Correspondence.

as to the minutes being " public property . When I used the expression , of course I meant only among Masons , and the view is borne out by the fact that the authorities may at any time demand a perusal of the minutes . With regard to his remark on tho restriction iu the " Book of Constitutions " as to the

publication of the acts of a lodge , that is to a certain extent set aside by Article III ., p . 77 , under which proceedings are recorded in your pages . I have always considered it to be a settled jioint that , in case of the refusal of a lodge to admit a visitor of good characterwho can show his certificate and prove

, himself to be a Mason , that lodge is liable to be called upon to justify its conduct ou complaint being made to Grand Lodge , and to be subject to censure . I may add that several brethren of great knowledge aud experience here aud iu Jersey agree with me iu the view I have taken .

Since the preceding was written , I have seen the remarks on the subject by our esteemed Bro . Hughau in to-day's number of the MAGAZINE iu confirmation of my opinion , for which he has my grateful acknowledgments . He is surprised that visitors should have beeu required to retire on the two occasions referred

to . In the first instance I saw the propriety of it , because a very delicate question had to be discussed , as to whether the lodge should or should not comply with the requirements of Provincial Grand Lodge , with a probability that , in the latter case , suspension might be theresult . On this account I was naturally desirous to know the decision as contained in the

minutes to be read at the next meeting , especially as I was aware that it had induced several to resign membership . Though not a member of the province , but only temporarily residing in it , under full sanction of the D . Prov . G . M ., I have for the last nine months rendered active assistance here in a variety of ways , and the interest I have felt in its harmony and welfare

induced me to hope that circumstances so serious as resistance to recognised authority would be avoided , especially as other contingencies were more than rumoured to depend thereupon , which might still further complicate the matter . The farce thus enacted was the more ridiculous , because I found no

difficulty in ascertaining what I wanted immediately after the meeting . Thus far , in the matter which gave rise to the point in dispute , the title of " Loyalty " which belongs to the lodge appears to be a misnomer . I congratulate Bro . S . Leigh on his tu cess in

obtaining a definite opinion on any questions from the Grand Secretary . In this respect he seems to be favoured , for I have never been able to elicit anything of the sort . 1 have also to thank him for the kind manner in which he has spoken of myself , personally a stranger to the Craft in the district with which he is connectedtherefore the more gratifyingfor not

, , having a single Masonic acquaintance in the north of England , I can be known to the brethren there only through my writings , to winch my proper initials are rarely attached , and mention of my name in connection with Masonic proceedings in your pages . Before concludingallow me to say a word or two

, on the note you appended to the letter of P . M . ou p . 312 of the Magazine . Nothing I conceive would be more acceptable to the Craft , than that Grand Lodge should decide upon the form of ritual , rather than , as at present , tolerate all sorts of changes and

Correspondence.

discrepancies arising from the whims , peculiar notions , or ignorance of individual Masters or Instructors . Iu the absence of such a provision the working of the Emulation Lodge , which professes rigidly to maintain a standard , is by many considered to be the best authority existing in England . The

employment of general inspectors , as suggested , necessarily implies a previous decision as to the form of ritual which they should adopt , and this I understand to be the course followed in America . Any fixed system directed by authority , and founded on the ancient landmarksis preferable to the variety which now

, exists , and would put an end to the use of forms and verbiage obtained from illicit sources . There are some W . M . ' s who , having the whole ceremonies well in their minds , prefer to clothe thorn in their own language . My own observation of such leads me to the conclusion that very few indeed are capable of

it , aud that there is great risk of important omissions and error . In the leading article of your number of to-day , Bro . Oneal Haye gives me support when he says , " No one laments more than I do the slovenly manner in which the degrees are given in many lodges . " Yours fraternally , Guernsey , April 27 th . H . H .

The Red Cross Of Constantine.

THE RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE .

TO THE EDITOIl OE THE TEE 1 MASOS 3 ' 1 IAGAZIKE AXD MASOSIC 1 IIEU 0 E . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER . —I was much disappointed on receiving your last number to find no answer to my plain questions . Your offer to supply the private address of Bro . Little is very kind , as is also his offer to answer my queries . The statements having been published in the Magazine , that is the

proper place for the reply . Plig hts of fancy and figures of speech may be indulged in , may tickle the ears of , and win applause from the listeners , but when they are published to the Masonic world , and the authorities on which these statements are desired , I think they should be freely given , as I hope and

believe they will in this case . —1 £ . H . [ Prom what we know of Bro . Little , his high qualities and painstaking abilities , we feel quite sure he will not hesitate , if occasion requires , to ] justify any statement he has made , leaving him , of course , to ' his own manner of doing so . —ED . P . M . ]

THE MASOSTC ArRCW is the symbol of labour , and of purity of life , and rectitude of conduct . It should be of pure white lambskin , without any device whatever , and should be square with a triangular flap . The investiture of the candidate with the apron , among the primitive Masons , formed an essential part of the ceremony of initiation , and was attended with rites equally significant and impressive . This badge received a

characteristic distinction from its peculiar colour and material . With the Essenian Masons , it was accomplished by a process bearing a similar tendency , and accompanied by illustrations not less imposing and satisfactory to the newly-initiated neophyte . He was clothed in a long white robe , which reached to the ground , bordered with a fringe of blue ribbon , to incite personal holiness , and fastened tightly round the waist with a

girdle , to separate the upper from the lower parts of the body . With feet bare and head uncovered , the candidate was considered a personification of Modesty and Humility , walking iu the fear of God . — National Freemason .