asked for, by the members of the family at home. When we have adopted an uniform system of work, we have opened our doors alike to all-we have placed the Odd Fellow from Great Britain precisely upon the same footing, and given him all the privileges enjoyed by a member of our own jurisdiction, having a legal card bearing the impress of our own hand and seal. This we humbly conceive is all that justice or even the broad characters of our Order can require at our hands. Under such circumstances, if the brethren from your jurisdiction, are not pleased with our lodges as they find them constituted in this particular, they can avail themselves of the same privilege as our own members, procure a warrant from the proper authorities in America, and establish lodges more in accordance with their means and wishes, and none will question their right so to do.

But there are objections still more grave and serious in their character than those already noted. The respected committee whom we have the honor of addressing, as we learn from the document before us, are fully aware of the important fact, that the Grand Lodge of the United States is a body of exceedingly limited jurisdiction, and that among the many functions, it is denied the power of exerting under its present organization, stands pre-eminent, the very one which they have found it necessary to make an indispensible condition, to the adoption of a common language of the Order throughout the earth. It would appear therefore to the undersigned, that the condition embraced in the resolution in question, which looks to the adoption of an uniform price for the admission of English brethren on the part of the Grand Lodge of the United States, as an indispensible element in any compact which they would be willing to conclude, must necessarily lead to one of two results-first, to terminate at once the entire negotiation on the subject of uniformity in the language of the Order; or secondly, to place the Grand Lodge of the United States, in the view of the ab sence of power on its part, to concur in such a condition in the position of asking from its subordinates the surrender of a delicate, sacred, and highly cherished prerogative, as the price of obtaining uniformity in the language of the Order-a result in which it has no interest whatever, which is not common to the Manchester Unity as a coadjutor with it, in the advancement of the great principles of Odd Fellowship, and their spread throughout the earth. We cannot believe that our respected brethren of the sub-committee intended that the grave condition insisted upon, should produce either of these results. Their devotion to the principles of the Order so conspicuous in their long official connexion with it in Great Britain-the spirit of brotherly love which has characterized all their intercourse with the undersigned, and the momentous issues involved, all combine to forbid such an idea. Yet it will be obviously perceived, that such are the necessary and unavoidable effects of the position assumed, should it be sustained by the Grand A. M. C.

Nor indeed, does it appear to the undersigned that the condition suggested is legitimately in place in the consideration of the question before us.-UNIFORMITY IN THE WORK OF THE ORDER, is the great subject concerning which we came across the ocean to treat with our brethren of Great Britain. For the advancement of no sectional interests are we here, but for the promotion of great ends, equally important to all parties, and contemplating the perpetuity of an institution beloved in both jurisdictions, and alike endeared to both, by its practical capabilities of universal beneficence to man. With the question of uniformity in the language of the Order, surely the minor one of finance or local government can have no just affinity; and although in the adjustment of antagonist interests between nations or individuals, it may be deemed proper to throw into the balance certain benefits to the one party, as an equivalent for supposed concessions made by the other, yet, we cannot conceive that such a course of procedure is necessary or expedient between two institutions, like the Grand Lodge of the United States and the Manchester Unity, whose objects and interests are one and should be indissoluble.

With the highest deference we must be allowed to venture the opinion, that the respected sub-committee, have fallen into a great error in regarding the absorbing ques tion now under discussion, as one of immediate interest to either jurisdiction. The undersigned regard it as far more comprehensive and capacious in its character, having for its cardinal attribute the sameness of Odd Fellowship, not only throughout the globe, but through the changes of all succeeding time. It does not appear to have occurred to the sub-committee, that the question now before the Manchester Unity, as submitted by the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States, contemplates the two bodies under their present organization, and that in its adjustment any conditions looking to a modification of the organic law of either, would not only jeopard

its final ratification, but tend directly to create excitement and agitation for and against its adoption, in the primary depositories of the power necessary to be surrendered, which in an institution like ours, should always be avoided.

We beg once more to call the attention of our respected brethren to the circumstance, that the great question is that of "uniformity in the Work of the Order." Give us only one language, one speech, and we sincerely believe that every difficulty, in the way of a cordial and beneficial intercourse will be removed, The heads of the Order will thus be placed in constant and harmonious communion, the best possible position for arranging all the details of a more perfect union. And should it appear, that our peculiar organization is such, as to prevent a free and unrestrained intercourse, then will the Grand Lodge of the United States, listen with a favorable ear to any propositions which the wisdom and experience of the Manchester Unity may suggest for an improvement of its organization. But at present that body presents itself before you in its own proper identity, and asks you to unite with it in giving to all, and especially to the members of your body, when strangers within its jurisdiction, a language which shall admit them without doubt or suspicion to its temples, and to all the privileges and immunities enjoyed by its own most favored children. And yet we are pained to know, that our respected brothers of the sub-committee, have placed the attainment of that high and holy object, dependent upon a condition which they are fully aware that the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States has no power to fulfil, to wit: the regulation of fees among the subordinate lodges under the jurisdiction of the several states.

