The Masonic Mirror.

us , aud establish an independent Grand Lodge of their own . Thoy had , it seems , higher and better motives for their secession . These motives you will , I know , fully appreciate , and very warmly recognize . Then the question arises , how it is best to proceed with regard to the negotiations for the settlement of the question —negotiations which must of necessity be of a delicate nature , and require great care . If ifc should be the opinion of Grand Lodgo , that fchey should be

placed in the hands of the Graud JIaster , I shall be most willing to undertake the task . If on the contrary , Grand Lodge should think ifc better that it should itself enter upon these negotiations , I shall have nothing to say against its decision ; but as it will be necessary that notice should be given o £ the resolutions to be submitted to our consideration , I shall call a special Graud Lodge , that no time may be lost in meeting the wishes of the Canadian brethren . It is for you now to take one or other of these alternatives , and in conclusion I

have only to hope that I have made myself perfectly understood . Bro . Gregory said that , although there was not , in the reply received from the Grand Lodge of Canada , the same suavity which characterized the letter in which the Grand Secretary had communicated to the Canadian brethren the resolution adopted at the last Grand Lodge—they were to look , for the true interpretation of it , to the letter which the Jl . AA . Grand Jlaster hacl received from the Grand JIaster of Canada . Seeing the way in which the Jt . AA'J Grand Master hacl anticipated the

feelings of the Canadian brethren , he ( Bro . Gregory ) would venture to submit that the conclusion of the negotiations should be left in his hands , especially as it was a subject a little warmth of temper upon which might lead to irreconcilable estrangement . Looking at the difficulty of the alternative , and the delay which must necessarily occur , and being fully confident that the JI . AV . Grand JIaster would fully maintain tho dignity of Grand Lodge , he would move a resolution to the effect that— " Grand Lodge having heard the statements from the throne , requests that the

JI . AA . Grand JIaster will be pleased to take such steps for the full recognition of the Grand Lodgo of Canada aud for the establishment of" fraternal good feeling with our Canadian brethren as he may consider to be consistent with the honour of this Grand Lodge , aud with a just consideration for those Lodges which may desire to retain their connection with the Grand Lodge of England . " This he considered the simplest , most dignified , and most honourable way of terminating all the difficulties between the JIasons in Canada and the Graud Lodge of England . Bro . BeechJl . P . seconded the motionand saidthat as one who had from tho

, , , , first taken a great interest in the question pending between tbe Canadian Brethren and the Grand Lodge , ho fully approved of the settlement of the question being left in the hands of the Grand JIaster , as being the course most courteous to the Grand Lodge of Canada , and best calculated to avoid all future misunderstandings . Bro . AVhitmore protested against any resolution being put to Grand Lodge , which had not been referred to the Board of JIasters .

Bro . Havers , on the contrary , maintained that according to the Book of Constitutions this was a subject which fell immediately under tho cognizance and jurisdiction of the M . AY . the Grand JIaster . Bro . Binckes felt there was no earthly use in protesting against tho course nowproposed to be adopted . He wished Grand Lodge would leave matters of feeling , and come to matters of fact . It was now proposed to agree to a resolution of which they had had no previous notice ; whereas six months ago , when similar documents

had been brought before Grand Lodge , a Brother who attempted to found a resolution upon them was stopped because no notice bad been given of it . Bro . Dobie thought it better to withdraw the resolution , and leave tho matter entirely in the hands of the M . AV . Grand JIaster . The Rev . Bro . Cox supported the resolution , and hoped the brethren ivould not be intimidated or put down by clamour . Tho motion was then put and carried by an immense majority .

TASMANIA . A letter from Bro . Toby , of Hobart Town , surrendering the warrant oi Lodgo No . 7 S 1 , was then read , but no resolution taken on it , In reference to it , however , 2 H