THE BUILDER OCTOBER 1917

BROTHER MEMBER: THERE IS A MESSAGE TO YOU ON PAGE 6 OF THIS
BULLETIN. TAKE IT WITH YOU TO THE NEXT LODGE MEETING.

CORRESPONDENCE CIRCLE BULLETIN---No. 11
DEVOTED ORGANIZED MASONIC STUDY
Edited by Bro. Robert I. Clegg

THE LODGE AND THE CANDIDATE

Part II, Election of a Candidate

(Note. The following article is one of a series prepared by the
Editor for reading and discussion in Lodges and Study Clubs. This
series is based upon the Society's "Bulletin Course of Masonic
Study." Each month we present a leading article supplemented by a
list of references on the same subject. In each month's issue, we
also append a column of "Helpful Hints to Study Club Leaders,"
which we hope will assist those already doing this work, and
inspire others to do likewise. This development is in line with the
Society's policy of stimulating active Masonic study.

We recommend that Lodges and Study Clubs use the current paper at
their meeting one month after it is received. This gives time for
careful study by the members; it also permits the preparation of
additional papers from the references. In the original presentation
of this paper, if it is read a paragraph at a time, and fully
discussed as you proceed, you will find that each member will get
more out of it. By this plan, the leader can bring out the
important points listed under "Helpful Hints," as you go along, and
the discussion will perhaps be more to the point than otherwise.

The Bulletin Course may be taken up at this point as profitably as
elsewhere. The previous lessons may be considered renew work.
Mackey's Encyclopedia and the bound volumes of THE BUILDER remain
the necessary references; others will from time to time be given;
rare references will be reprinted in THE BULLETIN. YOUR LODGE can
undertake systematic Masonic study with small expense in dollars,
but large returns to your membership, if you will let us assist
you. Our "STUDY CLUB DEPARTMENT" is organized for that purpose.

Address Geo. L. Schoonover, Secretary, Anamosa, Iowa

ASSUMING that the Investigating Committee has with every possible
care and skill arrived at a definite and final decision upon the
application of the "stranger" to receive the Masonic degrees, and
that his actual conditions and career as well as his claims to
favor have been closely and thoroughly determined, then a report is
submitted to the lodge. 

WHEN IT MAY BE HAD

This is done at a stated communication. It is usually in writing,
the back of the blank used for the application for the degrees
having as a rule provision made for the signatures of the members
of the Committee below a brief statement that the report is
favorable or unfavorable as the case may be. The method of
procedure is the same in the case of an application for affiliation
as for initiation.

The length of time that a Committee of Investigation may take for
its labors must be determined by the needs of each case. Personal
acquaintance with the candidate is an effective method of settling
the first questions that will occur to an alert and reliable
Committee, and of course none other is deserving of appointment--
the responsibility is too great for the idle and the indifferent.

But to get into personal touch with the applicant and with those
that he or his sponsors--those whose names are upon his petition--
suggest for the purpose of reference requires time and opportunity.
No lodge will grudge the gift of ample time for the purpose.
Providing that the time is not frittered away aimlessly or in sheer
neglect, all reasonable time will be allowed.

Granted, on the other hand, that the applicant is well known to the
Committee or that he is readily accessible and that all the
inquiries are speedily and satisfactorily answered. There is the.
no necessity for delaying the report beyond what may be demanded by
the Masonic law governing the case. The custom in the majority of
Grand Jurisdictions is for the petition to lie over one lunar
month, in a few from one stated meeting to another, the Committee
reporting at a later stated meeting than the one at which it was
appointed.

Another practice of very general acceptance is that the petition
cannot be withdrawn after the report of the Committee has been
presented to the lodge. Under any circumstances the withdrawal of
the application is only permitted by formal action of the lodge as
provided by the regulations of the Grand Lodge.

Still another custom has been adopted and that is to have the
applicant present himself at the lodge apartments on a specified
date and hour while his application is in the hands of the
Committee. He is then in a position to meet the brethren personally
and as many of them as desire that privilege can do so
conveniently. There is nothing novel about this idea. It is merely
a revival of a very old method and dates back to the earlier part
of the eighteenth century if indeed it is not of very much greater
age than the lodge records to which reference is now directed.

THE BALLOT

Due report having been made by the Investigating Committee and the
same read in open lodge at a stated meeting, and no objection being
raised by any other lodge or any member thereof which might under
the law delay action, the application is subjected to a ballot. 

Balloting in a Masonic lodge is a casting of a vote, Aye or Nay, in
secrecy. Our commonly adopted method is based upon the General
Regulations of nearly two centuries ago. These provided that "no
man can be entered a Brother in any particular Lodge, or admitted
a member thereof, without the unanimous consent of all members of
the Lodge then present when the candidate is proposed, and their
consent is formally asked by the Master."

Just how this was to be done was not then explained so that we may
read it in the record. But we are told that the members are to
"signify their consent or dissent in their own prudent way, either
virtually or in form, but with unanimity."

