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Original Correspondence.
of which are as legitimate as , if not identical with , those of Craft Masonry . If Craft Masonry derives its origin from the building of the Temple and from K . S ,, then Mark Masonry must be allowed an equally good—nay , an exactly similar—foundation . And why should this claim mar the enjoyment , or disturb the equanimity , of thc most enthusiastically
devoted member of the Craft ? In what respect is the Mark antagonistic to the Craft ? In what sense—from what point of view—can it be soreg arded ? The same rulers hold high rank in both ! Both bodies are perfectly unsectarian ! Both inculcate , and demand from every candidate , a belief in a Supreme Being , though under slig htly differing
titles ! In | many parts of England the tradition of the one have as remote an antiquity as the other . As to the " teachings ; " passing over the ordinarylessons , and the various objects of research submitted for consideration , in both systems Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth have prominent places ,
while it cannot be denied that , as a whole , the Mark , to a greater extent than any other degree , unites the operative with the speculative , and if in that which is held to be the most impressive and important of the three Craft Degrees we are taught to feel that tliere is no stain equal ta that of falsehood and dishonour , and wc receive the final instruction how to comport ourselves in the inevitable hour ,
we are taught in the Mark Degree Viow to demean ourselves under disappointment , how to accept unmerited rejection and reproof , to comfort ourselves under the frowns of fortune , having regard to the consoling assurance that God seeth not as man seeth , and to find compensation for neglect in this present sphere by encouraging aspirations for adjustment and reward in that higher and better world
to which our attention is directed . It the " present system of Mark Masonry must be pronounced absolutely modern , " what is to be said of the present system of Craft Masonry ? While yielding a cheerful acquiescence in the " time immemorial" theory of Freemasonry , and claiming for it a far more remote antiquity and higher connection than many are willing to
concede , though unable satisfactorily to trace its development , a great deal in our present system must be held to be of modern introduction . But this docs not lead me to undervalue it as an institution . In an age of progress why should Masonry be unprogressive ? If the present system , the result of the labours of learned and earnest thinkers and writers , albeit with a turn for "improvement , "
be considered as that best adapted for present icquiremeiits , I accept it as a goodly structure , erected on strong , welllaid foundations . For all this I may be allowed to regret a departure , to some extent from the old lines , and to indulge my partiality fora ' structurc still more complete . But let me In- more practical ! Is it beyond the power of demonstration
;i . That the Third Degree is a modern formation . 2 . That the old lodges practised the Two Degrees only of E . A . and F . C . 3 . That the ruler of a lodge was inducted into office as thc " Overseer , " with a ceremony closely resembling that of the Mark Degree in many points , and was known as the " Chair-Master ' s Degree . "
I am not without bases on which to giound this hypothesis ( if more than this is denied me ) , but it is impossible for me to explain them in public . Under any circumstances it is gratifying t > know that the Mark Degree is recognised as part of pure anil ancient Masonry by every known supreme jurisdiction—that ot England excepted . I , for one , do not fear , though I do
not desire , controversy . Bro . Bedolfe may denounce mc as a" traitor , " and may throw as much mud as hc pleases on the degree and its members , Masonic Students may formulate their theories , diseased imaginations may run riot in their indulgence in diatribe and contempt , this Masonic decree will , I am convinced , bear as close and
scrutinising an examination as any degree belonging to an institution , which beyond a certain ascertained period in its history has to rely upon more or less valuable wellauthenticated tradition . In thc words of " Ecce Signum , " whose admirable ' reply to Bro . Bedolfe is worthy all praise , " I deem this " ( connection ) ' much more sensible than impassioned argument upon unknown matters" and am
content . Remaining , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally ,
FREDERICK BINCKES . London , nth November , 1871 .
