The Exchange Of Votes.

vince , " You have a case which you are anxious about , we will g ive you our 800 votes , on the condition that you give us 800 votes next April , which will ensure the return of our candidate , and leave us 400 to carry to the credit of our second candidate ? " Is there any technical or

moral wrong in such course ^ of action ? Nay , is it not both a fair and prudent course of proceedincr ? Admitted , if you like , that the votes niif ht have been gi- / en to another case , yet , as these votes need not have been polled at all , the committee , as acting for the voters , having their

" ' power of attorney " so tojsay , have a distinct rig ht to use them so as to bring about the successful election of a fitting candidate , at another election , of [ their own . The great object of all provincial voting is to secure the election of provincial candidates , by the great power of

voting aggregation , who otherwise would be "left out in the cold , " and we feel sure of this , that any theory that you are bound to take a list of thirty names , say , and select the most distressing case , is an ideal and transcendental view of duty , alike unreal and unpractical , and unworkable to

boot . If it were possible , which it is not , to lay down any abstract canons which could mark out infallibly the most distressing case , or cases , something might be advanced for so hyper-sentimental an argument , but as it is , we feel bound

to relrgate it to the '' limbo " of many of those dogmatic declarations , those visionary and partial theories , however well meant , which practical experience must criticise , and common sense and kindly feeling must equally resist and reject .

The Exclusion Of The Hebrews.

THE EXCLUSION OF THE HEBREWS .

Thanks to Bro . Findel , we have now thc case clearly before us , divested of all doubts and disputes , on a matter of fact . Two of the Grand Lodge , of Germany , the Three Globes and the Gr- _ tC . uint .-ies G . Lodge , still unwisely keep out ti .. H . brevvs fu .-. u mitU ' . tion , and some private of

l . d ^ i-s th- Royal York . Bro . Findel thinks lhat thn exclusion by the Three Globes will not long be maintained , though he seems to apprehend that it will be perpetuated in the Great Countries Lodge . We deeply regret the fact , that any German Grand Lodge should still

maintain a relic of what may be fairly termed the despotism and superstition of the dark ages . We had hoped that we had outlived all such theories of intolerance , and all such teachings of irreligion . But it seems that there still linger among the Freemasons of Germany the crude

dogmata of a mistaken mysticism , and the untenable assumptions of a so-called religious bigotry . We hope and trust that the day is not far distant , when all the German Grand Lodges will see thafc their unwise and unjust exclusion of Hebrews is put an end to , and that the sacred

principles of toleration are practised as well as professed in all Masonic lodges and under all Masonic authorities in that important section of our great Masonic world . We do nofc go into the question which Bro . Findel has treated with his usual frankness and forcibleness of

expression , as regards the position of the Great Countries G . Lodge , becanse we do not deny that the Great G . Countries Lodge is a lawful Grand Lodge , and has an inherent right to lay down its own laws for its own members , for those who belong to its

lod ges and acknowledge its jurisdiction . Though we should gladly wish that that Grand Lod ge would have its avowed teaching , such as we consider Masonic , and equitable , and tolerant to all , yet , we must not forget that it is a lawful body , and has all along acted on these , to us ,

unwise and obsolete principles . It is no new Javv , no sudden act of retrogression , ' which has 'eft the Hebrews out of its pale , and we therefore , while we deeply deplore its persistence in such intolerant principles , cannot say that it is ' nors de la Maconnerie . " But it will be pertl y competent for all Grand Lodges , which

uphold principles of Masonic toleration and Philanthropy , to say to it , that until it removes irom its laws . n unjust exclusion , a roost unfair proscri ption , it cannot expect to enjoy any [ recogmtion or mutual interchange , whether of representatives or courtesies . We do not say that all ^ rand Lod ges are bound , so to speak , but all may

The Exclusion Of The Hebrews.

say so , thodghwefeel , that there isa gooddeal . tohe urged for the actual independence of each lawful Grand Lodge , and that this is a most important truth in itself , which cannot be lightly treated or carelessly overlooked . But our opinion is unchanged , that the exclusion of Hebrews from

