Freemasonry In Austria.

to the Order , a boon which , is not to be underrated m these days of trial . A most beneficial influence would accrue to the conservative side of political life , and the highest interests of the State , by the introduction in Austria of lodges which members of the nobility and capitalists would be at liberty to join . No doubt , certain prejudices will

nave to be overcome ; but , on the other hand , new political and financial resources might be derived from the adoption of the Masonic institution . As King Frederic "William III . did at the Vienna Congress of Monarchs , all princes Avho are at the head of the Order , up to the present day designate its members as their most faithful servants and lieges . In Hungary especially , Avhere Freemasonry has adherents in the very highest classes of society , it ivould contribute most favourably to the solution of the constitutional difficulties .

I admit that the legal introduction of Freemasonry in Austria will have to be preceded by a mature and well-considered deliberation , Avhich would be likely to extend over a considerable period of time . For this reason it would be preferable were your Excellency to grant our humble petition to not only authorise the

foundation ( respectively revival ) of the St . Joseph ' s Lodge ¦ in Vienna , but also to assume the immediate protectorate of this lodge . By this means your Excellency would be enabled to appreciate and experience the boon of this Avide-spread Institution , and solve the question a priori from a political point of vieAV .

In abandoning to your Excellency s high condescendence the favourable settlement of the present petition , I remain , & c . Thirty years since , in the good olden times of Prince Metternich ' s paternal regime , the " Poet of Vienna , " who has since become the President of

the Upper House of the Eeichsrath , addressed to the pilot of the " good ship Austria / ' on behalf of the creAv of this vessel , a humble petition in but one line— "Diirft' ich tvohl so frei sein , frei zu sein ? ( May I venture to be free ?) An age has

elapsed since , and the request has not yet been granted ; but then , the very laconisrn of the terms in Avhich it was couched warranted its

rejection . Bro . Lewis has taken an example from the non-success of Count Auorspery ; he does not enter on the subject de main morte , he not only explains at great length the object of his petition , but seasons the latter Avith such condiments that

it must prove successful , unless Count Beloredi should be too obtuse to appreciate all the innumerable inducements and facts held out by Bro . Lewis . Freemasonry , according to the petitioner ' s theory , is a panacea calculated to remedy all those

evils that flesh is heir to , both individually and collectively ; and to Austria in particular is recommended as a nostrum to cure all the numerous

difficulties under which she is labouring , Avhether they be of a national , social , political , religious , or financial character . Msum teneatis amici ? But , to speak seriously , Ave fear the step taken by Bro . LeAvis , though highly commendable in

Freemasonry In Austria.

itself , Avill do much more harm than good to our cause . To Freemasonry the province of politics is entirely foreign , and its religious foundation consists but in the adoration of the " Grand Architect of

the Universe ; " it is as much above the controversies of the various relig ious denominations as the quarrels of the Austrian centrifugalists and centripetalists are beneath , to scope . The attempt to enlist Freemasonry under the banner of any

particular political and religious faction is radically opposed to the spirit of our institution ; and though our sympathies are fully secured to the cause advocated by Bro . Lewis , we must reject and condemn the means to which he has thought proper to resort in order to attain his object .

Charity Stewards.

CHARITY STEWARDS .

We had pleasure in giving in our last issue the letter of Bro . Binckes , Secretary to the Eoyal Masonic Institution for Boys , in reply to the letter of our correspondent " Beta , " with reference to the important subject of the duties , & c , of the

SteAvards for our different Masonic Charities , and more especially those for the Boys' School . Bro . Binckes has fonvarded to us the ' printed card referred to by him in the letter which appeared in our last Aveek's issue explanatory of the

duties and responsibilities of Stewards for the Boys ' School . We append a copy of the particulars stated in the card for the information of those brethren who may not have received a copy : —

"KOYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOB BOTS . " Qualifications and duties of Stewards at the Anniversary Festival : — " Every brother serving the office of Steward is expected to use his best endea \ ours in procuring

subscrip tions and donations , the particulars of Avhich are to be placed on his list for announcement at the Festival ; he is also expected to disseminate as Avidely as possible , information respecting the School—its means , claims , and

requirements—to enable him to do which he will be furnished on application with the necessary reports and statements .

" Every Steward is called upon to pay a deposit of £ 4 or £ 5 , according to circumstances , towards defraying the expenses of the Festival , in which sum is included his OAvn dinner ticket , and such tickets for the ladies' gallery , as may be awarded .