Annual Provincial Festival At Glasgow.

in large English cities . In this respect we are below the standard to which most of the small Eng lish towns have attained , and when wc take into consideration the very influential position which Glasgow occupies among the cities in Great Britain , it surely says little for the Craft in

Glasgow that a proper hall or lodge has not long since been erected by us . I have reason to know that although this matter has lain in abeyance in consequence of the lamented death of Captain Speirs , it is now to be taken up with vigour ; and you will permit me to express the hope that you will

all become shareholders of the company , as well as making it one of your greatest endeavours to influence as many members of the Craft as possible to become shareholders . This is a matter that requires an effort to be put forth ere it can be accomplished , but surely if we unanimously resolve to take the

burden on our shoulders it shall be done , and when it is accomplished I have no hesitation in thinking that it will cement the friendship among us , consolidate the Craft , and make Glasgow occupy that position in Masonry which it docs in wealth and importance among the great cities of the empire .

( Applause . ) In the name of the Freemasons of Glasgow I now beg to thank the strangers for their presence to grace our annual festival , more particularly the ladies , whose bright eyes and happy smiles add such brilliancy and delight to our assembly . Obliged as we Masons are to hold our ordinary

meetings in solemn Conclave within guarded walls , where no bright eyes may penetrate , it is a great relief to us to be able to meet here , and have those we love best and dearest around us . ( Applause . ) No man or woman can be happy alone—our real pleasures , our joys , our happiness , can only exist in

the fellowship of our brethren of mankind . We are entirely dependent upon one another , not only for gaining the means of our existence , but for making the lifetime of that existence bearable . How little do we think of this when pushing our way through the world ; and how seldom do we realise how much

our own happiness depends upon the happiness of others—all is well illustrated by our meeting here together this evening . ( Applause . ) It is very remarkable to observe how mankind associate together , forming bonds of union . Studying the pages which record the history of the world , we find

the inhabitants of this earth of ours united together , as it were , in . different great families—each family speaking the same language , following the same customs and laws , and living in peace together . But when one of these communities of mankind comes in contact with another , their difference of language

diversity of customs and laws—like two opposite electric currents—repel each other with violence , and war is the result . The weak succumb to the strong , but they unite with other weak unions , and the strong is overcome in turn ; they againjoin others , and thus the strife is prolonged . Communities for

common defence form common laws , learn to speak the same tongue , accept a common leader , and become a nation . Such has been the history of all the nations in the world . But let us follow a little further the history of these peoples or nations . They again are absorbed into kingdoms and empires .

Where are now the different peoples united under the rule of the Czar of Russia , the Emperors of France and Prussia and Austria ? In our own land the English , Scotch , and Irish nations arc one . To the many , ancient tongues arc but little known ; and the time seems to be approaching when nearly all

the civilised world will speak one universal language . Even now wc might say there are but four or live useful languages . We find also that the different peoples all over the world are gradually assimilating their customs , habits , and laws . That great power , drawn from its hiding-place by an immortal Watt ,

has made such highways in every ocean that nations run to and fro upon it , embracing each other in the peaceful arms of commerce ; and the iron horse snorts in every land impatient in the work of carrying knowledge and goodwill to all men , whilst the Spirit of Light , watching these great efforts , calms

the ruffling tempers of men by flashing harmony and concord from pole to pole . Brethren , in this wonderful age in which wc live the great walls which divided nation from nation seem to be crumbling down , and the peoples appear to be uniting to acknowledge the rights of civil and religious liberty ,

and speak the common language of brotherly love . Brethren , we may not be called upon , as the brethren of our most ancient order were in ages past , to rear statel y monuments and build great temples ; but let us go on in the noble work wc aim at—in building

up the moral and intellectual powers of ourselves and our fellow-men , and so leave nobler and greater living monuments behind us , rearing that temple where justice , charity , and love arc supported upon the stately pillars of truth , making everv stone praise to the great I Am . ( Applause . )

I he musical part of the programme was sustained by Miss Bessie Aitkcn , Miss Lily Boyd , Mr . Hamilton Corbett , Mr . Robert Fraser , and Mr . J . W . Crawford . Mr . E . Berger was pianist . A full dress assembl y took place after the concert .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Reports of Masonic Meetings .

