Masonic Notes.

their behalf at this election may fail to secure to them the haven of rest under the shadow of this truly Benevolent Institution which they have been so long making for . However , it is a consolation to know that whoever wins will be worthy of the benefits they will receive henceforth .

# # # We congratulate the Secretary of the Boys' School on the further and very substantial recognition which his devotion to the interests of the Institution has just received . About the last act of the late Provisional

Management Committee was to recommend that his salary should be increased to ^ 400 per annum , and this recommendation the Governors unanimously endorsed at the Quarterl y General Court on the 10 th ult . On Saturday last , the Council went further , and

unanimously resolved that his salary should be henceforth at the rate of ^ 500 per annum . Bro . McLeod has fully realised the expectations formed of his ability and zeal at the time of his election to office , and the recognition

he has just received will doubtless have the effect of spurring him on to still further exertion . It is clear that the Council are of opinion that good work deserves handsome pay .

We learn while going to press that the presentation dinner to Bro . G . Everett , G . Treas ., at the Criterion Hotel , has been an immense success , over 200 having been present to testify their regard for the recipient . We shall give a full account in our next issue .

We are pleased to find that the virtues of the late Bro . John Maclean , of the Asaph Lodge , No . 1319 , have not been forgotten , and that a numerous and influential Committee has been formed for the purpose of raising a Fund with which to erect a memorial

stone over the grave of our departed brother in Paddington Cemetery . The project has our sincere sympathy , and we trust will be successful . Those desirous

of subscribing will obtain all necessary particulars of the Hon . Secretary of the " John Maclean Memorial Fund" Committee—Bro . James Percy Fitzgerald , 178 , Kentish Town-road , N . W .

Correspondence.

Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion , J MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE : WHAT IS A RULING ?

To the Editor of the ' Freemason ' Dear Sir and Brother , The letters by " P . M . and P . Z . " and Bro . Lamonby , and the report of the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire , all of which appear in your issue of the 25 th inst ., if taken together are worth some consideration . I would call " P . M . and

P . Z . ' s " attention to the report at the West Yorkshire meeting of a so-called " rulingof Grand Lodge , " which whether it is correct law or not ( and I venture to say with all delerence that parts , at least , of the ruling seem to require some little qualification or explanation ) will give him a good deal of information as to what view is taken at Freemasons' Hall .

But though I may , with your permission , draw attention later to some points of the " ruling , " my object to-day is to ask what is a " ruling of Grand Lodge , " and what is its effect ? and also at what meeting of Grand Lodge this particular ruling was given ' i If it was not by a vote of Grand Lodge ,

how was the ruling given ? I submit that an opinion . given by the Board of General Purposes , or by the Grand Registrar , or the Grand Secretary , or any other officer of Grand Lodge , is not « ruling of Grand Lodge , and until it has been accepted as sound by a formal vote of Grand Lodge , can have only the weight due to

an opinion of the body or brother who gives it , and should be stated as such . I do not wish to seem captious , but I fear there is a tendency in some quarters to treat Article 5 as over-riding Article 4 , and an opinion , or ruling , of an official or "delegated authority , " as equivalent to an alteration of , or addition to , the

Constitutions , and equally binding on the Craft with an explicit vote of Grand Lodge . Let it be clearly understood I am in no way finding fault with any official . I have always found them most courteous , obliging , open to argument , and ready to give any assistance ; but I speak generally and I contend

that in principle we cannot be too careful how we accept as law any ruling that is not absolutely clear from the Constitutions themselves . The able letter of Bro . Lamonby and the cases of the Combermere Lodge , No . 752 . and the Cambrian

Lodge , No . 656 , show the great importance of extreme care in such matters , and I trust that when the authority for a statement of law is a " ruling " brethren will carefully and jealously " verify their authorities " for themselves by reference to the Book of Constitutions . — Yours fraternally , April 27 th . LEX SCRIPTA .

