Masonic Parliamentary Law.

Law , ' or convential systems for regulating the proceedings of deliberative assemblages , does not apply to the Grand Lodge , nor , inferentially , to subordinate Lodges , which are governed by the same regulations as the Grand Lodge whore ofcher regulations have not been provided . " This establishes the fact that the law of Masonry is higher than the law oi

Parliament , often precisely the reverse of it , and always more or less different from it . To give a striking example : In an ordinary deliberative body a motion to adjourn is always in order , and takes precedence of every other motion ; while in a Masonic Lodge such a motion is never in order

since a Lodge is opened and closed only at the will and pleasure o £ its Worshipful Master . Some old Bye-Laws carelessly provided that a special meeting of the Lodge might be called at the request of five Master Masons . This was erroneous , since there is no power to control the Master in this regard but his own will and pleasure .

To return to the " Ahiman Rezon" again for directions in Masonic Parliamentary law . It provides that " The Grand Master decides all questions of order , and no ' appeal from the chair' is permissible ; nor is any appeal from any decision of a Master allowable to the Lodge , but it can only be taken to the Grand Lodge . In the Lodge the Master is supreme . "

The " Ahiman Rezon " further provides , that " There is no privileged question in the Grand Lodge ; " that " The previous question , by whioh a vote is to be forced on the Grand Lodge , shall nofc be permitted ; " and " dilatory or evasive motions are not permitted . " These provisions sweep away many of the ordinary regulations governing profane bodies , and contained in the usual Parliamentary Manuals .

What constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business in a Lodge ? Presumably the smallest number of Brethren to whom a Warrant can be granted for a new Lodge , which in Pennsylvania is five . When the minutes of the preceding meeting of a Lodge are read for approval or confirmation , what action may be taken thereon ? Only their correction , if they be incorrect , so as to make them conform to the actual

facts . Nothing that was decided then can be recqnsidered now . Nor can the Minutes themselves be mutilated or altered so as to make them on the face represent fche real facts . If they are incorrect , the error should be plainly stated in the ensuing Minutes , and a reference made thereto in the margin of the previous Minutes , so that it will appear what the exact facts were . There should be no interlineations , nor erasures , nor corrections in the body of the Minutes themselves .

We have indicated some of the notable differences between Masonic deliberative law and what is commonly known as Parliamentary law . Every Master of a Lodge should make the former his study . For this purpose his chief text-book should be the Ahiman Rezon . Closely studied , it will guide him rightly through all difficulties . And in this connection he should realise

his duty to govern his Brethren with justice and equity , his responsibility to the Grand Lodge , and his obligation to fully maintain the dignity of his high office . If he does this wisely and well , he will make an honorable record for himself , and at the same time will preserve and enhance the prestige of his station and of the Craft . — " Keystone . "

Discipline.

DISCIPLINE .

IF more care were exercised in the selection of the material from which our Lodges are replenished , the necessity for invoking the penal powers of the Order would be less frequent . It cannot be too often stated and reiterated that Masonry is not a reformatory . None should be received into our ranks except those whose character and conduct give assurance that they

will not bring disgrace upon the Fraternity . The weakness of human nature and the constant presence of temptation make it sufficiently difficult to maintain the high standard at which we aim , even though none but the best material be selected . The laudable desire to increase our numbers should never lead us to lower our standard of admission . I do not hesitate to say

that a Lodge of a score of members , all of whom are of high character , is a greater power for good in any community than one of double that number over the character of some of whom we must draw the mantle of charity . Even when we have been duly cautious in the choice of material , occasion will arise when the axe must be laid to the root of the tree . When such necessity

arises , let no maudlin sentiment blunt the edge of Masonic justice . It should be understood that punishment is the legitimate and should be the inexorable consequence of every wilful serious violation of law . Ill advised charity toward the habitual violator of law is often a crime against the rest of the Craft . I fully appreciate the sentiment that leads one to hesitate to

assume the responsibility of setting the penal powers of the Lodge into motion . That the duty is irksome is no justification for leaving it unperformed . Who can doubt that in some communities Masonry has lost much of its power for good , and failed to enlist in its ranks worthy men ,

because it has failed to purge itself of the unworthy 1 All this may sound harsh and unfeeling ; but it is duty , Masonic duty—duty to the unsullied history of the past ; duty to the worthy and zealous of the present ; duty to the Masons of the future , to whom we should transmit this venerable institution in all its purity .

If there be those upon whom the solemn and impressive lessons of Masonry have made no impression , it is no charity to them , but a wrong to the Fraternity , to spare the knife . Where these rare cases occur and the remedy has been applied , still greater care should be exercised in reinstating those who have been once expelled . That one was once admitted to the Fraternity is no reason for his re-admission . The fact that he was once

Discipline.

expelled is a prima facie reason why he should remain so . Let us require fruits meet for repentance ; let us demand satisfactory evidence of reformation before we re-open our doors to those who have once dishonoured this most ancient and honourable Fraternity . —Henry H . Wilson G . M . Nebraska , in " Voice of Masonry . "

Crystal Palace.

CRYSTAL PALACE .