FREEMASONRY IN FRANCE . To the FJditor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As the writer of the remarks on English and French Freemasonry , may I be allowed , in reply to Bro . De Renzy , to remark that my call on the Grand Orient of France was of the character of an interview ,
rather than of a fraternal visit , and , I think , it attained the object in view . Thus by bringing out prominently the fact of the erasure of the Sacred Symbol from the Book of Constitutions , whilst doing justice lo the amiable bearing of the W . M ., pointed out the restless nature of the leading spirit , and the fact that the candidates were selected as men of advanced opinions and socialistic ideas . I am not aware that any one
else has so clearly pointed out the facts . Having thus obtained the information desired , I went on my way , and saw them no more . As to the Scottish Rite , thc ilea I wished to express was that they were not of the movement party , but that , like legitimists , with whom I have conversed , and other reasonable men , they were satisfied "if France were well governed and at peace . " Three candidates were selected jn one of the lodges I
Original Correspondence.
visited . Two , if not all three , were stated to be "Catholic , " simply as matter of character , but no allusion was meide to politics . This fact at once points out the great difference betweea the two Grand Lodges . In another of the lodges a brother delivered a good lecture on the marriage customs of nations and tribe-:, and his summing up left nothing to be desired as to orthodoxy
or propriety . I would further remark , as there seems to be some confusion , that on the Masonie fete day there were two meetings ; firstly , the concert at the Trocadero Palace , of probably 4000 people , leaving some hundreds outside , of whom I was one , and where M . Cremieux and Bro . Montagu spoke ; and , secondly , the banquet at the Continental
Hotel m the evening , at which I should estimate at not less than 400 were present . Two rooms were filled , everything was in good order and taste , but for myself I found the heat overpowering , and fainted soon after the dinner had begun . A brother very kindly led me out , and I returned , not indeed to the dinner , but to hear M . Jules Simon . M . lulcs Simon's
speech was moderate , he spoke of the pleasure ot being surrounded by so large a gathering of the brethren and visitors , which spoke so powerfully of the revival of France after its late fearful trials . He spoke highly of England , and especially of the Prince of Wales , but in no way did he allude to politics . He then referred to his satisfaction at the visit there of Lord Skelmersdale , whom he certainly
described as the representative 01 English Masonry . Lord Skelmersdale made an excellent speech in English , which was translated and much applauded . I do not think French Freemasonry ought to be neglected , or to be shown the cold shoulder . The brother who sat next to me was a Roumanian , the next to him was from Algiers , and whatever form French Freemasonry
may take , it will prevail over the rest of Europe . Had the Reformation succeeded ( as it nearly did ) in France , the Papacy , as a power , had ceased to be , and I repeat that the influence of French ideas on the world is not to be despised . A brother said to me , " We like Freemasonry , but we want simplicity . " Yours fraternally , W . VINER BEDOLFE .
Grand Mark Lodge.
GRAND MARK LODGE .
The following report of the General Board will be presented at thc meeting of Grand Lodge , on Tuesday , thc 3 rd December : The number of certificates issued in the six months to
30 th September , 1878 , was 091 ; , bringing the number of brethren advanced under this Grand Lotlge , as per register of members , 11 , 773 . The amount received for fees , & c , in the six months to 30 th September , 1878 , was £ 8 u 5 6
The balance to credit of the General Fund on 30 th September , 1878 , was £ 230 4 6 The balance to credit of the Benevolent Fund on 30 th September , 1878 , was £ 78 17 11 Since paid 46 15 o Subscriptions still due 8790
Showing a balance divisible between the Benevolent and Education Funds of £ 3 l ll In thc same period there were granted Warrants for thirteen new lodges , viz : No . 222 , Kingston , Tunis , North Africa . „ 223 , West Smithfield , London .
„ 224 , Menatschim , London . „ 223 , Abbey , Abingdon . „ 226 , Excelsior , Plumstead . „ 227 , Hereward , Bourne . „ 228 , Garnet , Dinapore , Bengal . ,, 229 , Faithful ! , Cockermouth .
