The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1870-07-28
CALIFORNIA.

CALIFORNIA.
The Proceedings of the Twentieth Annual
Communication of this Grand Lodge come
to us in a well arranged and neatly printed |
volume of two hundred and ninety pages.
The Secretary announces the fact that
representatives from one hundred and forty
three Chartered Lodges, with delegates from
eight Lodges, U. d., were present, and the
Committee on Credentials reported that
these delegates as well as the representatives
from Chartered Lodges were entitled to
seats.
This may all be clear, and satisfactory to
our Pacific brethren, but we confess to a
doubt on the subject, and respectfully ask,
give us further light.
This question forces itSelfuDon our minds,
whom do these delegates represent? An
answer to this query would be very accep-
table just at this particular time.
These brethren do not come from regular
Lodges, for they have no warrant or Char
ter. The Masters and Wardens have never
been installed, nor have these Lodges been
regularly constituted.
A Lodge u. d. is simply the proxy of the
NJ. W.. Grand Master for an indefinite
period, and its power is clearly defined.
This power may be summed up in very
few words, ''to enter, pass, and raise Free
masons."
The dispensation issued by the Grand
Master, to the Master and Wardens author
ICES nothing more, and when they undertake
10 LranSaCE any OCnef business IMAM LnaL OF
''making Masnns" they transcend their
lower,
lodges therefore, L. D., cannot, strictly
speaking, be considered Lodges. They have
simpR taken the initiatory steps towards
forming Lodge.
In suppNrt OF this view we cite the report
of the Comlaittee on Foreign Correspoh-
dence of the Grand Lodge of New York, for
1851-p. 149, which says:
''They are not considered Lodges within the
meaning Of that clause, until warranted.
They are only in the incipient stage of FORM
ING Lodge. The officers do not receive int
stallations under dispensation. They are no
considered members of the Grand Lodge with
il the meaning of our Constitution, until they
haze received awarrant, and their Lodge hai
bee regularly constituted, and its officer
regularly installed"
FrIn these premises it will be seen tina
Lodge, Z. D., are not entitled to represen
tation n the Grand Lodge. Such is on
opinion sand che uniform usage of ever
Grand Lodge (until OF modern date) ha
always been in accordance with it."
The Annual Address of M. W.. Gram
Master, Charles Marsh, is very sensibl
and practical production, and is deySt..'
manly to the interests of the Graf "llhii
that Jurisdiction.
He expresses bi'6ffFtibs a nrdnr at TN
the forn p atsR Of many new Lodges and :
steady laicrease of membership, which
pror~fses success in the future inasmuch a.
sSitc luLcDcCIudl CLASS HOW Delng admitted
will hereafter teach and illustrate the adap-
liability of Masonry to improve and elevate
mankind"
The relations of amity with the Grand
Bodies of Masonry throughout the world
are of the most pleasing character.
To such as have a mania for over much
legislation, and think that special edicts will
serve as panacea for all the vices and evil
habits of humanity, we commend the fol-
lowing, which it is hoped will restore them
to soundness of mind.
LET us not forget, in oar legislation, that
we are governed by landmarks which have
stood immovable for CENTURIES, and that we
are but interpreters adopting them to the
situation and wants Of a progressive age"
The Grand Master recommends "that the
law in reference II the ballot be made posi-
tive and binding requiring all Lodges to
have but one bahot for the three degrees"
The COMMITTEES on Jurisprudence to which
this recommendation was referred reported
adversely thereto.
The Grand Secretary's Report, is a perfect
model of excellence. System is one of his
characteristics. The strict accuracy of the
accounts and the admirable manner in
which the business of the Grand Secretary's
office was uniformly conducted, drew forth
from the Finance Committee this we'll
merited plaudit, "well DONE"
The gross receipts, as will be seen by this
admirable report for the year, were $20,096,-
So. And the disbursements for the same
time $l7 ,734 10. which shows an excess of
receipts over disbursements amounting to
$2,362 81. This amount added to the bal
ance on hand last year, 1906 81, shows a
balance in the treasury of 81, 42S Is.
Our brethren in California are we'll to do
in money matters, especially If this is in
gold, instead of greenbacks, to say nothing
about their houses and lands, etc.
DIsPENsATIoNs.-Twel dispensations, for
special dispensations were Issued during the
year. Ten of these special dispensati0ns
were for "balloting on petitions of rejected
applicants" "four to elect officers at times
other than that mentioned in the Constitu-
tion," and "three to allow ballots upon petit
tons for degrees without reference to COM
mittees of Investigation" Verify the NJ.
W.. Grand Master of California exercises
the dispensing power with vengeance. 1t
may all be right and no evil results follow
therefrom, but in our hum BILE judgment he
exercised this power lust serenteen Times too
ofeen. Inc dispensing power is good thing |
and we do not object to proper use thereof |
but the good that springs from its exercise. \
The emergent cases are very few. and are /
for the most part brought into existence by /
the friends of the party on whose behalf the 4
is asked, and if Grand Masters |
would refuse nine cases out of every ten
and study twelve months over the TENTH |
and then refer it to the Grand Lodge for its |
decision these extraordinary cases would /
grow beautifully less every year, and the /
craft saved of many drone in the hive.
ORATIoN.-An eloquent and interesting /
Address was delivered before the Grand |
Lodge by the Grand Orator, Bro. Frank NJ. |
P1xley. Our space win permit us to make |
but single extract.
In speaking of the sublime truths which |
Masonry teaches, and the practical duties it |
enforces. he says
1T teaches love and charity to our fellow |
nan-truth, sobriety and industry. The good |
Mason Is good man. If he fails in the do /
nestle relation of husband or parent If he Is n /
pad son or citizen, if he fails to practice in
lustry, temperance and frugality, if he COM
nits fraud or crime--in q word if he fails in
my of the obligations which he owes 10 his |
eliow-man, ne is q bad Mason"
The practice of retailing what is done in a
.odge-room as an item of news to those
vilo are not entitled to knowledge of its
Oceedings, does not meet with much favor
mong our Catalonia brethren, and their
node ofdealing with such as are found gull
OF this offsnse Is the most efectnal way ]