Ar00100

ELECTIVE ' OFFICERS .

ONE of the greatest divergences existing in English Freemasonry , as compared with its nractice under some of the Foreign Constitutions , is

to be found in the method adopted for the appointment or election of Lodge Officers . In this country ¦ we elect our W . Masters , Treasurers and Tylers , and all other appointments in the Lodge are vested in the ruler for the time being . He has absolute power in

this respect , and although it is usual tor him to recognise the principle of seniority to a very great extent , there is no law which compels him to do so , or anything to prevent his making an entire change

in the Officers , from Senior Warden down to Junior Steward , should he feel disposed to do so . In some parts of America , and elsewhere , a different system prevails , and the members of the Lodges exercise the right of choosing the Wardens , and , occasionally ,

some of the minor officials in addition . Under such conditions we can well imagine that the work of the election night of the Lodge is surrounded with far

more excitement than is usual in our own country , although even with our small number of elective Officers ifc occasionally happens that election night is the most exciting gathering of the year .

While Freemasonry is conducted on the amicable and satisfactory lines that have hitherto characterised it in this country there can be no object in even suggesting an extension of the principle of election of Lodge Officers . The appointments made by the

Worshipful Masters of our Lodges are almost universally popular , and there are very few brethren among us who would care to see any alteration made in existing arrangements . Besides this , there is the

evil—and many regard it as a growing one—which surrounds an elective office when it is eagerly sought after by more than one candidate . The elections of Lodge Officers are , for the most part , carried through with good feeling and unanimity , but it is in the natural course of events that in soma cn . sns rlifffivfvnp . fis

of opinion should make themselves manifest , and ifc has occasionally happened that competition over a Lodge appointment has led to dissension and ill-feeling amongst the members of the body concerned . Such being the case then , it would seem to be courting disaster to Ul'ere n . nv rlfinnrtnvfi fvmn ATisf . infr VIIIPH

but on the other hand it is pointed out that the general body of members of the Craft have no means ot showing their appreciation of ^ any particular brother unless there are a few appointments onen to the

piactice of election , and on that ground alone—if for no other—the question is one of public importance , ' . •as lately been pushed prominently forward in various parts of the country .

aw not only in Private Lodges , but just now more particularl y in Grand and Prov . Grand Lodges , tbat ^ is question is calling for consideration , the one office -treasurer there receiving attention . It has always

Ar00101

been recognised that appointment to this office lay in the votes of the members , but it is only within the last few years that the electors have taken any steps to secure their full advantages , or exercise their

proper rights . Up to within a very short period tho same brother was elected , year after year , to the office of Grand or Provincial Grand Treasurer ; indeed , in most of the counties that principle still holds sway , and probably will do so until death or some snecial

cause removes the brother who has long enjoyed the confidence of his companions . This system has had the effect of virtually robbing the Craft of its power of filling the much-prized elective

office , as anything like an opposition was regarded with disfavour , and , ¦ plainly speaking , practically rendered impossible . Now , however , things are changing , and it is no longer regarded as

disloyal , or at all out of place , to propose the election of a different brother as Treasurer year by year , when the office has to be filled up . Grand Lodge has set the example in this respect , many Provinces have followed it , and there is every probability that within

a few years the new system will be universally adopted . In time we may expect to see it introduced into private Lodges , and if it is found to work satisfactorily in Grand and Provincial Grand Lodges , we can see no reason why it should long remain unknown

in minor ones . Englishmen are not usually anxious for change in such matters , and Freemasons are no exception to the rule in this respect . We are not , therefore , surprised when we have to record that in

some quarters differences ol opinion on the matter have been expressed , and strong action has been necessary to secure the recognition' and adoption of the principle which undoubtedly exists as one of the privileges of Freemasons . It is not so much that the

members of a Provincial Grand Lodge object to an annual change in the appointment of Treasurer , as it is that they regard the periodical vacation of the office as a departure from existing custom , and there is no

question that to suggest the election of a Brother in place of one who has , year after year , received the suffrages of the district , is not wholly devoid of risk that one's motives may be misunderstood and dissension aroused . Notwithstanding this , the principle has been fought for and successfully carried into effect in

many quarters , and an annual change in the holder of the office is now regarded as much a natural event as , in years gone by , unopposed election was looked forward to . There are numerous advantages attached to this new condition of affairs , not the least among

which is the possibility of conferring the honour of Grand or Provincial Grand office on popular Masons —men who are regarded by their fellows as worthy of something more than the honours of their own Lodge ,

and wmen , witnout sucn an elective olhce as tnat ol Treasurer , it would be impossible to bestow on them . As , then , we must admit that great and popular advantages have arisen from the change that has been made , it is but fair the men who have brought