„ 230 , Clifton Mount Keystone , Kingston , Jamaica . „ 23 I , Union , Demerara . „ 232 , Cyprus , Benares , Bengal . 11 2 33 r Headstone of the Corner , Lucknow , Bengal . „ 234 , Brixton , London . It is with extreme rep-ret that the Board records the death
of R . W . Bro . Sir Frederick Martin Williams , Bart ., M . P ., who since the year 186 7 ruled over the Province of Cornwall with marked ability and success . The tenth annual festival in aid of lhe Benevolent Fund was held on Wednesday , 17 th July , at the Alexandra Palace , under the presidency of the M . W . Grand Master ,
the Rt . Hon . Lord Skelmersdale . The festival resulted in an unprecedented success , the total of the lists of twentysix Stewards having reached £ 371 4 s . This has enabled the Board to increase the invested fund to £ 1030 , in consequence of which there is submitted for consideration by Grand Lodge , a draft of the Rules and Regulations
suggested by the Board for the management and disposal of the amount appartioncd to the educational branch of the Benevolent Fund . A moveable Gran 1 l .-idge was held at Keswick in June last , presided over by the M . W . Past Grand Master , the Rev , George Raymond Portal , at which Lodges Fletcher ,
No . 213 , and Henry , 216 ( the latter of which had been formerly held under the Scotch Constitution ) were consecrated and their respective Worshipful Masters duly installed . The arrangements made for the accommodation ot visitors and for the transaction of business reflected the
greatest credit on R . W . Bro . Col . Whitwell , M . P ., Deputy Grand Mastei of the province , the Provincial Grand Secretary , anil thc Executive generally . The Board recommends grants of £ 15 to Bro . H ., late of Sunderland , and £ 10 to the widow of Bro . H ., late of East Stonehouse , County Devon .
Grand Mark Lodge.
The Board also recommends £ 23 from the General Fund to be granted to certain brethren of the Mark Degree in the Island of Curacoa , West Indies , who have been reduced to a state of great destitution by the'hurricane of September 18 77 . Such grant to be entrusted to the W . M . of the Mark Lo ^ ge Perseverance , No . 184 , at Curacoa .
The Board has ordered the investment of £ 300 ^ account of the General Fund , making that Fund £ 1 , 000 . Certain Orders having expressed a desire that the Grand Mark Master for the time being should take charge of the said Orders ( with a view to obviate the necessit y of establishing other Supreme Bodies for that purpose ) , the
Board recommends that the Grand Mark Master be authorised to take charge of such Orders and under such conditions as the General Board may from time to time recommend , and the Grand Mark Master may approve . The Board has the gratification to announce that thc Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the District of Columbia ,
U . S . A ., has requested the M . W . Grand Master to accept the appointment of Grand Representative of that Grand Chapter near this Grand Lodge , and that his lordship has signified his acceptance of the appointment , and requested 111 . Comp . Joseph S . McCoy , the Grand High Priest , to represent this Grand Lodge near his Grand Chapter , with
the rank of Past Grand Warden . The Grand Chapter of West Virginia , U . S . A ., has also requested the Grand Secretary to act as its Representative near this Grand Lodge , which has been approved by the M . W . G . M ., and having expressed a desire for an exchange of Representatives , the M . W . G . M . has appointed 111 . Comp .