It will be perceived from the views expressed by the undersigned, that the removal of the condition reserved by the sub-committee, in the 8th resolution accompanying their report, is indispensable to a concurrence of opinion upon the interesting topic before us, and we venture therefore to indulge the hope that our brethren of the committee will not feel it to be their duty further to press its adoption. Should the subcommittee or the Grand A. M. C. assent to the proposed modification of the report, we beg to suggest, that in our opinion the ultimate consummation of the entire scheme would not only be rendered certain, but would be also very much hastened, by the appointment of a committee on your part, to mature all the details of the system, and to confer with the Grand Lodge of the United States at its next session in the city of Baltimore in September next.

Indeed the undersigned entertain great doubts whether it would be possible to digest and fully ratify any compact which might be entered into, upon so peculiar and momentous a subject, in any other manner than by personal consultation between parties duly authorized to act in the premises.

In the anxious hope that your deliberations upon the views herein submitted, may lead to the gratification of our wishes, we remain,

Gentlemen and brothers, yours in F. L. & T.
JAMES L. RIDGELY,
I. D. WILLIAMSON,

Special Deputees &c. of the G. L. of U. S.

To George Richmond, D. G., M.-John Peizer, P. G. M.-Edward Powell, P. Pro. G. M.-John Longmore Shadwell, Pro. C. S.

Gentlemen and Brothers:

[J.]

EAGLE HOTEL, Wigan, May 20th, 1842.

We beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your answer to our report, on a careful perusal of which we find that reference is again made to the manner adopted by us in conducting the important topic we have had under consideration. We are sorry that you should again recur to the subject, inasmuch as, if it had been either practicable or customary with us, we should at once have complied with your request.

We exceedingly regret that the eighth resolution is considered by you such an insurmountable barrier to any final arrangement, but we are in hopes that when the subject comes to be laid properly before our American brethren, that they will meet us in the same friendly spirit of concession and brotherly love that we trust has characterized the whole of the proceedings of the undersigned during this conference, and that our trans-atlantic brethren will ultimately adopt our views in the settlement of the differences at present existing between the two hemispheres.

In conclusion, speaking generally of your answer to our report to the Grand Annual Moveable Committee, we beg to answer you, that we have given the whole of

your answer the most mature consideration, but we see no ground advanced to induce us to comply with your request in rescinding the eighth resolution from our report, but will leave in to the decision of the General Committee.

With the highest feelings of esteem and regard, we remain gentlemen and brothers, yours in F. L. & T.

GEORGE RICHMOND, D. G. M.

JOHN PEIZER, P. G. M.

EDWARD POWELL, P. Pro. G. M.

JOHN LONGMORE SHADWELL, Pro. C. S.

To James L. Ridgely, P. G. M.—and I. D. Williamson, G. C.

Dear Sirs and Brothers:

[K.]

Members of the Sub-Committee.

EAGLE HOTEL, Wigan, May 21st, 1842.

We, the undersigned, beg most respectfully to present you with a copy of a resolution passed by the Grand Annual Moveable Committee, after having laid our report (a copy of which we had the honor to present you with) officially before that body, and which is as follows, viz:

"That the report of the sub-committee on the American negotiation, be adopted by this Grand Annual Moveable Committee, and in the event of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the United States, not acceding to the resolutions therein contained, that the officers of the Order and Board of Directors be armed will full power to carry into effect the resolution relative to the Order in America, as passed at the Isle of Man Grand Annual Moveable Committee, and that the whole of the report, &c., be printed."

You will perceive from the above resolution, that the whole of the report, &c., on the negotiation, are to be printed, and as it may also be necessary, at some future period, to prove your authority from the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the United States, &c. to treat with us upon the interesting subject, we hope you will at once see the propriety of retaining possession of the credentials certifying your appointment. We are still not without hope that the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the United States and the brethren in America generally, will see the justice of our demand and accede to our suggestions. Thanking you kindly for the courteous demeanor exhibited on your part towards the undersigned on this important and interesting topic, and once more assuring you, of our esteem and respect, and of the good feeling existing in Great Britain towards the brethren in the United States, we most respectfully conclude our negotiation by conveying to you the fervent and heartfelt prayers of the brethren of the Manchester Unity, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, that the Great and Omnipotent Spirit, under whose protection you have been safely conducted thus far on your present mission, will also guard over and protect your return to your native soil, and to the bosoms of your families and friends, from whom you have for a time voluntarily estranged yourselves on a pilgrimage in the cause of Odd Fellowship.

We are, gentlemen and brothers, yours in F. L. & T.

GEORGE RICHMOND, D. G. M.
JOHN PEIZER, P. G. M.

EDWARD POWELL, P. Pro. G. M.

JOHN LONGMORE SHADWELL, Prov. C. S.

To James L. Ridgely, P. G. M.-I. D. Williamson, G. C.

Dear Sirs and Brothers:

[L.]

EAGLE HOTEL, Wigan, May 21st, 1842.

