Correspondence.

promoters of the new-fangled Masonic order really know anything of the subject ; and have they not altogether gone astray with their eyes open , and led others into the same path , who have not the same opportunities of knowing the baselessness of the fabric which it has been attempted to rear ? A strong

impression is abroad that such is the fact . 1 suggest that it is hi g h time that Grand Lodge should look into such matters , and that the Committee of General Burposes should not permit its paid servants to spend the time which should be devoted to their duties in the secretarial department in such au unjustifiable manner . Tours fraternally , ALPHA .

MASONIC REFORM . TO THE EDITOE OF THE _? KEE __[ ASOXS' -tfAGAZINE AIN'D MASONIC 3 IIRKOK . Dear Sir and Brother , —In attempting to champion tho position of the " Holy " Koyal Arch in connection with Craft Masonry , p . 58 , " Bes Non "Verba , " gives ono fact ( which proves nothing to tho purpose ) to defend a fiction ,

and ono fiction to defend a principle , In reply , I asked him to establish his hypothesis by the production of at least one well-authenticated proof , and I concluded by wishing him to reconcile a few contradictions inseparable from a union so disunited as tho one in question . In your columns of last week he says , "I have not time to consider the random shots of " Fiat Lux . " Any one who

hnoivs the history of the Eoyal Arch will be aware that the statements made by " Fiat Lux" are most erroneous . " Here he gives no facts at all , and contents himself with ¦ words only . Although ho has slightly changed his tactics he evidently desires us to remember the uniformity of the princi ple which dictated—a strange and an unaccountable attempt to defend irreconcilable

contradictions . One mi ght have reasonably conjectured , from his name , that he would have returned to the conflet with an array of facts formidable enough to have struck terror into the heart of oven a Buchan ; but , alas , no ! His remembrance of only the " random shots , " from a masked battery , was too lively and vivid to allow him to remain till the firing waxed hot . No ; he " had not time to consider , " although he appears to have recollected

that duty called m another and an opposite direction . But , if the random shots had done no greater harm than to have shaken a good reason out of him at tho same time that they shook his nerves , they would have better served his cause . lie evidently " gives no man a reason upon compulsion ! " I ask him for proofs and he gives assertions ; for reasons , and wo are regaled with

declamation . On one point , however , wo are agreed—that a defence of such a series of anomalies would bo a work of time—an unthankful as well as a gigantic Masonic labour , at least- equal in duration and utility to the Pyramids ( another royal receptacle ) , and one also which would have entombed within its gloomy recesses the caput morluum of tho master builders .

In itself , the Eoyal Arch degree is no better and no worse than other pretended Masonic organisations . As one of the so-called " hi gh degrees" it is only contemptible , it requires the advocacy of its friends to make it odious and detestable , by claiming for it an origin aud a character which it does not possessand by attempting to palm it upon

, tis as a part of Ancient Craft Masonry , recognised , however , by Grand Lodge , I regard it as an innovation , and in this view I am supported by the constitutions of nine-tenths of the Grand Lodges of the universe . To talk of such a degree , or , indeed , of any other , being the " completion of the third , " is to offer an outrage to common sense , especially when we consider

the position which the Eoyal Arch occupies in this country , where its dependent degradation ( like a royal pensioned exile ) excites the melancholy pit } 7 of its friends and the derision of its enemies . As the thin end of the wedge of developement , I believe it to be the imperative duty of every Mason to oppose it , or we may have introduced by degrees the whole of the Ancient and

Accepted trash , which only require to bo known to be despised . As a possessor of the thirty-third , my argument is founded upon some knowledge , and no one will excuse me of vanity when I say that all the so-called " high degrees , " including the Eoyal Arch , are totally subversive of the principles of Masonry—doubtless the invention of the arch enemies of our Order , who , finding

they could not overthrow the sublime principles of the paternity of God and the brotherhood of man , formed this Jesuitical plot to counteract their benign influence . We have now companions , sublime princes , sovereigns , & c , and instead of respecting " real worth aud personal merit only , " a Mason is but too often measured by the number of jewels he wears and the amount of money he possesses ; and while the wealth of the wealthy is wasted

in tinsel and man millinery , the real jewels of charity and brotherly love are neglected or forgotten . The axiom that there is but a step between the sublime and the ridiculous has been amply verified in our Masonry by the addition of the Eoyal Arch , and therefore it ought to be our duty to sever the connection as quickly aud as quietly as possible . In the meantime we shall best consult

our own dignity by not attempting a defence of that which redounds so little to our credit . Let us endeavour to recover the height from which we have fallen through the intoxicating folly of "high degrees , " and endeavour to realise the lofty , impressive simplicity of our beautiful three-step Masonry . Instead of looking for a literal interpretation ofthe allegory , may we reverently unveil

the solemn mystery , and duly appreciate its import . Having lost the truth , where we can we find it out ofthe Eternal ? Therefore our " completion " is but darkness visible till we shall bo brought to light—dazzling and magnificent—by the Great Logos himself in those immortal mansions from which all goodness emanates , Yours fraternally , FIAT LUX .

Krnuci-D POSTAGE TOE FEINTED MATTER . —It is singular tliiit tliis country , which first set the example of a cheap postage , should now he behind continental nations . Printed matter abroad is carried at very much lower rates than in this country , to the great heneilt of the community . Circulars , newspapers , and bonks , and even small parcels , are transmitted by the post in foreign countries at rates which should put Englishmen to

shame . The Government , lust session , expressed itself favourable to a reduction of the rates , ami the Post-cilice officials , it is well-known , are quite ready to undertake tiie service ; but the former have broken faith with the public , and thereby the Postofiice . department have been led into making representations during the last year of the early removal of the present heavy rate . Newspaper proprietors have been deceived—their business arrangements disc mcerted , and tho public have been

deprived up to this time of the long-promised boon , which is now so largely enjoyed in other countries , and which we have a perfect right to expect from a literal Government . Tbe Council of the Society of Arts of London have appointed a Committee to take steps for urging upon tbe Cabinet the great importance to all classes of reducing the postage on printed matter to onelialf ' peiiiiy instead oH a penny , as at present , for every four ounces weight . Whilst the question of the education of the

people is exciting an all-absorbing interest at tbe present time it must not be forgotten that the cheap circulation of printed matter is no unimportant item in its advancement . All classes should give their support and influence on behalf of this Committee , which sits at John-street , Adelphi , London . THE Committee of the Metrorolitan Free Hospital have received official notice of a legacy of £ 300 , under the will of the late Alfred Davis , Esq .