Address To Our Readers.

The introduction and revival of so-called Masonic orders , some of which were long since suppresed by order of the Grand Lodge of England , have necessitated the holding of a convention between the Supreme Council , 33 ° , the United Orders of the Temple and Hospital , and the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons . This convention has resulted in the adoption and ratification of a Tripartite Treaty , by which the bodies . named acknowledge each other , and at the same time

denounce as irregular all the new-fangled pseudo-Masonic Orders , and Rites . The attention of Grand Lodge has been called to the propagation of so-called Masonic Orders , by those whose relations to the Grand Lodge should preclude any idea of their promulgating tenets , which are certainly at variance with the constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England , but as the matter is sub judice , we refrain from making further observation upon it . We would , however ,

simply remark that , in our opinion , it would be better that the Grand Lodge of England should , under certain regulations , acknowledge the standing of those higher degrees which are of undoubted antique origin , and forbid the propagation and manufacturing of new degrees , which are mainly got

up , either for the personal aggrandisement of the promoters , or for the benefit of dealers in manmillinery and tinsel gewgaws . The three Institutions for systematic Masonic Benificence , viz ., the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , have each , during the past half-year , held their annual Festivals . That of the

Benevolent Institution was presided over by Bro . Samuel Tomkins ; Grand Treasurer , in lieu of Bro . Col . Francis Burdett , Prov . G . M ., for Middlesex , who was prevented by a domestic affliction from attending ; that of the Boys' School by Bro . Sir Watkyn Williams Wynn Bart-, Prov . G . M . for North Wales and Salop ; and that of the Girls' School by Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Past Grand Master . The aggregate amount collected at the three Festivals being upwards of thirteen thousand

pounds , gives a result which ( after taking into consideration the long-continued drain upon the charitable resources of the country , consequent upon the disturbances on the Continent ) must be considered gratifying .

A great accession of members has taken place during the year , and a large number of new Lodges and Chapters have been established . With no desire to make Masonry exclusive we would impress upon the brethren the necessity in their zeal for the extension of the Order , not to forget that great caution is required in the introduction of candidates for initiation , A year ago we had to congratulate the brethren upon the accession to our ranks of a Prince of the

Blood Royal . "We are pleased to see the realisation of our hopes , that our Brother , the Prince of Wales , would prove himself a Mason in reality , and not in name only . It was not without some regret that we saw him invested with the rank of Past Grand Master , -without having served previously as Grand Master . But our Royal Brother has thoroughly proved himself a good working Mason . He has graduated in a Subordinate Lodge , and , we are authoritatively informed that he is now the "W . M . Elect of his Lodge . This

is a substantial proof that he is not content with the mere honorary rank of Past Grand Master , hut that having Masonry at heart , he is determined to win his spurs . Speaking generally , we have to congratulate the Brethren upon the position of the Craft , both at home and abroad .