States commissioned their presiding officer to proceed to England, and, if possible, to secure uniformity of work, and an earnest for the reciprocation of civilities and official communication. That mission was generally successful so far as it related to the work; but the arrangements for perpetuating its continuance, through an unlimited confidence in the integrity and high-mindedness of the other party, were imperfect and undefined-each being left without restraint to introduce changes in work and charges, without consulting the wishes or feelings of the other, except by an implied understanding not to act under such licence; nor was any obligatory provision made for regular and periodical intercourse by official correspond

ence.

To these omissions are to be attributed, in a great degree, the present unsettled state of our foreign relations. From the period alluded to, up to the present time, the correspondence has been irregular and entirely unsatisfactory, on the part of the authorities in Great Britain; consisting of one or two letters in gratulatory form, and an occasional transmission of printed reports. It has ever been, nevertheless, the constant and unremitting object of our predecessors to endeavour to allure our foreign brethren into a course of more close and abiding fellowship: formal and affectionate epistles have been forwarded, year after year, to their permanent Board of Offcers, few of which, if any, have received the courtesy of a reply. Committees were raised expressly to open and conduct, with those officers, correspondence on questions of the utmost importance to the well-being of the Order, and the perpetuity of necessary intercourse. Their communications in like manner have remained unattended to. Among the subjects thus brought to their notice, was that of reformation in the manner of conducting a lodge, to exclude therefrom the convivialities which distinguish their mode of proceedings. The communication on this vital subject, was addressed in the most respectful and decorous terms, to the Grand Annual Moveable Committee of 1836, but its friendly admonitions were equally disregarded.

After it had been in some degree satisfactorily ascertained by means of irregular information, obtained from travelling brothers, and by private correspondence, (while the constituted authorities had failed to communicate with us in any manner,) that a great and radical change had been made by them in the peculiar language and work of the Order within their limits; they were repeatedly addressed on the subject by committees and officers of the Grand Lodge of the United States, soliciting official information as to whether the rumored changes had in reality taken place; and, if so, requesting such information as would explain the necessity for the steps taken, and to furnish official copies of the recently adopted mode, with adequate instructions as to its use. These oft-repeated entreaties were among those so systematically disregarded; nor, was it until the complaints of their own travelling members awakened them to the reality of their unrecognized condition in this jurisdiction, that the subject appeared of sufficient importance to merit the slightest attention. The earliest disposition evinced to provide for the transmission of the altered work to this country, was by the Annual Moveable Committee of 1841; and the extraordinary manner in which it was proposed to be done, remains so fresh in the recollection of every member of the Order in the United States, as to

require little else than a bare allusion to the very singular report and offensive resolution then adopted, not only to bring them fairly to our view, but to remind us of the mild and conciliatory course pursued by the Grand Lodge, when they were laid before it; asserting with true dignity its independence of all foreign controlment or authority; but, for the sake of preserving, if possible, uniform work and uniform language, it magnanimously provided for the appointment of a proper deputation to proceed to the seat of the Order in Great Britain, and negotiate with the authorities there for permanent identity.

Immediately on the adjournment of the late session, the measures providing for the obtaining of sufficient means to meet the necessary expenses of the deputation, were put into operation; and attested copies of the proceedings were forwarded to Manchester, notifying the Board of Directors of the action had by the Grand Lodge of the United States. In connection with which, the Grand Corresponding Secretary prepared a letter, in obedience to an order made during the session, "mildly but firmly protesting against any attempt on the part of the Annual Moveable Committee to interfere with the Order in the United States." With entire satisfaction you are referred to this communication, which will be submitted to you by that officer. A favorable opportunity presenting itself for the safe delivery of the letter, in the person of P. G. M. James Alcock, of New York, who was about to visit England, he was duly commissioned to be the bearer of the document, and authorized to receive such reply as might be entrusted to him.

The Grand Sire availed himself of the facility thus afforded to communicate with the official head of the Order there, explanatory of the mode of admitting brothers of foreign lodges into lodges of the United States, which had appeared to have been very grossly misunderstood. Copies of the documents alluded to, are herewith submitted.

