Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Cor . respondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return refected communications .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON s CHRONICLE . DEAK SIR AND BROTHER , —The remarks contained in your issue of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE on 12 th December embody a principle whicb is often discussed by the members of Lodges , and which cannot be too widely canvassed . I refer to the practice of asking for
TOUTING FOB , OFFICE .
" votes and interest " in view of elections in connection with the Craft . If the transference of the office of Grand Treasnrer from a permanent to an annual ono was a step in the right direction—which most of us venture to opine it was—the effect of that reform will be grievously stultified should it be the means at the same timo of
inaugurating a system of touting for votes , or as you rightly point out , of " overstepping tho bounds of prudence in connection . with tho annual fight" for the only elective collar afc tho disposal of Grand Lodge . There can bo no question that there is a growing tendency in that direction , which the brethren will do well to discountenance
and check by every means in their power ; otherwise ifc will develop into an annual splitting up of Freemasons into sections and cliques , which cannot but be injurious to tho Craft in more senses than one . The canvassing which recently took place on behalf of the various candidates for tho office of Grand Treasurer has been properly
stigmatised as unseemly , and gave rise to many arguments and discussions happily of rare occurrence amongst Masons . It has always , so far as my experience of Freemasonry is concerned , been considered infra dig , and utterly opposed to tbe rules of etiquette , to make a personal canvass on behalf of or even to
insinuate the claims , supposed or real , of any brother who might be desirous of filling the chair , or any other office in the Lodge . Moreover , when snch has been found to be the case the " knavish tricks " of coteries have invariably been frustrated by the action of other brethren whoso aim ifc is to maintain an esprit de corps amongst
the general body of tho members . Nofc long since I heard of an instance in which a Past Mastor , anxious for a second taste of the sweets of office , passed the word round amongst a select circle of his friends to that effect , and a vigorous effort was made by the few voluntary canvassers in his behalf , no doubt anticipating their reward
for services rendered in the shape of a more speedy advancement to position in tho Lodge . Bnt tho stratagem was discovered in time , and , much to tho chagrin of tho too zealous Pnsfc Master and his hirelings , ifc was met wifch a sufficient amonnt of opposition to prevent its being carried into effect .
There aro many brethren who will think with mo that the re-election of a Past Master to tho chair of his Lodgo is undesirable , except under very exceptional circumstances , for ifc nofc only retards the whole of the oncoming Officers for a year , but frequently begets n spirit of disappointment and discontentment amongst tho whole of
the following members , who might have been koking forward , as all should do , to appointment to office . If therefore , ns you observe , all canvassing , either personal on the part of the candidate for the office of Grand Treasurer , or by his intimate friends , should bo forbidden by the Grand Master , the samo wholesome and salutary rule should
be applied to tho ordinary Lodge elections , and no touting for support permitted either for Worshipfnl Master or any of the other offices . A serious contemplation is raised by the rery idea you foreshadow of candidates for admission to tbo mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry being " interviewed , " and their promise of support
ascertained for either one faction or the other . Such a process w . uld revolutionize the whole principles of the Craft , and make the ballot only a mockery and a delusion . Many a Mason—indeed all who are solicitous for the well-being of the Craft—will re-echo your
sentiments when you say that when once tbe system of canvassing becomes recognised in connection with other offices than that of Grand Treasurer , Freemasonry will be split up into factious , and harmony will be banished from our midst .
I remain , Dear Sir and Brother , Yonrs fraternally , P . Z .
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
All Books intended for Review should be addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , Belvidere "Works , Hermes Hill , Pentonville , London , ~ N . — : o : — Painless and Perfect Dentistry . By Dr . G . H . Jones , F . R . S . L . London : 57 Great Russcll-streefc , W . C .
