Correspondence.

Lodge , when congregated , is a representation of every individual member of the Fraternity , it necessarily possesses a supreme superintending authority , and the power of finally deciding on every case which concerns the interest of the Craft . " I will not needlessly occupy your space by multiplying quotations , but will refer

your readers to the Book of Constitutions , pp . 16 , 22 , 23 , 28 , 31 , 88 , where they will find articles bearing upon the point at issue , and from a careful perusal of the Book throughout , they cannot fail to gather the leading idea of the supremacy of Grand Lodge ; and I would observe , that this grand distinction must never be lost sight of , viz . ; that Grand Lodge is the sole depository of legislative power , and that the Grand Master and his Officers are simply the executive .

It must ever be borne in mind , too , that Grand Lodge has twice pronounced upon the question of adjournment . On September 3 rd the Acting Grand Master declared the Grand Lodge adjourned to 1 st October ; on the 1 st October the Acting-Grand Master declared the Grand Lodge opened in form . On the former occasion no one for a moment questioned the power of adjournment ; while the adjourned meeting was recognised by the notices being issued in regular course

from the Grand Secretary ' s Office , and by the attendance of the various Officers for the performance of their duties , no intimation of any kind having been received from the Grand Master as to the illegality of the meeting , although four weeks had elapsed from the date of the former meeting at which the resolution was passed . It is impossible to suppose the Grand Master unacquainted with that resolution , without imputing to him most reprehensible indifference , or to his subordinates

most culpable neglect . Now , Sir and Brother , the grounds I have stated , and the authorities I have cited , may or may not sustain the views of those with whom it is my privilege and pleasure to act . At all events , they are sufficiently forcible to absolve those who use them from the charge of " factiousness / ' and if advanced temperately and respectfully ought to shield them from the attacks of others whose only excuse is their incompetence , and whose ignorance of the principles they profess entitles

them perhaps to pity rather than to blame . I cannot forbear thus alluding to a paragraph in a weekly contemporary , which , to say the least , is dictated in the worst possible taste . For the M . YY . G . M . I cannot but think that he would have best consulted his own position and dignity by allowing a proper argument on the points he himself raised . It is anything but consistent with my notions of fairness and impartiality , to authoritatively lay down one ' s own views in an ex parte statement , quoting instances , alluding to precedents , and then deny to one ' s opponent the right of arguing on premises with which one has furnished him .

" Sic volo , sic jubeo , stet pro ratione voluntas . "—Such appears to be the motto of the powers that be , and it is for the Craft to decide how long this iron despotism is to be endured . The Book of Constitutions has defined their power , and explained their privileges . Are they content to see this power superseded , these privileges destroyed ? The assertion of the prerogative of the Grand Master is a favourite dogma with those who are supporters of the present system , but no

student of history needs to be informed of the dangers to which an undue stretch of prerogative has exposed those who have resorted to it , and there is no knowing what evils an abuse of power may not at any time , and under any circumstances , produce . For myself I deeply lament the existing state of things , but they are to be blamed whose apathy and indifference have fomented the dissatisfaction which has resulted in the present dissensions , not those who with sincerity of

motive and earnestness of purpose have endeavoured , and are endeavouring , to effect improvement in our government , by infusing vitality where now all seems lifeless and inert , by imparting activity and efficiency where now dilatoriness and neglect reign supreme , and whose only end and aim is to mitigate in some measure the disastrous effects of a mistaken policy , and if possible to avert the evils which seem but too likely to result therefrom .

I have been warned of the injury likely to accrue to our ancient and valuable order if the present movement is persisted in , and have been told that we are imperilling the best interests of Freemasonry . I would ask , are the supporters of those , in a position to condemn , whose neglect has brought the Canada ^ to the verge of rebellion , has roused the spirit of discontent in other of our distant