Page 324 - Cornelius Hedges Story

311 The Cornelius Hedges Story

Brother Boardman was an enthusiastic and devoted Mason, and his
address shows a careful study of the interests of Grand Lodge and
points the way, individually and collectively, to a higher level of
useful activity.
By a careful study and wide correspondence he conclusively
showed that the Grand Lodge was paying out for mileage and
per diem a greater portion of its revenue than any Masonic Grand
body in the world, while it was doing little or nothing for charity
and laying aside nothing to meet any unforeseen demand. Grand
Lodge did provide for a charity fund by setting aside five per
cent of its revenue, but on the question of cutting down the paid
representation of the Lodges, there was such an adverse majority
that the attempt has not been renewed and the only effectual check
on the extravagance is the limitation that no Lodge can draw out for
the pay of its representatives more than it pays for dues. Our Grand
Lodge is supported entirely by those Lodges that pay in more than
they draw out. The opposition to this measure of economy was not
through fear that the smaller Lodges would lose their full and equal
vote in Grand Lodge, for it was especially provided that each Lodge
should have three votes whether it had one or more representatives.
The only argument against this measure of economy was that it
would prevent the attendance of some who would like to come
and whom others would like to meet. While the meetings of Grand
Lodge bring hard work to a few, it is an occasion of pleasure and
rejoicing to a majority. Another question that occupied much
attention and some sharp controversy was whether liquor sellers
should be made ineligible. The Jurisprudence Committee reported
adversely to any change in the conditions of admission. Though
the law was not changed, a resolution was adopted discouraging
the acceptance of such candidates. Another much controverted
question was the substitution of a single ballot for the three degrees
instead of the prevailing rule of a ballot for each degree. Though
Recommended by the committee, it did not command a majority at
that time. Grand Lodge rescinded its standing resolution advising
Lodges to incorporate, and recommended, where necessary, to choose
Boards of Trustees.In place of the order requiring the reading of the
Annual Proceedings in open Lodge as soon as received, a resolution
required the Worshipful Master to read the constitution and by-laws
and regulations in open Lodge and report the fact to the Grand Master.
This order is no more complied with than the former. Grand Lodge
having refused to reduce the number of paid representatives and some
measure of economy being necessary to keep within our income,