Masonry—Operative, Speculative, And Practical.

time , and which is denominated as Speculative Masonry . Why thus classed is to us somewhat of an enigma . The word Speculative as generally used , and especially when applied to any particular question , carries the idea that the subject under consideration is something of an ideal , a theoretical nature , nothing positive , or that is substantiated . The explanation given in the ritual is entirely different and one which is foreign to , and has no

connection with , that which it attempts to explain . By Speculative Masory , it says , we learn to subdue the passions , act upon the square , keep a tongue of good report , maintain secrecy and practice Charity . In -ihis there is nothing of an ideal nature except as it foreshadows a dagree of excellence which should be attained by every'Freemason . By it we " learn" certain duties , a knowledge of which is essential in the development of Masonic life and character .

The mere learning of duties—an increase in knowledge in regard to those thirfgs which are essential to Masonic life and progress—is of no importance , except that when so learned and understood , they are applied to , and practised in everyday life . A thorough knowledge of the great underlying principles of Freemasonry is most essential . They should be carefully and thoroughly studied ,

learned , and the lesson derived therefrom should have a practical application in our intercourse with each other and in all the varied relations of life . To be of utility to its votaries or any benefit to the world , Masonry must be by all regarded as something more than a mere theory , admitted though it may be to be both sound and good . It is something which is intended to , and should , touch the hearts of all , and so influence every action that in all

things their 1 fe may conform to its precepts . It must be in truth practical . Some there are who by having passed through the solemn ceremonies of our Order lay claim to the title of Mason , yet do no : conform to the spirit of Masonry or follow its teachings . They are mere speculative Masons , professing that which they fail to practise . A man is not regarded for his professions , his actions are the true , and only criterion by which he

shoild be judged . Not so with an institution . Unlike that of an individual it should be judged by the character of the principles it inculcates ; the platform it lays down ; yet to a great extent the daily life and character of its professed followers will bias the judgment of very many . The church , and even religion itself , has had to suffer for the sins of omission and commission of its members . If this is true of the church with all the sanctity

attached to it , how much more of Freemasonry , an institution of human origin though inculcating a system of morality the highest and requiring of its votaries a life in full accord therewith . If we would preserve and perpetuate the good name of Masonry , if we would help to extend its powers for good , how important is it that the third denomination to which we have alluded should be more generally regarded as the one of all others the most

essential , teaching as it does the necessity of a proper application of those high and exalted duties and wise regulations which we are supposed to learn , and which are taught in Speculative Masonry—that the subduing of the passions , acting upon the square , keeping a tongue of good report , maintaining secreCy , and practising Charity , are duties incumbent upon every Mason , that only by the practice of these virtues can we justly claim that proud title .

The precepts of Masonry inure to a great extent to this life , teaching its votaries how best on this earthly plane to live . By following its precepts , and living a life in accord with its requirements we are by so much being prepared for that immortality which Masonry teaches . We are more and more be ' ng inspired with the perfeclions of the Divine Creator and led to pay to Him that rational homage which is due from the creature to the Creator .

That there are many who , if we may j udge by their actions , fail even to approximate to its high standard cannot bj denied . The cause for this may , on the part of some , no doubt , be traced to a spirit of indifference . They fail to appreciate the high importance of Masonry , or the binding force of its obligations . Others there are who live in wilful violation of many of its most important requirements .

Some have united themselves with the Fraternity from selfish and unworthy motives , seeking the personal benefits to be derived from a membership in the Institution , without doing anything for the advancement of others or tp promote the interests of the Fraternity . That this sad condition can be wholly eradicated is problematical . But that it may be greatly circumscribed there can be no doubt . To accomplish this result there must

not only be more care used in the acceptance of material , admitting none whose previous life and conduct does not afford a sure guaranty of the honesty and unselfish character of their purpose ; but when admitted they must be thoroughly instructed in the practical part of Masonry . This education must commence wiih the Entered Apprentice , continued as advancement is made to the Degree of Fellow Craft ; nor should this

education cease when the brother is raised to lhe Sublime Degree of Master Mason . It should be continued through life . If less stress was paid to the ideal—the Speculative in Masonry—and more to the practical , we should find fewer among us who are unworthy . The good name of Masonry would be better protected , and its power for good greally enhanced . — Masonic Tidiiu's .

Bro. Thomas M. Reed, G. Sec. Grand Lodge Of Washington, U.S.A.

BRO . THOMAS M . REED , G . SEC . GRAND LODGE OF WASHINGTON , U . S . A .

With a Masonic history of over half a century , Bro . Thomas M . Reed , the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Washington , presents to-day an unique record of a busy life well spent , such as needs no better eulogy than a statement of bare facts in order to impress the average mind with the stern solidity of the man as a patriotic citizen and as an earnest worker in the

cause and growth of Masonry . His many good qualities of mind and heart have secured for him positions of trust and honour that have never been misplaced , and he stands to-day a rock of integrity , ripe in years and knowledge , and a man whom every Freemason in the State of Washington is proud to hail as brother .

Thomas Milburnc Reed was born in Shrapsburg , Kentucky , December 8 th , i 8 ? s , and went to California in 18 . ( 9 . I" December , 1857 , he came to Olympia , Washington , where he has since resided , except two years in Idaho .

