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Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith .
MASONIC BOYS' SCHOOL . To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR Siu , —There is no doubt ' that our Boys School has obtained an unenviable notoriety among educational establishments from the very frequent changes of the Head Master , and from tho nuseemly contentions between the Head Masters , the Secretary , and the Matron . As one who has a considerable acquaintance with some of our large
schools , will you allow me , before you close tho correspondence on tho subject , to make the following remarks ami suggestions . And first , considering the very largo number of brethren of position and ability in the kingdom , the composition of the governing body ought to be considered anything but strong , while , from tho mode of its election , it is necessarilv fluctuating ; the consequence must be that
nioro power is entrusted to , and more rcsponsibuity is thrown on , the Secretary than is consistent with his position . At tho present time ho appears to occupy the posts of Warden , Bursar and Secretary , while from his experience and ability he must , to a great extent , guide and control the governing body itself . To remedy this , I would provide that ono half of the governing body should be elected
for life , and the other half for at least three years , one third only retiring * each year ; of the Life Members every brother would hail with pleasure Lord Carnarvon , Lord Leigh , Lord Skelmcrsdale , Lord Sherborne , ex-Lord Mayor Stone , Rev . C . J . Martyn and others ; and tho whole body might bo most worthily presided over by Lord Carnarvon . And let it not be said off-hand that these distinguished
brethren could not find time or opportunity to fulfil their fnnctions ; if Lord Carnarvon can givo his time to Winchester , and Lord Leigh to Rugby , wo have every reason to suppose that they will feel an equal interest in the School of their Craft . Tn such a governing body the subscribers would place implicit confidence , and tho Head Master would possess all necessary security . And
again , the Matron and every official who has to do with the care and management of tho boys at tho School should be placed nnder the control of the Head Master , and be removable by him without any appeal . This is so clearly necessary for the smooth working of the machinery of the School that I hope the present Head Master made it a condition on his
appointincut , or rather , I hope tho governing body , of their own accord placed tho power in his hands , in tho full belief that lie would only exercise it for the best interests of his pupils . Whether the Head Master should select the Matron or not , is not very material ; but it is absolutely necessary that there should be no co-ordinate authority in the School , and that if tho Matron cannot or will not discharge
her duties in accordance with the wishes of the Head Master , that his will should bo supreme . I will not at present ask for more of your space , except to express my great pleasure nt having so distinguished a scholar at the Head of our School , and my hope that under his auspices the Institution may become worthy of his great name and of our active benevolence . Yours faithfully and fraternally , Inner Temple . M . A .
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , — I do not at all regret your decision that , so far as yonr columns are concerned , this controversy is to cease . Not that I have the slightest wish to avoid enquiry or fair argument , but I feel it to bo utterly useless to contend with so pachydermatous a nature as that of my principal opponent , who unscrupulously
repeats charges already investigated and disproved , indulges in reckless statements , and adheres to them with the tenacity of a limpet , utterly irrespective of the testimony adduced iu opposition to them , and skilfull y glosses over circumstances and occurrences so as to render them subservient to his case , when their real tendency is to weaken and destroy it . All is " false and hollow ; though his tongue
dropt inanna , and could make the worse appear the better reason , to perplex and dash maturcst counsels . " Mr . Perrott may deny my statements , as to what occurred at our interviews . I strongly asseverate—with all the binding force of an affirmation—that I have understated what passed between us , and , should the proper time arrive , shall be prepared to give a fuller
account of what transpired . The facts with reference to Mr . W . H . Taylor—his engagement by Mr . Perrot—the favour shown him , and the revelations of policy and intentions as regards Secretary and others , —with tho subsequent rupture , complaint and dismissal , aro too numerous for explanation here .
Mr . Perrott sayB , " I have been informed , quite recently , by one who heard made the admission respecting the Matron ' s ' highlyimproper letter' ( so described , be it remembered , by one member of the Committee only ) that ho acknowledged having had a hand in
these , too . ^ The repetition of this charge proves tho value attached to it . I emphatically repeat there is not a word of truth in the accusation . I did acknowled ge having suggested the Matron ' s reply—to " guard the weak against the strong , " and save her , as a woman not versed in the subtleties of controversy , from falling into
Correspondence.
