Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

there is still a happier and prouder day in store for your Royal Highness , when you may have the happiness of presiding over the Benevolent Institution festival . We can but say that we regretted three years ago thc absence of your Royal Highness ; wc had then a most successful festival , and as large a gathering to greet your Royal Highness , had your health permitted you to be present ; but we hope and trust that in a j'ear or two your health may be so

thoroughly restored as to allow you to preside over the festivals of all our Institutions . On behalf of the other Institutions I thank you most heartily and sincerel y for the enthusiastic manner in which this toast had been received , and acknowledge the kindness which has produced such a result to-night . In the absence of Bro . Binckes I beg to say

that if what the Girls' School has done , and if what thc Benevolent Institution has done , can be but combined for him in June next , it will hardly agree with his idea of what the success of the Boys' School should be on that occasion . I hope and trust that the third and last festival of the year may be as great a success as the two whicb have preceded

it . Prince LEOPOLD in proposing "The Health of the Stewards , " said : Thelasttoast , brethren , that it will fall to my lot to propose to you to-night is that of thc Stewards of this festival . I am almost inclined to call this the most important toast of the evening , and it certainly is so , next to that in which we drank prosperity to the Institution . For indeed the welfare of the Institution depends in a

great measure on the exertions put forth by the Stewards For the year in obtaining good subscription lists . I beg then to thank these gentlemen most heartily , both on my own behalf and on behalf of the Girls' School for which they have laboured ; and I would more particularly draw your attention to the fact that no less a person than the Lord Mayor of London has this year undertaken the oflice of President of thc Stewards , and has given

another instance , out of many , of the readiness which he has always shown to aid in the cause of charity , a fact that 1 will venture to say , brethren , adds additional lustre to the dignity of the high oflice which hc so worthily fills . I give you " 'The Health of the _ Stewards for the Year , " coupled with the name of the Right Hon , Sir Francis Wyatt 'Truscott , Lord Mayor of London . The LORD MAYOR , in reply , said : May it please youi

Royal Highness , on behalf of the Stewards I have to acknowledge the kind manner in which the Chairman has been pleased to recognise their services . I have had very little , if anything , to do with the success of this meeting . 'The success has been mainly dependent upon my right worshipful friend , Bro . Sir John Monckton , and the other Stewards who have taken an active part in this banquet , with what end the result has already shown . 'The largest

subscription list ever given in to this Charity has been read to-day . But when we consider that we also have the largest number of Stewards there ever were at . any of the Charity festivals , I think we ought not to be surprised at the result . I can only thank your Royal Highness and brethren for the very kind manner in which you have been pleased to propose and drink the health of the Stewards . ^ Bro . Sir J . B . MO . VCKTO . V proposed "The Ladies , " to which toast Bro . Frank Richardson responded , and Prince

Leopold and the brethren then joined the ladies in the Temple , where a concert was given under Bro . Wilhelnl Ganz , in which the following artistes took _ part : —Mrs . Osgood , Miss Mary Davies , Miss Caiiotta Elliott , Madame Mary Bclval , Madame Mary Cummings , Mr . William Shakespeare , Bro . Faulkner Leigh , Bro . John Hodges , Bro . Frederick Penna , and Bro . Tinney . Solo Piano , liro . Wilhelm Ganz , P . G . O . ; solo violin , Heir Leon Castali ; solo violincello , Heir Len . Conductors , W . Bro . Wilhelm Ganz , P . G . O ., and Bro . S . Lehmcyer .

OBVERSE . REVERSE . The favours worn by the Stewards , of which the above is an illustration , were much admired . The Ladies' Stewards Were distinguished by a silver medal , with red and white ribbon . The Vice-Presidents wore also a silver medal , but with red and blue ribbon ; while the I louse Committee , including the President , Acting President , Secretary , and I reasuier were decorated with a silver-gilt medal , suspended b y a red and blue ribbon .

