Notes On American Freemasonry.

do not bear the signature of the Grand Master , and in no lodge had the attestation of the Grand Secretary been given . The District Grand Master therefore requested that all the by-laAvs should be forwarded to the Grand Secretary for this

purpose . A remarkable specimen of lodge book keeping , invented by the Secretary of a lodge , comes in for special commendation . " The work throughout the district is reported as satisfactory ; all the

Worshipful Masters being zealous in the cause of Freemasonry — some of them men of culture and ability . The officers generally appear to be impressed with the business in which they are engaged ; and the brethren , preserving that

decorum and attention to the ceremonies so essentially necessary to the impressiveness of the ritual , conduce to the exemplification of work worthy of high commendation . In the style of work there is of course a wide range , but I may say I Avas

struck with its remarkable uniformity and correctness . " The District Grand Master had visited all the lodges in his district once , and some twice officially , and several times informally .

In the Fourth District , " The lodges are quite proficient in their work , and need no instruction by the Grand Lecturer . " From the Fifth and Sixth Districts the District Grand Masters report separately their visits to

each lodge . In once instance the " lodge celebrated the centenary of the birth of its oldest Past Master , who was seated in the east , while his son received the first degree . The day seemed , by common consent , transformed into a holiday ;

schools were dismissed , and the citizens generally joined in demonstrations of respect , Avhile the aged and honourable Mason rode from his residence to the Hall . "

In the Seventh District , the District Grand Master regrets that " an imperative sense of duty compels him to withhold all commendations from Aurora Lodge , Avhose usefulness as a lodge has practically and entirely been suspended for more

than a year past . The officers are faithful ancl true It appears that some of the brethren who have been disappointed in the result of the ballot , in some cases , have , by a persistent use and abuse of this prerogative , undertaken to

force the lodge to admit certain applicants Avho have been rejected repeatedly during a term of years . As your official representative , I have firmly , but kindly , admonished them that they are

guilty of un-Masonic conduct in suspending the usefulness of the lodge , as Avell as abusing their sacred privilege ; and if persisted in , the rights of the lodge must ancl will be maintained , and the guilty parties subjected to the extreme penalties .

I trust that Aurora Lodge , vener able in years , honoured as she has been in the past , will resume her usefulness and former position among her sister lodges . " In the Eighth District , the investigations of the

District Grand Master have satisfied him that great caution and care have been observed by the lodges in the selection of their candidates , and that they are firmly resolved that the standard of qualification for admission to our Fraternity shall

not be loAvered . The lodge rooms appear to be well protected , in good condition , and properly furnished . Upon a careful inspection of the records , I find them exceedingly Avell kept and properly cared for . In most cases the work is equal to the requirements of Grand Lodge . Perhaps in one or two cases the services of the Grand Lecturer

would be beneficial . In the Ninth District , " one lodge appears to be under a cloud , but , it is to be hoped , will soon come out into the sunshine of prosperity . " The work was found correct in all the lodges except

those mentioned in a supplementary report . Charters are recommended to be granted to two lodges working under dispensation . The District Grand Master of the Tenth

District had been unable personally to visit all the lodges , but had deputed another brother to perform that duty in five instances . He had no hesitation in saying that each lodge is conforming strictly to the ritual of the Grand Lodge . He

does not feel it necessary to particularise each lodge , but commends all for the improvements noticed . All are located in good halls , Avell fitted up , showing a just pride in the Masonic Institution . Four lodges are reported to have been

burned out , Avith considerable loss . No date is mentioned in connection with the calamities , but as all the lodges are reported to be now Avell located , Ave may fairly presume that they Avere not of recent occurrence .

In the Eleventh District , the District Grand Master does not find the services of the Grand Lecturer needed in any of the lodges , although he had recommended to several Masters the propriety of consulting the Grand Lecturer on some mooted points . There is a marked improvement