the snare so speciously laid for her in tho letter of Mr . Perrott . With the Masters I had no communication on the subject . At p . 8 of the Pamphlet is a question to which I ought to have replied earlier . " Is he " ( the Secretary ) " prepared to deny that he sent for Mr . Webb , the Fourth Master , to give evidence against the Head Master ; or . again , that he called for the same purpose , the
Matron , who had previously made a most serious statement regarding the Fifth Master ?" Now , will it be credited that any one could be guilty of so wilful a distortion of fact as is here shown . Mr . Perrott and myself were in conversation privately , in the course of which he stated that the Matron had brought a charge against a Master , in language which I
felt convinced she could not use . Miss Hall was asked to attend , at my request , and at once , in the most emphatic manner , repudiated the charge . Mr . Perrott admitted her denial , and then fell back upon what she really did say . The Matron having left , Mr . Perrott continued , and then brought an accusation somewhat similar against Mr . Webb , which , I felt confident , was equally exaggerated . Mr . Webb
was requested to attend ; the result was exactly similar to the case of Miss Hall . Mr . Perrott and I alone wore present . But what is meant to bo inferred from the paragraph as worded ? I say I have not a fair opponent to deal with , and the disingeuuousness shown in this instance is the one distinguishing characteristic of every para , graph in tho Pamphlet .
Again , great stress is laid , throughout the Pamphlet and letters , on a statement with reference to "delicate boys , as the Secretary informs us the Masonic boys are . " Here is another attempt to twist to the attainment of one object that which has been urged in con . nection with another . I have often remarked , orally and in print , that iu considering tho
questions of clothing , diet , and other questions of a sanitary nature , it should not be overlooked that a very largo proportion of those we receive nndor our care aro the sons of brethren prematurely cut off by phthisis or other pulmonary diseases , and that among the young we ought to bear in mind that we have naturally-inherited delicate constitutions to deal with . This consideration has been kept in
view , our administration has been in accordance therewith , tho result : —deaths not exceeding five in 15 years , an infirmary rarely tenanted , and youths leaving in strong , robust health , at sixteen years of age , who , as young boys , came to us more or less fragile and delicate . No boy is allowed to join the band who is not certified as
properly fitted for it , and whoso parent is not a consenting party . I really feel that in dealing with these numerous casuistical objections I resemble Don Quixote tilting at the wind-mill , but before closing this correspondence T am anxious that these matters should be fairly placed before the Masonic world .
As regards the use of hard words and strong language , no one than myself is readier to admit how little any cause is served thereby ; but it is not at all times easy , occasionally not possible , to confine one ' s expressions within the bounds of calm propriety . In this , however , I do not think I am alone to blame ; my accusers have been neither considerate nor reticent . Smarting under nnmerited
obloquy , combatting unfounded accusations , denounced as the enemy and destroyer of an Institution I have spent the best years of my life in commending to the support of tho Craft—and that with the greatest success—is it in human nature to resent such attacks as these to which I have been exposed ?
One question in conclusion— Mr . Perrott has come forward as a purist , does he come into court with clean hands ? It is only re cently that I have become acquainted with a deliberate and wilful breach of the agreement nnder which he held office ; of this I shall be able to produce the proof in duo course .
I am , dear Sir and Brother , Yours faithfully and fraternally FREDERICK BINCKES . London , 16 th Nov . 1875 .
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE . Eastfield Villa , flanwell , 15 th November 1875 . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As you have announced your intention to close your columns to all further correspondence on the Boys ' School Controversy , will you kindly allow me , while acknowledging
our indebtedness to you for the insertion of our previous letters , to make the following remarks ? The Secretary informs us that the missing sum has been found ; I do not see , however , from a careful examination of the statement of account said to be the one presonted to the Special Committee of Investigation , that any such success has attended his efforts , for I observe , that , in order to make
the totals right , for the year ending 31 st December 1874 ( see title p . 'tge of Report for 187-1 ) , a sum of £ 30 , said to have been spent this year , has to be introduced . With as much reason might tho receipts of the present year be added to those of last year , and I feel confident no Committee , not to say professional accountant , could or would pass such a statement as the Secretary has drawn up .
It will be noticed , too , that the sura assigned ! to 1871 , has been changed three times during the last three weeks ' ; first it was £ 55 ; theu £ 45 ; and finally £ 72 15 s , the same uncertainty exists about 1874 : tho expenditure for " grants and outfits" being given at £ 51 5 s in Report for 1874 , p . 41 ; afterwards at £ 47 10 s , and lastly at £ 37 10 s .
With reference to Bro . Sutcliffc ' s " Advertisement , " in which ho is pleased to style me a "disappointed clergyman ; " I admit I have been disappointed , and grievously disappointed , at tho way in which , as regards ihy hard work as Head Master and unpaid Chaplain , I have been treated by the House Committee ; in my disappointment , however , I hnve the kind sympathy of many brethren and friends , and as to the three Charities of our Order , I have only to say ; even at the risk of a charge of egotism , that my name will be found in
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 Correspondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith .
MASONIC BOYS' SCHOOL . To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR Siu , —There is no doubt ' that our Boys School has obtained an unenviable notoriety among educational establishments from the very frequent changes of the Head Master , and from tho nuseemly contentions between the Head Masters , the Secretary , and the Matron . As one who has a considerable acquaintance with some of our large
schools , will you allow me , before you close tho correspondence on tho subject , to make the following remarks ami suggestions . And first , considering the very largo number of brethren of position and ability in the kingdom , the composition of the governing body ought to be considered anything but strong , while , from tho mode of its election , it is necessarilv fluctuating ; the consequence must be that
nioro power is entrusted to , and more rcsponsibuity is thrown on , the Secretary than is consistent with his position . At tho present time ho appears to occupy the posts of Warden , Bursar and Secretary , while from his experience and ability he must , to a great extent , guide and control the governing body itself . To remedy this , I would provide that ono half of the governing body should be elected
for life , and the other half for at least three years , one third only retiring * each year ; of the Life Members every brother would hail with pleasure Lord Carnarvon , Lord Leigh , Lord Skelmcrsdale , Lord Sherborne , ex-Lord Mayor Stone , Rev . C . J . Martyn and others ; and tho whole body might bo most worthily presided over by Lord Carnarvon . And let it not be said off-hand that these distinguished
brethren could not find time or opportunity to fulfil their fnnctions ; if Lord Carnarvon can givo his time to Winchester , and Lord Leigh to Rugby , wo have every reason to suppose that they will feel an equal interest in the School of their Craft . Tn such a governing body the subscribers would place implicit confidence , and tho Head Master would possess all necessary security . And
again , the Matron and every official who has to do with the care and management of tho boys at tho School should be placed nnder the control of the Head Master , and be removable by him without any appeal . This is so clearly necessary for the smooth working of the machinery of the School that I hope the present Head Master made it a condition on his
appointincut , or rather , I hope tho governing body , of their own accord placed tho power in his hands , in tho full belief that lie would only exercise it for the best interests of his pupils . Whether the Head Master should select the Matron or not , is not very material ; but it is absolutely necessary that there should be no co-ordinate authority in the School , and that if tho Matron cannot or will not discharge
her duties in accordance with the wishes of the Head Master , that his will should bo supreme . I will not at present ask for more of your space , except to express my great pleasure nt having so distinguished a scholar at the Head of our School , and my hope that under his auspices the Institution may become worthy of his great name and of our active benevolence . Yours faithfully and fraternally , Inner Temple . M . A .
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , — I do not at all regret your decision that , so far as yonr columns are concerned , this controversy is to cease . Not that I have the slightest wish to avoid enquiry or fair argument , but I feel it to bo utterly useless to contend with so pachydermatous a nature as that of my principal opponent , who unscrupulously
repeats charges already investigated and disproved , indulges in reckless statements , and adheres to them with the tenacity of a limpet , utterly irrespective of the testimony adduced iu opposition to them , and skilfull y glosses over circumstances and occurrences so as to render them subservient to his case , when their real tendency is to weaken and destroy it . All is " false and hollow ; though his tongue
dropt inanna , and could make the worse appear the better reason , to perplex and dash maturcst counsels . " Mr . Perrott may deny my statements , as to what occurred at our interviews . I strongly asseverate—with all the binding force of an affirmation—that I have understated what passed between us , and , should the proper time arrive , shall be prepared to give a fuller
account of what transpired . The facts with reference to Mr . W . H . Taylor—his engagement by Mr . Perrot—the favour shown him , and the revelations of policy and intentions as regards Secretary and others , —with tho subsequent rupture , complaint and dismissal , aro too numerous for explanation here .
Mr . Perrott sayB , " I have been informed , quite recently , by one who heard made the admission respecting the Matron ' s ' highlyimproper letter' ( so described , be it remembered , by one member of the Committee only ) that ho acknowledged having had a hand in
these , too . ^ The repetition of this charge proves tho value attached to it . I emphatically repeat there is not a word of truth in the accusation . I did acknowled ge having suggested the Matron ' s reply—to " guard the weak against the strong , " and save her , as a woman not versed in the subtleties of controversy , from falling into
Correspondence.
