The Masonic Veterans' Association Of Central New York.

mournful duty , as well as privilege , to follow to the last resting place the remains of our associates , there to assist in depositing the fragrant acacia on the breast of one AVIIO iu life was a member of our mystic brotherhood , ancl in death will not be forgotten ? Nor is this all . There are benefits and advantages to be derived from such an organization which may to some appear more practicable in their nature

, and perhaps more beneficial in their operation . By the Act under which our corporation exists , we are authorised to hold real and personal estate to the value of 8300 , 000 . Should the time eA'er arive when the various Masonic bodies in our midst deemed it best to purchase real estate for their purposes , such purchase could be effected through the association , ancl the property held in trust by it for the benefit of the several bodies . This would obviate the

necessity of each becoming incorporated under the special Act passed several years since , to which there are some objections . The Act under which we are organised also authorises us to receive bequests or other gifts ; brethren , therefore , if so desired , may entrust matters of this nature to this association with the assurance that the trust will be administered "with fidelity by those AA'I IO are of the same household of faith . "

As a court of arbitration , much can be clone toward settling disputes or grievances between lodges or between individuals and lodges , or individuals themselves , by a submission of the matters in dispute to this body , whose members are presumed , by long experience , to understand the laws ancl usages of the Craft . Such action on both sides , however , would have to be purely voluntary , as no action or decision could be made legally binding , or be a finalit y

of the matter , unless previously agreed to by all parties . But time will not admit of a further elucidation of the advantages which might accrue from such an organisation as this . I have mentioned a few of them , time and experience will develop others . Let us use those which exigency , expediency and dut y demands , and our powers authorise , and then we shall have discharged our obligations , both corporate ancl fraternal , fully and to the extent of the most reasonable exaction .

Brethren , we have met for the first time around our festive board . Shall it be the last ivith any of us ? Most of us are falling into " the sere ancl yelloAV leaf . " At the best some of us cannot expect to participate in many of these annual gatherings . Then let us labour zealously while the day lasts , " for the night cometh in which no man can work . " Let us renew our strength ¦ for the upbuilding of our cherished institution , and show , by our zeal , to the younger Craftsmen that we who have long trod' in the old-time paths

appreciate its privileges and earnestl y desire its prosperity . Let us animate and encourage those who are falteringly following in our footsteps , and Avhen they shall have reached the dividing line between them and us , extend to them the fraternal grasp and ivelcome them Avithin our portals , ancl as the infirmities of age creep apace upon us , may they assume our positions ancl carry on the noble work begun by us , until it shall attain that fruition which the eye of faith can dimly perceive in the distance . [ Wo take this from the New York Dispatch . —ED . M . M . l