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and we have in the abnormal success of the Boys' double votes-scheme , only the result of active energy and dashing ventures . But all such p lans and arrangements have this one drawback , unfortunately , in the long run , that being in their nature rather " ad captandum and empirical at thc best , they interfere with the duller routine of mere duty , and the less attractive claims of commonplace requirements . We do not say that any fault can be found who started

whatever in the slightest degree with the aims or efforts of those the double votes for the Boys' School ; but we shall be deeply grieved if that very success should in the remotest manner react on the equally pressing , nay imperative claims of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution arid the Girls' School . We have ourselves great faith in the hearty liberality of our Craft , and , above all , the sense our brethren entertain so markedly as based on Masonic teaching , of the performance of duty for duty ' s sake .

* * # So much mystery hangs over the question of the "Junior School for Boys , " that we think we are expressing the feelings of many when we hope some official announcement may speedily be made of what the House Committee proposes to do . So great has been the success attending the movement that the Committee may be perhaps encouraged thereby to enlarge

the scope of their original ideas and proposals . In so doing they will make a great mistake . The mere funding of the money received will not meet the wants of the candidates or the wishes of the subscribers , who gave their money not to increase the income of the School , but to build the Junior School . The announcement of the selection of a plan will be a ' gratifying fact to many , as certainly many went away from the exhibition of the plans

little impressed with what they saw exhibited . If it is now to be proposed that the original authority is to be enlarged , and the House Committee announce that they will accept an estimate of any amount , we feel certain that objection will " be raised to any such course of procedure , any such increase of expenditure . We say this in all kindness and goodwill . We are ourselves quite convinced of the absolute need of a Junior School , but we

deprecate a lavish expenditure on our buildings for little boys , as a hardship on those remaining candidates who ' are in a state of the greatest misery and distress , who are hardly often able to "keep body and soul together , " and who cannot be taken into the Boys' School because there is no possible room for them . We trust we have said enough to induce kindl y consideraby the House Committee of the very pressing claims of numerous poor and almost friendless candidates .

The Hughan Testimonial.

THE HUGHAN TESTIMONIAL .

THE Testimonial Fund which was suggested in these colomns a short time since in honour of Bro . W . J . Hughan , P . G . D ., is now fairly under weigh , and from the many influential names on the committee we have no doubt that it will prove an unqualified success . Bro . HUGHAN ' work in the cause of our Masonic literature is so well known and so widely appreciated that his name is as a household word in all intelligent lodges , and we are justified

in supposing that there is no brother with any pretentions to Masonic knowledge who is not acquainted with his works , and will not feel an interest in the object sought to be attained . Numbers of lodges owe great thanks to our brother for his exerlions in the direction of unearthing their past history , and the Craft generally will no doubt show their esteem by supporting a movement begun under such favourable auspices .

Consecration Of The Chiswick Lodge, No. 2012.

CONSECRATION OF THE CHISWICK LODGE , NO . 2012 .

The new lodge styled the Chiswick Lodge , and numbered 2012 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England , was consecrated on Friday , the 16 th inst ., at the Bolton Hotel , Duke ' s-road , Chiswick , by Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary . The gallant brother was assisted b y Bros . Dr . Ralph Gooding , G . D ., as S . W . ; Edgar Bowyer , G . Std . Br ., as J . W . ; Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C , as Chap . ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., as Dir . of Cers ; and T . C . Walls , P . G . D . Middlesex , as I . G . The other brethren who attended were

Bros . J . M . P . Montagu , Dep . Prov . G . M . Dorset ; W . J . Ferguson , P . M . 177 ; W . Fieldson , I . P . M . 548 ; H . M . Coppleton , S . W . 1381 ; John Welch , 3 ; A . Louis Chapman , 255 ; G . A . Dayne , P . M . 933 ; John H . Makin-Maybury , Samuel Brooks , P . M ., Sec . 160 S ; W . Gomm , jun ., 7 S 0 ; George Endred , 1507 ; W . E . Harrison , 946 ; T . H . R . Hartley , 1 C 0 S ; George S . Wright , 1 G 12 ; W . Herbage , W . M . 177 ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; W . P . Webb , P . M . 13 S 1 ; Henry Whittick , P . M . 511 ; Thomas Wright , P . M . 23 ; J . M . Levy , W . Stwd . 1 S 5 ; and H . Massey , P . M . 619 , 1928 ( Freemason ) .

