Invasion Of Jurisdiction.

doubted and unquestioned . It constitutes the fraternity of Masonry , and npon it more than anything else dep < nds the usefulness uwl stability of the Institntion . The Masonic us » of the trowel has been tanght evory member of our Order , and ita application has been

impressed npon their minds by the most solemn ceremonies . There are , we know , exceptions to all rules , and , unfortunately , unworthy members may be found in every society , "black sheep iu every flock . " Yet we are convinced that among the fraternity , as a whole , this idea is something

mru-e than an idle sentiment . It is a recognized fact , and made , to a greater or less extent , tho rule of life . There is a tie which binds Freemasons most closely together .

That tie is composed of brotherly love and affection . While individual members are cultivating this sentiment , and , as tbe years roll around , are more thoroughly applying tho trowel and exemplifying the results of its use in daily life .

Yet we regret that too often when organised as a Lo-ge , which is but an integral portion , an individual branch of the one universal family , this cement is sometimes laid aside , and tho nse of the trowel , as between themselves and their neighbours , to a large extent

forgotten . Mankind is by nature selfish . In tbe early ages of the world ' s history , when the animal nature was in preponderance , following the natural law of evolution— - " the survival of the fittest "—it was the strong against the weak . But with the advancement of civilisation and

the cultivation of the intellect , the moral nature of man came to the front . The common Brotherhood of man and his equality became more and more recognised and acted upon . To disseminate this truth and make it practical in every day life has beon tho chief mission of

Masonry . Uniting as ib does men of every country , sect , and opinion , it founds «* vt * ry regulation upon the one idea of brotherly love , and every where inculcates the broadest charity and toleration for the opinions as well as the failings of a brother .

This being the true principle of Masonry , that to whioh she requires a strict adherence on the part of all her followers , why shonld it not be made equally obligatory upon her Lodges and other organised associations in their relations each with the other ?

The Lodge is but the aggregate of the individual , governed by tho same ends , but united onl y for their better dissemination . How often is this fact overlooked and forgotten . The records of every Grand Lodge , and our own is not an

exception , will show that from this cause more or less trouble is continually arising among their constituents , causing ill-feeling , jealousies and unkindness between them , extending sometimes to personalities among the members .

The sonrce of such dissensions may be traced almost invariably to that innate selfishness which in the individual we are striving to overcome , but which is allowed full scope in the Lodge , and where no one in particular is responsible .

Lodges in this jurisdiction are more and more becoming acquainted each with the other , and by means of occasional visitations and the mingling together in schools of instruction the Officers and members are becoming more social . They can visit and work with and for each other . Eat ,

drink and be merry together , but let one of them unintentionally and ignorantly , by the least fraction , invade the territorial jurisdiction of another , and how quick is the

old Adam ' in their natures aroused . Their pockets are touched , and , it may be , their dignity . The early lessons taught them as Masons are forgotten , and too often a spirit is manifested quite the opposite from . that of brotherly love .

The question of jurisdiction is the most fruitful if not the chief source of all the troubles and dissensions thus arising . In the early days of English Masonry , when the Lodges were few in number and somewhat scattered , all seemed to have concurrent jurisdiction ; arbitrary lines and

boundaries were unknown , but in later years , and particularly in this country , with the large and rapidly increasing number of Lodges , jurisdictional lines have been found to be necessary , and that , too , for the sole purpose

of better preserving harmony among the subordinates . Perhaps no better regulation could be adopted than onr own—one-balf tbe distance in a straight line to tbe nearest Lodge . Next to this and one which would avoid this trouble would be to make concurrent jurisdiction between

Invasion Of Jurisdiction.

all Lodges . Yet if all were governed by these Masonic principles , and in their intercourse and relation with each other were to exemplify that spirit of toleration , forbearance and courtesy which is expected from Masons individually , jurisdictional lines would probably be the best .

But when , at nearly every Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge , charges are preferred by one Lodge against another for an invasion of alleged rights in this respect , and when upon investigation it is found that a proper adjudication can only be had after a careful measurement

made by a Committee appointed for that purpose , or by a certificate from a county surveyor , then we find an illustration of our proposition in regard to Lodges and their liability to ignore the teachings of our Order . At such

times we are led to believe that the doing away with all dividing lines , the making concurrent jurisdiction of the entire State , would be the better and only way to preserve harmony .

It is a common saying that there are exceptions to all rules , yet , Masonry , in her laws and regulations , is an exception from this . The laws of Masonry , based upon the landmarks , are absolute , and its regulations must be general , and while there can be but one rule in regard to

jurisdictional limitations , the privilege is given to constituent Lodges to make local arrangements providing between themselves for concurrent jurisdiction or even for arbitrary lines . Were a true Masonic aud fraternal spirit to actuate all Masons this could be easily accomplished , and

that same spirit would avoid most of these differences by mutual concession on the part of all . While general concurrent jurisdiction may not be practical or for the best good of the Fraternity generallv , yet there are many cases

where it might be applied and be for the best interest of all concerned . Lodges are sometimes located at a distance of from five to thirty miles , and even more , from another . Persons residing considerably nearer the one , yet by reason of routes of travel and from other causes are best known in

the other , and practically the most convenient for them , yet are denied the privilege of becoming Masons by this want of courtesy and strict adherence to their so-called rights . We would make all such territory—that is all beyond a certain limit—concurrent , allowing the applicant to consult his own convenience in the choice of location .

In the absence of snch a regulation , we earnestly advise bhe inculcation of the genuine principles of Masonrycharity and brotherly love . —Tidings .

Grand Lodge Of Scotland.

GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND .

A QUARTERLY Communication of the Grand Lodge of Scotland was held in Freemasons' Hall , Edinburgh , on the Sth inst ., the Graud Master Mason , Sir Archibald Campbell of Blythswood , Bart ., presiding . Bro . J . Dalrymple Duncan acted as Grand Senior Warden

and Bro . Colonel Campbell , Perth , as Grand Jnnior Warden . A vidimus submitted by the Grand Cashier of the income and expenditure for the quarter ending 24 fcb ult . showed that the income had been £ 924 , and the expenditure £ 461 ,

excess of income £ 463 . There had been 1370 entrants to the Order . The income for the first eleven months of the year had been £ 5010 , and for the corresponding period of last year £ 4766—excess £ 245 . Grants amounting to

£ 90 had been voted from the fund of Scottish Masonic Benevolence to needy brethren or the widows of brethren . It was reported from Grand Committee that the Honorary Treasurer to the Grand Masonic Bazaar , held in December

last , had sent a cheque for £ 14 , 449 10 s lOd—the balance in favour of the annuity branch of the fund in aid of which the bazaar had been held . A hearty votes of thanks had been given to Bro . J . Maxtone Graham for bis great

kindness , good service and liberality in the discharge of the duties of Hon . Treasurer , and also beat thanks to Bro . C . Baxter W . S . for the important services he rendered to tho

bazaar as general manager . This was confirmed , aud on the motion of the Grand Master , thanks were also accorded to Bro . Bringloe , C . A ., for his services in reference to the bazaar .

It was reported from Grand Committee that the Grand Secretary had stated the circumstances under which action by the Lodges in this Province in connection with the lapsing of the Provincial Grand Master ' s commission had been delayed ; and the Committee moved Grand Lodge to