Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1881-06-24

Masons AMI the business dispatched In most
creditable manner Although some OF the ques
tons elected earnest, eloquent, aid al umes VAIN
discussion, II was MAJ ked with the true mssohic
spirit and all seemed anxious that our meeting
should result In the greatest god los Al "ii i'ta
extending throughout the length a"'' n' .a,in y, y,
our great and glorious country. l could mol nui
wish that the same feeling of unity ANA really eH
listed in our political bodies II Is not iinpossipe
that these national organizations, drawing mo
pleasant contact the residents OF different sections
may yet prove potent factor III bringing aooul
such result.
constitution, Strengthening weak places in the OLD
one but adding few new powers; deciding that ],
had no Jurisdiction over the council degrees anu
the adoption of a standard Work relative 10 esseh-
tals
TAI first officers were made custodans Of the
work and charged with The duty OF disseminating
IT, The changes in our standard work Will be triS-
al and am satisfied that you will he glad to con-
form 10 them for the sake OF uniformity. AT the
proper time shall endeavor TO explain them.
OBSERVATIONS.
Most of the chapters in this Jurisdiction are in
good condition Around their affairs KIND men OF
ability and earnestness. who labor TO make their
chapters credit 10 the institution and TO their 10
calities. OF few, | can but speak unfavoraoiy.
II not dead they are sleeping; and unless !hey
awake speedily should be buried. Whether this
condition is due TO cause, VIZ that chaptefs never
should have been located where they are or
whether II is the fault of the members am unable
10 say II should prove lesson TO US 10 be careful
about establishing new chapters. -
Darng nv official connection WIN ths 1rahu
Body, nave often noted the fact that subordinate
chapters do not always choose the best men 1or
officers. II is not matter that concerns single
chapter. but one of general interest our institu
ton is Judged of by lis officers and 1t Is OF the nigh
est Importance that selections he made win gtea'
care. But" says my technical friend, 'our eiec-
tons are neld without nominations or previous ar
rangemcnt. Elecuoneering is unmasonic;"
The misunderstanding OF thls principal mas
moved "A stumbling block and dttrlment 10 uinlif
Masonic bodies. Let look beyond the rord 10 inc
infsntion of those who land down this general rule:
Unmasonic electioneering, as understand H. Is
the STOPPING 10 political practices IN the interest OF
self or friends for Office; contemplbe In ponies
and IL practiced in the slightest degree IN MaSoh-
&c BODY justly Teprehenslbie-
Ii is not unmasonic. II in the right spirit, the &C
tive members of i lodge or chapter canvass tle
qualifications OF members for the various oiices
and reasonably advocate their fitness nor Is an
honest ambition for office TO be condemned
can understand how greater harm may result
from chances ballot, for such II often 49, wnen ,ne
ANNALS come in and outvote the regulars, than In
a careful looking over and selection OF onicers.
When the best men selected they have much
10 do they must perfect themselves in the work
and executive duties they must also learn the art
ul i!ilcg,aiI the members and attracting them 10
the meetings. II one experiment TAILS adopt an,
other Your full duty will not se discharged until
YOU can look with pride upon the nourishing con-
diion of your chapter.
Rest assured thai the satisfaction to be derived
from such a result, and the appreciation oil your
companions, will amply reward you
CONCLUSION.
Having riyea an account of my stewardship, II
only remains for me thank you for repeated hon.
or., crowned with the highest in your power to be-
stow The discharge OF the duties Of ms once
have required time and patience, but assure you
tia, my rewards haye been ample. To our excel
lent Grand Secretary an especially indebted for
valuable counsel aud reliable assistance. ] &C
knowled with gratitude the hearty support and
cooperation have received from all. Ny assoca-
tons with YOU have been most pleasant my sup
port cordial my correspondence fraerna With
the officers of other Grand Bodies my relations, so
far AS they have extended, have been friendly and
courteous From the various correspondence CON-
mttees IN their review of my acts and address l
have been dealt with quite as lenieptly As l de-
served
After few hours have passed in presiding over
your deliberations shall return this emblem OF
orice and badge of authority for the investment OF
some worthier companion. In doing SO | shall not
ask TO lie excused from labor, shall consider u
pleasure upon the door Of this Grand Body TO Ia
bor with those whose zeal fer our institution has
raised them membership, for the Interest OF the
craft in Jurisdiction, and SO long as lie lasts
and strength is given it Will be welcome duty TO
assist in maintaining the honor and dignity OF the
Grand Chapter Of Vermont
Respectfully submitted.
ALFRED A. HALL,
Grand High Priest.