Systematic Masonic Benevolence.

ceased to be a virtue , and concerted action and organization for self protection were demonstrated to be an . actual necessity . These unworthy persons were all the better able to deceive , from the fact that there was no united course of action , no

imparting of information reciprocally by the lodges , neither were sister lodges advised of the rejection of unworthy applicants . There was also a need for equalising the burden of expenditure , and as all would participate in the advantages of a united system , all

should bear their quota of expense , which could only be permanently secured by each lodge consenting to pay an uniform per centage on the clues collected . There was also another great advantage ; by requiring all applicants , including those from Foreign

Bodies , to apply to the lodge centrally located at the Hall of the Grand Lodge , where access could be had at any time to . the proceedings of Grand Lodge , and ' records of rogues—suspended and expelled : Masons , imposition was reduced to a ¦ minimum and rendered almost impossible . To such an extent has New Orleans been

flooded with these vile impostors or unworthy Craftsmen , that during the past year four thousand , were registered as thoroughly unsuitable for aid , and wholly unworthy to be helped in any way . The majority of these , had it not been for the

officers of this lodge would no doubt have " fleeced " many a brother , and the funds of the lodges . been made to contribute towards the sustentation of such lovv characters . Thus it will be seen that the advantages are numerous , and the constituent

lod ges are enabled , whilst protecting : them , selves from fraud , to distribute that charity which " is , twice blessed , " and confer lasting benefits upon the Craft by the inauguration and hearty support of a lodge , formed for the sole purpose of

practicallillustray ting the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart . We warmly endorsing the , appeal of the lodge for the co-operation of the Qraft in New Orleans , in concentrating and harmonizing the diversified and

scattered interests and charities , and that the . members , may through so pure a channel , breathe a spirit of universal love and benevolence , towards the destitute stranger in their midst , thereby adding one more thread to the silken cord that binds

man to man . Through the bosom of the lodge may the milk of human kindness flow cheerily , until all hearts expand with love and goodwill . In one hand may the members always hold out the olive branch of peace , and in the other the liberal donations

of Charity . ; The following is an abstract of the statistical report for the last eighteen years , and in a " nutshell " exhibits the amounts distributed to the needy of both hemispheres .

' £ s . d . Brother Master Masons of all ' the United States Jurisdictions ... 5 , 101 10 0 Widows and Orphans Do .... 1 , 351 0 0 Brother Master Masons of

Foreign Jurisdictions , ... 1 , 251 10 0 Widows and Orphans Do .... ¦• 423 10- 0 Tombs , funerals , and expenses attending them ... 1 , 954 10 0 Brethren of Louisiana ... 225 15 0 Widows and Orphans Do .... . 182 5 0

General expenses ( for eighteen years ) ... ... ... 528 0 0 * £ 11 , 018 E 0 0

It is evident then , that more than eleven thousand pounds have been expended by the "Relief Lodge" during the last eighteen years in a systematic and careful manner , from which magnificent sum , the indigent

brethren ( their widows and orphans ) hailing from the Grand Lodges of England , Ireland and Scotland , have received about five hundred pounds . This substantial aid , let it be remembered , has been afforded by ; the " Relief Lodge , No . 1 , " of New Orleans . May the " Lodge of Benevolence : " ' of . the Grand Lodge of England remember this