LIRE many other branches of study bearing npon the health and comfort of humanity , the dental art has undergone prodigious manipulations and improvements within comparatively recent years , and in this popular treatise on the teeth , Bro . Jones shows that instead of its being delusive to speak of " painless dentistrv , " it is as much an
accomplished fnct as the swift locomotive engine , the electric light , or tho telephone . That tho author does not " speak without the book" may he gathered from tho fact of his being the inventor and patentee of dental improvements in our own conntry , as well as in America , France , and Belgium , having taken gold medals at the various great international exhibit ou ? . Theso successes have been
Reviews.
recognised by his appointment as honorary surgeon-deufcisfc to the Reedham Asylum for Fatherless Children , the British Asylum for Deaf and Dumb Females , the Licensed Victuallers' School , and other institutions , whose authorities are evidently alive to Bro . Dn Jones ' s eminent status in his profession . It is not our provinco to enter
copiously into the great variety of subjects which concern the physical and mental condition of futnre generations , and the real danger to which lies in neglecting necessary precautions , and in disregarding the means at our disposal for the preservation of sound
health . The various matters connected with tho beneficial inventions of science to promote and preserve good health are happily treated by the author , whose homely little brochure shonld be perused by all who are in any way afflicted or distressed , in consequence of tho defective condition of the teeth .
\ Little Folks . London ; CJssells ' , La Belle Sauvago Yard , Ludgato Hill , E . C .
IT will hardly be necessary to remind heads of respectable families of the attractions of this admirable work for children , which has rnn through wo scarcely know how many years , and is to be found on many a nursery bookshelf , well thumbed by the hinds of tiny readers , Every now issue of this publication is as fresh and oven moro
replete with interest to onr " littlo folks than its predecessor , and tho series which makes its appearance with the new year ia in every respect superior to anything wo have yet s ^ on emanate from this old ar d respected firm . Mrs . Molcswovth , tho well-known writer for children , leads off with a new serial story , called "The Palace in the Garden ;"
tho second story is entitled " Tho Bravest of tho Br ivo , " by the anthor of " Doddlekins , " nnd a novel series of anecdotal pnpers , with striking full-page illustrations , is commenced , under the titloof "B dry - Birds and their Ways . " Mr . Henry Frith contributes tho first of his "Little Stories of Earth and Sky , " which seek to explain many
curious facts and legends possessing peculiar interest for young people . An important new departure is made in this iiumbo" , and will be continued , by the introduction of several novel features which aro specially designed for the benefit of very small children , amongst which may be mentioned four pages of p ' ctures , with stories printed
in largo type , in addition to simple tales , a story of words in ono syllable , and numerous jingles and amusing rhymes . The miscellaneous papers are of great variety and of uniform excellence , and tho editor announces a large namber of special competitions for tho year 1886 . Those are prcpnral for children of varying fcistes , and nro so
arranged that by moans of throe divisions for competitors of different ages all—even the little ones in tho nursery—who compelo I avo an equal opportunity of winning prizes . Among the competitions is ono for the best coloured copies of a painting book , callel "A Book of Fruits and Blossoms ; " and a special feature in them all is tint tho
wholo of the coloured books , articles of work , toys , scrap albums , dressed dolls , & C , & c , sent to tho Editor are afterwards distributed among tho inmates r-f onr Children ' s hospitals . The January number of " Little Folks , " contains about fiftv pic ' aes , by Gordon Browne ,
Lizzie Lawson , E . J . Walker , E . Soannell , C . T . Garland , Ernest Grisefc , H . G . Rhodes , W . S . Stacey , A . Barrnu-l , nnd other w . Pknown artists ; and it is adorned with a Picture in Colours , called "Tho New Pet , " by M . E . Edwards .
The . Housewife : a Practical Magazine , concerning everything in and about the Home . London : 5 Ludgato Circus Buildings , E . C . HERE we have a new venture , by another eminent firm of publishers ; and the title above will Vn sufficient to convey to the minds of thousands of h"ads of families how valuable nn addition this will be
to our stock of useful standard literature . In his—or her—preface , the editor expresses an intention of gathering a larjre family around her , every member of which will be expected to assist in tho entertainment and instrnction of every other member . Whatever comes within the scope of tho word " home , " from tho cellar to tho garret ,
between the front gate and tho extreme end of the kitchen garden nt tho back , will be open for discussion and elucidation . Certainly in the opening part now before us there is ample promise of this prolific programme being well sustained , for we havo tho opening chapters of a treatise on "Our Country Home , with its trials and
triumphs of housekeeping , " by E . Harcourt Bntrage ; chatty hints nnd information on " Cookery for the People , " by Mary Jewry ; on " Modern Embroidery , " by R . 0 . Saward ; and a host of others on knitting , dress of fashion , family medicine , music , dress making , food , arcl household management , all of which must be of paramonot
interest to the thrifty housewife . It needs no very great stretch of imagination to predict that a work of snch universal and practical importance will find ready acceptance afc tho hands of the vest audience to whom ifc is addressed ; indeed it is difficult to lim ' fc tho scope of such a publication , which lays its usrful treasures at tho feet of every section of the community .
