THE PROPOSED SUPREME GRAND LODGE. We have received a copy of the proceedings of the Convention held at Baltimore, on the 23d of September last, for the purpose of considering the expediency, and proposing a plan for the organization of a General or "Supreme Grand Lodge for the United States," and avail ourselves of the earliest opportunity to lay before our readers such parts as we deem to be most important.

The address is ably written, and will, we trust, receive the consideration before the different Grand Lodges, to which it is entitled by the force and cogency of its reasoning. We subjoin the concluding part of it, in which the committee answer some of the most important objections that have been urged against the measure :—

It is said that the time has not yet arrived when such an institution can be established with advantage to the Fraternity; that there is no occasion for a power superior to that which the Grand Lodges now wield; that Gen. Washington, in his time, deemed it inexpedient, and that it is not to be presumed we, of the present day, are wiser than were he and his compeers; that it would lessen the spirit of emulation among the Grand Lodges, and cool the ardor of their officers and members; that it would be a novelty, an innovation, and an experiment in Masonry, and that such a measure has been heretofore successfully opposed. That if invested with sufficient power to subserve the purposes of its friends, it would accumulate to itself all power, and strike down all the Grand Lodges of the States; that if a lesser power be delegated, then its edicts would be inoperative-it would be merely an advisory power; and, consequently, its admonitions and counsels might be disobeyed with impunity; there being no obligation to obey. These seem to be the principal reasons found among the proceedings of such Grand Lodges as have expressed themselves against the measure, where reasons have been assigned.

It is an easy matter to set up a theory, and, from assumed premises, to construct a plausible argument; easier yet to object to a measure where no reasons for such objections are demanded. But a little practical experience is of more value than all the theories of the imaginative, and is usually found sufficient to overset them.

It is objected that the time for such an Institution has not yet arrived; and that there exists no necessity for a power greater than that now exerted by the Grand Lodges. Is there necessity? Let him who doubts the fact examine the reports of Committees on Correspondence in the various Grand Lodges; there he shall find, page after page, filled with the notices of all sorts of irregularities, "many strange doctrines and singular enactments," collisions upon the fundamental principles of Grand Lodge organizations—crimination and recrimination ; one accumulating diverse rites, and claiming authority over degrees in Masonry, to which some of its members have never been admitted-another for these canses declaring such an organization to be subversive of all order, antimasonic, and void-And in all these, and other difficulties, there exists no power to decide as an ultimate resort. Whether it be the appropriate time for the establishment of such an institution, let this condition of things determine. That General Washington advised that it was inexpedient-Whether this be so or otherwise, or whether the attention of our illustrious Brother was ever called to the subject even, the undersigned have no means of knowing. We all know that until near the termination of that great and good man's earthly career, he was at the head of the young Republic; that Republic then but recently organized under a Constitution which had encountered a most formidable opposition from some of the

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first men in the country, for the reason that they supposed they saw a great central power accumulating, which would ultimately terminate in a monarchical form of government. General Washington might readily have foreseen that the effort would be made to place him at the head of the Masonic Institution-and well might he have feared the effect that such a movement was likely to produce upon minds already sufficiently excited-the President of the Republic at the head of a systematically organized, secret, and powerful Institution, whose objects were not, as now, well known and understood. But the condition of the Institution has undergone great changes within the last half century, and every one must know that we can come to no opinion as to what the men of that day would do in the present emergency, from what they did in their time.

And

That it would be a novelty, an innovation in Masonry, and would lessen the spirit of emulation among the officers and members of the Grand Lodges. The Grand Lodges of England can scarcely be called a novelty or innovation. yet it is a Supreme Grand Lodge, with powers vastly superior to those proposed to be given to the contemplated institution. It is a Supreme Grand Lodge, having as its subordinates a great number of Provincial Grand Lodges, with their subordinate Lodges, and other Lodges immediately subordinate to itself. And has it yet been discovered that the officers and members of the Provincial Grand Lodges are less emulous or energetic than they would have been, had each been an independent community? The idea is imaginative, and too far fetched.

That if power were delegated sufficient to enable it to cause its decrees to be respected and obeyed, it would accumulate to itself all power, and destroy the Grand Lodges. In other words, that it would voluntarily destroy the substratum upon which its own existence depends! And with what object? Does it appear that the Grand Lodge of England has ever manifested a desire to destroy, or even to lessen, the importance of the Provincial Grand Lodges? Are Freemasons of these United States less to be relied upon than those of the United Kingdom? Has the General Grand Chapter of the United States, which was organized more than half a century ago, and upon these same principles, ever manifested a desire to lessen the importance of the Grand Chapters under her jurisdiction? Nay, is it not a well known fact that she has, at all times, lent her aid and influence in the support and maintenance of those bodies? Her acts and doings attest this fact, and challenge contradiction. As well may it be said that a Grand Lodge would seek to destroy its subordinate Lodges, and thus commit an act of felo de se.

