Correspondence.

Correspondence .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but wc j wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . I

OUR BROTHER'S BED . To the Editor of the '' Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Will you confer the great favour on me of mentioning in a paragraph the omission from the printed list of contributors to " Our Brother's Bed , " which I much regret . —I am , dear Sir and Brother , very fraternally yours , W . PORTLOCK-DADSON , P . M ., Hon . Sec . February 12 th .

[ The list of contributors to this bed in the Free . Home for the Dying has been posted to all who gave in 1895 , but , by some inadvertence , the following donations were omitted : Charles Daniel ... ... ... . £ 050 Lodge of Prosperity , No . 6 5 ... ... 100 Lodge of Perseverance , No . 1743 ... ... 050 The . next list will be published in our number of the 29 th inst . ]

Reviews.

Reviews .

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF IDAHO , at its 28 th Annual Communication in Boise City , ioth September , 1805 , Boise , Idaho . The Evening Mail Print , 1895 . —This volume contains the full official record of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Idaho at its 28 th Annual Communication held in the City of Boise on the ioth September , 1 S 95 , together with a mass of statistics , rolls of Grand Lodge and private lodge officers and members , and the Report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence as edited by Bro . Charles C . Stevenson , who now holds the office of Grand

Secretary . The Proceedings themselves include the usual address by the Grand Master , Bro . Adelbert B . Clark , whose portrait serves as the frontispiece to the Volume ; the various reports of the executive officers ; and an oration by Bro . Charles C . Stevensonat the time Grand Orator—which we have deemed worthy of comment in a leading article . The Treasurer ' s Report shows that the Grand Lodge is in a flourishing condition as reeards its finances , while the Returns from the lodges disclose a total

membership for the 26—out of 27—lodges in active work of 1057 ^ subscribing brethren . The principal Grand Officers for the present year are Bros . Isidore S . Warter , M . W . G . M . ; George M . Waterhouse , Deputy G . M .,- Albert W . Talkington , S . G . W . ; Sars P . Anderson , J . G . W . ; Charles Himrod ( re-elected ) G . Treas . ; and Charles C . Stevenson , G . Sec . The Report on Foreign Correspondence , which bears every evidence of having been most carefully and ably edited by Bro . Stevenson , deals with the Proceedings of 51 Grand Lodees , of which 37 relate to the year 1 S 94 and the remaining 14 to 1 S 95 .

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OF MARYLAND , The 98 th Annual Convocation at the Masonic Hall , Baltimore , on the 12 th November , 1 S 95 . Charles H . Curley , Printer , Baltimore , Mass . —In this volume will be found the official record of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter at its 98 th Annual Convocation in Baltimore on the 12 th November , 1 S 95 , under the presidency of M . E . Comp . Edward R . Trippe , G . H . P ., who was supported by Comp . W . H . Shryock , Deputy G . H . P ., many Grand Officers , Past and Present , and the representatives of private chapters . The G . H . Priest noted in his

address the principal events of the past year , and the part which he himself had taken in visiting the chapters under his charge and in fulfilment of the various duties pertaining to his office . The audited statement of accounts as presented by the Grand Treasurer showed a handsome balance to the good , while the returns as to the private chapters—the number of which , including one under dispensation , is 18—make up an aggregate of 1 C 62 subscribing companions , being an increase of So on the previous year . The newly-installed principal officers are Comp . General Shryock . M . E . G . H . P . ;

Comp . George Cook , Deputy G . H . P . ; Comp . William H . Martin , G . King j Comp . William T . Price , G . Scribe j Comp . David C . Avory , G . Treas . ; and Comp . Geo . L . McCahan , G . Sec . The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence is edited and presented by Comp . Edward T . Schultz , Past Deputy G . H . P ., and contains reviews , concisely and clearly written , of the proceedings of 49 Grand RoyaJ Arch Chapters , of which 20 apply to the year 18 94 and 29 to the year 1895 . There is also copy of the Table compiled by Comp . J . H . Drummond , of Maine , showing the statistics of Koyal Arch Masonry for the whole of North America .

