Canada.

P . G . M . ' s ; J . Moffatt , JE . Irving , G . AY . Whitehead , J . V . Noel , IJ . H . Henderson , and A . G . Maodonell , P . D . D . G . M . ' s ; J . A . Henderson , S . D . Fowler , H . Macpherson , and A . S . Kirkpatrick , P . S . G . AV . 's : J . Rensbaw , P . J . G . AV . ; C . Bunting , P . S . G . D . ; J . Paterson and J . Bain , P . S . G . B . 's ; R . Dennistown , P . G . Dir . of Cers . ; H . Grist , P . Assist . G . Dir . of Cers . ; F . C . Detmers , P . G . Org . ; P . Henrv , J . M . Horsey , AV . Smeaton , H . V . Sanders ,

A . AA alker , E . J . Barker . H . Durable , H . Robertson , N . A . Gamble , J . Reynolds , M . C . Cameron , and T . A \ ilkinson , P . G . Stewards . The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form . The rules and regulations were read . The minutes of the last annual communication having been printed , were confirmed . The minutes of two special Grand Lodges held at Ottawawere read and

, confirmed . Tbe Committee on Credentials reported : 220 members and representatives present , and 150 lodges represented . The M . W . Grand Master delivered the following address to -the brethren assembled : — Brethren , —It is now seven years since I last had the honour of addressing you from this chair , and on looking back over the

record of your proceedings , and when reflecting upon the many -important events which have transpired during that long period , I rejoice that I am able to congratulate you , not only upon the wise conservative counsels , which have hitherto guided your efforts in the cause of Masonry , but , also , npon the deservedly high position which this Grand Lodge has attained in the Masonic world . The blessing of God has rested upon our

labours , and our constant prayer to Him should be that He ivould still continue to foster and to cherish our venerable and beloved institution , and so to influence and guide our aspirations and our acts , that we may successfully carry out the great objects for which we are associated together .

Atlantic Caole . Before proceeding to direct your attention more especiall y to the various important matters which will occupy your time and attention during the present session , there are two events of more than ordinary public interest which have transpired since our last annual meeting , to both of which ! will now briefly refer . Tbe first of these , in order of date , was the successful

achievement of one of the most wonderful undertakings which man in his restless energy over attempted . I allude to the Atlantic Telegraph . The constant and rapid correspondence now hourly kept up between England and America must have ¦ a tendency to bind still closer together those great nations . May it piove an eternal link of brotherhood between us all , and may the Providence of God ivhich lias thus directed the genius of man to this crowning victory over difficulties and dangers of no ordinary magnitude , make it instrumental in scouring the happiness of all nations , and the rights of all people .

The Sew Dominion . The Royal Proclamation , which gave life and power to that great work in which our statesmen have been so long engaged , lias been issued by our Most Gracious Sovereign " , and the ' Dominion of Canada" now takes her position among tho powers of the earth . This binding together of the scattered fragments of an empire hy closer unionnot onldoubles our

, y material strength , but our moral influence also , and must exercise a powerful effect in knitting still more closely the ties of reverence and affection ivhich binds us to our beloved motherland . The immediate results of this important measure will depend entirely on the spirit in which our people work out its details , and , as an able writer on the subject remarks , the great ultimate issues which hang upon themwill in all

, human probability bo decided by the tone which may prevail in the new dominion , and the j ) oliey she may pursue during the next few years . That wise counsels may prevail , and that the leading men of all parties in the state may unite in securing a successful and harmonious working out of tbe great problem now submitted for our solution , is , I am snre , the earnest wish of every true lover of his country , and all will

unite in the heart-felt aspiration and prayer to the Great Architect of the Universe , that He , by whose permission and authority kings reign and nations exist , will pour down his richest blessings upon our beloved Queen , and upon this country and people .

A General Grand Lodge . The new state of political existence upon which wo aro now entering , necessarily brings up for our consideration , tbe effect which it must to some extent , have upon our position as a jrand

Lodge . The name , by which for many years , we have been known and recognised in the Masonic world , becomes now , it is claimed , a misnomer . Tbe Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia , ivhich has supreme authority in that section of the new dominion , is as much a Grand Lodgo of Canada as we ourselves are . The distinguished brother who presided at your last annual meeting approved of the idea of a Genera ] Grand Lodge , having Provincial Grand Lodges in each provinceand the Board of

, General Purposes to whom the subject was referred , also reported favourably upon the suggestion made hy my Most AVorshipful predecessor , but at the same advised that no immediate action be taken in the matter . What at that time was only an anticipation , has now become a reality ; and while I readily admit that there is something peculiarly pleasing in the idea of uniting all the members of our fraternitywho reside in the various

, provinces now confederated together , into one Grand Body ; and while contemplating also tbe probability of important territorial additions still to be made to tbe new dominion , I must confess that I entertain grave doubts whether a union , embracing such an immense extent of country , would have a tendencv to promote the advancement of the best interests of

Masonry on this continent . In Great Britain , as you are well aware , there is no General Grand Lodge ; and in the neighbouring Republic each state has a Grand Lodge which exercises supremo Masonic authority in her own jurisdiction . In the year 1859 , the subject of a General Grand Lodge for the United States , was brought before a Committee of Grand Officers for consideration , and by referring to my address of that year , you will find that I at that time expressed the

opinion , that the creation of a General Grand Lodge having jurisdiction over tho several states of the Union , would neither be expedient nor desirable . In submitting , however , the whole subject to your careful consideration , I do not wish it to be understood that I either decidedly oppose or approve of the suggestions which have been made . All I mean to convoy to you isthat thus far I have not

, been able to satisfy my own mind as to the wisest course to be pursued under our jiresent circumstances . But I earnestly request for it , that thoughtful and calm investigation which the great importance of the matter imperatively requires at your hands ; and I ivould suggest that its consideration be referred to a special committee , who may be able to report during the m-esent . session .

The Masonic Asylum . The next subject of importance , to which I would now direct your attention , is the proposed Masonic Asylum . Acting upon tho suggestions made by tbe Board of General Purposes , a circular , containing a series of questions has been addressed to each of our subordinate lodges ; their replies to which will enable us to ascertain the views and wishes of the Craft

generally , upon this very interesting and important question . It appears to me that we are not yet in a position which would warrant so large an expenditure of money as would be required for the erection and endowment of such an establishment as the Masons of Canada would wish to see associated with their name and order . Neither do I believe that there exists any urgent necessity for the immediate

expenditure of money for this purpose ; for although we must all admire the princely benevolence displayed by the Masons of England , in their groat Masonic Charities , we at the same time also know how widely different our position and circumstances aro from theirs . Every warranted lodge under this jurisdiction has , doubtless , its little list of widows and orphans , whom it gladly relieves to the utmost extent of its ability ; and

this Grand Body , also , has never yet turned a deaf ear to the appeal of poverty or distress ; but if you were carefully to examine as to the position and circumstances of tbe parties respectively , who have thus received relief and assistance at your hands , you would , I am convinced , find that but very few of them , if any , would accept your bounty , if coupled with the conditionthat hefore they could become reciients of itthey

, p , must become the inmates of a Masonic Asylum , and such of you as have had an opportunity of visiting asylums erected foraged and indigent Masons , either in England or elsewhere , and have carefully observed the inmates of these institutions , mast admit tbe fact , that in this country we have but few representatives of that unfortunate class of cases amongst us . The whole funds of our Grand Lodge ( with tbe exception of that portion

which is absolutely required to defray contingent and other expenses ) are , I consider , sacred to benevolent purposes ; and if these are prudently invested in public securities , we shall be