HASTE, AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.

causes are in opera

MANY judicious Brethren regard with anxiety, mingled with serious. apprehensions, the present popularity of the Order and the consequent rapid increase of members in the Lodges. They cannot forget that it was mainly to this cause, added to a want of proper care in the selection of candidates, that our Brethren, a quarter of a century ago, were indebted for the persecution which for ten years swept over the country like a tornado, prostrating the Lodges, and scattering their members to the four winds of heaven,—many of them so far indeed, that to the credit of the Institution and the relief of their Brethren, they were never able to find their way back again. And although such might, and doubtless would, be the result of another similar outbreak, and however desirable some such purifying process may be, the recollections of the past are not sufficiently agreeable to induce a wish for a repetition of it. Nor do we fear any such result, even though it should be true that like tion. The state of society, and the common sentiment of the people in relation to such subjects, have undergone radical changes since the period referred to, and the politicians of the present day would find it a difficult matter to re-enact the tragic scenes of 1830, should they attempt it. Our danger lies in another direction. Whatever of difficulty may be in reserve for us as a Fraternity, is to emanate from among ourselves, and as the natural result of gross negligence of duty. If the doors of our Lodges are to be thrown open to the indiscriminate admission of all persons who may apply for initiation, no power on earth can save the Institution from degradation, and preserve it from those internal dissensions and strifes which, as an unavoidable and natural consequence, would deprive it of the presence and support of those whose connection with it is no less essential to its rank among kindred societies, than promotive of its usefulThis is the true source of our danger, and the consequences we have to fear and guard against. We do not believe that a large increase of members necessarily implies a corresponding increase of danger. But we do believe, that in a time of such unequalled prosperity as the present, there is more danger that improper persons can gain admission, than in seasons when a less amount of work is done by the Lodges; for the very plain reason that the members in the former case are over-crowded with business; while in the latter, ample time is allowed the committees to make up their reports,-fewer dispensations are asked for, and the work is better and more satisfactorily done. This, however, ought not to be so. Pressure of business ought not to be permitted to make any difference in

ness.

the duties of the Lodge, as it is no justification for the neglect of them. In matters of so much importance to the whole Fraternity as the admission of new members, especially, there should be no haste, no omission of any of the forms, no over-riding or evasion of any of the requirements of the by-laws of the Lodge, or of the usages of the Institution. The candidate should be required to stand the full probationary term, and the ballot should not then be taken, under any circumstances, except on the report of at least a majority of the committee. All doubts should make against the candidate, and for the security of the Lodge. There is no safety in any other rule. If the applicant cannot present a positive character, which shall be satisfactory to the Lodge, he ought not to be admitted. Negative qualities are no recommendation, and cannot be received as any guaranty of fitness.

Another loose practice has obtained in many of the Lodges in some parts of the country, which should be corrected as speedily as possible, for nothing but evil can result from it, namely, the rushing of candidates through the ceremonies with locomotive speed. The accredited rule of Masonry is, that the candidate shall stand at least one calendar month before taking a superior degree; and in addition to this, and in conformity also to ancient practice, he is, in our best Lodges, required to make, and exhibit in open Lodge, a certain measure of proficiency in the lecture and essentials of the preceding degree, before advancement. And in those Lodges where this rule is in force, and carried out in the fullest extent, we find our most reliable, intelligent and zealous Brethren. The ceremonies and lessons being better understood, their teachings and beauties are more justly appreciated-the officers of the Lodge are more readily obeyed, -order is more easily preserved, the members are harmonious and happy, and the Lodge is united and prosperous. In Lodges of this character,-stimulated to duty by love for the Order and a proper self-respect,there is very little chance for improper persons to gain admission. They are not very likely to escape the scrutiny of a committee who feel the importance of the duty committed to them, and the personal responsibility which necessarily attaches to their report.-Freemasons' Monthly Magazine.

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Perhaps equivocation in words is pardonable; but that of the physiognomy is unpardonable: for when the eyes, those last retreats of truth, are false, the whole heart is corrupt, and perversity incurable."

THE FRATERNAL ELEMENT.

THE world outside of the Masonic Order generally entertain the belief that the fraternal element is strong among the members of the mystic tie, -that there is always a cordial sociability, if not something more sincere than mere companionship, when they meet,-that the harmonial chord of brotherly relation unites them in the bonds of true friendship; and this belief has, without doubt, been induced by the warm eulogies of the members of the Fraternity, in their exposition of the principles of Masonry, and their high laudation of its pure and benign precepts and teachings. Truly all that has been written or that can be said in regard to the unfoldment of the highest and holiest feelings of our affectional nature, the realization of true brotherly love, would be no exaggeration if the members of the Fraternity all possessed the qualifications of heart and mind which Masonry requires-if all would live up to its obligations and teachings. That there have been in all ages of the world, since the foundation of our Order, some who have exhibited in their daily life and intercourse with their Brethren those fraternal characteristics of true sympathy, charity and brotherly love, the records of the past conclusively prove. That some Freemasons have lived, and do now live, up to the obligations and teachings of the Order, is an evidence that Masonry does not require that which is impracticable. Why is it then that all who have taken the obligations of Masonry, who have knelt at the same altars, received and exchanged the fraternal token, and embraced in fellowship, do not possess those generous and genuine sympathies for their Brethren of the mystic tie? Why is the fraternal element not developed in all Freemasons? Why are not all Freemasons brothers indeed? It needs not our declaration, that there does not exist among Freemasons generally a warm brotherly attachment, that the cement is not very binding, that the "bond of brothers" is not illustrated in sympathy, charity, and fraternal association, and that often the courtesies and civilities due from man to man are intermitted in social intercourse. These are truths, which, however much regretted by all true Freemasons, the facts render too potent to be ignored. The relation of these truths, however unwelcome, may have a beneficial effect. It may result in causing the members of the Fraternity to reflect and consider, if these conditions, antagonistic to Freemasonry, are allowed to exist, that the Temple we are erecting is in danger, and that Masonry, our ancient and honorable Order, being subjected to their constant influence, will ere long cease to be a fraternal brotherhood. To prevent so dire a calamity, to cause the members of the Fraternity to