It is admitted that without the power to enforce its decrees, its acts would be nugatory, and itself a creature of useless existence. It is not, however, proposed to organize such a body, but one like the General Grand Encampment of the United States, possessing life, and power; and whilst it controls the restless and designing, it at the same time will demand and receive the respect of all. The periodical meetings will call together many of the distinguished members of the Masonic family from the various parts of our extended and extending country. This will bind closer the Fraternal band, and give life and spirit and energy to the hearts of those whose first and only aim is to be good and true.

By the provisions of the Constitution herewith submitted for your consideration, it will be seen, that if sixteen Grand Lodges shall approve of the measure, and signify their approval before the 1st day of January, 1849, then it is to go into effect, and not otherwise. And in the event of such approval, then the first meeting is to be held in the city of Baltimore, on the second Tuesday in July, 1849.

CHARLES GILMAN,
DANIEL A. PIPER,

ISAAC NORTAROP,

LEMUEL DWELLE,
JOSEPH ROBINSON.

Baltimore, September 25, 1847. We give also the Constitution as adopted by the Convention, and which is now submitted for the approval or rejection of the Grand Lodges.

Their action in this respect, will settle the question, certainly for the present, and probably for many years to come. It is not to be presumed that, if rejected now, the subject will again be brought forward, or seri ously entertained, in any quarter, during the present generation. It is, therefore, entitled to a full and careful consideration, and such we confidently believe it will receive:

CONSTITUTION OF THE SUPREME GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES.

ARTICLE I.

Section 1. The Grand Lodges of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons in the United States of America, are declared to be united under one SUPREME GRAND LODGE:-Provided, that before the first day of January, 1849, sixteen of the said Grand Lodges shall have ratified this Constitution, and not otherwise. This section is to take effect on such Grand Lodges only as may ratify or adopt this Constitution, and such as may be formed under it. Any State Grand Lodge which shall have come under this jurisdiction, may, at any time, withdraw from the same, without censure, by a concurrent vote of two-thirds at each of two successive, regular, annual meetings, communicated to the Supreme Grand Secretary. Provided, no Grand Lodge shall have the right to withdraw during the pendency of an appeal, to which said Grand Lodge is a party, nor while under censure.

Section 2. The Supreme Grand Lodge of the United States of America shall have jurisdiction over all Grand and subordinate Symbolic Lodges in the United States and Territories, ratifying or adopting this Constitution, and in those where there is no Grand Lodge. Its jurisdiction shall extend to all disputes or differences between State Grand Lodges; to appeals from the same; to the government and superintendence of their own subordinate Lodges; and to the regulation of the mode of work, in the symbolic degrees, throughout its limits.

Section 3. The officers of this body shall be a Supreme Grand Master, two Deputy Supreme Grand Masters, Supreme Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, Supreme Senior and Junior Grand Deacons, Supreme Grand Secretary, and Supreme Grand Treasurer. Provided, it shall be competent for the Supreme Grand Lodge to appoint, for the time being, such other subordinate officers as may be deemed expedient, who shall not be entitled to vote as such. The foregoing officers for the time being, with all Past Supreme Grand and Supreme Deputy Grand Masters, the Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, and Grand Wardens of State Grand Lodges, and Masters of subordinate Lodges in States and Territories having no Grand Lodges, shall constitute the Supreme Grand Lodge.

Section 4. Each Supreme Grand officer, and each Master of a subordinate Lodge, shall have one vote, and the officer or officers present, or their proxies, of each State Grand Lodge, four votes. The representatives of three State Grand Lodges shall form a quorum for business. The Supreme Grand Master, Supreme Deputy Grand Masters and Supreme Grand Wardens, and the State Grand Masters and Deputy Grand Masters, and no others, may appear and vote by proxy. No proxy shall be given to a Supreme Grand officer, or to any person not a member of some Lodge under this jurisdiction.

Section 5. The Supreme Grand Lodge shall meet triennially, on the second Tuesday in July, at a place from time to time to be appointed. The meetings shall be holden, alternately, east and west of the Alleghany mountains, beginning at Baltimore, in the year 1849.

Section 6. If, at any time, the election of officers shall, from any cause, fail to be had at the appointed period, the existing officers shall hold their places till their successors shall be elected and installed.

Section 7. The Supreme Grand Master, and in case of his death or inability, to act, either of the Supreme Deputy Grand Masters, shall have power to call a

meeting of this body, at any time, on giving three months notice; and either of them shall do so, whenever requested by three of the State Grand Lodges.

Section S. Either of the first three Supreme Grand officers may grant dispensations for Lodges in any State or Territory where there is no Grand Lodge; which shall be valid till the next meeting of this body, when a Charter may be granted. Provided, that if there be in such State or Territory any existing Lodge, no dispensation or charter shall issue without a recommendation from the nearest Lodge. The fees for a Dispensation or Charter shall not be less than fifty dollars, and ten dollars to the Supreme Grand Secretary for engrossing the Charter, to be paid always in advance; which fee shall be immediately remitted, by the officer receiving it, to the Supreme Grand Treasurer. And every subordinate Lodge, acting under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Grand Lodge, shall pay to this body, for every candidate raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, the sum of one dollar. The jurisdiction of the several Grand Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Grand Lodge, shall be restricted to the limits of the State or Territory in which they respectively are held.

