Masonic Progress.

several numbers , some lodges having forfeited the warrant . On comparison it will be seen that the increase of special places of meeting within 20 years has been , from " 15 to " 41 , so far as regards the homo lodges , the foreign ones not having been included in the statement . The actual increase in the number of Lodges under

English warrant in 16 years between 1848 and 1864 was 259 , and in the four years antecedent to 1868 was 179 . Compare the number of lodges in 1848 with that in 1 S 68 and it will be found that the increase is more than onehalf of the original number of lodges in 184-8 . Had the Canadian Lodges been included , tho account would have appeared far more favourableMere numberhowever

, , , is only one indication of the real progress of the Craft , for there are other elements far more important in reference to the accomplishment of its mission as a bond of union , ancl as an institution for the elevation of the moral condition of its members , ancl for the promotion of brotherly love and charity . To these we think we may without hesitation , appeal as to a certain extent

satisfactory , though capable of much more extensive development , as shown by the increase from 15 to 41 per cent , within 20 years iu the number of buildings devoted exclusively to Masonry ; also by the erection of the large schools near London for the children of deceased Masons within the same period , at a cost , I imagine , of upwards of £ 70 , 000 , and the extension of their advantages by the

admission of a larger number of pupils , which is , however , capable of still farther increase to meet the demands in proportion as funds are provided . Nor must we omit from consideration recent successful efforts in several provinces to provide for local claims by raising local funds for education or relief of distress , thus diminishing the drain on the metropolitan institutions already existing to meet the wants of the whole country . Another indication of success and ofthe estimate which is formed of us by the external world , notwithstanding the

aspersions and ridicule to which we are sometimes subjected , exists in the frequency with which the services of the Masonic body are required to take part in the ceremonies of laying the first stone ou the opening of buildings devoted to charitable purposes , such as hospitals , and of edifices to be consecrated to the worship of the G-. A . T . OU . such as churches . Of the latter I send you herewith an

interesting instance in an account of such a proceeding this summer at our antipodes , and your pages recorded one case a few weeks ago , in which the Masonic body was requested to take the initiative in laying the foundation stone of a large manufactory , which would give employment to a great number of people . It is gratifying to find that one of the principal uses of the Graft in

former times is thus again restored , for though we are not as in the mediaeval ages called upon to " erect stately buildings " by our manual labour , we more completely mark our mission at the present period , by giving a moral and religions tone to such operations . It is a duty incumbent upon us to foster this confidence , not only by the public acts ofthe Order , but by the purity ofthe life

and conduct of each one of its mpmbors , " so that the world may see the happy and beneficial effects of our ancient institution . " At the commencement of my first communication I mentioned several points to which soon after my initiation I determined that my feeble efforts , in a limited sphere should be directed , namely , exactitude in ritual ,

uniformity in the system of working , the removal of tavern influences by the adoption of Masonic halls , the extension of the benefits of the charities , most of which I have to some extent seen realized by the united efforts of the Craft . There arc two other subjects of which I also made up my mind not to lose sight of . One of them is support of your valuable Magazine by contributions of papers and reports , and an extension of its circulation by my recommendation of it as a means of acquiring Masonic information , oi' knowing what others are doing in the

Masonic Progress.

various districts , and of profiting by their example and experience . You know how far I have adhered to my determination . I fear that there are many lodges in which your weekly periodical is never seen , and some in which its existence is not even known , though doubtless there ought not to be a single case of such indifference . The last point to which I desire to refer is the

extension of institutions which are . alleged to be branches of the Craft , in the form of the different Orders of Knighthood . It has appeared to me , perhaps in my ignorance , that the connexion of these with Freemasonry consists only in . the requirement of membership of our Order as a preliminary to reception , that they detract from the universality of Masonry , that they draw off

attention from our great objects , and that there is much risk of injury to us by the encouragement of showy dresses and decorations , and the consequent expenditure of money which might be better applied . It is true that the display of such jewels and ornaments is not generally permitted in Craft Lodges , but in some provinces it is allowed , and I have known many brethren who are very ignorant of our history and rituals , whose breasts have been covered with such decorations . On these points it is not for me to dictate to others . I merely wish to

mention that , on the grounds I have stated , I made up my mind to have nothing to do with these extra branches , ancl experience and the statements of others who have adopted a different course only serve to confirm my resolution . I confine myself to the three Craft degrees and the Royal Arch , with the addition of the mark , thenon-recognition of which I regret , considering it as an .

interesting link between the second and third degrees . Moreover , from my own experience , I am quite sure that any one who is active in these departments , and acquires and keeps up an accurate knowledge of the ceremonies , with the various installation rituals and the charges and . lectures , has quite enough to employ bis mind aud keep it in healthy action , especially if he adheres to what is

enjoined in the third degree , the communication of " assistance and instruction to brethren in the inferior degrees . " I thus bring my review of Masonic progress to a conclusion . While we have much on which to congrattilateourselves , let me express a hope that we shall not rest satisfied with itbut that recent advancement will onl

, y stimulate us to the accomplishment of still higher things , for undoubtedly mvioh remains to be doae , if we would , not stagnate , and thus lose the ground wo have gained . Yours fraternally , H . H .

Masonic Schools.

MASONIC SCHOOLS .

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIREOE . Dear Sirand Brother , —In your number of August Sth you kindly inserted a letter from me in reference to certain aspersions on the Board of Management of the Masonic Schools for Boys and Girls—especially the former . I had no reason to believe that there was any real ground for such chargesbut thought it well that the circulation

, of them should be mado known to those most interested , with a view to refutation if they are unjust , or at least to inquiry . As I have since privately informed the Secretary , from whom it was not my intention ultimately to conceal my name , I only hesitated as to whether I should communicate directly with him before or after alluding to the subject in your columns , and at last

determined on the course I have pursued , assured that my letter would elicit some remarks from him . He has now openly challenged the complainants to make good their charges , by stating that the managers " ' court inquiry , and will not shrink from investigation , " and it is to be hoped , for the sake of the charities , that they will do so , or " ever after hold their peace , " and not allow the