The Freemason.

a state of entire unconsciousness . " As our contemporary , the Guardian , observes , from wbich paper we take this amusing account , if after this , " Populus vult decipi , decipiatur , " " if people will be deceived—they will , that ' s all . "

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spir it of fair play to all , to permit—within ccrrain necessary limits—free discussion . ]

THE GIRLS' SCHOOf . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — At length the discussions in re Lyncombe House are over and thc purchase recommended by the House Committee has been approved by the Quarterly Court . I congratulate the authorities on the fact , and on the

announcement by Bro . Col . Creaton of his intention to propose the admission of twenty-five additional orphans . This will be gooel news to the subscribers and the Craft My object in writing is to ask all to " let bygones be bygones , " and to set to work to maVe the anniversary festival cf 1880 a signal success , so that under the presidency of our Royal Bro . H . R . H . Prince Leopold the

returns for the festival may prove how completely the subscribers approve both of the proceedings of the proper authorities , and are interested in the maintenance and development of our Institution , which is in truth unrivalled as an educational institution amid the many noble schools of England . Out of evil good very often comes here , and I am inclined , for one , to think tbat those who , like myself , value the

Institution for what it is , for what it has done , for what it may yet do for the female orphans of our brotherhood , will only be stirred up by recent events to " put our shoulder to the wheel" and labour more zealously than ever to render the anniversary of 1880 a memorable one in the goodly annals of thc Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . I am , yours fraternally , T .

BRO . MOSS'S LETTER . Dear Bro . Kenning , — I have read Bro . Moss ' s letter in your last issue , and all I can say is , as I obss'rved in the Quarterly Court , that probably owing to the press of legal business his memory is somewhat defective . He certainly never left the opinion in the hands ot the Grand Treasurer . He

declined , though pressed by myself , to read it himself , —he equally refused to have it officially communicated . He took it away with him . He stated over and over again that he came as " amicus curiae , " that all he suggested was in " confidence , " that he had no " authority " even to shew us the opinion , but he wished the Grand Treasurer on this " ex parte " opinion not to pass a resolution at thc

meeting , intimating that if a resolution was passed , an application for an injunction would be forthwith made . The " bona fides" of our Chairman was conspicuous then as afterwards , in that he properly stated that he knew of the opinion , thus unofficially and informally conveyed to his notice . Bro . Letchworth and myself cm confirm the statement of our gallant Chairman in every particular ,

and while I give Bro . Moss every credit for a wish to serve his client , I cannot but express my regret that he should seem , even by implication , to throw a doubt on the exact accuracy of the statement openly made by thc Grand Treasurer and your humble servant , the writer of this

letter . For I beg distinctly to declare that the statement tbat the Grand Treasurer was free to communicate the opinion or not is absolutely inaccurate , inasmuch as it was mentioned in confidence , and Bro . Moss took it away and left no copy behind . I am , yours fraternally , A . F . A . WOODFORD .

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER FOR MILITARY BRETHREN . " To the Fjditor ofthe " Freemason . " Beat Sir and Brother , — As one of the founders of the Aldershot Camp Lodge , and who received some hard knocks on the occasion , I have a lively remembrance of all that took place .

Ifully endorse all that " 1331 " has stated in your issue of the ioth inst . Bro . Wm . Hicklcy , in your issue of thc 24 th , gives his " most unqualified denial of tbe truth of that statement . " Thc facts are as follows : A petition for a new lodge for the Military of Aldershot was presented to the Panmure Lodge in 1870 . This was strongly opposed , and by none more

so than Bro . Hickley . No satisfaction could be obtained . We proposed a Committee should be appointed to discuss the subject after the lodge me'eting was over , which was done ; but here again , I saw it was of no use attempting to conciliate . I rose from the table and made use of this figurative remark , " that I would raise heaven and earth to have a lodge . " Bro . Hickley replied , " And so you

may , and then you will not get it . " Previous to the next lodge , I cinvassed the military brethren to attend . A proposition was made as stated , by two supporters , anel , the military being well representee ! , it was carried . Again , after I had obtained the warrant , the P . G . M . was asked to appoint a day to consecrate the

lodge . A day was fixed , and the banejuet ordered . Two days previous to the day appointed , I received a telegram from the P . G . M . stating he could not attend , as he had received objections from the Panmure Lodge . The day following a message was received—former arrangements to hold good . I can state why he changeel his mind . Thc above is sufficient to show that " 1331 " was correct in

Original Correspondence.

his statements , and that Bro . Hickley has forgotten facts which arc well remembered in Aldershot . We are meeting with similar opposition to obtain a Royal Arch chapter , and why is not fully understood by the military , seeing that the Aldershot Camp

Lnelge is one of the most flourishing lodges iii the Province of Hampshire . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , JOHN FENN , P . M . 1331 . Aldershot , 25 th January , 18 S 0 .

