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Article GRAND LODGE OF EMERGENCY, Nov. 19. ← Page 4 of 6 →
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Grand Lodge Of Emergency, Nov. 19.
in this manner , till we have been permitted to consider the question of our privileges , we ought to declare that we will not discuss any other . ( Loud cheers . ) Therefore , while I submit to the G M . in the chair , as a member of G . L . I feel bound to maintain its dignity , and I move that this G . L . declines to proceed to any other business till it has been allowed to decide on its own inherent authority and prerogative . ( Loud applause . ) BRO . HEARNE seconded this amendment .
Bito . B . OXBURO opposed the amendment . BRO . WARREN said an amendment could not be put upon an amendment till the first amendment was disposed of . ( The G . M . had refused to put it . ) BRO . BOXBURG : It has been stated by the Rev . Bro . Portal that the G . M . has refused to permit G . L . to consider its own constitutions . ( Hear , hear . ) That I deny . ( Applause . ) Masonry ; s bound by its lawsand there is but one constitutional method of
, amending these laws , and if the worthy brother is desirous of amending them he can do so in the proper way—viz , by giving a substantive notice of motion , which would then be considered by the G . L . So long as the W . M . occupies that chair he is bound to maintain those laws , and in the exposition of them he has given his own notions , in accordance wit ' trhis views of his obligation , in which I concur . He is bound to put his own construction upon them , and to administer them to the best of his belief That there
are brethren who may wish to make alterations in those laws I can readily conceive ; but I do ask the G . L . to supportits own dignity , and not to stultif y itself by admitting , by a side wind , alterations in its constitutions . If alterations are to be made , let them be made legally and manfully . ( Cheers . ) The Bev . Bro . said the G . M . refused to let us discuss our own jurisdiction . I am surprised at such an observation coming from such a quarter . The G . M . has laid down what he considers the existing state of the lawand the
, G . L . has the power to alter that law , but such alteration must be made in a regularly appointed manner . You cannot do it by a side wind . ( Hear ) 1 hope for the honor of the chair and ihe credit of Masonry , that the brethren will support the chair . The law laid down by ( he chair must be respected , however erroneous it may be . To our G . M we have confided our sovereignty ; he is the king of the craft , and he cannot put such an amendment as Bro . Portal ' s .
B * o . BINCKES rose to order , on the ground that the G . M . was allowing that very discussion on the part of those who thought with him which he denied to those who entertained opposite views . Brio . BOXBURG : It is very evident that the brother who last spoke did not hear what it was 1 said . ( Laughter ) I was not urging the propriety of the decision at which the G . M . lvas arrived . ( Loud cries of " Question , question . " ) I am speaking to the question , and I say so long as the G . M is in the chair his decision , whether ri
ght or wrong , must be respected . ( Hear , hear . ) It should not be controverted by a motion like this , which would reverse that decision . lino . HARRISON ( P . M . of the Boyal York ) : In September last , your lordship , not being present , was represented by a deputy , and—G . M .: Older , brother ( Laughter . ) BRO . HARBISON : M . W . Siryou are proceeding contrary to
, , the Book of Constitutions . ( Loud cheers and laughter . ) The G . M . then read the amendment of Brother Portal . BRO . the EARL of CARNARVON : M . W ., Sir , before you put the amendment I shall be glad to have an opportunity of saying a few words upon it . G . M .: You shall sp * ak after I have read the amendment . The G . M . then read the amendment , and decided that it was to
call in question his decison , and therefore he would not put it . Bno . the EARL of CARNARVON : In accordance villi the permission of the M . W . the G . M . I shall make one or two observations . You , Sir , this evening have said something of the House of Commons , and you have referred to some of our customs as corresponding with theirs ; but whenever Ihe Government , or any private individual , is called in question for any act or policy , so far from stopping the discussion he is the first to invite it . ( Loud applause . ) Allow me to say that it does come , with an ill grace . 1 speak with the deepest respect , my lord , of jou personally , and of your office , but I must speak with that freedom which characterizes gentlemen and Free Masons , and 1 now must say that it does come with an ill grace from