Reviews

REVIEWS

OFFICIAL DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CORNWALL . 1891 . We gladly welcome the first number of this new issue beginning volume V ., as we feared the series would have terminated with the 19 th number , Brother Hughan ( the orig inator and editor from the

commencement in 1870 ) feeling unable to continue the annual labour which the preparation of such a mass of matter entailed . Bro . Thomas Gill , however , of the Advertiser , Penryn , Cornwall , has come to the assistance of Bro . Hughan , and has done nearly all the work for the present publication . He has not only introduced new

features , but has improved its typographical appearance , the directory now being one of the best , most useful , and certainly most ably compiled of the many which are being edited , printed , and published at this season of the year . Had he left it a little later the officers of the Grand Lodge

of England for 1891-2 might have been added , but on the other "hand the delay would render other portions of less value . The full list of votes for the Charities ( London ) are given , a feature absent from late issues , and being contributed by Bro . Charles Truscott , the able manager for the county , may be

relied on . We wish he had more to chronicle , for with 30 lodges and 1559 members , a total of 1728 is not very cheering . The county is receving annually nearly ^ 600 from the Central Masonic Charities , and hence the brethren ought to do more to assist their funds , so as to give freely as well as receive such large benefits .

The "Annals of the Cornish Craft" are well worth reading by other than Cornishmen , and doubtless all the members of the Cornish Lodge , No . 236 9 , London , will want copies of this excellent Masonic guide , as their officers are duly given because identified so with

the county . For the information of all whom it may concern , copies may be obtained from Bro . Thomas Gill , Penryn , post free , for seven stamps . We congratulate that brother most sincerely on his debi ' tt as a Masonic editor , and rejoice that Bro . W . J . Hughan has such an able confrere .

THE FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OF DERBYSHIRE . 1891 . The editor of this handsome Masonic brochure is Bro . W . Naylor , who , though Prov . G . Sec , has managed to make time to discharge such an onerous

duty . The portrait for 18 91 is of the R . W . Bro . H . C . Okeover , P . G . W . and D . P . G . M ., the first of the series being of Lord Hartington , M . P ., the respected Prov . G . M . which was inserted in the former year . The editorial method is precisely the same as formerly , and both in that respect and typographically , it is a very creditable production . There are 24 lodges in the

province , with 1109 members , being an average of 46 to each . The chapters run to seven , and have 192 companions , and the Mark lodges in Derby number six , with 182 members . There is also a Rose Croix chapter , with 27 subscribers . The votes for the " Central Masonic Charities , " make a grand total of 2235 , showing a large increase from the year 1890 .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft nDasonrv

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Gallery Lodge ( No . 1928 ) . —The May meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday last at Anderton ' s Hotel , Bro . W . T . Perkins , W . M ., presiding . Bros . Boyle , Kent , and Bettamy having answered the necessary questions , were passed to the Second Degree , the

firstmentioned candidate having spent 12 months in editorial work in Japan since his initiation in the lodge . Bro . Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen , K . C . B ., P . S . G . D ., was present by invitation of the W . M ., and during the after-dinner proceedings the lodge was honoured by a " surprise " visit by two distinguished American brethren—Bro . George Hayes ,

Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York , and Bro . Dr . McGregor , of St . John ' s , New Hampshire . In the name of the Gallery Lodge the W . M . extended a very cordial welcome to the American visitors , and said

their unexpected presence afforded one of many striking proofs of the universality of Masonry . The names of Bros . Hayes and McGregor were prominently associated with the toast of " The Visitors , " and both brethren replied , as also did Bro . Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen .

Bro . J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I , for Boys , responded on behalf of "The Masonic Charities . " Bros . Richard Temple and T . Merton Clark , who were present by invitation of the W . M ., contributed , with Bros . Ribbons , Irvine , and Kent , to an exceedingly enjoyable musical programme . It was announced that the summer excursion of the lodge would be held on Saturday , July 4 th .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Quatuor Coronati Lodge ( No . 2076 ) . —xu lodge met at Freemasons' Hall on Friday , the ist ins i when there were present Bros . W . M . Bywater , P . G S iV W . M . ; Professor ' 1 ' . Hayter Lewis , S . W . ; Dr . W . VVvn Westcott , J . W . ; G . W . Speth , Sec . ; E . Macbean , 1 D W . Mattieu Williams , I . G .,- C . Kupferschmidt , Shv ^ '' W . Simpson , P . M . ; R . F . Gould , P . M ., P . G . D . : nJ \ i ,

