Correspondence.

may , however , be fairly estimated at £ 300 , and even this is a very large amount to be spent without any adequate return . This does not include dues for four E . A . chapters , which would again make a largo addition . Let us inquire how far the statement as to the discrepancy between the sum expended and tho bsnefit deceived is

correct . Doubtless the Masters , Past Masters , and W aniens have seats and a right to vote in Grand Lodge , but the distance is so . great , aud tho loss of time and the expense necesarily incurred in the journey are so heavy a tax , that practically no one of these officers ever attendsMeasured in time

. , our distance from London varies according- to circumstances from 15 to 25 hours , quite sufficient to prevent much intercourse , since three or four days would be required , to say nothing of the cost in money . No one here ever dreams of obtaining office in Grand Lodge , an honour which with few exceptions to be

appears monopolised by members of the Craft whose abodes are less remote from head-quarters . Even the P . G . M . has , I fancy , attended but once , or at the most twice , within my experience , which extends over eight years . The only benefit which I can see that we have is a

very negative one , namely that of being suspended at the caprice of an almost irresponsible P . G . M . and having to appeal at great cost ol money , time , and trouble , when attendance is compulsory . Then certainly we can have the privilege of being present in Grand Lodge , almost as culprits . That these

appeals have with one exception been successful , is no solid consolation to the individuals concerned , and that exception was a case in which the P . G . M . was supported by most of the members of the Craft , and blamed by many for not acting with sufficient energy . Now let us see what advantage we gain by having a Provincial Grand

Lodge . Certainly we have a fine , handsome , vain man at our head , whom we can gaze upon and admire when he is decked out in his shining toggery , but his fine feathers do not win for him our esteem and respect , when other more essential qualities of heart , of head , and of principle are very deficient . We have too a number of brethren

wearing the purple apron ; in some cases no doubt well deserved by character , intellectual powers , social position , and Masonic experience ; but in many others , where these qualifications are wanting , totally unmerited , and gratifying only to the recipients , —a questionable honour , not calculated to win the respect of the Craft in

general or of those out of its pale , by whom they are looked upon as proofs that Masonry is not entitled to the regard as a moral society which we claim for it , since commercial honour and credit , moral worth , great Masonic knowledge and experience , do not appear to be essential qualifications for office and

distinction . Notwithstanding the " Book of Constitutions " and By-laws assented to and signed hy tho P . G . M ., which require periodical meetings of Provincial Grand Lodge at stated times , they are held at long intervals , at the whim of the P . G . M ., and omitted when delav suits his

purpose . Nay more , we are told on high authority , that such regulations , though formally approved , are not binding on P . G . M . 's , who aro at perfect liberty , if they choose , utterly to disregard them . Again , as already pointed out in communications on pages 187 , 228 , 308 , and 329 of the current volume

of your magazine , the members of the province have no controul over tho selection of the Prov , G-. M ., but on tho contrary , are totally unable to get rid of one who lias forfeited all claims to respect . Five years ago a petition for his removal , ' signed by more than 40 leading Masons , was sent- ! o the authorities . It

contained many definite charges , with a request that inquiry might be made from persons mentioned as able to prove their truth , but no such inquiry was instituted , and we were told that we ought to have forwarded our proofs , whereas our idea was , that as affidavitscertificates & cmust necessarily be got up

, , , under our influence , the most disinterested manner of arriving at the facts was to mention the sources of evidence and to leave the authorities to examine for themselves without interference on our part . Eecently another petition has been presented , pointing out the restless condition of the province , the want of

confidence , the dissension and disorganisation which prevail ; making no definite charges , but praying for a commission of inquiry to be sent into the district , the expense of which would be cheerfully defrayed by the petitioners , if only a solution of the difficulty could be arrived at . This is refused on the ground

that no specific causes of complaint are stated . In either case we fail to obtain redress , though for different reasons ; and the only conclusions at which we can arrive are , that P . G . M . ' s are irresponsible ; that without regard to right and -wrong , power supports power ; that defects in moral character and honour are not considered as disqualifications for high office ; that the wishes and aspirations of the members for a high Masonic standard are not worthy of regard ,

in fact , that Masonic rule is a despotism which allows of no redress short of revolutionary proceedings . Fortunately the occurrence of these evils is rare , and the tendencies of tho principles of the Order , as generally carried out , are of an opposite character . Were it not so , the yoke would be unbearable , and

our ranks would soon be thinned . Individually unwilling to be a party to such a slate of things , I have resigned membership of all lodges in the province to which I have of late years belonged , aud in which I have taken an active part . For tin ' s step I have been commended and

congratulated by gentlemen who , though not members of our Order , are not unfavourable to it ; they sympathise with our difficulties , which in a limited population are well known to the public , and agree with some of us in thinking that , in order to bolster up certain views and arrangementshowever good in themselveswe

, , are not required to sacrifice that honour and principle which ought to bo distinguishing characteristics of our Society . Though appreciating Provincial rank elsewhere , but determined not to accept it here , even if offered , I cannot be charged with pin no at failing to obtain distinction which I do not value . I

do , however , feel very jealous of the honour and estimation in which Freemasonry is held by the external world , for our usefulness it ) much hindered and our professions are treated as vain and ompty , when it is manifest that they aro insincere and not maintained by our conduct . Secret as much in

connection with our arrangements is , we can be judged only by the results as shown in . our practice ; and en this account it is most important that we should shun even an appearance of evil , and discountenance every