The Royal Silver Wedding.—A Masonic "At Home."

handsome banners of the following lodges : Royal Brunswick , Lodge of Union , St . Cecilia , Yarborough , Royal York , Abbey , Ockenden , Standford , Mid-Sussex , Hova Ecclesia , Royal Clarence , and South Saxon . The other parts of the corridor Messrs . Hannington and Sons had hung with green and gold eastern tapestry and Roman satin cui tains of distinct colours , edged with lace , and they

had also given the place an elegant appearance by the introduction of a number of lounges , rich Indian screens , ornamental tea-tables bearing large brass urns containing palms , statuettes on pedestals , and massive mirrors , some in brass and others in crystal frames . Plants in painted pots set off the other mantelpieces ; whilst the northern staircases were blocked up with draped mirrors , with an

arrangement of plants at the foot . Almost as soon as they arrived , the guests had the choice of dancing in the music room , waltzing in the saloon , or listening to an excellent concert in the banqueting room . The concert was sustained by Miss Helen L . Marchant , Miss Minnie Freeman , Miss Florence Hen derson , Miss Maud Bon j , Miss Louie Miles , Mr . V ,

Montague , Mr . F . Clements , Mr . Tucker , Mr . Broadbridge , Mr . Oswald Yorke , and Mr . VV . M . Quirke , and at the close the National Anthem and " God bless the Prince of Wales " were sung . The concert las ' . ed until half past ten o'clock , when that room was also cleared fcr dancing ; Mr . Devin supplying the music , as in the other rooms . In the

two drawing-rooms Mr . E . Booth dispensed light refreshments , whilst the gentlemen found that the Masonic rooms upstairs had been set apart for smoking . All tastes were thus provided for , and in doing honour to the Prince and Princess of Wales the Masons and their friends contrived to spend together a few very pleasant hours .

Kaiser William And Freemasonry.

KAISER WILLIAM AND FREEMASONRY .

The late Emperor of Germany was initiated into Freemasonry in 1 S 40 , shortly before his father ' s death . A special lodge was convened for the purpose , presided over by the three Berlin Grand Lodges , in accordance with tho wishes of Frederick William III . ( his father ) , who had for long been a member of the Craft , having been admitted in 1814 in Paris . William 1 . assumed the Protectorate of the

Masonic lodges in the Prussian Monarchy , the title being continued down to his decease . His son , Prince Frederick William , lately the Crown Piince and now the Emperor , was appointed Deputy-Protector , having been initiated by William I . ( then the Crown Prince ) in 185 3 in the Royal Palace , at which representatives attended from the three Grand Lodges . The gavel used by his Imperial Highness

on that occasion formerly belonged to Frederick the Great , who became a member of the " mystic tie" in 173 S . According to Speth ' s " Royal Freemasons , " every King of Prussia , with the exception of Frederick William IV ., had been a Freemason , from Frederick the Great until now , and as regards Emperors of Germany the Fraternity can point to Franz I . of Lorraine and Austria , 1745-1765 ,

William I ., and now Frederick III ., both Kings of Prussia . A medal was s' . ruck in silver and bronze to commemorate the initiation of the late Emperor on 22 nd May , 1 S 40 , and two others about the same period were also circulated in the same metals in celebration of the centenary of the Masonic reception of Frederick the Great , one of which by Pfeuffer is of most suggestive design . — Western Morning News .

Presentation To The Lady Mayoress.

PRESENTATION TO THE LADY MAYORESS .

Recognising the fact that a livery company cannot often point to a Lord Mayor as one of its members , the energetic Master of the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers' Company ( Mr . Knapton Abel ) determined , soon after Bro . Alderman De Keyser ' s election to the civic chair , to signalise the event by presenting a souvenir to the Lady ' Mayoress . After much cogitation with his brethren of the Court , a

firescreen , to be worked by the fo'lowers of the art , was agreed upon , and Bro . George Kenning , cf Little Britain , a Past Master of the Company , was entrusted with its execution . Monday last being selected for the formal presentation , the members of the Court assembled at the Mansion House in the afternoon , those present including , in addition to the Master , Bros . Major and Sheiiff Davies , J . P ., Sheriff

