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Article TO THE EDITOR. ← Page 4 of 5 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To The Editor.
withdraw their proxies—if possible it would be far better for the Masters and AVardens to attend tlie Grand Lodge , but where this is not possible let the Lodge appoint a Brother of the Lodge , or any Brother that will take an interest in the matter , and let that Brother be careful who he fixes upon for AVardens . Then , as was suggested last year , fix a particular meeting of the Grand Lodge , say August , for the Masters and AVardens of Lodges and the Proxy Masters and AVardens to go to that
meeting , and by having motions tabled at the previous meeting in May , they may wait the result with a sure but firm confidence . There is much to be done ere theLodges obtain that influence which their own apathy has transferred to the hands of their Proxy-Masters . In order to obtain the proper power which is vested in theLodges by the very principles of the Craft , the Proxy-Masters should be done away with ; the Lodges should be represented by their own principal officers , and by all Past Masters who are
paying members to the Lodge , as they , from their knowledge of the work , and the interest which they should have in ' the ^ Lodge , are naturall y fitted to be amongst the rulers of the Craft . It is perfectly absurd to suppose that a youth newly entered , passed , and raised , can be fitted by his experience to be a ruler . Yet this is constantly the case , and such is the proxy system ! Then there are complaints as to money matters . Are they managed
in the most prudent method ? AVe have two paid officers , when one is perfectly sufficient for the work . Let there be only one , and pay him well , and get the work well done . We have two offices , neither of which we can call our own ; let us have one in a convenient part of the city , which we may call our own , where all Masonic business may be transacted . Again , the country Lodges cannot obtain information on the various matters to be brought before the Grand Lodge . After every
meeting of Grand Lodge a circular ought to be transmitted to each Lodge , giving an account of what has heen done , and what motions are tabled for the next meeting , with a statement of the funds , and how their representatives voted , and many other particulars which would naturally interest the Brethren . If this were done , it is scarcely possible that such irregularities as those which took place at the last Grand Lodge meeting and Festival should occur . Correct working and discipline would put a stop to hissing and noise , and those only would be censured who break the laws . That improvement may progress is the ardent wish of Yours fraternally ,
FELLOW-CRAFT . EDINBURGH , Dec . 1850 . f _ The present state of Masonry in Scotland as detailed by the above letters , is anything but satisfactory . We give this " communication " as we have received it , without being answerable for its statements , and leaving them to stand or fall upon their own merits . But , at the same time , we are bound to say that we have it from unimpeachable
authority , —from a Scottish Brother who has long dissolved his connection with the Craft , on account of the inconsistencies above related , and ( who is unacquainted with the writer of the above letter)—that such is its present condition in Scotland , that it is much more creditable to be known NOT to be a Freemason than to be one . The termination of Lodge meetings are constantly disgraced , he says , by rioting , confusion , and drunkenness , and the Order is consequently at a discount . There must be something rotten at head quarters that such things should be allowed . Although
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To The Editor.
withdraw their proxies—if possible it would be far better for the Masters and AVardens to attend tlie Grand Lodge , but where this is not possible let the Lodge appoint a Brother of the Lodge , or any Brother that will take an interest in the matter , and let that Brother be careful who he fixes upon for AVardens . Then , as was suggested last year , fix a particular meeting of the Grand Lodge , say August , for the Masters and AVardens of Lodges and the Proxy Masters and AVardens to go to that
meeting , and by having motions tabled at the previous meeting in May , they may wait the result with a sure but firm confidence . There is much to be done ere theLodges obtain that influence which their own apathy has transferred to the hands of their Proxy-Masters . In order to obtain the proper power which is vested in theLodges by the very principles of the Craft , the Proxy-Masters should be done away with ; the Lodges should be represented by their own principal officers , and by all Past Masters who are
paying members to the Lodge , as they , from their knowledge of the work , and the interest which they should have in ' the ^ Lodge , are naturall y fitted to be amongst the rulers of the Craft . It is perfectly absurd to suppose that a youth newly entered , passed , and raised , can be fitted by his experience to be a ruler . Yet this is constantly the case , and such is the proxy system ! Then there are complaints as to money matters . Are they managed
in the most prudent method ? AVe have two paid officers , when one is perfectly sufficient for the work . Let there be only one , and pay him well , and get the work well done . We have two offices , neither of which we can call our own ; let us have one in a convenient part of the city , which we may call our own , where all Masonic business may be transacted . Again , the country Lodges cannot obtain information on the various matters to be brought before the Grand Lodge . After every
meeting of Grand Lodge a circular ought to be transmitted to each Lodge , giving an account of what has heen done , and what motions are tabled for the next meeting , with a statement of the funds , and how their representatives voted , and many other particulars which would naturally interest the Brethren . If this were done , it is scarcely possible that such irregularities as those which took place at the last Grand Lodge meeting and Festival should occur . Correct working and discipline would put a stop to hissing and noise , and those only would be censured who break the laws . That improvement may progress is the ardent wish of Yours fraternally ,
FELLOW-CRAFT . EDINBURGH , Dec . 1850 . f _ The present state of Masonry in Scotland as detailed by the above letters , is anything but satisfactory . We give this " communication " as we have received it , without being answerable for its statements , and leaving them to stand or fall upon their own merits . But , at the same time , we are bound to say that we have it from unimpeachable
authority , —from a Scottish Brother who has long dissolved his connection with the Craft , on account of the inconsistencies above related , and ( who is unacquainted with the writer of the above letter)—that such is its present condition in Scotland , that it is much more creditable to be known NOT to be a Freemason than to be one . The termination of Lodge meetings are constantly disgraced , he says , by rioting , confusion , and drunkenness , and the Order is consequently at a discount . There must be something rotten at head quarters that such things should be allowed . Although