THE

FREEMASONS'

QUARTERLY REVIEW.

SECOND SERIES-MARCH 31, 1846.

"I have ever felt it my duty to support and encourage its principles and practice, because it powerfully developes all social and benevolent affections; because it mitigates without, and annihilates within, the virulence of political and theological controversy--because it affords the only neutral ground on which all ranks and classes can meet in perfect equality, and associate without degradation or mortification, whether for purposes of moral instruction or social intercourse."-The EARL OF DURHAM on Freemasonry, 21st Jan. 1834.

" This obedience, which must be vigorously observed, does not prevent us, however, from investigating the inconvenience of laws, which at the time they were framed may have been political, prudent-nay, even necessary; but now, from a total change of circumstances and events, may have become unjust, oppressive, and equally useless.

"Justinian declares that he acts contrary to the law who, confining himself to the letter, acts contrary to the spirit and interest of it."-H. R. H. the DUKE OF SUSSEX, April, 21, 1812. House of Lords.

RE-ELECTION OF THE GRAND MASTER.

At the last Quarterly Communication, the Right Honourable Thomas Dundas, the Earl of Zetland, was unanimously re-elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England for the year ensuing, amid the acclamation of the Brethren, who testified their sentiments with enthusiastic and affectionate respect. His Lordship may be assured that he lives in the esteem of his Brethren, who always regret his absence. Each succeeding year convinces them of his appriate fitness for the high dignity to which a United Grand Lodge have

* THE SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER WAS Published ON THE 15th OF MAY 1813. CONTAINING ALL THE INTERESTING PARTICULARS, MASONIC AND OTHERWISE RELATING TO H.R.H. THE DUKE OF SUSSEX, THE LATE ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND MASTER. WITH A PORTRAIT, AND MAY BE HAD OF The publiSHERS, MESSRS. SHERWOOD AND CO., 23, Paternoster ROW. PRICE three shilLINGS.

VOL. IV.

B

raised him; and however they may contemplate a successor, it is less with hopefulness of that successor's ability to exceed the Earl of Zetland in Masonic attainment, than that he may look on the well-tried capabilities of that Noble Brother, as the best model for emulation. The Earl of Zetland will be installed in April next for the third time. The annual appointment of Grand Officers is looked to with more than usual interest.

A motion for a grant in aid of the Library was negatived on grounds the most futile. The opponents could not agree in argument, for one party considered the proposed grant as paltry, while others thought that there being ninety pounds in hand, it was unnecessary. It is a singular anomaly in Masonry, that with many there should be a desire to continue behind hand with all the world in the very elements of Science. However, agitation will teach a useful lesson.

A motion in favour of annuities for the Widows of Masons was unsuccessful in the vote. But as no person ventured to question the propriety of the motion, we presume now that the wedge has been applied, that after several notices of motion duly to be given, and as duly to be rejected, the cause of the "Helpless Widow" will ultimately triumph. It is a common saying that "Rome was not built in a day." The mover implored some one to bring forward a more liberal motion than his own, that he might support it. Such a sentiment is worthy of a Mason, and will ultimately prevail.

THE ADDITIONAL SALARY.

WE had not intended to have noticed the subject, but to have been contented with leaving our readers to comment on the report of the proceedings at the last Grand Lodge; "a good natured friend," however, having expressed himself with more zeal than discretion on the motives of the Brother who moved the amendment, which he terms an abandonment of the former liberal policy of the said Brother, whose motives are moreover hinted to be of a personal nature, disposed us to enter into an examination of the question. We should further state, that the "goodnatured friend" is of opinion that it is indecorous to oppose any motion suggested by the Board of General Purposes, because such motions are certain of being carried!

It is true, the "good-natured friend" fights behind a mask, availing himself of anonymous protection; on this account he should be treated with contempt, but he has dared us to the conflict by a declaration that

we should quail at hinting the conclusions to which he has arrived; we have also a further reason for publicity arising from the fact, that certain eaves-droppers have pretty plainly hinted something of the sort. It becomes due, then, to the Masonic reputation and moral courage of the party alluded to, to make (Scotticé) “a clean breast of it." Let Aristides (!) such is the name this correspondent assumes, and those who think with him, reflect thereon and ponder well.