'I he Grand Loil . g * e of Switzerland adopted a new Constitution at its last communication at Aarau . Constitutions of thc Ancient Fraternity of I'Yec and Accepted Masons , containing the Charges , Regulations , E . A . Song , ccc . A copy should be in the possession of

every brother . It may he obtained for 2 S . at the oflice of the Freemason , or will be sent post-free to any part of the United Kingdom on receipt of twenty-live penny stamps . Address , Publisher , 19 S , Fleet-street , London . —[ ADVT . J _ . ( . . K . Sii . i . vi ) & Co ., "Fair Trailers , " Kciristcral Wine ami ¦ spirit Merchants ( Kxperts and Valuers ) , 3 , Albert Mansions , Victuria-street , London , S . W . Trice lists on application . —[ Auvr . ]

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The visit of the Stewards for the Ninety-second Anniversary Festival of this Institution tothe Schools at St . John ' shill , Battcisca-rise , took place on Monday last . Disappointed as they were by the inability of Prince Leopold to be present , a large number assembled . The "Stewards '

Visit , after the anniversary festival , is thc annual domestic event of the orphanage , and the little inmates were this year looking forward with a pleasurable emotion to the honour of a personal introduction to a member of the Royal Family ; but Prince Leopold was , unfortunately , unable to attend , and in his stead the Lord Mayor , Bro . Sir Francis Wyatt 'Truscott , came forward . 'The time at his lordship's

disposal being only about an hour , the afternoon s programme had to be re-arranged , in order that the successful students might receive their honours from his hands . Heading the list of prize-winners was a young girl named Helena Theacock , who , commencing-w / th the gold medal and £ 5 for proficiency , also carried off the premiums for passing in honours the Cambridge examination , and for

French , in which tongue she afterwards lluently recited a long- piece from La Fontaine . Another girl , Miss E . J . M . Seaton , gained the silver medal , and £ 5 , and also the prize given by the Supreme Grand Council of the Thirty-Third Degree for good conduct . Frances IC . Gardner was much applauded on coining up to receive the reward of passing the Senior Cambridge examination .

At the * conclusion of the presentations , the LORD MAYOR addressed a few words to the company , remarking that in the internal condition and arrangements of the house , the neat and healthy and happy appearance of the inmates , and the satisfactory manner in which they had acquitted themselves in their various studies , there was ample proof that the Institution was conducted in the interests alike of

the benefactors and of the children whom they had taken in hand . Amid much applause hc notified that the Lady Mayoress ( who accompanied him ) intended to offer a prize for the next anniversary ; and as a Lord Mayor was not to be outdone by any one , not even by his wife , he too would give a prize , the nature of which the Committee would

perhaps decide upon . The Lord and Lad y Mayoress having at this point taken their departure , Bro . Sir John Monckton took the chair , and a programme of vocal and instrumental music and recitations was performed by the scholars . Some very interesting examples of simultaneous pianoforte playing on six instruments , with twelve , twenty-four , and thirty-six hands ,

were given . In a short address at the conclusion of the proceedings Bro . Sir J . MOXCKTON * spoke to the praise of Miss Davis , the head governess . The visitors were entertained at tea before separating . [ Owing tothe length of our report of the Girls' School Festival this week , we are unable to give our usual list of prize winners and names of visitors present , but we hope to do so in our next issue ] .

The Irish Masonic Orphan Boys' School.

THE IRISH MASONIC ORPHAN BOYS ' SCHOOL .

'The report of this useful and needed Institution is now before us , and very interesting it is . As it truly observes , "the year 1 S 79 has been an important one in the history of the Masonic Orphan Boys' School . After some years of anxious deliberation , " the Governors determined to

abandon the system hitherto adopted of "boarding out the boys , " and from August 20 th last the School was in one sense , re-opened at Adelaide Hall , Merrion . A thoroughly efficient Head Master and Masters were obtained , and there are now thirty boys in the School , as against twenty-four in 1879 . 1 he financial situation of the School , the report tells us ,

is satisfactory . On December 31 , 1 S 7 S , the funded property of the School was £ 10 , 39 6 15 s . ; thc present funded property amounts to £ 11 , 687 ' 9 - . * > ¦ - •The gross income for 187 c , was £ 2782 8 s . 51 ! ., the expenses £ 2161 os . 51 I ., leaving a balance of £ 621 Ss ., and £ 1044 14 s . 1 id . invested . 'The report announces gratefully an increase of X ' 405 , as compared with the previous year , under those

heads of income upon which the future maintenance of the School must chiefly depend , namely , annual subscriptions and life donations , the former have increased by £ 64 17 s . 3 d ., and the latter by £ 341 . After six months'trial , up to the end of December , 1879 , the School is maintained at an average cost of £ 42 , per head , and which sum the Committee think can be reduced to / . ' 3 S , after forty boys are in the

School . But we apprehend that we must wait until the end of 18 S 0 lo ascertain what the cost per head really has been . So far ollice expenses only reach the modest sum of £ 111 ) 9 s . 1 id . We wish all success to this much needed and well managed ( educational Institution , lthas now , as we said before , £ 11 , 687 19 s . 51 I . invested .

