Masonic Notes And Queries.

answer to this question , as it is one on which great diversity of opinion prevails . At any rate the subject is worth inquiry , and we shall willingly receive replies to it . ] VOUCHING . I am about to go abroad for the first time . I

believe I can prove myself , and have my certificates ; but will not a letter of introduction from some brother here help me in gaining admission to a foreign lodge?—CIRCLE . — [ Your certificates aud examination will stand you in better stead than any letter of introduction . How can you prove your identity as

the hearer of the letter ? With your hands , your tongue , and your certificates , all is in your own ^ ve-r . )

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

Tim Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed hy Correspondents , MASONIC CHARITIES . TO TUB EDITOR OF TIIE FKEESIASOITS' MAGAZINE A ^ D SIASOXIC AIIBROH . DEAR SIE AND BROTHER , —The verbose productions of a " W . M ., " in your last impression , in reply

to my former letter , if not so courteous as usual , is still deserving of my careful notice , though to satisfy a " W . M . " in style of writing seems no easy matter . Surely , when one has so very simple and so very practical a subject to deal with , it is unnecessary to

encumber it with flowery language , a modicum of common sense being of greater utility than a legion of unmeaning tirades . While a " W . M . " denounces my proposition as " unconstitutional , " he furnishes an illustration of an

exactly parallel case , as acted on by the Grand Lodge with respect to thc Fund of Benevolence . If a " W . M . " is fond of this constitutional discovery he will find , on referring to my former letters , that I had anticipated him , and had adopted the same principle in levying , and the identical mode of collection .

A " W . M . " is disappointed that the simple question of levying half-a-crown yearly from each member for each Charity is not dealt with in a " comprehensive spirit ; " he bewails a lack of " eloquence , reasoning , sympathy , and constructive theory . " He even seems vexed that " inventive powers" do not alter the

substance of the proposition , and throughout forgets that he had declared it would " inevitable led to good results . " I am pleased to hear that our highlyrespected but sorely afflicted Bro . Crew had entertained some such idea as I have suggested to benefit

the Charities , and if a "W . M . " will explain the " ably defined" scheme I shall be greatly obliged , for although I often heard our estimable brother dilate on the Charities *' ¦ years ago , " I failed to he present at the moment when he propounded his system .

The elaborate distinction drawn by a- " AV . M . " between " paying" and " giving" is so self-evident that it hardly required the exercise of so much care ; but

Correspondence.

I can assure him . that there are lodges which have for many years adopted the paying system , and stillwhose members have always been amongst the most , liberal givers to those Charities to which they arerated . This , I doubt not , would spread on the development of the proposed scheme , for it cannot

hedenied that there is a lamentable amount of ignorance as to the value of the Masonic Charities , which this plan might tend to enlighten , and likewise arouse the latent feeling of beneficence to active exertion . Passing over the hypercritical remark of a " W . M ., "'

it may be well to observe that , as the Charities wereeach in the first instance an expression to which Grand Lodge might not feel justified in committing itself , having now become ' an established fact , substantially domiciled and carefully tended , the time has arrived for their permanent endowment . Surely it cannot be

denied that they have gained a status which entitles - them to a recognition by Grand Lodge , a registration in the " Book of Constitutions , " and the support of every Freemason , by an equal contribution in the first . place , and by continued spontaneous liberality from , the more able and enthusiastic as heretofore .

As to a " change from a voluntary to an involuntarysupport , " a "W . M . " must be aware that I never advocated such a proposal ; on the contrary , I maintained that the £ 12 , 500 which the scheme would easily and without cost produce , would be an addition

to the -616 , 500 now raised by voluntary effort ; nay , further , that I honestly believe the latter sum would be considerably augmented by the introduction of a supplementary system . I am , truly and fraternally yours , P . M .

October 31 st , 1864 . P . S . —If a " W . M . " will substitute the word " unconstitutional" for the misprint " unconditional , " he may then understand the fifth paragraph of my former letter , in which I briefly showed the futility of basing a propostion on an unsound foundation merely torevel in its fall . —P . M .

South Wales.

SOUTH WALES .

TO TEE ED 1 TOK OT TIIE niEElTASOJIS' 3 IAKAZISE AXD HASOHIC MI 11 I 10 B .. DEAB SIE AND BROTHER , —Deeming your valuaable journal the proper medium for the discussion of all matters relating to Masonic law and practice , may I be permitted to introduce a subject upon which there is , evidently , some difference of opinion ? I

have already privately placed the facts of the easebefore you , and received , iu your " Answers to Correspondents , " a reply perfectly in accordance with my own judgment in the matter , after a modest but . careful study of the " Book of Constitutions " over the period of a- dozen years . Allow me also to assure .