the Dais when we consider the circumstances of the case . G . L . was adjourned in September without a word of opposition from those who were in authority upon that occasion , and it was . opened upon that adjournment on the 1 st of October with the sanction of those who were then in authority , having been summoned together by official circulars from the G . See ' s office . ( Loud applause . ) The G . M .: I must call my noble friend and brother to order , because he is now entering upon a course of argument which I
have decided to be disorderly . The E . ofCARNARVAN : I see how difficult a course they have to pursue who do not bask in the smiles of your favor and approval —( loud cheers)—but , Sir , whether that right do exist or whether it do not exist , to which I lay a claim—I will not say it does exist under the circumstances of the case ; but whether it does or does not exist we claim it as an inherent right . ( Loud cries of" Questionquestion . " ) Whether riht or wrongI say that there is an
, g , inherent right in every reptesentative assembly , and we claim it , because G . L . should be inherently supreme , and we demand the acknowledgment of that supremacy as our safeguard against intrigue , antl our guarantee for the preservation of our liberties and our—( the remainder of the sentence was drowned in" applause and cries of " Order , order . " ) BRO . H . G . WARREN : We have nothing before us but the motion of our worthy Bro Col . Burlton , on which I shall move an
amendment , and 1 shall do so in a few words I disagree with the noble lord in his application of the privilege of the House of Commons to the practice of G . L , and I know something of the H . of C . from my experience in the gallery . I feel strongly on this subject . As we have already decided the question which is now before us I think it is only a waste of time to go over the ground again , and I shall therefore now move that this G . L . be closed . ( Loud cheers , laughter , and cries of" Oh ! oh ! " from the Dais . ) BRO . BINCKES seconded the motion , amidst loud cheers and uproarious demonstrations of angry feeling .
TheG . M .: I mustappealtotheG . L to support me . ( Applause . ) I do trust that G . L . is not becoming a mere debating club . 1 do hope that resolutions will not be brought forward which have neither sense nor meaning , such as the proposition that the G . L be now closed . ( Hear , hear . ) Why , the fact is . the G . L . cannot be closed , except by the G . M . I am sorry to have heard the observations which have fallen from my noble friend and brother who has just addressed G L . respecting his not finding favour with the G . JI . 1 can assure my noble friend and brother that there is no member of G . L . for
whom I entertain a higher respect . ( Cheers . ) I have known him from his infancy , and I have been intimate with his family all my life , and not one word would I say to him which would give him offence . But I must administer the law accoiiling to the oath I have taken , to the best of my judgment antl ability , and I regret that such remarks should have fallen from the noble lord . Iwas for 25 years a member of the House of Commons , and therefore I can neither lean to the opinion of the noble lord nor to th . it of the worthy gentleman who says he has occupied a place in the gallery .
( Laughter . ) The E . of CARNARVON : M . W ., Sir , I beg to disclaim on my part , all intentional discourtesy . You have said that you have a duty to perform to the best of your ability , and believe me that I should not have expressed the views to which I have given utterance upon the present occasion had I not felt that if I did not express my opinion I should be a traitor to the cause of G . L . I have at heart . ( Loud cheers . )
BROTHER C . PURTON COOPER wished to bring the unhappy discussion to a close , he said ; but his observations were received with * ' question , " and a variety of demonstrations of impatience . The brethren , he saitl , must haveheard with delight and satisfaction the interchange of friendly sentiments between the G . M . and the I ! , of Carnarvon . ( Hear , hear ) 1 have no intention to take up your time , but you will allow me , perhaps , to say that I also have very strong opinions on this question of the power of adjournment ,
and—¦ BROTHER PORTAL : I rise to order . ( Hear , hear , and laughter . ) BROTHER PURTON COOPER : My opinion on the subject is — ( Order , order . ) BRO . BRADSIIAW : There are many brethren with strong opinions who feel deeply on this subject , and would like to have it decided by G . Lodge . Bito . STEERING , Prov . G . Sec . for Hampshire , said lie wished to
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Grand Lodge Of Emergency, Nov. 19.
in this manner , till we have been permitted to consider the question of our privileges , we ought to declare that we will not discuss any other . ( Loud cheers . ) Therefore , while I submit to the G M . in the chair , as a member of G . L . I feel bound to maintain its dignity , and I move that this G . L . declines to proceed to any other business till it has been allowed to decide on its own inherent authority and prerogative . ( Loud applause . ) BRO . HEARNE seconded this amendment .
