The London Masonic Charity Association.

THE LONDON MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION .

We have been requested to publish the following statement : — The Committee have thought it well to issue a few supp lementary remarks to their previous report , inasmuch as it understands that some objections have been raised to

its actual organization , and its professed aims . I . It is asserted , the Committee has been informed , that thc institution of this Association is an interference with the liberty of action of individual voters for the Charities , and sets up a quasi-dogmatic interference with their undoubted right of selection and support , in respect of the cases which they themselves deem the most deserving .

It is not fair , it is argued , or expedient even , to surrender such individual right of choice and voting to any Committee whatever . Undoubtedly much may be said on this head , but if the argument is closely analyzed it will be found that the same may also be said of all similar Committees . But yet in the provinces , as we all know , this principle of harmonious central action and

combination has been accepted , and is spreading , and works most satisfactorily without any infringement of the privileges of the voters on the one hand , or any interference with the free and impartial selection . of candidates on the other . It is a purely voluntary combination for a specific purpose , namely , the advocacy of the claims of a province or a district of those candidates whose cases are good , and whose

claims are satisfactory . To suppose for a moment that the Association seeks dictatorially to say to any subscribers how they are to vote is an entire misapprehension of the objects for which the Association was fountled . Owing to the " individualism " which prevails , and the intense interest excited by the personal claims of some candidates , the London subscribers to the Charities , are unable , except by

immense exertions , to secure the success of London candidates in due proportion to their subscriptions , and as election follows election the balance is being struck as against London , whereas it ought to be in favour of London . The Committee knows , for instance , that as regards the Girls ' School , the votes , in round numbers about 21 , 000 , may be divided roughly into 11 , 500 London , as against 9500 for

the provinces and colonies , | aproportion which will be found , the Committee believes in both the other Charities , and yet it is impossible to combine these votes . In asking the London brethren to surrender this very freedom of individualism in a throughly fraternal spirit , if they wish to see London candidates successful on the poll , which consummation , devoutly to be wished for by us all , is at

present very dubious , and must become still more difficult unless steps arc taken to combine the votes , the Committtee is asking nothing unreasonable . It is an entire fallacy to assume , as some do , that it is a question of lodges , or of London versus thc Provinces . The whole question is narrowed to this—do the London subscribers obtain their fair share of candidates elected ?

Owing to a very successful system of combination of votes , so far thc London subscribers , though large contributors , cannot carry their proper proportion of candidates through want of combination . It is purely a question of actual subscription . If the London brethren are unwilling to aid the Committee , the only effect must be that , owing to individual

interests and personal claims , a small number of votes will be polled for each candidate , sufficient to detract from the chance of another , but insufficient to ensure thc success of the particular case , while the provinces , wise in their generation , hy their own compact accumulation of provincial votes , assisted by friendly concordats with other similar provincial bodies , and the kindly support of

London brethren , must be successful in their applications , and more successful , moreover , as year follows year . The Committee , repudiating any dogmatic assertions or any dictatoi ial utterances , asks for thc friendly co-operation and help of all London voters who feel that whatever the claims of others may be , the good " and fair claims of poor London candidates have a primary interest for them .

The Committee in the next place would allude , though not without a feeling of repugnance and regret , to thc absurd supposition , somewhat busily spread about , that there is a teudencyito form a ' clique , to contest the elections with some interestetl objects in view . Those who form the Committee may fairly appeal to their Masonic career , as a proof that their objects are , and ever will be the promotion

simply and solely of the interest of those many London candi'lates , who , from many and peculiar causes are now toi often unsuccessful . Thc Committee has no cause to gain , but that of the welfare of the Charities and the fair claims of the London candidates , and it trusts that all who read these remarks will credit the Committee when it assures them that , despite all opposition , and all that too

eiften interested criticism which sees thc mote in its neighbour's eye , but forgets thc beam in its own , it means to persevere in its honest if arduous labours , tiusting materially to advance the claims of many who , without its zealous co-operation and support are not destined to be

successful in the race . It trusts te . receive such an accession of new members of the Association , and to its own numbers as a Committee , that it will be able to appeal , alike to the confidence of the London brethren , and the unswerving and loyal adherence of its own warm and active members .

The extraordinary persistency with which unsuccessful candidates present themselves year after year at the Chinese competitive examinations is curiousl y illustrated by certain edicts in the Peking Gazelle of last year , in which honorary deg'ces are conferred on 42 candidates who were finally plucked at thc age of 90 and upwards , and 136 who gave up the struggle when between 80 and < ) ° . —A ! hcno : um ,

Reviews.

Reviews .

PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAITS OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE THIRTY-THIRD DEGREE , A . AND A . RITE . Freemason Office , Fleet-street . We have seen these photograpnic representations of the " Mystic Nine , " and who , like the " Nine Muses , " are very important personages , whether in ancient mythology or in modern Hig h Grade organisation , and very beautiful

as works of art they are . Thry set before us in very " pleasant presence " our well-known and distinguished brethren , beginning with our esteemed Deputy Grand Master , Lord Skelmcisdale , always and everywhere popular , as well as Bro . Capt . N . G . Philips , Bro . Major-Gen . Clerk , Bro . J . M . P . Montagu , Bro . Lt .-Col . Shadwell Clerke , Bro . R . Hamilton , M . D . ; Bro . Sir Michael Costa ,

Bro . Col . W . Adair , and Bro . Hugh D . bandeman . We feel sure that they will be much admired by all , and largely patronized by our good brethren of the High Grades . We have seldom seen more throughly satisfactory portraits . In fact , thc likenesses are speaking , and they

affords a most pleasing " souvenir" to High Grade associates and personal friends . Tt , see them is to admire them , and to admire them is wc hope , to obtain them , as they are likely to be soon " taken up , " having already attracted warm admiration and most friendly comments .

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S CARDS . Messrs . Eyre and Spottiswoode , Queen's Printers , 43 , Fleetstreet , E . C We are remineled of the eventual approach of Christmas by the striking Christmas and New Year ' s Cards of the Queen ' s Printers . The cards are issued in all styles , from the costly

handpainted souvenir , or the richly illuminated motto for the wall , to the tiny bookmarker or children ' s text card . In each we are greatly struck , as , indeed , all mutt be , with the variety of design , size , and colouring , in the assortment now before us , as we before mentioned . There are tiny little Reward Cards in packets , for children , each with an emblematical design of figures or flowers , or both , with

an appropriate text ; and there are large and handsome cards , nearly two feet long , with such words as " God is Love , " '' A Happy New Year to You all , " " Welcome to our Hearth , " shining forth from within garlands of exquisite floral tlecorations . Between these limits are to be found specimens of every shape and size—Scripture texts , greetings for Christmas , New Year , and birthdays , crosses

with floral emblems and toasts , two scries of " Poetical Gleanings" from our great poets , "Waking Thoughts from Holy Writ , " & c , & -c . As we before remarked , wc have never seen more effective productions , indeed , some of the cards are perfect gems , reflecting the highest credit on the resources and artistical

execution and taste of Messrs . Eyre and Spottiswoode . We feel sure that they will be greatly appreciated by the public , antl we venture , without hesitation , to predicate for them great popularity and extended patronage . They seem destined to suit all uses and all purposes which that genial season enjoins .

BEAR YE ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS . A Sermon , preached by the Rev . F . J . W . WINTI . E , M . A ., J . W . 893 , P . G . C . of Cornwall , before the Prov . Grand Lotlge . F . Trcgaskis , Stamp Office , Fore-street , Redruth .

We like this sermon much . It is both simple and straightforward , apt and appropriate , and well sets before our brotherhood the need and the duty of active sympathy and charitable exertion . We commend it conscientiously to our readers , remarking , that as Masonic sermons are somewhat scarce , we always think it well to record such efforts of our reverenil brethren the Chaplains , Prov . Grand Chaplains , and Grand Chaplains of our Order to thc attention and patronage of our Masonic reading public .

Dramatic Notes.

DRAMATIC NOTES .

PRINCESSES' THEATRE . —That excellent sensational drama " Queen ' s Evidence " has been removed to give place to Mr . Rowe's so-called play " Uncle Tom's Cabin . No one with the remotest knowledge of dramatic lines could term the piece a play in any acceptation of the word , anymore than one could call Mrs . Stowe' . s book a novel .

The piece is a wild , extravagant , highly impro v able series of scenes , having little or any connection one with the other , and only requires some individual to stand by the wing with a wand to turn the whole thing into a Panorama . So much for " Uncle Tom ' s Cabin" as a play ; as an entertainment , however , I know of no place in London just now where thc pleasure seeker cm find more amusement and enjoyment that at this house . The glee

singing of the blacks is almost beyond prai'e ; and Mr . Weston ' s performance on the banjo is truly marvellous . The religious cant put into the mouth of ' Uncle Tom ought to be cut out wholesale , it was bad enough in the book , on the stage it is simply intolerable ; moral goodness can be demonstrated on the stage without the aid of church doctrine . I cannot say anything about the acting , as all the artists engaged are above their parts ' .

A Quarterl y General Court of the Governors and Subscribers of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls will be held in the Hall of Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , London , on Saturday next , the 12 th inst , at 12 o'clock neon , to consider notices of motion ( sec tdli-ial advertisement on fi ont page ) , and to elect three girls into the school by ballot .

The ceremony of freeing Waterloo Bridge will take place this day ( Saturday ) at half-past twelve o ' clock .

Notes On Art, &C.

NOTES ON ART , & c .