Nowhere has the above stipulation been held more tenaciously than
with our American lodges, Grand and subordinate. While in England
as well as in Germany a single black ball has not the certainty of
exclusion, that is not the case with us. True, a second ballot may
be ordered when the Master discovers that but one black ball has
been deposited in the box. The second ballot is in that respect
only to check the first result and to prevent mistakes, as by the
error of dropping a ball of the wrong color.

BLACK BALLS (CUBES) AND WHITE BALLS

Cubes are quite frequently employed as well as balls, the cubes
being black and the balls white. There is thus a ready assurance to
the voter up to the very last instant that the ballot is deposited.
By sense of touch as well as by the previous glance at the color,
feeling and sight assure the voter that he is correctly recording
his intentions.

Convenience and secrecy are the especial merits of a ballot box.
Large enough it should be to contain a supply of ballots for the
use of all those brethren in attendance. No one can be excused from
exercising the right to cast a ballot, therefore each is entitled
to have one.

A ballot box must be so designed as to thoroughly conceal the
deposit as well as the choice of the ballot. There could otherwise
be no secrecy in the act. For this purpose the box is divided into
two compartments, both arranged for easy examination before and
after the balloting. A partition between the compartments is made
with an opening large enough for the passage of the ballot but not
for the insertion of the hand itself. Thus during the act of
balloting no discovery by accident or design can be made of the
ballots previously cast. A cover fits securely over the two
compartments hiding the result of the balloting and also affording
proper privacy while the voter selects his ballot.

METHODS OF BALLOTING

Methods of recording the individual expressions of opinion may have
been varied enough in the past but are now of very general accord.
One plan deserves mention though it may be deemed only because of
rarity is allusion made to it. All the brethren are first given an
opportunity to select their ballots and then in turn they deposit
them. Possibility of an exposure of the ballot before it is cast
is, it would seem, more likely under this method than with the
others now to be described.

Announcement being made of the investigating committee's report by
the presiding officer, the proper person is directed to prepare the
ballot box. This is done by opening the box, lifting or removing
the partition, placing all the balls and cubes indiscriminately in
the outer compartment, then replacing the partition and the cover.
The box in this correct condition is now presented to the three
principal officers in turn, the junior in rank coming first. Each
examines it and thus there can be officially determined that there
are no ballots left in the inner chamber. However, this custom is
not universal. The other method is to limit the inspection to the
presiding officer before the ballot is "passed."

Another variation is in the method employed for depositing the
ballots, in the one practice the ballot box is placed upon the
altar and the brethren advance in order as their names are called--
though this too is not the invariable case as they may present
themselves without waiting for the call; the other plan is for the
ballot box to be taken to every brother in the room qualified to
cast a ballot. As the more formal and elaborate process really
covers the others a description of its essentials will suffice even
in the case of these exceptions already noted.

The ballot box being ready for use and so found upon inspection by
the proper officer or officers, the Senior Deacon is directed to
place it upon the altar. A roll call is now taken of the officers
and members present and as each name is called the brother advances
to the box and casts his ballot. The roll call concludes with the
name of the Tyler who is temporarily relieved while he deposits a
ballot in the box.

Demand is now made if all present have voted who are entitled to do
so. No other conclusion being evident the ballot is formally
declared closed and the Senior Deacon takes charge of the box. He
carries it to the junior officer designated for that duty and the
latter examines it and then again closes the box in exactly the
manner he found it. Inquiry is made of him by the Master as to the
condition of the box. To this question suitable reply is made, and
then the Senior Deacon proceeds to the next officer higher in
station. The same question and answer are in order at this station.

Should all the ballots be white the box is clear. Then the Master
also announces that the candidate has been duly elected.
Accordingly the Secretary makes due record of the fact and notifies
the applicant of the next step to be taken by him.

But should any of the ballots be black the box is not clear, it is
foul. At each station that fact would be announced as the box was
examined and as the question was put by the Master to the officer
making the inspection. On the box reaching the Master he would
discover immediately whether one or more ballots were black. If
there were two or more the candidate is declared rejected and is so
notified by the Secretary.

Wherever two or more lodges are near enough in the same locality to
have concurrent jurisdiction it is the usual custom for them to
notify each other of rejected candidates as well as of those
elected and of applications received. In many States rejections are
also announced to the Gland Secretary.

If, however, there is but one black ball found in the box a second
ballot is at once ordered. This second ballot is taken under
exactly the same conditions as before and the finding is final. A
repetition of the former "foul" condition and the candidate is
declared rejected.

Long established and universal custom does not allow the making of
any remarks at the balloting-- either during its progress,
immediately before it begins, or directly afterwards. Especially is
it considered in the poorest taste to attempt the discussion of a
rejection. For a visitor to indulge in the discussion of the result
of a ballot, favorable or unfavorable as the case may be, is deemed
highly improper and a grave reflection upon the hospitality he had
enjoyed.

