Special Edition.

SPECIAL EDITION .

A Special Edition of the Freemason , will be ready early on Saturday Morning , contain-; n o- a detailed report of the proceedings at the Annual Festival of the Royal Masonic Institutution for Girls with the List of the Stewards , and the amounts brought up by each .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

The quarterly meeting of the Liverpool Masonic Hall Committee was held a few evenings ago at the Hall in Hope-street , Liverpool , and as there were two very important motions affecting the constitution of the House Committee on the agenda paper , there was an unusually large and influential gathering , in anticipation of a long and animated discussion on each of the

propositions . Bro . R . Wylie , P . P . G . S . D ., occupied the chair , Bro . W . J . Lant , P . M . 823 , the vice-chair , and after the minutes of the previous meeting had been read by Bro . J . T . Callow , P . M . 637 , Secretary , the Chairman called on the brother who had given notice of the first motion to bring it forward . He was , however , conspicuous by his absence , and the

motion ungloriously fell to the ground . Thereupon the brother whose name was identified with the second motion then got up , and , amidst considerable merriment , intimated that he desired to withdraw it . This request was granted , and thus a meeting which was expected to last a considerable time came to a close most suddenly , the whole of the proceedings not lasting more than two

minutes . The members of the lodges in the Province of Middlesex are to wear Masonic mourning for three months in consequence of the lamented death of their Deputy Grand Master , Bro . Robert Wentworth Little .

At the Court of Bankruptcy , on Tuesday , the Case of Willis , Percival & Co . was heard before Mr . Registrar Pepys . —Henry Willis , Samuel Tomkins , and Samuel Leith Tomkins , bankers , carrying on business at Lombard-street , under the firm of Willis , Percival , & Co ., had petitioned for the liquidation of their affairs . A scheme of arrangement agreed to at a meeting of creditors

on April 30 th was submitted to the Court . The creditors resolved that an agreement made between Mr . Turquand , trustee of the estate on the one part , and the Hampshire and North Wilts Banking Company on the other , shoulel be adopted . This agreement provided , inter alia , for the sale of the whole of the joint or separate assets of the debtors , and the sooelwill of their banking business to the

Hampshire and North Wilts Banking Company at the sum of £ 265 , , and such fuither sum as shoulel be required to pay the creditors a dividend of 9 s . in the pound ; the debts due by the firm under the late partnership with Henry Willis , deceased , and the separate debts of each partner to be paid in full , and also all the costs of the proceedings ; in the event of £ 265 , 000 being more than is

required for the purposes aforesaid , the surplus to be refunded to the Hampshire and North Wilts Bank . The statement of affairs showed assets at £ 295 , 662 as against liabilities £ 5 6 3 , 517 > ° r equal to a dividend of 10 s . jd . in the pound . After the trustee had investigated the accounts , he founel that the figures were liable to certain deductions—the liabilities to £ 529 , 1 ) 08 and the assets to

£ 262 , 053 , which latter item he finally reduced by £ 10 , 000 put down for costs , thus placing the net assets at £ 252 , 053 . Under these circumstances , Mr . Penn , the thief clerk , reported that the arrangements , taking into consideration the delay and risk consequent upon realization in the ordinary mode , appeared to be for the benefit nf the creditors . The resolutions were confirmed [ by the

Court . The Rt . Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon opened the new municipal buildings at Newbury , Berkshire , on Tuesday last . Upon his arrival an address was read by Mr . H . B . Godwin , town clerk , in which his lordship was thanked for the great interest he had always manifested in Ihe : welfare of the ancient borough , the address concluding

as follows : " We would express our sincere hope that your lordship may be granted many years of health and happiness , and to see your children ' s children perpetuate the virtues and accomplishments of the House of Herbert . " Her Majesty the Queen , accompanied by the Crown Princess of Germany and Princess Beatrice , left Windsor Castle at eleven o ' clock on Tuesday morning for the metropolis . As they passed from the Royal

waiting room at Windsor to the carriage her Majesty and the I ' rincesses graciously acknowledged the salutations of the Bystanders ; and the Crown Princess of Germany ( Princess "oyal ) and the Princess Beatrice remained standing as the train quitted the station . At Paeldington there was a large concourse of persons , who gave the Royal patty a most heart y welcome as they drove under escort to Buckingham Palace .

