New York Hall And Asylum Fund.

NEW YORK HALL AND ASYLUM FUND .

In his address at the annual communication in June last of the Grand Lodge of New York , Grand Master LAWRENCE gave a full account of the work done during the past year for the Hall and Asylum Fund . He said : As our affairs stand to-day , there is no reasonable doubt that the payment of the debt will be completed before the next meeting of the Grand Lodge . Indeed , it is quite

reasonable to hope that it may be consummated by the close of the present calendar year . Still , the work is not yet done . Flattering calculations in the past have often proved delusive ; and our only course consistent with wisdom is to persevere steadily to the end , until the debt is paid , not prospectively , but actually , and to the last penny . In addition to the great number of lodges which have already

freed themselves from this obligation , many others are now actively pursuing that task , and promise further payments in the near future . The course of the Grand Lodge at this time should , in my judgment , be such as to encourage those who are intending to make such payments , and to impress upon any who still hesitate the necessity for so doing . To one and all it should be made entirely plain that the

payment of the debt is the work of the entire Fraternity , and not of a part of it , and that loyalty to the welfare and to the established purposes of the Craft demands that all alike shall enter upon it and partake in it according to their means . Should the debt be extinguished as speedily as we now hope , it will still remain in the highest degree desirable to increase as far as possible the amount at our

disposal for the erection and conduct of the Asylum ; and to this purpose payments received from the lodges after the debt shall have been completely paid can most usefully be applied . One effort more is needed , my brethren ; and by that effort not only can the debt , with all its bitterness and its burdens , be for ever banished from our sight , but if those whose contributions are yet to come shall respond

with the same heartiness as those who have already given their aid , we shall possess , twelve months from to-day , the tangible and sufficient means to lay the foundation-stone of the Asylum , to place the copestone upon its summit , and to complete it and pay for it to the smallest detail Thus nearly do vve approach that which has been the goal of the Fraternity during nearly half a century ; and thus ,

amidst the happiest surroundings , we bring to a conclusion this review of the events of a most laborious year . While its duties have been exacting , they have been willingly performed , and those who have been entrusted with the management of your affairs may in all sincerity declare that nothing deemed likely to result to the benefit of the Craft has intentionally been left undone .

Are Offences Masonic?

ARE OFFENCES MASONIC ?

It seems strange , and yet it is a fact , that many incongruous expressions long pass unchallenged , their unsuitableness and inappropriateness not being discerned by any of those who use them . Thus it has been with the phrases " Masonic offence " and " Masonic crime . " They have been used in reports of Committees on grievance and appeal , in addresses of Masonic Grand Officers , in reports

on Masonic correspondence , and in Masonic periodicals and papers , unquestioned as to their correctness . Doubtless , thousands Of the Fraternity have uttered them without thinking of their impropriety . Hundreds of times , when searching for gems for this magazine , we have observed them without perceiving their inconsistency , and not till we vvere in the midst of our review work for this issue of

the " Voice of Masonry " did vve discover their discordance , incompatibleness , and irreconcilableness . Then , like an inspiration , the questions came to us , How can an offence , or a crime , be Masonic ? How can a Mason do a Masonic wrong , or commit a Masonic sin ? Instantly the answers followed . There is no concord of Masonry with offences and crimes , and it is

impossible to reconcile a Mason's wrong-doing with the pure principles of Masonic morals . Offences " and crimes are un-Masonic , and a Mason who so seriously errs that he must be disciplined , never is charged with Masonic conduct , but always the contrary . He is not tried on specifications of Masonic doing , but just the reverse . If he is found guilty , the verdict is not that his offence or crime vvas

Masonic , but just the opposite . And if he is expelled , or suspended , or reprimanded , it is not for anything Masonic in his actS j but for the measure of grossness they possess un-Masonically . This being true , the phrases named should be dropped , and for them we should substitute un-Masonic conduct or un-Masonic acts , or some other phrase that contains no disagreement in its signification—no contradiction in its terms . —Voice of Masonry .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . THOMAS DREWETT . Bro . Thomas Drewett , who was initiated in the Lodge of Antiquity , No . 20 , died at his residence , 72 , Southwark Park-road , on Sunday last , after an illness , arising from a complication of disorders , which had kept him almost entirely a prisoner to the house since the beginning of the year . Bro . Drewett was well known in connection with

several well-fought elections to the Benevolent Institution and _ Boys' School of late years , and though , owing to his peripatetic life , he had not taken office in a Iodge , he was known to be a good and true member of the Craft . For the long period of thirty-five years the deceased had been in the employ of the well-known firm of Slee , Slee , and Co . ( formerly Slee , Payne , and Slee ) , of the

Vinegar Works , Horselydown , and also proprietors of the equally well-known Batty and Co . 's manufactory of pickles , preserves , and condiments , Finsbury Pavement . Bro . Drewett was a man of many gifts , and his happy postprandial speeches will be long remembered by those who heard them . The interment took place at Nunhead Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon , when many brethren and other friends gathered together to show the last token of regard .