Doubtless there have been instances where the ballot has been
abused. Every Mason has some example actually known in his personal
experience or reported to him on excellent authority. There is much
to be said truly on this side of the subject. It is the one aspect
that receives most attention and therefore little or nothing need
be said of it here.

The single ballot protects any member from having a candidate
forced upon him. That is the purpose of the present law. Well
indeed was it so said in the old Constitution, "nor is this
inherent privilege subject to a dispensation; because the members
of a particular Lodge are the best judges of it; and if a fractious
member should be imposed on them, it might spoil their harmony, or
hinder their freedom or even break and disperse the Lodge, which
ought to be avoided by all good and true brethren."

One plan that has found popularity on the continent of Europe is
worth noting though it offends against the secrecy so much favored
by ourselves. If but a single black ball is deposited, the Master
does not declare the applicant rejected at that meeting. He passes
the matter for the time being. Between that meeting and the
succeeding one he makes some personal inquiries of his own. It is
also considered proper for the brother who cast the black ball to
wait upon the Master and confidentially acquaint him with the facts
warranting the rejection of the candidate. At the next meeting the
Master announces his decision and there the matter ends. While this
procedure does not prevent an outbreak of mere personal spite on
the part of but the one person it is nevertheless an invasion of
the individual rights that have for these many years been adopted
in our lodges.

Whatever the plan in vogue it is certain that it cannot be too
seriously and systematically conducted. The candidate may make or
mar the institution. Would he be welcome in our homes? Is he duly
and in all things fully qualified? Will he be firebrand or
foundation ? Is he to be a help or a hindrance ? Will he wear well
or ill? Upon our sober judgment rests the responsibility when we
face the ballot box. Therefore the process should become a solemn
ceremony, every step taken with care, weighty and thorough. The
task is most important and far-reaching. As the sword of the
efficient Tyler protects his lodge, so does the ballot in a
discriminating hand guard the entire fraternity of the Craft.

THE LODGE RECORD OF THE BALLOT

On this subject little need be said. A quotation from a typical
Masonic Code reveals the fact that after the report of the
Committee of Investigation, whether favorable or unfavorable, is
presented to the Lodge, "the character of the committee report
shall be announced, but not entered of record." Thus, while the
Lodge must protect itself, and preserve a record which shall be
available to all future members, the Committee, the agents of the
Lodge for the purpose of gathering information, are likewise
protected, insofar as the nature of their report is concerned.
Courtesy and good sense seem to have joined in such a provision,
for, as is well known, the Lodge records sometimes become
accessible to the profane, through accident or otherwise; knowledge
of the action of the Lodge as a whole must be kept, regardless of
such an emergency, but the details of the investigation are not
revealed by the record.

REFERENCES

Mackey's Encyclopedia:

Ballot; Black Balls; Candidate; Riding the Goat; Minutes.

THE - BUILDER:

The Ballot, in this issue of the Correspondence Circle Bulletin
Ballot for The Degrees, vol. III, p. 70.
The Ballot, Ethics of, vol. II, pp. 27 (Lib.), 160 (Cor.), 254,
287, 317 (Q. B.), 348.
The Secret Ballot, vol. II, p. 383 (Cor.)
Candidates, Selection of, vol. I, p. 4, vol. II, pp. 27, 274, 287
(Cor.), 317 (Q. B.)
Candidate, Rejection of, vol. II, p. 348 (Q. B.)
Endorser, Candidate's Obligation to, vol. II, p. 190.
Initiation and Preparation, vol. II, p. 107.
"Worthy and Well Qualified," vol. III, p. 28.

HELPFUL HINTS TO STUDY CLUB LEADERS


ELECTION OF A CANDIDATE

The petition of the candidate has now passed out of his control,
and under this head we discuss the various processes through which
it passes as it is formally dealt with in the Lodge. The following
points should be thoroughly brought out in the Club discussion. It
is well to realize that there is a profound political significance
to these processes; that they symbolize many duties which we owe in
the outside world, as well as within the Lodge. In the supplemental
questions this fact has been elaborated with the distinct purpose
in view of calling attention to an important, but seldom
thought-of, angle of a man's Masonic life.

1. When does the Examining Committee report upon an applicant's
petition ? When must it report? In case a minority of the Committee
disagrees with the report of the majority, should a minority report
be submitted to the Lodge ?

2. The report having been presented, what steps are taken to secure
the judgment of the Lodge upon the application? What precautions
are taken to secure the secrecy of the ballot? When may the ballot
be had ? How long may it be postponed, and for what reasons ?

3. Do you consider that one black ball should reject ? Why? Discuss
the various points brought out in the article on "The Ballot" in
this Bulletin. To what extent do you consider the conclusions of
the writer justified? Have you ever really given serious thought to
your own responsibility in connection with the ballot?

4. Some Lodges require that candidates who have petitioned the
Lodge shall visit the Temple on one or two evenings, in order that
the Brethren may have opportunity to "size them up." Discuss the
advisability of such a plan.

