Our First Volume.

OUR FIRST VOLUME .

WITH this number we complete the first volume of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . We naturally regard this event with somo degree of pride and satisfaction , and now avail ourselves of the opportunity to address a few words to our readers with reference to our future policy and aims . We do not deny that our task has been a grave one . We have had to contend with the usual difficulties which

invariably beset a new aspirant for the confidence and support of the public . Our brethren are not generally slow to appreciate the efforts of those who seek to advance the best interests of the Order , and we have to express our

thanks for help which has been afforded , and for prompt official recognition of our claims to be considered an exponent of the opinions of the Craft . Hitherto we have not felt justified in unduly pressing THE CHRONICLE upon the attention of our brethren . We had determined at the

outset of our career to allow the paper to push its way by virtue of its own intrinsic merits . We felt assured that if we were faithful to our mission our claims would not pass unrecognised or our labours remain without reward . We may say without egotism that the pledges which we gave

in our preliminary address to the Fraternity havo been religiously kept . We promised our brethren a journal of a high class , which should discuss the broad principles of the Order in a reverent and enlightened spirit . Oar work is before the world , and we are content to bo judged by it . Our brethren have had no occasion to be ashamed of us .

If it were necessary we could refer to the high encomiums which we have received from distinguished Masons , who have generally appreciated our labours in the cause of the Order . These flattering testimonals , however , we shall not further dwell upon . We rather prefer to deal with this

matter in a practical manner , and venture therefore to suggest that the time has now come when we can fairly claim a larger measure of substantial support than we havehitherto received . If the Order generally is really interested in the literary as well as in the practical aspect of Masonry , it should now come forward and aid us in the arduous task

which is still before us . Masonry in this country has entered upon a brilliant epoch in its history , and a journal with the scope and aims of ours is absolutel y necessary to meet the growing requirements of the Craft . In France and America the periodical literature of the Fraternity has

been greatly developed m recent years , but in this country very little attention has been given to Masonic journalism . In the United States the vast and unprecedented growth of the Order is mainly to be attributed to the effort's of the admirable press organs which keep the doings of the

brotherhood constantly before the eyes of the world . Here , however , a vague distrust of publicity is harboured by some of our brethren , who fear that Masonic journalism may do harm , by imprudent advocacy , or an unwise display of zeal . These fears we regard as wholly unfounded ,

and we do not think they are entertained by the highest dignitaries amongst us . It would be useless to deny that some of the existing press representatives of Masonry have not striven to maintain a high standard of literary or journalistic excellence . They have been content to exist

on the mere dry bones of the Order , and have commonly passed by , as of no moment , the vast mass of Masonic lore which has been accumulated since the memorable

revival of the Order in this country . We indeed fully appreciate the practical side of Masonry , and our pages show that wo have kept pace with the demand for information of a purely practical nature . But we have

Our First Volume.

justly , as we think , held that the literary , the antiquarian , and the speculative aspects of the Craft are worthy of a wider and fuller treatment than they have yet received at the hands of English periodical writers . Our labours in this wide field , we are glad to say , have been generally

appreciated . We have endeavoured to show that the Fraternity is not merely based on the broad principles of Charity and Brotherhood , but that it rests likewise upon scientific and metaphysical truths that are as old as civilisation . M « n of cultivated minds who think of seeking admission to our

ranks naturally desire to be assured that Masonry is not what it has been described by its enemies—a mere eating and drinking society , with the brandy bottle as its most potent symbol , and a few " friendly toasts and sentiments " as its most cherished watchwords . As far as it has been

possible in the pages of a newspaper , we have endeavoured to remove these erroneous impressions . We have defended the Craft alike from the shafts of sneering detractors , aud from the heavy blows of enemies who are seeking to discredit its claims . We have crossed swords more than once

with the skilled dialecticians of that Church which is so hostile to the Order , and we leave our readers to judge whether or not we have successfully met and refuted calumny and hostile argument . With reference to the future , we may say generally , that the principles which have guided

us in the past will continue to influence our policy . We shall spare no pains to make THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE worthy of its name , and of the support of all good and true Masons . But , while aiming to make the paper worthy of the Order it aspires to represent , we shall be

strengthened for our task , if we find that our friends adequately support us . English Masonry is , we are proud to say , at the head of the vast organisations which are scattered throughout the world . It is for English Masons to show that they are not insensible to the advantages which would

accrue to the Order from the possession of an organ able adequately to represent it . They have accomplished grand and noble work in the past ; we ask them to make an effort in the cause of Masonic literature . We have done our part of the work , it is for them now to do theirs .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

WE have received a copy of the report of this School for the past year , and save in one or two important points , we have nothing to say which is not of a congratulatory character . As it is better , perhaps , that we

should deal with the disagreeables first , we shall draw attention to these matters forthwith , reserving till afterwards such other observations as we may feel it our duty to make .

First , then , as to the finances of the Institution . The year 1874 opened with a small balance in hand , amounting to £ 78 19 s lid . It closed with a balance on the wrong side of the account of £ 151 lis 4 d . These are the figures .

On the Receipt side : —opening balance , 1 st January , as stated above £ 78 19 s lid ; donations and subscriptions £ 9 , 222 12 s 7 d ; annual grants by Grand Lodge £ 1-50 , by Grand Chapter £ 10 10 s , together £ 1 G 0 10 s ; sale of lists

of subscribers £ 2 4 s , donation—special to " Prize Fund " — £ 105 , grant from Grand Chapter of £ 500 Consols—¦ £ 465 , together £ 572 4 s , and musical fees £ 98 14 s ; total leceipts £ 10 , 133 0 s Gd . The per contra side of the account shows the following figures : Interest on advance £ 310 s 7 d