Lodge Of Benevolence.

LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Lodge of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . John M . Clabon , P . G . D ., President of the Hoard , occupied the President ' s chair ; Bro . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., Senior Vice-President , occupied the Senior Vice-President ' s chair ; and Bro . James Kench , Assist . G . Pursuivant , was

called to the chair of Junior Vice-President . There were also present Bros . C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P ; 'Thomas Cubitt . P . G . P . ; Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C ; John Constable , P . M . 185 ; S . Rawson , P . D . G . M . China ; Charles Atkins , P . M . 27 ; Robert IT . Halford , P . M . 228 ; Charles Frederick Hogard , P . M . 205 ; William Stephens , P . M . 1341 J ; Henr ' v Garrod , P . M . 749 ; W . II .

Perryman , P . M . 3 ; | . D . Collier , P . M . 1366 ; W . Ingram , W . M . 147 ; T . G . Vohmann , W . M . 871 ; John C . King , W . M . 1269 ; E . L . Biaccbridge , P . M . 781 and 1716 ; Thomas Gardiner , W . M . 1641 ; D . A . Ross , W . M . 144 6 ; William Radcliffe , W . M . 211 ; William Poyustcr , P . M . 19 ; George H . Hunter , W . M . 1298 ; | . Newton , P . M . 174 ;

V . Jagrelika , M . D ., W . M . S 34 * C . E . Ferry , W . M . 65 ; W . Edwards , P . M . 309 ; C . J . Whiteley , P . M . 171 ; II . Hyman W . M . iSS ; Charles Nott , W . M . 87 ; Thos . Hatton , W . M . 13 ; Charles Dairy , P . M . 141 ; Charles IT . Driver , P . M . 9 " 5 ; John Finch , P . M . 173 ; G . W . F . Loftus , P . M . 1193 ; H . S . Goodall , P . M . 784 ; Geo . D . Skeggs , P . M . 144 ; M .

Lodge Of Benevolence.

Wolfsky , P . M . 201 ; George Burford , W . M . 754 ; E . Farwig , P . M . 1 So ; John Hancock , W . M . 1 CS 7 ; Henry Smith , P . M . 302 , Prov . G . Sec . West Yorkshire ; D . M . Belfrao-e , P . M . 179 ; W . Sayer , P . M . 11 S 5 ; W . R . Lister , W . * M . 145 ; S , IT . Rawley , W . M . 1625 , 174 ; Henry Faija , W . M . ! , , ' ' , * A Ucriy , P . M . 554 ; T . J . Hyland , jW . M . 201 ; J . Mander , P . M . 1201 ; Fredk . Binckes , P . M . G . Stewards ' Lodge ; Frederick Walters , P . M . 1309 ; IT . Sadler , G . T . ,-and IT . Massey ( Freemason ) .

1 hc brethren first confirmed recommendations of grants to the amount of £ 450 , ancl then proceeded with the newcases , of which there were twenty-seven on the list . Of these one was dismissed , while thc other twenty-six were relieved with a total of £ . S 6 $ , consisting of onc grant of ^ , 150 ; oneofjfioo ; two of £ 75 each ; three of £ 40 each ; live of j * , 30 each ; three of £ 20 each ; five of £ 15 each ; and six of £ 10 each . 'The lodge was then closed .

Mrs. Blake On Freemasonry.

MRS . BLAKE ON FREEMASONRY .

