Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

— -t *— -rfTm ? EpiTOR does not hold himself responsible for any opinions enfei'lmfted l »/ Correspondents . ]

MASONIC HALLS .

TO THE EDIIOll OP THE FREEMASONS' 3 UCAZIXE ANT ) MASONIC MlmtOK . DEAR . Sin Man Bnornion , —I observe that in your Architectural Chapter in the -Freemiisoiis' Magazine , of February 23 rd , you complain of neglect on the part ofthe Craft generally , as regards communications in correction of the list ol Masonic halls given by yon on January 26 th . Had I been earlier aware of the remark which was appended at the close of it , I should probably

have contributed my mite to render such a charge unnecessary . Even IIOAV it is not too late ; for it may be regarded as the duty of every member of the Order , not only to exemplify our principles in his OAVII life and conduct , but to endeavour to remove Avhatever motives may exist to prevent the exercise of their legitimate influence on bis brethren , whether near or distant . And further ; it is most desirable that the maimer and place iu which our peculiar rites are carried out , should be such as to command the admiration ami

respect ol our unprivileged friends in flic external world , many of whom do not fail , as opportunities occur , to condemn us , simply because they form conclusions based on observation of what takes place openly , but have no means of ascertaining the great amount of good which lies concealed from public gaze . This appears to he a point of " the highest importance , not only as regards its cll ' cct on ourselves , but on a due appreciation of our claims for superior incentives to the practice of virtue . As an lea

every examp , letter was received a few days ago i ' roin a non-masonic friend , to whom , in a previous communication the institution bad been strongly recommended and vindicated , and who had therein been requested to deliver sonic letters to Freemasons in the town in which he resided , in bis reply ho says , "J " have dulv delivered the documents to and , neither of them

"I should think model 'Masters . 1 . nope they Avill be of use to the Masons here , -for they certainly have the reputation of cultivating the appetites rather thau the virtues . I don't like an institution which takes men aivay from their families , and ivhich requires an interest which they cannot share . ' " NOAV , sir , this is an instance of unfounded aspersions based cm false assumptions , of Avhich there is good proof , for iu the course of a few days , one of the brethren alluded to gave practical evidence that the documents Avere

considered as " of use to the Masons , " and were duly appreciated . This is a case from ivhich AA ' C may learn IIOAV desirable it is to maintain a character in accordance with our profession , and to take care that our own proceedings shall always be such as to add credit to the Fraternity .