Bito . B . OXBURO opposed the amendment . BRO . WARREN said an amendment could not be put upon an amendment till the first amendment was disposed of . ( The G . M . had refused to put it . ) BRO . BOXBURG : It has been stated by the Rev . Bro . Portal that the G . M . has refused to permit G . L . to consider its own constitutions . ( Hear , hear . ) That I deny . ( Applause . ) Masonry ; s bound by its lawsand there is but one constitutional method of
, amending these laws , and if the worthy brother is desirous of amending them he can do so in the proper way—viz , by giving a substantive notice of motion , which would then be considered by the G . L . So long as the W . M . occupies that chair he is bound to maintain those laws , and in the exposition of them he has given his own notions , in accordance wit ' trhis views of his obligation , in which I concur . He is bound to put his own construction upon them , and to administer them to the best of his belief That there
are brethren who may wish to make alterations in those laws I can readily conceive ; but I do ask the G . L . to supportits own dignity , and not to stultif y itself by admitting , by a side wind , alterations in its constitutions . If alterations are to be made , let them be made legally and manfully . ( Cheers . ) The Bev . Bro . said the G . M . refused to let us discuss our own jurisdiction . I am surprised at such an observation coming from such a quarter . The G . M . has laid down what he considers the existing state of the lawand the
, G . L . has the power to alter that law , but such alteration must be made in a regularly appointed manner . You cannot do it by a side wind . ( Hear ) 1 hope for the honor of the chair and ihe credit of Masonry , that the brethren will support the chair . The law laid down by ( he chair must be respected , however erroneous it may be . To our G . M we have confided our sovereignty ; he is the king of the craft , and he cannot put such an amendment as Bro . Portal ' s .
B * o . BINCKES rose to order , on the ground that the G . M . was allowing that very discussion on the part of those who thought with him which he denied to those who entertained opposite views . Brio . BOXBURG : It is very evident that the brother who last spoke did not hear what it was 1 said . ( Laughter ) I was not urging the propriety of the decision at which the G . M . lvas arrived . ( Loud cries of " Question , question . " ) I am speaking to the question , and I say so long as the G . M is in the chair his decision , whether ri
ght or wrong , must be respected . ( Hear , hear . ) It should not be controverted by a motion like this , which would reverse that decision . lino . HARRISON ( P . M . of the Boyal York ) : In September last , your lordship , not being present , was represented by a deputy , and—G . M .: Older , brother ( Laughter . ) BRO . HARBISON : M . W . Siryou are proceeding contrary to
, , the Book of Constitutions . ( Loud cheers and laughter . ) The G . M . then read the amendment of Brother Portal . BRO . the EARL of CARNARVON : M . W ., Sir , before you put the amendment I shall be glad to have an opportunity of saying a few words upon it . G . M .: You shall sp * ak after I have read the amendment . The G . M . then read the amendment , and decided that it was to
call in question his decison , and therefore he would not put it . Bno . the EARL of CARNARVON : In accordance villi the permission of the M . W . the G . M . I shall make one or two observations . You , Sir , this evening have said something of the House of Commons , and you have referred to some of our customs as corresponding with theirs ; but whenever Ihe Government , or any private individual , is called in question for any act or policy , so far from stopping the discussion he is the first to invite it . ( Loud applause . ) Allow me to say that it does come , with an ill grace . 1 speak with the deepest respect , my lord , of jou personally , and of your office , but I must speak with that freedom which characterizes gentlemen and Free Masons , and 1 now must say that it does come with an ill grace from
the Dais when we consider the circumstances of the case . G . L . was adjourned in September without a word of opposition from those who were in authority upon that occasion , and it was . opened upon that adjournment on the 1 st of October with the sanction of those who were then in authority , having been summoned together by official circulars from the G . See ' s office . ( Loud applause . ) The G . M .: I must call my noble friend and brother to order , because he is now entering upon a course of argument which I