Upon the coffin were laid many wreaths and floral devices , but of them all one only vvas lowered into the grave , and that vvas a small bunch of old English flowers clustered round a sprig of acacia , sent by Bro . J . C . Barnard , of Sittingbourne . Bro . Herbert Slee , with Messrs . Tucker and Hearne , represented the firm with which Bro . Drewett had been so long connected , and amongst others at the graveside were Bros . Geo . Gabb , John Hodges , A . Hubbard , and E , Elverston .

Obituary.

BRO . JOHN H . YOUNGHUSBAND . We regret to announce the death , at Waterloo , at the ripe age of seventy-seven , and after a long illness , of Bro . John H . Younghusband , who for twenty-eight years prior lo 186 S had filled the post of Secretary and Treasurer to the Liverpool Exchange . This office he resigned to take

charge of the Lombard Newsroom in London as its first manager , but after remaining in office two years , failing health caused his retirement . On leaving the Liverpool Exchange he was the recipient of a costly testimonial from those with whom he was associated in business , and his loss was greatly felt by . the habitues of the newsroom . The

deceased was a prominent member of our Society , being a P . M . of the Merchants' Lodge , No . 241 , and of its offshoot , the Royal Victoria , No . 1013 , as well as a P . Z . of the Chapter of Friendship , No . 241 , and a Past Prov . J . G . Warden , of West Lancashire . One of his good works still survives in the flourishing Merchants' Lodge of

Instruction , No . 241 , of which he vvas virtually the founder , while for many years he filled the onerous post of Treasurer of the West Lancashire Masonic Institution . The interment took place on Thursday , the 30 th ult ., at Crosby Church , being attended by a large and influential gathering of friends , among whom were Messrs .

Calderwood , Watson , Pearson , Greetham , and Mayle ; whilst the brethren were represented by Bros . Captain J . Macnab , 241 , and Secretory W . L . M . Inst . ; G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C . ; J . Pendleton ^ C . A . Luker , Past Masters ; and others . The ceremony was most impressively rendered by the Rev . R . Love , M . A ., Vicar of Great Crosby .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

It almost goes without saying that a drama of the Dr . Jekyll and Mr . Hyde kind vvould not be long played without its being travestied . Mr . George Grossmith has done this , and Bro . Lionel Brough has brought it out on the Royalty stage . A piece like Mr . Louis Stevenson's , which deals with the superanatural , does not lend itself very readily for burlesque , as in it the original nearly approaches

the ludicrous . However , Mr . Grossmith , without keeping strictly to the " strange story" of Dr . Jekyll and Mr . Hyde , has made plenty of fun in the " Real Case of Hide and Seekyll , " which Bro . Brough renders in a most amusing vein . In the travestie , Dr . Seekyll makes all his household by drinking a potion turn into different people . His old , broken-down housekeeper becomes a jovial Red

Riding Hood , a sailor is transformed into a volunteer , the old butler with white hair becomes a page boy , and the "buttons" finds himself the butler . Bro . Lionel Brough ably mimics Mr . Mansfield , both as Hyde and Jekyll , in voice , dress , postures , and change of face . He introduces a couple of short , funny songs . Every one , after paying

a visit to the Lyceum , ought to go to the Royalty . Mr . Thomas ' s farcical comedy , " The Paper Chase , " goes as well as ever . Bro . Brough , as Mr . Busby , is seen in one of the drollest parts he has ever undertaken . The little Royalty Theatre resounds with laughter every evening , and , we hope , will continue to do so for some time .

