Correspodence.

CORRESPODENCE .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Cor . respondents . All Letters must bear the name anl address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , bist as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot ¦ undertake to refu . ni rejected communications .

: u : TEETOTAL LODGES . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHKONICLG . DKAE SIR AND BROTHER , —I am glad yon havo given so much prominence to the establishment of Lodges of an exceptional character , such as aro clearly not provided For in tho Book of Constitutions , and , moreover , that yon havo followed the good old plan of calling a spade a spade , and designate tho King Solomon and kindred

Lodges , as they should be designated , " Teetotal" not "Temperance" Lodges . It was never contemplated that Freemasonry should be degraded to the lovol of a Missionary Society , and that is what it will come to if brothren aro to bo allowed to use it as a medium for the propagation of their special nostrums for tho rehabilitation of mankind as part of the angelic brotheihood . I take it for granted

that people of all classes of opinion avo united by a common desire to do all the good they possibly can , but I know likewise that hardly any two classes are in complete accord as to tho best means for effecting their purpose . Dr . Eichardson , in his chief speech at tho consecration of the King Solomon Lodge , was pleased to allow that Freemasonry was " marked by very striking principles" and had

been " productive of many benefits to mankind . Bnt the mo 3 t " striking principle" of Freemasonry is that it provides a common meeting ground for men of every shado of opinion , and it does this by rigidly excluding from discussion in its Lodges all subjects of a controversial nature . That by carrying oat this principle in its integrity it has been " productive of many benefits to mankind " is

undeniable , bnt there is no other way of accounting for its success in this respect . With that charming simplicity of mind which is so characteristic of every man who has , or considers he has , a mission to fulfil , Bro . Eichardson is kind enough to think Freemasonry will be still more successful , and confer still greater benfits ou mankind , if it will only adopt forthwith his Teetotal doctrines . Tn other

words , Freemasonry will do better by abandoning its essential principle than by adhering to it . It may be I am too obtuse to understand these subtle refinements of argument , but I fail to see how Freemasonry will be the better for extinguishing itself . It will certainly be no longer what it has been if it allows the Teetotal specialist to make nse of it in converting people to his doctrines .

Perhaps , however , I shall better succeed in expressing my meaning if I quote the following passage from Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford's oration at the consecration of tbe Lodge of King Solomon . It is hardly possible the object of Freemasonry could have been more eloquently set forth . " In this divided and disjointed period , " said our Rev . Brother , " when party shibboleths nnd sectarian

animosities were very many and prevalent in the world withont , Freemasonry offered a shelter , a resting place , a point of coutact , a centre of unity and peace for very many . It was thus he was able to explain the fact—for fact it was—that they managed to gather together within their Lodges men of different countries , sects , and opinions , and to nnite in happy sympathies and harmonious works of

charity persons of tho most widely-opposed opinions and of different orders and ranks in society . They asked no questions , and imposed no tests . They did not even inquire into one another ' s specific creeds . In invoking a blessing on their proceedings , they had no warrant , as they had no desire , to interfere with personal views . In this wise and neutral position they declined to express any opinion

whatever on religions theory and other matters which would lead to endless controversy . Freemasonry had other charms ; like many of the ancient oracles it had more than ono meaning for the patient seeker . From whatever side we approach it , we may gain instruction , improvement , counsel , and edification . It encourages sympathy , and warms friendship ; it advocates fraternal interest and

prudent hospitality ; it warns us against secret conspiracies ami illegal associations , bids us obey the laws of onr own conntry , and respect those of others . It teaches the sanctity of private judgment , and the inviolability of universal toleration . " I have taken the liberty of underscoring the words and phrases to which I would particularly direct Bro . Richardson's attention , and

I would point out to him that his Lodgo imposes a test of fitness on brethren who are desirous of joining it ; that is , they must bind themselves not to drink alcoholic beverages at their social gatherings . If , as I believe , Brother Woodford has corrpctly described the character of Freemasonry , then this imposition of a test is unconstitutional .

Lastly , may I ask why tho founders of this Lodge have shown disrespect for the memory of KiDg Solomon by styling themselves the King Solomon Lodge . That wise monarch would never have made tho mistake of confounding Tcmporarco and Teetotalism . Fraternally yenrs , Mir . b AI , .

Tho Revised Book of Constitutions ; Critically Considered and . Compared with the Old Edition . London : Simpkin , Marshall & Co ., 4 Stationers' Hall Court , S . C . Sent on receipt of stamps . One Shilling , by W . W . Morgan , 'Freemason ' s Chroniole Office , Belvidere Works , Hermes Hill , Pentonville .

Correspodence.