The Saddlers' Company has voted 2 ^ guineas ' ° the China Famine Fund , and five guineas to the National Dental Hospital . SLAMMING OF RAILWAY CARRIAGE DOORS . — several correspondents have addressed letters to a contemporary on this subject , and one , signing himself Suietas , " asks " can nothing be done to stop the intolerable nuisance of slamming railway carriage doors' If

. the doors must be closed quickly and firmly , " he remarks , surel y the thunderclap which results may be obviated by 'he insertion of a little indiarubber lining , such as serves a s , irnlar purpose to the doors of numerous public buildings . " At the Crosa sale in Paris , works of Laret JDeaeroix anil Messonier were sold at high prices . " Le Liseur , " by the last great artist , fetched £ 1080 . £ 12 , 000 w <* re realized . * , » >

Masonic And General Tidings.

The consecration of the Royal Savoy Lodge , No . 1744 , will take place at Ashley ' s Hotel , Covent Garelen , on Tuesday , May 14 th , at four o ' clock .. The ceremony will be performed by Bro . Junes Terry , G . D . C . Herts ., assisted by Bro . H . G . Buss , A . G . S ., Bro . J . Willing , l . P . M . 177 , P . M . 1507 , is the W . M . ilesignatc ; Bro .

John Douglas , ( Standard Theatre ) , W . M . elect 1597 , the S . W . elesignate ; and Bro . F . H . Clemow , 1507 , the J . W . designate . The musical arrangements will be under the direction of Bro . Carter , assisted by Bro . Theodore Distin , & c , e ^ c . The ceremony will be iu ample form . The lodge already consists of thirty Masters , P . Masters , and brethren of old lodges .

The Pope ' s Apartments at the Vatican hav been re-decorated since the death of Pius IX ., and are now furnished somewhat scantily , the name and arms of Leo XIII . being emblazoned on all Ihe furniture . The Pope has converted the room in which his predecessor died into a dining-room , hung with red damask , and containing a table in centre , at which His Holiness sits on a throne .

The former dining-room is now Leo XIII . ' s bedroom , which is hung with yellow damask , and has a brass bedstead in an alcove formed by columns , while it communicates with the library . The audience room is ornamented with reel and yellow satin , and contains scats covered with red , two handsurm ; cabinets , and a writing-table . Lastly comes the Salle du Tronc , where the Pope hears a sermon

each Friday in Lent , the preacher standing at the foot of the throne , while Leo XIII . occupies unseen a species of wooden confessional , and the Cardinals are seated round the hall on benches . Anent Papal matters , His Holiness has been slightly scandalised by his new Secretary , Cardinal Franchi , having a billiard-table put up in his apartments , as the Carelinal has been recommended to play billiards for an hour daily for the sake of his health .

We are glad to hear that Mr . Holman Hunt is returning to this country with a new and powerful picture . An autumn exhibition of pictures is in process of arrangement at Newoastle-on-Tync . TI 13 Bank of Bengal has reduced its minimum rate of interest and discount from 6 to 5 per c ; nt .

The Minister of Public Instruction and Chancellor of the University of France , has conferred on Bro . the Rev . Dr . Brette , one of Hie highest honours the University can b ; stow , viz ., the rank and title of "Officier d'Academic , " in recognition of the services he has rendered to Public Instruction by his educational works .

