American Freemasonry.

honestly seek to practice what they openly profess . There are imperfections in all human institutions , there are defects in every system , but allowing , as we are bound to do for the divergencies of sometimes conflicting precedents ,

and multitudinous jurisdictions , the more we understand how the system is worked and is working in America , the prouder we are of Freemasonry , the move respect we feel for the American Freemasons .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

( , We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving ol" til * : opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —ED . ]

THE INSTALLATION OF THE GRAND MASTER . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I beg to offer a few remarks on the proposition published in your correspondence of Feb . 27 th , that at the forthcoming installation of I lis Royal Highness the Prince of Wales those brethren who are entitled shall appear in court dress .

I o my mmd thc introduction , in a Masonic meeting , provided the members come decently attired in evening costume , of any other distinctions of dress than those gained in Masonry , is altogether opposed to its true spirit , which assumes that for the purposes of Freemasonry all men meet in its assemblies on the level . The courtly orders or honours worthily won on

battlefields are the just pride of their possessors . Freemasonry , I take it , is for the world in general , and its laurels in . tended for the triumphs of charity , moral example , and brotherly love . " An Old P . M . " writes , " those who arc entitled to court dress can scarcely appear before royalty without wearing it . " I think when he penned this , he could have formed

but a slight conception of the high , noble and generous character of His Boyal Highness the Prince of "Wales , or have reflected that our Grand Master has a mind to comprehend the universe , and has travelled America and the civilized countries of Europe . The tribute to the Prince will not be that a few appear in court dress , but that the thousands of Masons who attend

to do-him homage will represent all ranks of society . The installation of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will serve a far higher purpose than that of presenting a grand spectacle to thc privileged few . From east to west , from north to south , over the whole surface of the globe , wherever Masons assemble , in all thc various- tongues of the earth , will it be told how a Prince

of the Blood Royal of England is seated in the chair of King Solomon . The moral effect of thc heir to the mightiest empire the world e ' er saw , linking his hand in brotherly love with the humblest of its subjects , the stimulus Freemasonry will receive from this event , will be the work of thc historian to relate .

But let him not also have to chronicle that on that day were introduced class distinctions foreign to Freemasonry , and calculated at no distant period to undermine that brotherly love which is its foundation . The force of example is very great , and were court dress worn on this occasion , attempts would be made in our colonies to feebly imitate the proceedings . In small

communities an element of discord would be introduced , which could not fail to have a very disastrous effect on the welfare of the Order . Men who attended the leye ' es of the Viceroy or Governor would no doubt , consider themselves entitled to wear court dress in lodge ; small coteries would thus be formed in the lodges of those who did , and those who did not , wear

court dress ; jealousios and bitter feelings would beengendercd , and the Order would undoubtedly suffer . I think 1 have made out a clear case why court dress should not be introduced into Masonry , and I trust thc brethren in charge of the arrangements for thc installation of his Royal Highness , will , instead of making the order desired by " an Old P . M ., " distinctly state that it is not to be worn . No one

can esteem and respect more highly than I do , thc conscientious efforts of the many distinguished noblemen who arc such bright examples in Masonry , and who so worthily adorn the Order . I think if they were personally consulted they would be found to rest their claims on something higher than thc court clothing they may be entitled to assume , and they would be the last to wish so to appear

in a Masonic Lodge . By all means let us give our Royal Grand Master a right loyal , hearty and Masonic welcome , that will assure him he reigns over the hearts of the Masons of this country , as well as over the lodges ; but let us take care not to infringe on thc ancient landmarks of that which was intended for all men and all time . I am , dear sir and brother , yours fraternally , EDWAIII ) Jons WAHORU .

To lhe Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In your impression of to-day , I notice two letters on the above subject signed "Ich l 3 icn , " and "An Old P . M ., " Loth of which will I hope receive from " the powers that be , " the consideration their importance demands .

The installation of a M . W . G . M . is not a matter of every day occurrence , and when such an event happens too much prominence cannot be attached to it . But in this instance thc proceeding is of more than ordinary interest . Not only are we about to install a M . W . G . M ., but wc are going to place at our head a Prince of the Blood ltoyal , the heir

Original Correspondence.

