The International Masonic Gathering.

as tho last , where only one Grand Lodge was represented , one set of Grand Oflicers , ancl , as we say , one Prov . and one Deputy Grand Master . I have now to call . your attention to at least thirty-seven Grand Lodges , and , I think I may say , something like 20 , 000 Past ancl Present Grand Officers , and am quite sure that this meeting will hold out the rig ht hand of fellowship to all those Grand Lodges , and to all those Past ancl Present Grand Officers . It g ives me a great deal of p leasure this evening to have the opporwith in

tunity of meeting so many American Masons . I am sure you will all join me wishing well to the Grand Lodges of that country , as you have heard them spoken of by my worthy brother by my side , as feeling as if they came from us in the first instance . ^ I am sure you will recognise the kindly feelings which prompted him to say so , ancl in holding out the rig ht hand of fellowship to ' him it is with cordiality which every Mason should g ive to another in every part of the world . The Grand Lodges of America are separated , the territories in state

as of necessity they must be in consequence of enormous every , ancl , I think I may say , in some of its territories , as well as its States . Consequently there is a vast number of them , and they represent half a million of Masons . Freemasonry there is very flourishing—I am very glad to say it is so , and I am sure , the more Masonry flourishes throughout the world , " the better the world must become . I can only , therefore , ask you to join with me cordially in drinking " The Health of the Grand Lodges of America , ancl the Present and Past Grand Officers . " Bro . Meyer : Worshipful Sir and Brother , I regret very much that a more suitable person has not been chosen from amongst the American brethren to respond to this

toast . As Bro . Gotwalts has already said , the Grand Lodges of America derive thenexistence from the Grand Lodge of England . The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania , of which I am a member , and of which many of the brethren here are members , received its Masonic life in 1730 from the Grand Lodge of England . In 1732 Benjamin Franklin , whom you all know , was the Provincial Grand Master . From 1730 up to 1830 , a period of ' a hundred years , Masonry slowly but surely progressed , but in 1830

a great Masonic excitement commenced , when Masons , or , at least , a great ^ many brethren deserted ; but by the few who remained firm and steady to the institutions of the Fraternity the Society was perpetuated , and Masonry from about 1834 progressed . At that time there were in the entire United States about 10 , 000 Masons . At the present time we have forty-five Grand Lodges , with a membership in the entire United States of very nearl 800000 members . The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has 350

y , lodges and 40 , 000 Masons . The Grand Lodge of New York over 500 lodges and very nearly 80 , 000 Freemasons . I may state that each of these forty-five Grand Lodges is sovereign and supreme in its own jurisdiction . Each one is the peer of the other , each one recognises the rig hts ( territorial and jurisdictional ) of the other , and the entire forty-five stand side by side with the Grand Lodge of England in maintaining the landmarks of Freemasonry . At this time nearly every Grand Lodge ( I think I may

say every Grand Lodge ) has severed its connection with and refused communication with the Grand Orient of France , and with Masons under its jurisdiction . I thank you on behalf of the Present ancl Past Grand Oflicers of the Grand Lodges of America for the very cordial and fraternal manner in which you have received the toast .

Bro . Brackstone Baker , P . G . D .: Worshipful . Sir , ancl Brethren , the observations that you have just heard from our Bro . Meyer form a most admirable introduction to the few words I am going to address to you . I am quite aware of the value and importance of brevity , as our Bro . Monckton has so well ancl ably expressed just now ; but the importance of this toast can scarcely be overrated , and perhaps you will allow me three or four minutes' extra time in order , not to dilate upon it , but to give expression to those feelings which rise for utterance to my lips . By the doctrine

of natural selection I presume our excellent , worthy , and hospitable host has chosen me to be the representative of the larger assembly to propose to you " The Health of our American Visiting Brethren . " I happen , —by chance , I suppose , —to be the representative in our Grand Lodge of the State of Alabama , of Illinois , of Missouri , of Oregon ancl Tennessee , besides two Grand Lodges of the Dominion ; and , therefore , I suppose I should have more acquaintance with our American brethren from