The Ballot In Our Lodges.

whom it may be given . Thus , shall we be acting to the greatest advantage for ourselves , our brethren , and our Lodge , and assist in promoting the prosperity of the Order to which Ave belong .

Address By The Crown Prince Of Prussia.

ADDRESS BY THE CROWN PRINCE OF PRUSSIA .

DELIVERED AT THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OP THE GRAND LODGE AT BERLIN , JUNE 25 , 1870 . ( Translatedfrom tha Freemasons' Gazette , Leipsic . ) ( Continued from -page 467 ) . A hundred years ago Bra . Zinnendorf Avas

-accused of perjury and treason , because the charter which had been transmitted from Sweden with the ori g inal historical documents and regulations , was in his name , and Bro . Zinnendorf was distinctl y authorised to read it to the brethren ,

but had selfishly shown it to but a few members . I will order that this charter shall be read pub-Holy to-day , notAvithstandiug its obsolete and peculiar form . Not all the brethren of our jurisdiction are cognizant of its existence ,

although it caused the creation of this Grand body . May this be the first sign of a more free and and liberal sentiment at the beginning of this new century .

If we admit that the external history of the origin and development of our Grand Lodge needs to be liberated from its too closely bound chains , we must also admit that the internal history of our Grand Lodge in its relation to doctrine and institutions wants move solidity , truth and

clearness . We possess a whole system of signs which are constructed according to a certain geometrical principle . Connected with these signs there are numerous other symbols which originate partly

from special historical circumstances . Our own historical documents and regulations give us special information about the ori g in of the latter , and this Grand Lodge has many written instructions and lectures relating to them .

But while in former times brethren were satisfied AA'itli the authority of the traditions , Ave find in the present day that historical criticism , by its inquiries and investigations , has grown up to a

power , even over the oldest traditions . This power has also its claims against the Order , which cannot be disregarded without danger . It may be that even nowadays there are brethren Avho rely upon and believe in authority

and tradition , and are thereby satisfied . But there are also quite a number who Avant fundament tal and satisfactory evidence of all historical traditions , in accordance with the present high position of historical science . And the latter have

the same rights as the former . I acknowledge , and admit solemnly and freely , all that is lacking in relation to the irrepressible demands of publicity . Honesty should never be censured , and is the better policy . I therefore

declare freely that this Grand Lodge is not in possession of such sure and clear arguments , as to silence all doubts of historical inquiry . I have been working for a long time , to have all our historical documents fairly and thoroughly investigated and classified , and I return my best

thanks to all brethren who have assisted me . Especially , I must return thanks to His Majesty the King of Sweden and Norway , for receiving last year the committee we sent to Sweden , in a manner most brotherly and courteous , for the purpose of again investigating all documents and treasures of

the Swedish Lodges , from whence our historical documents were derived . Notwithstanding , this investigation did not come to a certain and satisfactory point , suitable and appropriate to an Order , Avhich considers the

symbol of this light as a cardinal princi p le , and which desires that all their doings and connections should be clear and evident . Let us , therefore , go on with our investigations . Follow me , your Grand Master , in this

new century , with the earnest purpose , not to be fatigued b y great difficulties . Let us leave in confidence to competent brethren the dissolution and penetration of the existing shadoAvs , and to obtain a real and historical foundation to all

institutions ancl doctrines , emanating from the Masonic history of this Grand body It is a fact , that a mere belief in authority does not satisfy the present generation . I add , as herewith connected , a demand which I consider imperative for the new century of this

Grand body , purification and simplification of the intercourse in Masonic life , and in the subordinate Lodges ; but do not think I desire a reform of