Original Correspondence.

according to our bye-laws have been allowed to be proposed again for 12 months , but in 8 months from the elate of his rejection he has been proposed and initiated in a London lodge , no enquiry having been made as to him by thc town lodge of my lodge here . How are members of the loelge in which he was rejected to rccci \ c him ? Yours fraternally , A MASON , Loelge 2 ; .

To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Much has been said and written of late about the ever increasing number of those who seek admission into our Order , and as to the absolute necessity which exists for making the strictest enquiry with respect to every candidate for initiation . The omission to maki' such

enquiries becomes sometimes of serious consequence , as witness { he following instance : Not many months since—the precise date is not important , but it was some time during the present year—a person residing in this town was proposed as a candidate for initiation in the ancient lodge which holds its meetings here , anel of which 1 have the honour to be a P . M .

On a ballot the candidate was rejected . Subsequently he procured himself to be proposed in a London 1 elge , without , I presume , communicating thc fact of his rejection here , and great was my astonishment on taking up the Freemason of Saturday last , to find in your report of the Eccleston Lodge , No . 1624 . on the 17 th ult ., the name of the rejected candidate among those who weie then

initiated into our mysteries . Who is to blame , the candielatc or the lodge ? Not thc slightest enquiry of any kinel was ever made which coulel have brought out the fact of thc previous rejection , and my lodge , without any fault or laches of its own , will find itself in this elilemma if the brother in question should ever seek to visit or join us , that it must either admit one

who is obnoxious to some of its oldest and most valued members , or it must refuse to admit one who comes to us stamped witn the approval of a London plodge . This is eminently unsatisfaetory , and it is a position in which we ought not to be placed . For very many years past my lodge has steadily refused to accept any non-resident candidates without first receiving an . ple and satisfactory

information from one or more loelges in the town in which the candidate icsides , and I venture to think that that is a very proper proceeding , to which no right-minded person woulel object . Why some such slep was not adopteel by the Fccleston Loelge in the case in question I am at a loss to understand , but it is perfectly evident to me that something ought to be done to obviate such

unpleaeant occurences . I am , Sir and brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , A PAST MASTER .

THE SAT B'HAI . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — " One of thc Order , " anil your Scottish " Querist , " may be interested in the following extract from a letter of Madame Blavatsky ' s , who is secretary of the New York " Theosophical Society , " of which Colonel H .

S . Olcott is prcsielcnt . She says : " If I mistake not I know the grand parents of your Sat B'hai ; I also have maele the acquaintance of the Seven Brothers of Lookshoor , or Luxor in vulgar terms , somewhere near the mysterious Lord o ! Bod , or Thibet . " I may remark that Colonel Olcott is a Royal Arch

Mason ; and Madam Blavalsky belongs to many societies of Eastern Masonry , and is bringing out a large book in two vols . ( Quaritch , Lonelon ) , in which I understanel Masonry will be considered as an Eastern society . The work is entitled " Isis Unveiled . " Yours fraternally , J OHN VAIIKEII , Hon . Fellow ' of Theosophical Society .

The Red Cross Of Constantine In The United States.

THE RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE IN THE UNITED STATES .

Thc Grand Imperial Council of thc State of Illinois assembled at their fifth Annual Conclave in the Asylum of Apollo Commandery , No . 1 , K . T ., 72 Monroe-street , in the city of Chicago , on Monday , thc 23 rd day of October ,

187 6 . The following Giand Officers were present : M . I . Sir Robert Bingham Smith , Grand Sovereign ; M . E . Sir James Hoge Miles , Grand Viceroy ; V . I . Sir John Corson Smith , Grand Senior General ; V . I . Sir Gilbert W . Barnarel as Grand Junior General ; V . I . Sir Robert Bruce Miller , Grand High Prelate ; 111 . Sir Levi R . Jerome , Grand High