5. In some Jurisdictions "Vigilance Committees" are appointed by
the Lodge, whose duty it is, in cases where a Brother commencing to
tread in byways which are in bad repute, morally, financially or
otherwise, to whisper words of good counsel in the ear of such
Brother. If the warning is heeded, the matter is dropped.
Persistence in the conduct which has been advised against results
in discipline by the Lodge. Do you approve of such a plan ? Does
the appointment of such a standing committee displace the
obligation of each member of the Lodge in this respect? Does
appointment and service of such a committee meet modern conditions
in the spirit of the "Old Charges"? Why? How far, in your opinion,
may a Brother legitimately go in this matter? When a member is
guilty of conduct which would have resulted in rejection before the
ballot, what is the duty of other members toward him, when such
conduct does not constitute a serious Masonic offense? Should we
vote against an applicant who for any reason would not be a welcome
visitor in our own home ?

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.


1. This lesson has to do with activities within the Lodge which are
essentially political in their nature: define politics. What do you
mean by politics ? Would you consider it opposed to Masonic ethics
for a man to use political methods to secure a Masonic office? Does
your Grand Lodge regulate this matter by law ? Can you think of a
condition in your Lodge in which a conscientious Brother would be
justified in electioneering for an office ? Can you imagine
politics being at work in churches, clubs, similar organizations
outside of political parties ? Should attempts ever be made to
persuade an efficient but unwilling Brother to accept an office?
Should office-holding in a Lodge be considered a Masonic duty?

2. What are the qualities that make a man efficient as a candidate;
as an office holder? Describe the methods and principles of the
Civil Service. Do you believe that the principle embodied in the
Civil Service can be applied to the selection of Lodge Officers?
What is the principle of "rotation in office"? Do you believe that
it should be used in a Masonic Lodge ?

3. Can you give the story of the use of the ballot box? Was it used
by any nation in ancient times ? In what way is the Masonic ballot
similar to the Australian Ballot? Is it a member's duty to vote
upon a petition for the mysteries of Masonry in the Lodge? Should
a member consider it a part of his Masonic duty as a citizen to be
interested in politics outside the Lodge ? Would the Masonic system
of electing and holding office be an improvement on that which
prevails in the State ?

4. Do you consider a Lodge Officer as a servant of the Lodge? What
are the qualities of a good servant? Has the Lodge the same right
to expect efficiency in its officers that a railroad corporation
has? If the "rotation in office" system is used in your Lodge, what
do you do with an incompetent officer? If a man has been
incompetent as a Junior Steward, should he be passed on through to
the Worshipful Master's chair? What qualities are necessary to make
an efficient W. M. or Steward ?

5. Are the principles that should guide us in the selection of our
officers applicable to our selection of members? If so, why ?


THE BALLOT
BY BRO. JULIUS H. MCCOLLUM, CONNECTICUT

The Masonic Ballot is a subject approached with much diffidence by
most writers on Masonic subjects. At the risk of writing that which
is old to many this subject has been taken up with the hope that
some of the younger Masons will get further light.

That the ballot is inviolably secret is recognized probably the
world over. Some even claim this as a landmark. What, then, does
inviolable secrecy mean? Right here a little law may not be amiss.
Lockwood in his "Masonic Law and Practice (the standard for
Connecticut) says (Chapt. VI. par. 20): "No Mason is permitted,
directly or indirectly, to disclose how he voted, nor divulge how
any other member voted," and again (Chapt. VI, par. 19): "The
rejection of a candidate shall not be made known to the uninitiated
other than the rejected candidate."

Many Masons consider that if they do not divulge the fact they
"blacked" they are covering the law. Not so. If this were allowed
it would be easy by the process of elimination of those who voted
white to demonstrate that the remaining brother is the one who
voted black and the inviolable secrecy is null. It cannot be too
strongly impressed on the brethren that if they divulge either way
they are guilty of unmasonic conduct and can be so disciplined.

No Mason should be elected to the East in any of the bodies more
especially the Blue Lodge who is not thoroughly conversant with the
above. Yet nearly every one can recall some instance where the
Master or other presiding officer has either made some remark from
the chair, or allowed to pass unrebuked remarks from the floor
which would tend to reveal the brother who cast the blackball and,
although perhaps a little far-fetched, the one condemning another
(even though unknown) is admitting that he voted white and is
revealing his own ballot.

"WHO CAST THE BLACKBALL?"

Any attempt to discover who cast the black-ball cannot be too
strongly condemned as it is evident that this is an influence to
make the rejector break the law and lay him open, theoretically at
least, to trial and expulsion and it seems as though such an
attempt should indirectly be considered an accessory before the
deed and in a way make the inquirer as guilty as the one doing the
deed.

There are many by-paths which open up when the subject of why he
rejects and by what means can we prevent him from rejecting is
brought up. There is much trickery resorted to which is absolutely
unmasonic and condemnable. Several years' observation in several
lodges only makes more apparent the desire of some, perhaps a
majority, to get in members willy-nilly--quantity, not quality,
being the slogan.

