Correspondence.

Correspondence .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by OUT correspondents , hut we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limitsfree discussion .

PROPOSED "OLD MASONIANS' LODGE . " To the Editor ot the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Our " Old Boys" have decided to form an " Old Masoniins Lodge " as a fitting adjunct to our centenary celebration in 1898 . We are desirous of getting into touch with ex-scholars in all parts of the country , being convinced tbat there are many who must have joined the Craft .

To this end may I ask you to be good enough to insert this letter , and to say that I shall be glad to b ? the medium of communication between any " Old Masonian " and the founders of the proposed new lodge . The next meeting of the founders is to be held on Monday . November 29 th , at 7 p . m . at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , E . G ., to which "Old Masonians "

who are members of the Craft are cordially invited . —Yours faithfully and fraternally , J . M . McLEOD . 6 , Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C . 16 th November .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

1110 ] MASONIC STUDENTS . The " Lodge of Research , * ' No . 2429 , Leicester , formed on similar lines to the " Quatuor Coronati " Lodge , No . 2076 , London , is to assemble on Monday , the 22 nd instant , at 7 . 30 p . m . The W . M . is Dr . R . Pratt , and the Secretary is Bro . John T . Thorp , P . M ., P . Prov . S . G . W ., who is also Editor of the Transactions . Copies of this annual volume , with membership of the Correspondence Circle , as well as the ' receipt of summonses and other papers issued , may be had for 55 . per

annum , on an approved ballot at the ensuing or any subsequent lodge meeting . A paper will be read on this occasion by Bro . F . W . Billson , W . M . No . 1391 , the Senior Warden , on " Masvnic Ritual and Ceremonies . * their antiquity as judged by internal evidence . " Discussion at the close of the reading , and the Secretary will likewise exhibit some Masonic curios . Subscriptions for 1 S 97-8 are now due , and will be welcomed from all parts of the country , as the objects of the founders are not local only , but embrace the Craft generally , at home and abroad . Visitors will be cordially welcomed . W . I . H .

1 iu ] THE ASHBURNHAM LIBRARY . Messrs . Sotheby , Wilkinson , and Hodge , Wellington-street , Strand , are now circulating their fine quarto catalogue of " The Magnificent Collection of PRINTED BOOKS , the property of the Rt . Hon . the Earl of Ashburnham . Second Porticr , G . to P . " Copies may be had from this famous firm of auctioneers at is . each . There is an interesting Introduction of a most helpful character . There are

many valuable bocks in the lots 1684 to 2892 for sale , which will doubtless command good prices . But at any reasonable figure several of these valuable old tomes should be bought , either for the British Museum , if not supplied , or others of our national collections or large libraries . Some I should much like to see in our own important Library at the Freemasons' Hall , one in particular , viz . — '" 1996 . —Holme ( Randle ) THE ACADEMY OF ARMORY , or a store-house of

Armory and Blazon , plates , engraved and printed titles , and the two plates of Alphabets in Book III ., inlaid , purple morocco extra , g . e ., by Clyde ; folio . Chester , printed for the author , 1688 . " This is a "fine , perfect , and very large copy , " measuring over 14 by 9 inches , and it is said that only one other impression is known having the plate of Alphabets . Brc * . Randle Holme was a noted Freemason in the seventeenth century , and is familiar to Masonic students through the "Sloane MSS ., " as well as by

examination of a copy of the " Academy of Armory" in the British Museum , carefully described by Bro . W . H . Rylands . Of specially attractive lots may be mentioned Caxton ' s " Le Recueil des Histoires de Troyes" ( 1476 ) , and another of 1472-4 ( circa ) , a copy of the " Boke of the Hoole Lyf of Jason , " 1477 ( circa ) , one of the earliest from the Press of Westminster , and the " Mirrour of the Worlde" ( 1481 ) , being the excessively rare first edition , of which only 15 are known . The days of sale are from December 6 th to the nth inclusive , at 1 p . m . W . J . HUGHAN .

1112 ] RE DEGREES . Has not "M . M . " made a mistake in claiming for Bro . Dr . Churchward the distinction of proving that there were Masonic Degrees "thousands of years ago r " Does he not mean millions f It seems a pity not to go in for antiquity most thoroughly , whilst the Dr . is about it , and , therefore , whether he is content with " many thousands " or not , I suggest the additional period so as to leave plenty of margin . 90 ° .

General Committee Of Grand Lodge And Board Of Benevolence.

GENERAL COMMITTEE OF GRAND LODGE AND BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The General Committee of Grand Lodge and the Board of Benevolence met for the November assemblage on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons' Hall . The General Committee was first held , at which Bro . James Henry Matthews , President of the Hoard of Benevolence , presided . The paper of business for the Quaiterly Ccn . munication of Grand Lodge on December ist was first submitted to the brethren , and afterwards the Board of Benevolence was held , Bro . J . H ,

Ma ' . thews , President , still occupying thc chair . Bro . D . D . Mercer , Senior Vice-Piesident , and Bro . C . A . Cottebrune , Junior Vice-President , were in their respective chairs . The other brethren who attended were Bros . E . Letchworth , Grand Secretary , W . Lake , Assistant Grand Secretary , W . Dodd , G . S Recknell , and Henry Sadler , representing Grand Secretary ' s Department . The large attendance oi other brethren showed that there were present Bros

General Committee Of Grand Lodge And Board Of Benevolence.

