Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even 3 . S approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wisli , in a spirit of lair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —ED . ]

THANKSGIVING FOR THE PRINCE OF WALES ' SAFE RETURN . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — It has been declared as a landmark of the Order that " Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols . " Masonic writers

and others equally well versed in matters appertaining- to the society have proclaimed the Order to be neither of a political nor religious tendency , and that it accepts men of every diversity of creed , providing their moral qualifications are of a satisfactory character . Bearing these facts in mind , I would ask whether any critical member of the fraternity can , after reading the paragraph inserted in the

last number of your journal , reconcile the statements referred to with the first proposition of our reverend brother ? I think not . The demonsttation would prove a dangerous precedent , and would seriously affect the foundation of the institution . Why should Masonry be identified with religious proceedings ? Is it to gratify vanity , or what ? The fact is , Sir , there bas been for some time past a persistent

desire on the part of many clerical members of the fraternity to associate Masonry with religion . Unless this growing evil is suppressed I fear that the Order in England will become as disreputable as in France . I must here mention that I am not personally acquainted with Brother the Rev . R . J . Simpson , the originator of the movement . He enjoys the reputation of being a powerful orator , and

has , according to accounts furnished me , done much good in the parish of which he is rector . With regard to the second proposition in respect to the sum of £ 1000 , it must be admitted that , being for a charitable object , it has a legitimate claim upon the consideration of Grand Lodge . But why should this amount be sent abroad when so many poor and deserving brethren at home are clamouring for

assistance ? It is proverbial that the English take especial care to enquire into the wants of thc " interesting foreigner , " whilst those of their countrymen are scarcely noticed . If the demonstration at St . Paul's Cathedral has been suggested to our rev . brother it was ill advised . If otherwise , then let us be charitable and ascribe it to an error of judgment . As Pope says : —

" 'Tis with our judgments as our watches ; none go just alike , yet each believes his own . " Every brother in the Masonic Order is no doubt glad that His Royal Hi ghness has returned in safety to his native land , and sincerely wishes him long life and

happiness . The Prince is unquestionably a sensible man , and is , if I mistake not , from what I have observed on one or two occasions , opposed to what is generally experienced by distinguished men—obsequious flattery . I am , dear Sir and brother , truly and fraternally yours Lyndon , 29 th May , 1876 . C . S .

To the Editor 0 / the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , It has been suggested to me by a brother , that my proposal to meet in St . Paul's for a thanksgiving service would identify Freemasonry with a particular religious body—I venture to think that this is indeed " straining at a gnat , " and to a most unpractic . il extent .

1 . In the Provinces Provincial Lodges constantly attend service in the parish church of the town in which they meet . 2 . At weddings , funerals , and other special occasions , Churchmen , Nonconformists , Roman Catholics , and Hebrews often meet without danger or inconsistency . 3 . Masonry is professedly a religious institution , and

should not allow any trifling or technical difficulty to stand in the way of its asserting its religious character when a great national and Masonic occasion fairly calls for solemn and united action . 4 . Such a gathering for such a purpose would surely suggest those ideas of union , brotherly love , and charity which are so much needed in these days , and so

consonant with the spirit and principles of our Order . lastly , Does not the argument I allude to , if of any weight against my proposal , tell with twofold force against Bro . Havers' proposition—for surely thousands of non-members of the Church of England would and do gladly join their fellows in her Churches 0 : 1 special occasions , who would not dream of giving a donation to her

Church building or decoration . It is not as a clergyman of the Church of England , but as a Mason , I have made the present proposal ( with the warm approval of many aiul distinguished Masons ) , and 1 hope we may not lose such an opportunity of proving before the world our loyalty , our charity , and our religion . Fraternally yours , May , 31 st , 1876 . R . 1 . SIMPSON .

WELCOME TO OUR GRAND MASTER . To the Editor if the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Referring to your valuable suggestions as to a public Masonic welcome to the Most Worshipful the Grand Master of Freemasonry in England on his return from India , would it not be well' that the demonstration , say at thc Alexandra or Crystal Palace , or elsewhere , should he

of a cosmopolitan character , and include such of the brethren as have at least attained the P . M . Degree—who , although non-subscribing members to a symbolic lodge in this country , are nevertheless de jure Masons at heart in the fullest acceptation of thc Order , I am , fraternally yours , I . M . L ., P . M ., & c , iVc . Euston , N . W ., May 24 th , 1876 .

Original Correspondence.