To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Companion , — Bro . P . M . John S . Hickley , 723 , having in his letter-of the 14 th inst ., published in your issue of 24 th inst ., denied the accuracy of the last paragraph but one of my communication ] of 1 st idem , I beg to state most emphatically that every word of that paragraph is strictly

truthful , and would recommend Bro . Hickley to read it again calmly , when he will probably take a different view of the statement , the wording of which does not impute opposition to the whole of the Panmure Lodge . I have now further to acquaint you , in support of my former statement , that the opposition from some oi the brethren of that lodge was so great when the subject of

a new lodge in Aldershot was brought before them , that the Panmure Lodge , 723 , only sanctioned the recommendation of the petition for a warrant for the Aldershot Camp Lodge after exacting from the founders of that lodge the following agreement , which is deposited with thc Grand Secretary : — - " That no person be initiated in this lodge except he is

in Her Majesty ' s service , and that no brother be received as a joining member unless he is in Her Majesty ' s service , or that previous to retiring or discharge from the service he was a member of the Aldershot Camp Loelge . "That the Master and Wardens at every installation sign a declaration to this effect , and that a copy of this be signed by the Wardens , W . M ., and Secretary , and sent to

the Grand Secretary . " This , surely , is sufficient proof that my statement was correct , and if further evidence is requisite , it can be obtained from witnesses of the opposition complained of , which , however , occurred prior to the above engagement being entered into , and before the Panmure Lodge , 723 , " approved the prayer of the petition , and recommended

that it be granted . " In June , 1870 , the argument was lhat there was . no room fcr two lodges here , but experience has taught us entirely the reverse ; at the present time ic is said there is not room for two chapters , the reason assigned being that if the military have a chapter the civilian chapter must

necessarily fail ; but this , ten years hence , as in the case of the lodge , may not prove in accordance with facts . Having , I trust , cleared myself from the slightest impu tation of untruthfulness in my letter of ist inst ., which I kindly thank you for inserting . Believe me , yours faithfully and fraternally , 133 * -

NON-QUALIFIED MEMBERS AT GRAND LODGE . To the Editor ofthe " Fretmason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — In response to your invitation for suggestions for impiovement in thc present system of admitting members to Grand Lodge , I should like to say a few words . At present the notices of Grand Lodge meetings are sent to

the Masters of lodges , addressed to the place of lodge meeting , and as the notices reach the place of meeting often , very often , between two lodge meetings , thc Master docs not get the notice until after Grand Lodge meeting j entailing useless expense to Grand Lodge for printing and postage . My suggestion is that the notices should be sent to the Secretaries of lodges , direct to their registered address

it should be their duly to give each qualified member a notice of the meeting , which could be done , with little trouble , on printed post-cards . Tncy should also send to Grand Secretary ' s office , for the use of the scrutineers , a postcard ( with number and name of lodge at the top ) giving a list of qualified members with a * against those names ( or all that can be got in time ) of brethren who cannot be present . These cards should be placed by the scrutineers

opposite the signature lists , and referred to when a brother signs j they will at once see if a brother offering himself is entitled to attend . If a brother signs for an absent member he can be charged as a forger , and if his name is not on the Secretary ' s card he has ceased to be a subscribing member or is an impostor . Yours fraternally , MAGNUS OHREN , Sec . of 452 and 1719 .

To the Editor if lhc " Fi-ccmasoii . " Dear Sir and Brother , — In one of your articles in the Freemason ot the 24 th inst ., you invite suggestions to improve the system of non-qualified members getting into Grand Lodge . This being a difficulty the Grand Lodge of Scotland ( which I am an humble member of ) had to contend

against , and which it has overcome by thc following method , may be of service to the Grand Lodge oi England . Our most worthy Grand Secretary issues tickets of membership annually to all eiualificd members of Grand Lodge as per tickets enclosed , changing the colour of ticket every year ; at all meetings of Grand Lodge the

Scrutineers appointed examine the tickets of members when entering the hall , and on being satisfied , allow them to enter the body o ! the hall . Master Masons now members of Grand Lodge remain behind the bar at the back part of the hall . I am , dear Sir anitBrothcr , yours fraternally ,

W . H . BICKERTON . P . G , Secretary , Glasgow Glasgow , 26 th January , 1880 .

Original Correspondence.

ROYAL ARCH REGULATIONS . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Will some of your correspondents or yourself kindly answer a few questions on the above subject and oblige several young Arch Masons .

1 . Can a W . M . sign a petition and become , say J . of a chapter , or must all Three Principals be Past Masters . 2 . Can a companion join a chapter , and if qualified , be elected J . the first night of joining . 3 . Is it right for Provincial Grand Officers , Royal Arch , to wear their collars of office in a Craft lodge . Vours fraternally , ' SCRIBE N .

A QUERY . To the Editor of the " Freemason " Dear Sir and Brother , — I am anxious to know of some short humorous piece or sketch on Masonry , or otherwise suitable subject

adapted for recitation at banquets or festive meetings of Masons , and I have no doubt that some brother woulil be able to furnish me with such through the Freemason , if you would kindly insert this and oblige , Yours truly and iraternally , M . M .

