The Platform Of The German Masonic Reformers.

giving in his resignation , and previously discharging his financial liabilities . 2 nd . To propose alterations and amendments and claim that ' the proper motives for rejection should be put forward . Blind faith , and blind

obedience clash with the essence of free Masonry and the dignity of its adherents . 3 rd . To demand convincing proofs for the propriety and legality of existing laws and regulations .

4 th . To be present at all meetings and consultations of the Craft for general purposes . Sth . To take cognisance of the appropriation of the subscriptions , and criticise the same . Gth . To freely utter his opinions on matters

Masonic in writing or by word of mouth , and hold consultations thereon with other Masons . III . Constitution of the Order . § 15 . Every union of Freemasons that adheres to the present platform , and models thereupon its

entire character , is to be considered as a legally constituted division of the Order of Freemasonry , i . e ., as a just and perfect lodge , as soon as another lodge , or the . committee of an association of lodges , has examined its principles , laws , and

rituals , aud certified their admissibility from a Masonic point of view . § 16 . The legislation of each lodge to take place by the plenum of its members . In all divisions the opinion of the majority to prevail .

Every member to have the right of active participation iu the discussions , as well as in the election of delegates to the meetings of the association of lodges .

§ 1 / . INO isolated lodges are to exist ; every lodge to stand part , co ipso , of the aggregate association of the lodges ( Gcsammllogcnverband ) of the wliok globe , or Universal Grand Lodge , to be properly represented by universal (

international ) Masonic meetings , as per clause G . ( b . ) The national association of lodges , or National Grand Lodge , limited by the distinction of tongues only , to be constituted by periodical Masonic conventions , consisting jaf delegates from

all lodges oi the respective association . § 18 . Within the precincts of the National Lodge Association , individual lodges are at liberty to either remain independent ( isolated ) or else form confederations amongst themselves , by adhering to or forming some Grand Orient or a local or provincial union of lodges , and appointing

leading committees to be renewed from time to time . § 19 . Every association of lodges to be entitled to assume a constitution , and administer it ad libitum , insofar as it does not encroach on the province of

the general platform . § 20 . Every association of lodges ( Grand Lodge or union of lodges ) to receive a special legislation from its assembly of delegates to be held from time to time .

The determination of the number of delegates , of the mode of electing them , as well as everything relating to the appointment of officials and the standing orders of such assemblies of delegates to belong to the province of the special legislation of

each individual association . § 21 . The National Grand Lodge ( National Masonic Convention ) , to be formed by representatives of all lodges of its province , every individual lodge deputing one delegate .

The National Masonic Convention ( Grand Lodge ) to elect its own officials , and determine freely on its standing orders ; in questions of special legislation ancl tho working of the lodges or Unions of its province , it is endowed only with a deliberative but no executive vote , save in cases when the

maintenance of the general law of the Order is at stake . For the latter purpose the Grand Lodge forms a tribunal , whose duty it is to appropriately reprimand transgressions of the law on the part of lodges or unions , or inflict punishment by

rescinding the Masonic rig hts ancl privileges of such bodies . Such rescission is to take its practical effect throughout the province of the National Grand Lodge . The latter also forms a Court of Appeal in cases of litigation between individual

lodges . § 22 . The National Masonic Convention is to elect from amongst its members delegates for the Universal or International Congress of Masons , to be held every five or seven years ; the latter , in its

turn , freely elects its officials , and determines on its standing orders ; it deliberates [ and votes resolutions as to questions of special legislation and legitimate Masonic labour , and forms a tribunal for the maintenance of the generaljlaw of the Order ,

and is endowed with the same authority over the National Grand Lodges as the latter are over the individual divisions of the Order of their province . § 23 . Each of the above-named Conventions of Delegates is to be used also a medium for the communication of and deliberation upon Masonic