The Approaching Festival Of The Boys' School.

permanent presentations . Our readers know sufficient of the wor'd to be aware that the care of these two hundred and fifteen lads is no light undertaking , and will not be surprised when we say that the lowest amount which will

suffice to meet tho establishment expenses is between £ 9 , 000 and £ 10 , 000 per annum , the whole of which sum , exclusive of some £ 700 per annum permanent income , has to be raised by the voluntary donations of the Craft ; while as

regards the future even larger totals are contemplated , nay , demanded , if the Craft is desirous of keeping up its reputation , or is not disposed to turn back from work to ¦ which it has already put its hand . Within a short time

the Masons of England will have to face a special claim in connection with this Institution , which they cannot in fairness ignore or lightly pass over even as easily as they might have agreed to reduce the number of lada now in the

Institution , had necessity compelled them to do so . For some time past extra efforts have heen made to increase the accommodation of tho Institution , and so successful have these efforts been that an addition—in the form

of a Preparatory School—is now in course of erection , and it is expected it will be so far finished during the next few months as to allow the Committee to recommend the election of a proportion of the number of

Boys for whom the additional accommodation is provided not later than at the Quarterly Court in October next . This addition , be it remembered , has been provided on the demand of tbe Craft . In providing the funds necessary

for its erection liability does notecase ! It is no use unless its accommodation can be made available , and that can only be done at an expense of some £ 1000 or £ 1200 a year . Here , then , is an additional tax on the benevolent

for the future , and we cannot believe it will be disregarded , although the present aspect of affairs in connection with the Festival leads us to wonder where the extra amount is this year coming from .

The number of Stewards who are working for this year ' s Festival is exceptionally small , and although the Chairman of the day , the Most Hon . the Marquis of Hartington , M . P ., and the brethren of the Province of Derbyshire , of which he

is the Master , are working hard to ensure success , their sphere of operations is comparatively small . Derbyshire possesses one or two fine Lodges , but can hardly lay claim to anything like premier rank in point of numbers .

Therefore , it cannot be expected the total it will be able to send up will he exceptionally large . No doubt for the number of Masons it embraces , and the number of Lodges which work under the rule of the respected chairman , its total

will favourabl y compare with others , but more than that would seem to be needed this year for our Boys . At the present time the Board of Stewards contains the names of two hundred and forty seven only—a number which

compares unfavourably with the past , and that too at a time when , as we have already pointed out , larger totals are needed . It therefore behoves every Steward to do his

utmost during the next few weeks , not only on behalf of his individual list , but also in the way of inducing other brethren to undertake the work and assume the responsibilities of Steward .

The Festival of the Boys' School presents such a change from those of the other Charities that we often wonder the Institution does not receive additional support on that basis alone . It is the only one which ladies are admitted

to take an equal share in , and if they will excuse us for saying so , they have not shown that they appreciate the distinction . Where are the Lady Stewards , who should vie with each other in proving how they can work in the cause

of charity ? Very many of the ladies who attend the Annual Festival of the Boys' School could do something in support of the Institution , and taken as a whole they might materially lessen the anxiety of those who have the

management of the Funds . Would it be possible for them to take the Preparatory School under their special care ? Ladies would be far more capable of managing lads of such tender age as its inmates will be than are members of the

sterner sex , and they would then have something to refer to year by year , which would be a graceful acknowledgment of the pleasure most of them receive when attending the annual gatherings in connection with the Boys' School .

In closing our remarks , we must again urge our readers to do what lies in their power on behalf of the coming Festival in aid of the Boys' School , and in doing so we con

fidently assure them , that while others may be equally deserving , there is none which has stronger claims , or which is more entitled to receive encouragement , than the Royal »

The Approaching Festival Of The Boys' School.

Masonic Institution for Boys , for the future of which we wish every success . The distribution of prizes and annual entertainment of the Stewards will take place at the School at Wood Green on

Saturday , the 20 th June , under the presidency of tho Rt . Hon . the Lord Mayor of London , Bro . Alderman Fowler , M . P ., P . G . Warden . A favourable opportunity will then be afforded for an inspection of the School and its inmates

by any brethren who may desire to become better acquainted with the internal arrangements , and if there are any of onr readers who are wavering in their decision to

support this deserving Institution a visit of inspection on that occasion would immediately settle the question with them . We are convinced they could not do better .

Masonic Rights.

MASONIC RIGHTS .

EVERY Craftsman knows that he is entitled to certain rights and benefits , by reason of his becoming a Mason . Very likely , however , he would find it difficult to

name these rights , and to classify them according to their true import . We propose , therefore , in this paper to consider the question , what are some of the inherent rights of a Mason ?

1 . First of all , there is the right of membership in a Lodge . When a candidate has received the third degree in a regular body of Masons , he is justly entitled to membership therein . The fact that he has been initiated ,

passed and raised , by a Lodge , gives him a claim for membership in that Lodge . This right to membership is now generally conceded . There are localities , however , where it is still held that conferring the degrees does not

carry with it any claim to membership , and that a clear ballot after raising is required to admit the candidate to Lodge membership . This doctrine finds but few defenders in these days . It does not accord with the equities involved in the case .

2 . A Master Mason in good and regular standing has the right of meeting with his own Lodge whenever and for whatever cause it may be convened . There is no barring out of a member from any Lodge communication .

It makes no difference what the business to be considered is , or what may be the peculiar conditions under which a Lodge is called together , every member has a right to be present , —a right to sit with his Bretheu whenever the Lodge to which they alike belong is open .

3 . Every member has a right to participate m the transaction of the business of his Lodge—a right to vote and to hold office . In one sense there is perfect equality among Masons . The vote of one Brother counts the same

as another , and all are alike privileged to seek the places of honour and preferment . Whatever rules and restrictions may be accepted , aud whatever distinctions may be

accorded , the great primal law which governs in the Lodge is that of equality . Each member has precisely the same rights as every other—no more and no less .

4 . Membership in a Lodge carries with it the right to vote on the reception of all applicants , and by the casting of an adverse secret ballot , to bar the entrance of any nndesired candidate . This is an inherent , absolute right ,

of which no member can be dispossessed so long as he remains in good standing in his Lodge . Its importance can hardly be over-estimated . It means in this country , where the rule of a unanimous ballot prevails , that each

member of a Lodge is privileged to keep out any applicant whom he chooses . And it is his right to exercise this adverse power without being known in the transaction , for

under the Masonic system it is not intended that a Brother should suffer by his opposition to an applicant . Thus the secrecy of tho ballot is carefully provided for , and it is held to be a Masonic offence to reveal how anoiher

has voted , or to make known one ' s own vote . To maintain the right of casting a free ballot for or against any candidate , it is essential that ample safeguards should be

thrown around the ballot to ensure its absolute secrecy . It ought never to be taken in such a manner as to allow one member to observe the vote of another . In balloting

on applications , the best method is for the Secretary to slowly call the roll of the Lodge , the members going one by one to the box placed in the centre of the room , and there

depositing their votes with ) ut being exposed to the sciuttny of each other , or of any of the officers of the Lodge . Then let all conversation as to the manner of voting be pro-