pression is the other way. The doctrine that a political division, baving in it no Grand Lodge, is open territory has been too firmly established to be shaken now. Such was the decision in the controversy between Oregon and Washington.

"Another, admitting both of these points, insists that the consent of Virginia must be first obtained. But what can be exercised as a right is not subject to the consent of any one. And why in this case more than any other? The Grand Lodge of Nevada was recognized without waiting to see if California (which had chartered all the Lodges) bad given her consent. And poor, innocent California did not dream that she was abused because her consent was not asked! We see no reason for applying one rule to Nevada and another to West Virginia and Nova Scotia.

"Indeed, the Grand Lodge of Virginia was organized in 1778, without any such consent; so was that of Massachusetts in 1777, when a Provincial Grand Lodge was in operation, which continued to charter Lodgos till 1792; so were those of Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1786, New York and South Carolina in 1787, New Hampshire and Connecticut in 1789, and others afterwards. Their organization was based on the changed political relations of the two countries. In all of them the Grand Lodges were formed without any consent of the parent Grand Lodges, or Provincial Grand Lodges. They assumed that they had a right to do so. That assumption has ever since been acquiesced in, and it is too late now to change the principle.

"But it is said that this Grand Lodge is irregular because the Lodges did not settle up and pay their dues, before the formation of the Grand Lodge. This proposition is felo de se. For it the Lodges pay up their dues to any given time, then before they can organize a Grand Lodge, more dues will accrue, and so on ad infinitum. Besides, by that rule, if one Lodge refused to pay her dues, it would prevent the formation of the Grand Lodge.

No, the Grand Lodge must be first formed, and then the question of dues becomes a matter between the Grand Lodges. When was it ever before thought of to question the regularity of a new Grand Lodge on the ground that it did not appear that the Lodges had paid their dues to the Grand Lodge which chartered them?

"If the Lodges in West Virginia failed to pay their dues prior to the organization of the Grand Lodge, the remedy is for the Grand Lodge of Virginia to complain to the Grand Lodge of West Virginia; and it is the duty of the latter to enforce their payment, or procure their remission by the former.

"From a careful examination, we are convinced that the Grand Lodge of West Virginia is regularly formed and has exclusive jurisdiction in that State; and we doubt not that all questions of detail will be arranged between the two Grand

Lodges, in that Masonic Spirit for which the Grand Lodge of Virginia has been so justly celebrated."

Bro. Logan concludes his report as follows:

M. W. WILLIAM J. BATES:

The foregoing report on Foreign Correspondence is respectfully submitted. We are in dismay in contemplating its unexpected length. We have labored to condenso it. The continual temptation has been in the opposite direction. To have made a brief summary would have destroyed the beauty and force of many selections, which are given in the language of the writers. We remember too, that for five years we have been shut out almost entirely from the Masonic world. In the meantime that world has been active. The principles of Masonry have been tested as never before in its history on this continent. We mistake the temper and spirit of the brethren if it should appear that they would have been satisfied with a more meagre report than we have given. We believe that they will, as we have done, with the deepest interest and no little anxiety look into the history of Masonry, as revealed in the brief extracts which we have made from the proceedings of the Grand Lodges. A fuller insight than is available to the brethren, justifies us in saying that we riso from the study of these proceedings still anxious about some things, but with a heart full of hope, and a faith stronger than ever in the sublime principles and teachings of Masonry.

Porsonally, we have said but little in making our report. Wo have preferred to present interesting subjects as discussed by those who have the prestige of experience and authority. Af ter reading the free and fraternal discussions which have been made on points of controversy, it is pleasant to feel and to say that in West Virginia wo seem to be nearly if not quite "square." Except the "regulation" requiring a ballot for each degree, as a test of the moral, intellectual and Masonic fitness of the candidate, there is nothing elementary in our legislation that seems to requiro amendment. Nor are we persuaded that even this regulation should be altered. The "single ballot" system will bear more discussion.

It is a matter of congratulation that we have among us but very few non affiliated Masons, and very few Masons made in army Lodges.

The greatest danger now threatening Masonry is its great popularity. It is undeniably a great danger! We commend to the brethren the words of caution and warning uttered upon this point by the "faithful watchmen on the tower."

T. H. LOGAN.

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

M. W. GRAND LODGE

OF

ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS,

OF THE

STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA,

NOVEMBER, 1867.

IN GRAND LODGE.

A Special Communication of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Wost Virginia, was held in the Masonic Temple in the city of Wheeling, on Wednesday, the 13th day of February, A. L. 5867.

The officers elect and members of Nelson Lodge, No. 30, and a number of visiting brethren.

The Grand Master announced that the present communication of the Grand Lodge had been called for the purpose of

constituting Nelson Lodge, No. 30. and installing the officers of the same.

The Grand Master then proceeded to constitute Nelson Lodge, No. 30, and to install the officers in ancient and AMPLE FORM.

The Grand Lodge was then closed.

WILLIAM G. BATTELLE,

WM. J. BATES,

Grand Master.

Grand Secretary pro tem.

IN GRAND LODGE.

A Special Communication of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of West Virginia, was held at the Masonic Hall, in Morgantown, West Virginia, on the 28th day of June, A. L. 5867.

And a large number of brethren from the subordinate Lodges of this and other Grand Jurisdictions.

The Grand Lodge was opened in DUE FORM.

The Acting Grand Master informed the brethren that the present Communication was held under a warrant from the M. W. Grand Master of this State, at the request of the Directors of the Soldiers' Monumental Association of Monongalia County.

A procession was then formed, and conducted by the Grand Marshal from the Lodge Room to the Cemetery.

The ceremonies of Laying the Corner-stone were then performed in solemn and DUE FORM.

An eloquent and appropriate address was then delivered by Bro. Alex. Martin, D. D.

The procession was then reformed and conducted to the Lodge Room.

The Grand Lodge was then closed.

J. C. PICKENPAUGH,

THOMAS H. LOGAN,

Grand Master pro tem.

Grand Secretary pro tem.

IN GRAND LODGE.

A Special Communication of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of West Virginia was held at the Hall of Fairmont Lodge No. 9, in Fairmont, Marion county, on the 15th day of August, A. L. 5867, at two o'clock P. M.

The Grand Lodge was opened in DUE FORM.

The Acting Grand Master announced that the present Communication was held under a Warrant from the Grand Master ter of the State, for the purpose of laying the corner stone of "The Regency of West Virginia Normal School" building with Masonic Ceremonies, in the town of Fairmont.