GRAND LODGE

1850.] Grand Lodge of Illinois. 623
Lodge to suspend work for one year, which request the Grand Lodge kindly
granted. At that time, myself and other brethren here, thought that we
would be able to resume work ere this; but I regret to say that such is not
the case; owing to the untimely death of two of the brethren, viz: Bros. W.
F. Emmonson and James M. Scott; and in the absence of the Secretary (who
has removed to Ohio), I herewith transmit to you the charter, books, jewels
and working tools of said lodge, which you will please return to the Grand
Secretary or lay the same before the Grand Lodge.
" In behalf of the brethren of said lodge, and for myself, I return to you,
and through you to the Grand Lodge, our sincere and heartfelt thanks for
their forbearance and kind attention to our wishes as expressed at their last
Grand Communication. The brethren here, including myself, would be
pleased to have such action in regard to the relinquishment of our jewels and
working tools (which are of some value) to the Grand Lodge, so that in the
event of our being able to again reorganize our lodge within a few years, we
may reclaim them. Yours fraternally,
W. M. BLACK,
Late Master Temperance Lodge, No. in.
"To M. W. WILLIAM LAVK.I.V, G. L. Illinois "
The charter, books and jewels have been delivered to the R. \V. Grand
Secretary. The working tools being rather cumbersome, I could not con­
veniently bring them up. They are deposited with Springfield Lodge, No. 4.
I have been favored with detailed accounts from both parties of the out­
rageous proceedings had at the late annual communication of the M. W.
Grand Lodge of New York, which will be at your disposal. As there are
now three distinct bodies in that State, claiming to be Grand Lodges, I
would urge it upon you to take some prompt and decisive action in the prem­
ises, and determine at this communication which of these bodies shall be
recognized as the legal and regularly constituted Grand Lodge of that State.
And also denounce, in language that cannot be misunderstood, the tumultu­
ous, rebellious and riotous spirit manifested by some of the actors in the
scene alluded to, and which is so much at war with the holy principles and
teaching of our Institution. And in order that a speedy and fair investiga­
tion may be had in the premises, I would recommend that all the commum-
cations be referred to a special committee, with instructions to report at as
early a day as possible. 1 only refrained from issuing a circular to all of our
subordinates, interdicting all Masonic intercourse with New York Masons,
until the difficulties should lie examined and passed upon hj JOII,, lWMIIIMi
the present eommunieat ion was so near at hand.
In conclusion, my brethren, I will again gratefully thank you for the
many high honors you have so kindly bestowed upon me. (>n to-morrow
you will be requested by our Constitution to make choice of one of your num-