Correspondence.

at least two hundred , and I can assure you a better worked Lodge it would be hard to find , with tbe lectures delivered as they should be , in a solemn and impressive manner by the W . M . Indeed all the American Lodges that I visited appeared to be in a high state of perfection . Would that I could pass such an encomium on our own—but I cannot , as far as my experience goes , and from what I learn from others ; but ought not this to be

remedied ? I think so . It is only by comparison that we discover our shortcomings , therefore , censure cannot justly be attached to me for endeavouring to eradicate them . I understand that there are over 2 , 000 Lodges in the United Kingdom ( a goodly number certainly , I only wish it was 4 , 000)—then what could be easier than to raise a fund for the purpose of employing inspectors ? I am of inion that if the Grand Lodges of the empire were to send

op , periodically , inspectors on a tour of inspection throughout the ldngdom to see and closely examine the mode and manner of working the different Lodges , and insist on their strict adherence to rules , laws , regulations , and report the result of such inquiry to the proper quarter , it would be the means of preserving these ancient and venerable landmarks which have been handed down to us from time immemorial . To defray the expenses thus

incurred , I propose that each Lodge be taxed annually to tlie amount of 21 . thus making a yearly income of 4000 £ . which , I think , ivould cover the ivhole of them ; ancl to use the words of an eminent individual , and probably a brother , " would be a mere fleabite . " The reasons for a plan of this description are so many and obvious , ivhich will be at once apparent to the initiated , that it is needless for me to enumerate them hereand should something

, of the kind be adopted , ive would have many "Model Lodges" in our midst in a short time . I remain , yours fraternally , A FeiEND TO MODEL LODGES . Skiblereen , County Cork , November 29 t 7 i , 1859 .

MASONEY IN GERMANY . TO THE EDITOR OE THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR . DEAR SIR AKD BROTHER , —Some time ago you published in your Afagazine , of the 12 th Nov ., page 373 , a notice about " German Operative Masonry . " It is there saicl— " Ascertain if these Word Masons ( Wort Afaurer ) hold anything in common with the Craftfor if they do the information is of immense

, importance as a connecting link between the operative guildsnian of the dark ages and the speculative Mason of the present day . " You are quite right , dear brother—this information is of some importance . There is no doubt the operative Masons of the middle ages are connected with the speculative Masons of the present day , for they have had not only signs , tokens , and words like us , but also nearly the same ceremonies and other customs

for the reception of their candidates . From this likeness some German Masonic authors arc convinced , that the birthplace of the Craft is Germany , ancl especially the " Bauhutten" of the middle ages . See pctssim , the works of Heldmann , Die Altesten Denhnale der Deutsclien Bruderschaft ; audFallou , Die Mysterien der Freimaurerei . und ihr Wahrer Grand und Ursprmvj ; as ^ well as Winzer , Die Brwlcrscliaften des Mittelallers . If the whole Craft be one great Masonic Loclge , bound together

by the sacred ties of brotherly love , relief and truth , one Masonic body should surety take notice of another . I much regret that you , dear brother , so greatly neglect the German brotherhood , and that yon never take any notice of them . If you ever read , the Bauhiitte , the German Masonic journal , you can ascertain for yourself , that each number contains something about England , and that your own name , as well as that of your journal , is

frequently mentioned in its pages . All distinguished authors of England have more or less knowledge of German literature . Ought not this also to be the case with German Masonic literature ? l ou never mention the works of the philosopher Bro . Krause , of Bro . Mossdorf , of Bro . Fcssler , the late Deputy Grand Master of the Royal York , at Berlin ; nor have you ever noticed the Baulmtte which has been in existence since July , 1858 .

Bro . Laurie , at Edinburgh , who hap lately published a second edition of his history of Freemasonry in Scotland , appears to be equally unacquainted with the works of the learned Br . Kloss , who has written a history of the Grand Lodges of England , Scotland , and Ireland . In the course of tbe next year I intend to publish a complete and authentic history of Freemasonry of all times and nations . Perhaps some English brother may be inclined to translate this work . Excuse the errors of a German , who does not understand how

to write like an Englishman , and believe me , Sir and Brother , youv 5 fraternally , S . G . FISDEL , Editor of the " Bauhiitte ; " member of the Minerva Lodge at Leipzig ; honorary member of the Lodges '' Johannes , " at Ludwigsburg , aud " Verschivisterung , " atGlauchau . Orient of Leipzi g ^ 28 t ? t iVoi \ , 1859 . [ Wc shall be glad to receive a copy of Die Bauhutle , which we have not yet / seen . Attention , however , ivas called to the work iu our number of Nov . 19 th , —ED . ]

The Masonic Mirror.

THE MASONIC MIRROR .

MASONIC MEMS . WARRANTS have been recently granted by the M . W . G . M . for the following Lodges : —No . 1100 , Zetland , Kyneton , Victoria ; No . 1101 , Creswick Havilah , Creswiek , Victoria ; No . 1102 , Dei-went , New Norfolk , Tasmania , S . ; No . 1103 , Pacific , Hobart Town , Tasmania , S . ; No . 1104 , Repose , King ' s Head Hotel , Derby . IN the new edition of the Kalendar just published , the Canadian

Lodges are very properly omitted , as being no longer raider British jurisdiction . We hope the time is not far distant for revising the numbers of the various Lodges . THE St . James ' s Union Lodge ( No . 211 ) of Instruction will hold their anniversary banquet on Thursday , the Sth inst , Bro . H , A . Stacey , of tbe mother Lodge , will preside .

\ METEOPOLITAH . THE BOYS SCHOOL . WE understand that at tbe last meeting of the House Committee it was resolved to dispense with the further services of the present second master . It was also resolved , that tho teaching of Greek was

unnecessary excepting in special cases . We trust the reforms in the management will not stop here , GBAND LODGE . THE following is the offieiat agenda paper of the business to be transacted iu Grand Lodge on Wednesday nest ; a summary of which has

already appeared in our columns . The Minutes of the Quarterly Communication of the 7 th September , for confirmation . Nomination of M . W . Grand Master for the year ensuing . Election of twelve Past Masters to serve on the Board of Benevolence . The report of the Board of Benevolence for the last quarter- for adoption .

REl'ORT OE TUB BOARD OE GENERAL rUR ' FOSES . The Board of General Purposes beg to report that they have received and adjudicated upon the following complaints :- — 1 . By the Master of a Lodge against his AVardens for alleged acts of insubordination arising out of rather unusual circumstances , and which induced the Master to forbid the Lodge to meet on the next regular day for assembling ; against this act of the Master the members of the Lodge

preferred a counter complaint . As the differences arose out of oii-eumstanees of a personal nature wholly unconnected with Freemasonry , and have since been amicably adjusted , tlie board deem it uiiadvisablc to enter upon further detail , than that they admonished the Wardens to pay due obedience to the Worshipful Master ; aud the Worshipful Master that it is his bounden duty to cause the Lodge to be regularly summoned for meeting on the

several days fixed by the by-laws . 2 . By tho Board of Benevolence against the Lodge , No . 133 , at Colne , for certifying to the petition of a brother , tbat he had been a regular contributing member for tbe space of twenty-seven years , whereas Grand Lodge duos had been paid for only twenty-two and a half years : the Board , taking into consideration the explanation offered , ordered the arrears to be paid forthwith , ivhich has been done .

3 . Against the Lodge No . 357 , Shepton Mallet , for having advanced a brother to tho second degree within fifteen days of his initiation ; the board believing that the irregularity arose from thoughtlessness , and not from any disposition to contravene the laws , admonished the \ f . Master