Ar00201

The J . G . W . has , so far as we know , taken no part whatever in the deliberations of G . L ., and has only served the Stewardship of one Charity out of the three . Neither the GRAND SECRETARY , nor the S . G . D . are of sufficient standing to fill their corresponding chairs in Grand Chapter ; while the latter has distinguished himself by his persevering—not to say

personal—opposition to the movement in favour of administrative reform in G . L . It will not escape observation that there was no lack of Brethren who have deserved well of the Craft by their zealous attention to their duties , and the interest they have taken in all that concerns our welfare and

progress ; men whose worth then- own provinces have recognised in no unsubstantial form . By the retirement of the GRAND REGISTRAR we have lost one whose habits of business made him a most valuable member of the executive , in spite of the somewhat despotic rule winch we have before had occasion

to notice . We are unaware of any special reason for the re-appointment of the GEAND CHAPLAINS . On the whole we cannot compliment the advisers of the M . W . the G . M . upon their list of G . O . ' s ; it will require a deal more cooking , or we ought , we believe , to say , doctoring , before it will be palatable to any but the small clique who have hitherto governed , or misgoverned , the Freemasons of England .

Ar00200

A VERY accurate idea of the present state of feeling in Canada may be gathered from the important communication of the P . G . M . of QUEBEC , and from the lucid statement of Br . BEACH , M . P ., which we publish to-day . From these documents it would appear that the Independent Grand Lodge has made such way as to threaten

to absorb our own P . G . L ., which has hitherto maintained its connexion with England , and the only course that seems now to be open to us , if we desire to maintain the latter as an independent body , is to establish them upon such a footing of self-government as will enable them to compete with the-self-constituted G . L ., and

even to turn the tables , and re-attract them into one common society . There can prima facie be little question that union among Masons is the best guarantee for uniformity and efficiency , and it is , in itself , to be regretted that the necessity has arisen for . loosening the bonds which join

England and Canada . At the same time it is perhaps even more important that there should be union between Canadian Masons themselves , than between England and a section of Canada ; nor can it be supposed that a powerful and growing state will be content to merge its individuality

in that representation of London Lodges which practically constitutes the G . L . of England . As in Politics , so in Masonry , local freedom of action must be given to the different local communities , and according to their several requirements , a common bond of union being still , if possible , maintained .

This is the principle for which Lord CARNARVON , and those who support him in G . L ., have contended for the last year ; and a perusal of the documents before alluded to , will , we think , convince our readers that had that policy been adopted when first proposed , we should never have been involved in the difficulty in which we now find ourselves .

Two points strike us in connexion with this subject ; first , that virtual independence must be given to the P . G . L . of Cauada ; and secondly , that there is even , yet a strong desire on the part of our trans-Atlantic brethren not to sever themselves entirel y from the G . L . of England . This being so , we do not think there need

be much difficulty in satisfying the claims of Masonic justice , while preserving the principle of Masonic unity . We should propose that the election of their P . G . M . be definitely placed in the hands of each Canadian P . G . L ., allowing to the G . M . of England a nominal veto upon such appointment , as well as requiring the

consent of G . L . to any fundamental change in the Book of Constitutions . In all other respects the entire management of then - affairs might be well left to the District G . Lodges , and we believe that such an arrangement as this would meet the requirements of the case , and we hope the wishes of the great body of Canadian Masons .

Ar00202

THE ancient city of OXFORD witnessed a short time since a memorable scene . The G . M . for the first time graced with his presence that city whose architectural glories reflect the practical lessons of Masonry , and whose schools of science and study are no indifferent type of that higher speculative teaching which is the boast of our Order . But if the sun of English

Freemasonry shone forth in the person of the G . M . on that occasion , the moon and the greater planets—the D . G . M . and the Sen . and Jun . G . Wardens—were absent . Some lesser lights indeed , satellites of the great luminary—the fixed Stars of the Dais—flickered and twinkled with a somewhat uncertain li ght ; but in spite

of the lavish hospitality with which Oxford knows so well how to greet her guests , even the courtesy of the G . M . strove in vain to excuse the absence of his Grand Officers , and to hide the vacant seats to which they had been bidden . Oxford undoubtedly has many subjects of

self-gratulation , and her members witnessed with just satisfaction the compliment paid to her in the presence of the G . M . ; but Oxford cannot and ought not to forget that there are higher objects in Masonry than the official purple , more arduous duties than the compliments of a banquet . Oxford cannot entirely forget the events which have

agitated the Craft during the last twelvemonth , the policy which has hitherto deprived the country lodges of their undoubted rights , and the incompetence and maladministration which have resulted in the secession of Canada . She cannot forget that the supporters of the country interests , the upholders of the Constitution , the