Chancellor ; 111 . Sir Charles W . Dunning , as Grand Treasurer ; 111 . Sir Jonathan J . French , Granel Recorder ; 111 . Sir John O . Dickerson , Granel High Almoner ; 111 . Sir Gilbert W . Barnard , Grand Chamberlain ; III . Sir Benn P . Reynolds , Grand Architect ; 111 . Sir James O . Cottrell , as Grand Standard Bearer ; 111 . Sir Charles W . Dunning ,

Grand Marshal ; 111 . Sir John P . Ferns , Grand Sentinel . The following were the officers appointed for the current year : — M . I . Sir Robert B . Smith , Grand Sovereign ; M . E . Sir James H . Miles , Grand Viceroy ; V . I . Sir John C . Smith , Grand Senior General ; V . I . Sir Gilbert W . Barnard . Grand

Junior General ; V . I . Sir Robert B . Miller , Grand High Prelate ; III . Sir Benn P . Reynolels , Grai : el High Chancellor ; 111 . Sir Sir John O . Dickerson , Grand Treasurer ; 111 . Sir Jonathan j . French , Grand Recorder ; 111 . Sir CharlesW . Sunning , Grand High Almoner ; 111 . Sir James A ,

Hawley , Grand Chamberlain ; 111 . Sir James S . McCall , Grand Architect ; 111 . Sir James O . Cottrell , Grand Marshal ; III . Sir Rande . lph C . Michaels , Grand Standard Bearer ; III . Sir Levi R . Jerome , Granel Herald ; III . Sir Janus A . Phillips , Grand Orator ; III . Sir John P . Ferns , Grand Sentinel .

Consecration Of The Urban Chapter, No. 1196.

CONSECRATION OF THE URBAN CHAPTER , No . 1196 .

Thc Urban Chapter , 1196 , was consecrated on Tuesday evening , at St . John's Gate , Clerkenwell , by Comp . John Hervey , Granel Scribe , E ., who was assisted by Comp . Terry , Granel Director of Ceremonies Herts , thc H . and J . chairs being occupieel by Comp . George J . Palmer , P . Z .,

11 , as H ., and Comp . W . F . Ciillard Moulrie , P . Z . n , as J . Comp . Seymour Smith acted as Organist , and Comp . Dor . ald King as Minstrel . The companions who wcre present were Comps . , | . E . Carpenter , R . H . Pearson , J . Pearson , Donald W . King , John Hervey , G . S . E . ; Jas . Terry . G . D . C . Hens ; W . F . C . Moutrie , P . Z . 11 ; | . H . Webb , 174 ; C . J . Watson , P . Z . n ; W . H . Honey P . Z .

n ; George J . Palmer , P . Z . 11 ; W . J . Hunter , 228 ; H . Massey , P . Z . 619 , ( Freemason ) ; XV . Stoffin , 1185 ; G . J . Kain , P . Z . 766 ; Dr . Barringer , Seymour Smith , 1269 , and XV . J . Vereker Bindon , 1 , Edinburgh . After the chapter had been formally opened , Comp . Hervey said the companions wcre aware of the reason of their assembling there that evening , and he did not think

it necessary to address them in any terms , either recommendatory or otherwise . He was sure however , that all the companions would feel gratification that a chapter was about to be added to thc Urban Loelge , a lodge which hael stood and still stood very high in the estimation of the Masons of London , and which , from the manner in which it had conducted its workincr anil business , had commended

itself to every brother who was acquainteel with its mode of carrying out its principles . It was on that account that he felt so high a degree of pleasure in attending to consecrate the chapter connecteel with the loelge , anel in bringing into existence a chapter which was an offshoot of so worthy a lodge . The ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , till the time had arrived when the oration is ordinarily

elehvered . Granel Scribe E . then callcel upon Comp . Terry to deliver the oration , which he eliel as follows : — The beautiful ceremony presctibed to be useel at the consecration if a new lodge or chatter includes as a prominent feature , an oration on the merits of Freemasonry . We should be doing the wisdom of our ancient brethren who devised this ceremony , a ureat injustice if wc supposed

