New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-01
DEPARTMENT
coxpucrED BY THE GRAND LIBRARIAN OF THE
GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF NETWORK.
roo MUCH LAW AND TOO MANY LAWYERS.

Those who have the opportunity 70 examine
,be published proceedings Of the various Grand
Lodges and those who carefully read the jour
nails devoted 10 the craft, take an active in
,erest in all the live matter Of daily occurrence
: IN the Masonic world, must observe that slowly
,ut steadily are getting beyond the simple
| Methods of the olden Zines, and that we are
,radually working up system Of law which Will
eouire special education 10 understand and
necial gift to practice The average Mason Will
1ot undergo the drudgery needed u MAXI him
self well acquainted with the general principles
- Masonic law, and either jumps al conclu-
sions on his own convictions, or straightWaY
rurs TO some Masonic lawyer for an opinion
Mr. or Brother Blackstone probably never read
the Constitution and Statutes Of the Grand
Lodge. and hurriedy glances through the"
now. and. as result his opinion is full OF
technicahties. and always with view OF leaving
some loophole or excuse Open in order to be
prepared to go some other line OF deiehce o'
prosecution. as the case may be. There can be
no objection TO lawyers serving on COMMISSIONS
or defending client and protecting his interest
rroviding however. they can divest themselves
Of the tricks and chicanery'' Of the law which
very few are able TO do. Masonic Jurisprudence
is plain in it's meaning. simple in its practice
aiming only at absolute justice TO ell concerned
AS a rule. every lodge has within its membership
ample material for all purposes Of Masonic work,
good men and true" who can sift all evidence
that NAV be brought up in case Of a trial and
who are actuatcd only by a sense Of justice and
a desire to be Just 10 the lSdge and just to any
brother who may be accused Of some Masonic
offence or misdemeanor. Unfortunately. the
brethren are too prone TO shirk the responsibility
OF serving on a commission, and often, too,
slight mistake or careless word spoken In the
heat of debate is straghtway magniied and
results in Masonic trial, which three good
members Of good. sound common-sense and with
true Masonic spirit In their hearts, would settle
In most arnicable way In one session. X there
was less parade made over il and less law and
lawyers consulted. Another grievous error often
made by the brethren is that Of running 10 the
Grsnd Master or his District Deputy upon the
the lodge is the proper tribunal for all such
cases: let your own household judge Of It's own
members, and keep your little differences within
your own portals; le. 1t remain safely lodged
within the faithful breasts OF your own men,
leYs. Let the Master and officers study the Con
stitution and Statutes Of the Grand Lodge. and
1t the brethren abide by the written law Of
practise the teachings and tenets Of the craft
ard there will be need of law or lawyers, ana
yDu will save your Grand Lodge officers much
worry and anxiety Of mind. Avoid lawyers.
void useless disputes and harmful or angry de-
ltes follow the true teachings of the book Of
0oks which is upon your altar, and carry the
principles Of the fraternity In youInheart. and
practise them within and without the lodgeroom,
end it will do away with Masonic trials Of any
kind.