We are sure our cry of distress will be heard, and with this The following petition was presented by R. W. Br. Charles R. Train: To the M. W. Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The undersigned, members of the Masonic Fraternity, in regular standing under the jurisdiction of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, respectfully represent to your honorable Body, that, in the opinion of many, there exist in the ritual and work of the Order, as at present recognized and sanctioned by this Grand Lodge, certain portions or features of a theological or sectarian character, contrary to the letter as well as to the spirit of Masonry, which tend to pervert the grand design of the Institution itself, by limiting its legitimate extension, and by circumscribing its usefulness. They, therefore, petition the M.W. Grand Lodge to institute a thorough examination and investigation into the present ritual and work, and, also, into the usages and practices of Lodges, for the purpose of ascertaining whether that most important ancient landmark, the universality of Freemasonry, has been overthrown or disregarded; and if so, to order such corrections and alterations in the ritual and work as may be needed to restore them into accord with that landmark; to condemn and forbid whatever usages and practices may be found in conflict therewith; and to do whatever else may be thought requisite to re-establish masonic universality in this jurisdiction, and to harmonize our Freemasonry with its professions. BOSTON, November 14, A.L. 5870. SAMUEL EVANS, and two hundred and twenty-nine others. The By-Laws, and the amendments to By-Laws, of the following Lodges were presented for approval, and referred to W. Brothers Henry Endicott, Lucius W. Lovell, and W. L. Gardner, viz.: Mountain, Ionic, Dalhousie, St. Alban's, Quinnebaug, Warren, St. Paul's, Social Harmony, Alfred Baylies', Aberdour, Eliot, Liberty, Plymouth, St. Mark's, and Philanthropic. The M.W. Grand Master made the following REPORT. BRETHREN, The course pursued last year, of making an explicit report of the financial affairs of Grand Lodge at the Annual Meeting, when the representation of the Craft is so full, met with such favor that I propose to follow it at this time, in the hope that the custom of making this exhibit of the finances before the election, may be fully inaugurated. MEETINGS OF DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. In pursuance of the vote passed in Grand Lodge March 14, 1866, I have drawn upon the Grand Treasurer for the purpose of defraying the expenses of I would recommend that the following order, passed December 8, 1858, be repealed: "Ordered, That the District Deputy Grand Masters be authorized to hold Quarterly Meetings, for the purpose of consulting upon any questions that may arise in the several Districts for the discussion or action of the several District Deputy Grand Masters, and that the expenses of such meetings, and of the officers attending the same, shall be paid by the Grand Lodge." Although it has not been customary for the Deputies to charge for their expenses in attending these meetings, it has been thought advisable by the Board of Directors, to recommend that any presumed authority for such charges, contained in the above order, be rescinded. The vote of Grand Lodge of March 14, 1866, "That the Grand Master be authorized and empowered to draw upon the Treasurer for such sums of money as are necessary to defray the expenses of the meetings of the District Deputy Grand Masters at the Annual and Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge; and that the Grand Master, in his annual address, report such expenses," is ample for the purpose of defraying all the necessary expenses, and, by its terms, authorizes the meetings of the Deputies. In the present condition of our finances, it cannot be considered reasonable or necessary that the travelling expenses of the Deputies in attending the meetings of Grand Lodge, should be paid. MEETINGS OF GRAND LECTURERS. In accordance with your vote of June 8, 1870, I report that I have drawn upon the Grand Treasurer for the purpose of defraying the expenses of — The Meeting of Grand Lecturers held June 8, 1870 $9.00 The Meeting of Grand Lecturers held September 14, 1870. 9.00 rehearsal, held November 16, 1870 20.00 The Meeting of Grand Lecturers held December 14, 1870 9.00 EXPENSES DEDICATING HALLS AND CONSTITUTING NEW LOdges. As stated last year, in dedicating halls, the Grand Lodge has been at no expense. In constituting new Lodges, the amount of $217.30 has been expended as follows: tuted in three days, by the Grand Lodge.) (These four Lodges in the Western part of the State, were consti Puritan, Abington, October 21 Total 6.80 $217.30 The bills of these expenses, as well as all the bills of expenses in dedicating halls, are on file in the Grand Treasurer's Office. ANNUAL EXPENSES AND RECEIPTS. From the Grand Treasurer's books, it appears that this officer has paid on account of — The Grand Secretary's account appears large, but it includes printing, $1,927.94, one of our largest items of ordinary ex penditure; Diplomas, $1,090.00; salary, $375.00; leaving the amount of $217.30 as the current expenses of the office. The Temple Expense account, amounting to $14,387.09, is large. It includes Insurance Superintendent's salary Expenses of cleaning the Temple $3,038.35 1,200.00 542,76 The amount paid for repairs is larger than usual this year. The roof has been repaired at an expense of $209; and a small steam pump to supply the boilers with water, and which cost $212.50, has been put in. The ordinary current expenses of the Grand Lodge for 1867-68, From the District Deputy Grand Masters, for Grand Lodge dues, The officers and servants of the Grand Lodge have endeavored by every means to cut down the expenses, and reduce the indebtedness. Economy at all times, and in all places, has been inculcated. It must be borne in mind, however, that a Corporation, holding real and personal estate to the amount of $650.000, and an Institution which, with its one hundred and eighty-two chartered subordinates, stretches all over the Commonwealth, |