Charles M . Davison as Representative of this G . L . near the Grand Chapter of West Virginia—also with the rank of Past Grand Warden . The Boaid cordially welcomes this exchange of Representatives , evidencing as it does the fraternal relations existing amongst the various Grand Bodies having charge of the Mark Degree . An appeal has been received from the . W . M . of Fidelity
Lodge , No . 9 8 , at Lahore , in the Province of Bengal , against the ruling of the P . G . M ., which has been dealt with by the Board . The papers relative thereto are open to the inspection of the brethren at the office of Grand Lodge . The Grand Treasurer ' s accounts for the six months to 30 th September , 1878 , are subjoined , which show : —
GENERAL FUND . Balance from 31 st March , 1878 £ 152 5 2 Half-year ' s rectipts ... ... ... 797 11 8 Dividends ... ... ... ... ... 14 13 10 £ 9 6 4 10 8 Half-year ' s disbursements : Purchase of Stock ... ... ... . £ 210 3 6 Expenditure , & c . ... ... C 2 J 1 o
Balance 30 th September , 1878 £ 230 4 2 FUND or BENEVOLENCE . £ s . d Balance from 31 st March , 18 7 8 ... ... 6 9 4 8 Receipts for half year ... £ 282 13 6 Dividends ... ... 1 on 9 —¦ 3 ° 2 . 3
£ 37 i 9 " Disbursements , & c . ... £ 90 6 9 Purchase of Stock ... 202 3 3 292 12 o Balance , 30 th September , 1878 £ 78 17 11
INVESTED FUNDS . GENEKA . 1 . Fl'KD . £ « . Canadian 5 per cent . Debenture Bonds ... 200 o New Zealand 3 per cent . " Consols 800 o o £ 1000
BENEVOLENT FUND . Canadian 5 per cent . Debenture Bonds ... ... £ 600 o o New Zealand 5 per cent . Consols ... ... 400 o o — - 1000 o o
Total ,,. ... £ 2000 o o The following are the bye-laws of the Educational Branch of the Mark Benevolent Fund , a scheme for which will be submitted to Grand Mark Lodge , on the 3 rd December , as announced by the Freemason last week : — I . The object of the branch is to assist in the education
of the children of necessitous Mark Master Masons . II . It consists oi a Patron or Patrons , President , Vice-Presidents , Trustees , Treasurer , Secretary , and an un . limited number of Life Governors and Annual Subscribers . III . The General Board will hold special meetings on the third Tuesday in April and October , and at such other
times as they may deem necessary , for the purpose of considering applications . IV . Thc mode of election is b y ballot , by means of voting papers issued by the Board . V . Every sum of five shillings per annum subscribed to the Mark Benevolent Fund , gives the subscriber one vote
at a single election . VI . A donation of five guineas , in one or more payments within twelve months , gives five votes for life at every election , and constitutes the donor a life subscriber . VII . A donation of ten guineas , in one or more
payments within twelve months , gives twelve votes for life at every election , and constitutes the donor a life governor . Vill . A donation of twenty guineas , in one or more payments within twelve months , gives twenty-five votes for life at every election , and constitutes the donor a Vice-President .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
of which are as legitimate as , if not identical with , those of Craft Masonry . If Craft Masonry derives its origin from the building of the Temple and from K . S ,, then Mark Masonry must be allowed an equally good—nay , an exactly similar—foundation . And why should this claim mar the enjoyment , or disturb the equanimity , of thc most enthusiastically
devoted member of the Craft ? In what respect is the Mark antagonistic to the Craft ? In what sense—from what point of view—can it be soreg arded ? The same rulers hold high rank in both ! Both bodies are perfectly unsectarian ! Both inculcate , and demand from every candidate , a belief in a Supreme Being , though under slig htly differing
titles ! In | many parts of England the tradition of the one have as remote an antiquity as the other . As to the " teachings ; " passing over the ordinarylessons , and the various objects of research submitted for consideration , in both systems Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth have prominent places ,
while it cannot be denied that , as a whole , the Mark , to a greater extent than any other degree , unites the operative with the speculative , and if in that which is held to be the most impressive and important of the three Craft Degrees we are taught to feel that tliere is no stain equal ta that of falsehood and dishonour , and wc receive the final instruction how to comport ourselves in the inevitable hour ,
we are taught in the Mark Degree Viow to demean ourselves under disappointment , how to accept unmerited rejection and reproof , to comfort ourselves under the frowns of fortune , having regard to the consoling assurance that God seeth not as man seeth , and to find compensation for neglect in this present sphere by encouraging aspirations for adjustment and reward in that higher and better world
to which our attention is directed . It the " present system of Mark Masonry must be pronounced absolutely modern , " what is to be said of the present system of Craft Masonry ? While yielding a cheerful acquiescence in the " time immemorial" theory of Freemasonry , and claiming for it a far more remote antiquity and higher connection than many are willing to
concede , though unable satisfactorily to trace its development , a great deal in our present system must be held to be of modern introduction . But this docs not lead me to undervalue it as an institution . In an age of progress why should Masonry be unprogressive ? If the present system , the result of the labours of learned and earnest thinkers and writers , albeit with a turn for "improvement , "