consider the true intent and aim of Freemasonry, to reflect upon the obligations they have taken, and to induce them to develop more fully the fraternal element, is our object in writing this article. Will the Brethren take heed? How often have Brethren remarked to us, that in visiting Lodges where they were strangers, they were permitted to sit the whole evening, and not a single member approached them with a kind or welcome greeting! Such unsociability,-such a want of courtesy and common civility, is unnatural to the true Masonic relation. Let the bare statement be sufficient, and let each endeavor to unfold within himself and his Masonic Brethren the fraternal element.—Mirror and Keystone.

PROCEEDINGS OF MASONIC BODIES.

RHODE ISLAND.

THE M. W. Grand Lodge of Rhode Island held its Quarterly Communication in Masons' Hall, Providence, on the 28th of May, every subordinate Lodge being represented, and an unusual number of the permanent members present.

The M. W. Grand Master, Jervis J. Smith, delivered an excellent address, and Bro. W. Thomas A. Doyle, read the Report on Foreign Correspondence.

The Grand Lodge of Washington Territory was recognized.

Bro. W. Jason Williams, after fourteen years of service as Grand Treasurer, declined a re-election, whereupon the Grand Lodge presented him with a vote of thanks and the jewel of a Past Grand Treasurer, and elected him a permanent member of the Grand Lodge.

Newport was decided upon as the place to celebrate the approaching anniversary of St. John the Baptist, and Bros. Henry F. Smith, of Union Lodge No. 10; William Butler, of Harmony Lodge No. 9; and James H. Armington, of St. John's Lodge No. 2, were appointed a Committee to make the necessary arrangements.

The following officers were duly elected and installed: M. W. William Gray, of Newport, G. M.; R. W. Ariel Ballou, of Woonsocket, D. G. M., and Thomas A. Doyle, of Providence, G. Sec.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

GRAND LODGE.-Officers elected June 12, 1860: A. P. Hughes, G. M.; J. C. Hanson, D. G. M.; Christopher Whitney, G. S. W.; R. N. Ross, J. G. W.; John Knowlton, G. Treas.; Horace Chase, G. Sec.

MISSOURI.

GRAND CHAPTER.-Officers elected May 23, 1860: J. W. Crane, G. H. P.; Samuel Russel, D. G. H. P.; James Carr, G. K.; Geo. R. Hunt, G. Scribe; John D. Daggett, G. Treas. ; A. O'Sullivan, G. Sec.; Rev. James E. Drake, G. Chap. ; Sam. M. Hodges, Capt. of H.; R. F. Nebit, R. A. C.; A. O'Sullivan, G. Lecturer.

GRAND COMMANDERY OF MISSOURI. This new Grand Commandery was formed by the Representatives of the Commanderies in the State on the 22nd of May last, and its officers installed by Sir A. O'Sullivan, as Proxy for Sir B. B. French, G. M. of the United States, after forming a Constitution and By-Laws.

CALIFORNIA.

GRAND LODGE.-Officers elected May 9, 1860: N. Green Curtis, G. M.; P. W. Shephard, D. G. M.; W. C. Betcher, S. G. W.; A. Haywood, J. G. W.; Addison Martin, G. Treas. ; Alexander G. Abell, G. Secretary.

GRAND CHAPTER.-Officers elected May 10, 1860: H. H. Hartley, G. H. P.; A. Hollub, D. G. H. P.; J. W. Broknel, G. K.; E. H. Van Decar, G. Scribe; O. W. Shephard, G. Treas.; Chas. Orom, G. Sec.

ENGLAND.

UNITED GRAND LODGE.-The Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge, for the installation of Grand Master and appointment of Grand Officers, was held at Freemasons' Hall, London, on Wednesday, April 25th, the M. W. the Earl of Zetland, Grand Master, on the throne. The minutes of the preceding Grand Lodge, so far as they concerned the reëlection of the Earl of Zetland, having been confirmed, his Lordship was proclaimed and saluted in due form. The M. W. Grand Master briefly acknowledged the honor of being thus elected the seventeenth time, and assured the brethren it was his earnest desire to further the best interests of the Craft. He then appointed the following as officers for the present year: R. W. Lord Panmure, D. G. M.; Lord Lounsborough, S. G. W.; Algernon Perkins, J. G. W.; Samuel Tompkins, G. Treas.; F. Roxburg, G. Reg.; W. Gray Clark, G. Sec.; Lewis Crombie, S. G. D.; R. W. Wheeler, J. G. D. In the evening the members of the Grand Lodge proceeded to the annual banquet, which, our report says, did not give, owing to a misunderstanding as to numbers, the satisfaction of former years. Eloquent speeches were made by the Earl of Zetland, Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis, Bart., Prov. G. M. for Hants, Algernon Perkins, and others. The musical arrangements were excellent.-N. Y. Courier.