Sometimes when it is suspected that an application will be rejected
and the brother objecting is supposedly identified, the Master will
hold off presenting the application for ballot until some such time
as the suspected brother is absent and then, in the minds of some,
sneak in the application, ballot on it, hustle out and get the
candidate and work one degree on him, thus capturing the candidate,
for of course it is something decidedly bad before one will call
for a new ballot after one degree has been worked. Such happenings
do no good to the fraternity, neither doing credit to the lodge nor
reflecting any glory on the Master.

One other condemnable practice is that of holding an application
over until the suspected rejector presents one signed by himself
and then stating for his benefit that should the first application
be rejected the suspected rejector's would also be rejected. This
brother is doubly guilty because he is trying to foist an unwelcome
man on another brother and also is rejecting a petitioner without
any legitimate cause.

Now let another phase be presented, that of the personal
qualifications together with the right of the individual brother to
judge as to the qualifications of a candidate. It must be admitted
that in some cases vindictiveness either toward the applicant or,
as was shown above, toward the applicant's recommender, will be the
ruling cause. This is indeed much to be regretted and some
attention will be paid to this class of brothers later.

QUESTIONING MOTIVES

Allied with the first section of the above paragraph is the absurd
question as to the right of an interested brother to question the
motives of another in rejecting. A brother has absolutely no right
to question publicly, i.e., before the Masonic public, such motives
so long as the rejector keeps them in the "safe repository of the
faithful breast," and if he does not he is again breaking the law
by revealing his ballot. In fact when the ballot has been declared
in the East and so recorded the incident should be considered
closed until the applicant can by law apply again. Without going
into the question of qualifications of character in detail the
statement of the general rule will help at this point. We receive
none knowingly into our ranks except such as are moral and upright
before God and of good repute before the world. This is a fairly
large contract to fill and sets a high ideal.

WHO REALLY KNOWS?

We often hear a brother, on presenting a petition, state that he is
absolutely certain that there is nothing against the applicant. How
much do we absolutely know about another man ? Nearly every man
will admit that no one, two, or three men know all there is to be
known about a fourth or of each other. It is a common occurrence to
hear of a person who has for ten, twenty or forty years been a
model of uprightness as far as outward appearances go, getting
caught in some shady deal and then it will come out that he has
been doing this for many years yet during this period of time many
persons would have been willing to stake their honor on his
probity. Indeed he is brave who dares say he knows all about
himself.

One other stock remark along this line is that the applicant is
Brother So and So's son and that the father says he is O. K. It
does not seem as though this should have great weight. Parentage
and early training have much to do with character, doubtless, but
it is a daily happening to see bad sons of good parents and good
sons of bad parents. And who is more prejudiced than a parent? A
father should and would be the last one to derogate the character
of a son. In addition to that, friends will generally keep
wrong-doing from the parents, and the father will honestly believe
the son better than the average.

There are five brothers on an application--recommender, avoucher
and three investigators. If it be so that these five brethren know
absolutely that there cannot possibly be anything against an
applicant how is it that nearly every lodge has those on its list
whom they would gladly eliminate if it could be done and be as
though they had been rejected when their names were first proposed
? And among these are those who reject for personal spite. All of
these have passed the board of censors of five and pronounced fit.
When a person says he has known the applicant a number of years
under varied conditions and as far as he knows he is all right,
worthy and well qualified, that is as far as he can go.

HOW MUCH HELP FOR THE COMMITTEE?

Still another phase of the matter is the complaint made by
sensitive committeemen that a brother knowing anything about a
candidate adversely should report to the committee. Some even take
the stand that if the committee have found nothing wrong with the
applicant and report favorably no brother should vote negatively.
It must be admitted by all that what is crime to one is playfulness
or ebullition of spirits to another; one view-point differing from
another. And it must also be admitted that a brother casting a
blackball for what he considers justifiable cause is well within
his rights and should be commended for his conscientiousness even
though he does tread on some brother's corn in so doing and his
cause seems of minor importance to others.

All this being admitted, suppose a brother should report to a
member of the committee or to the committee as a whole something
which he considers wrong. Suppose the committee does not "see it."
Suppose then the brother objecting is present at the balloting, the
committee reports favorably, the ballot is declared not clear and
by being twice passed shows that only one black-ball was cast. Who
cast the black-ball ? Do not at least three members present suspect
the objector and probably more suspect him because it is natural to
say when investigating that Brother Jenks said so and so and it is
desired to find out of this be so and to what extent ? What becomes
of the inviolable secrecy of the ballot in a case like this ? The
office of an investigating committee is not confined to going about
among the brethren of the lodge who have the power of the ballot
but also to investigate in the outside world and among brothers who
have not the rejecting power. A brother who has the power of the
ballot does not need to go to the committee. A rejection seems to
be a matter which should be kept as quiet as possible and for the
reason that the less advertising it gets, the better.