"FREEMASONS'CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE P ROVINCE OF DURHAM , 1856 . "—This ably-edited annual has been published commendably early , and is as useful and welcome as ever . The arrangement of its varied contents cannotbe improved upon , and include particulars of all the Masonic bodies at work in this wellregulated province . There are 36 lodges in Durham , having 2749 subscribing brethren , according to the excellent report of the Prov . Grand Lodge issued by the indefatigable Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . Robert Hudson . This gives an average of fully 7 G to

each lodge , which proves how large the -membership is generally , and , though not equal to that of Northumberland , which for 26 lodges has 2112 , being an average of over So per lodge , the proportion is much more than in most provinces , and almost double that of some . In other words , if 40 members represent a good working number for average ledges , either Duiham or Northumberland could support nearly double the number of lodges Iktt ( key have cn their registers . The information respecting each of the lodges , chapleis , & o , is mest abundant . The oldest is No . 48 , Gateshead , for which the date of warrant ( June 241 b , 1735 ) , chaiter of confirmation ( October ist , 1771 ) , date of centenary

warrant ( August 30 th , 1867 ) , the place , day , and time of meetings , and that for installation , number cf subscribing members ( 90 ) , list of officers , name and address of Secretary , roll of Past Masters , years of office , Prov . Grand Lodge office , & c , are all duly noted , and so for all the others as needed . The full roll of Prov . Grand Lodge Officers , as far as possible , from 1735 is a most useful and valuable compilation , and , in fact , this Calendar and Directory is throughout a great credit to the Prov . Grand Secretary and his Assistant , Bro . J . W . Joel . The voting strength of the province is stated to be 32 S 0 for the Central Masonic Charities , a lis : of St ; wird > facing print-1 from 1 S 79 to 1 S 95 .

"FREEMASONS' DIRECTORY , PROVINCE OF DUMFRIESSHIRE . "—This wee manual is edited by Bro . James Smith , P . M . 03 , the esteemed Historian and Grand Treasurer of the province , and is in its third year . Its usefulness and handiness are apparent , and cannot fail to be much appreciated by the members of this most compict piovir . ee . Tie list of " Doimant Lodges" is interesting , and a similar one of Royal Arch chapters would be acceptable . The titles of some of the Provincial Grand Oflicers scund strange lo English ears , e . g ., Prov . Grand Architect , Bible Bearer , Director of Music ( additional to Organist ) , Bard , President and Vice-President of Stewards ( the latter being the odd number of 13 ) , and Marshal , as will as a Directo : of Ceremonies .

" HULL M ASONIC CALENDAR , iSyC . —This is in double-card form , and is brimful of information as to all the lodges , chapters , & c , that assemble in this centre of Masonic activity . Itis so useful for the pocket and reference , that wi wonder other town ; do not follow the example thus set by the respected Prov . Grand | Secretary , [ Bro . M . C . Peck , who is the respected editor and publisher .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Temperance in the East Lodge , No . 898 . The annual opening meeting of this important lodge took place on Wednesday , the 29 th ult ., at the Assembly Rooms , Newby-place , Poplar , Bro . T . S . Craze being in the chair , in which he was loyally supported by a large body of Past Masters , viz .: Bros . J . Gordon , P . M . ; J . Armstrong , P . M . ; G . Shearman , P . M . ; W . Bigg , P . M . ; G . Graveley , P . M . ; S . J . Carter , P . M . ; Geo . Sidders , P . M . ; E . F . Williams , I . P . M ., J . Williams , P . M . ; Pulsford , P . M . ; Butcher , P . M . ; and others . The officers

comprised Bros . T . Ringrose , P . M ., & c , S . W . ; W . T . Legg , J . W . ; J . Byford , jun ., P . M ., Treas . ; A . G . Duck , P . M ., Sec ; F . J . Burdett , S . D . ; J . J . Olley , J . D . P . P . Shapland , I . G . ; G . Mason , T . Byford , andS . H . Baker , Stwds . ; W . G . Puttick , Org . ; and H . Baker , Tyler . . Lodge being duly opened , Messrs . F . C . Byford , J . W . Bruce , W . Noakes , and F . D . Harding were initiated , and Bros . R . Greaves and Chambers passed . A resolution condoling with the widow of the late Bro . H . Rogers , P . M ., P . Z ., Sec . 1816 , and D . C . S 98 , was unanimously accepted .