We will first deal with the alleged abandonment of liberal views. Is there the shadow of proof? Surely, mere anonymous assertion is none. But as the shadow of coming events, what are really the signs and tokens? Unceasing endeavours to obtain shelter for the aged Brethren, and annuities for their widows. Next, as to personal motive. We ask who first, with determined and successful energy, proposed and supported an increased salary to the same party some fourteen years since, when it was very strenuously opposed?

And now to the point, as to "the indecorum of opposing the motions suggested by the Board of General Purposes, because such are certain of being carried." Of all inconsistencies that of impudence is the most impertinent according to such reasoning, your Board of General Purposes would become the governing power-the Grand Lodge its puppet. Start not! - such would be the substance, not the shadow ;—the form of an election for Grand Master and the Board might be faltered through; but away to the four cardinal winds of heaven would go English Freemasonry. How long would any other system of the Order exist afterwards? It is well known that, as Masonic Journalists, we have been much in the habit of thinking for ourselves, and having done so, communicated pretty freely our considerate thoughts to others. We lay no claim to infallibility, but we have a satisfactory pride, in the conviction that we have no necessity to withdraw, or even to soften down, any opinions we have ventured to give to the Masonic public. We have been guided by the "philosophy" of common sense, and honesty of purpose, and so far from feeling satisfied with such an interpretation of the power of the Board of General Purposes, we frankly state that their power is limited to the ministerial not the legislative office; and that in all cases, when they recommend any subject to the attention of Grand Lodge, it should be done after the gravest deliberation-with the utmost delicacy, and the fullest explanation. Was this course pursued in the case in question? Certainly there was no " suggestio falsi," but there appeared something of the "suppressio veri,"-for the recommendation went "per saltum" for an increased grant.

We understand that in all well-regulated societies, when the conduct of secretaries or clerks is to be taken into consideration, an ample statement is shown in contrast to the inadequate remuneration, for the requital of service. Now, was the slightest allusion made to the amount

of salaries-was it intimated directly or indirectly, that the amount had been gradually raised from 907. to 250l. as stated in Grand Lodge, but in reality exceeding that amount, as we have been since informed, for in one branch of the Masonic office there has beenvery recently a small addition? No, mystery presided, and until the mover of the amendment, probably struck by the evident silence on such important fact, eliminated the truth, the Grand Lodge naturally considered their clerk to have been sadly under paid. It requires some amount of moral courage to examine into the niceties of an arrangement suggested by "the Board"—and still more to oppose them, especially when supported by "troops of friends," who to their credit adopt the mere side of generosity. But our view of the case would have taken a far higher range in the case of long service. A three months' notice of motion, for so large an annual grant, should have been given, showing the true grounds of its propriety. The provinces who are more interested in the result could have supported the grant, or by silence have acquiesced ;-but there was no "Aristides" to teach a public duty. The affair was certainly legal,--but it was also sudden, electric, final. We say final, for confirmation must follow-and it ought to follow. It would be ungenerous were it otherwise for Masonry enjoins the minority to yield gracefully to the majority-and as the Brother who has thus received so liberal an increase of income, is in the full vigour of manhood and physical power, we hope that another twenty years may pass ere he require a retiring pension.

THE GRAND HALL.-This noble hall has been entirely re-decorated, and we must award due praise to the artist who has succeeded in thus restoring our noble temple to its original freshness. For architectural beauty, size, and general effect, it is unequalled in the metropolis-perhaps in the whole world; and, as now lighted by the chandeliers, under the superintendence of Professor Faraday, presents a truly magnificent appearance. We have heard that the artist who has thus successfully worked out such effects, has lost considerably by the contract. We hope this is not the case; but should it be so, we then advise that the Board recommend that not only the artist be paid in full, but that a vote of thanks from the Grand Lodge be presented to him. Masons should be just as well as generous.