart . ; Sir Gilbert Grccnall , and other prominent Freemasons . The patrons included also tne Earl of Derby , Viscount Sandon , M . P . 1 Mr . W . Rathbone , M . P . j Lord 1 laud j . Hamilton , M . P . ; Colonel J . Ireland Blacl < burne , M . P . ; Mr . Edward Whitley , M . P . ; and Sir A . B . Walker .

An efficient committee had charge of the arrangements , thc chairman being Bro . W . Ashley-Clayton , Prov . G . J . W . the vice-chairman , Bro . T . Salter , Prov . G . J . D . ; Secretary , ifro . W . T . Smith , J . W ., 7 S 6 ; and Ticasurcr , Bro . H . A . Tobias , Prov . G . Supt . of Works . Bio . Henry M . Moly iicux , P . M . S ^ 3 once more officiated as Master of thc Ceremonies . Au admirable staff of Stewards , under the direction of Bro . R . H . Foote , W . M . 1505 , secured the comfort

of thc guests . Ihe following brethren assisted 111 this work : —Bros . II , A . Tobias , Joseph Wood , ( Freemason ) , J . C . Robinson , J . Hill , P . " Thomas , H . H . Smith , P . Ch-isholme , Di . Baily , P . G . Std .-, J . T . Callow , L . Peake , H . M . Molyneux , Alexander Levy , P . D . G . Treas ., Griqualand : I . II . Carel ' ull . I . T . Ballard , T . Webster , D . LloyJ .

H . Williams , Dr . Hendry , T . Wright , S . Maltison , P . G . Std . ; G . E . Hanmer , John Moulding , P . P . G . R .,- Dr . R . A . Wood , W . Ladyman , R . Martin , jun ., W . Parker , H . Firth , Mercer , W . P . Vines , and W . II . Gick . _ Bro . Martin ' s band provided thc music , and the catering ol Messrs . Gait and Capper , who had charge of the refreshments and supper , gave universal satisfaction .

Ireland.

Ireland .

PRESENTATION TO BRO . CHARLES EDWARD M'CLINTOCK , J . P . On the 4 th inst . an emergency meeting of the * Star of of Kihvarlin Lodge and Rojal Arch Chapter wis held in the Masonic Rooms , Hillsborough , for the purpose of presenting Bro . Charles lid ward M'GintocI ,- , of Glendaragii , Crumlin , with an address on the occasion of his marri-ii *** *

. There were present Bros . J . C . Nceson , W . M . ; George Crol-cr , M . D . ; King ; Major H . S . M'Clintick , J . P . ; Charles Edward M'Clintock , J . P . ; John M'Luisli , W . J . M'Gilford , Win . Graham , A . Love , J . A . Vaughan , Edward Smyth , P . M . ; I Jr . Hawthorn , | . P . ; W . Johnston , P . K . 17 S ; , Lisburn ; R .-v . K . D . Knox , W . M . elect ; W . Tennent-Henry , C . E ., P . K . ; and H . J . Hill , Grand Lodge Instructor .

Letters of apology were received from members who were unavoidably absent : Bros . L' . rd A . Hill , M . P . ; the Karl of Kilmorey , R . M . Tilley , T . S . Howe , J . A . Kno . v , Wellington Young , M . Rice , Thomas D . Card , W . lliam M'Cormac , George Waugh , B . L . ; and Dr . Boyd . Thc lodge having been opened in due form , Bro . Nceson , W . M ., in a few well-chosen remarks introduced the principal business of the evening—the presentation of the address .

Bro . CHARu : s EDWARD M'CLINTOCK , after reading his formal reply , took occasion to remark lhat he felt exceedingly gratilied by the honour that had been conferred upon him , which was the best evidence of kindly feeling and approbation of his Masonic brethren ,. He 1 ould assuie , them that both he and Mrs . . M'Clintock would regaid this address as a souvenir of very rare value indeed . Ihe address , which is a raic work of art , was

illuminated by Meisrs . Ktdman and Co ., Donegall-placc , Belfast , and reflects great credit on that establishment . The brethren present were then entertained to a sumptuous dinner , purveyed in the best style by Mrs . Hall , of ihe Corporation Anus Haiti , Hillsborough . After the cloth was removed the Chairman ( Dr . Croker ) gave the usual loyal and Ma .-om ' c toasts , which were enthusiastically received and responded to , and an enjoyable evening was biought to a close at an eaily hour .