After voting several amounts to distressed brethren , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the City of London Tavern . After the banquet and the loyal toasts were duly honoured , Bro . Pulsford proposed "The W . M ., " who responded with laconic brevity , expressing his desire to do his best . For " The Past Masters " Bro . Graveley replied , referring to the absence of one old Past Master they had just lost , Bro . H . Rogers , who had bsen a loyal Mason , and had worked among them almost to the day of his death . When made a Mason , Bro .

Rogers was his Deacon , and he in turn exalted Bro . Rogers in the Royal Arch . He could not sufficiently extol his worth and kindness . He hopedthe brethren would do all they could for his widow , as Bro . Rogers , with small means and a large heart for Charity , had not been able to provide much for the future . Bro . Pulsford said he could only re-echo all that was said by Bro . Graveley , and inadequately express his grief at their loss . Bros . Butcher , Gordon , Armstrong , Carter , Bigg , and others responded in the same spirit .

The toasts of "The Initiates , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and "The Officers " were all tersely proposed , adequately honoured , and appropriately responded to . During the intervals a capital programme of vocal music was contributed to by the following , viz . : Bros . W . Townshend , A . H . Warren , and Geo . Sidders , while a still more pleasing addition was made by Miss Carrie Olley , who sang not only " Once , " but " Vainka's song . " Bro . Tom Burgess shone in the comic line , and more especially in " Schneider how you vas . " The Tyler ' s toast came only too soon .

Hemming Lodge , No . 1503 , A meeting of this lodge was held at the Greyhound Hotel , Hampton Court , on the 23 rd ult ., and among those present were Bros . E . H . Trotter , W . M . ; W . Hopkins . S . W . j , G . S . Tagg , J . W ., W . M . elect ; J . C . Jessett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . Captain T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., P . G . S . B ., Sec ; P . Cronin , S . D . ; C Wheatley , J . D . ; G . Ransford , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., D . C ; C F . Davis , A . D . C ; H . Wheatley , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , H . Webster , and W . Hill , Stewards ; W . Soearin- ? .

P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; A . F . Scholding , P . M . ; W . Fisher , P . M ., P . P . G . T . ; and J . W . Clarke , P . M . Among the numerous visitors were Bros . J . T . Briggs , P . M ., P . P , G . D . ; H . Cheese , W . M . 145 ; J . Flexman , W . M . 1743 ; F . Harper , W . M . 2521 ; J . H . Woods , P . M . 145 ; R . H . Williams , P . M . 865 ; H . H . Leigh , P . M . 16 73 ; S . Fisk , P . M . 1733 ; and A . Rowlandson , P . M . 1926 . ' The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Edwards was raised to the Degree of M . M . by Bro . Clarke , I . P . M ., in a most impressive

manner . The latter also installed Bro . G . J . Tagg as W . M ., the rendering of the ceremony leaving but little to be desired . Among the officers appointed and invested were Bros . W . Hopkins , S . W . ; P . Cronin , J . W . ; J . C Jessett , P . M ., Treas . ; Capt . Walls , P . M ., Sec . ; C . Wheatley , S . D . ; H . Gale , J . D . ; C . F . Davis , I . G . ; C . C . Brooke , Org . ; G . Ransford , P . M ., D . C . j H . Webster , A . D . C ; H . Wheatley ,

P . M ., W . Hue , C Boyce , A . Macchi , and H . Bright , Stewards ; and J . Gilbert , Tyler . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . The Secretary reported that the Committee of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys had accepted the son of the late Bro . R , tales , P . M . 1512 , as a candidate . A resolution having been passed as to several brethren in arrear , a vote of thanks was passed to the Installing Officer . Communications regretting inability to attend were received from Bros . H . H . Room , G . S . B ., P . G . Sec , & c ; H . Gale , G . C Brooke , and others .

