Notes On American Freemasonry.

in the Avork of the lodges , each one striving to have business and work—just right . All the lodges in the Twelfth District were personally visited , and a commendable degree of correctness in the ritual of the Avork is reported in all cases , and in some of the lodges an exceedingly pleasant , smooth , and prompt

rendering . The District Grand Master of the Thirteenth District had visited every lodge Avithin the limits of his district , ancl carefully inspected the work , records , and other matters appertaining to the

Grand Lodge , and it affords him pleasure to report , in general terms , the excellent condition of the lodges everywhere evinced . In particular the members of a young lodge , composed mainly of young and enthusiastic Masons , are evidently

satisfied with nothing short of perfection . All seem to take a lively interest in the work , and the result , as might be expected from such a condition of things , is exceedingly gratifying . In the fifteenth district , the work in the lodges

as in accordance Avith the requirements of Grand Lodge , and iu none of them do the services of the Grand Lecturers seem absolutely necessary , but as some changes are likely to take placeiu the officers of some of the lodges , he considered it would be

beneficial to the lodges , as well as the UBAV officers to receive a visit from the Grand Lecturer . In penning the above , one conclusion most impressively forces itself upon our mind , which is the great contrast betAveen the effective supervision of this Grand Lodge and its oflicers over the

doings of its subordinate lodges , and the entire want of system , which prevails in our OAVU fair land . Our American cousins have set us an example in this as in many other matters , it Avould be a red letter day in the annals of Freemasonry in Great

Britain , if some brethren in high official position would take the initiative in pressing upon the Grand Lodge of England the necessity and importance of , in some measure , adopting a similar form of Government , to that practised by the

American Grand Lodges . Compare the difference in the manner in which , as a rule , the duties of our Provincial Grand Masters are performed , Avith the systematic and regular discharge of tbe duties of the Deputy

District Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts . These energetic brethren , sixteen in number , have reported that at least once in the year , ( and in some instances

several times ) they have visited every lodge under their control . One District Grand Master was prevented by business engagements from so doing , and even in this case the duty was not neglected , being performed by deputy . It cannot be denied that some

of our Provincial Grand Masters make periodical visits to their lodges in the province , but we are constrained to say that their presence is in most cases more ornamental than useful . What becomes of their utility in the absence of such reports

and recommendations as are presented by the American District Grand Masters , who seem , without favour and Avithout prejudice , to praise or condemn the conduct of their subordinates . The hope of the one , and the dread of the other , must

have a poAverful influence in actuating the members of the lodge to keep up their prestige , or to Avin their laurels , in the face of the fact that these reports are published and circulated through the length and breadth of the land .

Look again at the maternal care with which the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts observes the doings of her children , with what a jealous eye she Avatches over their interests , and how Cerberus-like she guards their honour . What does our Grand Lodge , which should be a subject of emulation for tbe whole world , do iu

similar case ? In comparison , really nothing . "We beg pardon—she receives a fee for every candidate for initiation , and makes an annual claim from each member of every lodge within her jurisdiction—but what does she give in return ? If we except the comparatively small contributions to our noble charities , and

a few hundred pounds sparingly doled out to brethren in distress , we must say , absolutely nothing . She appoints Provincial Grand Masters to govern over her subordinate lodges , who in many cases throw even the slight amount of duty they have to perform upon

their deputies . They make no return—except of money received—to Grand Lodge which is coldly indifferent to the Avelfare of her supporters . Subordinate lodges are left to themselves to perform the work in any manner they please . In some instances our

beautiful ceremonies , instead of elevating tbe soul of the candidate , are given in so incompetent and ridiculous a manner as to produce quite the contrary effect upon an educated man , and yet the efforts of some of our most distinguished Masons , to secure a

committee [ for the consideration of this important question met with a cool reception in Grand Lodge . Then , again , in the establishment of new lodges . Get half a dozen Masons together , the sanction of a neighbouring lodge , and send the cash for the fees , you will have but little difficulty in starting a new lodge ,