Public Displays Of Masonry.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF MASONRY .

THE Deputy Grand Master of England , in his capacity of Provincial ruler of Cornwall , devoted some attention at the annual meeting of his district , on Tuesday , to the question of public displays of Masonic insignia . He said he received a good many requests for dispensations to allow brethren to appear

in clothing at Masonic halls , ancl it was a question of considerable difficulty for him to decide whether to grant the permission or not . The Earl of Mount Eckcumbe ' s idea seems to be that these public displays

are only permissible as a means of benefitting some important object of a Masonic character , ancl he suggests that future applications shall be accompanied with a sort of guarantee that a minimum sum shall be raised as a direct outcome of the

proposed display—this would convince him that those who desired the display had the courage of their opinion , ancl were prepared to show there was an absolute advantage in the use of Masonic clothing . There are some who will object to the Deputy Grand Master ' s pronouncement that Masonic clothing is to be used as a means of making money , but

the association of the two matters in such a connection is an eminently practical method of explaining the case , ancl is far better than beating miles around the bush , with the object creating some sentimental excuse for a practice which has little to commend it , ancl is certainly open to objection on various grounds by those who regard Freemasonry as something

more tnan a nugn cnaritable organisation . We can well appreciate the difficulties surrounding the matter , from a Provincial Grand Master's point of view . In large towns it is urged that important benefits may he derived from the Masonic exhibition , and on that ground it must be difficult for a chief to

withhold his sanction , although he may be personally opposed to the making of such displays ; but the same cannot be said in the case of Lodges held in the smaller towns or villages , where , in every probability , every one round about knows who are Masons , ancl the fact of there being a display of clothing would

not make any difference in the attendance or financial result . But why should brethren dwelling in out of the way places be denied the pleasure of holding a "Masonic" ball or entertainment when permission is freely granted to those residing in more populous centres ? As Freemasons we are all equal , and the monetary qualification put forward bv

the Deputy Grand Master is so repugnant to all ideas of true Freemasonry that its adoption cannot possibly he seriously entertained—yet , as we have said , it is a practical method of dealing with a difficult subject , ancl , at the same time , probably one of the most satisfactory that could be devised . We may , however , go a step further , and by adopting the words of the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , conclude our remarks . •He said that " on the whole he thought the wearing

Public Displays Of Masonry.

of Masonic clothing in public should he discouraged rather than encouraged , " and this , we believe , is the view of those who havo the best interests of Freemasonry at heart . It is well known that there is but one stej" ) from the sublime to the ridiculous , ancl this matter of public display goes on far towards providing that step in connection with

Froemasonrvhence there can be no opposition to the desire of the Deputy Grand Master to discourage public exhibitions of Masonic clothing and insignia , ancl we shall expect his lead in this matter to be followed by others in authority , who are , like himself , opposed to the system .

Masonry's Distinguished Virtues.

MASONRY'S DISTINGUISHED VIRTUES .

An Oration by Rev . Bro . George White , on St . John the Evangelist ' s Day 1830 , before Solomon ' s Lodge , No . . 1 , in Christ Church , Savannah , Georgia .

OUR act of celebration begins with God . To the incomparable Architect who formed the brilliant globes that float in the regions of interminable space , Freemasonry presents its homage and gratitude . The festival which wo this day keep is the festival oi

friendship , benevolence , and good will to men . We do not thus annually convene to make an ostentatious display of our numbers , to devise plans to advance the interests of a particular party , or to canvass the pretensions of candidates for public favour . To indulge in revelry and intemperance

is not our purpose . We have assembled to invoke the blessing of the Almighty upon our Brotherhood , to strengthen the bonds of our union , to encourage each other in good works , and to renew our vows that we will faithfully endeavour to exemplify the sublime principles of our Craft iu all tho relations we sustain to society .

I bid you welcome to the celebration of this Jubilee . In the name of humanity I bid you welcome . In the namo of benevolence I bid you welcome . What friend to this venerable Institution dees not feel his bosom glow

with pride when he reflects that amidst the countless revolutions tliafc havo convulsed tho world , its principles havo been maintained in thoir original beauty and undiminished lustre ? It carries on its front tho marks of

venerable antiquity . We aro not , it is true , among those who believe that Masonry can be traced to that period—When first tho golden morn aloft , With golden breezes whispering soft ,

Sprung from the east with rosy wing , To kiss the heavenly first born spring ; Johovah then , from hallowed earth , Gave Masonry immortal birth .

Neither are wo satisfied that our Fraternity had any connection with the mystical associations of Egypt , Greece , or Rome . We do not think any proof exists that Archimedes , Pythagoras and Solon were Masons . The

principles of Speculative Masonry were doubtle-s well understood by theso illustrious mon , bufc ifc is a-serting too much to say that they wero Masons , in tho sense in which wo now employ that term . You must allow me , respected brethren , to remark that I believe that the intemperate and extravagant attempts