have decided to be disorderly . The E . ofCARNARVAN : I see how difficult a course they have to pursue who do not bask in the smiles of your favor and approval —( loud cheers)—but , Sir , whether that right do exist or whether it do not exist , to which I lay a claim—I will not say it does exist under the circumstances of the case ; but whether it does or does not exist we claim it as an inherent right . ( Loud cries of" Questionquestion . " ) Whether riht or wrongI say that there is an
, g , inherent right in every reptesentative assembly , and we claim it , because G . L . should be inherently supreme , and we demand the acknowledgment of that supremacy as our safeguard against intrigue , antl our guarantee for the preservation of our liberties and our—( the remainder of the sentence was drowned in" applause and cries of " Order , order . " ) BRO . H . G . WARREN : We have nothing before us but the motion of our worthy Bro Col . Burlton , on which I shall move an
amendment , and 1 shall do so in a few words I disagree with the noble lord in his application of the privilege of the House of Commons to the practice of G . L , and I know something of the H . of C . from my experience in the gallery . I feel strongly on this subject . As we have already decided the question which is now before us I think it is only a waste of time to go over the ground again , and I shall therefore now move that this G . L . be closed . ( Loud cheers , laughter , and cries of" Oh ! oh ! " from the Dais . ) BRO . BINCKES seconded the motion , amidst loud cheers and uproarious demonstrations of angry feeling .
TheG . M .: I mustappealtotheG . L to support me . ( Applause . ) I do trust that G . L . is not becoming a mere debating club . 1 do hope that resolutions will not be brought forward which have neither sense nor meaning , such as the proposition that the G . L be now closed . ( Hear , hear . ) Why , the fact is . the G . L . cannot be closed , except by the G . M . I am sorry to have heard the observations which have fallen from my noble friend and brother who has just addressed G L . respecting his not finding favour with the G . JI . 1 can assure my noble friend and brother that there is no member of G . L . for
whom I entertain a higher respect . ( Cheers . ) I have known him from his infancy , and I have been intimate with his family all my life , and not one word would I say to him which would give him offence . But I must administer the law accoiiling to the oath I have taken , to the best of my judgment antl ability , and I regret that such remarks should have fallen from the noble lord . Iwas for 25 years a member of the House of Commons , and therefore I can neither lean to the opinion of the noble lord nor to th . it of the worthy gentleman who says he has occupied a place in the gallery .
( Laughter . ) The E . of CARNARVON : M . W ., Sir , I beg to disclaim on my part , all intentional discourtesy . You have said that you have a duty to perform to the best of your ability , and believe me that I should not have expressed the views to which I have given utterance upon the present occasion had I not felt that if I did not express my opinion I should be a traitor to the cause of G . L . I have at heart . ( Loud cheers . )
BROTHER C . PURTON COOPER wished to bring the unhappy discussion to a close , he said ; but his observations were received with * ' question , " and a variety of demonstrations of impatience . The brethren , he saitl , must haveheard with delight and satisfaction the interchange of friendly sentiments between the G . M . and the I ! , of Carnarvon . ( Hear , hear ) 1 have no intention to take up your time , but you will allow me , perhaps , to say that I also have very strong opinions on this question of the power of adjournment ,
and—¦ BROTHER PORTAL : I rise to order . ( Hear , hear , and laughter . ) BROTHER PURTON COOPER : My opinion on the subject is — ( Order , order . ) BRO . BRADSIIAW : There are many brethren with strong opinions who feel deeply on this subject , and would like to have it decided by G . Lodge . Bito . STEERING , Prov . G . Sec . for Hampshire , said lie wished to