Cordially reciprocating towards you personally the same feelings which you have expressed, and congratulating you upon the urbane and gentlemanly spirit which has guided our deliberations upon the important question which has been the subject of our unremitting conference during the present week, we beg to thank you for the copy of the resolution adopted by the Grand A. M. C., which at our request you have been kind enough to furnish.

It is difficult for us to determine what could have induced that body to travel beyond your report, in search of offensive matter to a party who had approached it only in respectful and courteous terms, The present action of the Grand A. M. C.

being the reiteration of an offensive resolution passed at a former period, and against which the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States has formally protested, can be regarded in no other light than an indignity offered to that body. As a matter of necessity, therefore, a decent self-respect on the part of the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States, compels us to say, that all connexion between the two bodies will cease until the cause of offence be removed, in default of which we have to deplore a result which constitutes the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the two hemispheres, separate and distinct communities.

We are, with the highest consideration and regard, gentlemen and brothers, yours in F. L. & T.

To George Richmond, D. G. M.-John Peizer, P. G. M.-Edward Powell, P. Pro. G. M.-John Longmore Shadwell, Pro. C. S., Committee.

On motion of Rep. Case, of South Carolina, it was

Resolved, That 250 extra copies of the report of the Grand Sire be printed for the use of the Representatives.

The Grand Corresponding Secretary presented the following, being his Annual Report, which was read.

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

In obedience to the resolution defining his duty, the undersigned begs leave very respectfully to submit his Annual Report. At the last session of the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States, the several subjects of duty detailed in the following resolutions, were enjoined upon the Corresponding Secretary.

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 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 be and he is hereby authorized to rent a suitable room as a place of deposite for all the books, documents, and property of the Grand Lodge of the United States, and to transfer to said room the said property, after he shall have made an inventory thereof.'

"Resolved, That the Grand Corresponding Secretary be and is hereby authorized to appoint suitable agencies in the several states and territories where the Order is established, for the sale of the Diplomas, at the fixed price of $2 each, and to allow said agents fifty cents for each copy of said Diploma sold; and the said agents are hereby directed not to sell to any brother but those who have attained the Scarlet Degree, and who shall produce a certificate from the lodge to which they are attached, setting forth their rank and worthiness at the time of application.”

I have the honor to report, that early after the adjournment of the session of 1841, all the property of every description belonging to the Grand Lodge of the United States, was carefully collected and submitted to the examination of the Representatives of Maryland and Missouri, by whom it was enumerated and scheduled in detail-a copy of which is herewith presented, (Doc. A.) This property was transferred by the Corresponding Secretary

to a suitable room, rented for that purpose under the authority of the resolution requiring the same, and is now in the proper custody of the Grand Lodge of the United States.

In regard to so much of the above resolutions, which direct a negotiation with the Grand Lodge of Maryland for the erection of a suitable building in the rear of the hall belonging to that body in the city of Baltimore, as a depository for the valuable property of the Grand Lodge of the United States, the undersigned respectfully reports, that application was duly made to the Grand Lodge of Maryland, at its October session, 1841, when the subject was referred to the consideration of a committee, whose report at an adjourned session, declining to improve that part of their property, and recommending the erection of an addition to their hall on Gay-street, was adopted by that body. Believing that the object and spirit of the resolution of the Grand Lodge of the United States might be as well attained by the erection of a fire-proof office and safe as a depository for its archives, in the new building designed to be erected by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, the Corresponding Secretary earnestly urged upon that body the propriety of so arranging its plan of building as to provide such an apartment for the use of the Grand Lodge of the United States, and it is with great pleasure that he informs the Representatives that a secure, suitable and convenient apartment, with fire-proof vaults, will be put up by the Grand Lodge of Maryland for the use of this body, as an office for the Grand Corresponding Secretary, and depository of the archives of the Grand Lodge of the United States. No contract has been made for the tenancy of the said apartment, but the undersigned regarding it as a matter of the highest importance that so eligible an office should be secured for the protection and preservation of the archives of the Order, ventured to express his conviction to the Grand Lodge of Maryland, as an inducement for her assent to the measure, that a permanent lease would be taken of the premises by this body upon liberal terms. It is, therefore, respectfully recommended that an order be adopted authorizing the Corresponding Secretary to enter into a contract for the said apartment, for a period of not less than ten years, upon such terms as may be considered reasonable and just between the parties.

Application has been made pursuant to the resolution of the 21st September, of the last session, to P. G. Sire Wildey, "for such documents, connected with the early history of the Order, as were in his possession." That brother has responded favorably to the request made in the resolution, and will present the same to the Representatives at their present session. Herewith is submitted four volumes of the English Magazine, received from him, two additional volumes of which have been bound during the past year by direction of the undersigned.

In compliance with the resolution, requiring the Corresponding Secretary "to pay over all moneys received by him in the vacation, for the use of the Grand Lodge, and to report the same-specifying the amount received, from whom received, and for what object"; and in further obedience to the resolution of the 23d September, 1841, on the same subject, the undersigned respectfully presents the following statement of his receipts during the past year-all of which have been paid over to the Grand Treasurer, vouchers for which are herewith submitted.