Notes On American Freemasonry.

The Grand Master also stated that , '' The mpression exists that the Grand Lodge is exclusive , and that the Fraternity at large have no interest in it . Nothing could be more erroneous . Grand Lodges are comparatively of modern

origin . They formerly met in general convention to elect Grand Masters , and transact general business for the good of the Craft . Such was the practice in England . In time these conventions became unwieldy , and the necessity arose of

forming Grand Lodges upon the representation principle , by which the administration of Masonic affairs could be conducted with greater regularity ¦ and less confusion . The inherent power of a Mason is none the less now than in the days of the

c General Assembly / In our Grand Lodge the Masters and Wardens of the respective Lodges are members . Through them every member of the Subordinate Lodge is represented , and the power of the brethren is so far preserved that now ,

as in ancient times , they have the constitutional right to instruct their Masters and Wardens how to vote and act in Grand Lodge . There is no •exclusive power in the Grand Lodge for all time , although in the exercise of its authority the Craft

•has invested it with authority over all the brethren in the jurisdiction , and to its decrees and edicts •unlimited obedience must be paid . 'Every warranted Lodge is a constituent part of the Grand Lodge , in which Assembly all the powers of the

Fraternity reside , ' say our own constitutions . The brethren throughout the jurisdiction elect the Masters and Wardens , who control the destinies of the Grand Lodge , and the brethren of the separate Lodges can direct the action of their

representatives . Thus the decrees , edicts , regulations , and constitutions of the Grand Lodge can be changed whenever the Craft consider it wise and judicious so to do . The power of the Grand Master is unquestionaly great , inasmuch as no

appeal lies from his decision . But his election occurs annually , in which two-thirds of the votes must concur , and the opportunity to remove an arbitrary and unreasonablejofficer speedily occurs . " Annexed to the report of the proceedings is

" The Constitution of the Grand Lodge of the State and general , " and a copy of the Act of Assembly incorporating the Grand Lodge ; also a glossary of Masonic terms , and the resolutions and orders of the Grand Lodge now in force . H , The number of Lodges up to December 29 th ,

1868 , 176 ; besides the following under charters granted by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts , to " wit : Ancient Land Mark of Hong Que , at Shanghae , China ; Bethsaida Lodge , Valparaiso , South America ; Hiram of Copiapo , Chili , South

America ; J . L . Hutchinson Lodge , Arica , Peru , South America . Members reported as initiated in all the Lodges in 1868 , 2 , 094 ; whole number of members , 18 , 364 .

MICHIGAN . The Grand Master in his address stated that many new brethren have been added by initiation during the year . " The accepted have been of a high order of men , embracing not only some who

are deservedly distinguished for their prominence as citizens and members of society , but who are justly eminent for their moral stability and pure integrity . The active business men , the worthy mechanics and labourers , the professional classes ,

the youth , and the middle-aged have long been seeking the peaceful asylum of our Order , but recently the more aged philosopher , the

grayhaired and the profound thinker have sought our school of ethics . " He states their relations with sister Lodges , North and South , are harmonious . He also states that he granted twelve dispensations for new Lodges within the year .

A question of novel character was submitted : — It seems that an individual was initiated into Blissfield Lodge , No . 114 , and his customary duties were remitted . Afterwards he became dissatisfied with the Order , and'in writing , requested

the Grand Master to grant him a full release from the obligations he incurred in becoming a Mason . The Grand Master refused the request and decided : —¦

1 st . That a Mason cannot in form resign his membership of the Order ; withdraw himself from its duties , nor discharge himself from its obligations . 2 nd . A Lodge has not tbe power to discharge

a Mason from his duties as such , nor absolve him from his Masonic obligations . Lastly . That a brother who will not endorse the moral theories of Masonry , and its sublime and humane lessons , and who declares that he

will not be bound by its solemn obligations , ought to be expelled from all the rights and obligations of Masonry . A Lodge was chartered at Kalamazoo under this name , with the No . 87 . In consequence of