TEE CRAFT .

METROPOLITAN . Royal Jubilee Lodge , A o . 72 . —The installation meeting of the Royal Jubilee Lodge , No . 72 , was held on Monday evening , at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , and was numerously attended . Bro . George Oxford , the excellent W . M ., occupied the chair of K . S . with his usual excellent ability , and was supported by Bros . E . Dodson ,

as S . W . ; H . Wright , as J . W . ; Johnson , S . D . ; Poole , J . D . ; Ii . J . Webb , Treasurer ; Joshua Nunn , P . M . and Secretary ; the following Past Masters , Bros . Webb , R . Claub , Brandon , Lawson , and the following list of influential Masonic visitors : —John Thomas , United Pilgrim ' s Lodge , 507 ( A Prince in Masonry ) ; James Griffin , S . W . of the Doric Lodge , 933 ; Mandelet ,

United Strength ; A . L . Row , S 79 ; W . \ V . Smith , 890 ; Nash , of the Pythagorean , 79 ; Bonny , 79 ; Allatt , Southern Star Lodge , 1158 ; Thomas H . Pulsford , P . M . and Secretary , 115 S ; Vivian , 22 S ( W . M . ) ; Child , Southern Star ; Taylor , Vitravian , S 7 ; Henry Garrod , 709 ; Bisley Robards , 22 S ; C . L . Marshall , 22 ( Neptune ); Schroder , 193 ; W . Jones , 554 ; Clemow , Setchell , and

Chariest . Ihompson , J . W ., Southern Star Lodge . The minutes of the former lodge meeting having been read were duly seconded . Bro . Leggewas passed to the second degree , and Messrs . Curry and Monday , M . D ., were initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry . Bro . Dodson J . W ., was then most ably installed into the chair of K . S ., with which ceremony ho was much impressed .

After which the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet and dessert , superintended by Bro . Smith . — The newly-installed W . M . proposed the health of " Her Majesty the Queen , " which he said was a toast always received with pleasure and love . The toast was well received , the solo parts of the National Anthem being sung by Bro . Oxford , LP . M . and Bro . Dodson . —The

W . M . said thenext toast was always received with pleasure amongst Masons , so it had been for 26 years past . It was the health of the " Right Hon . the Earl of Zetland , M . W . G . M ., " who had tendered his resignation from that high office , he hoped the G . A . O . T . U . would spare him to be of assistance to his successor , the Right Hon . the Earl dc Grey and Ripon . ( Hear , hear ) . —The W . M .

said the toast of "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , P . G . M ., " was the next on the list . He hoped he would be able to devote lime to Ihe interests of the Craft . They would be pleased to be upstanding . —The W . M . then proposed the health of the "Right Hon . the Earlde Grey and Ripon , M . W . G . M .-elcct . ' "—Bro . Oxford , I . P . M ., said he had much pleasure in bringing to the notice

of brethren die " original jubilee punch bowl , " which was thereupon ordered to be filled with the best punch , and handed round to the brethren ; much kindl y feelin <> was manifested . —The W . M . proposed the "Initiates , " which he said was always received with gratification by the members , and also with equal gratification by the W . M . lie was quite sure they would add additional

lustre to the Royal Jubilee Lodge . He hoped they would take great interest in the Craft , and strive to arrive at the position he then held . —The Entered Apprentice ' s song by Bro . Oxford , caused much amusement , especially to the newly initialed brethren . —A Brother returned thanks , and said it had long been his desire to become a Mason , and he trusted he should deserve the tide of a

Mason in every sense of the word . Great honour had been done him in making him a Mason , which he would say in future they would never regret , but would see how highly he appreciated it . It was a most noble Order , and he was proud to have been introduced into it through the medium of the Jubilee Lodge . —The W . M . proposed the "Visitors , coupled with the name of Bro . Thomas , "

a real veteran in Masonry . —Bro . Thomas , in felicitous terms responded , and alluded to the time when Bro . Nunn went through his first installation , and assured the brethren that nothing could give him greater pleasure than to sec so many happy faces , and he sincerely hoped the Jubilee Lodge would continue to work with that love and harmony which should always characterise