By the report of P. G. M. James Alcock, it will be seen that he was cordially received by the Board of Directors, and that a portion of the information so long sought fruitlessly, was imparted to him. Copies of the charges and lectures adopted in 1834 were forwarded in his care, as well as instructions in their mode of work.

Very shortly subsequent to the transmission of the letter of the Grand Corresponding Secretary, information was received that extensive notice had been promulged from the Board Room in Manchester, throughout the provinces, of the expected presence of the deputation provided for by the Grand Lodge of the United States, at the ensuing meeting of the Annual Moveable Committee, at Wigan. The intelligence thus received of the preparations making on the part of our trans-atlantic brethren, to meet us promptly in the negotiation; the disadvantages likely to result from unnecessary delay, in bringing the points of controversy to a speedy termination; the very promising amounts reported to the Grand Secretary as having been appropriated, in response to the call of the Grand Lodge of the United States, as means to defray expenses; and, in the opinion of the Grand Sire, the time having arrived contemplated by the Grand Lodge for the requisite appointments to be made, he, with much deference to the abundance of talent and experience every where presenting itself as suitable for the task, and after the most serious and deliberate consideration of

the momentuous duty he was performing proffered the appointment to two of your Grand Officers; and duly commissioned* P. G. M. James L. Ridgely, Grand Corresponding Secretary, and P. G. Isaac D. Williamson, Grand Chaplain, to the important embassy. It is proper, however, to observe, that the latter named brother was invited to participate in the deputation only, when the Grand Sire had learnt that P. G. M. Howell Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, to whom it had been previously offered, was constrained, by a press of private engagements, respectfully to decline its acceptance. The intelligence of the necessity which compelled the declination of the worthy brother, was received with regret, in view of his distinguished standing in the Order, his great experience in its concerns, and his long and useful connexion with the legislation of the Grand Lodge of the United States. Under the resolution of authority, the necessary instructions for the deputation were delivered to them, with their creden

Duly commissioned-The following is the form of the commission which was issued to each member of the deputation. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. Friendship, Love and Truth.

To all to whom these presents may come :
We,

Most Worthy Grand Sire of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in and for the United States of America, (and for the republic of Texas,) and the entire jurisdiction belonging thereto, send greeting:

Know ye, that by virtue of the powers in us vested, we have, and by this warrant do hereby commission and appoint our well beloved brother-, especial deputy and plenipotentiary on behalf of our Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the United States, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to repair to the seat of government of the Manchester Unity, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the kingdom of Great Britain, and there, or at any other place duly appointed, to treat of, negotiate for, and if practicable to conclude with the Annual Moveable Committee of the Order, or any other body duly authorized thereto, a uniform system of work, as the only legitimate language of the Independent Order of Odd r'ellows throughout the globe-subject to confirmation by the Grand Lodge of the United States. And reposing special confidence in his zeal and ability, we do fully empower him to bear with him our heart-felt love and affection for our brethren in Great Britain, our gratulations upon the universal prosperity of our Order, and our fervent prayers for a continuance of their unexampled efforts in the cause of humanity. We, therefore, affectionately commend him to the love and kindness of our beloved brethren, and to all legal lodges of the Independent Order. Done at the city of New York, in the state of New York, United States of America, this fourth day of April, A. D. 1842, and of our Order in the United States, the twenty-third.

―, Grand Sire.

↑ Necessary instructions.-It is deemed not at all improper, at this time, to furnish the instructions under which the Deputies acted. I. O. of O. F. OFFICE OF THE GRAND SIRE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 4th, 1842.