The Revised Book of Constitutions ; Critically Considered and Compared with the Old Edition . London : Simpkin , Marshall & Co . 4 Stationers' Hall Court , E . C . Sent on receipt of stamps , One Shilling , by W "W , Morgan , Freemasons ' Chronicle Office , Belvidere Works , Hermes Hill , Pentonville .
HOLI . OIVAY ' S OIHTMKST ISD Pit . i . s . —During every Iv-r . k of wintry wciitiirr exertions should lie mado by the nUtfc-ted t- - i l-ef-nvei- br-alth litP'i-o nm-cioin . ino cold and trying storms set in . Throat ailment * , i-oiio ! ,, - ¦ , wlicezinirs , : i" -Mi'ti ; itical affections , shortness of breath , innni ' i-jr rau'C .-i . and Ht-.-iiti . iii-. tioa .- - oi phlegm cue readily be removed l > r rubhiux t . hi- fino derivative (; i : i-n-... r . t . •.-. vim ¦
: i Cny upon the chest , and neck . Holloun-, ' s ti- ;~ f . t , mi-i > fcis * t , io ; vj : ly iv-.-nw ,,-, ' ' . i , ( U-il with the view of givinir immediate ca-o , p ¦ evonHnfr jrosp' -i-h ' ve rhi'i ' .-o-- ,-ir -. ! vi > i t insid ' rm : i d : eis" .: from ! : i ,-, > o-.. .- . .., the constitution to oisyday themr-e ' ve-t afterwards in Ox- 0 . \ ii .-t-. ous UKUM that will probably embitter life till rUi . th itself ii a ' n : ;> -t p : v , yo . I !'•r .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Cor . respondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return refected communications .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON s CHRONICLE . DEAK SIR AND BROTHER , —The remarks contained in your issue of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE on 12 th December embody a principle whicb is often discussed by the members of Lodges , and which cannot be too widely canvassed . I refer to the practice of asking for
TOUTING FOB , OFFICE .
" votes and interest " in view of elections in connection with the Craft . If the transference of the office of Grand Treasnrer from a permanent to an annual ono was a step in the right direction—which most of us venture to opine it was—the effect of that reform will be grievously stultified should it be the means at the same timo of
inaugurating a system of touting for votes , or as you rightly point out , of " overstepping tho bounds of prudence in connection . with tho annual fight" for the only elective collar afc tho disposal of Grand Lodge . There can bo no question that there is a growing tendency in that direction , which the brethren will do well to discountenance
and check by every means in their power ; otherwise ifc will develop into an annual splitting up of Freemasons into sections and cliques , which cannot but be injurious to tho Craft in more senses than one . The canvassing which recently took place on behalf of the various candidates for tho office of Grand Treasurer has been properly
stigmatised as unseemly , and gave rise to many arguments and discussions happily of rare occurrence amongst Masons . It has always , so far as my experience of Freemasonry is concerned , been considered infra dig , and utterly opposed to tbe rules of etiquette , to make a personal canvass on behalf of or even to
insinuate the claims , supposed or real , of any brother who might be desirous of filling the chair , or any other office in the Lodge . Moreover , when snch has been found to be the case the " knavish tricks " of coteries have invariably been frustrated by the action of other brethren whoso aim ifc is to maintain an esprit de corps amongst
the general body of tho members . Nofc long since I heard of an instance in which a Past Mastor , anxious for a second taste of the sweets of office , passed the word round amongst a select circle of his friends to that effect , and a vigorous effort was made by the few voluntary canvassers in his behalf , no doubt anticipating their reward
for services rendered in the shape of a more speedy advancement to position in tho Lodge . Bnt tho stratagem was discovered in time , and , much to tho chagrin of tho too zealous Pnsfc Master and his hirelings , ifc was met wifch a sufficient amonnt of opposition to prevent its being carried into effect .