to thc most powerful throne in- the world , and this circumstance will of itself be sufficient to give such an impetus to Freemasonry as cannot fail to make a lasting impression on the future of the Craft . Who will not feel it an honour in days to come to say , " I was present when the Prince of Wales was installed as Grand Master , " and who would not point with pride to a medal commemmorative of such

an auspicious occasion . Then let us have a medal by all means , but I would not restrict it , as " Ich Dien " does , to to those only who attend the Albert Hall on the 28 th of April . Many W . M . ' s , however desirous they may be of being present , will be prevented from some cause or other o f putting in an appearance , and assuming that such a medal be granted it would be manifestly unfair to deprive them ,

as representatives of their respective lodges , of an honour conferred on their more fortunate compeers . My suggestion then is that , in addition to every brother present at the ceremony , every W . M . for the time being , whether , at home or abroad , should be entitled to the distinction , " Ich Dien " asks you to write " a short leader on the subject , " and I hope you will do so in an early number , in

order that it may be thoroughly ventilated . With regard to the question of dress , to which " An Old P . M . " alludes , it must be remembered that , comparatively speaking , very few of those who will claim admission on the day in question will be entitled to the honour of appearing in court dress , while it is scarcely necessary to remind them that evening dress will be indispensable . I cordially

endorse the opinion of " An Old P . M ., " that those who can affect court dress , or the uniform of the army , navy , or reserve forces should be requested to do so , and I trust that an order to this effect will be duly issued . I remain , yours truly and fraternally , I . J . HOOPER WILKINS , W . M . 73 , & c . Westbury Lodge , Eltham , Kent , 27 th Feb . 1875 ,

To the Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I cannot agree with the suggestion of your correspondent " T . C . W ., " and am of opinion that the foundation of scholarships would be more in accordance with the principles of the Craft . Should this not be acceptable , then a sufficient sum should be ra'sed to secure the election of

the 147 candidates now upon the lists for the forthcoming elections of our charities ; this would indeed be a lasting commemoration of the accession of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales as Grand Master . More tinsel is Hot required ; wc have already too much . I am , dear sir and brother , yours fraternally , J CIIN CONSTABLE , P . M . 185 .

THE ADMISSION . OF NEW MEMBERS . To the Editor if lhe Freemason , Dear Sir and Brother , — It is with great pleasure I see this ? subject is being taken up , its importance is so patent to all true Masons that it is to be hoped that now the ball has been set rolling , it will not be allowed to settle down until Grand Lodge

has , Atlas-like , taken it upon its shoulders . Vour correspondent , " A Sincere Mason , " would seem to infer that Masons should possess great powers of discernment , if , as he says , they are to judge whether this man , or that man " will be capable of appreciating the beauties of Freemasonry , " this , in my opinion , is beyond our power . My experience may be limited , but I have seen candidates

recommended , privately , as being " just the men , " and such men proving , so far as Freemasonry is concerned , miserable failures . I would ask , how is a man to impress his Masonic friends that the beauties of Freemasonry will make an impression upon his mind ? All we can do , and thc real point to aim at , is , only admitting into our ranks men of thc highest order of intellect . Depend upon it , sir ,

that thc greater thc intellectual capacity , the greater the appreciation of Freemasonry . So far as holding lodges at public-houses I agree entirely with " A Sincere Mason . " Nothing can be more derogatory to our glorious and noble Order , than for lodges to meet in such places now-a-days . It is to be hoped that the brethren will see this in its proper light , and that ere many years it will pass into tradition

that " once upon a time" lodges were even held in taverns , etc . There is one system I have seen , which to a certain extent prevents unsuitable men being admitted , it is as follows , for instance : at January Lodge notice is juven that at the next regular lodge , Mr . So-and-so will be proposed ; this is entered on the minutes , and such notice is on all thc summonses for February Lodge , when the

gentleman is duly proposed and seconded , this is again entered on the minutes , antl issued on the summons for March Lodge , when the ballot is taken . The Provincial Lodge of Yorkshire made bye-laws and issued certain forms for this purpose . A man applies in the town where he resides , to be admitted into Freemasonry , and he is , perhaps for excellent

reasons , refused ; he applies elsewhere , and probably being known casually , he is admitted ; so by our loose system , — had wc better not say " our want of system ?"—he is enabled to snap his fingers in thc face of those who refused him , and who would not ( in some cases ) associate with the man under any circumstances . To look at things in their most cheerful light , we may ask ourselves if Masonry may not

do such men some good . Never , for a man who would thus be admitted surreptitiously , feels the mistake , and what might have engendered love , engenders hate , cr at least ridicule , so doing incalculable harm in lowering thc standard and dignity of our institution . It is idle to conceal that such cases as these are of daily occurrence . What

we must do is , not to let this subject drop until Grand Lodge affords us that protection , we must sooner or later possess . Why is it the so-called higher degrees are so fashionable ? The reason is obvious—it is the re-refining influence of the ballot ; it is , so to speak , a process of distilling ; once in , a member instinctively feels this , and once having felt it , never fails to guard his privileges .

Original Correspondence.

Grand Lodge must ( ultimately ") make it imperative on all its lodges , that no person shall be initiated , nor a brother affiliated , in anyplace other than where he resides without such lod ge making certain enquiries , and such questions and the answers thereto shall be read aloud in

open lodge , previous to the ballot being taken for such candidate , and a full report entered on thc minutes , and further , such initiation or affiliation shall not be allowed ( under these circumstances ) , until thc next regular lodge and not then , until the minutes shall have been duly read ' and confirmed .