Henry Garrod , T . Jones , George B . Chapman , Wm . P . Brown , Wm . Fisher , J . Bunker , T . P . Sharpe , W . Kipps , S . H . Goldschmidt , George Graveley , George R . Langley , C . E . Prior , [ . J . Thomas , C . J . R . Tijou , H . Price , J . W . Martin , J . Stephens , D . G . D . C . ; Robert A . Gowan , Dr . George Mickley , Wm . Ham , R . Horton Smith , O . C ., Deputy G . Reg . ; J . Harrison , H . W . Wyborn . J . Birry , T . Shorrock , E . H . ~ Moseley , Felix Kite , C . T . Wilson , R . Wright , George Nott , H . Stiles , T . J . Mercer , W . J . Ferguson , Robert Manley , J . W . Burgess , R . C . Bayne ,

R . Colvell , J . Mayo , J . Smith , W . M . 2490 ; R . J . Tucker , George Inglish , VV . M . 901 ; H . Massey , Jacques D . Myles , Harry Siliis , W . S . Threats , W . M . 511 ; H . T . Grundy , J . Kills , W . M . 1441 ; W . F . Lamonby , T . B . Nodin , Henry Kemp , W . M . 862 ; T . Rendell , Albany R . Grieve , P . P . J . G . W . Gloucestershire ; Ernest R . Smith , W . M . 14 s ; Henry A . Tobias , Isaac Rosalke , D . H . Chandler , Wilfred J . Chambers , H . Thomson Lyon , E . Chatterton , I . M . Restone , Edmund

Johnson , John Pratt , Henry Hyde , M . Speigel , G . Waterall , Samuel H . 1 'earsall . James P . Hoare , Edward Margrett , C . T . Smale , Maj . H . Vane Stow , J . Ringer Hewett , Walter Dickeson , G . B . Thompson , E . Croft Wise , W . M . 619 ; H . T . Smith , P . M . 1339 ; Arthur B . Spawforth , Japheth Tickle , James J . Rumbal , J . Sibart Sisman , Ernest Davy , J . P . Vesey Fitzgerald , Charles Henry Stone , Joseph Sharpe , and W . J . Goldspink .

Before the brethren proceeded with the business on the paper , Bro . D . D . MERCER . Senior Vice-President , rose and said he desired to make a few observations . Twelve months ago he had the pleasure of proposing a vote of thanks to the late President of the Board , Bro . Robert Grey , and if he remembered rightly , he made use of this remark : that whoever might be the successor of Bro . Grey , it would be quite impossible to provide his equal , and he was very much in doubt whether they would find one who was even an equal . But he might say that

during the last 12 months , under the presidency of their Bro . Matthews , his views on that matter had been very much modified . They had lound in Bro . Matthews a very worthy successor to a very worthy Past President , and he was sure he was speaking the views of the brethren when he said that they very highly appreciated the way in which he had conducted the work of the Board . His knowledge of business and his vast experience of the working of the Order had enabled him to carry on the work of the Board with promptitude , at the same

time with kindness and with justice to every candidate who came before the Board . Therefore , without taking up the time of the brethren any longer , as the Board had a long list of business to get through , he would propose the following resolution : " The members of this Board hereby convey to Very Worshipful Bro . James Henry Matthews a hearty and cordial vote of thanks for the very able , kind , and courteous manner in which he has conducted the business of the Boird of Benevolence for the last 12 months , and they earnestly hope he will be spared to preside over them for many years to come . "

Bro . HENRY GARROD , Past G . Purst ., in seconding the motion , said being the oldest member of the Board he looked upon it as an honour and a privilege to do so . He endorsed every word that had been said by the Senior Vice-President . He would add to the motion " That it be entered on the minutes . " This addition was agreed to , and the motion as so altered was agreed . to vein . con .

Bro . J AMES HENRY MATTHEWS , President , acknowledging the compliment , said : Brother Senior Vice-President and Bro . Garrod , —I thank you for your very kind expressions . I notice , Brother Senior Vice-President , you have used the word " promptitude . " I have felt that in disposing of the business we have occupied a short time , but I do not think that for all that we have ever done short of justice to the applicants or granted them less than they deserved . It has been my custom rather to keep you going ; but I do not think any case'has suffered in consequence . I hope I have satisfied you . ( Hear , hear ) .

