The Grand Orient Of France.

result has been , if any , we shall know next month . We think that all our readers will entirely approve of the firmness and justice displayed by Frere St . Jean and the Conseil de L'Ordre , and will also agree that a more

contumacious act never was carried through by any lodge . We are quite aware that just now , as we before said , the position ofthe Consul de L'Ordre is no bed of roses , that French Freemasonry is in a very excited and unsettled state , and all to whom the rule of the Order is confided have a

very difficult course to steer in order to preserve the just authority of the Grand Orient , and to up hold the constitutional regime of ths Order . That the Grand Orient in very difficult times , and through very regrettable scenes , under the able presidency of Frere St . Jean , has acted with

great prudence and true Masonic principles we think none can question , and we should be very happy to see the Order in France emerge from its many troubles , and , risingabove opposing schools of thought and action , take up its old and independent position . We may recur to

the subject before long , as we wish sincerely well to our brethren in France , but in the meantime we beg to congratulate Frere St . Jean and the Conseil de L'Ordre for theii loyal adherence , even in the face of ' much misplaced sentiments lity , to the "Lex Scripta " ofthe Grand Orient of France .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ VVe do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain accessarj limits—free discussion . —En . l

MASTER MASONS' JEWELS . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — The Masonic mind at large seems greatly exercised on the question of "Jewels , Master Masons' Jewels , & c . " I am not going here to enter into technicalities as to what may be allowed and what disallowed . I wish to

consider the question in its true Masonic spirit . The hadge of a Mason is his apron , which in the three degrees " distinctly marks the status " of its wearer . What more can be wanted ? Jewels are simply emblems of office , and when the wearer thereof ceases to hold office the jewel and collar descend to his successor ( vide Lecture on Tracing Board ,

First Degree ,. Thus for all practical purposes the apron is the badge of a Mason . No jewel distinctive of any degree is authorised by the Constitutions . It is true that some may argue that as certain jewels are not disallowed by the Constitutions therefore they may be worn . That is not the point I am seeking to enforce ; what I do wish to say is that no jewel

is necessary , that by the ancient landmarks of the Order the " badge of a Mason is his apron , " and " the jewel the emblem of office . " Above all let us remember " simplicity" is a characteristic of every true Mason . So far as io ordinary members of the three degrees I would even

go further , and ask why there should le a P . M . jewel ? —the levels on the P . M . ' s apron distinctly mark his status . Then again , when the brother has gained purple , the purple itself denotes his pre-eminence , while the distinctive marks on his apron rigidly define his actual status therein .

Why , then , any jewel at all save for actual officebearers ? I wish to show how unworthy it is for a true Mason to think of personal " adornment ; " how unworthy it is for those that aver that they are " poor and friendless " to seek their own glory at the expense of the true feeling of the Craft . There is an old adage applicable to all good

Masons , " By their works ye shall know them . " Masonry is Masonry , and stands on too firm a basis to be upset by the question of " personal adornment ; " Masonry requires no meritricious advantages to recommend itself ; Masonry speaks to the heart not by outward show , but b y inward rectitude of purpose . So far then as to these degrees , there now remains the question of centenary and

chanty jewels . The centenary jewels may be dismissed at ono . — there can be no reason for them ; but as to " charity jewels" 1 do feel a difficulty . I hold , however , that as all jewels are contrary to the true spirit of Masonry , therefore that even these should be disallowed . Those noble brethren who have done so much for " charity " ( that great characteristic of Masonry ) , who alone may be considered

entitled to wear charity jewels , require no external marks to distinguish them -, their names are well-known , their good deeds speak for themselves . I do not write this letter for the worthy and well-informed brethren , who know more of the subject than I do , but simpl y for the instruction of the newly-initiated , and those that know little of the Craft .

A true Mason is essentially a modest man , who feels his own personal incapability ( seeing that in this world perfection is impossible ) , and endeavours to the utmost of his power to fulfil what is laid down as his duty . A true Mason seeks not his own personal aggrandisement , but in his good works to advantage the Order and his fellows . Meretricious display is contrary to the feelings of a true mason j therefore I maintain that all jewels save those of

Original Correspondence.

actual office-bearers should bc forbidden , as contrary to the landmarks of the Order . I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , G . E . R . HARRIOTT , P . G . M . Wigtown and Kirkcudbright .

