Original Correspondence.

In the last number of the Freemason , an extract is given from the Keystone ( March 24 th , 18 SS ) of Philadelphia , in which the editor of that paper announces that he has just received a copy of the American reprint of myHistcry of Freemasonry , and points out that the title page is " entirely misleading , " since it represents that Bros . Carson , Drummond , and Parvin were co-authors with myself .

It seems , therefore , that what by Mr . Drummond is mildly termed an " obnoxious expression , " but which I prefer to characterise as an impudent falsehood , has been continued ( or amplified ) in the latest copies of the piratical edition , a circumstance to which I merely invite attention , without adding any observations of my own . —Yours fraternally , R . F . GOULD . April 16 th . ¦

THE ROYAL SILVER WEDDING . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , It appears to me there is yet another very weighty reason , in addition to the very excellent one furnished by " P . M . No . 10 " in his letter last week , against the suggestion recently made by one of your correspondents that a

further distribution of Masonic honours should take place in order to mark the occasion the Grand Master ' s Silver Wedding . Honours , the more freely and lavishly they are granted , _ the less worthy of acceptance—the less worthy of recognition as honours—do they become . As " P . M . No . 10 " points out , the jubilee Masonic honours were conferred

in order to commemorate an event in the life of " one of the greatest of European Sovereigns , " " whose reign has conferred incalculable blessings upon her subjects . " But if a similar brevet is to be granted in connection with every interesting event in the domestic history of the Royal Family , the honours so conferred will cease to have any special value . —Fraternally yours , PETER

Reviews

Reviews

FREEMASONS' MANUAL FOR KENT , iSSS . Bro . T . S . Warne ( of Rochester ) , the Editor of the Kent Annual , known familiarly as the " Immortal , " is now apparently fully satisfied with this Directory for the large Province of Kent , both as respects the method of arrangement and the variety , as well as the character of Jhe information given . Its well filled pages—nearly 170 in number—contain a vast mass of most instructive and

interesting reading , and as it is well nigh impossible to improve on the method adopted by the painstaking editor , there are not many new features in the present issue , though the particulars are always varying from year to ycar , the personnel of the province—officially at least—being ever on the change . There are now 57 lodges in Kent , 20 R . A . Chapters , 18 Mark Lodges , 2 Rose Croix Chapters ,

4 K . T . Preceptories , and 4 Red Cross Conclaves . The new lodgesare noted since the edition of 18 S 7 , viz ., No . 2200 , Tunbridge Wells , and No . 2205 , Gravesend : and one new Chapter , No . 133 , Faversham . Fresh faces also appear in the rolls of the Rose Croix Chapters , K . T . Preceptories , and the Mark Lodges . The Provincial Officers com rolling ail these Masonic organisations are duly given , besides the

rolls of Grand Officers ; and those of the subordinate lodges , chapters , & c , with all the Past Masters , & c , of the latter , with their Provincial and Grand Rank ( if any ); so that the book is a real necessity for all those who desire to become acquainted , in a practical manner , with the actual condition and progress of the Craft in Kent . The Royal Arch Chapteis and Mark Lodges flourish side by

side , and number 20 and iS respectively , there being 4 S 1 members of the former , and 476 of the latter . No doubt the popularity of the Grand Superintendent ( Lord Amherst ) and the Provincial Grand Mark Master ( the Rev . Thomas Robinson ) accounts , in some measure , for these figures , but additional to this fact , which is patent , a great deal of zeal and enthusiasm must be manifested by the

" rank and file , " and much solid work has been done by the brethren generally , or the chapters and Mark lodges would not continue to be so sustained , and even increasing year by year . Then again , the province is blessed with energetic and able Deputies in the several Masonic organisations , and most competent Provincial Grand-Secretaries , whose services are always so cheerfully

rendered that their zeal is contagious and throughout the province Freemasonry flourishes like " the green bay tree . " The Prov . Grand Treasurer ' s accounts are in all in a healthy slate , and the votes for the Central Masonic Charities are rapidly increasing as the province increases , there being now the large number of 7662 held by the brethren and lodges , & c , in . the county . There is , naturally ,

every need for continued generosity as including the Maik Benevolent Fund , no less than £ 1851 5 s . was received by candidates from or in Kent during 1 SS 7 from our Charities . Clearl y Kent does not wish "the reciprocity to be all on one side , " and it is a real pleasure to read in Bro . Warne ' s excellent Calendar the particulars of so well managed a province

FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OF SOMERSET , 18 S 8-9 . The Editor of this most useful annual can now say " We are seven , " for the issue now before us represents the seventh that Bro . C . L . Fry Edwards , of Wrington , has ably , and most interestingly , compiled . It is carefully printed , and is a credit to the publishers of the Bath

Chronicle . " In the Preface , the Editor alludes to the noteworthy presentation to the VV . Bro . R . C . Else , P . G . D . ( Ihe indefatigable Deputy Prov . G . M . ) , of a silver epergne on the occasion of his marriage—an honour well deserved , for there are not many Deputies who do so much hard Masonic work as the reci pient of that handsome testimonial . Also reference is made " to the consecration of the

"Adair" ; R . A . Chapter , No . 1750 , at Cievedon , and the foithcommg Centenary celebration of the Unanimity and Sincerity Lodge , No . 261 , at Taunton . An excellent historical sketch of the eventful past of this old lodge , written by one of its Past Masters ( Bro . T . G . Williams ) , in a most interesting manner , was reproduced in the columns of the "Freemason" for February ist and 25 th . The lodge

Reviews

was warranted by Thomas Dunckerley on the 7 th March , 17 S 8 , and , until 1797 was at llminster , removing to the London Inn , Taunton , in that year , and apparently transplanted to most congenial soil , fcr there it has remained and flourished ever since . We see by the directory that the Master for the Centenary year is the beloved Bro . Col . Adair , who was Prov . G . Master of Somerset for some

years , and served in the year 1 S 60 as Master of this same lodge , being one of its oldest subscribing members at the present time . A better choice was not possible , so all bids fair for a grand celebration . According to Bro . Lane ' s " Masonic Records , 1717-2886 , " its number originally was 524 , and after three alterations , became 261 in 1863 , at which it remains . The editor remarks of the sum of £ 953

ios . being raised for the central Masonic Charities during 1 SS 7 , that this is " a very handsome result from a body consisting of 1100 members . " So we say , and consider it a record of which any province might well be proud of . The total in 12 years amounts to the grand sum of ^ . 5444 2 s . 6 d ., and means an increase of 243 , as compared with the return of 38 S 6 . The Officers of the Prov . G . Lodge ,

1854-1 SS 6 , which first appeared in the last year ' s issue , is now brought down to 1 SS 7 , and forms a most useful list for reference . The labour of its compilation , however , was not slight , so it is well for brethren on consulting it , to remember wiih gratitude , the well directed efforts of the Editor . There are 25 lodges in the Province , the eldest being the famous lodge No . 41 , Bath , dating from the year

1733 , which has its original Warrant and Records preserved intact . There are 10 R . A . Chapters , the senior being the one attached to the foregoing lodge , and , as it has worked from 17 S 2 , it has obtained a Centenary Jewel Warrant , being , in fact , the first of the kind granted . Bro . Edwards

is evidently an enthusiastic Editor , and so loves his work . Well it is ; o , for else , we fear , the support the Calendar receives would not prove encouraging , or lead to a continuation of such labours . No other such useful publications for local Masonic purposes , or more interesting records can be obtained .

FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR IHE PROVINCE OF GLOUCESTER , 188 S . This issue ccmes very close on the footsteps of the one for 1 S 87 , owing to the latter having been delayed . The editor is Bro . R . V . Vassar-Smith , cf Cheltenham , the ever active and courteous Secretary to the Charity Committee . As the printer is Bro . John Bellows , of Gloucester , the

typography cannot be excelled , and , beyond question , the editor has done his part exceedingly well , as usual . As with several others of the kind , very few new features are being introduced , because the plans adopted do not appear to admit of improvement . We like the custom adopted by Bro . Vassar-Smith of the annual " Record of Masonic Occurrences in Province of Gloucestershire , " including an

obituary . On August 5 th Bro . Francis Nash , P . M . 1067 , P . P . G . Reg ., " passed away , " and on November iSth Lord Northwich , of No . 951 , died , the other brother of note in the list being the late James Robertson , P . M . 24 G , P . P . G . D . C . The roll of Past Provincial Grand Officers from 1856 is brought down to 1 SS 7 , and is a most valuable compilation confined , however , to existing brethren . The senior lodge

was formed in 1753 at London , but migrated to Berks in 1807 , and settled in Gloucestershire ( Cheltenham ) in 1817 . No . 246 comes next in order , at Cheltenham , founded in iSi 3 , whose history is being written by one of its active Past Masters ( Bro . George Norman ) , and its present Master is the editor of the calendar , who , however busy else he may be , is always ready to advance the interests of

