Masonic Intelligence.

the conclusion , that he could conscientiously recommend the brethren to support the vote , Avhich with all his heart and all his soul he called upon them to do —( cheers ) . Br . Bell , of Manchester , stated that he represented a largo number of the brethren in Manchester , and other parts of Lancashire , with many of Avhom he had spoken on the subject , and all of whom AA'ith one exception Avere in favour of the vote . He should therefore support it , and he might mention that the Lodge to which he belonged , though far from numerous or affluent , had given ten guineas to the fund .

Br . Geo . Barrett , P . M . of No . 188 , said he had entered the room with the determination to oppose the vote , but after what had taken place , and the evident feeling of the Grand Lodge , he did not feel himself in a position to go to a division on the question . He hoped , however , that there would never be an attempt made to draw this vote intoa precedent , for should there be , they might rely upon it there AVOUH be a powerfulopposition , organised to prevent what he must consider an illegal appropriation of their funds .

Br . Dr . ROAVO , P . G . D ., as an old Peninsular officer , supported the motion , feeling assured that the Masonic body could not better carry out their principles , than in aiding by their charity , the widows and orphans of those brave men who lost their lives in defence of the honour of their country . The motion AA'as then put , Avhen ( there being close upon three hundred of tlie brethren present ) about a hundred , or a hundred and twenty voted in its favour , andsomething like half that number against- it , tho remainder of the brethren abstaining :

from voting . The motion having been declared carried amidst considerable , applause , Br . Wm . H . White , G , Sec . read the accounts of Grand Lodge , from which it appeared that there AA'as a balance in stock and cash in favour of the Order , of £ 15 , 500 , of which £ ( i , 300 is applicable to general purposes— £ 30 having been voted to the Avidow of a deceased brother , on the recommendation of the Board of Benevolence . A . report was brought forward from the Board of general purposes , recommending one or two trivial alterations in the Constitutions , and that ( the whole of the last

editionhaving been sold ) they be re-printed . After a short discussion , the alterations were agreed to , and it was resolved that two editions should be published , one in the usual form , aud one in a size convenient for the pocket . All business being ended , the Quarterly Communication was closed in due form .

THE GRAND FESTIVAL . The annual festiA'al on the installation of the M . W . G . M . takes place on the 25 th inst ., AA'hen Ave understand every arrangement has been made for the accommodation of those of the brethren and their ladies as can make it convenient to be present . Br . Lewis Solomon has been elected as hon . Sec . The G . O ., Br . Ransford , will have the arrangement of the music .

LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE . At the monthly meeting , on the 28 th Feb ., £ 78 10 s . was voted to be given between nine applicants , and one for £ 30 recommended to G . L ., which has since adopted the recommendation . On the 28 th of March , the relief voted between eleven applicants Avas £ 115 . ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The anniversary festival of this Institution , established for the purpose of clothing ,, educating , and apprenticing the sons of indigent and deceased Freemasons , was held at tho Freemasons' Tavern , on Wednesday , March 14 , the Right Hon . the Earl of Yarborough , R . W . D . G . M ., presiding , supported by Br . Bonamv Dobree , G . S . W . ; Ed . Baldwin , G . J . W . ; J . Hervey , G . S . D . * , J . E . Cox , G . C . ;—Bagshaw , PI . G . M ., for Essex;—Spiers , P . G . S . B . ; and about 180 other brethren . At the conclusion of the dinner , which was most elegantly served and gave general satisfaction to the

brethren , the R . W . D . G . M . said , before they proceeded to the business of the evening they must allow him to express his regret at the absence of his right hon . friend , the M . W . G . M . He knew that the noble Earl continued to take the deepest interest in the Avelfaro of the Institution , but ho was advised by his medical attendants toabstain , for the present , as much as possible from attending festivals of the description