Original Correspondence.

the earnest and the zealous are in the minority . The commercial world may be an exception , but is not this exemplified in the political , religious , and social world ? To argue this out and to prove it the Q . E . D . of the problem under consideration would occupy more of my time , and your space , than either of us would like to spare .

But the knowledge of this fact is no reason why there should be any cessation of effort , to alter the proportions of the two classes or sections into which our community , as others , is divided . On the contrary it affords the best incentive to continued patient work , unremitting labour , and persevering toil .

My figures , as quoted by you , may not be found on investigation to be strictly accurate , but I am persuaded they are sufficiently approximate for all purposes of our argument , and I do not see how anyone properly impressed with a sense of responsibility can for a moment think of relaxing his exertions in behalf of our noble institutions .

It may be that if these prove eminently successful , an increased interest would be created in Masonic periodical literature . It may also be that if a more lively interest were created in Masonic literature a more extended sympathy with our charitable organizations would be the result .

On your part , I do not for one moment question the honest desire by which you are actuated , that of rendering every assistance in your power to the great , but too much neglected—spite of all that has been accomplished * and is being done —cause of Masonic charity .

When the great bulk of Freemasons can be induced to adopt the maxim of universal philosophy , " Homo sum nihil humani a me alienum puto , " and regard Masonry in its varied aspects , and its multitudinous capacities for good , and not be content lightly to estimate it from any one

particular point of view , then the " consummation so devoutly wished , " will be in a fair way of realization , with every probability of success in the directions indicated in your article—of more attentive study of Masonic literature ; and the many interesting topics of discussion presented therein

—of more wide-spread benevolence — of still further generous substantial support for the relief of distress , and the mitigation of suffering , based upon motives more exalted , upon knowledge more cultivated , upon convictions more deeply rooted and enduring . As usual , I have trespassed unduly upon your

space , but I am anxious to see the subjects treated of still further discussed , as I am confident general good will be the result . Thanking you for your kindly expressions towards myself , undeserved in many respects as they are , I am , dear sir , and brother , yours faithfull y and fraternally ,

FREDERICK BINCKES , Secretary , Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . 6 , Freemasons' Hall , W . C , 24 th February , 1874 .

ROMAN CATHOLICS AND FREEMASONS .

To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , One naturally asks , under recent circumstances especially , why the Church of Rome excommunicates all Freemasons alike . What is there in Freemasonry itself to merit

excommunication ? On referring to the Book of Constitutions , published in 1867 , I see at page 7 , pledges given by Masons to be peaceable subjects , and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country , and other pledges , " not to be concerned in plots or

conspiracies against Government , but patiently to submit to the decisions of the supreme legislature , and to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrate . " Similar passages may be produced from the initiatory charge . It appears then that loyalty and obedience to law are exacted from all Masons .

One would hope that there is nothing in all this inconsistent with the Roman Catholic Faith . Yet " Eraser ' s Magazine " for this month ( pages

Original Correspondence.

187 , 197 ) , speaking of certain " Select Reading Lessons " used by twenty-three thousand Roman Catholic boys in Ireland , says , " This fourth book is on the very principle of the Nationalist

newspapers , which scrape together the abuse of England from all the journals of every country under the sun , with the view of feeding the anti-English resentment of the Irish masses . It is in fact a first-rate school manual for

Fenianism . Its most pungent extracts point to insurrection . ' ' Here we have loyal Freemasonry , and disloyal Fenianism side by side , and the bearing of the Church of Rome we forbear to comment on in these two cases . Yours fraternally , P .

FREEMASONRY AND ROMANISM .

lo the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In reference to the recent refusal of a Roman Catholic Chaplain to officiate at the burial of a Roman Catholic Freemason , as I

cannot concur in the general expression of indignation at his conduct , I would ask your space for a brief statement of why I think the ground taken by the Rev . Mr . Cuffe is not only sufficiently distinct but logically quite tenable .

I need hardly say , 1 have no sympathy with the system of which he is the exponent , but looking at that system as it exists , it must , I think , be admitted that he acted consistently with his duty as a Minister of the Romish Church .

The very foundation of that church is practically implicit obedience to Clerical Authority . This dogma underlies all her teaching , and if in controversy , that teaching be proved to be irational , unscriptural , and contrary to history

and fact , the argument , "The Church says so " is unanswerable for those who hold her divinely commissioned to dictate to the consciences of her subjects , and divinely authorized to compel their unquestioning submission .

If then , in her infallible wisdom , she thinks fit to proclaim that reception into Freemasonry is , de facto , excommunication for any of her members so offending , and if excommunication deprives her members of their rights and privileges

as Roman Catholics , whatever their rights and privileges may be worth , why should we blame a Romish Priest for refusing to perform his usual offices , beside the grave of one who , I presume , died excommunicated and unabsolved .