To P. G. M. James L. Ridgely, and G. Chap. Isaac D. Williamson, Especial Deputies, Plenipotentiaries, etc. etc. Respected Brethren:

The Grand Lodge of the United States of America, at the Session of September, A. D. 1841, having provided, "that so soon as sufficient funds can be procured to defray the expense, one or more members of the Order shall be appointed to visit England, with instructions to confer with the Manchester Unity, or any other body of Odd Fellows, on the subject of the difference in the work of the Order, and to use their best endeavours to procure a return to the ancient work:" And it being apparent that sufficient funds have been already proffered, by those on whom the call has been made for contribu tion, to defray the expense of one Deputy; and from the anxiety manifested by the greater portion of the Order at large, it has become evident that the entire requisite amount for at least two will be forthcoming in season: And also, from information on which we can with propriety rely, it appears that preparations are making by our brethren in Great Britain, for the reception of the deputation from this jurisdiction, at the ensuing A. M C., and that arrangements are in progress for meeting in a becoming spirit the proposition of the Grand Lodge of the United States: By virtue of the constitutional powers vested in the Grand Sire, you have been this day appointed Especial Deputies and Plenipotentiaries on behalf of the Grand Lodge of the United States; and as such, it is made your duty to repair with all possible despatch to the seat of government of the Manchester Unity, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the kingdom of Great Britain, and there, or at Wigan, in the county of Lancaster, in said kingdom, on the 16th of May next, or at any other place, or time not more than thirty days later, or duly appointed, "to treat of, negotiate for, and if practicable conclude with the Annual Moveable Committee of the Order, or any other body duly authorized thereto, a uniform system of work, as the only legitimate language of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows throughout the globe." And that, in the performance of this duty, you will be mainly governed in your exertions by a desire to accomplish, and for which purpose to use your best endeavours to procure a return to the ancient work of the Order.

From the report of the committee embracing the resolutions under which this deputation is appointed, and which, by being adopted by the Grand Lodge of the United States, became her own act,

tials; and were deemed sufficiently minute and comprehensive for the purposes of the mission; embracing therewith as many collateral subjects

it is undoubtedly the main design of the mission to obtain a restoration of the old work. To accomplish so desirable an end, it is expected that you will use every means and ability of which you are possessed, to convince the high party to whom you are accredited: First. Of the impropriety of any changes in the work being made, at any time, which are not universal and simultaneous. Second. Of the injustice exhibited towards the Order in this hemisphere, by changing radically and effectually the work of the Order in England about the year 1834, and withholding all information in relation to the influencing cause for making such changes, as well as the alterations themselves, from the Grand Lodge of the United States. Third. Of the fidelity with which this jurisdiction has maintained and preserved the work as it was received by it. Fourth. Of the course pursued by the Grand Lodge of the United States, in relation to the reported changes in the work. And, Fifth. Of the hope and expectation with which we look for a restoration of the ancient work of our fathers in the Order. And

1st. In impressing on the A. M C., (or other body with whom you may communicate,) the impropriety of changes being made, unless they are co-extensively and simultaneously adopted by the whole Order, it would be well for you not only to advance the argument with a view to what is past, but also to bring under consideration all future action, and, if possible, to secure by contract, of the nature of a treaty, or other compact, between the two jurisdictions, an agreement to consummate no changes in the work, until they have been submitted to the supreme bodies of each jurisdiction, and jointly approved. This will have the effect of not only preventing partial or local changes from taking place, but will afford the most healthy and effective check to the spirit of innovation with which the Order has to contend against, in both jurisdictions.

2d. While portraying the injustice inflicted by the change of the work in England, and withholding all information thereon, you should not limit your argument to that exhibited toward the authorities of the Order in America, but also show, by reference to constantly recurring instances, the exceedingly great injustice done to their own unfortunate men bers who are on travel in the United States, and who are unable to make themselves known as members of the Order.

3d. The present condition of the work in the United States is perhaps the most conclusive proof of the fidelity with which it has been preserved.

4th. In laying before the A. M. C. the course pursued by the Grand Lodge of the United States, in relation to changes, both projected and consummated, in the work of the Order, you will not fail to impress that body with a proper sense of the anxiety always manifested by this jurisdiction, as well for preserving the work from unnecessary mutation, as for complying with such as may be required by imperious circumstances. In evidence of this disposition, it may become beneficial for you to refer to the manner in which the changes formerly adopted, were considered and acted upon by the two jurisdictions.