Freemasonry anywhere , under any pretence , is most impolitic and un-Masonic , and most antagonistic to the aims and teachings of Cosmopolitan Freemasonry . As a fact , we know , all of us , that the Hebrews make excellent Masons , and to say to anyone , " yon shall not be admitted

because you are a Hebrew " is both , in our opinion , an outrage against justice and propriety , toleration and liberality , religion and brotherly good will . We have not gone either into Bro . Schifrmann ' s case , though we recognize that brother ' s literary merits and Masonic worth , because we feel strongly that , as outsiders , it is

impossible for us to express our opinion on a matter ( except generally and abstractedly ) , which requires us to act as judges , and hear both sides of the pleadings . We thank Bro . Findel , however , very warmly for his letter , which has the singular merit , in these long-winded days , of puttiog ' the whole matter , as a " matter of fact , " clearly and condensedly before us .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible Tor , tr even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondenls , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —Ep . l

THE INSTALLATION ENGRAVING . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — The above engraving , as you and several friends are aware by ocular evidence , is now in a very advanced state , but I find on close examination that there is fully six or eight weeks of close and constant application to be given

to it yet before I can pronounce it fit for the hands of Messrs . McQueen , the printers . As it is my ardent desire to produce a work worthy of the great event , and I trust satisfactory to all , I feel convinced , from opinions already expressed to me , that brethren will not grudge this delay in publication . It affords me much pleasure in stating that the encomiums of eminent official brethren , so far , are very encouraging , and I hope will hut prove a forecaste of the

general verdict of the Craft . The blank spaces 1 expect to have finally occupied with portraits by Tuesday next , after which the efforts of the engraver will be occupied solely in producing effects of light and shade . Thanking you heartily for your kind indulgence in permitting me to occupy your space so frequently , I remain , dear Sir and Brother , very truly and fraternally yours , EDWD . J . HARTY . 213 , Regent-street , W ., May 17 th , 1877 .

ILLEGITIMACY AND FREEMASONRY . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I beg to take exception to your answer to " Enquirer , " in which you state that the " rule of the Craft is adverse to the reception of all not born of honest parentage . "

As it is not the fault of the individual that he is illegitimate , I shall be glad to be favoured with a copy of the rule or law by which he is excluded from Freemasonry , according to the Grand Lodge of England . One of our most talented Masons of the last century was an illegitimate , viz ., Thomas Dunckerley , Provincial

Grand Master and Grand Superintendent of a host of provinces , and according to the authority of the Grand Secretary of Scotland , Bro . D . Murray Lyon , that Grand Lodge has been equally liberal in its reception of such persons , if otherwise worthy . Yours fraternally ,

REVIRESCO . [ There is no law on the subject . We were talking of the unwritten " common law" of Masonry , " and the " tongue of good report . " Dunckerley is not quite a case in point . —ED . ]

CHARITY VOTING . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Allow me , Brother Editor , to warmly support your able leader on the subject of " Charity Voting , " and to differ most positively from the previous communication of the Rev . Bro . R . J . Simpson , M . A ., P . G . C .

It appears to me that the only security we can have that the various Royal Masonic Institutions of London shall be , in the main , used only for the purposes intended by the numerous donors , is by the present system of voting . Each subscriber has now an opportunity to record his votes for the candidates he favours , whereas to delegate that ' power to a small committee would be to introduce , as

you say , " favouritism and partiality . " It seems to me quite impossible that these excellent Institutions can be much abused under present circumstances , and , indeed , we know that they are not , but judging from other societies we have a sure index to guide us as to their fate if in the hands of a few individuals . I think , however , that it is advisable that the petition of each candidate of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , & o , should be signed by the Master and Wardens , and a

Original Correspondence.

majority of the members present at any regular meeting of the lodge to which the father did or does belong , or by the lodge supporting the petition . As it is now any two subscribers can sign the application , which I consider an insufficient test . Fraternally yours , WM . IAMES HUGHAN , P . G . D .