The following review of Mrs . Blake ' s work on Freemasonry is taken from the Guardian : Despite the undoubted fact that indomitable feminine curiosity did once pe netrate into the secrets of a Masonic lodge , it would scarcel y have been expected that any authentic revelation of such mysteries as may belong to

1 ' reemasonry would proceed from a female pen . Mrs . Blake , however , lays no claim to the possession of any esoteric sources of information , and need not fear the vengeance popularly supposed to follow on any betrayal of The secrets of the Craft . In opening the pages , indeed , we find a vague hint that revelation may be looked for , not only from the ordinary sources of members who have been

expelled , or of outsiders who have , either accidentally or surreptitiously , acquired some knowledge of the rites and ceremonies practised in the lodges , but from brethren who have been reconciled to the Church of Rome , and deemed it their duty to make a clean breast of what they have come to regard as the abominations of Freemasonry . But the contents of thc volume bear no trace of any occult influence :

it is , in fact , merely a compilation , cleverly put together , of extracts from various works which have been published at various times and in various countries , and which may easily be procured by any one who is desirous of stud y ing thc subject . How far the information contained in these words is authentic , or how much deeper than the surface it reaches , is , of course , impossible to be decided by any who

have not attained to the hi gher grades of Masonry . The policy of throwing out an " empty tub to amuse the whale is not unknown in warmer latitudes than the northern seas . But of thc main facts connected with the history of Freemasonry there can be little doubt . Freemasonry , in its present form , really dates no further back than the resolution agreed to in 1714 , that " the privileges of Masonry

should no longer be restricted to operative Masons , but extend to men of various professions , provided that . they were regularly approved and entered into the Order . " " But long before that time the real meaning of the organisation had passed out of it , and even become well-nigh forgotten . The original members of it were undoubtedly those bodies of travelling Masons , to whose skilled hands all the great

architectural works of the period were of necessity intrusted , and who thus became bound together into a fraternity possessing trade rules and trade secrets , like any othor ordinary guild . But two peculiar circumstances connected with the work of Masonry impressed on this particular guild some of its strikingand characteristic features . In the first place , from the necessities of their employment , the members

of the guild were perpetually travelling from place to place and from country to country , and therefore it was obligatory that they should possess a sort of cryptic language , an elaborate system of signs and symbols for purposes of mutual recognition , and for the preservation of the secrets of their trade from those who were not members of the guild ; in the second , the fact that their work was , in its

highest order , so much connected with religious edifices , and that so many of the most eminent masters of the Craft were members of some monastic body , could scarcely fail to stamp the whole system with a distinctively religious character . As Mrs . Blake says , clearly and truly : — " Bitter as is the hositlity of of the Church of Rome to the Freemasonry of the day , it was under the patronage of

the Catholic Church that the Fraternities of Freemasons first arose . As at the present day in Scotland , when engaged in a work that occupies any length of time , a 'coth y' of masons erect a rude ' bothy , ' or ' barrack * , ' near the building on which they are engaged , in which lliey reside till the completion of the work , so in older times bands of artisans and workmen collected round thc monasteries , inhabiting

rude huts , which they raised round the spot where they were employed . 'These workmen being in the employment of the monks , were necessarily under their control and direction , and gradually appear to have become permanently connected with the different convents as lay-brothers ; the monks instructed them in the art of building and carving , inculcated amongst them thc preservation of peace and harmony , and

regulated their social life by strict rules and statutes . " Even after the completion of any piece of work tho necessity for the social organisation still remained . Roads were few ; bands of robbers lurked not only in the fastnesses of the woods and the ravines of the mountains , but in the inns and guesthouses where the traveller sought shelter by the way . For purposes of self-preservation the travelling

Masons , on their way from one building to another , formed themselves into strong bands , usually well armed , and for the most part under the leadership of an experienced monk or architect , and so the peculiar character of Freemasonry became indelibly impressed upon it : — " Living under the constantsupervision of the monks , then mostly men of exemplary piety and devotion , depending for

then- livelihood on the goodwill of the Church , which had not yet fallen into the corruptions that disfigured it at a later period , it was natural that the Masonic Fraternities should have been distinguished for their religious zeal and artistic enthusiasm . _ Religious zeal and artistic enthusiasm went hand-in-hand in those days ; religion regarded art as

her most worthy handmaid , and art beheld in religion her protector , and the noblest source of inspiration . " It is natural , under these circumstances , that such fraternities should have been regarded with especial tenderness by authorities both in Church and State . M rs . Blake derives their title of Freemason ( coin the ( act that , in recognition of the Masons' religious zeal and devotion to art , the Sovereign Pontiff and thc kings of thc territories in which tho