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that before a man uses his black ball he should be justified to his own conscience and his Masonic obligations before he wields his power . Though the right to use a black ball at his discretion is accorded to every Master Mason , there still exists his pledge to adhere to the principles of the square and compasses , viz ., the practice of every moral and social virtue , and of rendering to his

neighbour every kind office which justice ( and I here emphasize the word justice ) and mercy may require . This power of two silent votes to nullify the effect of say 26 or 28 others , ought in itself to compel every right thinking man to wield that power with very great care and thought , and not to let caprice or whim be the impelling motive . As a general rule we Englishmen cheerfully

recognise the right of the ¦ majority to decide a question , but in this Masonic matter we permit & minority of very small proportions to govern—that minority knowing the immensely disproportionate strength of their position ought to be satisfied to the silent judgment of their own rectitude that they are not prostituting their power to unworthy motives . The responsibility is a great one . Of

course , there is a vast difference between two brethren being agreed to black ball , and two deciding to do so unknown to each other ; in the former case it is probable that one will , in some degree , consciously or unconsciously have yielded to influence , or at least have looked at the Candidate from a standpoint not absolutely his own ; but where two brethren , unknown to each other , arrive at the

conclusion for reasons known to themselves individually , their conclusions are the result of two separate minds and consequently more unbiassed . And now , brethren , to come close home , what has been the result to the Lodge generally of black balling . Those of us who have been present on such occasions have observed that immediately the result is made known the thrill of an unexpected

event rushes through the place , you may see consternation , anger , regret , and disappointment pourtrayed on the brethren present , but nowhere can you see any indications of pleasure . For the time the even tenor of our way seems disturbed , the feeling of " Hand to hand I greet you as a brother" seems to tremble in the balance , wonderings and questionings arise , sympathy for the friends of the

Candidate shows forth here and there , a general perturbation disturbs the solemnity of our ceremonies , and an under current of disquietude acts unpleasantly upon all of us . Afterwards , as days roll on and brother meets brother , the how , and the why , and the wherefore of the black balling is discussed—the origin of the black balls is apparently the one point at which each and everyone seems

desirous of arriving . Speculative analysis is made of the brethren present , and sometimes even of the absent ones , as to their reason for being absent—brethren are classed amongst the likely and the unlikely at the option of the thinker , with the result that the blindest injustice is done . Men who are all that is straightforward and honourable are unfairly suspected of having played falsely .

On one occasion I know some eight or ten names were canvassed , not one of whom had any part or lot in the matter ; and on another occasion I know that a great injustice through incorrect suspicion was done to a brother of repute and high esteem amongst us . All this , brethren , is bound to work ill in a Lodge , brother looks askance at hrother , coteries and circles are formed ( fellow feeling

makes us wondrous kind ) , sympathy with the injured and distrust of the suspects form knots and groups where all ought to be one undivided whole , and if pushed to an extreme the gravest results , Masonically , will follow . Of one thing we may rest assured , viz ., that the black balling of a Candidate never added unity , strength , or prosperity to any Lodge . On the contrary , instances exist

around us where the black balling of a Candidate has shaken a Lodge almost to its foundations , and caused it to linger abjectly for years . Our own Lodge has had comparative immunity from this danger , though it has not escaped scot free . As a general rule an all round feeling of " give and take" exists amongst us , respect for the honest convictions of each other marks our

association generally , and for a long time there has been a conspicuous absence of contentious matter amongst us—we know we differ , and we agree to do so . Let us cherish and retain this position , giving each other credit for sound motives and refraining from administering an unfair rebuff to any brother who has , to the best of his skill and

ability , sought to increase our members , strengthen the Craft , and make hin self more extensively serviceable to his fellow men by legitimately increasing the ranks of Freemasonry . Let us waive minor objections whilst holding firmly to our principles , and keep our Lodge a thoroughly harmonious whole .

Having said so much , Worshipful Master and Brethren , I shall have wasted your time , unless we can get out of all this something of practical service to the " Old Menturia " ; but lest I may have been misunderstood let me here say that I do not for one moment , nor can any one , deny , the absolute unfettered right of every brother to use the black ball . I claim it for myself , and

should not hesitate to avail myself of it when other efforts to keep out an objectionable Candidate failed , but I hold it as the last resort . If milder methods fail we must maintain our principles at all hazards , but I hope I may never be driven to that extremity , because I am conscious that the black ball is not the pioneer of peace and prosperity in the Lodge , but the reverse . My object

to-night has been to draw the attention of the brethren , and more especially those who have more recently joined us , to a full consideration of this subject of voting , and in the interest of the Lodge to reduce to a minimum—if not entirely do away withblack balling in the future , but without asking any brother to sacrifice aught of his privileges or independence , these are the inherent right of each and every one of us and must be held sacred .