BANBRIDGE . —Royal Blue Lod ^ c ( So . 119 ) . —This lodge met and held its usual monthly meeting on Tuesday evening , the 3 rd inst ., in the lodge-room , Newrystrcer . There was a large attendance of members , and a good many visitors from the neighbouring lodges . The accounts for thc year weic read and submitted , and showed the lodge to be in a healthy condition , havinu a l . irce

balance in the hands of the Treasuitr . Ihe business of thc evening was then commenced , viz ., the installation of officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Howe , W . M . ; Mills , S . W . ; Moiton , J . W . ; Miller , Ticas . and > cc . ; M'Clure , S . D . ; Mathers , J . D . ; and Smith , I . G . 1 he lodge having been i . alled down , a very enjoyable evening was biought to a close with peace , love , and liarniuny .

Personal Statistics.

PERSONAL STATISTICS .

The late lamented Prince Consort once observed , in a a very memorable speech of his , that all statistics wcre valuabl * , though some persons mi ght deem them almost beneath consideration , or others might absurdly object to them on high moral grounds , as Prince Albert so admirably pointed out . We , therefore , think it well to call

attention to them , not only because they have appeared in thc Daily Press , but because they may inttves * - . some ot our many readers , at home and aoroad , who perchance have not seen them : The oldest member of Her Majesty ' s Privy Council is Ihe Right Hon . Joseph Warner Henley , aged SS ; the . youngest Piince Liopold , Dukeof Albany , a :: ed ; b * . 'The

oldest Duke is the Duke of Cleveland , aged 7 a ; the youngest thc Duke of Newcastle ( a minor ) , aged 17 . The oldest Marquis is the Marquis of Doncgall , aged S 4 ; thc youngest the Marquis of Camden ( a minor ) , aged 9 . I he oldest Earl is the Earl of Muuntcasli-. il ( who is tlie oldest Peer in the realm ) , aged Sy ; tlie youngest is ihe Earl of Cottenham ( a minor ) , aged 7 . 'The oldest Viscount is Lord

Eyersley , aged S ;; the youngest , Viscount Southwell ( a minor ) , aged ' ¦ ' . The oldest Baron is Lord Mostyn , aged S 7 ; the youngest , Lord Southampton ( a minor ) , aged i . | . The oldest Member oi the House of Commons is Air . Hughes , M . P , ( or Carnarvon , ayedS . v ; the youngest , Mr . Dickson , M . P . for Dtinnanon , aged 33 . The oldest | udge in England is Vice- Chancellor Sir James Baconalso Chief

, Judge in Bankruptcy , aged S . - ; the youngest , Sir Charles -S . C . Bowen , of the Queen ' s Bench Division , aged 4 *** - The oldest Judge in belaud is thc Hon . Francis A . FitV . gerald , of the Court of Exchequer , aged 74 ; tiie youngest , the Right Hon . Gerald Fitzgibbon , Lord Justice of Appeal , aged 47 . The oldest of the S : otch Lords of Session is * -ir Gi-orge Deis ( Lord Deas ) , aged ; S ; the v > ungcst is the

Hon . John M'Laren ( Lord M'Laren ) , aged 50 ; The oldest Prelate of the Church of England is thc Bijhop of Llandaff , aged Sj ; the youngest , the Bishop of Sodor and Man , aged 45 . The oldest Prelate ot the Irish Episcopal Church is the Bishop of Kilmore , aged Si ; the youngest , the Bishop of Cork , aged 47 . The oldest Prelate ot the Scotch i-piscopa ! Church is the Bishop of . Moray and Ross

( Primu-. uf Scotland ) , aged 77 ; the youngest , the Bishop of Argyll and the Isles , aged 5 d . The o . dest Baronet is Sir Moses Montefiore , aged 97 j the youngest , Nr Thomas Lewis Hugh Ncave ( a mnor ) , ag d 7 . Thc oldest Knight is General Sir Edward Sab . ne , K . C . B ., F . K . S ., ai ^ ed 91 ; the youngest , Sir Ludlow Cotter , aged 28 , — Who's Who in 1 SS 2 .

Bvo . H . R . H . Prince Leopold visitvd Newgate lail on Tuesday , accompanied by tiro . Howard Vincent , Director of thc Criminal Investigation Department . He was received by Mr . Sydney Smith , the -jovernor . H . R . H . was conducted over the prison and shown ( lie condemned cell , the yard in which the remains of those who are hur . jj are bu . cu— wiiiih is in quick lime , Ihe m . t . als oc . ng ci . t in the W al near tl e / ace—als 1 the ca-, ts which are taken of th se vho suffi r e extreme penalty of the ia . v . H . R H . a * , peered conside . ably interested .