Among the most important inventions of the age'is Bro . Charles Brothcrs ' s Safely Sash Window . Every one will admit the ordinary sash window is open 10 many objections . If the sash line breaks or Ihc window wants cleaning , & c , the sashes have to be partially taken out by removing the beads , or the seiv . int has to do the work from the outside , oficn at imminent psril . Now the

invention of Mr . Brothers obviates thee inconveniences , and possessses pecial points of merit that will commend themselves to all architects , builders , and householders . The moelel sash window we examined at tin ; Museum of Building Appliances , 23 , Maddox street . W ., is to all appearance an ordinary window , including frame and weights , but is

hung on centies , and is made to open like a casement , which purpose , in fact , it answers . A frame or lining is introduced in the usual rebate or opening of the brickwork , in which the ordinary window case is wedged ; gun metal or other centres are fixed at the top and bottom of frame one side , anel the whole sash and its frame is hung at its inner edge , and made to op .-n en bloc into the room . In

examining the moelel we find the parting beads are fixed , and never require to be touched—a point of particular moment , avoiding repairs , the loose fitting of the sashes , and the consequent liability to become dirty . The hanging of the sash frame obviates the necessity of taking off the beads , and the removal of sashes , to repair , clean , or paint , for by unlocking the opening stile of frame the

whole window , with its weights and sishes , opens into the room , and is completely under control . But to facilitate repair of lines , the back linings , thin pieces of stuff hinged , are made to open as flaps , thus enabling any one to replace new lines or weights , as the sash lines are fitted to a certain length wilh hooks and eyes . When the windowframe is open the limit to which the sashes can

subsequently be raiseel or depressed can be determined by the locking arrangement , effected by a master-key provideil for the owner or tenant of the house . Say an opening of four or five inches is permitted , this will be too small a space for any one to get access through from the oulsielc , and thus no collusion with inmates would serve the

purposes of the burglar . At top an excellent aeljustable ventilator is fitted , anel on closing the sashes they fasten themselves , thus superseding the ordinary catches and introducing the better principle of unfastening instead of fastening the window . When the sash-frame is shut on the outer frame it is locked in place by the master-key and becomes proof against tampering .

RED CROSS OF CONSTANTJNE . —The Imperial Grand Council of Illinois have appointed Bro . Charles Fitzgerald Matier as their Grand Representative at the Imperial Grand Council of England .

Among others the following deaths have been announced in April : Lawrence Macdonald , sculptor , at Rome ; Alexander Jean Antigua , " genre" painter , in Paris ; Alexander Viollet-le-Duc , art critic , brother of the great architect ; and Sir Gilbert Scott , architect .

An official communication was received at Aldershot on Wednesday evening stating that her Majesty the Queen will visit the camp on Monday next , and will inspect the whole of the troops at the North Caropjparadc ground , returning afterwards to Windsor .

Public Amusements.

Public Amusements .

GLOBE THEATRE—A grand special morning performance ( we quote from the bills ) was given at this Theatre on Wednesday April 24 th . The occasion was the debut of Miss Agnes Leonard , and the piece chosen for representation was " Love ' s Sacrifice " a drama produced nearly half a century ago at Covent Garelen , but seldom seen of late years on the London Stage . Although of considerable

literary merit , and admirable in many respects , " Love ' s Sacrifice" is hardly likely to become a favourite with audiences of the present day , who prefer t [ uicker developement of plot , and arc apt t . > grow impatient over long speeches in blank verse . We do not say taste has improved in these matters , but only state a fact . The heroine Margaret Elmore was , of course , played by

the young debutante . Gifted with a graceful figure , a charming young face , and the most bewitching manners , Miss Leonard looked the part to perfection , and in thf first act where these qualities were the chief requisites , she made a very favourable impression on the audience ; as the play proceedeel , however , it was clear that she lacked power , her voice at times being almost inaudible , and in the scene

with Lafont in the fourth act , it became evident that she has not , as yet , mastered even the elements of her art , she never once rose in the situation and throughout the rest of the play her inexperience both in elocution and acting were painfully apparent . The only praise we can give is that she was perfect in her words , and more than once acted as prompter to some of