Mr . Beerbohm Tree has again shown himself a most capable manager as well as actor . Ever since he took up the reins of government he has added success to success . When he hears a play read or sees one acted he seems to be able to judge if it will do for the Haymarket or not . Up to now he has not had a failure , and we hope

he never will . Mr . C . Haddon Chambers , in June last , produced a play—of the "Jim the Penman " type—at Mr . Tree ' s theatre , which the lessee decided to make his autumnal piece , after it had been judiciously altered for the better . In " The Red Lamp , " Mr . Tree's first production , the motive power was the love of a woman for her brother ; in "Partners , " commercial morality and

gratitude vvere strongly depicted ; in the new play " Captain Swift , " vve have the devotion of a mother for her son as the mainstay . It is true there is also a strong love interest between the ex-bushranger and a lovely English heiress , but that is not the chief interest . Mr . Seabrook is one of those kind hearted old gentlemen who made acquaintance with people casually , and ask them home to visit the family

only to find out that the visitors are adventurers . However , in this case Mr . Seabrook had a real cause , for Mr . Wilding has saved the old man from being killed by a cab . Wilding has just returded from Queensland , where he has led the life of a bushranger . His manners are good though , and once he gets his foot inside Mt . Seabrook ' s house , he resolves to reform and be as respectable as his host . He

at once tries to win the hand and heart of Miss Darbisher , the niece and ward of Mr . Seabrook . This young lady is supposed to marry Mr . Harry Seabrook , but Wilding's manners captivate her , and she pledges her love to him . But the "long arm of coincidence" reaches out to seize him . A Mr . Gardiner arrives from Queensland , where he has been a squatter , and is an old friend of the family ,

and becomes engaged to Miss Mabel Seabrook . He recognises in Wilding the Captain Swift who robbed him up the bush of a valuable horse and fifteen hundred pounds to boot . But because the highwayman did not attempt to take his life , he feels a sort of indebtedness , and keeps Wilding's secret , and even assists him , out of his very good nature , to win the hand of Miss Darbisher . There is something about

Wilding which fascinates men and vyomen alike . Wilding loves to entertain the company with some of his adventures abroad , and finds out too late to his cost that he has been too free with his tongue . One evening he tells them a tale about his being parched with thirst and meeting a man named Marshall , which of course is himself . The family butler hears this , and having his suspicion recognises

in Wilding his foster-brother . Still yet another , and the chief net is woven around him , just as he is about to be united to the family and become what he longs to berespectable . When Mrs . Seabrook knows of his engagement to her husband ' s niece , she pleads with Wilding- to

give her up . She will ply him with money—anything , so long as this marriage does not take place . But he won't hear of this . _ The detectives from Queensland have arrived . Gardiner will not assist them , but he warns Wilding to get away to Spain . The desperado listens to nothing . At last Mrs . Seabrook is obliged to tell

The Theatres.

him her secret . She has long ago discovered in Wildin her illegitimate son . She has kept all knowledge nf this act of her life from her husband , and begs her so to go avyay , for if he marries Stella he will be arrested and bring disgrace on the family , and her secret must com out . He promises not to divulge . The match is broken off , for Mr . Seabrook has now found out that Wilding

nnrl flnnl-nin _^ tt . _ ff fl-io kni _ -V _» -- _ n _ v _ -i _ . ^_ - _ a ««__ . nn _ 3 _ ., _ & and Captain Swift the bushranger are one and the same person . Wilding comes to see Gardiner , who informs him the detectives are outside . Mrs . Seabrook also arrives to warn him ; he still promises to keep his mother ' s secret A knock is heard , the gas is put down , and Mr . Seabrook enters with the police . Wilding retires behind a curtai n and shoots himself , falling at his mother ' s feet ; and so ends the

play . The interest is sustained throughout . It js necessary to see the whole of the first act , as the action commences with the rising of the curtain . Capt . Swift is b y no means a one part play . There are many characters in it , and all have essential parts . Its powerful play of passion , its rapid succession of dramatic situations , and its splendid character sketches all tend to make it one of the best

things done at the Haymarket . Mr . Tree ' s hero is a masterly piece of acting . Very finely rendered is the victory by domestic and respectable surroundings of the ne ' er-dowell instincts of a man whose life—not altogether his own fault—has been one career of robbery , is subjugated by love , and accepts for another's sake a death of expiation We have never liked Mr . Tree better . Mrs . Tree invests

^ the part of Stella Darbisher with womanly tenderness and distinction . Miss Rose Leclercq , as the worldl y Lady Staunton , gives a good character sketch . Lady Monckton ' s Mrs . Seabrook acts with plenty of passion and power . Miss Cudmore deliriously plays the girlish part of Mabel . Mr . Fuller Mellish , as Harry Seabrook , looks and acts manly " . Of course , Mr . Srookfield throws into the character of the

butler Marshall much effectiveness . Mr . Kemble plays to the life—and in such a subdued tone , which makes it all the more prominent—the old , kind-hearted , and muddle-headed Mr . Seabrook . Bro . Macklin ' s Mr . Gardiner is one of the best things he has done yet . He plays in a quiet , yet very forcible , way , which does him the greatest credit . We know no one who could render it as well .