H . Rylands , P . G . Stwd . Also the following members of the Correspondence Circle : Bros . Count Goblet d'AlvipIl-, P . G . M . Belgium ; Dr . W . A . Barrett , P . G . O . ; c ' Hogard , P . G . Std . Br . ; Colonel Sir Norman Prin ' r / 1 . ' D . R . Clark , J . H . Scott , G . Gottlieb , G . Gardner , F . \ v ' Levander , E . H . Ezard , G . R . Cobham , G . W . Taylor G Gregson , E . Haward , C . F . Williams , C . R . Sayers . c ' T

Edwards , Captain A . H . Markham , M . Mendelssohn lV A . Smith , J . B . Mackey , and R . A . Gowan . Visitors ' Bros . I . W . Warren , 2053 , and F . S . Warren , 585 , both of New Zealand ; J . W . T . Morrison , 2394 ; T . Collis , S 62 . and F . Joyce Barrett , 192 . ' The Past Grand Master of Belgium was duly presented to the lodge , and greeted according to ancient form

returning his thanks in a neat speech and saluting the brethren in the fashion usual in his own jurisdiction . Bro R . F . Gould addressed the lodge on the loss the Craft had incurred by the recent death of Bro . General Albert Pike of Washington , U . S . A ., and dwelt on his singular career ' politically and Masonically , as also on the great services he had rendered to Masonic literature . The Secret .- !™ .....

desired to record on the minutes an expression of the regret of the brethren at his death . The Secretary was also directed to write Bro . MacCalla , P . G . M . of Philadel phia who had so recently been amongst them , and express the regret they felt at the loss he had sustained in the death o [ his wife . The W . M . then feelingly alluded to the recent death of one of their own members , Bro . 1 . Finlav Finlav

son , who had endeared himself to every one of them personally , and from whom valuable contributions to the knowledge of the brethren had been anticipated had not bronchitis prematurely deprived them of his presence and sei vices , and the Secretary was ordered to write to his widow and convey to her the sympathy of the lodge . Bro . D . R . Clark presented to the lodge a large photograph , taken by himself , of the interior of a mosaue at Cm .

stantinople , no man having previously succeeded in obtaining permission to photograph any part thereof . The thanks of the lodge were accorded him . The Secretary exhibited impressions from the old summons plate of the Inverary Lodge , presented by Bro . W . Ivison Macadam , of Edinburgh also a photograph of a very remarkable painted

Dutch apron , presented by Bro . Green , of Johannesburg . Six lodges and 44 brethren were elected to the membership of the Correspondence Circle as follows : Frere Lodge , 20 S 9 , Alhvall N ., Cape Colony ; Lodge Zur Hansa , Bremen ; Isaac Newton University Lodge , 859 ; Mariners ' Lodge , 16 S , Guernsey ; Prince Edward Lodge , 2100 ; Lodge Waitohi , 2036 , Picton , New Zealand ; and Bros .

S . W . Budd , Petersburg , Virginia ; R . W . Booker , Richmond , Virginia ; G . W . Hall , P . M . 121 , Philadelphia ; Rt . Rev . Dr . A . W . Sillitoe , Bishop of New Westminster , British Columbia ; VV . W . Murray , 30 , and A . W . Eley , P . M . 30 , Suffolk , Virginia ; J . F . Lewenberg , 11 , Richmond , Virginia ; A . A . Cassil , Weldon , Iowa ; R . Harris , P . M . 20 S 9 , W . Marshall , P . M . 20 S 0 , and D . A . M . Finlav ,

