Address Of The Grand Master, J. H. Graham, L.L.D., &C.

duly constituted Grand Lodge , the more especially as these so-called coloured Grand Lodges claim to exist where regular ancl duly constituted ancl recognised Grand Lodges of Freemasons exist already . " Freemasons are of all nationstongues ,

, kindreds and languages , " but all regular private Lodges alone have the initial and final right to decide who shall or shall not become regular members 01 our fraternity , and no UOAV regular formed lodges can be created except in the manner prescribed

by the constitution , and no proposition for the recognition of any Grand Lodge should be entertained except on the basis of exclusive jurisdiction of each Grand Lodge within its prescribed and lawful territory . Our constitutions do not require any " fiteenth " or other amendments to meet

the Avants of all peoples , or to conserve the ust rights of all regular lodges of Freemasons of every colour . It has often appeared to me that the various lodges do not arrange so systematically as they might the matter of assessments and disbursements for the purposes

of benevolence ancl depend too much on the ordinary disbursements from the funds of the lodge for the aid and needy brethren , or for widows and orphans in distress . I would not adA'ise any decrease , but wherever practicable , rather an increase of the contributions or appropriations to the ordinary fund of benevolence , aud would also recommend for the

consideration of the Grand Lodge the advisability of allowing the members of the several edges either by themselves or conjointly with the members of other lodges in the several cities and districts to form themselves , under approved regulations , into some form of associationas an extension

, of , or as supplementary to , the ordinary existing methods of benevolence , and I further advise that the B . 0 . G . P . consider the matter and afford an opportunity for brethren to appear before them and express their vieAvs in relation thereto , and

that the Board make report thereon at this session of Grand Lodge . It is very generally acknoAvledged that Masonry is a " peculiar " fraternity . It is indeed unique in this our Avorld . Its real origin is lost in the mists of time . It is a growth and development of the ages , and will remain permanent as human

society . It exists as a necessity of human desires and human necessities . It has given much to like and more modern organizations , but needs and takes but little in return . It is not a system of reli gion but the fundamental principles of true religion are its full embodiment . It is not

a mere benefit society , yet among its prominent tenets are true and genuine benevolence ancl fraternal aid in distress . It is not a temperance organization , but one of its cardinal virtues is the due restraint of all our appetites and passions ,

Language Avould fail to give it definition . Offshoots from Masonry or other organizations somewhat modelled upon it , ancl Avherever seeking to accomplish a good work we wish them God-speed , but let none be called by its name or taken under

its Aving . Let it ever exist , as it ever has existed , separate and independent , unique in its origin ancl being , and' ever seeking to fulfil its sublime mission among the sons of men .

For various reasons , it noiv seems particularly fitting to re-annunciate to the Avorld the great fact that Freemasonry is a non-political , non-sectarian and non-proselyting fraternity . Let a man ' s religion or mode of worship be what it mayhe is not excluded from

, the order , provided he believe in the g lorious Architect of Heaven aud earth , and practices the sacred duties of morality . Masonry is the centre of union between good men and true , and the happy means of conciliating friendship amongst those Avho

must otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance . A Mason is a peaceable subject to the civil jjowers Avherever he resides or works , and is cheerfully to conform with every lawful authority , to uphold on every

occasion the interests of the community , and ahvays to promote the prosperity of his own country , and wise rulers in every age have been much disposed to encourage the craftsmen , on account of their pea ^ ableness and loyalt y . Differences of option

and quarrels about religion , or nation . ? , or state , or church policy , must never be brought Avithin the Lodge . We are only as Masons of the universal relig ion above mentioned , and Ave are also of all nations , tongues , kindred , and languages , and are resolved against all politics and sects-