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for " a correct list of the present officers of the Grand Lodgeof Scotland and of the several lodges und'r your Constitution . As it is intended for an Annual Publication which goes to Press about a month hence" —this being of course the G . Lodj * e Calendar ; on vvhich Bro . Mason referred Preston for information to G . Secretary Dickey . It is clear , however , that Preston made nothing by his motion ,

either at the time or subsequently . In a letter dated Edinburgh , 2 nd Dec , 1776 , Mason writes to Dickey , enclosing a list of the new G . Officeis of Scotland , and adds , " The Grand Lodge of Scotland have given me in command to assure the Grand Lodge of England through you that they will ever cultivate and preserve a steady and affectionate Intercourse betwixt the National Lodges' and

to promote every scheme for so happy a Union . " It is clear , therefore , that in spite of all the efforts of their detractors , the "Ancients" not only held their ground firmly , but waxed stronger and stronger as the attacks made upon them became more furious , and that it must have been something more than mere assertion on Dermott's part when he recorded in the Minutes of the Grand Committee

Meeting on 6 th Dec , 1752 , "that they found the freemasons from Ireland and Scotland had been initiated in the very same manner as themselves , which confirm'd their system and practice as right and just . " There is one remaik in the chapter—at p . 196—to which we think exception may reasonably be taken . " I am inclined to think , " writes Bro . Sadler , " that Past Masters

were considered members of Grand Lodge by the pre-1723 Masons , as they certainly wereby the ' Ancients' of 1751 . " Here we have a statement of opinion , to which vve say nothing , and a statement of fact , viz ., that Past Masters were considered members of Grand Lodge by the Ancients in 1751 , as to which we point out that it is in excess of the true position , as laid down in the second of their Rules and Orders

of 1751 . This Rule prescribes—see p . 71 of Bro . Sadler ' s Book— "That such meeting" —that is to say , of the Monthly Committee , or , when a Grand Master and Grand Wardens have been appointed , of the Grand Lodge— "do consist of the Masters and Wardens of all Regular Lodges , and in the Absence of a Mastr . or Warden , a Past Mastr . may attend and bear the Office in their absence for the time

being , and to have a Voice in the Grand equal to the present Members . " The 3 rd Rule says , " that none be admitted but Mastrs . and Wardns . and Past Mastrs . of Regular Lodges , and such as have been Regulaily Install'd and at the time of their Comeing to be members of a Regular Lodgeof ANCIENT MASONS . " It is evident from the former of these rules that at the outset the

" Ancients only permitted a Past Master to be present in Grand Lodge as the representative of an absent Master or Warden , and as the Rule is worded "A Past Mastr . may attend , " that his presence vvas permissive only , not obligatory . This being so , vve must interpret the extract from Rule the 3 rd as to the admission into the Grand Committee or Grand Lodge , of none " but Mastrs ., Wardns .,

and Past Mastrs . " by the light of Rule the 2 nd , so that the inclusion of Past Masters among the members of the Grand will have been regulated by the provision contained in the said Rule 2 . In short a Past Master was not at first a member on his own account of the "Ancient" G . Lodge , but was legally admissible as the representative of an absent Master or Waiden . It was not till the 4 th Sept .,

1765 , that after a long debate it vvas " Order'd and declared that from and after the third day of December , One thousand seven hundred and sixty and five , all and every Regular Past Master while a Member of any private Lodge under the sanction of this Grand Lodge , shall be a Member of this Grand Lodge also , And shall have a vote in all cases except in making New Laws , vvhich Power is vested in the

Masters and Wardens as being the only true Representatives of all the Lodges according to the Old Regulation the Tenth . " Thus in 1751 a Past Master vvas only admitted into G . Lodge as the representative of an absent member , while in 1765 , though recognised as a member , he vvas not accorded the full rights and privileges of membership . Under these circumstances , Bro . Sadler ' s statement should

be accompanied by some kind of qualification as regards the earlier years of the " Ancient " regime . We have now gone carefully through these "Masonic Facts and Fictions . " There is much in the volume that we have considered , and much else we should have gladly considered , had time and space lent themselves more readily to our wishes . But , after all , the purpose with which the

work has been written concerns us the most , and as regards this we incline to the belief that Bro . Sadler has made out an excellent case to justify his theory . We do not say that he has proved it absolutely and beyond all further question , the evidence , though more voluminous than has previously been compiled , is still fragmentary , and there are slill many unfortunate

hiatus to be filled in ; but as a theory it is preferable to the Secession origin . It is , as we have said before , a theory which commends itself to our reason , and if we have rightly understood it , is to the following effect . Up to a certain point—which cannot be determined precisely—in the career of the 1717 Grand Lodge , there was one uniform system and practice of Freemasonry , for have we not

shown that Dermott himself quotes Anderson ' s Constitutions of i 73 Sasan authority on Grand Lodge procedure ? But gradually , it may have been unconsciously , this Grand Lodge kept on edging away from the old landmarks and introducing what they imagined were mere harmless innovations , but which , nevertheless , had thc effect of strengthening the aristocratic element . Then there

appeared in London a number of Irish brethren , who had graduated in Masonry under Lord Kingston , the premier G . M . of Ireland , and also a Past G . M . of England , by whom , no doubt , the unsophisticated English system had been introduced into Ireland . These brethren , being cavalierly trt ated by the English G . Lodge , set up lodges of their own , and having skilful and determined leaders in

