Address To Our Readers.

their affairs had been for some time conducted ; and it is not too much to say that it is mainly owing to the firmness , the courtesy , and the conciliatory spirit displayed by that brother , under someivhat difficult circumstances , that xve OAA < 6 the quiet Avhich now exists in the Craft ; and that he has gradually Avon the esteem and respect of the large majority of

the members of Grand Lodge , by many of whom , when he first assumed the office , he was regarded Avith distrust and suspicion . We—though Ave have frequently disagreed with Bro . Havers in opinion , and shall probably , should he , as we hope he may , continue to take an actiA r e part in the discussions of Grand Lodge , do so again—cannot but feel that in his

retirement the Craft have lost a most able officer , and the G . M . a fearless and conscientious minister . Of his successor , Bro . Mclntyre , Ave desire to speak Avith all respect , as Ave know him to be a gentleman of great ability , and one Avhose elevation to office confers an honour upon the Craft ; but though as a debater in Grand Lodge he Avill prove a worthy successor

to Bro . Havers , he will excuse us if Ave express an opinion that there are other qualities required in the President of the Board of General Purposes , and which xve axe fearful a legal education is not the best calculated to develope—a too close regard to technicalities , and , if we may use-the term without offence , " reel tapeism" being almost insensibly wound up

with a lawyer ' s studies . There are yet subjects of deep interest to the welfare of the Craft to be brought before the Board of General Purposes , and its President should be a man of untiring industry , comprehensive grasp of mind , facility of adaptation , and , in short , a man of the world , free from all prejudices and partialities . We do not mean to say that Bro .

Havers possessed no prejudices , because there are feAv men without them—but he certainly possessed the other qualities Ave have named in an eminent degree ; and Ave sincerely hope that Ms successor may prove himself not only worthy of the position from his acknOAvledged talents and ability , but SIIOAV that he possesses other qualities for the office which he has not hitherto had an opportunity of exhibiting in Freemasonry .

Having spoken of others , we can only , as regards ourselves , again refer to what Ave have done in the past as an earnest of what we shall endeavour to do in the future ; and whilst thanking the brethren for their support , remind them that all have an opportunity of assisting us in our labours by adding to our subscription list , by canvassing their

friends , by sending us any item of Masonic intelligence that may come under their notice , or by friendly hints relative to the journal , all of which kindnesses Avould be duly appreciated by the Managers of THE FREEMASONS MAGAZINE .

In conclusion , Ave have great pleasure in announcing that AA e have IIOAV in the hands of the engraver a beautiful portrait of the Right Hon . the Earl of Dalhousie in his Masonic costume as P . D . Grand Master , Avliich will be presented to our subscribers early in October , and Avhich ought alone be a sufficient inducement for the brethren to exert themselves to double our circulation . The engraving AA'ill be executed on steel , in the highest style of art , and will , Ave trust , meet Avith the approbation of our subscribers .