The petitioners for the warrant were Bros . George Everett , P . M . 177 , 1381 ; Charles H . Everett , 1507 , 1987 ; George Gardner , 177 ; \ V . D . Scott , 162 , 410 ; William Mann , P . M . 186 ; James Ford , 1507 ; John Henry Rutherglen , 1642 ; Adam Pringle , jun ., 600 , I . G . 92 ; Henry Oliver Smith , 1515 , 1974 ; and Frederick Lawrance , P . M . 255 .

Alter the opening of the lodge Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , addressing the brethren , said they were met on one of those interesting occasions which sometimes occurred in Masonry , especially in the London district . They were all of course aware that there was a large number of lodges in the London district , and that there was a general feeling , and a very proper one , that Freemasons had almost reached the limit they should go to . But of

course there was no rule without an exception , and as London increased and spread in its suburbs so the number of London lodges increased . The neighbourhood of Chiswick was an instance of an increase in population . It was a large and increasing district in which there was no Masonic lodge . Therefore it occurred to certain brethren that it would be advisable to found a lodge for the district , and having represented to the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H .

had been pleased to concur in that view and to issue a warrant for the Chiswick Lodge . The brethren had selected to rule over them an experienced Mason who had already sat in the chair of two lodges , and under his care and guidance he was sure the lodge would be conducted Masonically . Though not wishing to say much on this occasion he would repeat a few words he had often used , to beg the founders of the lodge not to be in too

great a hurry . It was a great mistake to fancy that they could serve Masonry in general and a lodge in particular by endeavouring to build up in a few months or a year or two a large lodge . Quality was better than quantity . In the present day the outer worlct saw so much of what Masonry did , so much of its charities , that there must naturally

be a great desire in the outside world to rush into the Order and partake of its privileges ; and therefore a lodge could not be too careful or too reticent as regards undesirable persons . It would be better to weigh carefully every case of a candidate that was submitted to them . One or two undesirable candidates might not only bring a want of harmony into a odge but might even imperil its existence . It was better to have only a

Consecration Of The Chiswick Lodge, No. 2012.

good man now and then admitted than to have a lodge crowded with members . He had no doubt that this lodge would be a well ordered lodge . They should never admit a man as a candidate whom they would not wish to see some day occupy the chair of W . M ., and this they would find a good principle to proceed upon .

The Rev . A . F . A . WOODFORD , P . G . C , then delivered the following oration : —V . W . Consecrating Officer : It is my privilege , sir , once again to deliver the customary Oration in our impressive ceremony of lodge consecration to-day , and I am truly glad to be permitted to take part in this pleasant assembly , not only because I am one of those who cannot regret to see the happy increase of our lodges , but because I feel sure that the new Lodge

No . 2012 on our register will under its present W . M . rapidly obtain for itself the good opinion of our authorities and equally develope the true principles of Freemasonry . For its onward progress then , under the good old Banner of Freemasonry as keeping close to our ancient landmarks , it speeds on its way , carefully developeing the beneficent teaching of our useful and excellent Order , let us all unite to-day in hearty aspirations , and in

hopeful anticipation . But sir , on such an occasion as this , it seems advisable to say a few words as to the principles we ourselves profess , what in fact we claim for our Masonic system . I wish then to dwell on three points alone now shortly , as time only permits , which seem to denote unmistakeably the great need and utility of Freemasonry for the world in which we live , and to speak with no uncertain tongue of the precepts of sound , practical , kindly

wisdom it has in store as well for contrasted classes as for distant nations . These three great "First Truths" are Universality , Toleration , Charity . Letus takethemonebyone . Itis avery grandidea , this Universalityof Freemasonry . North , south , east , and west we find its traces and tread in its footsteps . Just as in past so in present its " marks" abound everywhere , linking the near and far off people of the earth in an adamantine chain of Masonic

union and sympathy . Amid thecrumblingruinsof ancientand deserted cities , amid the remains of vanished and forgotten races , on stately cathedrals , on lofty towers , on Roman walls , Egyptian Pyramids , on the underground buildings of Jerusalem , just as in India , Mexico , and Peru , the attentive student may still observe our mystic emblems and feel pursuaded of this , as I believe , incontestable fact , explain it as you will , that

whether amid civilized nations or savage tribes , whether indigeneous or imported , there is Freemasonry . Yes , sir , lhat wonderful institution has outlived the decadence and decay of mighty empires , the entire passing away of races and dynasties , even apparently has defied , and defied successfully , the enfeebling and destructive " hand of time . " It is a marvellous truth , I repeat , then this Universality of Freemasonry , which ,

overleaping dividing seas and overpassing the narrow limits of countries , associations , sects , succeeds in enrolling within its expansive and kindly fold for the happiness of each other and the welfare of humanity , all good , wise , true men of all countries , colours , and religions , who are not ashamed to own the Great Creator of All before men , and abide by the unchanging dictates of the divirie and moral law . In India , for instance , as our distinguished