Several alterations having been made in the work of the Order, within a short time prior to the year 1826, it became desirable, at so early a period in the history of the Order in this country, to effect an uniformity; for which purpose, the presiding Grand Officer of the Grand Lodge of the United States, at great expense of money and time, visited the seat of the Grand Annual Moveable Committee, and then and there entered into preliminary arrangements for introducing into this jurisdiction, the changes made in England in the signs, etc., of the Initiatory, and of the entire Royal Purple degree. On the other hand, he imparted to the proper authority of the Order in England, the Covenant and Remembrance degrees, and the principle on which lodges of Past Grands should be based, and the mode of working the same. These changes, which were agreed upon in a preliminary way to become parts of the work, were in some respects reciprocal, but not altogether so. One party offered for acceptance-First, two degrees, of a character deemed very superior to any of those used in the subordinate lodges, as additional honors. They were neither gotten up nor proffered in a mere spirit for change, but as substantial improvements in the work. Their acceptance and adoption did not require a total destruction of the work, and a substitution therefor. nor even the slightest change in any portion of it as it previously existed; they were merely additional honors, attainable by all who should prove worthy and serviceable to the Order, in the increased interest they excited among the membership. And. Second, the manner of organizing and working Past Grands' Lodges. This was offered as a change in the mode of governing the provincial districts, and designed and intended to keep alive a continuous and desirable emulation, and consequent exertion among those who would be best qualified to fill the various lodge offices, and who would, after passing the chairs, become the membership of the legislative body of the district, as are the Grand Committees as at present organized in England. This proposed change was not calculated, however, to overturn any established mode of work, but merely to introduce an additional honor for the deserving, and another manner of performing the duties now executed by the Grand Committees of districts. But the other party to these preliminaries, beside submitting a degree as an additional honor. also presented an entire and total change of the language, signs, etc. of the Initiatory, by which the original work of the Order was annihilated, and another substituted in its place.

These severally were preliminarily adopted, subject to confirmation by the supreme bodies of the Order in England and America. The Grand Lodge of the United States, on the one part, after mature reflection and much hesitancy, finally approved and adopted the whole as it had been so agreed upon. But the A. M. C. of 1827, on the other part, failed in according approbation to all that was adopted preliminarily. That portion of it which was proposed on their part, was approved, as was also so much of the other as relates to the degrees of the Covenant and Remembrance. But notwithstanding the Grand Master and Board of Directors, under the implied obligation existing for a confirmation of the whole, had issued dispensations for opening and constituting a considerable number of Past Grands' Lodges the portion in relation to these bodies was rejected, and the charters recalled.

The Order in the United States, since that time, has continued in the work as then agreed upon. No change whatever has been made in S., G. or W., nor of any other kind, except a separate and a verbal revision of the charges and O. B.N., the organization of the Patriarchal degrees, and the changes in the periodical words. Owing to the unfortunate interruption in the correspondence between the two jurisdictions, for a period extending from a out 1833, to the present time, the Grand Lodge of the United States has not been made aware of other changes having been effected by the

as appeared at all advisable or likely to engage, properly, the attention of the conference. Anxious, by a continuation of kind and generous offices,

A. M. C., until years had elapsed after their adoption; and then the information was not received in the ordinary and appropriate mode of communication between one sovereign authority and another, but by rumor and surmise; and was first introduced to the notice of the Grand Lodge of the United States, by P. G. Sire Wildey, on 4th October, 1837, in an informal "statement respecting brothers visiting from England," and the subject was referred to a committee, who reported, "that two years had elapsed since any correspondence had taken place with the Manchester Moveable Committee of Great Britain"-that "no advice had been received of the change or difference in the work referred to;" and in view thereof, submitted a resolution, which was adopted, viz:

"Resolved, by the Grand Lodge of the United States. That the Committee of Correspondence be, and they are hereby directed to open a correspondence with the proper authority in Great Britain, for the purpose of ascertaining what alterations, if any, have been made in the work of the Order." [See page 215, of Proceedings of 1837.]

This committee doubtless performed the duty assigned them; and in the course of the year, the Grand Sire also made an ineffectual endeavour to open a correspondence; but at the succeeding session of 1838, no additional information of any kind had been received from the authorities of the Order in Great Britain, and the subject was, by a vote of the Grand Lodge, withdrawn from the Committee of Correspondence, and referred to a special committee. [See page 226, printed Proceedings of 1838.]