Further , if the person seeking initiation or affiliation resides in a town or place where there is more than one lodge , it shall be incumbent on the lodge wherein he seeks admission to make enquiries at each and every lodge at or near ( within a given radius ) where the candidate resides . Such regulations as these would soon render the disgraces the Craft has suffered an impossibility , for any

lodge so neglecting should be liable to forfeiture of its warrant . For further protection , when applying for a Grand Lodge certificate for a candidate so admitted , such application should beaccompanied by a special declaration , signed by the W . M . and Secretary , to the effect that the special B ye-Laws herein provided had been scrupulousl y adhered to . When this subject came before Grand Lodge , it would be a

favourable opportunity to suggest thc raising of the minimum fee to , say five guineas , inclusive of registration and certificate fees , and for a joining member three guineas , inclusive . I trust abler hands will tackle this important subject , and you , amongst them , give us thc benefit oi your powerful pen , to keep up the cry . In conclusion , I

scarcely think it necessary to make any apologies for trespassing on your valuable space , for I think I express the sentiments of all your subscribers when I say that wc English Masons feel that for such high purposes as these we are proud and happy in possessing such an organ ns thc Freemason .

I am , fraternally yours , "An REM . " [ We are very happy in being able to print the above interesting communication , but the pressure on our space prevents us reproducing the two printed forms , and which we think are not necessary to our brother's lucid argument . We have written privately . —ED . ]

MR . BRADLAUGH AND FREEMASONRY . To the Editor ofthe Freemason , Dear Sir and Brother , — I notice in the Freemason for Feb . 20 th an account of the visit of the King of the Sandwich Islands to the Masonic Temple , New York , U . S . A ., I have lately had forwarded to me another account of a reception still

more extraordinary in the annals of American -Freemasonry . Mr . Bradlaugh , of London , is now visiting America , and in the National Reformer gives weekly a sketch of his tour through thc country . In his fourteenth , letter is the following : — . " The Columbian Lodge of Freemasons had invited me to be their guest on the occasion of the reception tendered

to David Kalakua , King of the Sandwich Islands and his suite . The Sandwich Islands are not precisely the largest in thc world j but King Kalakua is thc first live king who has made a tour in America , and is therefore a notability . In addition , malicious people say that there is a disposition to annex the Sandwich Islands to the United States , just as the Fiji Islands have been recently annexed to

England . " On reaching the Boston and Maine Depot I found my sleigh awaiting me , and it soon went scrunching and splashing through the snow and ice , with the hail pelting down furiously . At last I was safely deposited at the door of the very fine Masonic Temple in Trcmont-street . On entering the lodge , under escort of the courteous

Marshall , Bro . R . C . Nichols , I found more than three hundred members present , including Past Masters of other lodges , and was assigned a scat in the east by the Worshipful Master . Thc business of the lodge , when I entered , was the raising a Fellow-Craftsman to the Master ' s degree , and 1 had a full opportunity , for about three quarters of an hour , of studying King Kalakua ,

whose chair was next to mine on my left . He is a stout , lusty-looking man , with a fairly-fine broad forehead , but with the thick lips and nostrils and coloured skin , more especially found in the negro race . He was accompanied by Governors Dominis and Kapena , the first aiiAmerican , the second Sandwich-born , who were seated on my right . During an interval of relaxation 1 was presented to his

Majesty , to whom I simply bowed , just touching his hand , which he held towards me , no words being used by either ; after thc lodge was closed , we all ascended to the banquet hall . " " Thc Bos' 011 Ai ' i'crliscr says * . — '" The reception to the King by Columbian Lodge of Masons was an imposing affair . Over 500 persons were

entertained , including the Deputy Grand Master of the Boston district , with most of the deputies of the State ( all in full regalia ) , and all the Masters of the Masons' Association . The stairways and entrance halls were crowded with persons endeavouring to gain a look at the brilliant scene . The banquet was the finest ever set in the temple , and the tables were freighted with the richest delicacies ,

silver ware , floral adornings , ornamental pieces of confections bearing the flags of the Sandwich Islands and the United States , tec . The banquet was concluded soon after midnight , the King and suite expressing themselves highly delighted with the entertainment and attentions they had received . The Worshipful Master , William J .

Stevens , presided , and speeches , interspersed with music , were made by Dr . Winslow Lewis , John T . Hurd , Mr . Bradlaugh , the King and the two members of his suite , Lieutenant George M . Totten , U . S . N ., J . B . Smith , William D . Coolidge , Joshua A . Stcarus , George G . Smith , and by others . " When called on to speak , in response to my health , pro-