HYPERCRITICISM . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — A recent issue of your journal contains a leader on " Hvperetiucism , " which is called forth by my letter signed " A Stickler for Plain English . " It misrepresents my views on one or two points . I di . l not recommend

thc use of " Anglo-Saxon " by English people of the present day . It would have been nonsensical , because every wcll-in [ ormed person knows that thc Anglo-Saxon was a transition language , and passed away soon after the Norman Conquest . What I did say was suggested by your expression , " our Anglo-Saxon Brotherhood . " And accordingly I was led to mention my views about the

propriety of using " plain Saxon English . " I am aware that what you say is correct about our English language comprising a mixture of other languages . But I still maintain a long-held opinion that our present use is degenerating . Note our English Bible . With a few trifling exceptions the diction is suited to the age in which wc live . Everybody knows that our language undergoes constant

change . I observe it every year . The very spelling of simple words , and even of proper names becomes changed . But my notion is that in modern journalism we often find ourselves in a blaze of newly-made English . Thc other day I read in a leading journal an account of the Prince's arrival in England , wherein it was stated that an address was illumined on vellum ( the italics are my own ) .

This substitute for illuminated might be the error of the writer , or perhaps of thc printer only . I cannot agree with you that the Latin phrase " sub sigillo confessionis " is ordinarily used by modern writers . I identify it entirely with a certain system of the Roman Catholic Church . I admit my ignorance as to the appropriate use of the word " clientele ; " of course anybody could ascertain its meaning by turning to a French dictionary . 1 confess I

am not a constant reader of Carl yle s works , nor do I always comprehend the views of that mystical writer . But it is plain Saxon English . So also is the language used by an eminent clergyman now deceased , the Rev . Frederic Denison Maurice . In each of these authors I read what is acceptable to Yours truly and fraternally , A STICKI . F . U i-oit PLAIN ESOI . ISII . May 24 th , 1 S 7 6 .

THE FREEMASONS' TAVERN . ' To the Editor of Ihe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I notice in thc agenda paper of Grand Lodge a communication respecting the Freemasons' Tavern . 1

should like to know what connexion there is between tavern interest and Freemasonry . Are the funds of Grand Lodge dependent on thc success of a public tavern ? Is it not time that Freemasonry stood alone , independent of -any such questionable income ? Yours fraternally , P . M .

MRS . FAHNFIF . in AND GRAND LODGE . To Ihe Editor of Thc Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — May I ask through your columns if thc relatives of ' the widow of our late Bro . Farnficld are cognisant of the fact that Bro . H , Green has given notice of motion "That the sum of . £ ' 100 be voted lo Widow Farnfield as an annuity during thc pleasure of Grand Lodge ? " Yours fraternally , ENOI'IIIER ,

A SUGGESTION . To the Editor of The Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — The reading of a letter in the " Freemason " of May 20 th , headed " Officers' Jewels , " ami giving a very

minute description of some antique jewels in the possession of a lodge at Sheerness , suggested to mc how entertaining to the readers at the " Masonic Magazine " would be the publication of L : l ! -sized engravings , with a short history of all such jewel-, tokens , and medals pertaining to

Masonry . Apologising fur thus troubling you , 1 remain , yours fraternally , Tuos . FRANCIS , 804 .

LAST MEETING OF GREAT PRIORY . To thc Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir ami Brother , — Pcrm ' t me to express my great disappointment in seing no report ( as yet ) in your columns of the meeting of thc Great Priory of England and Wales which was held in London on the 12 th ult . Surely many K . T . 's

subscribe to the " Freemason " who would like to see reports of the doings of the Great Officers of our Order in its columns . And surely , also , you are supplied with or are allowed to furnish such reports . Yours fraternally , A PAST PROVINCIAL GREAT OITICEH . May 24 th , 187 C .

FRENCH LODGES IN LONDON . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In the April number of Ihe " Monde Macounique , " at page 5 86 , I find these words : — "Avis aux Macons Vpyiigi-nr . ' - - . Lis tcnucs rcgulieres de la loge Francais etablic a l . ondrcs sous le litre les ' Philadelphes et la Concorde Rcunis , ' ont lieu tous les Mercrcdis a 9 heuresdu

soir d . Chnrles-street , Middlesex Hospital , au Spread Eagle . " I wish , therefore , to ask through your columns , 1 st . Is this lodge a regularly warranted lodge ? and 2 ndly , is it warranted by the Grand Lodge of England , or the Grand Orient of France ? I am , yours fraternally , AN ENOI - . SU READER OP THE " MoNUK MACONNlfiUE . " [ Perhaps some French brother can answer this . —ED . ]

Original Correspondence.