The brethren first confirmed recommendations at the October meeting that the Grand Master should allow £ 175 as a total to be granted in five cases—three sums of £ 40 each , one sum of £ 30 and one of £ 25 . The new list comprised the names of 45 petitioners . These were qualified through lodges in the London District , and at Hong Kong , Woolston , Upper Mill , Ripon , Farnworth , Devonport , Whitefisld , Glastonbury , Reading , Stroud , Meerut , Nuneaton , Leighton

Buzzard , Southall , Norwich , Jarrow , Dukinfield , Great Stanmore , Maidstone , Liverpool , Preston , Red Hill , Derby , South Australia , Budleigh Salterton , Whitehaven , Grand Lodge of New York , and Sydney , New South Wales . Three of these cases were deferred , being imperfect . The remainder were granted a total of £ 1080 . Two cases were recommended to Grand Lodge for £ 5 ° each > eight to the Grand Master for £ 40 each ; 10 for £ 30 each ; and one for £ 25 ; and immediate grants were made of £ 20 in 12 instances ; £ 10 in six ; and £ 5 in two cases .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Earl of Carnarvon Lodge , No . 1642 . The installation meeting of this important lodge was held at Ladbroke Hall , Notting Hill , W ., on Thursday , the nth instant , when there were present Bros . H . Foskett , W . M . ; J . M . Huish , I . P . M . ; John French , S . W ., W . M . elect ; W . Hatton , J . W . ; S . H . Parkhou- * - ; , P . M ., Treas . ; R . C . Green , P . M ., Sec . ; Holmes , S . D . j W . H . Handover , J . D . ; S . Random , I . G . ; Rider , Steward ; Lander , P . M ., D . C . ; C . A . Sanger , Org . ; F . E . Pocock , P . M ., A . G . D . C . Ene . ; E . Rogers , P . M . ;

J . H . Rutherglen , P . M . ; G . Davis , P . M . ; Vivis , P . M . ; R . Standing . H . Dillaway , H . Holmes , G . M . Passingham , Wm . Gibbon , jun ., H . A . O . Schert , E . W . Rogers , J . M . Ingledew , W . C . Elms , T . Gray , Tilney , Rising , E . Lee , L . C . Chicqueer , C . M . " Beard , H . Jones , E . C . T . Bradley , J . P . Williams , E . K . Bennett , W . B . Kotherne , D . Armfield , J . W . Montague , W . Roberts , F . King , A . K . Thomson , and W . A . Macleod . Visitors : BrosrT . Clark , 117 S ; H . Hatton , 224 G ; W . P . Hatton , W . M . elect 224 - 1 ; A . Smith , 355 ; W . Middlewick , 170 * , ; Prof . F . W . Driver , P . M . 45 ; Geo . Inglish ,

901 ; S . Westwood , 224 G ; G . B . Johnston , 1791 ; G . C . Harding , 1 G 35 ; H . Foskett , 1 G 37 ; T . Bailey , 1 S 05 ; VV . E . Goodchild , yo 1 ; F . Clark , 2 S ; W . Ellis , 720 ; F . L . Chandler , P . M . 1 G 5 G , P . P . G . P . Surrey ; H . J . Dyer , 1365 ; W . H . Armfield , 2246 ; G . W . Watts , 104 ; J . ; J . Mackay , 17 G 7 ; F . G . Kern-ile , 49 , 715 ; W . C . Leete , 1974 ; E . Edwards , 1891 ; E . A . Dutton , 1 G 7 ; W . J . Millington , 2240 ; R . Hendy , 17 G 7 ; W . Seaman , 1741 ; W . Freemantle , 2 G 9 ; J . Waterhouse , 1767 ; and Huggett . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., and the minutes of list meeting were reid and

confirmed . Bro . W . A . Macleod , M . D ., 22 ( S . C ) , wis balloted for and duly admitted as a joining member of the lodge . The report of the Au lit Committee was submitted , when the Senior Auditor said he congratulated the lodge oa its sound financial position . The report was received and adopted . By a wise ruling of the W . M . the neces-ary business of the lodge , such as the reading of the correspondence , was transacted before the important event of the evening took place . Bro . Parkinson , P . M ., Treas ., gave notice of motion " That the lodge should grant £ 40 on the occasion of the approaching

centenary of the Boys' School . " It was proposed by the Secretary that a vote of thanks be given by the lodge to Bro . Ransom for his gift of a table for the use of the Secretary , lt was seconded and carried unanimously . Bro . Ransom returned thanks . The Secretary announced lhat he had received a notice from the D .-an and Chapter of St . Paul's inviting members of the lodge to be present at a grand Masonic service on the 4 'h December . This subject was postponed for further consideration and action . The W . M .

elect , Bro . John French , S . W ., was th » n presented for installation by Bro . Lander , P . M ., D . C , to the Installing Master , the W . M ., who then installed the W . M . elect in a deliberate and impressive manner . The large circle of Pist Masters of the lodge and visiting brethren saluted Bro . John French as W . M ., tendering their hearty congratulations . The lodge of installed Masters wis then closed . The brethren were then admitted , and under the guidince anJ instruction of B ; o . Lanier , D . C , siluted the