his province , or the lodges to which he belongs . The third in rank is No . 270 , Berkeley , started in London in 17 S 9 , about which some curious particulars are given by the editor , and other information was afforded by Bro . Hughan in a late Christmas Number of the Freemason . Theie are but 14 lodges in Gloucestershire , with 5 6 S contributing members , yet on ist Januarv , iSSS , Bro . Vassar-Smith was

able to report 3256 votes for the Central Masonic Charities . The sum of £ 227 17 s . was contributed during 1 S 87 , the Stewards being Bros . Baron de Ferrieres , Rev . S . J . G . Fraser , VV . C . Heane , R . Proude Smithe , R . V . Vassar . Smith , and M . F . Carter . Much of the success has resulted from the vigorous Masonic Charity Association , established about a dozen years ago , the rules of which

are given in the "Calendar and Directory . " The votes in ten yeais have increased from 936 to 3256!—a tangible proof of the beneficent work achieved by its potent agency . For ihe first time a list appears of the Past Provincial Grand Officeis of the Royal Arch , and , though not a new feature , the rolls of lodges , & c , in adjoining provinces adds much to the usefulness of the volume .

OUR JURY SYSTEM A SCANDAL . By J . F . H . WOODWARD , London : Carr and Co ., 26 , Paternoster Square , E . C , iSSS . It is impossible for a Masonic journal to express an opinion on the question whether our Jury System is or is not a scandal , at least without offending the susceptibilities

of some of our readers . We are content , therefore , to say of this pamphlet by Bro . J . F . H . Woodward—who will be easily recognised as the worthy Prov . Grand Secretary of Middlesex—that the case as stated by him is clearly and concisely put , and that his opinions , if they do not succeed in convincing those of an opposite way of thinking , will be found worthy of respectful consideration .

Births, Marriges, And Deaths.

Births , Marriges , and Deaths .

BIRTH . BUXTON . —On the 17 th inst ,, At Eaton-place , the wife of S . Buxton , Esq , of a daughter .

MARRIAGE . GRAHAM—DAWSON . —On the 16 th inst ., at the Presbyterian Chuich , Emperor ' s-gate , South Kensington , W . Graham , M . D ., Medical Superintendent of the Armagh County Asylum , to Stella , daughter of Major R . E . Dawson , J . P ., Southsea and Nohaville , county Westmeath .

DEATH . WRIGHT . —On the nth inst ., after a long and painful illness , Mary Wright , the beloved sister of Bro . R . Palmer Thomas , I . P . M . Mozart Lodge , No . 1929 , and J . Mozart Chapter .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft jftagonrju

FAITH LODGE ( No . i i ) .-Th s old l 0 d « met at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 27 th ultim Among those present were Bros . G . C . Hudson , W M ° ' Hakim , S . W . ; Steng , J . W . ; Carter , P . M ., Treason ! W . Stuart , P . M ., Secretary ; Wetzlar , S . D . ; Larrrli ' J . D . ; Bye , I . G . ; Cursons , Stwd . ; C . Dairy , p M ' T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., P . M . ; Fromhob , ' P-M - ' \ ,, , ° ? \ - - ; Cobham , P . M . ; Chumley , Shen ' pard , Welsh , Miller , and others . Bro . Hawkins , -no , „„ a visitor . ° '

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and con . firmed . Bro . White was impressively raised to the ThirH Degree by the W . M ., and Bro . J . Moss passed as a FC The ballot was then taken on behalf of Mr . George Trott

ana ir . proved to be unanimous , but from unavoidable circumstances he was prevented from attending . Seveial minor matters having been disposed of , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . A few toasts followed .

RANELAGH LODGE ( No . 834 ) . —The installation meeting was held on the 10 th inst ., at the Criteiion Piccadilly , when there wtre present Bros . H . W Blak * ' W . M . ; J . G . Dcncaster , S . W . ; W . J . Copleston 7 J . W . ; G . F . Butt , Treas . 5 H . Purdue , Sec . | i ^ « f . ' > D- ; F-Craggs , J . D . ; A . Williams , D . C . j H ' K Williams , I . G . ; W . W . WilliamsStwd . ; A . Walkk

, , Tyler ; H . Shaw , P . M . ; J . Slack , P . M . ; I . Sims P . M . ; C . Barker , P . M . ; F . J . Oliver , P .-V ! . ; w ' Fisher , P . M . ; C . J . Chambers , Segar , Hall , Hardwick ! Schar : en , Banks , Gerbert , Spencer , Morgan , Worth , Pinn Edward Lucas , Hedges , Iceton , Richards , Iredale , Philips ' Wilkins , W . E . Purdue , Curtis , Hewett , Bowles , A . White ' Holland , Paine , Spooner , AbrahamsMayR . ShawCart !

