E. H. ADDINGTON

ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. 85
to produce written evidence under the seal of their Lodges that they
are in good standing; which evidence must also be attested by the signature
of the Grand Secretary and the seal of the Grand Lodge under
which the Lodge of the visitor is working.
The report on Correspondence was made by the Grand Secretary,
and was his thirty-fifth. Reviewing Louisiana he writes of the Address
of Grand Master Thomas that it was carefully prepared. He calls him
an ideal Grand Master; commends his refusal to permit the solicitation
of subscription from the Lodges for a State Institution. He writes of
Brother Lambert's report that it was magnificent. Brother Diehl does
not like our resolution of welcome to the '' Shrine.'' He writes, '' Would
like to know what the Shrine has in common with Freemasonry. Masonry
is earnest work, the Shrine, frolic."
VERMONT, 1911.
The Grand Master, M. W. Bro. Henry L. Ballou, said in his Address:
'' The reports of the District Deputies reveal the status of the several
Lodges of our Jurisdiction. The system of Lodge visitation and inspection
by the Deputy and his report of the same to the Grand Master
enables us to know the real situation as no other way which I can
imagine would do. The consecutive letters of the Deputies should
constitute excellent material for a Masonic history of our Jurisdiction.
Their reports for this year show that the marked prosperity enjoyed
in former years has been continued and that the Fraternity is increasing
in numbers, wealth, influence and usefulness."
It is a sad pity that Deputy Grand Masters are not all as mindful
of the importance of their office as are those of Vermont.
The following decision is certainly correct:
"The following conditions being given, 'The J. W. opens the Lodge
in due form in the absence of the W. M. and S. W. and calls upon a
Past Master to preside. The J. W. then leaves the Lodge room, but
returns to close the Lodge,' the question was asked, 'Would business
transacted during the absence of the J. W. from the Lodge room be
legal, or must the Master or one of the Wardens be present in the
Lodge room at all times while the Lodge is open?' I held: The absence
of Master and Wardens nullifies business of any kind.''
• The Grand Secretary, B. W. Bro. H. H. Eoss, reported that the total
membership of the Lodges was 13,135; a net gain of 204.
The Grand Treasurer, R. W. Bro. Charles W. Whitcomb, reported
that the receipts had exceeded the expenses some four hundred dollars.
The report on Correspondence was prepared by M. W. Bro. Marsh
O. Perkins. In reviewing Louisiana he writes of the Address of Grand
Master Thibaut as able.
In reviewing our report of last year he notes our remark about
the declaration of a resident of Vermont having been made a Mason in
Scotland without receiving any waiver of Jurisdiction, and would courteously
direct our attention to the attitude of Scotland when an in-