that this was meant to be confined to an eulogium on the system or on those who p-ofess it . The former is unnecessary , for the science of Freemasonry speaks for itself , neither would the latter be congenial to its spirit , for the practice of Freemasonry carries with it its own reward to those who practice it aright , and they value not the praise or flattery of men . The purpose of an Oration has a higher

and . 1 nobler aim , for as every human institution is liable to be deteriorated and corrupted by the wear and tear of ages , it is intended to carry the mind back to the first principles of the Order , to trace the stream of Freemasonry through the quicksands which beset its course , to clear away the rocks and shoals which time has accumulated until we reach the clear pellucid fountain from which flow

the pure and crystal waters of charity , morality and justice . It is intended 10 enforce on the members of every new chapter that they are to guard its landmarks with jealous care and to extend its principles with unflagging , selfdenying zeal . Such is , I believe the object of this prescribed oration , and I could only wish that I had power of language sufficient to enforce upon you the importance

of exercising this care . I pray you to remember that on you is thrown the responsibility of evincing to thc Craft at large that thc confielence placed in you by the Supreme Granel Chapter has not been misplaced . I trust you will never forget that this chapter should be so conducted as to improve the quality of Freemasonry rather than to increase thc number of professing

Freemasons . Abo \ c all that it may be a great centre for the tliffusion of brotherly love , relief , and truth ; brotherly love as shown in mutual forbearance and forgiveness , mutual aid and sympathy—joy in a companion ' s joy , and grief in a companion's grief—relief of his wants , freely and ungrudgingly given , relief not only to his bodily but to his menial wants , relief not only to himself , but to those who

are nearest and dearest to him , in the persons of his widow and his orphans ; and , above all this , that the hand of a brother given to a brother Mason should be the sure pledge of brotherhood , aye , and when given to any of thc outer world should be received as an obligation , binding as any the law of man could elevise , because given by a Mason . Above all , let charity and benevolence be your motto ,

words tending to the same end , but by different means . Charity to give , when you have the power , to every one cf your fellow creaures in the hour of their ne ed , and her handmaid benevolence to wish well to and to strive well for every good cause , even as m the Apostle ' s case , |" silver and gold we have none " to give . Remember that the noblest instinct of man , his noblest attribute , is labour , to work

through tht morn , to work through the noon , to work through the evening of life , until " the night comcth when no man can work . " And what man is in muscular life , he should be in the higher domain of spiritual life . The highest : and most complete state of man , which his nature most lungs for , anil in which it fulfils its most sublime instinct is work , bodily and intellectual , leading up

to moral and religious work . For , as the race began with an outward paradise , which being lost , may yet offer the type of a higher paradise to be gained , so each individual life begins with muscular life that passing through the harel struggles of work , in which body , mind , and soul arc alike engaged , it may carry its ideal with it , and emerge

at last into a state of inspired liberty and spontaneous beauty . It may be a gigantic task that which has been sketched out for us b y the wisdom and self-denial of our forefathers in the Order , but if any of the objects of human activity are worth living for at all , if on the whole , it is not the highest wisdom to say , " Let us eat and drink , for to-morrow we die ; " it is impossible to imagine a nobler

Consecration Of The Urban Chapter, No. 1196.

or more stirring object of ambition , a cause to which a man could with more complete satisfaction , or in which hewould be sure to meet with a fuller or purer reward , anel to which he could devote all thc energies of his life ' as a Mason , than to carry out to their limit the principles inculcated by Freemasonry . Let each in his own sphere each according to the talents with which God ha ., endowed '

him , take up his share of the work which lies at his door waiting to be done . There is work for all , anel if Masons wou ! el but do thc work which they should do , then would , they be fulfilling inelced what they hael undertaken in the First anil Second Degree to perform . Then of them it would be said , anel if deserved , how sweet woulel it be to hear it said , " When the ear heard me then it blessed me ; and

when thc eye saw me then it gave witness to me , because I relieved the poor that crieel , anel the fatherless to him that had more to help him , the blessing of him that was readyto perish came upon mc , and I causcel the widow ' s heart to sing for joy . " Goel imposes on us s-. rious duties , wc must struggle in the interests of humanity against the strong when they abuse their strength , and against the