PROBABLY the biggest amusement programme arranged for a Saturday Fete for many years past is that for Saturday next , 4 th September , fche day fixed for the last of the Diamond Jubilee Fetes at the Crystal Palace , the proceeds of which will be devoted to the Convalescent Homes of tho Friendly Societies of the United Kingdom , of which there are over four millions of members . The most brilliant Fireworks are usually to be seen

on Thursdays , but on this occasion Messrs . G . T . Brock and Co . have been commissioned to give one of their very finest displays on Saturday . Another prominent feature will be the Cycle Races on the new Cement Track , which has proved itself to be the fastest yet constructed . One hundred pounds will be given in prizes for the Cycling and Athletic Sports , no first prize being of less value than £ 7 7 s . Immediately after the outdoor Sports there

will be in the Grand Central Transept of the Palace a novel excitement in witnessing the conclusion of the match between the rival teams of the new Bicycle-Polo game , who will on that day bring to a conclusiou their seven days' tournament , the winning team being presented with a Silver Cup . This game , which can be seen nowhere else , has caught on with the British public , and will probably become very popular in this country .

The programme further includes an ever popular item in the Great Baloon Ascent , by Mr . Spencer . There will be an exhibition of Dahlias by the National Dahlia Society , Grand Military Concerts by the Scots Guards and other celebrated bands , and dancing on the lawns , the gardens being brilliantly illuminated in the evening . In addition to this special programme of amusements , there will be the Imperial Victorian Exhibition with its machinery in motion and working exhibits ; and also a special Friendly Societies' Exhibition , besides all the permanent attractions of the Crystal Palace , the Park and Gardens of which are now in full summer beauty .

" THE Times , " in a leading article a few days ago , remarked : " Why do not English people know more of their own country ? . . . and why do not people begin , at any rate , by knowing more than they do of what is to be seen at home ? " Apropos of this comment Messrs . Cassell and Company are about to issue a very cheap edition of their well-known publication " Our

Own Country , " describing the various localities to which natural beauty , ancient remains , historical events , or great industrial achievements have given renown in each of the three kingdoms . This edition , which contains about 2 , 000 quarto pages and 1 , 200 original illustrations , will be completed in twenty-two weekly parts , and will cost less than one-third of the amount at which the work has hitherto been procurable .

A new and enlarged edition will be commenced early next month of " The Queen ' s London , " Messrs . Oassell's popular pictorial work , which on its first appearance attained a circulation of over 50 , 000 copies . The forthcoming edition will be enlarged by nearly one hundred pictures , and the first

part will consist of views of the Diamond Jubilee Procession from start to finish . In addition to these over sixty other new plates are being prepared , and these will represent the most recent public buildings and other remarkable sights and scenes of London and its environs , so that the work in its new form will fully represent London in the Diamond Jubilee Year .

Mr . Fred Whishaw , who has been highly successful as the author of boys' books , as well as in other departments of fiction , has written a new serial story which commenced in the number of "Chums" published on 25 th inst . It is entitled ' Clutterbuck ' s Treasure : Neck and Neck for £ 100 , 000 , " and will be illustrated hy Mr . Paul Hardy . In tho same issue . was commenced a new serial story by Mr . Robert Overton ; and a series of Articles on Circus and Fair Life of to-day , by Mr . T . W . Wilkinson .

The Theatres, &C.

The Theatres , & c .

Drury Lane . —On Thursday , 16 th September , The White Heather . Her Majesty ' s . —On Monday , 1 st November , The Silver Key . Haymarket . —On Saturday next , at 8-20 , The Tarantula . 9 , A marriage of

. Lyric—8-15 , The Sign of the Cross . Matinee , Wednesday and Saturday , 2-30 . Adelphi . —8-15 , Secret Service . Daly ' s . —8-15 , The Geisha ; A story of a Tea House . Matinee , Saturday , 2-30 . Vaudeville . —8-15 , Round a Tree . 9 , A Night out . Matinee , Wednesday , 3 , Prince of Wales ' s . —8-15 , La Poupee . Matinee , Saturday , 2-30 .

Savoy . —7-40 , Old Sarah . 8-20 , The Yeoman of the Guard . Matinee , Saturday , 2-30 . Gaiety . —8 , The Circus Girl . Terry ' s . —8-20 , The French Maid . Matinee , Wednesday , 2-30 . Criterion . —8-39 , The Sleeping Partner . Matinee , Saturday , 2-30 . Grand . —Next week , Under the Red Robe . Princess ' s—7-45 , Tommy Atkins .

Parkhurst . —Next week , at 8 , Popular Play . Alhambra . —7-50 , Variety Entertainment . Fregoli , & c , & c . The Tzigane . Victoria and Merrie England . Cinematographe views of the Jubilee Procession . Empire . —7 ' 50 , Variety Entertainment . New Ballet , Monte Cristo , & c .

Palace . —7 - 45 , Variety Entertainment , New American Biograph , & c . Tivoli . —7-30 , Variety Entertainment . Saturday , 230 also . Royal . —7-30 , Variety Company . Saturday , 2-30 . Egyptian Hall . —3 and 8 , Mr . J . N . Maskelyne ' s entertainment . Crystal Palace . —Varied attractions daily . Royal Aquarium . —Open , 10 a . m ., close 11-30 p . m . Constant Amusement