Correspondence.

and wherever it is attempted to be conferred in this jurisdiction . Such attempts should be treated with the contempt they deserve , as insults offered to Masonic government , and as an invasion of the fundamental principles of the constitution . That an abuse so glaring should have been tolerated for so many years is incredible ; how much longer it . he permitted is a

may matter for curious speculation . Of one thing , however , we may be assured , that the spirit of inquiry now abroad will not he stifled , and may not safely be disregarded ^ This and other abuses are producing a storm ^ of indignation , which is gradually gathering in intensity . Before it breaks it would be well to look

to our foundations , so that we may not realise the experience of the foolish man who built a house upon the sand . With the sequel all are familiar , and our present position renders its application unnecessary . Situated in circumstances of similar peril , we may justly fear a like catastrophefor we owe to the

bene-, volence of the Great Architect the law of nature that institutions which will not be reformed must be destroyed . Yours fraternally , P . M .

THE MARK DEGREE . TO TUB EDITOB OP TEE IliEEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIEHOH . Dear Sir ancl Brother , —At page 1 of the present volume of the Freemasons ' Magazine is an article by "Reitam , " purporting to be written in a spirit of friendly warningbut reallcouched in the " Camb vein "

, y yses , and betraying throughout that extraordinary idea of " one-sided reciprocity" which has characterised all the proceedings ofthe Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland in connection with the Grand Lodge of Murk Masters of England . " The pleasant yoke of ' brotherly love and Masonic good-fellowship "— " kindly feelings towards tho Mark Masons of England" —these be pleasant words and fall with dulcet

tones upon the ear , but lose all charm when tested by acts . The Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland , while indulging in these agreeable expressions of amity and concord , issues its prommciamento forbidding Mark Masters under its jurisdiction to visit Mark Lodges under the English Constitution , or to receive visits from members thereof . We have not only never issued any such mandate

, but have quietly encouraged tho interchange of social amenities . The Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland continues to issue warrants for Mark Lodges in this country , in the full knowledge that there does exist here a de fado and do jure governing body over the Mark degree . This Grand Lodge has not even attempted an invasion of Scotland , though application for a warrant has been

received from that country , and the Grand Master has been empowered to issue warrants for lodges in Scotland and Ireland , if , in the exercise of his discretion , he may think proper to do so . This is the " astounding proposition" which has provoked tho ire of "Reitatn , " and brought him into the lists fully accoutred—eager for the fray—prepared to do battle with all and who

every presume to differ from him in opinion , and floating the skies with his " banner with a strange device , " tho ' mere sight of which is to deter from advance any one who , without the password , may contemplate setting his foot upon the sacred soil . But wherefore all this alarm and

premature shouting of the war cry ? Methinks it smacks much of an enforced conviction of wrong-doing , which excites apprehension of the exercise of evonhanded ancl retributive justice . Whether this be so or not , " Reitam " may rest assured that whatever course this Grand Lodge may pursue for tho maintenance of its own status and dignity , and for the protection of its members , will be the

result ot calm and mature consideration . Insult and invective will not goad it into rash or ill-advised hostility , nor will menace deter it from the adoption of measures which may be thought effective for the preservation of its rights and privileges . " Spurious" is the favourite term of reproach , and constantly used when referring to the English Grand Mark Lodge , a body which "

Reitam" and the Scottish authorities know to be as legitimately constituted as any governing Masonic body in . existence . In what manner was the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland itself constituted ? By certain R . A . companions , who organised themselves for the purpose of practising and ruling a degree not recognised by the Grand Lodof Scotland as a portion of " pure anil

ge ancient" Masonry . In what manner was the Grand Lodge of England constituted in 1717 ? By certain brethren of four lodges meeting together and declaring themselves a Grand Lodge , and this probably in defiance of a then existing constitution . Recognition or non-recognition in no way affects the question . The only effect is this—the former produces amity amongst members of an Order

under different jurisdictions , promotes mutual success , and fosters the brotherly feeling by which such members should ahvays ancl everywhere be actuated—the latter leads to disunion , it may be hostility , and is the occasion of much difficulty aud inconvenience . This is seen , iu tbe clearest possible light , iu the case of nations . A jeaplo may throw off one form of government and adopt another , new nationalities may arise and organise any

form of government they may think proper . These may not lind favour in the eyes of the rulers and directors of other countries , but policy , and the maintenance of the comity of nations , dictate an acquiescence in the decisions ofthe various peoples , and an acceptance of their de facto governments . Depend upon it , " the body styling itself the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters" ( another favourite

mode of description with the " unco guid" ) will yet be styled so by others , in spite of the fulminations of those who , feigning a regard for this " most interesting portion of Craft Masonry" arc doing their utmost to weaken it by tho exposition of sentiments , aud by persistence in conduct utterly alien to the very principles of Masonry .

Let " Reitam" further be assured that if " destruction " is to bo our " final doom , " as he " prognosticates , " the first stage towards such a consummation has not yet been arrived at . The mental faculties of the executive and members of this Grand Lodge , whatever may have been the gauge taken thereof , are as sound as they ever were , and , it is confidently believed , afford no indication of

approximate failure or feebleness . The mutual recognition by the Supreme Grand Council 33 ° and this Grand Lodge may be little valued by " Reitam , " but it is just possible that others with better opportunities for observation , and , perhaps , larger powers of discernment , may place a higher estimate on such a measure , should it be carried through to a successful completion , as , it is hoped , happily will be the case . We are told ,

" To be wrath with one we love , Doth work like madness in the brain . " and I am free to confess that , to appear as publicly hostile against those with whom I am privately on terms of amity , and for whom I have a very strong personal regard , pains me exceedingly ; but this is one of the exigences of official responsibility , and must in no respect

be allowed to interfere with social courtesies . A proper appreciation of the position , with mutual forbearance , will hasten the arrival of the " good time" which—unfavourable appearances nathless , I firmly believe to be " coming . " Yours fraternally , F . BINCKES , G . Sec . Grand Lodge M . M .