MASONS' MARKS . —LAUSANNE CONGRESS AND THEIR BEARING UPON FREEMASONRY . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I am interested in the letter ofj" W . E . N . " in your last issue , and should like to see him contribute copies of these Masons' marks from both Jerusalem and Shushan .

I do not doubt that Air . Deutsche is correct in his statements and conclusions , and some years ago I pointed out that a large proportion of the old English marks were well formed letters of the Runic alphabet , but occasionally Masonic symbols , and even Roman letters . But as this truth did not square with the assertions of the recently

concocted and modern Mark Degree , I was voted heterodox , and some Manchester agents , jewellers , and tailors went about saying , " Do not read his books and writings , they are spurious 1 " with a sign of horror . This brings me apropos to the remarks of " One of the English Delegates to the Lausanne Congress , " who is

proposing that we should ignore the lodges of the erring Grand Orient of France , and that English Craft Masons should seek refuge and protection in the spurious Craft lodges of the spurious Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in France . This is to seek legitimacy in a way which the Craft will appreciate , but perhaps the letter is intended

merely as a hint to their own members . The carefully concealed cloven-hoof of the English " Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite" is coming out with a vengeance . Will this worthy delegate oblige your readers by explainin ? - fully what Lausanne adopted in relation to the

Deity ? I am told that they fell back upon the ancient Chinese Yang and Yin theory , which we explain by attraction and repulsion , and upon a denial themselves of the Being—God . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , J YARKER .

THE GIRLS' SCHOOL FESTIVAL . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — A jealousy ( pardonable I trust ) for the reputation of my province respecting the charities , and specially so at the present time while mourning for the loss of our late

highly esteemed and respected R . W . Prov . G . M ., Lord Shrewsbury , to whom is due to a great extent the awakening of the brethren to their duties in connection with thc charities , will , I trust , be a sufficient excuse f < r my trespassing upon your time in calling attention to your article in last week ' s issue on the above subject . I find that the

province [ of Staffordshire , although contributing the sum of £ 161 _ s . is passed by without special notice , while the provinces of Hertfordshire , contributing ... £ 143 16 6 Gloucestershire „ ... i ^ j g o Wiltshire „ ... i ' o o

Berks and Bucks „ ... 114 o o Northampton and Hunts ,.. 105 o o have jail had special reference made of their returns , Staffordshire being classed among the " several smaller amounts , " making up the provincial returns £ 4 600 . As I do not think this fair , either to the memory of our late

lamented Prov . Grand Master , or to the charitable spirit of the province , which has for some time taken a respectable position at each of the festivals , I shall esteem it a favour if you will make some note of this in your next issue . I am , dear'Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , P . MOUNT HUMPHRIES , P . M . 530 ,

Prov . G . Sup . of Works , Staffordshire , Steward at Boy _ ' Festival , 1876 , Steward at Gills' Festival , 1877 . P . S . —Out of the twenty-six lists as given out at the festival , Staffordshire then stood tenth in amount . I

nresume lists sent in subsequently have improved the position of Warwickshire . [ We quite agree with our ^ brother's remarks . The omission was a pure oversight , and certainly most unjus t to Staffordshire . —ED . ]

To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — With reference to tbe letter of Bro . Little in your issue of last week , I shall feel obliged if you will allow me to inform your readers that the report was accurate , and

faithfully represented the statement referred to . Whether the statement was inaccurate or not , there was no inaccuracy on the part of Yours fraternally , THE REI > OKTEII .

MY LITTLE REVIEW . To the Editor of Ihe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have to call attention to the numerous errata in my little review of " Dame Europa ' s Remonstrance" in your . last , which make my humble words read like utter

nonsense . Whose fault that may be , I do not stop to enquire . " It is quite true " , should be " It is quite time ;" " able . to pursue , " " able to maintain ; " " slim logic of facts , " " stern logic of facts ; " " Christian populations , " " the Christian populations ; " " dip ! omasts , "I" diplomats ;"

and " supposition , " " suppositions . " Be so good as to insert this t-xplanaticn , ar . d ob'ige , yours fraternally , YOUR REVIEWER . [ Mistakes , like misfortunes , will occur in the best regulated " Chapels . "—P . D . ]