Masonic Sayings And Doings Abroad.

The Seventy-fourth Annual Convocation of the Crr . Chapter of E . A . Masons , of the State of New York , convened at Albany , on Tuesday , February 7 th inst . 161 Subordinate Chapters were represented-The Grand Chapter was opened in Ample Form ,

sprayer being offered by the G . Chaplain . The Address of the Grand High Priest contained the following appropriate remarks : — The agreement to live in love and unity is the sumlaing up of the Masonic ideal , and carries with it ,

not only the thought of peaceful and harmonious relations among ourselves , and the pleasant emulation - of sincere fraternal unity , but suggests the effort and the sacrifice which we assume , each for himself , when , at the altars of Masonry , we receive the mystic henison

of the craft . To do and to suffer is the common lot of humanity ; but to bear the suffering of a brother , and so to labour that the result of our work may redound , rather to the interest aud prosperity of the

. Fraternity , than to those of the individual workman , is the precept and example of Masonry . Wherever this dogma is understood and practised , peace and harmony will prevail , and the craftsmen , instead of wasting their zeal and energy in vain bickerings , and enervating strife , will be strong in their union and ,

in a corresponding degree , the work will prosper in their hands , and redound to the greater glory of the Eather . " Warrants were granted to all the Chapters previously under Dispensation . The Grand Chapter adopted the Code of Procedure in regard to Masonic

trials , which prevailed ! in the Grand Lodge of the State . Several Eepresentatives of sister Grand Chapters having presented their credentials , were cordially received and welcomed ( the Grand Honours in each

case being given ) . The sum of 7 , 000 dols . was appropriated to the Hall and Asylum Pund .

Eespecting the visit of our M . W . Grand Master to the United States , as a member of the High Commission to settle the Alabama Claims and other matters , Pomeroy ' s Democrat says : — EAKL DE GREY AND RIPOJT . —The nobleman whose name heads this article , the President of Her Britannic

Majesty's Privy Council , will shortly visit this country as chief of the High Commission , appointed to settle matters in dispute between the two countries . Earl de Grey is Grand Master Mason of the English Craft , and has ever been an enthusiastic worker in both Subordinate and Grand Lodge . We published a sketch of his life some months since in these columns , which no doubt

will be fresh in the memory of our regular readers , and which clearly proved him to be a live Mason . We feel certain his arrival here will be welcomed by the American Brotherhood ,

Reviews.

REVIEWS .

Scattered Leaves , Picked up and Bundled by a Rusty Mason . A collection of Masonic Songs and Poems , published by Bro . Vincent Bird , P . M . and Treas ., St Aubyn Lodge , ( No . 954 ) , Devonport . The object of their publication will be explained by the following extract from the

proceedings of the Lodge , held Feb . 14 th : The Worshipful Bro . Vincent Bird , P . M . and T ., rose and said : Worshipful Master , I have something to say which I venture to think is for the good of Masonry in general , and tills lodge in particular . In the yenr 1865 certain brethren took upon themselves ( whether rightly or wrongly I will not now stop to inquire ) , to

establish a Masonic Bed at the Eoyal Albert Hospital , Devonport , with what advantages , restrictions , or conditions , I am unacquainted , and therefore can give you no information . But I can state this fact , that if it were daylight , and that window open , and also one in a certain ward in that noble building opposite to me , I should from this spot be able to see a bed , over the head of which are tbe words "Masonic Bed , " surmounted by our sacred emblems , and under similar

circumstances a patient lying on the bed might look into this lodge . But I regret to say that bed is tenantless for want of funds . There can be no question but that the conception and birth of that idea was a good one . However , I cannot find that its author has shown much solicitude for the maintenance , or even existence of this scheme , as I do not find that iu any one year a third of the sum required has been subscribed by all the lodges in tho province . The present state of affairs ought not exist ; either let the

inscription and the emblems be removed , and with it the outward and visible sign of unfulfilled engagements , or an effort made to raise funds sufficient to enable us to say we Masons of this locality , shall I say "Lodge St . Aubyn , 954 , will raise the necessary amount , and , if needs be to compass that object we will practice a degree of Masonry unknown and unrecognised by auy Book of Constitution , Grand Lodge , Conclave , or Council , a degree that ivill in no way trench on the landmarks of any

order—I mean the degree of Self Denial . Instead of the removal of the inscription and Emblems , I should like to add thereto the following : St . Aubyn , 954 . I fancy I hear some one objecting to tins , as being too much to attempt . I cannot agree with him . I think it can he accomplished . Iu this way : — -Here I have some bundles of " Scattered Leaves " more Ihan 1 need . I am unwilling to sell them , or give them awaybut I am very anxious to tradeto barterto

, , , exchange ; you take my bundle , give me a silver coin ; I don't care how large it be , provided it be silver , the ivhole of which will be paid over to tbe Masonic Bed as your subscription . I do not say that my bundle will be intrinsically as valuable as your coin , but to some it may convey reproof ; to some instruction , to others amusement , but to all the satisfaction or having contributed to the furtherance of one of our greatest Masonic Virtues —Relief .

And if I should be encouraged to pick up a fresh bundle at the commencement of each succeeding quarter , and you could be induced to barter , with a view of each time making a better bargain , ive should be mutually working out our principles in helping forward the great work ot lessening the woes and sufferines of our common Brotherhood .

Balloon-Letter From Paris.

Balloon-Letter from Paris .

Messrs . Letts , Son and Co ., Limited , have published a very interesting memento of the Seige of Paris , being a facsimile of a letter sent per Balloon-Post by a gentleman in Paris to a friend in London . The facsimile is perfect in the minutest detail , being stamped with genuine Postage Stamps of the French Republic , with perfect imitations of the obliteration and other Stamps . Apart

from the interest attached to it as a memento , the letter itself is no mean literary production . It graphically describes Paris and the Parisians in a state of seige , the writer being a volunteer in the Artillery of the National Guard .