the others . The audience was a friendly one , and there were repeated calls before the curtain , but it would be mistaken kindness to persuade Miss Leonard that her impersonation was a success . " Thereis no royal road to learning " and success on the stage can only be attained by long and careful study . To appear before a London audience for the first time , in a patt which would try the powers of the

most experienced actress , is to say the least ambitious . The other parts were most of them well filled . Mr . John Maclean played Matthew Elmore with much feeling , and in the third act won loud and well deserved applause . Mr . Janies Fernandez was admirably " made up" as Lafont , and played the part in a thoroughly artistic manner . Mr , Barnes as Eugene de Lorme made a fairly good lover , but

we have seen him to better advantage in other parts . Mr . Billington made a dashing St . Lo and was particularly good in his scene with the lively lleernioiie , admirably played by Miss Ellen Meyrick . Mr . H . Paulton was funny as the clerk Jean Ruse , and was well supported by Miss Cicely Nott as Muiau . Mr . Huntley as the Friar was too melodramatic , anel would have been more appreciated by a " transpontine" audience .

MVSONIC SONGS . —A selection of Masonic Songs set to popular airs , written by Bro . E . P . Philpots , M . D ., F . R . G . S ., is now ready , forming a handsome volume , bound in cloth , with gilt edges , price 3 s . Sent post free from the office of this paper on receipt of stamps or post-office order value « 2 d . —ADVT .

In addition to the numerous gifts of works of art to the Liverpool Gallery of Art , Mr . George Arkell , banker , has presented to the Town Council seven valuable works in oil from his collection at Anfield House . They

incluele " Ruins of a Temple and Amphitheatre , " by G . D Roberts , R . A . ; " King Richard IU . of England , " by S . A Hart , R . A . ; "The 'I rial of the Earl of Strafford , " by Wil Ham Fisk ; and " The Parable of Forgiveness , " by J Eckford Lander .

A Festival in aid of the Benevolent Society of Blues was held at the Albion Tavern on Thursday last . Bro . John Derby Allcroft , M . P ., Treasurer of Christ's Hospital , presiding . In consequence of the 22 nd inst . being rixe'd for her Majesty ' s ball , Mrs . Smith ' s evening party at the the Admiralty will take place on Tuesday , the 21 st inst .

The Installation meeting of the Phcenix Lodge , No . 173 , takes place at Freemasons' Hall this ( Saturday ) fternoon—A report of the proceeejings will appear in our next . The consecration of the Farringdoh Without

Lodge , No . 1745 , took place on Thursday last at the Holborn Viaduct Hotel . W . Bro . James Terry , P . M . 228 , 1278 , and 1366 , and Grand D . of C . Hertfordshire , assisted by W . Bro . Wm . Clarke , G . D . of C . Suffolk , were the con secrating officers . A full report will appear in our next .

The 89 th annual dinner of the Royal Literary Fund , took place on Wednesday evening , at Willis's Rooms , the Dean of Westminster in the chair . A very distinguished company were present ,

The traffic receipts of the London and Southwestern Railway for the past week show an increase of £ 8 , 497 ; tnc London General Omnibus Company an increase of £ 105 ; and the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada , a decrease of £ ' , ' , 530 .

Mrs . Monckton and Sir Charles Young gave a dramatic recital on Wednesday night , for the benefit of the St . Elizabeth Hospital , Great Ormond-street . The Queen has signified her intention of conferring the honour of knighthood upon the following gentlemen : —Mr . Jacob Dirk Barry , Recorder of the High

Court of the Province of Gnqualand West ; Mr . Thomas Elder , member of the Legislative Council of the Colony of South Australia ; Dr . Salvatore Mauiiie , L . L . D ., Judge of the Court of Appeal of the Island of Malta ; Mr . Edward Eyre Williams , late Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of the Colony of Victoria .