OUR ROVAL GRAND MASTER'S INDIAN PRESENTS . To the Editor of The Freemason Dear Sir and Brother , — I have read with much pleasure jour timely remarks on the charities of our Craft , and having personally , through the kindness and noble heartedness of our R

worthy and esteemed ^ Bro . . J . Spiers , had my unfortutunate case favourably considered by our Lodge of Benevolence , I trust you will allow me to make a suggestion to the great supporters of our Crafr , which if carried out would add I may say thousands to our charities . If our Royal Prince the Grand Master of England were

solicited to allow the numerous presents given to His Royal Highness on his Indian Tour to be exhibited at some convenient place in London , at a small charge for admission , thousands would go to see them , and the result for the benefit of our charities would be , I doubt not ,

fabulous . I would also suggest a similar exhibition at all our large towns . I am Sir , your fraternally , A PAST MASTER , Alfred Lodge , Oxford . -7 th March , 1876 .

MASONIC TOKENS . To the Editor of The Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I have lately had placed in my hands a few of the copper tokens issued in 1794 to commemorate the election of the Prince of Wales as Grand Master in 1790 .

These tokens were fully described in your publication some few months ago , and are exceedingly curious and rare . It perhaps may not be out of place to give a brief description of them . Obverse , arms of the "Moderns " Grand Lodge , inscription , " Prince of Wales elected G . M ., 24 th Nov ., 1790 . " Reverse , a triangle enclosing a number of Masonic

emblems and a figure of Cupid holding a level and pointing to the All-seeing Eye , the triangle being encompassed by the words "Wisdom , Strenglh , and Beauty ; " also " Sit Lux et Lux fuit . " On the rim of the token the inscription "Masonic Token , T . Schechley , 1794 . " Having had these tokens placed in my hands for

disposal for the benefit of a Masonic charity , I shall be glad to forward one to any brother on receipt of stamps for three shillings , addressed to "J . N ., Box 34 , Post Office , Bolton . " Yours fraternally , J . N . Bolton , 7 th Match , 1876 .

A QUERY . To the Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Bn ther , — Through the medium of your paper , would you kindly give the meaning of the word " Brannans , " a word

I saw on a tombstone in Henworth Churchyard , near Darlington , in an epitaph relating to the implements used among Masons . I am , Sir , yours fraternally , T . MARSHALL BENNETT .

MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE . To the Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I am a Scotch Mason , never affiliated to an English lodge , but just settled down in a town of the Midland counties . We are thinking of establishing a new lodge

here , and I wish to know if 1 have any right to sign a petition to Grand Lodge to obtain a warrant ; would my signature stand for anything , I being a Scutih , and not an English Mason ? What is the rule on this point ? Would it be better to become a joining member of the eld lodge first ?

Yours fraternally , A SCOTCH MASTER MASON . [ In our opinion , the "registered Masons , " at page 128 , Book ol Constitutions , are Alasons registered in the Grand Secretary ' s Office , and a Scotch Master Mason should , we are of opinion , join an English Lodge first of all , and be registered in the Books of the Grand Lodge of England . —ED ] .

THE LONDON MASONIC CLUB . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Bro ., — Through your columns of the nth inst ., I notice

that the Worshipful Master of the Phoenix Lodge ( No . 904 ) was good enough to direct the attention of the brethren present at their last meeting to a circular and prospectus he bad received from me as Secretary of the London Masonic Club .

On that occasion Bro . Marsli expressed doubt as to the pecuniary responsibility resting on those who formed the Club . For his information and that of brethren generally , I b : g to state that " members of the club incur no liability whatever beyond their subscription . "

1 he Club is strictly propiietary , being the property of the shareholders of the "London Masonic Club Company , Limited , " who are solely responsible for all recei pts and expenditure . The formation of the club by means of a " limited liability company" was , ( after mature consideration ) , thought to be the

most feasible and practicable mode of carrying it to a successful issue , and the result has proved the correctness of that idea , for already over 500 applications for membershi p have been received , and are daily being augmented . Great difficulty has been experienced in procuring a suitable site , the premises now taken ( No . 101 ,

Original Correspondence.

Queen Victoria-street ) , are both eligible and capable of extension if required . It is hoped the club will be ready for the use of members between the middle of April , and the ist of May . I may , in conclusion , state , the next election will take place on the 30 th inst ., up to which date the time for

admitting members at the original rate of subscriptions , and without an entrance fee has been extended . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , J . A . LATHBURY , Secretary . Temporary offices , 37 , Queen Victoria Street , E . G ., i . th March , 1876 .

