Grand Lodge Of Iowa.—I.

Speculative Masonry upon Operative ; 23 , Landmarks cannot be changed . The Moveable , we think , would be 1 , No lodgo can interfere in the business or another ; ancl 2 , That every Mason is amenable to the laws and

regulations of the Masonic Jurisdiction in which he lives . The rig ht of visitation is undoubtedly a landmark , but a lodge may , on certain occasions , refuse admittance , ancl in some countries has power of refusal under such circumstances as the

discussion of private matters , affecting laws and discipline , till such business is clone with . No lodge can interfere with another , but one lodge can report irregularities existing in another , and

when duly instructed by the Grand Lodge take charge of the offending ; but we very much doubt if a Mason , unless by affiliation , he comes under jurisdiction , can be held amenable to the laws of any Grand Lodge , but that from which he holds

his diploma . Should he commit an offence under an alien jurisdiction , the lodge , or Grand Lodge ' s proper course is to report him to the proper tribunal , who will sentence him according to the law of his mother Grand Lodge .

However , such questions are seldom or ever raised , and , doubtless , should one arise , the matter would be safe to be amicably arranged by the parties interested . LEGIS CODA .

Masonic Discipline.—V.

MASONIC DISCIPLINE . —V .

BY CEUX . To imagine that an exact identity in every portion of ritualistic phraseology could be ensured among the various lodges , would be a chemara , which we do not pretend to propose either to

ourselves or to our readers . We would as soon think of indulging' in the dream of the necromancer and the alchemist , and search for the philosopher's stone , the elixir vite , or the fabled waters of oblivion . It would be impossible , and moreover

to little purpose , if the more elegant foruM of speech were employed in some of the humbler lodges . A lodge composed of Masons in a comparatively humble sphere of life , however worthy they may be as men ancl brothers , cannot be

expected to be worked with the same freedom from grammatical mistakes , and errors of pronunciation , that is to be found in those , the members of which are men of rank and education . We shall have more to say upon this subject , when treating of

Masters and the manner in which they discharge their duties , There would be no difficulty in ensuring that absolute conformity to regulations , which ought to distinguish the circulars issued by every lodge , holding its warrant of constitution

from the United Grand Lodge . Nothing more would be required , so far as the notices of lodge meetings are concerned , than that the supreme authority should issue a standard form or model , to which that of every lodge should exactly

conform . With the exception of the peculiar device or motto of each respective lodge , aud the names of the candidates , initiates and craftsmen ancl their addresses and occupations , every notice would be a true copy of another . Any additions respecting

votes and resolutions to be passed by the brethren could of course be inserted without in any way infringing the principle we advocate . We have not the slightest hesitation in asserting , that unless the reins of Masonic Discipline be drawn tighter

than what they now are , we are in danger of being included in the category of associations which take for their basis and guidance , the epicurean motto of " Eat , Drink , and be Merry . "

With respect to the point to which we have alluded , as well as to numerous others to which we shall direct attention , it must not be supposed that we claim to lay down the law , or to assume to ourselves the prerogative of supreme arbitration .

The suggestions that we shall throw out , the alterations , or extensions that may seem to us calculated to benefit Freemasonry in general , ancl respective loclges in particular , are offered in a truly fraternal spirit , and in such we trust they will be received

ancl supported . The next particular , in which there is not the slightest reason that every lodge should not perfectly agree , is its constitution , that

is , the manner in which its officers are selected and appointed . This is not a question of personal ability , intellectual powers , or reteutiveness of memory . It is an absolute case of Masonic discipline , and calls for perfect unanimity throughout

the whole Craft . Every lodge may be regarded as a regiment , belonging to the same general army , presided over by the same supreme authority , and governed by the same laws . Imagine what the state of military discipline would be , if

promotion in the 24 th regiment was conferred upon a principle totally distinct from that in force in the 65 th or 76 th . Yet such is the state of Masonic discipline . There is but a very meagre provision