Dear Sir and Brother,—By the inclosed telegram, which appeared in one of our papers yesterday morning, I conclude you have decided not to visit Australia. In my last to you I also declined positively. Since then I have been urged by many here to make the trip; and after examining the Journal relative to Australian matters, I concluded things were very much mixed there, and that, if at all possible, I would start in April.

I do not yet see my way clear. There is, however, one chance in ten, but whether I can go or not will be an open question up to within a week from my departure. Hence I write now to inquire whether it would be well for you and Bro. Ridgely to prepare instructions, make suggestions, and supply me with books, papers, letters, &c., &c, if any be in your judgment necessary.

Several things require consultation, and let me take them up seriatim.

1st. The great trouble is the money. That depends on time mainly. I could spare three months better than four. Will three answer? It takes about 32 days to Melbourne. The steamers' route and time are as follows for April, running once a month. Leave San Francisco, April 15th, Honolulu, April 23d, arrive at Auckland (New Zealand), May 8th, and at Sydney, May 13th. The steamer does not go to Melbourne my objective point, but coast steamers run from Sydney to Melbourne every two or three days—taking about two and a half days between those two cities.

Further, steamers run between Sydney and Auckland—about five to seven days.

Now in no event can it be expected that I spend more time than is essential to adjusting the differences in Australia. Six months there would doubtless redound to the good of the Order; that is, if a man were to travel around in ail the Colonies, he might arouse an interest. This can't be done. We can only act at head-quarters: to wit, Melbourne and Auckland; and in these places we can deal only with the Grand Bodies. Can't this be done as well in one month as in a year. Certainly two weeks at Melbourne ought to do all that can be done—give a month, and it is ample. This would enable me to make the trip in three months, unless stopping at Auckland going or coming be absolutely necessary.

2d. To this point I invite your attention. How are we to right matters? New Zealand has a Grand Lodge. Australia the same. Both of equal power. What are we to do Get one to step down and out? If so, which shall we page 30 ask to retire? Who shall we approach first? Australia is by far the more important place. All that could be accomplished at Auckland would be to get that G. Lodge to become subordinate to the Grand Lodge of Australia. Otherwise New Zealand must be left as she is, independent for a time, trusting to the future to adjust her relation with the G. L. of Australia.

What we want is a Supreme Grand Lodge for the whole of Australia—or rather Australasia—with power to grant Charters to other Grand Lodges within that continent. This could be done with one stroke of the pen, thus: Ask the Grand Lodge of Australia to surrender their present Charter, and then grant a new one, with full power over Australasia, excepting only the ritual and work, the traveling password and card, and probably the qualifications for membership. As our legislation now stands, we would be forced to stick in this last clause. That Grand Lodge would not object to this enlarged jurisdiction, unless the Order at large in the three colonies would object, and if for this reason the Grand Lodge of Australia deemed it inexpedient to make the proposed change, then my mission would be ended so far as substantial results are concerned. Of course, I could instruct in general principles and in the work, and thus do good. But the one Sovereign Grand Lodge is the necessity.

My idea is, to go straight to Melbourne, call a meeting of the Grand Lodge, say to them, "Brothers Meacham did not fix this thing right; I am authorized to arrange this matter; bring that Charter here, and let me tear it up; it is done; here now is a new one in which old man Ridgely (our Nestor) has spread himself; take it, and go preach the gospel of Odd Fellowship in all the land of Australasia."

This done, I would advise New Zealand of the fact, explain fully by letter or personal visit. If they accepted the new order of things, I would put it in writing, and have them take a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Austraasia. If they declined, then I would leave them as at present, with jurisdiction over New Zealand, and directly amenable to the G. L. of U. S. This would probably be better than to attempt to revoke their Charter. Provision would have to be made in the Charter to the Grand Lodge of Australasia, excluding its jurisdiction over New Zealand until the latter yielded the point, or until the G. L. of U. S. acted.

This plan would require me to stop at Auckland a week only on my return. That is, having closed my business at Melbourne, I would take a coast steamer to Sydney, and thence to Auckland, in advance a week or ten days of the regular San Francisco line.

You see the practical difficulty of bringing New Zealand and Australia into joint conference with me. I think the Order there would recognize it and make allowances. Still it is a matter of some nicety to decide as to the policy of not stopping at Auckland on my trip out. If they were written to one steamer ahead, one, two, or three leading men might conclude to go with me to Melbourne, or the latter might send some one or more back with me.

So much for the time and matter. As to the money, I see the appropriation is $1,000, or whatever of it is necessary. If I go, the whole sum would have to be used, as my loss would be at least $3,000. Can we, under the resolution, use the whole, if the actual expenses are less?

3d. As to our power, The resolution is broad, if you wish to so construe it. We are authorized to adjust the complications, and perform such other offices as the welfare of the Order requires. Now, the complication is, that there are two Grand Lodges, neither of which has sufficient power. To adjust would be to wipe out and create. Can you and Ridgely, therefore, put your hands and the seal of the G. L. of U. S. to a Charter, leaving me to fill certain blanks? In short, does not the resolution, in effect, authorize you to grant a certain kind of a Charter—that is, a Charter such as ought originally to have been granted? I think so.

4th. It occurs to me, that I ought to have a copy of the reports of Nicholson page 31 and Porter at secret session on Uniform Work, &c.; and also some other matters in Secret Journal.

I stop. You have enough to wade through, particularly as it may come to naught. Cogitate over these suggestions, and send them to Bro. Ridgely, and write me; only don't delay.

Consider, among other things, whether it will not be wise to give up the trip.