A CORRECTION . To The Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In the report of the Consecration of the Upper Norwood Lodge I am made to be the deputy of the Grand

Master for Surrey . Now in the first place Major-General Brownrigg would not . I think , allow another to do a duty he is so capable of himself , and always takes a pleasure in doing ; and in the next place Upper Norwood is not in the Prcvince of Surrey , but in the metropolitan district . I consequently represented the Pro Grand Master on the

oc-. Remaining very fraternally yours , H . E . FRANCES , P . M ., P . G . J . D . Surrey

Multum In Parbo; Or Masonic Notes And Queries.

Multum in Parbo ; or Masonic Notes and Queries .

ANCIENT MS . MASONIC CONSTITUTIONS . I have been asked to furnish a few particulars as to some of the missing MSS . alluded to in my last communication in the " Freemason . " Wren ' s MS . —The endorsement on the transcript of Browne ' s MS . ( in my possession ) is to the effect that the latter was copied from an ancient document found amongst the

papers of the late Sir Christopher Wren . It is the only reference I have been able to discover , and hence my so naming the missing MS . Chester MS . —The endorsement aforesaid states that the MS . ( termed Chester MS . by mc ) was a copy made A . D . 1600 from Wren ' s MS ., and was written OB a " parchment roll . " Browne ' s MS . —( Copy of the Chester MS ., once

the property of Bro . S . Browne , of Chester , now in my possession ) . Dermott ' s MS .-Grand Secretary Dermott exhibited to the members of the Grand Lodge of the Ancients , on 6 th December , 1752 , " a very old Masonic MS . written or copied by one Bramhall , of Canterbury , in the reign of Henry VII . " This is now missing .

Morgan ' s MS . —At the assembly of the seceders men « tioned , Bro . Dermott asked if any other MS . had been discovered , additional to those produced to him on the 2 nd of February , 1852 . A large roll was then talked about , supposed to have been taken by the late Grand Secretary abroad . This Grand Secretary's name was Morgan , and so to preserve this reference to the document we call it

Morgan ' s MS ., and cherish the hope that it will yet be identified . Bro . Morgan was the first Grand Secretary ol the Ancients , and held the office before any Grand Master was elected . He was succeeded by Bro . Dermott , who soon obtained a Grand Master , and everything else that was wanted to ensure prosperity for the seceders . Dodd's MS . —My friend and Bro . Carson , of Cincinnati ,

who was the purchaser of theWare pamphlet , published by Mrs . Dodd , A . D ., 1738 , at Bro . Spencer ' s sale , has placed it in the hands of the veteran Mason , Bro . Cornelius Moore , for publication in the " Masonic Review . " The first portion appeared in that excellent Masonic magazine ( the

oldest periodical of the kind we believe in the world ) for February , and the Craft universal will not fail to appreciate the boon thus conferred upon Masonic students . I shall be pleased to afford any information in my power rtspecting the missing MSS . WILLIAM J AMES HUGHAN .

Can any American brother send me the " Masonic Re view , " edited by our able Bro . Coruelius Moore , for Feb ruary , containing a portion of the Dodd MS . Address care of Editor of the " Freemason , " 198 , Fleet street , London , E . C . A MASONIC STUDENT .

Rose Croix Ball To Bro. H.R.H. The Duke Of Connaught At Gibraltar.

ROSE CROIX BALL TO BRO . H . R . H . THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT AT GIBRALTAR .

We take the following trom the " Gibraltar Chronicle ' of March ist : — Although the week had been only too full of amusements , yet the Masonic ball was looked forward to with

great expectation , arising a great deal from the fact that it was the first ball given here exclusively by the members of the Rose Croix . It is no less difficult to describe the steps necessary to carry into effect the preparation of the theatre than it is to carry out the preparation itself , and more so after its

occupation for a series of the usual nightly Carnival balls . Thanks to the experience of former years there were not wanting brethren who were equal to the task . Bros . J . B . Imossi and N . Clavaresso , although not members of the chapter , threw themselves into the work con amore , and rendered the greatest assistance to Bro . J . Henry , who had

charge of the decorative department , and those who were present at the ball can testify to the successful labours of those brethren , nor was the assistance rendered by Bros . Millett , Bridgman , and Preston less valuable in other respects . The dingy and dilapidated ceiling of the theatre wa