Original Correspondence.

bv the Worshipful Master , I was received with p , warm greeting , and determined at least to try to say a VC e thincr that deserved it . The King , who had briefly S < " k n before I rose , had said that Masonry knew no dis-5 - rtions of colour , referring to thc presence of himself , r -rnor Kapcna , and lhe coloured Junior Warden of . ° 1 L -, Lodsre . J . B . Smith . Waiting till thc cheering had

, bsided , I said * . ' Worshipful Master and Brethren , —No s " ter evidence may be found of the equality amongst us tian is g iven in this presence . That true Freemasonry knows no distinction of colour has been affirmed in words by our brother opposite , and is demonstrated . fact ; by his presence , and that of our honoured brother , and my good friend , from Adelphi Lodge , who stands beside me . That true Freemasonry knows no

distinctions of class is here made manifest by the putting myself and our brother from the Hawaiian Isles on a level at our work , at the same table at our feast ; as that under the roof of this temple there is penalty for no shade of thought , so that it be honest ; for no utterance of opinion , so that it be fraternal and earnest . The majesty that Freemasonry delights to honour is the majesty of earnest manhood , the

kingship which comes of effort , not of birth , the heroism of endeavour for human progress . Speaking for an orient which has on its muster-rolls many uncrowned kings , for a lodge which has had amongst its brethren Joseph Mazzini , Joseph Garibaldi , and Louis Blanc , I venture to hope that all our brethren will understand that true Masonic work is in the deliverance of humankind from poverty ,

ignorance , and superstitution . We who claim to be Freemasons should seek so to use our trowels on the steps of the world ' s upward pathway , that the weak and less sure-footed may climb more easily the happiness that all humanity always seeks , but , from want of light or strength , does not always find . ' At the conclusion of my speech , which lasted about ten minutes , the whole of those

present gave me Masonic honours , and then three cheers and ' a tiger ; ' and then the King , rising again , proposed a toast , ' The Cause of Humanity , ' and said to me : 'We have gone through the form of shaking hands before j will you shake hands with me really now , on the ground of our common humanity ? ' and we then shook hands amidst much cheering . Dr . Winslow Lewis , who is an

eminent and liberal physician in Boston , made a most humorous address . The old gentleman is evidently highly esteemed in Boston , and his reference to Mastai Ferretti , the excommunicated Mason , who is known as Pio Nono , was warmly greeted . Govenor Dominis created some pleasantry by inviting us to visit the Sandwich Islands , there being evidently a strong under-current

of opinion that " roast missionary" still figured on the hotel bills of fare in those sea-girt countries . " Is not thc foregoing remarkable , especially in a . country containing Grand Lodges , who do not consider anyone eligible who denies the inspiration of the scripture . I have heard that Mr . Bradlaugh is an atheist . Can it be so , and yet for him to be a Mason ? This is a matter

of great importance , and I feel sure that the readers of the Freemason , as with myself , will be anxious to have the question settled . To what lodge and Grand Lodge docs Mr . Bradlaugh belong ? Is he an English Freemason or what ? I do not desire to refer either to his religious (?) or his political opinions , because as Freemasons we have little to do with either , but surely it should be clearly established that an atheist cannot be a Freemason

anywhere . Mr . Bradlaugh has not only been to New York , but also to Boston , and in the latter city he was present , by special invitation , at a festival of a most remarkable character . In his own terse language , and hearty sympathizing tone , in which we join , the meeting is thus described : A few years ago no coloured men were admitted

to the Masonic brotherhood in any part of the United States . Last night was thc first case in which a coloured Freemason was elected to be an office bearer in any regular lodge . About eight years ago the St . Andrews Lodge made Joshua B . Smith ( Sumner's devoted friend ) and six other coloured men Freemasons , with thc intent that they might establish a coloured men ' s lodge . The

Grand Lodge of Massachusetts , however , did not issue the warrant for such a lodge , and the purpose was abandoned . Joshua B . Smith , who was a Justice of the Peace for Massachusetts , and who had in the interval been elected to thc Senate of that state , became a member of thc Adelphi Lodge , meeting in South Boston , and

yesterday evening he was formally installed as Junior Warden . We say all honour to the Boston Freemasons for so doing , and we thank Mr . Bradlaugh for thc information . We would now , however , like to know if the brother mentioned is a deist . If so , his being a Mason is explained . If an atheist , what does it all mean ? REVIHESCO .