THE RATING OF LYNCOMBE HOUSE . [ We are requested to publish the following . ] Dear Sir and Brother , — Vestry Hall , Bridge Road West , Battersea , S . W January 26 th , 1880 .

Mr . Evill has asked me to correct what was an inadvertent error on my part as to the valuation of bis house . Our return in the valuation list , as supplied to Bro .

Cox , was £ 120 gross . Rateable value £ 100 . But since 187 s an addition was made by which the current rate was charged on a gross of £ 137 . Rateable £ 114 . You may make whatever use you like of this . Yours truly and fraternally , Col . Creaton . THOS . HAURAP .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

ADJOURNED QUARTERLY COURT . An adjourned Quarterly Court of the Governors and subscribers of this Institution was held at Freemasons ' Hall on Saturday last . Lieut .-Col . John Creaton , Grand Treasurer , presided , and amongst those present were Bros .

Capt . N . G . Philips , L . G . ; James Stevens ; R . Warner Wheeler , V . P . ; Griffiths Smith , V . P . ; G . Bolton , V . P . ; Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , L . G . 5 Raynham W . Stewart , V . P . ; A . A . Richards , L . G . ; R . G . Shute ; Samuel Rawson , V . P . j A . H . Tattershall , L . G . ; Colonel Peters , L . G . j W . H . Mvers , L . G . ; William Musto , L . G . ; W . J . Musto ; L . G .: W , W . Baxter ; A . Durrant , L . G . ; E . Lttchworth ,

V . P . ; George Weeks , L . G . ; Herbert Dicketts , V . P . ; H . T . Thompson , L . G . ; Henry Venn , L . G . ; James Mason , L . G , ; James L . Stothert , L . G . ; T . Foxall , L . G . ; William Roebuck , L . G . j Col . Burdett , P . G . M . Middx ., and Trustee Sustentation Fund ; E . J . Barron , V . P . ; A . J . Duff Filer , V . P . ; H . A . Dubois , L . G . ; John Sampson Pierce , L . G . ; E . Cox , V . P . ; Rev . D . Cox , L . G . ; G . R . Shcrvill , L . G .

Thomas Meggy , V . P . ;¦ John A . Rucker , V . P . j Edwaid Austin j J . H . Matthews , V . P . ; T . F . Peacock , John Walker ; jEneas J . Mclntyre , Q . C , V . P . , D . Ferguson ; Leopold Ruf , L . G . ; W . Williams ; A . D . Lowenstark , L . G . ; Samuel Hill , L . G . ; F . Adlard , L . G . ; George Kenning , V . P . ; A . E . Gladwell , L . G . ; H . J . Johnson , W . Carrington , Col . Shadwell H . Cleike , G . Sec , L . G . ; W .

F . C . Moutrie , L . G . ; E . C . Wooelward , V . P . ; A . H . Diaper , L . G . ; W . Cunningham Glen , L . G . ; Louis Hirsch , L . G . ; Henry Speedy j Dr . R . T . Pigott , L . G . ; Col . Somerville Burney , L . G . ; Thoma * Massa , L . G . ; J . M . P . Montagu , V . P . ; F . Rath , L . G . ; Edward Clark , L . G . j A . A . Pendlebury , L . G . ; Chas . Hammerton , V . P . ; E . H . Stammwitz , L . G . ; Hy . Potter , L . G . ; Peter de L . Long ,

L . G . ; W . Browne Kidder , L . G . ; F . W . H . Ramsay , M . D ., L . G . ; James Lewis Thomas , F . S . A ., L . G . ; J . M . Klenck , E . C . Mather , V . P . ; S . Rosentha l , V . P . ; The mas Fenn , V . P . ; J . J . Cantle , L . G . ; Rev . Dr . Brette , V . P . ; Charles John Perceval , V . P . ; A . Tisley , L . G . j A . Woter , L . G . ; William Dodd , F . R . W . Hedges ( Secretary ) j and H . Massey ( Freemason ) .

The Secretary having read that portion of the minutes of the Quarterly General Court of the ioth January which refers to the adjournment , and the minutes of the Special General Court of the 3 rd January , Thc Chairman said before putting the minutes for confirmation he wished to say a few words on the subject matter which they proposed to to discuss . He assumed it

would not be necessary for him to travel over the ground again , explaining why the purchase of Lyncombe House and grounds had been proposed and recommended by the Committee . The most important and great reason was that they should increase the number of children in the School by twenty-five . Since the last meeting he had fully explained to his co-Trustees all that had taken place , and had also consulted Mr . Heirace Davey , Gt . C , and Sir .

Hollis . Counsels' opinion would now be real by the Secretary . The Secretary then read as follows : " Copy of opinion . " 1 . We are of opinion that the Trusters ofthe General Fund ( as representing this Voluntary Institution ) can hold land in trust for the Institution , but that all such land must be vested in their names for the general purposes thereof ( see Law VII . ) " 2 . Assuming that all the formalities prescribed by the