The ei ght annual Exhibition of Works of Art , under the patronage of the Corporation of Liverpool , has now been open for about a month at the Walker -: rt Gallery , Liverpool , and up to the present time the success , both with respect to sales and attendance , has been hitherto unequalled . The exhibition all round is an admirable one ,

although there is an absence this year of prominent pictures , such as have been shown on previous occasions . There arc altogether 1062 exhibits , but owing to want of space , the hanging committee had to reject as many more which were sent , the rejected pictures being principally thc work of local men . London artists have been specially favouted , and this has given rise to a good deal of

heartburning , which can scarcely be wondered at . Amongst the best known artists who have places in the galleries may be named Alma Tadema , Ansdell ( a Liverpool native ) , E . Armitage , J . Archer , Mark Anthony Chevalier , Calderon , Carrie , Goodall , II . S . Marks , F . Leighton , O'Neil , Ycames , and others . It would be impossible , of course , to give even the faintest idea of the character of

the various works of art in this large collection in the space at cur command , and therefore we content ourselves by commending the collection to our Liverpool brethren , as well as to the country cousins whose tastes lie in the direction of art , who may pay the " shipping village" a visit . Perhaps the most charming picture in thc collection is Leighton ' s " Winding the Skein ; " and certainly thc most

hotly debated has been Alma Tadema's " Sculptor ' s Model , " which has caused quite a fierce newspaper war in Liverpool . There can be little doubt that the exhibition of nude figures like this in public galleries is neither health y nor elevating , and the argument which is raised in justification of the exhibition of such a picture , that our French and other neighbours do it , is best met by the every-day

proverb " Two blacks don't make a white . " While , " To the pure all things are pure , " is a true maxim , the reverse is equally forcible , "To the impure all things are impure . " At Coblentz and Saarlouis the police recentl y prohibited smoking in the streets by youths under sixteen ; and at Treves a bye-law of 18 : 7 has just been brought

into force , which imposes a fine of from three to nine marks-, or imprisonment in default , on boys under sixteen who smoke in the streets and in places of amusement . Dour . nn ' s observations go to show that dysentery caused by the introduction of Anguillula stercoralis and tlyscnterica , Anklystoma dysenterica , & c ., into the

intestinal canal by means of polluted water may be avoided hy dissolving alum in the water , although this is of course a less desirable method than that of boiling the water . The treatment with alum has , it is said , been successfully used by thc natives of Annam from early times ; while for seveial years it has completely protected thc French troops in Cochin China from this dreadful scourge . —Acadcmi / .

Augustus Peterman , the greatest cartographer and one of the most eminent geogra phers of modern times , who died Friday week at Gotha , was born at Bleichrode , near Nordhausen , in 1822 . At the age of 17 he entered the Potsdam Cartographic Institution ; and as a pupil of the famous Dr . Berghaus ' s speedily gave promise of his future accomplishments . In 1845 he went to London to

assist in thc getting up of an English edition of Berghaus ' s " Atlas of Physical , Geography" ; and owing to his rar : gifts and attainments , was appointed Geographer Royal . He returned to Germany in 1854 to take charge of Pcrthes ' s Geogiaphic Institution at Gotha , which post he filled

to his death . All thc German , African , and Polar explorations of modern times were either planned or effectually assisted and described by him . Not to speak of his deserts as a fertile author , draughtsman , and editor of Perth : s ' s monthly , his maps on Africa and the Pole are recognized as the best extant .

A large portion of the Ancient City of Ithaca has just been unearthed by Dr . Schliemann , who has discovered 190 enormous houses on the south-eastern shores of the island at a considerable distance beneath the surface . The result of the excavations , however , will in no way rival thc finds at Troy and Mycentc , for Dr . Schliemann writes that all the treasuies of the city have been

washed into the sea by winter rains . The Mantnan " Didactic Exposition " ( . is a telegram calls it ) , has closed . Tlie jury awarded a gold medal for infant designs to the superior female s .-houl established gratuitously by the Municipality , who ( it is amvmnced ) have introduced gymnastics , music , and drawing into the elementary schools .

The meeting of the Congress of Orientalists at Florence last week was saddened by the death of Professor C . Seager , of the Roman Catholic College , Kensington , one of the delegates . The grand priz : uf 2 $ oof . offered by the congress for thc best essay on the different phases of Aryan civilisation iu India has been awarded to Dr . Immer , e > f G . rmaiiy .

A Woven Book h : is been manufactured at Lyons , the whole of the letter-press being executed in silken thread . Portraits , verses , and biief addresses have often been reproduced by the loom , but an entire volume Irom the weaver's hand is a novelty . A serious disaster is reported from the delta of the Godavrry River . The system of sluices and aniens which restrain the rwer prior to the distribution of it <

waters ovi r large tracts of country , has proved unequal to its work in consequence <>[ the unusual rain . One of the princip il anicuts has given way , and the waters have swi pt down int . ) tlie plains , ttoing enormous d-im ' igetu the . crap ; . A technical school for ( jiils has been established in Rome , in which lice-making , china painting , designing , and the manufacture ofaitilici . il flowers , c * . c , are taught . The scholars already niiiiibei upwards , it 2 ; o .