Higgs , H . W . Johnson , George Kenning , Dr . Ranee , Colonel T . Davies Sewell , J . Bishop , H . Stewart , G . Lindo , C . C , D . H . Jacobs , ' G . Davenpoit , D . Wellby , J . R . Brown , H . D . Davis , Alderman Tyler , and Alderman Knill . The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress received the deputation in the drawing-room . The fire-screen having

been brought in , was unveiled and its points explained by the Master . Both his lordship and the Lady Mayoress appeared highly pleased with the gift , and her ladyship , after carefully examining the design of the woik , testified to her appreciation of the same by remarking that it was "beautiful" and "so elegant . " Mr . KNAPTON ABEL , officiating as th ; spokesman of the

little party , next proceeded to read an adJress , which at the outset bore testimony to the fact that when the alderman was elected to the high and important office of Lord Mayor the event was looked upon with general satisfaction by his colleagues of the Gold an ] Silver Wyre Drawers ' Company . It was determined , the address continued , to take the opportunity of fitly marking the occasion by

asking her ladyship to accept a piece of work symbolical of the handicraft the Company was identified wich . A fue-screen had accordingly been prepared , bearing the arms of the City of London and of the Company worked in gold and silver wire . This , the Court hoped and trusted , her ladyship would do them the honour to accept . The admirable and courteous manner in which the Lord Mayor had

already filled the position of Chief Magit trate of the City of London , and the very amiable manner in which the Lady Mayoress had assisted him in the discharge of the multifarious duties that devolved upon him , were so well known and appreciatedLthat no comment was needed . The members of the Court , in conclusion , expressed the earnest desire , which they were sure would be shared in by the

citizens in general , that both health and happiness might be continued to them both , not only during the remainder of their tenure at the Mansion House , but for many years to come . They further trusted that in years to come this small souvenir of their presence at the Mansion House would bring back to the memory of both his lordship and the Lady Mayoress some pleasing recollections .

Presentation To The Lady Mayoress.

The LORD MAYOR , in returning thanks on behalf of her ladyship , remarked that the screen was a splendid work of art , and it only showed how the City companies could encourage the different industries they represented by causing to be produced such specimens as the one now before them . They could not encourage the art of the gold and silver wyre drawing more than by enabling the workmen to produce

such works of art . But the Lady Mayoress and himself valued the work for another reason than that it was simply a work of art , as it was a proof to them both that they possessed the confidence and enjoyed the friendship of their fellow-ritizens , whom they were willing to serve during their year of office . Unfoitunately , they had not up till now been able to do what they desired , for all present would

be aware of the fact that his year of office had been so far one of mourning more than anything else . For the fourth time he had been obliged to put off banquets and the various entertainments which it had been his intention to offer to his friends . They hoped and trusted , however , that now they would be able to begin to do the work , and thus prove to the c ' tizens that in electing him to the

mayoralty of London they had elected one who would try , as his predecessors had done , to do honour to that high position . He thanked them very sincerely for that mark of their affection , and he could assure them her ladyship would highly appreciate it . It would be one of the things her ladyship wouldtake homewith her , and formany years he hoped it would be before them both , to serve to bring to their

memory the kindliness of the members of the Court of the Company . They would never forget their lriends of the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers , and the screen would be a souvenir to them both of their year of office . It would be pleasing to them , and he hoped and trusted it would be pleasing to those also whom he represented . In conclusion , he wished prosperity to the Company to which he had the

honour to belong . Might it long continue to do good , not only in dispensing Charities , but also in helping the trade whom it represented , lie hoped and trusted that works of art like the one the Company had presented would very soon be seen all over the country—though at the same time he did not believe they would be able to excel it . Again he begged to thank them most sincerely for their gift .

Refreshments were then introduced , and his LORDSHIP proposed " Prosperity to the Company , " coupled with the name of the Master , Mr . Knapton Abel . The toast having been cordially drunk , his LORDSHIP reminded those present that on the succeeding Friday they would have to sing " Le Roi est mort ; Vive le Rci I " Ihey had drunk the health of the present Master , and he therefore asked them

to drink now to the welfare of the gentleman whom they were to instal in office on Fiiday . Mr . STEWART briefly thanked his lordship , and the deputation then withdrew . The screen presented to the Lady Mayoress is elaborately embroidered in gold and silver . In the centre are the arms of the City , with supporters in high relief . At the

base of the screen is a representation of the sword and mace , above the arms being shown the exact fac-simile of the Mayor's badge and chain worked in heraldic clours . In the top corners of the screen the monograms of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress are displayed , whilst at the corresponding corners at the base are the arms of the Company and the Master ' s worked in correct colours . On the reverse of the screen the follo-. vi . ig inscription is

worked in gold wire : " Presented to the Lady Mayoress ( Mrs . De Keyser ) by the Court of the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers , during the Mayoralty of the Right Honourable Polydore Di Keyser , member of the Couitof thj Company . —James Knapton Abel , Master ; Horace Fredeiick Stewait , William Hays , David Evans , J . P ., Aldeiman Gabriel Lindo , C . C ., Wardens ; Wynne E . Baxter , J . P ., D . L ., Cleik . " —City Tress .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Robert Grey , P . G . D ., President of the Board , occupied the President ' s chair . Bro . James Brett , P . G . P ., Senior Vice-President , was in the chair of Senior Vice-President , and Bro . C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P ., Junior Vice-President , in the chair of Junior Vice-Presided . Col . Shadwell H .

