That he has, to the best of his abilities, performed the duties of his appointment, and the result of his labors is herewith submitted. By a reference to page 277, of the printed proceedings of this Grand Lodge, it will be seen, that a committee was appointed, "with instructions to collect, embody, and prepare a compilation of the Laws, Rules, and Regulations, by which the Order in general should be governed," and report at the next session. The following session found the committee unprepared to report; and (page 298,) the committee was continued, and instructed to report at the next session. At a subsequent period, in that session, Rep. Bain, of Virginia, was excused from serving on said committee, and the undersigned was substituted (page 310.) Thus, the matter ap pears on the minutes of the Grand Lodge. But those who were present at the last session, will recollect, that the want of an Index to the published proceedings was greatly felt. It was also considered, that a work of this sort could not be done by a committee in concert, without a great and unnecessary loss of time. It was, therefore, proposed to the undersigned to undertake the work of preparing a copious index to the proceedings of this body, and also a compilation and preparation of its Laws, Rules, and Regulations. For this purpose, he was appointed; and it was well understood that such was the intention of this Grand Lodge. But from the mode of proceeding adopted, as recorded in the printed proceedings, the undersigned found himself but a single member of the committee, and not even the chairman of that—and the said committee residing, one in Philadelphia, one in Baltimore, and one in New York. It was manifestly impossible for them to act together in a work requiring such an amount of labor as would be required to carry out the views of this Body. Under these circumstances the undersigned applied to the Grand Corresponding Secretary for instructions in the premises, and by his advice commenced, alone, the performance of the work assigned to the committee. The undersigned has thought this explanation necessary, in order to avoid the imputation of having assumed a responsibility not intended by this Grand Lodge. When this honorable body is informed, that the duty assigned to this committee was a labor of no ordinary magnitude, and that it has incessantly employed the undersigned during a month passed, besides nearly an equal amount of time at different periods during the year, it will be seen, at a glance, that it could not be done in concert by a committee, residing in different and distant cities. The only alternative was, that it should be left undone, or be done by some one of the committee.

Herewith, then, is presented to the Grand Lodge, Doc. No. 1, containing a full and copious index to the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, from A. D. 1827 to 1840, inclusive Previous to 1827, the proceedings are so brief, and contain so little of importance, that an index was not thought necessary. In making this index, great difficulty has been experienced, from the manner in which the proceedings have been kept and printed. In many instances it is stated, that a certain committee made the following report-but no report follows, and we are left to divine, as best we may, what was the substance of the report. In other cases, resolutions are introduced and no record made of their fate; and there are no means of determining whether they were carried or lost. Equally unfortunate is the manner of printing the proceedings. Up to 1837, they have been printed year by

year, and paged separately, and even two sessions in the same year are paged in the same manner. To remedy this evil, as far as possible, the index for each year is made by itself, and where two sessions have been held in the same year, they are marked A. C. for Annual Communication and S. C. for Special Communication. It is earnestly recommended to this Grand Lodge to adopt measures to remedy these evils in future, so that the proceedings shall be full and explicit, and printed and paged in a uniform and continuous manner.

The undersigned is sensible that the value of an Index of this sort depends upon its correctness, and he has spared neither time nor labor to make it correct. Although he has four times gone over the whole ground, and carefully revised and compared the index with the proceedings, he is not sure that some errors have not escaped his notice. He flatters himself, that it will be found as correct as could be expected from the irregular and confused manner in which the minutes are preserved.

Document No. 2, presents the Constitution of this Grand Lodge, as it now stands, with references to all the amendments that have been adopted, and that are now pending. This also has been a work of much labor, owing to the causes above named; but is believed to be correct in every particular.

Document No. 3, contains the Rules of Order, as now existing, and fixed by the decisions of this Grand Lodge, with references to the said decisions. It also contains such additional Rules of Order as are deemed necessary, and the adoption of which is recommended. Here also much embarrassment has been experienced from the circumstance that decisions have not at all times been perfectly consistent with each other, and also from the circumstance that the proceedings do not, in all cases exhibit the precise point decided. Reference, however, is made to the action of the Grand Lodge on the different points; and if any error has escaped, it will doubtless be discovered before the final action of the Grand Lodge shall be had in the premises.