CHISWICK LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 2012 . THE ceremony of consecration was rehearsed in this Lodge of Instruction on Saturday , tho 21 st inst ., by Bro . James Terry P . P . S . G . W . Norths and Hunts , P . P . J . G . W . Herts , & o . A very large number of brethren attended to listen to Bro . Terry ' s rendering of this important part of onr ritual , and , as usual , they were well repaid for doing so . It is only necessary to refer to tho actual Lod ges consecrated by Bro . Terrv—npwards of a hundred in number—to

prove his ability to perform tho work , while those who have heard him , either in a regular Lodge or a Lodge of Instruction , will agree with us that he uses his ability to tho best advantage . The raeetino was held at tho Chiswick Hall , where Lodge was opened in the th ree degrees by Bro . Terry , he being supported by Bros . George Everett P . M . P . Z . 177 , W . M . of tho Chiswick Mother Lodge , & c , as S . W .,

Dr . Fred . Laurenco P . M . 255 Treasuror 2012 as J . W ., W . S . Hall P . M . 253 as D . C ., Rev . M . Hainos 205 as Chaplain , C . Cawston P . M . 865 as I . G . ; thero were also abont 100 other luombers present . Every arrangement had been made by the Officers of the Lodge of Instruction to render tho ceremony , as fur ns thoy were concerned , one of interest nnd completeness , and mnch of tho success was due to the

surroundings which they provided to support Bro . Terry in his work ; an organ , kindly lent by tho St . Ambrose Lodge , being among the principal adjnnots . At the conclusion of the proceedings in the Lodgo about fifty of those preseut sat down to supper , under the presidency of Bro . George Evorott , nnd a very enjoyable evening followed . The nsual toast list was gone through , and thanks were

given to those who had contributed to tho enjoyment of the company , Responding to the toast which they had proposed iu his honour Bro Everett expressed his satisfaction at tho manner in whioh tho pro . coedings had been carried out . They had reflected great credit on the Lodge of Instruction . Bro . G . Gardner , the Treasurer , replying

to the toast proposed on his behalf , said that the promoters of tbe Lodgo of Instruction had mado a donation of five guineas to the Boys' School , for whioh ho was this year a Steward , in commemoration of the event that had taken place that evening . Several songs and recitations were given during the evening , ' whioh in every respect passed off admirably .

Justice Lodge of Instruction , No . 147 . —A meeting was held on Thursday , the 26 th instant , at the Brown Bear , High Street , Deptford , Bros . Stringer W . M ., Williams S . W ., Pitt J . W ., Speight P . M . Secretory , Hunt jun . S . D ., Cohen J . D ., Penrose I . G ., Hatchings P . M . Preceptor ; also Bros . Smith , Prior , Catt , and Firth . Business : Lodgo was opened in the first degree , and the minutes were read and

confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Brother Catt personating the candidate . Lodge was called off , and on resuming was opened in the second degree , and the ceremony of passing rehearsed , Bro . Prior candidate . Lodge was then resumed , and Bro . Firth of the St . John ' s Lodge , No . 1574 , was unanimously elected a member . Lodge was closed in due form .

Dalhousie Lodge of Instruction , No . 860 . —A meeting was held on Tuesday last , at Bro . Smyth ' s , Sisters' Tavern , Pownallroad , Dalston . Present : —Bros . Jenkins W . M ., Christian S . W ., T . Clark J . W ., F . Carr Sec , Robinson S . D ., Catling J . D ., Baker I . G . s Past Master Brasted Acting Preceptor ; Bros . Wardell , Marsh , Smyth , Hand , Allen , Kite , Waddington , Ohelon , Watkinsou , & o

Lodge was opened in due form , and tho minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Lodge was opened in the second degree . Bro . Hand offered himself as candidate for raising , and was interrogated and entrusted . Lodge was opened in the third degree , and the ceremony of the sublime degree was rehearsed . Bro . Christian worked the third section of the lecture , assisted by the brethren .

Lodge was resumed in the first degree . Bro . T . Clark worked the first , and Brother Allen the fourth section of the lecture , assisted by the brethren . Bro 3 . Ohelon of Lodge No . 1305 , Kite of 1326 , and Hanghton of 1546 were elected members . Bro . Christian was elected W . M . for the ensuing week and appointed his Officers in rotation . Lodge was then closed and adjourned .

Kingsland Lodge of Instruction , No . 1693 . —A meeting was held on Monday , 23 rd inst ., at Bro . Baker ' s , Cock Tavern , Highbury , N . Present—Bros . Brock W . M ., Kidder P . M . S . W ., Detmer J . W ., Forjre P . M . 1950 Treasurer , Collingridge Secretary , Crosbie W . M . 1693 S . D ., Goddard J . D ., Rhodes I . G . ; and several other brethren . Lod ge was opened in dne form , and the minntes read and confirmed . _ The ceremony of installation was rehearsed by

Bro . H . P . Is : ac P . M . 1693 , Bro . Brock acting as candidate . Lodge was opened to the third degree , a Board of Installed Masters was formed , and the W . M . saluted in the various degrees . The W . M . then invested tho"Officer ? . A vote of thanks having been recorded to Bro . Isaac , Bro . Collingridge was elected W . M . for Monday , 30 th inst ., and Bro . Turner W . M . for 7 th July . Lodge was closed in dne form .

The summer festival of tbe Crusaders Lodge , No . 1677 , was held on Tuesday , 24 th instant , at the Wheatsheaf Hotel , Virginia Water , when a company of between thirty and forty assembled and spent a pleasant day . The weather was remarkabl y fine , and rendered a drive through

Windsor Park and around Virginia Water . most enjoyable , on the return to the hotel a banquet was served , and ftt its conclusion a few toasts were given and responded to , Bro . Geo . David Edmunds , W . M . New Finsbnry Park Lodge , replying on behalf of the Ladies .