« # tf For once London has endorsed the provincial verdict of a theatrical piece . As a rule dramas and operas are produced in London , and then , if a success or a partial one , are sent round the country . "Pepita" has , however , been played over 700 times on tour , and for some reason or another—vve know not why—Londoners have

been not allowed to give their opinion of Mr . Lecocq ' s work until last week , when the English proprietors , Mr . Horace Lingard and Van Biene . brought this comic opera to Toole ' s Theatre . We had heard and frequently read of its favourable reception in the provinces . We went , therefore , anxious to hear it , and came away delighted . We have heard a whisper that the opera as given here is

not all Lecocq ' s , Mr . Van Biene having introduced several of the lyrics and composed some of the music . Judging of " Pepita " as a whole , it is bright and sparkling ; it contains many sweet and catchy solos and part songs and effective choruses . The dialogue is amusing and free from vulgarity . The dresses are neat , and the singing altogether above the average ; but Toole's Theatre

is two small for a choir . Possibly by now the ladies oi the chorus sing a little softer and the band under Mr . Beine is more subdued . The story seems to be that the King of the Canary Isles leaves a daughter , born of a humble mother , which fact is known only to General Bombardos . Inez and her foster sister , Pepita , fall in love and marry two innkeepers . Until the proper time comes for Inez to

claim the throne against General Patagues' protege , the Prince , Pepita assumes various disguises : now she is the wife of an innkeeper , now a military cadet , then a vivandiere , and then a bullfighter . Miss Wadman plays the principal part of Pepita , and never lets an opportunity pass of scoring in every character . One of the attractions of her singing is that one always hears the words of her

songs . " My mother's word" and "I do not care" are perhaps the prettiest of her many lyrics . Miss Wadman too , with much vivacity , leads the bolero at the close of the first act , " The dance in the morning . " Miss Kate Cutler is an able lieutenant as Inez , and is satisfactory in all she has to do . Messrs . Horace Lingard and Louis Kelleher , whom we welcome back to London , are very

amusing as the innkeepers , but vvere rather chary with their encores . Mr . Fritz Rimina as a stalwart sergeant-major deserves a word of praise for the originality he puts into a very minor part . Mr . Marnock and Mr . Frank Seymour as the rival generals cannot be spoken of too highly . The contrast in height , one looking about six feet four , and the other about half that stature , is most ludicruous . Theic duet " My excellent friend Bombardos " was encored over

and over again . It is a wonder to us that such a funny song with such a catching air has not been heard in the music halls or on the piano-organs long ago . It oug ht to make one of the musical successes of the season . The chorus is well rehearsed—one advantage of having been played so much before appearing in London—the costumes delight the eyes of the audience , and the verdict certainly is very favourable . " Pepita " ought to become as popular as did the composer's " La Fille de Madame Angot . "

Births, Marriages, And Deaths.

Births , Marriages , and Deaths .

BIRTHS . VIVIAN . —On the 3 rd inst ., at Creed Rectory , Grampound , Cornwall , the wife of the Rev . C . H . G . Vivian , of a daughter . WILSON . —On the ist inst ., at Porthminster House , St .

Ives , Cornwall , the wife of M . Wilson , of a son . MARRIAGES . MILLER—MATTHEWS . —On the ist inst ., at Bowes Park * C . W . Miller , son of the late T . Miller , of Edmonton , to Clara Matthews ,. daughter of the late J . Matthews , M . R . C . P ., of Camden Town .

DEATHS . BEDFORD . —On the 2 nd inst ., at Camden-road , Mary , wife of F . Bedford , aged 79 . ,. . CORDWELL . —On the 2 nd inst ., at Keston , Emily , daugh '" of Charles Mark and Mary Cordwell , of Manor Farm * Lee , aged 21 . _ CREE . —On the 2 nd inst ., the wife of the Rev . W . Cree , of Kirkby Lonsdale , aged 32 .