THE PUBLIC HOUSE QUESTION . To the Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I have read , with interest , several letters in your last number , in reference to some points in the working of our Order , which I have always held to be of vital importance ; namely , the holding of meetings of lodges in taverns and

public houses—care in the selection of candidates for our privileges—thc discontinuance of interest in Masonic proceedings by brethren after they have passed the first chair of their respective lodges and chapters . To these I may add another , which considerable experience has convinced nie is a matter wcl ! worthy of consideration and legislation

by our authorities ; that is a provision , that no brother shall be elected to fill the chair until he has proved his competency to perform the duties thereof . Before proceeding to enlarge on these points , allow mc to state that I am a Mason of twenty-eight , and a P . M . of twenty-five years ' standing , that within a year of my initiation I was able to work all the ceremonies , and very soon after to give the

Original Correspondence.

ectures , and have been equally competent in the Arch and Mark Degrees within a short period of my admission to them . For about ten years , from 1857 to 1867 , I was a regular correspondent of your predecessor , the " Freemasons' Magazine , " generally known under the signature , which I attach to this letter , but since that time , advancing years and other circumstances have , led mc to restrict

myself to local usefulness in the provinces in which "I have been successively located , no less than four , and of my exertions in each I can produce documentary evidence . I happen to possess the Masonic Calendar and Pocket Book for every year from 1857 , and the " Freemasons ' Magazine " from January , 1859 , till its last date , Nov . 4 th , 1871 . ( The last is an answer to the inquiry made by

W . J . H . on page 75 of your last number . ) I have also the Freemason from its commencement in 1869 . In respect to the holding of lodge meetings in taverns , I have just examined the Calendar for 1850 , and find that at that period , 385 lodges in England and Wales met in such places of public resort , and 106 , that is about one fourth of the whole number , in Masonic halls , private

rooms , or other buildings , not accessible to the public and unconnected with drinking associations . Our indefatigable Masonic historian , Bro . Hughan , has repeatedly expressed to me his opinion as to the desirableness of individual brethren taking up special subjects , and while he adhered mainly to ilis own , he assigned to me the qucstic n of separate places for our meetings , as well as correctness and

similarity of ritual ; and during the period 1 have named , I endeavoured to carry out this division of labour , nor do I feel that my efforts were unsuccessful , assisted as they were by those of many others who held the views , and were equally impressed with the importance of the subject . I have now examined the Calendar for last year , and I find that while 533 lodges still adhere to what I deem an

objectionable practice ; 463 lodges meet in buildings exclusively devoted to Masonic purposes , or , at least , unconnected with such as are licensed as houses of public entertainment , that is , in round numbers , about ninetwentieths . I may mention that there are a very few , perhaps twenty , as to which the place of meeting is not specified ; of these I have taken no accourit on either

side . The number 533 is still very large , but the proportion is greatly changed during the last , quarter of a century , and a great improvement is manifest . Let us hope that by the year 19 , 00 the adoption of special buildings will be almost universal . The next point I have mentioned is care in the selection of candidates for Freemasonry . I have seen many cases of

neglect on this head , and in some instances have refused to attend meetings of my lodge , while doubtful men were taking the several degrees , and when I have felt that there has been a laxity in instituting rigid inquiry . In some lodges in one province to which I belonged , intermediate meetings of the officers were held , and no candidates were allowed to be proposed without the sanction of the brethren

attending those meetings , that is , of those who were more immediately responsible for the good government and welfare of the body . As to the third point—continued interest in , and regular attendance at the meetings of the lodge on the part of Past Masters—I do not see that there can be any interference with individual action , but in order to show my

opinion on the subject , whenever I am called upon to instal a W . M ., before delivering the three customary addresses at thc close of the ceremony , I give a special one to the I . P . M ., explaining the Masonic application of his jewel , and enforcing the importance of continued attendance at the meetings of the lodge so long as he continues a member

of it . With respect to the fourth subject , to which I have alluded , I have generally found that when a W . M . has felt himself incompetent to discharge his duties by want ol acquaintance with the ritual , he has requested some P . M . to work the ceremonies for him . Indeed I think that

every aspirant to the position of W . M . of a lodge , or Principal of a chapter , should be required to prove his competency before election . I am told that this course is sometimes adopted , but I imagine that it is very rare . I am aware that many Masons plead the calls of business and family engagements as an excuse , but I hold

that in such case they should not undertake what they know they cannot perform , nor can I understand how they can conscientiously give thc necessary pledges on installation . In the hope that these remarks will tend to forward the views of your other correspondents , I am , yours fraternally , II . 11 .

THE RIGHT OF VISITING LODGES . To lhe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Referring to the letter of Bro . W . I . Adye , in your impression of 20 th ult ., I must say I was much disappointed at not finding in your last number an answer to this most important question from some brother of

acknowledged influence in the Craft . I am unacquainted with " Busy Bee , " but I should imagine he has not spent much of his time in flitting from "flower to flower , " but on the contrary , has confined himself to the parent hive . It seems to be the general impression of the brethren of this province , inculcated by our provincial rulers in the Craft , that a Mason has a right to visit any lodge of the town in which he resides , by simply proving himself a subscribing

member of thc Craft , and that an examination at least cannot lawfully be denied when properly demanded . Referring to the "Summary of Ancient Charges , " etc ., to be read to the Master elect of a lodge prior to his installation . I find the following : — "No . 7 . You agree to be courteous to your brother , etc . " " No . 8 . You promise to respect genuine and true brethren . " Now it appears to me that Bro . Adye was not even examined by any member of the Domatic Lodge , but that he was simply informed