At the age of 12 he was thrown on his own ' resources , and , with the sturdy disposition that governed his after life , he worked for eight dollars per month , paid for his schooling during the winter months , began teaching

Bro. Thomas M. Reed, G. Sec. Grand Lodge Of Washington, U.S.A.

school at the age of 1 S , at 20 became a clerk in a country store , then two years later the chief accountant . Then , at the age of 24 , he started for California , •via New Orleans and the Isthmus . So . Bro . Reed is a fortyniner—a synonym for pluck and energy . His first two years in California were devoted to mining , with varied success . Then he went into the mercantile business , in which he continued until his removal to Olympia .

While in California he filled theofficjof county treasurer , and was one of the board of supervisors of Eldorado County . " Bro . Reed ' s patriotism his displayed itself on several occasions . In 1847 be enlisted in a Kentucky company for the Mexican war , but the company's services were not needed and it was disbanded . Then , as now , it required but few intelligent Yankees to contend against the bigoted Spanish race .

On the breaking out of the Civil War , in 1 S 61 , in response to the first call for Union Volunteers , a company was organised , of which Bro . Reed was elected captain . The general Government , however , declined to accept the services of the company , owing to the cost of transportation . In the spring of iS 62 andat intervals up to 1865 he made several visits to the Florence gold mines in Idaho . During part of this time he was

deputy collector of United States internal revenues , both in the eastern and western portions of this district . While in Idaho , Bro . Reed was elected to the legislature for Idaho county ( then a part of the Washington Territory ) , and served as speaker of the house for the session of 1862-3 . After Idaho was set off from Washington and organised into a separate territory , Bro . Reed was elected in 1 S 64 to the

Idaho ] LegisIature , representing Nez Pearce County . Having been admitted to practice law in the courts of Washington Territory , he was appointed prosecuting attorney for the Idaho District , serving one term during his temporary residence in that district . In 1865 he entered the office of U . S . Surveyor General at Olympia as chief clerk , which position he held seven years . Then he became U . S . Deputy Surveyor , continuing in that station , with occasional off intervals , for eight years .

In 1 S 77 he was elected to the Legislative Council of Washington , representing Thurston and Lewis counties , and was honoured with the station of President of the Council , session 1 S 77 . During the closing hours of that session he was nominated and confirmed as Territorial Auditor , serving in that position until 1 S 8 S—over 10 years .

In ibbghewas chosen as a delegate and served in the Constitutional Convention to frame a constitution for the State of Washington . At the first State election in 18 S 9 Bro . Reed was elected State Auditor , receiving the highest number of votes of any of the Republican nominees . He held this position until January , 1 S 93 . the close of the term . This shows a long and honourable career of our beloved brother in public service . The lustre of his career , however , is brightened by that of his Masonic record .

When he was a little past the age of 21 , before leaving " Old Kentucky , " he was initiated into Holloway Lodge , No . 153 , Fleming County , on March 30 th , 1847 . He was raised June 71 ) 1 , 1847 , since which time he has always been an active Freemason .

In 1 S 5 S he affiliated with Olympia Lodge , No . 1 , in which lodge he stills holds his membership . He has filled with the highest honour every important office known to Masonry . He served as Worshipful Master five years in California and three years in Olympia . Every degree known to Masonry has been conferred upon Bro . Reed , from the first to the 33 rd in the Scottish Rite and to that of Knight Templar of the York Rite . He was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington three terms ,

and has been Grand Secretary for the exceeding long term of 36 years—conclusive evidence that he is the right man for the place . This long and valuable service has endeared him to all . Bro . Reed ' s literary ability is of a high standard , and he possesses a most thorough knowledge of Masonry in all its parts ; its laws , its philosophy , its jurisdiction , its work and tenets are all as familiar to our illustrious Grand Secretary as " a b c . " His name is a recognised authority throughout the Masonic world upon every question pertaining to Freemasonry . Long may he live to continue his high and noble career . —Pacific Mason .

Scotland

Scotland

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER OF SCOTLAND .

A Quarterly Communication of this body was held in the Freemasons ' Hall , Edinburgh , on the 21 st ult ., Comp . Black , Falkirk , one of the Grand Principals , presiding . The Grand Scribe , Comp . R . S . BROWN reported that the income for last quarter had amounted to . £ 226 , being ^ 125 in excess of the expenditure , and ^ 35 over that of the corresponding quarter

of last year . Charters were ordered to be issued to the new chapters , Mills , Croydon , Queensland , No . 273 , and Lee Bryce , Perth , Western Australia , No . 274 . Comp . Z . C . Rennie , Sydney , N . S . W ., was appointed Grand Superintendent in succession to the late Comp . Nicholas Hobson . Comp . John Macdonald , 207 , Queensland , was introduced to the Supreme Chapter , and was welcomed from the chair . The other business was routine .

The Craft Abroad.

The Craft Abroad .

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC , SOUTH AMERICA .

The annual meeting of the above District Grand Lodge was held on the 25 th July , in the lodge-room , Prince George ' s Hall , No . 1230 , Calle Auyo , Buenos Ayres , the chair being occupied by the District Grand Master , Bro . Charles Trevor Mold , 53 members of the district being present .

After the District Grand Lodge was opened in due form , the minutes of the preceding regular meeting were reacl and confirmed , and the various correspondence dealt with . The report of the acting D . G . Treasurer , Bro . F . Rider Hancock , D . S-