Correspondence.

Sodom and Gomorrah , whilst we have universality—. Bros . Gray Clarke , the Earl of Zetland , and Bro . Havers to rule us ; and some member of Grand Lodge will , I trust , petition that Bro . Stephen Barton Wilson be sent out to them as a missionary . It is the great beautof English Masonry that

y every degree repudiates and anathematises every other , and the Templars have the best of the argument when they distrust Masonic tradition . Fifty years hence we shall have many arguments on a very recently invented tradition .

Then as to clothing . Whence arises the objection to two costumes ? When one portion of the Templars claims to date from the Knights before the rescusitation in 111 S , as excellently shown by you , Avhilst others claim to represent the 1118-1313 Knights engaged in-the Palestine Avars , all admit that two in land

Eng , Scotland , and Ireland , are amalgamated , along with some of the Knights of Malta . Then , if advisable or necessary , why not prove the catholicity of the order by recognising either costume ? The proof of the so-called Masonic order of Knights rests with the Scottish documentsbut until have

, we ottreful information about them , we shall do well not to be too positive , and if genuine the question arises whether the Order of Knights there mentioned is not that of the Rosy Cross . Many of the oldest encampments were very lax as to costume , and thirty or fort in encampment appeared

y years ago , my , many in the Malta costume , which order was conferred six months after the Templar , and the dress was a red tunic , sleeves slashed , black cloak , and cocked hat , all bearing the white octagonal cross of the Order . In many cases an apron only was worn , whilst in others , the Avhite tunic was used .

We also Avant some regulations as to banners . Is any knight , below the rank of a Commander or Captain , legitimately entitled to one ? If all are entitled , should not the ensign of a commander be a bannaret , and that of all below a penon ? What was the ancient custom of the Knights of Malta ?

The gist of this letter is this . The present state of the Order is owing to everything having been formerly placed in the hands of brethren , who , generally apeaking , _ were utterly unable to judge on points connected with Masonry , in either it ' s ancient or modern state . Matters of this kind should be left to a small

committee , who are thoroughly conversant with Masonic topics for the last 150 years , and with heraldry , history , and literature from the most remote periods . An assembly like the Grand Conclave of the 13 th May is entirely unable to deal with such questions , and hence the whole body is brought into ridicule .

Without some standard ( and what so proper as the ancient Templar government ) every fresh flounder will only bring us deeper into the dirt . I remain , dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternal ] v , Manchester , May 30 th , 1864 . * A .

P . S . —I must entirely disclaim anything personal in the foregoing letter , which I send you in the hope that a fair consideration of the points raised may be beneficial to every Order and . degree . Would you kindly inform us what became of the proposition to admit Deputy Provincial Grand Commanders ( why not the Captains ? they are of ancient right the Deputies ) at the last Grand Conclave as Grand Officers ?

The Masonic Mirror.

THE MASONIC MIRROR .

M & SONIC MEM . The fifteen sections will be worked at the Eoyal Oak Lodge of Instruction , held at the Eoyal Oak Tavern , High-street , Deptford , next Monday , at 6 p . m .

Metropolitan.

METROPOLITAN .

CESS-MI PALACE LODGE ( NO . 742 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge was held at the Crystal Palace , on Thursday , June 2 nd , and it was very numerously attended . Bro . Oliver , AV . M ., occupied the chair , supported by his Officers . The following visitors were present : —Bros . Walters , P . M . 73 ; C . Statu-, W . M . 871 ; Wilton , P . M . 871 ; E . nmens , P . M . 172 and Assist . G . Purst . ; Kennedy , P . M . and Treas . 172 ; Piatt , P . M . 144 ; Thompson , W . M . 177 ; Stamiard , 172 ; Jones , 181 ; Godwin ,

P . M . 680 ; Valentine , 167 . The lodge having been duly opened and the minutes read by Bro . Blackburn , Sec , Mr . Bertram was introduced and initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry . At the conclusion of the ceremony , Bro . Oliver vacated the chair , which was taken by Bro . Palmer , P . M ., who then pv-oceeded with the ceremony of installation . Bro . John Smith , S . AV . and W . M . elect , was then presented , and in due form installed into the chair of K . S . as W . M . of the Crystal

Palace Lodge for the ensuing year . Having received the congratulations of the brethren and the usual salutes , he then appointed his Officers as follows : —Bertram , S . W . ; Acton , J . AV . ; Handfbrd , Treas . ; Blackburn , Sec . ; Davison , S . D . ; Stathara , J . D . ; F . Foxall , I . G . ; S . Foxall , Dir . of Cers . ; French , Steward ; J . Smith , Org . Bro . Palmer , P . M ., then delivered the usual addresses , and the business of the installation waa brought to a close . The new AV . M . immediately commenced

his duties , and Messrs . Potter , AV . Stevens , and G . Stevens being in attendance as candidates , they were severally introduced and entrusted with the secrets of Freemasonry . The lodge was soon afterwards closed , and the brethren adjourned to the new dining-room in the south wing , which had been specially prepared for their reception . The decorations were of the most chaste and elegant designs , and a profusion oi' flowers , with which the tables were ornamented , emitted a very agreeable perfume , whilst the prospect over a beautiful country rendered the gathering one of great interest and all that could be desired .

As this was the first occasion on which Bro . Bertram had had an opportunity of catering for a Masonic lodge in his capacity of contractor for the refreshment department of the Crystal Palace , he evidently laboured to render it remarkable by producing one of the most splendid entertainments ever offered to the Craft in the metropolitan district . The fare consisted of everything in season , and the banquet gave unanimous satisfaction . On the withdrawal of the cloth , the AV . MASTEE gave

" The Queen and the Craft , " which was heartily responded to , and followed by the National Anthem , the solo parts being sung by Bro . Palmer , P . M . The other formal toasts having been given , Bro . EMMENS , Assist . G . Purst ., in returning thanks , said , since ho had last met the brethren the Grand Master had honoured him by appointing him as oue of his Grand Officers . It was hut a humble office , but from the voluntary manner in which it had been tendered to himhe felt bound to accept it .

, He was happy on his visit to the Crystal Palace Lodge to find that one or two of the gentlemen who had that day heen initiated were friends of his own , and he was sure they would never regret the step they had that day taken in becoming members of the Crystal Palace Lodge . It was also a source of great pleasure to him to see around him so many faces that he knew , and he almost felt that lie iras a member of the lodge .

He thanked the W . M . for associating his name with the Grand Officers , and the brethren for the very cordial manner in which they had drank his health , and concluded by wishing every success to the Crystal Palace Lodge . —Bro . OLIVEH , I . P . M ., said he had no doubt that the brethren were aware of his object in rising , which was to propose the health of the AVorshipful Master , and he was sure that one and all would drink it most cordially . He

was pleased to see the Worshipful Master in his present position , inasmuch as he was one of the first initiates in the Crystal Palace Lodge . He had had many opportunities of meeting him in lodges of instruction , and those who had that day witnessed