W . M . 20 S 9 , all of Aliwall North , Cape Colony ; N . j . Smit , of Krurgersdorp , Transvaal ; J . G . W . Barnes , P . M . 455 ( S . C . ) , and W . J . Collins , 2 SC ( I . C . ) , both of Brisbane , Queensland ; J . Kilham , P . M . 1315 , E . Casper , 775 ( S . C . ) ' , W . H . Willey , 775 ( S . C . ) , W . H . Smith , 775 ( S . C . ) , F . W . Dunsdon , 775 ( S . C ) , J . Millen , P . M . 775 ( S . C ) , C . R . Morton , 775 ( S . C ) , T . Remvick , 77 = ; ( S . C ) ,

H . L . Groom , 1315 , J . Goffage , 1315 , and Rev . T . U . Warner , 775 ( S . C ) , all of Toowoomba , Queensland ; J . D . Oortman Gerlings , P . M ., Ultrajectma , Utrecht , Holland ; T . Richards , 133 ( S . C . ); G . Richardson , 167 ( 5 ; J . Usher , P . M . 481 ; B . Mc A . Barmatyne , P . M . 216 ; A . H . Williams , P . M . ; H . VV . Lofthouse and VV . C . Fox , 1260 ; O . Firth , 154 s ; I . Howard , P . M . ¦; Sr 3 s T . I ones ;

K VV . Wright , P . M . 1725 ; T . J . Crossman , 1402 ; W . Clifford , P . M . 1 S 2 G ; VV . Poore , P . M . 1306 ; R . M . Jones , P . M . 1415 ; T . C . White , 63 ; Major G . Lambert , P . G . S . B . ; and F . F . Gireaud , 133 . Bro . W . A . Barrett , Mus . Doc , P . G . O ., read a highly

interesting and entertaining paper on " Masonic Musicians , which was listened to with great attention by the brethren . The paper scarcely admitted of discussion , but the desultory conversation which followed , and the numerous questions asked the lecturer , sufficiently testified to the interest and gratification of the brethren . . On the motion of Bros . Gould and Rylands , a vote ot thanks was moved and carried by acclamation . The Worshipful Master proposed , and the S . W . seconded , "That Bro . Albert Hasting Markham , Capt . R . N ., A . D . C .,

at present a member of the C . C ., and of Lodge Phu ; M * , 257 , Portsmouth , who , as second in command of the las ' Government Arctic Expedition , led the sledge parties and succeeded in planting the Union Jack in a higher latitude than had ever before or since been reached ' by man , " author of several important works descriptive of voyages ot discovery , be elected a member of the Inner Circle of tne lodge . " . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjournei to the Holborn Restaurant for dinner .

Anglo-American Lodge ( No- aioi ) -- * first meeting of the session of this successful lodge wa held at the Criterion , Piccadilly-circus , S . W ., on the 3 i » ult ., when there were present Bros . 1 heodore H . l >' V P . D . G . M 7 th District New York City , P . M . 603 , New Wh City , U . S . A . ; F . Kedge , I . P . M . ; J . J . Woolley , b . W- > VV . Hancock , J . W .: Rev . lohnS . Brownrfejr , P . O . ; Ch » P- ;

Chap . ; J . B . Cumming , Treas . ; G . Reynolds , ^; G . H . Reynolds , S . D . ; C . 0 . Burgess , acting as J . L " | ' J . Rowe , acting as I . G . ; A . Harris , D . C J 5 ; jj . Thrussell , acting as Org . ; F . Jackson and Major l'ia" . VV . Friffout , Stewards ; B . R . Paul , A . H . P . Snow , u- Atkinson , A . Bowie . T . H . Clark . H . Basrire , VV . !¦ <• '' ,

coin , G . A . M . Bowles , J . Woodward , S . Spjona , J Williams , J . Coltart , E . jessurun , C Hirsch , J- Cra ««*' G . P . Bertini , G . A . Bergholz , and others . Visitors : £ » Major-General J . W . Laurie , P . G . M . Nova Scotia ; i > - Adams , 56 ( Chicago ); J . Lancaster , P . M . and Sec . sn S . Johnson , P . M . 1297 ; A . Doivding , LP-M-. J *§ 7 ' , Hamilton , P . M . 9 , 7 ; ' W . Sucker , 1589 »* S . U . S . A . ); C . Mortimer , 15 ; and Dr . J . J- We ***" P . M . 2397 .