Bro . Judge Prinsep could have told us , one of our most energetic rulers in the far land of Hindostan , we have Christians and Hebrews , Hindoos , Parsees , and Mahommedans , all members of our Masonic lodges , and at one in reverence lor the Great Creator , and in goodwill for man , seeking to promulgate and uphold the genuine tenets of true and tolerant Freemasonry . Surely then we may all rejoice to realize and prize more and more the great

fact of the Universality of Freemasonry ; and the solemn and valuable truths which flow out to us , from this leading principle , the guide and the safeguard of Freemasonry . For we see that in its Universality it excludes none who reverently believe in the Great Architect of the Universe , though it proscribes the open Agnostic , and rejects the deliberate Atheist , and thus in its very Universality it seems to be an omen of , a foreshadowing of a

happier epoch for our race , inasmuch as it seeks to set before the world at all times and in all places reverence for God and love for man . Freemasonry in its Universality also endeavours to disseminate and develope those gentler and more engaging sympathies of social life and of our moral and spiritual being , which so lighten up the often dark and troubled pathway of our feet here below , whispering to us in tones wc cannot

misinterpret of brighter realities and more perfect happiness . one day held in store for our race in glad times of " eternal refreshing . " At the same time , Freemasonry ever testifies to the sacred certainty of a future state of being , and of the unclouded happiness and unending rest of a better life , and a spiritual existence beyond the grave . The great and distinguishing feature of Freemasonry , namely , Toleration ,

deserves our most serious consideration . Toleration is a word often used , though apparently sometimes little understood . It is a favourite dogma of us all more or less , and very easy to profess , but very , very difficult to practise . We are living at a period when , as someone has said , we " forget great truths , " and " fight , yes , fight , to the bitter end , to the very death , for the pettiest trifles . " It is sad for the true philosopher , the most real religionist , to realize often

the intense severances , the malignant feelings , which divide us here , the acrimony and animosity which almost always accompany controversy ; the excited struggles , the unscruplous warfare , which arise in respect of this or that , between this body or that ; theintolerance of some , the double-dealing of others , thepositiveinjusticeandcruelty . andall often in the sadly-abused name of Religion . Of nearly all the controversies of men it may fairly be said " How

worthless is the victor ' s prize , " and how little have they tended to the honour of God , the peace of the Brotherhood , or the happiness of mankind . Freemasonry , which has itself suffered as much as any body of men from direct and deadly persecution , whether from Papal Bulls and Allocutions , Presbyterian synods , Baptist bodies , the unmitigated " power of lying , " as in America , and the earlier and later outpourings of ignorant and debased

fanatics , proclaims with clear , with unfailing voice Toleration for all men . It is often refreshing and healing for us all to turn from the din of worldly controversy and thc " outcome " of human intolerance to the peaceful repose and kindly , sympathetic teaching of a Freemasons' lodge . Within its walls no sectarian rancour , no political antagonisms , are allowed to enter . Freemasonry knows nothing whatever of the " strife of tongues , " the weary

outpour of sterile platitudes , the bitter words of social or political disputations . It ignores alike religious differences and party shibboleths , and forbids the intrusion within its hallowed circle of those " burning questions which often utterly divide and disunite man now from hisbrother man . Freemasonry imposes no test , and demands nocreed . Each brother to his own great Master " standeth or falleth , " and just as Freemasonry knows noseeks

thing of the peculiar characteristics of this or that denomination , so it , passing by the narrow limits of every earthly institution , civil or religious , to see in every son of Adam a brother of the dust . For Freemasonry ever acknowledges the great , if too often forgotten , truth that the great and divine " Architeknqs" has " made of one blood all the nations of the earth , " and therefore gladly welcomes within its vast and uncontroversial body all who reverently accept and stand by the solemn reality and goodly truth of the