Freemasons . ( Hear , hear ) . —Another visitor from Canada having said * a few words , the W . M . said his next duly was a very pleasurable one indeed , and he had the greatest possible confidence it would be received by the brethren with enthusiasm . It was ( lie health of the "I . P . M ., Bro . Oxford , " and in proposing that , he begged on behalf of the members of the lodge , his acceptance of a handsome P . M . ' s Jewel . ( Cheers ) . The members

however , were not content with that , and he had a further equally pleasurable duty in introducing a handsome silver tea and coffee service , subscribed by the members , lo his notice , and begging on their behalf his acceptance of the same , and an assurance of their hi gh esteem of his merits . He ( Bro . Dodson ) , felt particularly proud in having the honour of telling Bro . Oxford how much the brethren appreciate him . After some other congratulating and appropriate remarks , lie read the following :

"Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , City , Jan . 3 rd , 1 S 70 . "To Bro . George Oxford , P . M ., Royal Jubilee Lodge , 72 . "Dear Sir and Brother , —Allow me on behalf of the Royal Jubilee Lodge , No . 72 , to present you with the accompanying service of plale ( raised by subscription

amongst the members ) , as a mark of esteem in commemoration of your passing the chair for the second lime . Hoping that you may live long to enjoy it . With the very best wishes for your welfare . I remain yours faithfully and fraternally . E . Donsox . "

It is almost needless to say great enthusiasm followed , and the toast was received with all the honours . An unusually good fire being given . Bro . Oxford responded in able terms , and the remainder of the evening was passed in fraternal conviviality .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Mount Lebanon Lodge , No . 73 . —On Tuesday , December 21 st , this lodge held its last meeting for the year at the Bridge House Hotel , and Bro . D . Rose , W . M ., initiated two gentlemen into the Order . Bro . F . H . Ebsworth , S . W ., was elected W . M . ; Bro . E . Harris , P . M ., Treas . ; Bro . W . Aldhouse , T . ; and Bro . W . Y . Lairig , Asst . T . A six-guinea P . M . jewel was voted to Bro . Rose , and

after the lodge business was concluded the brethren adjourned to banquet . In addition to the brethren mentioned above ,, there were also present—Bros . M . A . Loewenstark , J . W . ; J . Donkin , P . M ., Secretary ; G . Free , S . D . ; R . Stevens , D . C . ; A . L . Dussek , W . S . ; F , Walters , P . M . ; E . N . Levi , P . M ., and a long list of brethren not in office .

St . John ' s Lodge , No . 90 . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at Radley ' s Hotel , Bridge-street , Blackfriars , on Monday evening ! the 3 rd instant . The W . M , Bro . J . P . Griffin , was supported on this occasion by' the following officers and brethren : —Bros . S . C . Hadley , S . W ., W . M .-elect ; Taylor , P . M ., Acting J . W . ; Gutierrez , S . D . ; Eglese , P . M . and Treasurer ; Griffin ,

P , M . and Secretary ; McDougall and Adam , P . M . ' s ; Bros . Strachan , Pidcock , Hunter , Ruston , Farrar , Hickman , and Rumford . Bro . S . C . Hadley was installed in the chair of King Solomon , as Ruler of the lodge for year ensuing , the ceremony being most ably performed by Bro . Eglese , P . M . and Treasurer of the lodge . The W . M . having appointed and invested his officers for the

year ensuing , the lodge was closed in due form . The brethren adjourned from labour to refreshment in the banqueting room , where Bro . Hart had prepared a banquet in his usual elegant style . The visitors present on the occasion , were Bros . Paten , P . G . S . B . and Sec . of the Girls' School ; Fawcett , P . Prov . Grand Organist ; Cord well , W . M " . Fidelity , No . 3 ; Willey P . M . Albion ,