powerful when they abuse their power . From time to time the struggle is interrupted to contemplate its fruits , the oppressed delivered from the tyrant , the poverty or disease-stricken man snatched from the abyss of want , anel sent furward rejoicing on a new carter of life ; the widowencouraged , protected , and supporttel when she believed that she was forsaken by all the world ; the orphan once

wan and emaciated , now lighted up and rosy , in the splendiel dawn of its young life . Thus do we pass from indignation to tenderness , and we understand the aim of life . Then may we thank Goel , who , giving us the task to combat the powerful and the wicked , gives us also to succour the innocent and the feeble , anel who , si ! e by side with the grave duties of life , has placed the cheerful ones , the latter

to uphold the former . The man who so understands and practises Freemasonry , tven if lie lias nut pi'ogressed beyond this degree , and even if he does not care to elisplay one single jewel , is a better Mason anel better acquainted with its symbolical teaching than he who having taken every degree under the sun , has never carried into everyday life the principles and ttachings which Freemasonry

has perpetually enjoined upon him . He is a Mason who can , and he is not a Mason who cannot Grasp the whole world of reason , life , and sense , In one close system of benevolence ; Happier , as feeling in whate'er degree , The height of bliss in height of charity . The consecration of the chapter was tr . ereafter

completed , anel Comp . Terry installed Comps . Dr . Jost-ph Edward Carpenter , R . H . Pearson , and Jonathan Pearson , as J ., and Comps . Carpenter and R . H . Pearson as H . Comp . Hervey installed Comp . Dr . Carpenter as Z . ; snd when the companions were admitted , Comp . Donald W . King was invested as P . S ., and Comp . Steedman as Janitor . On the motion of Comp . M . E . Z ., seconded by

Comp . H ., Comps . Hervey and Terry were elccteel hon . companions of the chapter , and thanks were voted to them for their performance of the consecration of the chapter . Comp . Hervey and Comp . Terry severally returned thanks , and alter a long list of brethren seeking admission to the Order had been proposed and seconded , the

chapter was closed , and thc companions aeljourned to banquet . Comp . R . H . Pearson was elected Treasurer , protein . The following ode was sung at the closing of the chapter : — Almighty Sire , our heavenly king ,

Before whose sacred name we bend , Accept thc praise which we sing , And to our humble prayer attend . All hail , great Architect Divine , This universal frame is thine .

That sacred place where three in one , Comprised Thy comprehensive name , And where thc bright meridian sun , Was soon Thy glory to proclaim . All hail , Great Architect Divine , This universal frame is thine .

On Th y Omnipotence wc rest , Secure of Thy protection here , And hope hereafter to be blest , When we have left this world of care ' . All hail , great Architect Divine , This universal frame is Thine .

Inspire us with Thy grace divine , Thy sacred law our guiele shall be . To every good our hearts incline , Prom every evil keep us free . All hail , great Architect Divine , This universal frame is Thine .

Comp . Hervey , G . S . E ., in responding to thc toast of " Thc Earl of Carnarvon and thc rest of the Grand Principals , " said he was not disappointed at the kind reception he hail met with that evening , for having peiformed a very small duty . He had been much gratified and complimented by that reception , as he was not free from that weakness of the human race , a pride in finding that his

efforts were appreciated , and on behalf of the nobleman who formed the principle subject of this toast he thanked the companions most corelially . He then proceceled to propose •' The Health of the M . E . Z . cf the Urban Chapter , and Success to that Chapter . " All the companions hail part ' . cipateel in the labours of the evening , anel had all borne a share more or less in the ceremony of launching

the new chapter . All the companions wished that a successful result might attend it . For himself he looked forward without any hesitation or doubt to iis success . It was not to be a large chapter , as the M . E . Z . had observed in the course of the evening , and he was glad to hear it , for he eliel not look upon a large chapter as at all desirable . He was also glad to hear that a rule hat been laid down