Document No. 4, presents the General Laws of the Order, as found in the present By-Laws, and fixed by resolutions and decisions, scattered through the proceedings, subsequent to the adoption of the present Constitution and By-Laws in 1833. Also, such additional laws as are deemed of importance. In this department of labor, the undersigned has found no small difficulty in deciding upon the question of his duty as intended by this Grand Lodge.

The resolution appointing this committee, gives a wide scope for their labors. It instructs the committee "to collect, embody and prepare a compilation of the laws, rules and regulations by which the Order in general should be governed." Although this might be supposed to embrace all the rules and regulations of the Order, in all respects, yet as there is a standing committee on the Work of the Order, it was thought best not to interfere with that department of the Order, further than was absolutely necessary.

The subject of regalia has been presented, as it is deemed of importance that it should be uniform, and therefore should be fixed by a general law. The installation of officers also, it is thought should be uniformly the same in all lodges, and for this reason, the excellent form used in New York is

reported and recommended for adoption as a general regulation. Excepting these it will be seen, that the laws recommended, are designed mainly to apply to the Grand Lodges, &c., under this jurisdiction.

All which is respectfully submitted,

In Friendship, Love and Truth.

ISAAC D. WILLIAMSON.

Rep. Taylor, of Ohio, presented a communication from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, in the nature of instructions to the Representatives of that state, which was read and referred to the Committee on the State of the Order.

Rep. Neilson, of Indiana, presented an application from that state, praying the removal of the Grand Lodge from its present place of meeting, which was read and referred to the Committee on the State of the Order.

Rep. Taylor, of Ohio, offered to present to the consideration of the Grand Lodge, a paper in the nature of an appeal from sundry German brethren of that state, against the decision of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, re-considering the grant of a charter to them, and rejecting the same.

Rep. Neilson, of Indiana, objected to the reception of the communication, upon the ground that the Grand Lodge of the United States could not entertain jurisdiction of an appeal from the decision of a state Grand Lodge, without its assent had thereto.

The Chair overruled the objection at this time, and directed the paper to be read.

Whereupon, on motion of Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, it was

Ordered, That the petitioners have leave to withdraw their appeal, and that they be informed that this Grand Lodge cannot constitutionally entertain the same, without the consent of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Rep. Kennedy, of Delaware, from the special committee to whom was referred the reports of the Grand Sire and Grand Corresponding Secretary, for the purpose of allotment, presented the following report.

To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States:

The committee to whom was referred the reports of the Grand Sire, and Grand Corresponding Secretary, with instructions to allot the several subjects contained in them to the appropriate committees, and report the same to the Grand Lodge, respectfully report the accompanying resolutions.

Respectfully submitted.

JOHN A. KENNEDY,
JAMES L. RIDGELY,
THOMAS WILDEY.

Resolved, That so much of the reports of the Grand Sire, and the Grand Corresponding Secretary as relates to the correspondence with the A. M. C., Texas, and Home; and so much as relates to the action of the A. M. C., of 1841, be referred to the Committee of Correspondence.

Resolved, That so much of said reports as relates to applications for Grand and subordinate charters, the action of the Grand Sire in the premises, and the application for the resuscitation of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, be referred to the Committee on Petitions.

Resolved, That so much of said reports as relates to the publication known as the "Covenant," be referred to a special committee.

Resolved, That so much as relates to finance, be referred to the Committee of Fi

nance.

Resolved, That so much as relates to the property and archives of the Grand Lodge; the subject of Regalia; the Encampments in Pennsylvania, and all other matters not otherwise disposed of, be referred to the Committee on the State of the Order.

On motion, the report was accepted, and the resolutions adopted.

The Chair announced Rep's Kennedy, of Delaware; Hopkins, of Pennsylvania; and Bradley, of Connecticut, as the special committee provided for in the third resolution accompanying the report.

On motion of Rep. Davids, of New York, the report submitted by P. G. Williamson, upon the Index, Constitution, By-Laws and Amendments, was taken up for consideration, and made the special order of the day for Tuesday, 22d instant.

On motion, the Grand Lodge then adjourned until half past nine o'clock, to-morrow morning.

TUESDAY, September 21st, 9 o'clock, A. M.