There aro many brethren who will think with mo that the re-election of a Past Master to tho chair of his Lodgo is undesirable , except under very exceptional circumstances , for ifc nofc only retards the whole of the oncoming Officers for a year , but frequently begets n spirit of disappointment and discontentment amongst tho whole of
the following members , who might have been koking forward , as all should do , to appointment to office . If therefore , ns you observe , all canvassing , either personal on the part of the candidate for the office of Grand Treasurer , or by his intimate friends , should bo forbidden by the Grand Master , the samo wholesome and salutary rule should
be applied to tho ordinary Lodge elections , and no touting for support permitted either for Worshipfnl Master or any of the other offices . A serious contemplation is raised by the rery idea you foreshadow of candidates for admission to tbo mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry being " interviewed , " and their promise of support
ascertained for either one faction or the other . Such a process w . uld revolutionize the whole principles of the Craft , and make the ballot only a mockery and a delusion . Many a Mason—indeed all who are solicitous for the well-being of the Craft—will re-echo your
sentiments when you say that when once tbe system of canvassing becomes recognised in connection with other offices than that of Grand Treasurer , Freemasonry will be split up into factious , and harmony will be banished from our midst .
I remain , Dear Sir and Brother , Yonrs fraternally , P . Z .
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
All Books intended for Review should be addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , Belvidere "Works , Hermes Hill , Pentonville , London , ~ N . — : o : — Painless and Perfect Dentistry . By Dr . G . H . Jones , F . R . S . L . London : 57 Great Russcll-streefc , W . C .
LIRE many other branches of study bearing npon the health and comfort of humanity , the dental art has undergone prodigious manipulations and improvements within comparatively recent years , and in this popular treatise on the teeth , Bro . Jones shows that instead of its being delusive to speak of " painless dentistrv , " it is as much an
accomplished fnct as the swift locomotive engine , the electric light , or tho telephone . That tho author does not " speak without the book" may he gathered from tho fact of his being the inventor and patentee of dental improvements in our own conntry , as well as in America , France , and Belgium , having taken gold medals at the various great international exhibit ou ? . Theso successes have been
Reviews.
recognised by his appointment as honorary surgeon-deufcisfc to the Reedham Asylum for Fatherless Children , the British Asylum for Deaf and Dumb Females , the Licensed Victuallers' School , and other institutions , whose authorities are evidently alive to Bro . Dn Jones ' s eminent status in his profession . It is not our provinco to enter
copiously into the great variety of subjects which concern the physical and mental condition of futnre generations , and the real danger to which lies in neglecting necessary precautions , and in disregarding the means at our disposal for the preservation of sound
health . The various matters connected with tho beneficial inventions of science to promote and preserve good health are happily treated by the author , whose homely little brochure shonld be perused by all who are in any way afflicted or distressed , in consequence of tho defective condition of the teeth .
\ Little Folks . London ; CJssells ' , La Belle Sauvago Yard , Ludgato Hill , E . C .
IT will hardly be necessary to remind heads of respectable families of the attractions of this admirable work for children , which has rnn through wo scarcely know how many years , and is to be found on many a nursery bookshelf , well thumbed by the hinds of tiny readers , Every now issue of this publication is as fresh and oven moro
replete with interest to onr " littlo folks than its predecessor , and tho series which makes its appearance with the new year ia in every respect superior to anything wo have yet s ^ on emanate from this old ar d respected firm . Mrs . Molcswovth , tho well-known writer for children , leads off with a new serial story , called "The Palace in the Garden ;"
tho second story is entitled " Tho Bravest of tho Br ivo , " by the anthor of " Doddlekins , " nnd a novel series of anecdotal pnpers , with striking full-page illustrations , is commenced , under the titloof "B dry - Birds and their Ways . " Mr . Henry Frith contributes tho first of his "Little Stories of Earth and Sky , " which seek to explain many
curious facts and legends possessing peculiar interest for young people . An important new departure is made in this iiumbo" , and will be continued , by the introduction of several novel features which aro specially designed for the benefit of very small children , amongst which may be mentioned four pages of p ' ctures , with stories printed
in largo type , in addition to simple tales , a story of words in ono syllable , and numerous jingles and amusing rhymes . The miscellaneous papers are of great variety and of uniform excellence , and tho editor announces a large namber of special competitions for tho year 1886 . Those are prcpnral for children of varying fcistes , and nro so
arranged that by moans of throe divisions for competitors of different ages all—even the little ones in tho nursery—who compelo I avo an equal opportunity of winning prizes . Among the competitions is ono for the best coloured copies of a painting book , callel "A Book of Fruits and Blossoms ; " and a special feature in them all is tint tho
wholo of the coloured books , articles of work , toys , scrap albums , dressed dolls , & C , & c , sent to tho Editor are afterwards distributed among tho inmates r-f onr Children ' s hospitals . The January number of " Little Folks , " contains about fiftv pic ' aes , by Gordon Browne ,
Lizzie Lawson , E . J . Walker , E . Soannell , C . T . Garland , Ernest Grisefc , H . G . Rhodes , W . S . Stacey , A . Barrnu-l , nnd other w . Pknown artists ; and it is adorned with a Picture in Colours , called "Tho New Pet , " by M . E . Edwards .