Clerke , G . Secretaiy ; Bro . A . A . Pendlebury , Asst . G . Secretary ; Bro . VV . Dodd , and Bro . W . H . Lee were in attendance from Grand Secretary ' s Department . There were also present Bros . A . C . Woodward , VV . P . Brown , D . D . Mercer , F . R . Spaull , H . Garrod , T . B . Grieve , VV . H . Perryman , G . P . Britten , W . A . Scurrah , C . Dairy , G . A . Cundy , VV . Hopekirk , G . Read , F . Binckes ,

S . C . Hashp , J . Dew , J . J . Pakcs , T . J . Cusworth , H . Massey , E . G . Johnson , J . Miles , VV . VV . Westley , J . Morrell , F . G . Baker , J . Clarkson , j . G . Dall , J . J . Berry , J . L . Anderson , G . Kearney , C . Sweeting , C . T . Lewis , VV . Smith , VV . Masters , A . B . Bennett , C . J . Fry , VV . Baker , W . H . Wyon , G . R . Langley , H . Hooper , N . B . Headon , R . C . Wiles , W . Carey , VV . F . Fendrick , VV . Jaques , G . Hockley , H . Hall , G . Powell , VV . Harding , W . I .

Kennaby , VV . Wingham , H . E . Frances , H . Htrnamann , and H . Sadler , G . T y ler . The brethren fust confirmed reommendations made to the Grand Master at last meeting to ihi extent of £ 380 . They afterwards took up the new list , consisting of 43 cases , which came through lodges in the London district , and in

Battle , Sevencaks , Torquay , Nantwich , Driffield , Newcastle-on-Tyne , Deal , Preston , Bradford , Morpeth , Port of Spain ( Trinidad ) , York , Selby , Plymouth , Derby , Halifax ( Nova Scotia ) , Pennsylvania ( U . S . A . ) , Basingstoke , Meerut , Mauritius , and one from a lodge in Ireland . Three of these were dismissed , and five were deferred . The remainder were relieved with a total sum of £$ &* ,.

West Lancashire Masonic Charities.

WEST LANCASHIRE MASONIC CHARITIES .

On Friday , the 16 th inst ., a meeting of the Court of Governors of the West Lancashire Hamer Benevolent Fund—the first meeting held since the adoption of ihe new by-laws—took place at the Masonic Hall , Hope street . As

the benefits of the Charity have been greatly extended by the improved scheme now in force , the whole of the applications made by distressed Freemasons for the annuity benefits of the Charity were granted . A meeting of the West Lancashire Alpass Benevolent Institution was also held . at the Masonic Hall on Wednesday ,

West Lancashire Masonic Charities.

the 14 th inst ., when three out of five candidates were elected . This Charity is instituted for the purpose cf granting annuities to the widows of deceased Freemasons and the lodges with which the late husbands of the sue ' , cessful candidates were formerly connected were the Everton Lodge , No . 823 , the Merchants' Lodge . No . 241 , and the Lodge of Light , No . 14 S .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

In "The Don , " Bro . J . L . Toole ' s new play , b y Mr and Mrs . Herman Merivale , this popular actor , although departing to a considerable extent from the lines on which he has worked for so many years , has nevertheless found that which fits him like a glove . In motive it is not unlike " The Woman Hater , " Bro . Terry ' s farcical comedy . The various characters of the college don are

admirably shown . Some years before the story opens Mr . Milliken , M . A ., has loved , but not won , but this has made him loyal in his affections to one woman . His friends look upon him as a confirmed bachelor , but Mrs . Sparkle , sister of his friend Mr . Pappendick , returns to England a widow and on Commemoration Day meets her brother and herolj admirer . The sight of her rekindles the old love in his

heart . Mrs . Sparkle has two nieces , Kitty and Dora . Dora , although a girl at school , has married secretly youn <* Mr . Milliken , nephew of and with the same name as the college tutor . Returning one night to his rooms in St , Mark ' s College , Camford , with some fellow undergrads young Milliken finds his pretty little wife in his room—she has passed the gyp by borrowing a cap and gown of a