Section 9. The fees for conferring the first three degrees in Masonry, under this jurisdiction, shall never be less than fifteen dollars.

Section 10. The general duties of the officers of this body are sufficiently defined by Masonic usage. In the absence of the first five Supreme Grand officers, the chair shall be taken by the oldest Past Supreme Grand officer, highest in rank, present, and if none such be present, then by the oldest State Grand Master present.

ARTICLE II.

Section 1. The State Grand Lodges shall continue their present organization, powers and duties, without any change, but at their own pleasure, except so far as may be necessary to conform to this Constitution.

Section 2. In any State or Territory where three or more Lodges shall have worked for one year, under regular Charters, a Grand Lodge may be formed, by authority of this Supreme Grand body, or of either of the first three officers thereof.

Section 3. Whenever a Dispensation shall have been granted to a Lodge by a Supreme Grand officer, the Charter shall be granted by the Supreme Grand Lodge, notwithstanding the intermediate formation of a Grand Lodge in such State or Territory.

Section 4. The Grand Secretaries of each Grand Lodge under this jurisdiction, shall annually communicate to each other and to the Supreme Grand Secretary, all proceedings of their respective Grand Lodges, and full lists of their offi

cers.

ARTICLE III.

Section 1. No Lodge or assembly of Masons shall work within this jurisdiction without a Charter or Dispensation from some regular Masonic body, or from some officer thereof, duly authorized to issue the same. And all Masonic intercourse is hereby forbidden with all assemblies of Masons, and the members thereof, held without such Charter or Dispensation.

Section 2. All subordinate Lodges, under the direct jurisdiction of this Supreme Grand body, shall make annual returns to the Supreme Grand Secretary, and pay their dues; and on failure thereof, steps may be taken to forfeit their Charters. Section 3. All Lodges, chartered by this body, shall be duly consecrated, and their officers installed by one of the first three Supreme Grand officers, or by his proxy; and until such consecration and installation, no officer elect shall have a seat in this body.

Section 4. This Constitution may be altered or amended, at a regular meeting only, by a vote of two thirds of the constitutional votes present.

ARTICLE IV. [TEMPORARY.]

Section 1. The foregoing Constitution shall be printed, and five copies thereof transmitted, as early as possible, by the Secretary of this Convention, to each of

the several Grand Lodges in the United States. If, before the first of January, 1849, sixteen of said Grand Lodges shall adopt the same, it shall be established and confirmed. If not, it shall be null and void.

Section 2. The Grand Lodges adopting this Constitution shall forthwith report their adoption to the President of this Convention, to the Secretary of the same, and to the Grand Master of the District of Columbia for the time being. This threefold notice is required to avoid accident from death or otherwise.

Section 3. The President, or in case of his death or disability, the Secretary, and if both be dead or disabled, the said Grand Master shall, so soon as sixteen Grand Lodges have ratified this Constitution, give notice to all the Grand Lodges in the United States to meet in Convention, to organize the Supreme Grand Lodge; and all Grand Lodges sending delegations to that Convention, shall be received as subordinate to said Supreme Grand Lodge.

Section 4. Said Convention, if holden, shall meet in Baltimore, on the second Tuesday in July, 1849.

DOINGS OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER.

We have received an official copy of the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter, had at its recent communication at Columbus, and lay before our readers such of the Reports as we have room for the present month. They will be continued in our next.

GENERAL GRAND SECRETARY'S REPORT.

To the M. E. General Grand High Priest and other officers and members of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the United States of America: In accordance with the requirements of the General Grand Chapter, the undersigned, General Grand Secretary, submits the following as a digest of such matters as may require your consideration, which have come to his knowledge during the vacation.

Soon after the close of the Session of 1844, I transmitted to the High Priest of Holland Chapter, No. 9, at New Orleans, an authenticated copy of so much of the record of the proceedings of that Session as relates to the difficulties between that Chapter and the, so called, Grand Chapter of Louisiana; and therewith an order to proceed with the regular business of his Chapter, in accordance with the decree of the General Grand Chapter. The order was readily complied with ; and since that time the Chapter has regularly made its returns, and promptly paid its dues.

Within the same time, three other Chapters have been opened within that State, by dispensations obtained from the M. E. D. General Grand High Priest; all of which have complied with the requirements of the Constitution, and now ask, at your hands, perpetual charters.

It will be recollected that upon the investigation of the matter of the complaint of Holland Chapter, in 1844, it was found that there was no Grand Chapter in Louisiana, constituted according to any laws known to, and acknowledged by, the Order, and that therefore a demand for a surrender of the charter of Holland Chapter to the, so called, Grand Chapter, and the attempt to expel from the rights of Masonry, its officers for disobedience to that demand, were mere nullities, and not to be regarded by any regularly organized Masonic body.

I have received, through the Post Office, several copies of a pamphlet purporting to have been issued by this same, so called, Grand Chapter; by which it appears, in the first place, that they deny that the General Grand Chapter had any power or authority, whatever, to interfere in the matter of Holland Chapter.