be considered as that best adapted for present icquiremeiits , I accept it as a goodly structure , erected on strong , welllaid foundations . For all this I may be allowed to regret a departure , to some extent from the old lines , and to indulge my partiality fora ' structurc still more complete . But let me In- more practical ! Is it beyond the power of demonstration
;i . That the Third Degree is a modern formation . 2 . That the old lodges practised the Two Degrees only of E . A . and F . C . 3 . That the ruler of a lodge was inducted into office as thc " Overseer , " with a ceremony closely resembling that of the Mark Degree in many points , and was known as the " Chair-Master ' s Degree . "
I am not without bases on which to giound this hypothesis ( if more than this is denied me ) , but it is impossible for me to explain them in public . Under any circumstances it is gratifying t > know that the Mark Degree is recognised as part of pure anil ancient Masonry by every known supreme jurisdiction—that ot England excepted . I , for one , do not fear , though I do
not desire , controversy . Bro . Bedolfe may denounce mc as a" traitor , " and may throw as much mud as hc pleases on the degree and its members , Masonic Students may formulate their theories , diseased imaginations may run riot in their indulgence in diatribe and contempt , this Masonic decree will , I am convinced , bear as close and
scrutinising an examination as any degree belonging to an institution , which beyond a certain ascertained period in its history has to rely upon more or less valuable wellauthenticated tradition . In thc words of " Ecce Signum , " whose admirable ' reply to Bro . Bedolfe is worthy all praise , " I deem this " ( connection ) ' much more sensible than impassioned argument upon unknown matters" and am
content . Remaining , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally ,
FREDERICK BINCKES . London , nth November , 1871 .
FREEMASONRY IN FRANCE . To the FJditor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As the writer of the remarks on English and French Freemasonry , may I be allowed , in reply to Bro . De Renzy , to remark that my call on the Grand Orient of France was of the character of an interview ,
rather than of a fraternal visit , and , I think , it attained the object in view . Thus by bringing out prominently the fact of the erasure of the Sacred Symbol from the Book of Constitutions , whilst doing justice lo the amiable bearing of the W . M ., pointed out the restless nature of the leading spirit , and the fact that the candidates were selected as men of advanced opinions and socialistic ideas . I am not aware that any one
else has so clearly pointed out the facts . Having thus obtained the information desired , I went on my way , and saw them no more . As to the Scottish Rite , thc ilea I wished to express was that they were not of the movement party , but that , like legitimists , with whom I have conversed , and other reasonable men , they were satisfied "if France were well governed and at peace . " Three candidates were selected jn one of the lodges I
Original Correspondence.
visited . Two , if not all three , were stated to be "Catholic , " simply as matter of character , but no allusion was meide to politics . This fact at once points out the great difference betweea the two Grand Lodges . In another of the lodges a brother delivered a good lecture on the marriage customs of nations and tribe-:, and his summing up left nothing to be desired as to orthodoxy
or propriety . I would further remark , as there seems to be some confusion , that on the Masonie fete day there were two meetings ; firstly , the concert at the Trocadero Palace , of probably 4000 people , leaving some hundreds outside , of whom I was one , and where M . Cremieux and Bro . Montagu spoke ; and , secondly , the banquet at the Continental
Hotel m the evening , at which I should estimate at not less than 400 were present . Two rooms were filled , everything was in good order and taste , but for myself I found the heat overpowering , and fainted soon after the dinner had begun . A brother very kindly led me out , and I returned , not indeed to the dinner , but to hear M . Jules Simon . M . lulcs Simon's
speech was moderate , he spoke of the pleasure ot being surrounded by so large a gathering of the brethren and visitors , which spoke so powerfully of the revival of France after its late fearful trials . He spoke highly of England , and especially of the Prince of Wales , but in no way did he allude to politics . He then referred to his satisfaction at the visit there of Lord Skelmersdale , whom he certainly
described as the representative 01 English Masonry . Lord Skelmersdale made an excellent speech in English , which was translated and much applauded . I do not think French Freemasonry ought to be neglected , or to be shown the cold shoulder . The brother who sat next to me was a Roumanian , the next to him was from Algiers , and whatever form French Freemasonry
may take , it will prevail over the rest of Europe . Had the Reformation succeeded ( as it nearly did ) in France , the Papacy , as a power , had ceased to be , and I repeat that the influence of French ideas on the world is not to be despised . A brother said to me , " We like Freemasonry , but we want simplicity . " Yours fraternally , W . VINER BEDOLFE .