The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was admirably served under the personal superintendence of Bro . R . Pratti . Upon the removal of the cloth , the usual toasts received full ( justice . The W . M presided most ably . In proposing "The Health of the Past Masters , " the W . M . paid a very high compliment to them all ; he particularly mentioned the names of Bros . E . H . Trotter , J . W .

Clarke , and J . C Jessett . At the conclusion of his speech , he presented the first-named with a Past Master ' s jewel and collar . During the proceedings an excellent programme of music was furnished . The W . M . is to be congratulated on the great success that attended the proceedings from first to last . He is well known to both residents at , and visitors to , those pleasant riverside resorts of Molesey and Hampton as a most genial and courteous man and brother .

Duke of Connaught Lodge , No . 1524 . A large number of brethren attended the installation meeting , held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Thursday , the 30 th ult ., when the lodge celebrated the attainment of ils majority . Started in 1875 in the neighbourhood of Dalston , under the Mastership of Bro . W . H . Lee , the Duke of Connaught Lodge has prospered exceedingly , and the success has culminated in the termination of what may be regarded as the most successful year of its existence . During the tenure of office of Bro . E . T . Turnbull ,

who has just vacated the chair , there has been an influx of good candidates , and the ceremonies have all been rendered by him with an impressiveness and elocutionary ability it would be difficult to excel . Bro . Turnbu'l concluded his labours by installing Bro . W . T . Oakley into the chair as his successor . The members present included Bros . E . T . Turnbull , W . M . ; W . T . Oakley , S . W ., W . M . elect ; W . H . Brand , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Lorkin , P . M ., Sec ; II . Pearse , J . W . ; A . M . Archer , S . D . ; E . Frisby , J . D . ; H . B . Burgess , l . G . ; P . Felsenthal ,

Org . ; W . H . Lee , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Middx . ; A . Dignam , P . M . ; J . L . Payne , P . M . ; A . Ferrer , P . M . ; R . Polak , P . M . ; A . R . Olley , P . M . ; W . Beasley , P . M . ; J . H . Rich , P . M . ; W . Simpson , P . M . ; P . W . Rogers , P . M . ; W . Wright , E . Varney , and many others . Visitors : Bros . W . M . Stiles , G . Treas . ; E . Allison , 2492 ; F . Kebbell , 1 GG 2 ; W . C . Elsdon , 25 ; J . H . Sansom , W . M . 1364 ; H . Willsmer , Sec . 15 C 7 ; G . F . Weige , P . M . SGo ; A . Bartrop , 354 ; H . Harden , D . C 1745 ; L . Lewis , P . M . 159 S ; S . Ooodall , 754 ; W . W . McLean , P . M . 212 ; J . Franklin , 2255 *

1 . Berg , 1 O 13 ; R . S . Gillespie , 1 GS 5 ; J . A . Apelt , 4 S 3 ; W . H . Toye , P . M . 127 ^ ; T . H . Turner , 128 ;; D . E . Shingles , W . M . 79 ; F . Partington , P . M . 1283 ; W . VV . Lee , Prov . G . Stwd . Middx . ; and others . After the formal opening of the lodge , and the confirmation of the minutes , the principal business of the evening was proceeded with , and Bro . W . T . Oakley having been duly installed as W . M ., invested the followintr officers : Bros . E . T . Turnbull , 1

I . P . M . ; II . Pearse , S . W . ; A . M . Archer , J . W . ; W . H . Brand , P . M ., freas . ; C . Lorkin , P . M ., Sec ; E . Frisby , S . D . ; H . B . Burgess , J . D . ; R . Baker , I . G ., J . Bedford , D . C ; G . Buzzard and P . Felsenthal ( Org . ) , btewards ; and J . Ives , P . M ., Tyler . Five candidates were then initiated by the newly-installed W . M ., who thoroughly justified his constant attendince at the lodgeof instruction . A handsom ; Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Turnbull , LP . M ., for his invaluable services rendered d iring the past year , and the lodge was closed .

A choice banquet was served under the supervision of Bro . Evans , and Bro . Wagstaff also attended to the comfort of the brethren . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were subsequently given . Bro . W . M . Stiles , G . Treas ., responding Ior " fhe Grand Officeis . " said the