WHO HAS THE STRONGER CLAIM?

Take another viewpoint of the attitude toward the rejector that
there could not possibly be anything against the applicant and
consequently the rejector has no right to cast a black-ball and if
by any means fair or foul his vote can be changed it should be done
and the applicant sneaked in over his objections. Who has the
stronger claim on the members of the lodge? Has a petitioner or has
an individual member--brother he is called ? Who has the stronger
claim from the lodge or Masonic standpoint on the individual
brother presenting the application ? Is it the applicant or a
brother? Every Mason well knows the answer. Yet reading reports and
comments from various wide-spread sources would impress upon the
mind of the reader that the great desideratum of Masonry was to get
in members who had strong friends regardless of the desires of some
individual brother. No one will deny that many applicants are
rejected for good cause. Yet there were or should have been two
brothers who thought enough of the petitioner to sign his
application and who had a perfect right to be as much "peeved" at
the rejection as some of those who had signed for the absolutely
undeniably acceptable kind. The point that is being brought out is
that Masonic equality is lost sight of on the question of ballot.
Much stress is laid on the fact that Brother Pastmaster-this or
Brother District-deputy-that signed such an application while the
fact that Brother Member-for-many-years-but-not-very-prominent
signed such another one carries no weight at all and while it is
lese majesty to black-ball the former petition it is of no
consequence what is done to the latter. In such cases do we meet
upon the level ?

Now about the brother who rejects vindictively or spitefully. He is
un-worthy to be a Mason. How did he get in ? He must have had two
signers and a committee of three to investigate. Who would have
felt hurt had he been rejected when he applied? Yet such a
disposition is not acquired. It must have been in the man at the
time of his election. This is a trait of character bad enough to
justify rejection without a doubt. Is it not a warning not to be
too sure that there can be nothing against a man whom the large
majority think all right? Perhaps there is some hidden fault that
some individual brother may know that the crowd does not know.

Let us be particularly careful then, first to obey the law by
keeping the ballot inviolably secret by not revealing either
directly or indirectly our individual vote, black or white;
secondly, by not attempting to discover who blacked and indirectly
cause a brother to break the law; third by not resorting to
trickery to put through an application over a suspected brother's
objection; fourth by not feeling hurt (if a member of a committee)
when an applicant is rejected over our favorable report; lastly,
not to be too sure that someone does not know something against our
candidate even if we ourselves are unaware of it, remembering to
spread the broad mantle of Masonic Charity over the mistakes ( ?)
of a brother even though it should happen to hit us personally.

A MESSAGE TO OUR MEMBERS. WILL YOU BE A REPRESENTATIVE?

To afford our members some idea of the interest that is being
manifested in the Study Side of Masonry throughout the various
Grand Jurisdictions of the United States and Canada we are quoting
below a few recommendations of Grand Masters and others. We could
fill several pages of THE BUILDER with similar recommendations of
the Society and the Study Club movement did space permit. If your
Lodge is not profiting by this movement it is only because the
members do not realize what they are missing, or that the members
of the N.M.R.S. have been too occupied with other matters to bring
this matter to the attention of their Lodge officers and
fellow-members. We wish we were in a position to send out a
representative from headquarters to visit every Lodge in the
country to give them a practical exemplification of the methods of
conducting the study of Masonry in their monthly Lodge meetings.
But as we are not in such position at this time, we can only ask
each one of our members to consider himself an official
representative of the Society for his district and to take it upon
himself to see that the article, "Organized Masonic Study in
Monthly Lodge Meetings," next following, is read to the members at
the next meeting of his Lodge. Also read to them some of the
following recommendations:

Alabama.
I am convinced that there is a continued growth in the study of the
principles of the Order, and the meanings of the symbols, and, I
hope, in the endeavor to live Masonry as well as to study it. * *
* No one believes more thoroughly than I, the desirability and
necessity of a thorough knowledge of our ritual, but while we
strive to reach perfection in that ritual, let us also remember
that beneath that ritual is concealed the more important truths of
our Fraternity.
--Walter Smith, Grand Master. 

Arizona.
From my visits to the different Lodges I am of the opinion that
more time should be given to the study of the design and Philosophy
of Freemasonry.
--A. W. Holmes, Grand Master. 

Manitoba.
As the least expensive means of inviting attention to the utility
of Masonic instruction hope is herein expressed that the Worshipful
Master of every Lodge resolve its members into a Study Club. Its
activities would be almost limitless, and embrace every branch of
wholesome, useful learning. Study, by bringing the student into
close communion with the best thought of the present and the past,
quickens and broadens his sympathies and humanities, and inspires
within his breast a deeper and nobler conception of life and duty--
a sense of citizenship beyond the inspiration or understanding of
the illiterate. If in this respect alone the aspirations of
Freemasonry were brought to their fruition, and humanity had
acquired a fair fund of wholesome, useful knowledge, and further,
were quickened by the Grace of God, there would be a condition,
social and economic, in its humanity and beauty transcending the
best that the world has known. * * * Study Clubs would deepen the
tone of discussion, and create a strong friendly rivalry among
Lodges. Besides, well informed Brethren should know best how to
reflect the lofty teachings of the Order, widen the sphere of its
influence, and help to further the common weal.