The question is one for the serious consideration of our Roman Catholic brethren . They will now probably realize their true position in relation to the church to which they nominally belong , and it may possibly have an effect the

reverse of that intended by those whose decree it is , and may compel them to look more closely into the grounds for the authority claimed , and exercised , over purely secular matters by the

ecclesiastical luminaries constituting the Church of Rome , as she herself understands the title . J OSEPH H . WOOD WORTH Dublin , February 21 .

{ To the Editor of the Freemason . ) Dear Sir and Brother , — I have read your leader of the 14 th inst ., embodying an attack of Ihe Tablet , copied by the Church News of Jan . 4 th , entitled "

Freemasonry in Italy and the Roman Catholic Church , " and as probably the only English M . M ., also W . M ., and 30 , in Italian Freemasonry , feel called on to beg your insertion of a few lines in explanation of the present crisis in

Italian Freemasonry . I would first however point out that the Tablet is incorrect in some of its statements for instance , the G . M . is Bro . G . Mazioni , M . P ., Bros . Maresca , Mussi , and Col . Tamajo being

deputy G . M . ' s Bros . Gen . Garibaldi and Campanelli , are honorary P . G . M . ' s . as is the Prince of Wales in England . Bro . Pianciani , Mayor of Rome , is simply Treasurer of G . L ., and not

either a prominent , or distinguished member of the Craft . I am ignorant ofthe writings ofthe " Bro . " (?) Guiseppe Ferrari quoted , but can safely aver

Original Correspondence.

that the Cross , as the Holy Symbol of the one great sacrifice , on which the foundations of all Christianity are built , receives in Italy at least as much as in England , the respect of every Freemason . It is , ( in its character , given to it

by the Papacy ) as badge of an usurping , tyrannical , and [ soul-oppressing priesthood , that Italian Masons endeavour , and hitherto with limited success , to resist , overthrow , or destroy it .

In the consideration of a question so nearly affecting the hearths and homes of our Italian brethren , it must not be forgotten , that , though to-day Protestants , Roman Catholics , and a host of dissenters , Jive happily and peacefully in

intimate and friendly relationship , in our free England , yet the fires of Smithfield have burned . Is it surprising then , that in a country , where the doors of the Inquisition closed but yesterday , where many still live who have passed their

lives in ecclesiastical dungeons for no other crimes than non conformity with the letter of papal ordinances in matters of faith , that the masses , liberated from their physical and moral slavery by the wars of independence , seek to

provide against a recurrence of the thraldom of they still so vividly remember . Surely the English reverence for , and practice of " tolerance , " cannot mean the shutting of the eyes to the war our fellow men and Masons are

waging against arch-intolerance . The recent refusal of burial by the Priest Cuffe , to the remains of a deceased Freemason , is a case in point . Few of us can approve the Priest ' s conduct , but it must not be forgotten that

in England Roman Catholicism bows , where in Italy ancl Germany it would , and endeavours to ride rough-shod over all . In regard to the question of burial , some years back , Bro . Gustot , W . M . of the " Pyramides "

Lodge of Alexandria , Egypt , on his death bed was refused extreme unction and burial , he being a Freemason ( I may explain also a most devout Roman Catholic . ) The Consuls-General of France and Austria , in their position of joint

protectors of the Roman Catholic Church in Egypt , with every wish to side with the Church , were compelled to decide , that if the body of the deceased Freemason was refused admission

to the Roman Catholic cemetery , the cemetery must be closed to all . Surely in the " Chatham case" some one has some equally * cogent argument ready for Father Cuffe , and his friends . — Yours faithfully and faternally , 0

A . H . 30 , 130 and 1157 English Constitution , M . M . Oriental Lodge , Mario Pagano R . C . Chapter , and Roman Consistory Italian Constitution . Portswood , 16 Feb ., 1874 .

[ We publish this letter in a spirit of fairness , but we do not think the subject is altogether , for many reasons , suitable to our columns . The correspondence must | end here , and we have not thought it well to print the letter of the Italian Grand Lodge . —En . ]

To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — As Bro . Hughan has taken notice of my letter about the Roman Catholic Chaplain at Chatham , refusing to bury the remains of

Armour-Sergeant Johnstone because he was " a Freemason . " I write to say 1 have heard from very high authority in the Roman Catholic Church that " a Freemason cannot be a Catholic , and a Catholic cannot be a Freemason , " and " an

Unbaptized child is in a better condition than a Freemason . " I could tell you all that was said upon the subject , but refrain as I think the less said the better . All I can see that Grand Lodge can do , is to ventilate the subject , and warn all

Roman Catholics for the future that they are under the greater excommunication if they join us . I cannot make "the Infallible Papa" alter his decision about Freemasonry ¦ but I glory in bellis one more than ever ! !

Yours fratenlally , AUGUSTUS A . BAGSHAWE . W . M . 1235 . P . S . G . W . and P . P . G . C . Derbyshire , Wormhill Vicarage , Buxton , .