, , , wright , Chburn , Crumplin , Pritchard , and J . R . Ward Visitors : Bros . W . C . Williams , W . M . S 65 ; E . Aylin ? P . M . 975 ; S . Newakonske , P . M . 534 ; J . Wills , 1257 C . Pearce , 173 ; S . Owen , 173 ; H . Cochrane , P . M . 1056 R . Cummings , P . M . 216 S ; H . C . Osmar , 72 ; J . Hill , 172 ; A . Brooks , 749 ; and R . H . Williams , P . P . J . G . D . Middx . J

After the lodge had been opened , Bro . Jas . Sims , P . M ., installed Bro . J . G . Doncaster as W . M . for the ensuing year , which ceremony he performed to the great admiiation of all present . The W . M . then invested his officeis as follows : Bros . W . J . CoplestoneS . W . ; E . Lucas ,

, J . W . ; H . W . Blake , I . P . M . ; G . F . Butt , Treas . ; H , Purdue , Sec ; F . J . Oliver , Org . ; F . Craggs , S . D . j H . F . Williams , J . D . ; A . Williams , I . G . ; W . VV . Williams , D . C ; E . Newland and H . Scharien , Stwds , ; and Walkley , Tyler .

CAPPER LODGE ( No . 1076 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this excellent lodge took place on Thursday , the 12 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , City , Bro . W . Temple , W . M ., in the chair , supported by Bros . W . Watkins , I . P . M . ; T . Day , P . M . ; H . B . Holliday , P . M . ; F . Bryan , P . M . ; H . Taplay , P . M . ; W . Harris , P . M . ; C . MearsS . W . ; | .

, Pitt , Sec ; J . Still , S . D . ; W . Crow , I . G . ; M . Sherwin , Org . ; F . C . Ward , Stwd . ; C . R . Sayers , G . Barrett , G . W . Parkhurst , W . Ware , T . H . Maple , B . Wicking , B . Spencer , W . Robinson , J . T . Oates , M . Stoekvis , Cramphorn , and T . Yates , all of the lodge ; G . Gardner , P . M . 2012 ; J . Motion , 453 ; C . jolly , P . M . 1472 ; and others .

1 he lodge having been opened , and the minutes of Ihe previous meeting read and confirmed , Bro . Maple was passed . A notice of motion by Bro . Parkhurst , " That the lodge have six meetings in the year instead of nine , " « as adjourned under a new form till the next meeting , and then the lodge was closed .

The banquet , as usual , was admirably served under the direct superintendence of Bro . J . Marcham , and after its discussion the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts , which were drunk with enthusiasm . Bro . Watkins then proposed the toast if " The W . M ., and in so doing said he was quite cettain they all knew the

the reason of his assuming the gavel ; it was to propose health of their esteemed W . M . They were proud of him as their Master , and although he had not had much to do that night , yet they were sure , from the admirable manner in which he did it , that if work was found him , it would be done in a manner woithy of the lodge and its prestige . 1 he toast

having been heartily received , .. The Worshipful Master , in response , said he couw assure both Bro . Watkins and the brethren generally , thai he thanked them most sincerely for the kind manner in which the toast had been given and received , and nopea that it was not too flattering in its tendencies . J . ' ' » ' ? would only give him more work to do he should be delignteo to do it , and to their approbation . With those few remains

he again heartily thanked them . . t The Worshipful Master then proposed the toast 0 "The Past Masters , " and said that if there were not son « nj present on that , as upon some other occasions , there we still five good and true Past Masters present . There w - one thing he noticed in connection with the Past Ma w .. w .... » .... "UUI . UU III UUIJIICIAIUU WILU H . ^ ¦¦ - — . . L

, g of the lodge , and that was that they not only attended v lodge but the lodge of instruction at Stratford . Now , s » rule , the Past Masters were generally consp icuous by " absence at lodges of instruction , but go when '"^ "l & jt to their lodge of instruction , there they would nna 1 Past Masters , ready to impart their knowledge an ? ther , perience , and assist an aspiring brother in gaining > heartiness

He asked them to drink the toast with . ^ Bro . Watkins , in response , said he was quite c « t ?' . heir the Past Masters were always willing to do all '" the power , and anything , to increase the prosperity ^ lodge , and indeed Freemasonry in general ; an ^ brethren might be assured that the whole ot tnc ^ Masters had not done half so much in the past a { flf meant to do in the future . He cordially ' hank , ; h " they their hearty reception of the toast , and trusted tn <* ^ might all long be spared to meet in that room as urn they were that moment .