In these Clubs the Masonic Journal, THE BUILDER, published monthly
by the National Masonic Research Society, Anamosa, Iowa, would be
very helpful.

--Committee on Masonic Research and Education.

Minnesota.
From an examination of the reports of the Past Grand Masters it
would seem that there are constant requests for subscriptions, as
well as recognition for Masonic journals. I hesitate to give my
approval to any of these without careful examination. There are,
however, several very deserving and meritorious societies worthy of
recognition. It ought to be the desire of every Mason to inform
himself upon the origin and history of matters Masonic, in short to
become a student of Masonry, past and present. I refer to the
Masonic lecture bureau, the National Masonic Research Society. I
heartily endorse any movement that tends to stimulate Masonic
thought and to broaden and deepen the great stream of Masonic
influence in America.
--R. E. Denfield, Grand Master.

North Dakota.
Whereas, the Committee on Grand Lodge Library has recommended that
this Grand Lodge encourage the establishment of Study Clubs to
further the general use of the Library, and
Whereas, The National Masonic Research Society, organized under the
authority of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, has undoubtedly accomplished
great good in the promotion of Masonic Study,
Be It Resolved: That this Grand Lodge endorse The National Masonic
Research Society and its work, and recommend membership in this
organization to the members of this grand jurisdiction.
--Adopted by the Grand Lodge.

Ohio.
Of recent years the study side of Freemasonry has made vigorous
strides. Abroad and at home there has been turned upon our beloved
fraternity the far-reaching eye of devoted research. Our sister
jurisdiction, the Grand Lodge of Iowa, has planned and set to work
the National Masonic Research Society with which some fourteen
thousand Masons are now affiliated. Other jurisdictions in this
United States are alive to the situation and have special
committees busy.

I earnestly urge that all our members heartily support the National
Masonic Research Society of Anamosa, Iowa, and all such agencies
for better knowledge of our traditions, our history, our
jurisprudence, our symbolism, and all indeed that for us is bound
up in the honored name and purpose of the Craft.

That every Mason should have his own library of reliable Masonic
books is, I hold, most desirable. In his possession should be the
Ohio History, Code, and Monitor, at least. Lodge libraries are too
seldom used, and the personal collection may be no better employed.
With care, and every Mason can and should secure all possible
assistance from well informed brethren in his Masonic book buying,
every home should be properly supplied with excellent and
attractive Masonic Literature.

That any Mason should be uninformed upon the facts of Freemasonry
in all its latest developments is a condition not to be tolerated
if we, by whatever permissible means, may prevent its occurrence.
--Frank H. Marquis, Grand Master. 

Oklahoma.
I would recommend some provision in our Lodge work to set aside two
hours of, say six, of the regular communications of constituent
Lodges during the year, for study and lectures, a kind of "round
table" talk by well-informed Brethren of their own or neighboring
Lodges. Take up some single part of Masonry, history, symbolism,
signs, etc., study it well and then discuss same in the Lodge room.
The interest and increased attendance will amply repay the Brethren
giving some proposition on this order a trial. * * * Good papers
and periodicals are published throughout the United States on
Masonic research and information, notably THE BUILDER, at Anamosa,
Iowa, is a splendid one.
--Almer E. Monroney, Grand Master.


Texas
The organization, purposes and progress of the National Masonic
Research Society, located at Anamosa, Iowa, is fully set forth in
the Report of our Committee on Foreign Correspondence for 1915,
under the heading of "Iowa--1914" and "Iowa--1915" and need not be
repeated here. WE URGE EVERY BROTHER TO EXAMINE THESE REFERENCES
CAREFULLY. The Grand Lodge of Iowa, under the leadership of its
able Committee on Masonic Research, found out what to do and they
are doing it. The membership of the Society is increasing rapidly,
and THE BUILDER, its monthly magazine, devoted exclusively to
Masonry, and entitled by that brilliant scholar, writer and
speaker, Brother Joseph Fort Newton, is coming up to a high
standard, and the work of the Society as laid out is certainly
great and promises to move the boundaries of Masonic Research in
this country up to higher ground.

Every Mason, wherever he resides, is welcome to become a member of
the Society at a nominal cost for annual dues, and the magazine is
sent free. It is not operated for profit, but all revenues are used
in extending and improving the work of the Society. It has the full
sanction of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, one of the most conservative
and yet one of the most progressive of our affiliated Grand Bodies.
Its great Masonic Library, at Cedar Rapids, is the admiration of
the whole country.
--Committee on Masonic Research--G. L. of Texas.

