Freemasonry In England.

distinguished at all public meetings by robes , to be provided at their own expense . This proposition was at first favourabl y received , but , ultimately the good sense of the brethren prevailed , aud the measure , so diametrically opposed to the original spirit of the Institution , was very properly laid aside . In regulating the finances of the Society at this period , it appeared that the debts due on the account of the hall were very considerable . It

was , therefore , resolved to make an application to the Lodges to raise 2000 / . for their liquidation , and at a Grand Lodge in June , 1779 , it was further resolved that a subscription be . opened to raise money without interest , the amount of individual subscription being limited to ' 25 / ., and the number of subscribers to one hundred , such monies to be repaid in equal proportions at such periods as the hall-fund would permit . It was

also resolved that an honorary medal be presented to each subscriber in acknowledgment of the service rendered to the Society , and that the owner of this medal , if a Master Mason , should have the privilege of attending and voting in all future proceedings of the Grand Lodge . This induced several Lodges as well as individual brethren to contribute to the fund , and the greater part of the money was speedily raised and applied to the

purpose intended . -At this period the Grand Stewards' Lodge applied to the Grand Lodge for assistance , in consequence of the withdrawal of a number of their members , by which their finances were considerably reduced ; upon which it was resolved that in future no Grand Officer should be appointed , who was not a subscribing member of the Grand Stewards , 3 Lodge .

In consequence of a Committee of Chanty being seldom held during the interim from the beginning of April to the end of October , and a number of worthy brethren in distress thereby subjected to great inconvenience , it Was resolved unanimously that , an extraordinary committee should meet annually in the last week of July , or first week of August , to administer temporary relief to those who might regularly apply , not exceeding five

pounds to one person . The business of the society having considerably increased , it was also resolved to appoint , pro tempore , an assistant to the Grand Secretary , to hold equal rank and power with himself in Grand Lodge . It was also determined that in future no person should hold two offices at the same time in Grand Lodge . The Grand Lodge of Germany having applied for permission to send a

representative in order to cement the kind feeling existing between the brethren of the two countries , Br . John Leonard ! was appointed to that , office ; and the Grand Lodge of England , in complying with the request , passed a resolution that Br . Lconardi should wear the clothing of a Grancl Officer , and rank next to Past Grand Officers in all the public meetings of the Society .

At the Grand Lodge and annual feast , held on the 1 st of May , 1782 , the Duke of Cumberland , was unanimously elected Grand Master , and his Eoyal Highness expressed his intention of appointirg the Earl of Effingham , Acting Grand . Master , the appointment was confirmed , and his lordship presided as proxy during the feast . On the 8 th of January , 1783 , it was resolved in Grand Lodge , that the interest of five per cent , on 1000 / .,