The special committee embraced a favorable opportunity, in the following spring, to forward communications on the subject to the A. M. C. of 1839, under cover to William Ratcliffe; copies of which are hereto appended, marked A, B, C.

By document A, it will be seen that the interruption of intercourse was deplored: circumstances were alluded to, by which we were made sensible that the work had suffered alteration, and that thereby the Order in the two hemispheres had been alienated from each other; the latest action of the Grand Lodge of the United States, in relation thereto, was recited, accompanied by the printed proceedings of that body for 1838; the importance of the subject of correspondence to the memberhip was impressed by reference to the beneficial advantages flowing from a removal of all difficulties in communication, and differences in the work; urgently requesting information of the changes made, (if any,) and the causes which led to the adoption of the same, as the ardent desire of the Grand Lodge of the United States; and offers an interchange of travelling passwords, as a means of greater facility than has been heretofore enjoyed.

Document B, being addressed to the Corresponding Secretary of the Order, enforced the object of the communication addressed to the A. M. C., which accompanied it; exhibited the absolute necessity of a similarity of work; regarding it not only necessary that the work should be the same, but that, in addition, a necessity exists for a permanent interchange of travelling passwords.

Document C, is the key alluded to in the foregoing, by which it was proposed to communicate the travelling password, or any other information which it might be deemed necessary to protect by cypher.

The only result of these communications was a vote of gratulation on the part of the A. M. C. toward the Order in America, and the receipt of the printed proceedings of the A. M. C., and the travelling password in cypher, with a key accompanying it in the same package.

The communications show for themselves that the proposal to interchange travelling passwords was merely a collateral request of the committee; the main object and the only one which they professed to be authorized by the Grand Lodge of the United States to urge was that for "the changes in the work, and the cause of their being adopted." It was no part of the intention of the committee to propose the interchange as a substitute for work, nor can their request be with any degree of fairness distorted so as to imply such design. That it may unfortunately have been so understood, is not for us to deny; it is quite sufficient to show what was the real proposition, and then to leave our friends the full benefit of a misconception at the time.

At the succeeding session of the Grand Lodge of the United States, April, 1840, the committee made a report under the flattering hope, that what had been received from England was a mere earnest of what was to be followed up in reply; and they promptly recommended carrying into full force the suggestion for the interchange of the travelling password, submitting a resolution to that effect, which was unanimously adopted by the Grand Lodge of the United States. in connection with one of gratula tion. [See page 258, proceedings of April Session, 1840.] And that this resolution, on the part of the Grand Lodge of the United States, was not adopted with a view of superseding work, you are referred to the report of the committee, of which Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, was chairman, at the session of 1841. [See page 356, proceedings of 1841.] Such reference is made in this place, with the view of showing that whatever opinions may be entertained on the suggestions of the committee, or the adop tion by the Grand Lodge of the United States of a regulation for interchanges of travelling passwords, it is unjust to attribute to either of them the design of substituting a mere password for all the other requirements of the work. The committee, with great force and truth, avow, "that the resolution of April 21st, 1840, made no alteration in the uniformly required proof of membership, by examination in the language of the Order, but only added an additional test to prevent imposition. The entire report

just quoted from, is worthy of your special attention, in connection with the subject under consideration, as containing a full and perfect refutation of the opinion that the Grand Lodge of the United States has at any time contributed to the "want of harmony existing between the heads of the Order in the two countries."

The travelling password was accordingly forwarded to the Board of Directors, which course has been followed at each successive change since, unless it may have heen neglected in the one for 1840. Under the impression that the communications of 1839 had not been received in time to be acted on by the A. M. C. of that year, and was necessarily deferred until the succeeding meeting, no further action was taken at the session of October, 1840. The Grand Corresponding Secretary, however, endeavoured to preserve the correspondence, and addressed an epistle to the hea is of the Manchester Unity, on the general interests of the Order, to which he has not been sufficiently fortunate as to receive a reply. And the matters of difficulty and obstruction remained in the same condition, until the September Session of 1841, when the action was had on which these instructions are based. From the