ORGANIZED MASONIC STUDY IN MONTHLY LODGE MEETINGS

We wish every member of the Society would take this issue of the
Correspondence Circle Bulletin with him and read it to the members
of his Lodge at the next regular meeting. Try to get a "Research
Committee" appointed and put the plan into effect. If you need any
further assistance in getting properly started write us and we will
help you. Tell us what your brother officers and members think of
the plan.

FOUNDATION OF THE "BULLETIN COURSE OF MASONIC STUDY"

This course is founded upon two sources of Masonic information: (1)
Past and current issues of THE BUILDER, the official Journal of the
National Masonic Research Society, now in its third year of
publication, and in which have been published hundreds of authentic
and instructive articles on many Masonic subjects.

(2) Mackey's Encyclopedia, conceded to be the most comprehensive
and exhaustive work of its kind ever written.

OUTLINE OF THE COURSE

The course has been divided into five principal divisions,
Ceremonial, Symbolical, Philosophical, Legislative and Historical
Masonry. These are further subdivided into sections, there being
six subdivisions of Ceremonial Masonry, eight of Symbolical, seven
of Philosophical, two of Legislative, and ten of Historical
Masonry. These sections are further subdivided and each of these
further subdivisions form the subject of a study paper for reading
and discussion, by our Study Club Editor, Brother Robert I. Clegg.
The papers for October and November are:
Election of a Candidate.
a. When it may be had.
b. The Ballot.
c. Black balls (cubes), and white balls.
d. The Lodge record of the Ballot.

The Degrees.
a. Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.
b. Initiation, in general.
c. Ritual (1) Uniformity of. (2) The "Webb Preston work" in
America.
d. Rites.
e. Side Degrees.

"HELPFUL HINTS TO STUDY MEETING LEADERS"

Profiting by experience gained from visits to several "live" Study
Clubs in Iowa during the past few months, we now publish in each
issue of the "Correspondence Circle Bulletin" a list of "Helpful
Hints" by which the study leaders may be enabled to bring out all
of the important points in the paper under discussion. These
suggestions will make it a very simple matter to successfully
conduct the study meetings of the Lodge or Study Club.

REFERENCES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL PAPERS

We shall continue to print a list of references to Mackey's
Encyclopedia and previous issues of THE BUILDER pertaining to the
subject treated in Brother Clegg's paper. By the assignment of
these references to different members of the Lodge supplemental
papers of great value may be thus worked up. Each month there will
be a new paper by Brother Clegg and new references.

HOW TO CONDUCT THE "STUDY MEETINGS"

The Lodge should select a "Research Committee" preferably of three
members. The "study meetings" should be held once a month, either
at a special meeting of the Lodge called for the purpose, or at a
regular meeting at which no business (except the Lodge routine)
should be transacted--all possible time to be given over to the
"study period."

After the Lodge has been opened and all routine business disposed
of, the Master should turn the Lodge over to the Chairman of the
Research Committee. This Committee should be fully prepared in
advance on the subject for the evening. All members to whom
references for supplemental papers have been assigned shall be
prepared with their papers and should also have a comprehensive
grasp of Brother Clegg's paper.

PROGRAM

1. Reading of the first section of Brother Clegg's paper and the
supplemental papers thereto:

(Suggestion: While these papers are being read the members of the
Lodge should make notes of any points they may wish to discuss or
inquire into when the discussion is opened. Tabs or slips of paper
similar to those used in elections should be distributed among the
members for this purpose at the opening of the study period.)
2. Discussion of the above.
3. The subsequent sections of Brother Clegg's paper and the
supplemental papers should then be taken up, one at a time, and
disposed of in the same manner.
4. Question Box.
Invite questions from any and all Brethren present. Let them
understand that these meetings are for their particular benefit and
get them into the habit of asking all the questions they may think
of. Every one of the papers read will suggest questions as to facts
and meanings which may not perhaps be actually covered at all in
the paper. If at the time these questions are propounded no one can
answer them, SEND THEM IN TO US. All the reference material we have
will be gone through in an endeavor to supply a satisfactory
answer. In fact we are prepared to make special research when
called upon, and will usually be able to give answers within a day
or two. Please remember, too, that the great Library of the Grand
Lodge of Iowa is only a few miles away, and, by order of the
Trustees of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Secretary places it at our
disposal on any query raised by any member of the Society.

COST OF THE COURSE

If there are several members of the Lodge who are members of the
National Masonic Research Society, these Brethren will have access
to Brother Clegg's papers, the "Hints to Study Leaders" and the
list of references for supplemental papers, in their copies of THE
BUILDER.

The Lodge or Study Club not having the 1915 and 1916 bound volumes
of THE BUILDER for reference purposes, may easily obtain them
without expense, through our "Special Offer."

THE NATIONAL MASONIC RESEARCH SOCIETY, 
Anamosa, Iowa.

Twofold is the life we live in--
Fate and will together run:--
Two wheels bear life's chariot onward.
Will it move on only one ?
--From the Sanskrit.
o--
Deliver not your words by number but by weight.

