Correspondence.

Anus de TAvenir are legitimate Masons , for they are directly acknowledged as such by authorities which we recognise , as , for instance , the Grand Lodge of Ireland , but merely ou a matter of internal regulation . The 13 th article of the ancient charges should not in such a case be interpreted too literally . Gth . Notwithstanding thisas the English

authori-, ties have thought fit to forbid such intercourse , loyalty to our constitution should induce English Masons to abstain from visiting the French lodge , until the question of right to interfere with it has been discussed and settled .

7 th . In the Grand Lodge of England there are representatives of most of the Grand Lodges in the Avorld , through whom any questions , such as the one under discussion , can be mutually arranged ; but there is no such representative from France , because in that country there are two Grand Lodges

concurrently existing , one of Avhich only can be recognised in England as the supreme authority . Let the French Masons settle which it shall be , and all difficulties as to a mutual understanding -will vanish . It may be added , that the warrant for the French lodge in Jersey emanates from the least numerous and influential of the two .

Now to make a few remarks on " J . W . ' s" letter . I do abstain from meeting in Masonry Avith the suspended brethren , not for fear I " might be forced to give them a friendly shake of the hand , " Avhich I am as Avilling to do UOAV as ever I was , but because I am bound to obey our recognised authorities in this respect , and do not envy " J . W . " his boasted

defiance of them ; doubtless he relies on their supineness for exemption from unpleasant consequences , and this A'ery want of energy in many respects , which I haA e condemned , is one oi' the grounds on which I am accused of being "dissatisfied with everything aud everybody . " Unfortunately , however , in this

province there are too many solid grounds for dissatisfaction , and I am by no means singular in this feeling . Had our provincial authorit y in the first instance acted judiciously and vigorously , it is the opinion of many that tbe lodge Les Amis de fAvenir would not have been formed . " J . W . " says that "P . M . " does not even acknowledge them worth a nod in the public streets . I do not hesitate to say that

this is an untruth , and that I have never met one of them Avithout a friendly recognition , for I can confidently appeal to several of of the French brethren Avhether they have not so treated me , and in all cases I have taken the first opportunity personally to inquire the cause Avith a view to remove it by any explanation in my power . I have not allowednor will

, I allow , differences of opinion in Masonry , to interfere Avith the amenities of society aud a friendly feeling , unless in cases ivhere want of honour ancl principle haA e been exhibited . " J . W . " is not correct in saj'ing that " the Grand Lodge of England could not possibly satisfy " the " Avish to have laws Avritten in

a language they could understand , " for lodge La Cesaree , working in French , was established fourteen years ago on this very account ; the point is , that the Grand Lodge of England cannot allow by-laws not in accordance Avith its constitutions , and it Avas the defeat of the attempt to introduce such , on the part of the founders of " Les Amis de 1 'Avenir , " which led to their secession from us . The reference to the desire of " P . M" to visit the French lodge in Jersey ,

Correspondence.

in order " to satisfy a vain curiosity , " is simply ridiculous in regard to one who has repeatedly visited lodges in France at intervals Avithin the last ten or twelve years , and before he AA'as acquainted with this island .

" Why does not' P . M . ' do as I ao r" triumphantl y exclaims "J . W . " Avho , as he acknowledges , is " Warden of an English lodge in Jersey . " I ansAver for two reasons ; first , because if my conjecture be correct , I should be sorry to follow the example of one Avhose conduct on this and other subjects I cannot admire ; and secondlybecauseeven Avhen differing iu

, , opinion from our constituted authorities , I think it my duty to obey them , ancl if they had any pluck , they AA'ould make "J . W . " knoAV that he ought to do so too . This dees not prevent me from taking Avhat means I can to alter their'decisions . I beg to inform " JW . " in reply to another charge he makesthat I

, , have never denounced the suspended brethren as " unworthy of the name of Masons . " His statement that I" Avish to associate Avith them" -is haz'dly reconcileable with his former one , which I have said is untrue , that I do " not acknowledge them Avorth a friendly nod in the streets . " What I have stated is

enough to shoAV that" J . W . ' s" letter is full of inconsistencies , and I need not pursue the subject further . I fancy that his comprehension and charity are too limited to enable him to understand that a man may deem it necessary to act upon a principle , without displaying unkindness , persecution , or want of

personal friendly feeling . Believing that I have now been sufficiently explicit to exhaust the subject , so far as I am concerned , I do not contemplate any further communication respecting it , nor indeed Avould I have sent my first letter had I imagined that my motives could be so misunderstood ancl misrepresented . Yours fraternally , Jersey , October 30 th , 1865 . P . M .

Travelling Beggars.

TRAVELLING BEGGARS .

? 0 1 IIE EDITOK OF THE FUEE 1 IASOX 3 3 IAGA 7 . INE AND 3 IASOXIC MIRROR . DEAE SIE AXD BEOTHEE , — I have been rather surprised that no brother of experience has offered a reply to the letter of the " W . M . of 1051 , " in your issue of October 14 th , as I am sure the subject of his communication demands our attention ; and a better system than at present prevails in the

provinces is really required to prevent frauds , Avhich are far too prevalent . I have been for two years an examiner for Lodge 979 of applicants for relief in the town of Crewe , Avhich , according to the calendar , has two other lodges—Nos . 821 and GIG . The latter has not Avorked for six years , and is now erased , and I

am the only resident member of No . 321 , as it meets only four times in the year . The members of No . 979 , therefore , have been pretty Avell patronised by " travelling Masons , " and if other towns have had the same proportion , the sooner some arrangement _ is made for our protection the better . A recent

instance has brought this matter very prominently before my notice , and reveals . a state of affairs far from creditable to us , and Avhich should have been exposed before ; but I fear the " unworthy and suspicious" are too often dismissed Avith a " small silver coin , " as the easiest manner of getting rid of them , but this is only the Quakers' p lan of " casting the snails into your neig hbour ' s garden . " A letter of inquiry would often reveal the truth ; and there can