E. H. ADDINGTON

36 APPENDIX—REPORT OF COMMITTEE
We also note that while jurisdiction is claimed over all "F. & A.
Masons'' there is no claim over Lodges not working the York Eite.
We cannot concede exclusive territorial jurisdiction where the territory
is already occupied.
We had hoped that when the Grand Lodge Valle confined its claims
to the Federal District and warranted Lodges in both York and'Scotch
Eites that "the Mexican Muddle" "was ended. AVe hastened to give
them recognition. We regret that our hope has proved a delusion.
The Grand Lodge has lowered itself into a mere Sectarian Body, a York
Eite Body. And it has laid claim to jurisdiction beyond its sphere.
This will doubtless produce complications. In our opinion they have
made the muddle worse than it ever was.
MICHIGAN", 1911.
The Grand Master, M. W. Bro. G. Eoscoe Swift, well said in his
Address:
"As I have previously intimated that I did not bring to this position
profound learning and ability, so I would not stand here to-day and
attempt to instruct you in the deeper and hidden meanings of the great
teachings of Masonry. Indeed, so much time is spent in searching out and
looking for the hidden meanings and teachings that I fear we sometimea
forget the elementary principles, tenets and profession of the Order;
seeking after light, brotherly love, relief and truth—temperance, fortitude,
prudence and justice; these are the grea.t foundation principles
of the Order, all of which concern us in our every-day life and which,
in every age and clime, have marked the pulse beat of civilization's
progress.
"It should surely be a matter of pride to every man who is permitted
to wear the emblem of the Order in a visible badge on his person
or as an indelible impression on his life and character, that he is a
member of a great fraternity, that because of these teachings and professions
has attracted in all ages the greatest and best of men to its
ranks, and which by its quiet and benign influence is exerting a power
and control in society of which to-day, I believe, we have no adequate
idea. We should never permit its dignity to be lowered by any act
or word of ours, but, at all times and in all places, so demean ourselves
that we will be known as Masons by the uprightness of our lives and
the correctness of our conduct.
"To make the path a little plainer for others' feet; to add a little
to the light that is battling with the gloom; to make the world a little
better, cheerier and happier for our presence in it—this is the great
debt we, as Masons, owe the world."
The Grand Master made the following interesting ruling:
"In a Masonic trial the accused does not appear in person or by
counsel at the meeting of the commissioners.
"The US.. W. appoints counsel for the accused that the trial may
proceed.
"At a later meeting of the commissioners, the accused appears and
is represented by counsel of his own selection.
"Then the counsel previously appointed by the M. W. may with-