Grand Lodge Of Iowa.—Iii.

GRAND LODGE OF IOWA . —III .

The by-laws aud general laAvs of the Grand Lodge of Iowa are similar to those of other grand bodies . The Compend of Masonic Law of Trials and Punishment , compiled by T . S . Parvin , is , however , interesting , although not varying from the criminal jurisprudence of other Grand Lodges .

Masonic crimes are defined as—1 . A violation of any ofthe duties enjoined by the ancient charges . 2 . The doing of any act contrary to , or subversive of the three great duties which a Mason owes

to God , his neighbour , and himself . 3 . Conduct which tends to impair the unsullied purity of the Order , or Avhich is , in any wise , contrary to the obligations and the written

teachings ofthe Order . Some doubt exists as to how the Master of a lodge , guilty of an offence , is to bo put upon his trial . We think that such trial should take place before Grand Lodge alone , and that this should

also be the forum for Past Masters , Avho , properly speaking should bo tried by their peers . A Warden or Deacon may be tried in au ordinary lodge of Apprentices , FCIIOAV Crafts , and Masters ; but we rather think , considering the importance

of the office , Past Masters should have the same privilege in this matter as Masters . Minute directions are given regard in Q- the manner in which trials are to be proceeded with , andjustice is fenced round with all the formalities of a court in tlie outer world . All charges are to be made in writing—a most important act—as alike

confining the accused and accuser to definite laws of accusation and defence . Iu some lodges it is the custom to permit of oral charges , but these are altogether improper , nor do we think that notices of motion should bo permitted . A regular

petition and complaint should be preferred , distinctly n . irrating the nature of the offence or offences , as tho case may be , so that distinct answers may be given iu , and the matter then comes before lodge or Grand Lodge in a state

ready to be debated upon . Tho notice of citation , of course , varies under different Grand Lodges , some havino- a Ion ""or period than other's ; and it docs not require the accuser to be a Mason to prefer a charge . An

accusation of immoral conduct may be preferred by a profane . In the absence of other accusers , it is the special duty of the Junior Warden to prefer all

Grand Lodge Of Iowa.—Iii.

charges for offences committed when the lodge is not at labour . In open lodge , and when a brother commits an offence , he can be called upon then and there to show cause why he should not be judged and instantly punished .

Testimony is to be given in open lodge at the time of the trial , or before a committee specially appointed for the purpose , and , in either case , the accused and the accuser , if he be a Mason , shall be entitled to be present , and propose such

relevant questions as it may desire , the testimony to be reduced to Avriting and submitted , Avhen taken by a Committee , to open lodge . A Mason is to be examined upon his word of honour , a

profane upon his oath ; and , when the latter is examined before the lodge , the lodge shall be called from labour during his being present . Lodges for examination of Avitnesses must be specially called , " at which no visitor shall be

admitted except as counsel or Avitness . " The accused may select any brother for his counsel . Minute directions are given as to the degree of lodge to be held upon examination , hearing and decision . The decision of " guilty " or " not

guilty , " degree of punishment , & c , is to be taken by ballot . The punishments are threefold : — 1 . Reprimand , which is at once administered by the Master .

2 . Suspension , Avhich , by the Constitutions of Grand Lodge of Iowa , is always indefinite , and remains until regularly abrogated . 3 . Expulsion . When this sentence is pronounced it does not become effectual until submitted to Grand Lodge and ratified by it , after which the offender is gazetted as expelled .

The Knights Templars.

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS .

By ANTHONY ONEAL HAYE . { Continued frompaye 27 ) . BOOK IV . —CHAPTER XIL—Gontd . William de Placian had been an early and

intimate friend of the Grand Master , and De Molai placed the utmost confidence in him . But De Placian was also an officer of the King , and one of Philip ' s most servile tools . He had rendered himself a favourite with Philip by denouncing

Pope Boniface in the Estates-General ; and , after the death of that Pontiff , had been sent to Rome to settle matters Avith Benedict XI . He was also