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

It is true, and indeed it is no where denied, that different Grand Lodges
have usmoeed arw duties and responsibilities upon their respective Grand
; r ; l .. - an 1 not .•:"; eting their ancient inherent
|,,H, best which ara local in their effect, and temporary in their character
—which, beyond doubt, may be amended or repealed at the pleasure of the
newer eventing—and so far as these new duties arc concerned, he is but the
I had supposed tbat ail Grand Lodge Constitutions were themselves subordinate
to th« ancient laws of the craft. Such evidently was the understandl*f
of the Grand Lodge of England, as far back as the year 172.), when it
resolved that the rand Lodge had power to amend or alter any of its regulations,
if it " break net SS anon the ancient rulet of the fraternity." They
also declare, in 1741, That the Grand Lodge could not, by any nets REGULAtion,
take away any of the preroyalivet of the Grand Matter." Our ancient
brethren understood there was a power and authority above the Constitutions
of Grand Lodges, and consequently one over which Grand Lodges had no
esatrel. Whatever authority (irand Masters derive from this source, and
. . i .'. but inherited power, and as such, it
• - i . . .-r-:. 1 !.•!.- >, except through resolution.
It is a part of the landmarks of ancient draft Masonry, that every subordinate
Lodge should hare a Master, or hand, whoso duties and powers are as
nneient, end as much a part of craft Masonry, as his off<strong>ice</strong>. Now, while all
will admit you have the authority to imp »-e new duties and responsibilities
upon him, yet we opine no one will claim-for a moment that yon have the
power or right to alter or chango any of his ancient prerogatives, any
more than you wouid have to abolish his off<strong>ice</strong>. Indeed, the W. Master is
supreme in his Lodge—from his decision no appeal lies—and ho is not re-
• ponsible to his Lodge, while he remains in off<strong>ice</strong>. Shall it be said, that a
' •• : I • i HI:: tii.m the W. Master of a subordinate
Lodge! I opine that this Grand Lodge are not ready to so declare.
I Iftfthsj] tienaaeamed b; some of our sister Grand Lodges U eotrect,
or the proceedings of the called Grand Lodge of California against G. M.
"yam, are to be justified, such is the case. In that o/ent, " he may have
his motives questioned, his actions censured, and his character traduced by a
saburdinate Lodge, behind his back; his subordinate grand off<strong>ice</strong>r may order
the eoavocation of a Grand L>dge against his known and express wishes;
*•* a called Grand Lodge, ujion the complaint of a secular Lodge, may
present, try, and condemn him ezparte t" A position too ridiculous to bo
seriously entertained, for one moment;by the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
we nave long been accustomed and taught to look upon tho Grand Master
stag inherently all the prerogatives and powers which the ancient constitu-
^^.^^ *— taetiims of toe fraternity, have clothed him with, with such
A ^ »* ** wraad Lodge may from time to time confer upon
^ amenable to any power while he remains in off<strong>ice</strong>; but
'• lae nature of our irutitotion and of his obligations being guch, that none