Grand Mark Lodge.
GRAND MARK LODGE .
The following report of the General Board will be presented at thc meeting of Grand Lodge , on Tuesday , thc 3 rd December : The number of certificates issued in the six months to
30 th September , 1878 , was 091 ; , bringing the number of brethren advanced under this Grand Lotlge , as per register of members , 11 , 773 . The amount received for fees , & c , in the six months to 30 th September , 1878 , was £ 8 u 5 6
The balance to credit of the General Fund on 30 th September , 1878 , was £ 230 4 6 The balance to credit of the Benevolent Fund on 30 th September , 1878 , was £ 78 17 11 Since paid 46 15 o Subscriptions still due 8790
Showing a balance divisible between the Benevolent and Education Funds of £ 3 l ll In thc same period there were granted Warrants for thirteen new lodges , viz : No . 222 , Kingston , Tunis , North Africa . „ 223 , West Smithfield , London .
„ 224 , Menatschim , London . „ 223 , Abbey , Abingdon . „ 226 , Excelsior , Plumstead . „ 227 , Hereward , Bourne . „ 228 , Garnet , Dinapore , Bengal . ,, 229 , Faithful ! , Cockermouth .
„ 230 , Clifton Mount Keystone , Kingston , Jamaica . „ 23 I , Union , Demerara . „ 232 , Cyprus , Benares , Bengal . 11 2 33 r Headstone of the Corner , Lucknow , Bengal . „ 234 , Brixton , London . It is with extreme rep-ret that the Board records the death
of R . W . Bro . Sir Frederick Martin Williams , Bart ., M . P ., who since the year 186 7 ruled over the Province of Cornwall with marked ability and success . The tenth annual festival in aid of lhe Benevolent Fund was held on Wednesday , 17 th July , at the Alexandra Palace , under the presidency of the M . W . Grand Master ,
the Rt . Hon . Lord Skelmersdale . The festival resulted in an unprecedented success , the total of the lists of twentysix Stewards having reached £ 371 4 s . This has enabled the Board to increase the invested fund to £ 1030 , in consequence of which there is submitted for consideration by Grand Lodge , a draft of the Rules and Regulations
suggested by the Board for the management and disposal of the amount appartioncd to the educational branch of the Benevolent Fund . A moveable Gran 1 l .-idge was held at Keswick in June last , presided over by the M . W . Past Grand Master , the Rev , George Raymond Portal , at which Lodges Fletcher ,
No . 213 , and Henry , 216 ( the latter of which had been formerly held under the Scotch Constitution ) were consecrated and their respective Worshipful Masters duly installed . The arrangements made for the accommodation ot visitors and for the transaction of business reflected the
greatest credit on R . W . Bro . Col . Whitwell , M . P ., Deputy Grand Mastei of the province , the Provincial Grand Secretary , anil thc Executive generally . The Board recommends grants of £ 15 to Bro . H ., late of Sunderland , and £ 10 to the widow of Bro . H ., late of East Stonehouse , County Devon .
Grand Mark Lodge.
The Board also recommends £ 23 from the General Fund to be granted to certain brethren of the Mark Degree in the Island of Curacoa , West Indies , who have been reduced to a state of great destitution by the'hurricane of September 18 77 . Such grant to be entrusted to the W . M . of the Mark Lo ^ ge Perseverance , No . 184 , at Curacoa .
