I . W. GRAND LOlMiK ^licitnt, /ice, Mb ^cttptei SElasons, A i/ro \

•pair the WTOOJC we have unwittingly done an innocent man. Is this just,
ooert orfair? And is it in accordance with tho principles of our tiine-
oaored iastitution ? I think not, or at least, I have not so learned them.
A practical illustration of /the gross injust<strong>ice</strong> which this rule works in it
nrrations, occurred in Greenfield Lodge, TJ. D., during the past year, i
•ndidate applied for tho degrees, his petition was received, and referred,
ssd the committee reported favorably; but when the ballot was spread a
lack ball appeared, and the candidate was declared rojected. The brother
rho east the black ball did it on information which, he afterwards learned,
rae incorrect, and was without truth or foundation. On learning this, the
father's ftosirs wae, what every honest man's should have been, to repair
he wrong he had done. He accordingly joined tho Lodgo in a request to
as, for permission to again act on the candidate's application, which I will-
agly complied wi;h; coupled, however, with tho order that each and every
aember of the Lodge should have duo and timely not<strong>ice</strong> of the time of
. ' • • • tho i ri ty, ncith -r do I ci ncur in the philosophy,
>f this rule; for, in the language of one of tho most eminent Masonic
rriters in the country, " it is predicated on the assumption that the candi-
late is a bad ui in—that he is destitute of a fair moral character; and, conse-
luently, unworthy to be admitted to the privileges and associations of the
[sxlge-room. But this is far from being a just and certain conclusion. It
is n him, the whole proceeding is shrouded in secrecy. Beyond the result
he can know nothng. This may be just, or it may be unjust. But experi­
ence leaves no room to doubt, that rejections frequently occur from consider­
ations beyond and independent of the question of character. They are
. : "ual dislike, or the supposed absence of the requisite
social qualities; and a variety of other causes having no necessary or proper
relation to the personal integrity or moral qualifications of the rejected."
His rejection, therefore, does not afford that clear and certain evidence of
general moral d.Lnquency, which should exclude him from tho amenities
and confidence of social life. Indeed, the rule in question assumes the very
eppaejte of this, and places him on probation, where he must remain until
the Lodge are satisfied that he is " worthy and well qualiGed." This may
h* aaxt week, next month, next year, or it may never be done. But it does
seem to me that the Lodge should always, and at any hour, hold itself in
•BBSMBVSSB, aad that full power and authority should be given it, to reverse
any of it* derisions, when satisfied of its error. The Lodge owes it to its
hoaor, that it should hold in its own hands the privilege and the right
to avail itself of the earliest practical moment to heal the wound it has
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