. A CORRECTION . To the Editor of The Freemason . . Dear Sir and Brother , — By some curious mistake in your report of the Phoenix Lodge on the 27 th ult ., you have inserted the name of your reporter , Bro . Massey , as having been installed W . M . of that lodge . Bro . J . D . Massey

who now holds that position , is I believe , no relation whatever to your representative , who was not present on that occasion , but as you are aware , your journal was represented , as it has been in many London and provincial lodges for some three years past , by Yours trul y and fraternally , T . C . WALLS .

To the Editor if the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Will you kindly answer the following questions in your next issue ? 1 . Is a present S . W . of a colonial lodge entitled to visit Grand Lodge by virtue of his office ? 2 . If so , is an introduction necessary from any other

member of Grand Lodge , or how is he to obtain admission ? I remain , Sir and brother , yours fraternally , Dover , 30 th May , 187 ( 1 . COLONIAL . [ He will require a voucher , but if returned to Grand Lodge as S . W . of his lodge he has no doubt a seat in Grand Lodge . —ED . ]

United Grand Lodge.

UNITED GRAND LODGE .

Thc following is " the agenda of business to be transacted in Grand Lodge , Wednesday , 7 th June , 187 C : — The minutes of the Quarterly Communication of the 1 st March for confirmation . The minutes of the Grand Festival of the 26 th April for

confirmation . The M . W . Grand Master will' make an announcement with reference to certain alterations and additions which it is the pleasure of His Royal Highness to make in relation to the charity jewel . Election of members of the board of General

Purposes . Election cf members of the Colonial Board . Election of- members for the Committee of management of the " Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons . " Report of the Lodge of Benevolence for the last quarter , " in which are recommendations for the following grants ,

.: — The widow of a brother of St . Bartholomew ' s Lodge , No . 60 , 6 , Wedncsbury £ 50 o o The widow cf a brother of the Lodge of Nine Muses , No . 235 , London ... ... 50 o o A brother of the De Grey and Ripon Lodge ,

No . 005 , London ... ... ... ... 100 o o The daughter of a late brother of St . Andrew's Lodge , No . 222 , London ... to o <¦> The daughters oi a late brotner , of Royal Forest Lodge , No . 401 , Slaidburn ... 50 o o A brother of the Star and Hope Lodge , No . 520 , Agra , Bengal so o o

REPORT or THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES . The Board of General Purposes have to report as follows : — Several questions bearing on the intcipretation of the Book of Constitutions have been , during the past quarter , brought under the notice of the board , which , having been

duly considered , have been satisfactorily dealt with , no specific report to Grand Lodge upon or in connection with them becoming necessary . Some important matters connected with the buildings of the society have been dealt with by the Premises Committee , and approved by the bnnrd .

The question of a re-arrangement of the seating accommodation for the brethren in Grand Lodge has received considerable attention , resulting in the addition of upwards of one hundred seats , which , in the opinion of the board , is the utmost that can be done in the existing area .

Ihe board have been for a long period engaged in correspondence with thc lessees of Freemasons' Tavern with reference to the question of . rent , and in result recommend to Grand Lodge that if a thoroughly responsible tenant or tenants can be found by the Tavern Company ( the present Lessees ) , who would be willing to take over the lease , Grand Lodge should assent to a reduction of the rent of

the tavern from £ 1500 , at which it at present stands , to £ 1200 per annum , and to such re-adjustment of the term as may appear fair and reasonable , and that the Board of General Purposes be empowered to negociate and act accordingly . The President will therefore move to that effect . ( Signed ) JOHN B . MONCKTON , President .

At the meeting on the 16 th May , after the ordinary business was concluded , it was proposed , seconded , and carried unanimously , that the best thanks of the members of the board are eminently merited by the President for the great attention he has paid to thc duties of his office , for the admirable manner in which he has discharged them , and the great couitisy and kindness he has on all

occasions evinced to his colleagues , and they are therefore fraternally tendered to him . ( Signed ) PETER DE LANDE Los . ci , Vice-President . To the report is subjoined a statement of the Grand Lodge accounts at the last meeting of the Finance Committee , held on Friday , thc 12 th day ol May , shewing a balance in the hands of thc Grand Treasurer of

£ 6172 12 S . 8 d . ; and in thc hands of the Grand Secretary , for petty cash , £ 75 ; and for servants' wages , £ 9 6 15 s . Appeal of Bro . W . C . Rowe , W . Master of the Lodge of Truth , No . 944 , Bombay , against the decision of the H . W . District Grand Master of Bombay , censuring the lodge for having passed and raised a brother at one and the same meeting .