Original Correspondence.

that he was "in thc way . " I would ask— - "Was that courteous behaviour ? " or— " Was it showing respect to the brethren ? " I am led to believe that in the " Ancient Charges , at the constitution of a lodge , " contained in a M . S . of thc Lodge of Antiquity , it is directed— " That every Mason receive and cherish strange fellows when they come over the countrie , and sett them on worke , if they will

worke , as the manner is ; that is to say , if the Mason have any mould stone in his place , he shall give him a mould stone and sett him on worke ; and if he have none , thc Mason shall refresh him with money unto the next lodge . " This appears to me to be explicit as to the ri ght of every Mason to present himself at the door of a strange lodge , and to demand an examination , which , if properly complied with , should suffice to allow of his admission .

Permit me to say that if this right be denied , the foundation of our noble fabric would appear to be built upon sand , for what becomes of our boasted "three grand principles , " when one of the chief benefits of our ancient institution is hereby scattered to the wind ? I am , dear sir and brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , F D . MAUSIJEN , I . P . M . 712 , Prov . Grand Secretary , Lincolnshire .

THE APOLLO UNIVERSITY LODGE . To the Editor if thc Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In the report of the celebration of the 5 6 th anniversary festival of the Apollo Lodge , Oxford , in your last issue , I observe one or two startling announcements , and as wc regard Oxford as one of thc great founts of

knowledge , Masonic and otherwise , I am disposed to ask a question or two . It is stated " there were ten candidates for initiation , who were all admitted to the mysteries of Freemasonry * , " this by dispensation , I imagine , although it is not so stated . Was there a dispensation for the closing of the lodge in " ample form ? " as described by

your correspondent . I am aware Oxford has some Masonic privileges , but do not quite understand this as one of them . I am'Jnduced to notice ' this statement lest they may mislead . I am , sir , yours fraternally , . AN OLU P . M .

THE STATUS OF PAST MASTERS . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brothery- ^ -r ' ' ¦ . At line thirteen ofnjy , 'letter on the above subject in your last issue , I - anv ^ -epresented as having written that "An Old P . M . seems to me to be correct , " instead of " incorrect . " The mistake is important , as completely upsetting the intended meaning of my letter . Yours fraternally , BUSY BEE .

OFFICIAL VISITS TO LODGES . To the Editor of lhe Freemason . . Dear Sir and Brother , — Will you kindly state in your next edition , the etiquette to be observed in paying official visits to other lodges . TheW . M ., officers , and brethren ( of the lodge visiting ) ,

having entered the lodge and taken their seats , witness the business of the evening . After which the presiding Master rises , and in a few appropriate remarks , acknowledges the honour and pleasure of being visited by lodge ( so and so ) . Then the W . M . ( of the lodge visiting ) responds . Now , what I should like to know is , " When the

presiding Master is acknowledging the visit , do all the members ofhis lodge rise and remain standing whilst he speaks ? -and do the W . M . and brethren ( of the lodge visiting ) stand at the same time , if so , you will perceive we are all standing at one time . I consider this wrong . That which I think correct , is , whilst the presiding Master welcomes the visiting lodge , the members of his lodge

stand ( when he has finished speaking of course he and they sit down ) , then when the W . M . of visiting lodge rises to respond , all thc members of same , rise and remain standing with him . Kindly say whether-1 . am correct ; if wrong , state what it should be , I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , M . M ., Bristol .

ROYAL STANDARD LODGE , ( No . 159 8 . ) To the Editor if I lie Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — A " P . M . " has misunderstood the meaning of thc words used by Bro . Younghusband at the last meeting of thc Koyal Standard Lodge , the report of which appeared in your columns of the 20 th ult ., page 73 .

Bro . Younghusband ' s words were : — " Permit me now , in the name of the Royal Standard Lodge , ( No . 1298 , ) of which you were thc founder , as thc Consecrating Officer , and first occupant of its chair to present , " & c . oic . Bro . Younghusband , having been the Consecrating Officer , of necessity became the chair's first occupier * Yours , truly . M . M .

Metropolitan Masonic Meetings.

METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS .

For the Week ending Inday , March 12 , 1875 . The Editor will be glad to receive notice from Secre . taries of Craft Lodges , Royal Arch Chapters , Mark Lodges , Preceptories , Conclaves , & c , of any change in place or time of meeting .

SATURDAY , MARCH 6 . General Committee Boys ' School , at 4 . Lodge 142 , St . Thomas's , City Terminus Hotel , Can . non-street . „ 1412 , La Iberia , Hill-road , St . John ' s Wood . „ 1470 , Thames Valley , " Ship Hotel , Halliford , near Shepperton .