The Cryptic rite - The Masonic Trowel

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CRYPTIC MASONRY.
of our officers in the various districts is encouraging. We
have many Councils doing good work. In Manitoba our
success has been somewhat impaired by the recent troubles,
but for this we^ are consoled m the fact that our gallant
Companion, C. F. Forrest, has made his mark, not only as a
man, but as a soldier citizen, and side by side with other
craftsmen, has helped to stamp out the misguided few who
have stained the trackless prairie with the blood of loyal
men. Other districts are working efficiently, and I trust
will show next year a development that will be creditable
to the Rite. And notwithstanding the progress made, our
Rite does not flourish as do other branches of Masonry.
Our mysteries merit the fullest meed of success. Our degrees
are unexcelled in beauty and sublimity. The keyatone
to Royal Arch Masonry cannot be firmly cemented
without the aid of the Cryptic trowel, and the testimony of
all who have joined our ranks is in perfect harmony with
the expressions that I have uttered. In other branches we
see the great source of weekness in too many lodges and too
many chapters. The young Hiramites, eager and zealous
for Masonic rank, turn a deaf ear to those who, after years
of work and experience, feel that the undue multiplication
of lodges leads in many cases to discord and unrest. Disappointed
juniors, and yet faithful craftsmen, feel that the
treasured Qavel in the East will never be theirs. Presiding
officers who deserve by their true aud faithful work a two
years' term are thr'ist aside. The craze for rank must be satisfied,
and new lodges in turn are petitioned for and organized
and the manufacturing of P.M's goes on ad lib. As in
Craft Masonry so in Capitular. Chapters are formed with the
best of intentions, the brightest of hopes. The acriie of perfection
is promised, but rarely accomplished. Three, four
and five Chapters are located where one, two or three would
be ample for the work, and consequently enthusiasm dulls
the attendance is small, a bare quorum in seven cases out of
ten is all that can be secured, and the work which should be
prosecuted with vigour is allowed to verge into the sere and
yellow. From other causes our beloved Rite has sufiered.
The land teems with degrees. I do not question for a moment
the absolute right of every man to take as many degrees
as he may have a preference for, and yet I am satisfied that
we have too many grades, and after all Masonry in its purity
and simplicity is to be found in the Blue lodge. I express
my views with the sincerest feelings to my Masonic brethren
and in the interest of our Rite. We have to contend