No . 9 ; Harcourt , P . M . Neptune , No . 22 ; Rosenthal , P . M . No . 92 ; Muggeridge , P . M . No . 192 ; Dosell , P . M . No . 55 ; Hardy , P . M . No . 752 ; Lcath , St . John ' s , No . 167 ; Chappie , Royal York , No . 7 ; A . McDougall , No . 3 ; Webber , No . 907 . After the Banquet the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , including that of our Bro . I-I . R . H . the Prince of Wales , P . G . M ., and

the brethren broke up at an early hour after passing a most enjoyable evening . Lodge of Temperance , No . 169 . —This lodge met on the 16 th December , at the White Swan , High-street , Deptford , Bro . J . D . Woodland , W . M ., in the chair . One brother was passed to the F . C . degree , and Bro . J . T . Moss , a P . S . W ., was elected by a majority to fill the

office of Master . Bro . J . Barrett , P . M ., was elected Treasurer , and Bro . J . L . Winn , T . A five-guinea jewel was voted to Bro . Woodland on his becoming one of the P . M . ' s , and after the lodge was closed the brethren sat down to an excellent banquet . Bros . A . Pulley , S . W . ;

Marshall , J . W . ; G . Brown , P . M ., Treas . ; J . T . Tibbal , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Rosentock , S . D . ; Tippett , J . D . ; T . Littlecott , I . G . ; G . Bolton , P . M . ; N . Wingfiekl , P . M . ; Nowlan , P . M . ; J . Scarl , P . M . ; F , Walters , W . M . ( 871 ) : G . J . Loe ( 73 ) , and C . G . Dilley , S . W . ( 1155 ) were present during the evening .

Royal Oak Lodge , JVO . 871 . —This lodge assembled on Wednesday week at the Royal Oak , Dcptford . Bro . F , Walters , W . M ., passed Bros . Dawe , Simmons , Harman , and Pakes , but having to attend the Board of Benevolence to support the case of a widow , he deputed Bro . Andrews , P . M ., to pass Bro . Lea and initiate Mr . C . Letton . £$ was voted to the Male Annuity , making £ 25 given to the

same chanty in three successive meetings ; the lodge was then closed , and the banquet followed . Bros . Barrett , Collington , P . M ., Treas ., Hawkes , Andrews , Killner , Whiffen , Ellis , Dalziel , Reed , Truelove , Turner , King , E . Harris ( 73 ) , Roper ( 147 ) , Patte ( 147 ) , II . Muggeridge ( 192 ) , Barnes ( 700 ) , and Terry ( 127 S ) , & c , were present . Lodge of Temperance in the East , No . SoS . —The

usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Assembly Rooms , Poplar , on Wednesday , the 29 th lilt . At six o ' clock the W . M ., Bro . Cannon , sounded his gavel , and Bros . Marficet , S . W . ; Drummond , J . W ., /;•

meeting were read and confirmed . Ballot then took place for Mr . William Allan , the eminent barge-builder of Lower Shadwell , which proving unanimous , a little dis- appointment was evinced when it was announced that pressing business would prevent his attendance that evening . Mr . Henry Rogers , whose ballot had also been successful , was introduced and admitted to the privileges

of Ancient Freemasonry ; the whole ceremony was very neatly done . An itinerent brother , from a lodge in Edinburgh , under the Scottish dispensation , whose certificate appeared to be well thumbed , and had a peculiar and inexplicable ink-erasure at the back margin , was relieved with ten shillings from the lodge funds . Captain Owen , of the clipper Flying Cloud , and Mr . Isaac , lighterman ,

of I . imeliouse , were proposed for initiation on the last Wednesday in this month . The business of the evening being concluded , the lodge was closed , and the brethren retired to the banquctting-room , where a sumptuous Christmas dinner awaited them . Amongst ihe visitors we noticed Bros . West ( British Oak ) , Osborne ( P . M ., Neptune 22 ) , Wiggens ( 217 ) , Abbot ( P . M ., 217 ) , Shaw

P . S . W , and P . P . S . W ., 496 ) , Batten ( 174 ) , and a West Indian brother , perfectly black , named Williams , who hails from Lodge No . 217 . The customary loyal , and Masonic , and routine toasts were proposed and responded to , with the usual cast-end heartiness . " The White Squall " ( Duncan ) , "The Musketeer" ( Batten ) , "The Charming

Young Widow" and the laughable recitation of "The Frenchman and his Family" ( Osborne ) , contributed to the amusement of a snug jovial party of about forty . In the course of the evening it was elicited that the black visiting brother ( Williams ) , shipped for a voyage immediately after his initiation and payment of his private and Grand