America.

Craft are not found in their hands ; they are drones in our hives , clogs to our chariot wheels , laggards impeding the triumphal march of our victorious army . Let such apply to themselves the plummet of righteousness , learning to walk uprightly among men , the square of virtue shaping their character of the pattern of that " stone" which , though rejected of the builders , has become the " chief head of the cornev . " AVhen last we metclouds and darkness were lowering upon the Order in some

, of our sister jurisdictions ; one Grand Commandery had taken incipient measures to separate themselves from the Grand Encampment of tho United States , and in other and high places a disposition had been manifested or suggestions made , that circumstances might arise that would render it necessary to dispense with that grand body ; but I am gratified at being able to announce to you , that the Grand Commandery having taken such measures , has repented such action , retraced her stepsrenewed her allegianceand now stands out in bold reliefin support of the

, , , Grand Encampment . May we not hope that a similar spirit will prevail in other quarters , that union and harmony may be restored , and the grand objects of our beloved Order he realized ! That this great desideratum may be consummated , must be the earnest hope and strong desire of all well disposed Templars throughout our fair land . During the year just passing away , it has been my misfortune either to be so indisposed , or to have such imperative business engagements , as to render it

impossible for me to visit officially the different subordinate Commanderies in the jurisdiction , as my duty as its chief , demanded , or my own inclination would have suggested ; consequently I am unable to present to the Grand Commandery , from personal observation , the precise condition of them severally ; but from the representation of those in whom I have implicit confidence , I have no doubt that we are at this time enjoying a degree of prosperity which is , and should be , the pride of every Templar iu our jurisdiction . During the recess , I have granted letters of dispensation to Sir Darius Clark ,

and a constitutional number of Sir Knights , to form and open a Commandery of Knights Templar at Canton , St . Lawrence county , to be called St . Lawrence Commandery , which dispensation will be returnable at this time for the action of this grand body . This Commandery is located at au eligible point , surrounded by an intelligent community , and should a warrant be granted , I cannot for a moment doubt its future success . The subject of a Templar ' s costume , just now , seems to bo occupying a considerable space in the deliberations of our sister Commanderiesand hason

, , more than one occasion , been laid before this grand body , and action deferred from time to time , earnestly anticipating that the Grand Encampment would , hi its wisdom , adopt a uniform which would be appropriate for the several Commanderies under its jurisdiction ; and although at its last triennial conclave it failed to accomplish so desirable an object , yet I shall refrain from recommending tho adoption of a Templar uniform by this Grand Commandery , believing when any such is adoptedit should be universaland that to the Grand Encampment alone

, , belongs the right to regulate the uniform of its subordinates . I herewith transmit copies of edicts of the Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander , for the restoration of Columbian Commandery , No . 1 , and Occur de Lion Commandery , No , 23 , to which I respectfully call ' the attention of the Grand Commandery . No other subjects occurring to my miud , requiring the attention or action of this Grand Commandery , calculated to promote the interests of Templar Masonry

in this jurisdiction , I most fraternally tender to the Knights , now and heretofore members of this grand body , my grateful acknowledgments for the uniform kindness and courtesy extended to me , as their presiding officer and Commander , during the period I have had the honour of holding that high position ; and Sir Knights , believe me when I say , that should we never meet again as commander and commanded , the recollection of the happy hours passed in the society of my Companion Knights , will , to the latest hour of my existence , occupy a prominent ulace in my memory . LB Rox FAEHHAIT ,