Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
^£; C^
rangement by which we gave our subscribers twelve sheets per month for two shillings ; being one sixth more matter than the quarterly used
to supply for half a crown . In making this alteration we calculated that we should meet with a temporary loss in our circulation , and that we should have various difficulties to surmount , such as an entire re-organization of our establishment , the re-construction of our advertising connection , and other minor arrangeiii ents which we need not enumerate . As regarded our circulation we were agreeably
deceived , for so far did the change meet with the approbation of the Brethren that it scarcely faltered for a week , and has since considerably increased . But our other difficulties were not overrated , and almost before we had time to meet them , a circumstance occurred which
threatened to overwhelm us Qust as we had made important literary arrangelhents and gathered around us a staff of efficient contributors , such as we are proud to believe the Magazine } never before possessed)—the retirement into private life of a Brother by whose aid we had hoped
to put the Magazme in a position to command such a support as would give a fair return for the outlay of our capital and the time we have devoted to the endeavour to forward the best interests of Freemasonry , Thus suddenly deprived of material support at a time when it was most required , it became a grave question whether , looking at our already heavy responsibilities and future prospects , we should be
justified in longer carrying on the Magazine . ' Indeed , we had gone so far as , in closing the last volume , to write our farewell address ; but , upon consultation with two or three Brethren , it was advised that the Magazine was gradually attaining a character for honesty and independence which must in time secure its success—and we resolved to persevere . From June last , therefore , the Magazine has been conducted solely on the responsibility of the present management , and
the weekly recurring losses ( which , however , have been most materially reduced ) have come from' one pocket—a responsibility which we feel we should not much longer be justified in incurring , having a due regard to our own interests . During the last six months we have endeavoured , but unsuccessfully ,
to find amongst the members of the Craft and private friends , some who would be willing to share that responsibility . Looking to the marked improvement which has taken place in the affairs of the Magazine since it has been under our management , and seeing our way clearly , as we believe , to a large success hereafter , we are not unwilling to continue our labours , and to bear our responsibilities , provided that
we may rely . upon an increased support from the Brethren generally . Under these circumstances , we appeal directly to our Brethren ; we respectfully ask those who believe that we are carrying out a great public good in Masonry , to save us from positive loss , and to endeavour ^ by increasing our list of subscribers , to make the Magaziney which , if well conducted , is undoubtedly a great benefit to the Craft , remunerative in some degree to those who labour in its production . Brethren , we have fairly laid our- position before you , and ; founding W Hi <*» 3
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
^£; C^
rangement by which we gave our subscribers twelve sheets per month for two shillings ; being one sixth more matter than the quarterly used
to supply for half a crown . In making this alteration we calculated that we should meet with a temporary loss in our circulation , and that we should have various difficulties to surmount , such as an entire re-organization of our establishment , the re-construction of our advertising connection , and other minor arrangeiii ents which we need not enumerate . As regarded our circulation we were agreeably
deceived , for so far did the change meet with the approbation of the Brethren that it scarcely faltered for a week , and has since considerably increased . But our other difficulties were not overrated , and almost before we had time to meet them , a circumstance occurred which
threatened to overwhelm us Qust as we had made important literary arrangelhents and gathered around us a staff of efficient contributors , such as we are proud to believe the Magazine } never before possessed)—the retirement into private life of a Brother by whose aid we had hoped
to put the Magazme in a position to command such a support as would give a fair return for the outlay of our capital and the time we have devoted to the endeavour to forward the best interests of Freemasonry , Thus suddenly deprived of material support at a time when it was most required , it became a grave question whether , looking at our already heavy responsibilities and future prospects , we should be
justified in longer carrying on the Magazine . ' Indeed , we had gone so far as , in closing the last volume , to write our farewell address ; but , upon consultation with two or three Brethren , it was advised that the Magazine was gradually attaining a character for honesty and independence which must in time secure its success—and we resolved to persevere . From June last , therefore , the Magazine has been conducted solely on the responsibility of the present management , and
the weekly recurring losses ( which , however , have been most materially reduced ) have come from' one pocket—a responsibility which we feel we should not much longer be justified in incurring , having a due regard to our own interests . During the last six months we have endeavoured , but unsuccessfully ,
to find amongst the members of the Craft and private friends , some who would be willing to share that responsibility . Looking to the marked improvement which has taken place in the affairs of the Magazine since it has been under our management , and seeing our way clearly , as we believe , to a large success hereafter , we are not unwilling to continue our labours , and to bear our responsibilities , provided that
we may rely . upon an increased support from the Brethren generally . Under these circumstances , we appeal directly to our Brethren ; we respectfully ask those who believe that we are carrying out a great public good in Masonry , to save us from positive loss , and to endeavour ^ by increasing our list of subscribers , to make the Magaziney which , if well conducted , is undoubtedly a great benefit to the Craft , remunerative in some degree to those who labour in its production . Brethren , we have fairly laid our- position before you , and ; founding W Hi <*» 3