The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment: Present, the Officers and a due representation.

The Grand Secretary presented the credentials of Rep. P. G. M. John McKeldon, of District of Columbia, and P. G. M. Samuel Lucas, Proxy Rep. of Louisiana, which were referred to the committee on credentials.

The Grand Lodge proceeded to the consideration of the special order of the day, being the report of P. G. Williamson, on the Index, Constitution and By-Laws, and decisions upon questions of Order, with the accompanying documents, which being severally read, were again, on motion of Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, ordered to lie on the table.

Rep. Cook, of New York, from the committee on credentials, reported favorably on the certificates of Rep's Lucas, of Louisiana, and McKeldon, of District of Columbia.

On motion, the report was accepted, and the Representatives appeared and took their seats..

Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, from the select committee appointed to consider and report on the unfinished business of the last session, submitted the following report, which was read and ordered to lie on the table.

To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States:

The committee appointed to examine and report what deferred business of the last session required the action of the Grand Lodge, report:

That on an examination of the minutes of the Annual Session, 1840, it appears that the following items of business remain unfinished, or were specially appropriated for action at this session, viz:

1st. The amendment proposed by Rep. Marley, of Maryland, at the Adjourned Annual Session, (page 283,) "That the Constitution be so altered as to admit the state Grand Encampments to a representation in the Grand Lodge of the United States," and the amendment thereto, offered at the Annual Session 1840, (page 298,) viz:-"On the same terms as the state Grand Lodges, are represented," which was laid on the table at the last Annual Session.

2d. Resolution offered at April Session, 1840, by Rep. Bain, of Virginia, (page 277,) relative to the "laws, rules and regulations of the Order," referred to a committee to report this session.

3d. Resolution of Rep. Marley, of Maryland, directing the Grand Sire to procure charter, books, &c., of Industry Encampment, No. 1, of New Jersey, report to be made this session.

4th. Resolution of Rep. Mathiot, of Illinois, directing the committee appointed to procure a copy of charter of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to be reported this session.

5th. Amendment to Article XIV, of Constitution, relating to the qualifications of candidates for the office of Grand Sire, to be acted on this session.

6th. New seal to be procured, made of steel, report to be made this session.

7th. Amendment to Article XV, of Constitution, offered by Rep. Brown, of Pennsylvania, to be acted on this session.

8th. Committee on Work of the Order, to report on the French and German charge and degree books, who were continued till this session. The committee report the above as business unfinished, and prepared for action at this session, all of which require the attention of this Grand Lodge. They believe the above to contain all the business on the printed minutes, which has not been finally disposed of.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

HOWELL HOPKINS,
CHARLES W. BRADLEY,
ALANSON COOK.

Rep. Leidy, of Pennsylvania, from the Committee on the State of the Order, submitted the following report, which was accepted.

To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States:

The Committee on the State of the Order at large, to whom was referred sundry documents, beg leave most respectfully to report in part, by the following resolutions:

Resolved, That in regard to so much of the report of the Grand Corresponding Secretary as is referred to this committee, relative to the property of the Grand Lodge of the United States, and Archives of the Order, that the Grand Lodge of the United States instruct the Grand Corresponding Secretary to request of the Grand Lodge of the state of Maryland, the erection of a suitable building on the lot in the rear of their Hall, in North Gay street, Baltimore, as a depository, for all the property of this Grand Lodge; and that the Grand Lodge of Maryland be offered a legal interest for the sum expended in its erection, for the use of the same.

Resolved, That the Grand Corresponding Secretary of this Grand Lodge, be requested to collect all the property of the Grand Lodge of the United States now in possession of others, and retain the same in his own possession, until a depository may be provided, or as this Grand Lodge may direct; also, that the Grand Corresponding Secretary be requested to prepare an inventory of the same, and report at the next stated meeting of the Grand Lodge of the United States.

Resolved, That P. G. Sire Wildey be respectfully requested by this Grand Lodge, to present to it, such documents connected with the early history of the Order as may be in his possession; comprising as they do, ancient charters, pamphlets, magazines and record books of much interest and valuable information."

Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be presented to the Grand Corresponding Secretary, P. G. M. Ridgely, for the able report he has made to it, and for