graduate . Some good sport goes on betwixt the new comer and the undergrads . In the midst of their revelries the Don enters , and proceeds to take down the names cf the young gentlemen who are making such a disturbance at night . Dora ' s sex is now discovered , but learning that if she _ declares herself the wife of young Milliken he will be imprisoned for marrying her—a Ward in Chancery—and hearing some one approach , she flings herself into

the arms of the old Don for protection , declaring she has come to meet him . The person who enters and witnesses the scene is Mrs . Kimbo , landlady of the Ball and Mitre , and a former housekeeper of the tutor . She has erroneousl y conceived the idea that old Mr . Milliken means to marry her . Mrs . Kimbo is therefore furious at seeing the young lady in his arms . It is of no use ; the law is set in motion .

The officers of the law go to arrest Mr . Horace Josiah Milliken , but , of course , take the tutor instead of the nephew . As soon , however , as Milliken the younger hears ot the trouble his uncle is in on his account he gives himself up . Mrs . Sparkle is so delighted to find the Don is unblameable that she determines to accept his offer , and also reveals that at the time of her niece ' s marriage to young

Milliken she had not been made a Ward of Chancery , so Horace is released . Bro . Toole has a pa : t such as he delights in . We like him far better as the college don than in his recent characters as butlers and other menials . Bro . F . VV . Gardiner , as the nephew , takes ample care of the part . He has some good lines , which he makes the best use of . Mi = s Marie Linden is Dora , and , of course ,

impersonates the part prettily . Miss Violet Vanbrugh is the niece Kitty , and plays very neatly ; but why does she imitate Miss Ellen Terry in every detail ; the resemblance in appearance , but not in acting , is most noticeable . We believe the young lady is a goddaughter of the Baroness Burdctt-Coutts , who , with her husband , occupied a box on the first night , and evidently was much interested in the

young lady . Miss Kate Phillips is the widow , Mrs . Spaikle , and played her part in a most delicious manner . Miss Emily Thorne , as Mrs . Kimbo , was splendidly got up , and scored more than once when it was difficult to have scored at all . Mr . John Billington has the most unsatisfactory part to play , but does the best he can with it . "The Don" will be sure to be played for a good number of nights .

w TF ? f Mr . Robert Buchanan , encouraged by the success which attended his aJaptation of Tom Fielding ' s " Sophia , " has turned his attention to another of that author ' s works , lor which of course he has to pay no fees , The result is an even bigger success than his late work . "Joseph ' s Sweetheart , " the new play so called , is taken

from " Joseph Andrews , " which must be taken also from a chapter in Genesis , for the similarity is very striking of a rich lady making love to her footman , as did Potiphar in old times , and when he spurns her attentions she denounces him as having tried to wrong her . Mr . Buchanan has wiitten an epilogue , which is spoken by Miss Vane before the curtain rises . The adapter modestly assures the

public that whatever is unpalatable in the play is his work , and whatever is good is Fielding's . The public can judge for themselves it they will read the bjok , and they will lea " that the language of the original would be entirely unsuited to the stage of the present day . Mr . Buchanan has eliminated all that is coarse , and has Igiven us a most beautiful comedy drama which is bound to fill Bro . Thomas

Thome ' s coffers , and will be another of the long runs for which the Vaudeville is famous . We should say "Josep h s Sweetheart" will play as long , if not longer , than did "Sophia , " which ran over a year . The representation u ' last century's life and character was received with unbounded enthusiasm . Tne tale is soon told , i-30 / Booby loves her footman , Joseph , who is engaged to Fanny

Gradwill . As he will not give up his country swain to become the husband of a rich lady of fashion , Lady Bouby dismisses him and tries to ruin him and his sweetheart . She assists Lord Fcllamar in captuiing Fanny and trying to affitt her ruin . Parson Adams aids the two ) 'j 'l » people , for which he is discharged from his curacy , La ° " Bcoby hav ' ng been the means of his getting it , but a ' George Wilson befiiends him , and it turns out that J ° [\ who

is the long lost and only child of Sir George Wilson , had been kidnapped by the gipsies . When he knows n rightful social position he remains true to his sweetheai- > and after reassuring her and fighting a duel with Lo Fellamar , he marries Fanny , and receives the blessing his father and of Parson Adams , and the apologia Lord Fellamar , who denounces the dreadful woman , Lady Booby . Bro . Thomas Thorne acts in a son * what new character as . Parson Adams , and acq