What then have we to submit as a step whereby an objectionable Candidate may be prevented gaining admission without the use of the black ball . Simply this—there has for years past existed an honourable understanding amongst us that any brethren having objections to a Candidate who has been , or is about to be proposed , shall tell the W . M . that such objections . exist ; it is optional whether or not the grounds of the objections are stated , though

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personally I should specify them myself . The W . M . then informs the Proposer that an objection or objections exist , and that consequently his nominee may not be accepted ; after that it is for the friends of the Candidate to decide whether or not they will force him to the ballot . If they do so it is done with their eyes wide openthey know the indisputable right of every brother to emphasize his

objection m a way not to be resisted , so that if the Candidate is then taken to the ballot by his friends they must accept the result , and the blame , if any , afterwards rests upon their shoulders . It is also far better when a brother has a Candidate in view to mention it beforehand to the W . M . and Officers , whereby the feeling generally of the Lodge is somewhat tested . I have always found

that the Lodge , as a rule , has an objection to a Candidate being sprung upon it unexpectedly whilst the Lodge is sitting ; this is a small matter , but it reaches farther than is apparent . I know , brethren , that it is alleged that these objections have not been held sacred by a W . M . or W . M . 's , but I think that must be due to a misapprehension of facts . I cannot conceive any brother whom I

have seen m the chair of this Lodge so far forgetting his own selfrespect , not to mention his Masonic obligations , as to disclose a confidential communication made to him as W . M . Every brother on his Installation solemnly pledges himself faithfully and impartially to administer the Office of W . M . to the best of his skill and ability—as you know , he has previously , as a M . M ., obligated

himself that his breast shall be the safe and sacred repository of a brother's secrets ; bearing all this in mind it is impossible to imagine a W . M . betraying a matter of Lodge interest and moment , which had been confidentially entrusted to him . My own experience is that the existence of these objections is generally made known wide-spread by the objector himself . He talks of it , he airs

his objections here and there to this man and to that , he consults his friends , and thus the matter becomes common property . Now , if brethren wish to raise objections to a Candidate , let them do so to the W . M . as W . M ., and as a confidential communication ; but let them , at the same time , set a guard upon their own lips , and speak to no one else about it ; then , brethren , you may rely upon it

being silent as the tomb , of that I am quite sure . If the objectors wish to discuss the objection so as to have another idea of it besides their own , let them do so with the W . M . ; for the time being he is on a raised platform , from which he will endeavour , as far as in him lies , to consider every point of Masonic matters calmly , dispassionately and equitably . As you know , I have been permitted

to occupy the chair of this Lodge , and I can assure you I never occupied a position which inspired such a strong desire and determination to act with the utmost judicial exactitude and right . The primary object which I have had in view , brethren , in standing before you to-night , has been the peace and prosperity of the Menturia Lodge . I desired to make each and all of us weigh

well our all-round responsibility in the matter of Masonic votingto see and feel what was due from us to the Candidate , to ourselves , to the Craft and to our Lodge . To enable us , as far as may be , to maintain the prestige and principles of the Craft , the peace and hannony of the Lodge , to extend our borders upon safe and sound lines , but whilst doing this not to injure the good name or selfrespect of any man . By so doing , brethren , we shall make Masonry

respected by those who can only judge it by results . Do not let us object to or reject Candidates except upon good and sufficient reasons , but if we have sound Masonic objections let us maintain them through thick and thin . We must not admit unworthy men to our ranks , but let us act straightforwardly , generously and justly . It is the duty of each and all of us to keep our Lodge pure as far as we can , but it is equally our duty to keep our Lodge united , harmonious and prosperous .

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HOTELS Recommended to the Subscribers to the " Masonic Star . "

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STAR AND GARTER HOTEL , KEW BRIDGE , Bro . JOUN BRILL , Proprietor . Seven Lodges and Chapters held In the Hotel , which possesses Special Facilities for Concerts , Evening Parties and Banquets . Scale of Charges on Application .

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MAYO'S CASTLE HOTEL , EAST MOLESEY , Hampton Court Station ( adjoining the Railway and facing the River and Palace ) . Bro . JOHN MAYO has ample accommodation in the now wing for Banquets for any number up to 100 . Spacious landing to River . Specimens of Menus , with prices , sent on application . Three Lodges meet at the Castle Hotel , and reference may be made to the respective Masters as to the catering , & c .

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BRIDGE HOUSE HOTEL , LONDON BRIDGE , S . E ., PEARCE & SON , Proprietors . Dinners , Wedding Breakfasts , Balls , Soirees , Concerts , Masonic , Public , or Private Meetings , & c . The Suite of Rooms for Balls and Concerts includes the Ball Room , Ante-Room , Refreshment and Supper Rooms and Ladies' Retiring Rooms . The Masonic Temple will seat 40 . Terms on Application .

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BOURNEMOUTH . Board and Residence , south aspect , close to the Sea , Pleasure Gardens ; centre of Town ; Home comforts . Terms , 30 / -. Apply M . A . Hood , Caversham , Poole Hill .

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THE BEDFORD " FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL HOTEL , PORTSMOUTH . Proprietor , R . P . BRIANT .

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SEA HOUSE HOTEL , MIDDLE ST ., BRIGHTON . —THOMAS GIBBS ( late Supt . Brighton Police Fire Brigade ) . Choicest Wines and Spirits , Fine Foreign Cigars , Billiards , Private Apartments .

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PARSON'S HOTEL , RIO DE JANEIRO , BRAZIL . V __ y English home comforts , and all information about Brazil , will be found in this Hotel . WM . D . CARSON , Proprietor .

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EAMSGATE . WESTBOURNE HOUSE BOARDING ESTABLISHMENT . Smoking and Drawing Rooms ; facing sea late dinner ; Terms moderate . Mrs . DUNN West CUfl .