The Board has ordered the investment of £ 300 ^ account of the General Fund , making that Fund £ 1 , 000 . Certain Orders having expressed a desire that the Grand Mark Master for the time being should take charge of the said Orders ( with a view to obviate the necessit y of establishing other Supreme Bodies for that purpose ) , the
Board recommends that the Grand Mark Master be authorised to take charge of such Orders and under such conditions as the General Board may from time to time recommend , and the Grand Mark Master may approve . The Board has the gratification to announce that thc Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the District of Columbia ,
U . S . A ., has requested the M . W . Grand Master to accept the appointment of Grand Representative of that Grand Chapter near this Grand Lodge , and that his lordship has signified his acceptance of the appointment , and requested 111 . Comp . Joseph S . McCoy , the Grand High Priest , to represent this Grand Lodge near his Grand Chapter , with
the rank of Past Grand Warden . The Grand Chapter of West Virginia , U . S . A ., has also requested the Grand Secretary to act as its Representative near this Grand Lodge , which has been approved by the M . W . G . M ., and having expressed a desire for an exchange of Representatives , the M . W . G . M . has appointed 111 . Comp .
Charles M . Davison as Representative of this G . L . near the Grand Chapter of West Virginia—also with the rank of Past Grand Warden . The Boaid cordially welcomes this exchange of Representatives , evidencing as it does the fraternal relations existing amongst the various Grand Bodies having charge of the Mark Degree . An appeal has been received from the . W . M . of Fidelity
Lodge , No . 9 8 , at Lahore , in the Province of Bengal , against the ruling of the P . G . M ., which has been dealt with by the Board . The papers relative thereto are open to the inspection of the brethren at the office of Grand Lodge . The Grand Treasurer ' s accounts for the six months to 30 th September , 1878 , are subjoined , which show : —
GENERAL FUND . Balance from 31 st March , 1878 £ 152 5 2 Half-year ' s rectipts ... ... ... 797 11 8 Dividends ... ... ... ... ... 14 13 10 £ 9 6 4 10 8 Half-year ' s disbursements : Purchase of Stock ... ... ... . £ 210 3 6 Expenditure , & c . ... ... C 2 J 1 o
Balance 30 th September , 1878 £ 230 4 2 FUND or BENEVOLENCE . £ s . d Balance from 31 st March , 18 7 8 ... ... 6 9 4 8 Receipts for half year ... £ 282 13 6 Dividends ... ... 1 on 9 —¦ 3 ° 2 . 3
£ 37 i 9 " Disbursements , & c . ... £ 90 6 9 Purchase of Stock ... 202 3 3 292 12 o Balance , 30 th September , 1878 £ 78 17 11
INVESTED FUNDS . GENEKA . 1 . Fl'KD . £ « . Canadian 5 per cent . Debenture Bonds ... 200 o New Zealand 3 per cent . " Consols 800 o o £ 1000
BENEVOLENT FUND . Canadian 5 per cent . Debenture Bonds ... ... £ 600 o o New Zealand 5 per cent . Consols ... ... 400 o o — - 1000 o o
Total ,,. ... £ 2000 o o The following are the bye-laws of the Educational Branch of the Mark Benevolent Fund , a scheme for which will be submitted to Grand Mark Lodge , on the 3 rd December , as announced by the Freemason last week : — I . The object of the branch is to assist in the education
of the children of necessitous Mark Master Masons . II . It consists oi a Patron or Patrons , President , Vice-Presidents , Trustees , Treasurer , Secretary , and an un . limited number of Life Governors and Annual Subscribers . III . The General Board will hold special meetings on the third Tuesday in April and October , and at such other
times as they may deem necessary , for the purpose of considering applications . IV . Thc mode of election is b y ballot , by means of voting papers issued by the Board . V . Every sum of five shillings per annum subscribed to the Mark Benevolent Fund , gives the subscriber one vote
at a single election . VI . A donation of five guineas , in one or more payments within twelve months , gives five votes for life at every election , and constitutes the donor a life subscriber . VII . A donation of ten guineas , in one or more
payments within twelve months , gives twelve votes for life at every election , and constitutes the donor a life governor . Vill . A donation of twenty guineas , in one or more payments within twelve months , gives twenty-five votes for life at every election , and constitutes the donor a Vice-President .