The . Housewife : a Practical Magazine , concerning everything in and about the Home . London : 5 Ludgato Circus Buildings , E . C . HERE we have a new venture , by another eminent firm of publishers ; and the title above will Vn sufficient to convey to the minds of thousands of h"ads of families how valuable nn addition this will be
to our stock of useful standard literature . In his—or her—preface , the editor expresses an intention of gathering a larjre family around her , every member of which will be expected to assist in tho entertainment and instrnction of every other member . Whatever comes within the scope of tho word " home , " from tho cellar to tho garret ,
between the front gate and tho extreme end of the kitchen garden nt tho back , will be open for discussion and elucidation . Certainly in the opening part now before us there is ample promise of this prolific programme being well sustained , for we havo tho opening chapters of a treatise on "Our Country Home , with its trials and
triumphs of housekeeping , " by E . Harcourt Bntrage ; chatty hints nnd information on " Cookery for the People , " by Mary Jewry ; on " Modern Embroidery , " by R . 0 . Saward ; and a host of others on knitting , dress of fashion , family medicine , music , dress making , food , arcl household management , all of which must be of paramonot
interest to the thrifty housewife . It needs no very great stretch of imagination to predict that a work of snch universal and practical importance will find ready acceptance afc tho hands of the vest audience to whom ifc is addressed ; indeed it is difficult to lim ' fc tho scope of such a publication , which lays its usrful treasures at tho feet of every section of the community .
The Revised Book of Constitutions ; Critically Considered and Compared with the Old Edition . London : Simpkin , Marshall & Co . 4 Stationers' Hall Court , E . C . Sent on receipt of stamps , One Shilling , by W "W , Morgan , Freemasons ' Chronicle Office , Belvidere Works , Hermes Hill , Pentonville .
HOLI . OIVAY ' S OIHTMKST ISD Pit . i . s . —During every Iv-r . k of wintry wciitiirr exertions should lie mado by the nUtfc-ted t- - i l-ef-nvei- br-alth litP'i-o nm-cioin . ino cold and trying storms set in . Throat ailment * , i-oiio ! ,, - ¦ , wlicezinirs , : i" -Mi'ti ; itical affections , shortness of breath , innni ' i-jr rau'C .-i . and Ht-.-iiti . iii-. tioa .- - oi phlegm cue readily be removed l > r rubhiux t . hi- fino derivative (; i : i-n-... r . t . •.-. vim ¦
: i Cny upon the chest , and neck . Holloun-, ' s ti- ;~ f . t , mi-i > fcis * t , io ; vj : ly iv-.-nw ,,-, ' ' . i , ( U-il with the view of givinir immediate ca-o , p ¦ evonHnfr jrosp' -i-h ' ve rhi'i ' .-o-- ,-ir -. ! vi > i t insid ' rm : i d : eis" .: from ! : i ,-, > o-.. .- . .., the constitution to oisyday themr-e ' ve-t afterwards in Ox- 0 . \ ii .-t-. ous UKUM that will probably embitter life till rUi . th itself ii a ' n : ;> -t p : v , yo . I !'•r .