Morgan first of all , but in Dermott principally , they very slowly , but , after a time , very surely , built up a Grand Lodge organisation of their own , and though their members were at the outset largely and even chiefly recruited from the inferior grades of society , yet by their resolute conduct , and the assistance of English brethren , who had never joined the regular lodges , as well as by their stricter observance

of the old landmarks , they at length placed themselves on so firm a footing as to defy successfully the utmost efforts of their " modern " rivals . They entered into alliance with the G . Lodges of Ireland and Scotland , and in more than one of the British colonies in North America they drove their rivals from the field . They probably would not have succeeded in achieving this without such a leader

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as Dermott , but could they have succeeded , even under his guidance , had they been merely the discontented rabble they are represented as by Heseltinc and Preston ? There must have been something to commend in their Masonry , if not in their appearance , and that something was their respect for and observance of true Masonry such as it had been in the earlier days of the 1717 Grand Lodge , and as

they had obtained it from that body through the G . Lodge of Ireland by the instrumentality "of Dermott vvhen as yet it was undefiled by" modern innovations . But it is time we brought these remarks to a close . Bro . Sadler has compiled a useful and most readable volume , for which , whether they agree with him or not , he deserves , and will no doubt receive , due recognition from Craftsmen

geneially . He has broached a theory as to the origin of the "Ancient " system , vvhich is absolutely revolutionary in its character , and will cause a terrible commotion among those who have sworn or swear by the " Secession " origin , but apart from this , he has introduced to us a mass of new matter from documents hitherto entirely or almost

unknown ; in short , he has done good service to the Craft and Craft literature by his publication , and we believe that , even if he fails to convert his readers to his opinions , he will receive a full measure of thanks for his diligence and the additional light he has succeeded in throwing upon obscure periods of our history .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft ilasonrg , LODGE OF UNITY ( No . 183 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Ship and turtle , Leadenhallstreet , E . C ., on Monday , the 2 Sth ult ., vvhen there were present Bros . G . R . Langley , W . M . j E . A . Francis , H . Hooper , G . VV . Speth , G . P . Biitten , R . Corsham , J . W . Oliver , S . Richardson , G . VV . Pinnock , A . J . Hirsch , H . C .

Archer , and A . Wordey . Also the following visitors : Bros . Langridge , Side , and Webster . The Iodge having been opened , Bro . George Henry Lindsey-Renton vvas admitted a joining member of the lodge . The by-laws were read and other business transacted , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to supper , spending a pleasant evening in social intercourse .

THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER LODGE ( No . 15 G 3 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Temple , Cafe Koyal , Regent-street , VV ., on Thursday , the 24 th ult . The tollowing members were present : Bros . W . C . Smith , W . M . j F . Hill , S . W . ; E . B . Cox , J . W ., W . M . elect ; J . A . Hammond , P . M ., Treas . ; J . E . Shand , P . M ., Secretary ; C . M . Brander , S . D . ; W . G . Higgins , J . D . ; E . J . Hoare , P . M . 1765 ,

Org . ; C . Filhon , l . G . ; C . H . Radclyffe , D . C ; T . Bates , W . H . Bolt , and G . Harrington , Stwds . ; VV . Potter , P . M . 181 , Tyler ; H . S . Lee , I . P . M . ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; J . Waugh , P . M . ; T . W . Eastgate , P . M . ; G . J . Jones , P . M . ; E . Hieatt , G . Lefort , Percy VV . Phillpotts , J . N . Alexander , G . A . Piccirillo , j . A . Berther , H . Amelot , E . Steyer , A . Neat , G .

Marshall , L . A . Langmead , W . H . Worster , Louis Marks , Ralph Dennis , Piere Abate , John Hendry , Henry Hewett Louis Chevriot , Jules Barre , A . Geoigel , Francis Ferris , and Harding 1 ' . Clark . Visitors : Bros . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , G . Reg ., D . P . G . M . Essex ; 1 . Zacharie , 210 S , P . G . M . California ; J . Lewis Thomas , P . A . G . D . C ; G . W . C . Hudson , W . M . 141 ; C . Parsons , W . M .