the snare so speciously laid for her in tho letter of Mr . Perrott . With the Masters I had no communication on the subject . At p . 8 of the Pamphlet is a question to which I ought to have replied earlier . " Is he " ( the Secretary ) " prepared to deny that he sent for Mr . Webb , the Fourth Master , to give evidence against the Head Master ; or . again , that he called for the same purpose , the
Matron , who had previously made a most serious statement regarding the Fifth Master ?" Now , will it be credited that any one could be guilty of so wilful a distortion of fact as is here shown . Mr . Perrott and myself were in conversation privately , in the course of which he stated that the Matron had brought a charge against a Master , in language which I
felt convinced she could not use . Miss Hall was asked to attend , at my request , and at once , in the most emphatic manner , repudiated the charge . Mr . Perrott admitted her denial , and then fell back upon what she really did say . The Matron having left , Mr . Perrott continued , and then brought an accusation somewhat similar against Mr . Webb , which , I felt confident , was equally exaggerated . Mr . Webb
was requested to attend ; the result was exactly similar to the case of Miss Hall . Mr . Perrott and I alone wore present . But what is meant to bo inferred from the paragraph as worded ? I say I have not a fair opponent to deal with , and the disingeuuousness shown in this instance is the one distinguishing characteristic of every para , graph in tho Pamphlet .
Again , great stress is laid , throughout the Pamphlet and letters , on a statement with reference to "delicate boys , as the Secretary informs us the Masonic boys are . " Here is another attempt to twist to the attainment of one object that which has been urged in con . nection with another . I have often remarked , orally and in print , that iu considering tho
questions of clothing , diet , and other questions of a sanitary nature , it should not be overlooked that a very largo proportion of those we receive nndor our care aro the sons of brethren prematurely cut off by phthisis or other pulmonary diseases , and that among the young we ought to bear in mind that we have naturally-inherited delicate constitutions to deal with . This consideration has been kept in
view , our administration has been in accordance therewith , tho result : —deaths not exceeding five in 15 years , an infirmary rarely tenanted , and youths leaving in strong , robust health , at sixteen years of age , who , as young boys , came to us more or less fragile and delicate . No boy is allowed to join the band who is not certified as
properly fitted for it , and whoso parent is not a consenting party . I really feel that in dealing with these numerous casuistical objections I resemble Don Quixote tilting at the wind-mill , but before closing this correspondence T am anxious that these matters should be fairly placed before the Masonic world .
As regards the use of hard words and strong language , no one than myself is readier to admit how little any cause is served thereby ; but it is not at all times easy , occasionally not possible , to confine one ' s expressions within the bounds of calm propriety . In this , however , I do not think I am alone to blame ; my accusers have been neither considerate nor reticent . Smarting under nnmerited
obloquy , combatting unfounded accusations , denounced as the enemy and destroyer of an Institution I have spent the best years of my life in commending to the support of tho Craft—and that with the greatest success—is it in human nature to resent such attacks as these to which I have been exposed ?
One question in conclusion— Mr . Perrott has come forward as a purist , does he come into court with clean hands ? It is only re cently that I have become acquainted with a deliberate and wilful breach of the agreement nnder which he held office ; of this I shall be able to produce the proof in duo course .
I am , dear Sir and Brother , Yours faithfully and fraternally FREDERICK BINCKES . London , 16 th Nov . 1875 .
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE . Eastfield Villa , flanwell , 15 th November 1875 . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As you have announced your intention to close your columns to all further correspondence on the Boys ' School Controversy , will you kindly allow me , while acknowledging
our indebtedness to you for the insertion of our previous letters , to make the following remarks ? The Secretary informs us that the missing sum has been found ; I do not see , however , from a careful examination of the statement of account said to be the one presonted to the Special Committee of Investigation , that any such success has attended his efforts , for I observe , that , in order to make
the totals right , for the year ending 31 st December 1874 ( see title p . 'tge of Report for 187-1 ) , a sum of £ 30 , said to have been spent this year , has to be introduced . With as much reason might tho receipts of the present year be added to those of last year , and I feel confident no Committee , not to say professional accountant , could or would pass such a statement as the Secretary has drawn up .
It will be noticed , too , that the sura assigned ! to 1871 , has been changed three times during the last three weeks ' ; first it was £ 55 ; theu £ 45 ; and finally £ 72 15 s , the same uncertainty exists about 1874 : tho expenditure for " grants and outfits" being given at £ 51 5 s in Report for 1874 , p . 41 ; afterwards at £ 47 10 s , and lastly at £ 37 10 s .
With reference to Bro . Sutcliffc ' s " Advertisement , " in which ho is pleased to style me a "disappointed clergyman ; " I admit I have been disappointed , and grievously disappointed , at tho way in which , as regards ihy hard work as Head Master and unpaid Chaplain , I have been treated by the House Committee ; in my disappointment , however , I hnve the kind sympathy of many brethren and friends , and as to the three Charities of our Order , I have only to say ; even at the risk of a charge of egotism , that my name will be found in