1637 ; A . T . Howard , W . M . 1765 ; A . Higerty , I . P . M . 1044 ; G . Gardner , I . P . M . 2012 ; H . Von Joel , P . M . 957 ; W . Woodruff , P . M . 957 ; J . Kay , P . M . 742 ; H . Simner , P . M . 1319 ; VV . Cleghorn , P . M . 12 S 7 ; R . D . Cummings , P . M . 1677 ; H . Brock , P . M . 145 ; C P . Bellerby , S . W . 2021 ; C . J . Grove , S . W . 742 ; H . Spurgin , S . W . 1305 ; E . Barritt Lane , J . VV .

1765 ; H . W . Smyth , J . VV . 123 S ; Felderman , J . W . iSS ; C . Pye , J . D . 123 S ; C . C . Piper , l . G . 2030 ; T . C Arland , I . G ., 1305 ; D . Baker , 1 743 ; W . A . Williams , 1692 ; A . Proissant , 2060 ; W . Dodson , 16 S 1 ; C . Gammon , 704 ; W . M . Mayne , 123 S ; J . Somers , 2191 ; W . C . Glider , 195 ; J . Potter , 1014 ; vV . Unwin , 16 x 4 ; R . C . Jones , 749 ; J . Kent , 2030 ; H . Halliday , 21 OS ; A .

Oliver , 1987 ; D . S . Woolf , 77 ; J . VV . Bannell , 1737 ; and F . M . Noakes , 214 S . Letters of apology vvere read from Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary ; F . Seager-Hunt , M . P ., I . P . M . 2030 ; and VV . bugg , W . M . 2030 . The lodge vvas opened in due form , and the minutes read and confirmed . fhe report of the Audit Committee vvas

then read and confirmed , vvhich showed , after meeting all liabilities , asubstantial balance . The Benevolent Fund was ako in an equally satisfactory condition . Bros . Phillpotts and Clarke were then raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . in that faultless style for vvhich Bro . W . C . Smith is so wellknown . Bro . Edmund Beaumont Cox vvas then presented as VV . M . elect , and a Board of Installed Masters having

been formed , he vvas regularly installed into the chair of K . S . by Bro . VV . C . Smith , I . P . M . The following officeis were then appointed and invested : Bros . F . Hill , S . VV . ; C . M . Brander , J . W . ; J . A . Hammond , P . M ., Treas . ; J . E . Shand , P . M ., Sec . ( 7 th year ) ,- VV . G . Higgins , S . D . ; C . Filhon , J . D . ; C . H . Radclyffe , I . G . ; h .. J . Hoare , P . M . 1765 , Org . ; W . H . Bolt , D . C ; G . Harrington

A . D . C ; Alexander and Piccirillo , Stwds . ; and VV . Potter , Tyler . The usual addresses vvere effectively rendered by the Installing Master , Bro . VV . C Smith , I . P . M . A ballot vvas then taken for Mr . Thomas Hulbert Beach , Mr . Chas Le Clerc , and Mr . Hyman Fonseca , vvhich , having proved unanimous , they weie duly initiated into the mysteries of Ancient Freemasonry in a manner vvhich shows that the lodge will lose none of its prestige in the hands of its new W . M .

During proceedings of lodge work an incident occurred that might have been to the prejudice of thc Secretaiial duties . A brother came too late lor receiving his Third Degree vvith others , whereupon the VV . M ., Bro . W . C . Smith , remonstrated vvith him , as he could no longer prolong the vyork , The brother stated he did not know the hour of meeting , not having received a summons . Bro . Shand , the Secretary , avowed that , as far as he knew , the worthy brother had one posted to him . So matters dropped , but

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

soon after it transpired , by a visitor stating to the W . M . that he had just learned that the brother had removed his address during the last seven days . This of course exonerated the Secretary , and il : vvas further corroborated , much to his satisfaction , as well as to that of the W . M . and members , before lodge closed , by the letter being retumed from the Post Office marked " gone away . " A ballot vvas

then successfully laljen for Bro . L . Gruneafelder , S ( S . C ) , as a joining member . Bro . Cox , the W . M ., having announced his intention of going up as a Steward at the forthcoming Centenary Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution lor Girls , a sum of 10 guineas was unanimously voted to be placed on his list from the funds of the lodge . The loJge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a

sumptuous banquet , served in Bro . Nicols best style . I he menu card , which vvas most chaste in design , contained a medallion portrait of the W . M ., and vvas much admired . In proposing "The Queen and the Crait , " the VV . M . said ot the loyalty of breemasons they had ample proof during the present Jubilee year in the noble gathering at the Albert Hall vvhich would be remembered by those

present as long as they lived . "H . R . H . the Prince of VVales , M . W . G . M ., " was then given by the W . M ., vvho said it was quite needless for him to say anything to enhance the toast , as his Koyal Highness vvas so affectionately regarded by all . He knew the Grand Ollicers vvould agree with him that Freemasonry had never made such progress as it had during the time he

had been Grand Master . " The Grand Officers" was next proposed by the W . M ., who expressed tbe pleasure it afforded the brethren to see them amongst them . He vvas proud of the honour conferred upon the lodge by their presence . Bro . Philbrick , on behalf of the Grand Officers , returned his sincere thanks for the very enthusiastic

manner in which the toast had been received . It was always a pleasure for them to attend on these occasions , when the destinies of the lodge vvere entrusted to a new Master , on whose zeal and abilty depended the well-being of the lodge during his year of office . He had had the pleasure of attending many lodges on these occasions , but that vvas the hrst time he had visited that lodge . He

would be pleased , however , to attend at any time , if the VV . M . gave him the invitation , he had so enjoyed himself . He welcomed the Initiates on their becoming members of their ancient and honourable Fraternity , vvhich was composed of men of ali nationalities and creeds , banded together in one common fraternal band of brotherhood , vvhich vvas non-political , unsectanan , and knew no creed

save that of brotherly love , reliet , and truth . Bro . W . C . Smith , I . P . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Worshiplul Master , " said that his year of office vvould add considerably to the welfare of the lodge there could be no doubt , as they all knew the painstaking care with which he had performed the duties of tbe various offices through vvhich he had passed . He trusted that he

would have a prosperous year of office , and so be able to look back with pleasure on the day vvhen he vvas installed . The Wor-. hiptul Master returned his sincere thanks for the very flattering remarks of Bro . VV . C . Smith , and assured the brethren that he would do all in his power to perform his duties to ttie satistaction of the lodge and credit to himself .

The Worshipful Master next proposed "The Health of the Initiates , " whom he welcomed among them , and trusted that the ceremony they had that evening taken part in had made the impression on them that it did on him at the time of his initiation . Ihe Initiates—Bros . Thomas Hulbett , Beach , Chas . Le Clerc , and Hyman Fonseca—briefly responded in terms of

thankfulness to the lodge . " Ihe Visitors" was the next toast proposed by the Worshipful Master , vvho said they had several distinguished ones present . They were always pleased to see them in their lodge and around their table . He would couple with this toast the names of Bros . J . Lewis-Thomas , P . A . G . D . C ; Dr . Zacharie , P . G . M . California ; and R . E .

H . Goffin . Bro . J . Lewis-Thomas , P . A . G . D . C , thanked the brethren for the cordial reception they had given the visitors . This vvas not ihe first time he had had the pleasure of visiting that lodge , and he trusted to be there on many future occasions . 1 he greatest praise vvas due to their W . M . for the excellent manner in vvhich he carried out the duties ot the chair . He

could scarcely believe that he had not occupied it betore . Bro . Dr . Zicharie , P . G . M . California , said he had known their VV . M . for twelve years , and it gave him the greatest pleasure to see him installed . He haa come up expiessiy to give him some assistance , but by the way hc did his work ne found that was not necessary . Bro . Goffin said , unlike Bro . Philbrickhe had visited

, the City of Westminster Lodge before , and once as a corporate body . As the ofiicers of the Abbey vvere invited Dy the Westminster , and the compliment had been returned by the Abbey , a kind of affinity existed between the two lodges . The Westminster supported the Abbey petition tor warrant , and the Secretary of one was Secretary of both . He thoroughly endorsed the remarks of the Grand

Registrar . I' reemasonry as a common platform knew no sects ot religion or politics , but the one G . A . U . T . U . The W . M ., in proposing "The Health ofthe I . P . M ., " congratulated him on his successful year of ofiice , and begged his acceptance of the P . M . ' s jewel , which he had very great pleasure in pinning on his breast , and trusted he might long be spared to wear it .

Bro . W . C Smith , I . P . M ., in reply , thanked the brethren for the very kind way they had received the toast of the I . P . M ., and the hearty manner in which they had responded to it gave him extreme pleasure , as he felt assured it was expressed with all sincerity . He vvas fully satisfied with the number of initiates he had the pleasure ot receiving into the lodge , also for the harmony that

had pievaiied among the brethren , as every one seemed most zealous to promote the interest of the lodge . He vvas also much gratified with their financial position , as they had a lair balance in the Treasurer's hands . In respect ot Bro . Cox , their VV . M ., he vvas pleased to sec him in that office , as they bad both worked lo that position by graduated steps of the Masonic ladder , and he was

convinced lhat the lodge vvould be well caied for under his Mastership . For the very handsome jewel the W . M . had placed on his breast , and for the kind words he had been pleased to speak ot his endeavours to carry throug h his duties whilst in the chair , he thanked him most heaitily , and he thanked the brethren for the handsome present , wishing the W . M . a prosperous year in Alasonry .