Correspondence.

I may fairly assume that the G . M . has yielded to conviction . And by whom has this conviction been brought home but by those who have steadily pursued the end they had in view ? whose agitation of the question has elicited that " additional information" which his lordship confessed he was not formerly in possession of , and by whose exertions the " Canada Case" has been presented in such a clear , straightforward manner as to contribute ( at all events ) in no slight degree to the settlement which is so eminently matter for congratulation .

Let it not be thought that I am evincing an ungracious spirit , or that I am in any way imbued with petty , or querulous feeling , or entertain any idea of disappointment that the policy announced with regard to Canada has not been inaugurated by a vote antagonistic to the M . W . G . M . I am confident that I am not giving utterance to my own sentiments merely , but to those of every brother who has assisted in " helping them to right who have suffered wrong , " when I state that the present result is just what has

been desired , and that it is hailed with unmitigated satisfaction . If in the opinion of any brother who has witnessed with sorrow and regret the dissensions which of late have undoubtedly existed , it be considered impolitic even to allude to past differences—much more to discuss their cause , extent , and consequences—now that the curtain of reconciliation has been drawn over them , 1 must state thus much in extenuation . I have the honour to act with a " party , " * which comprises brethren as earnest and conscientious as are to be found in the Craft , who have set themselves the thankless task of doina all that in them lies to effect a reformation of

abuses in whatever shape they may exist ; and , if possible , to infuse into our much valued institution something of that spirit of progress which is the characteristic of the age in which we live . In the discharge of these self-imposed duties they have been subjected to much obloquy and misrepresentation ; and by no one could the words of Israel ' s Psalmist be taken up with more force and truth than by each of these much-maligned brethren— " They have laid to my charge things that I knew not . " Of the erroneous allegations that have been brought against them , does not the decision on the

Canadian question afford sufficient refutation ? The views they have advocated , the M . W . G . M . has adopted . So far then from their efforts being " directed against the very Fabric of Harmony itself , " it is now apparent that they have successfully laboured in cementing one of its Corner Stones , and in securing it more firmly in its place ; where it is hoped it may long be retained as one of the chief ornaments and main elements of solidity and endurance in that glorious edifice in which it ought to be the pride and boast of each of us to be " securely built up . "

May continued efforts bo attended with continued success ; and may those who differ from us learn more of that charity which " hopeth all things , belicveth all things , endureth all things , " and afford practical evidence of the sincerity of their professions b y giving us credit for having united for a good purpose , until it shall be proved that we have combined for a bad one . I am , dear Sir and Brother , Faithfully and fraternally yours ,

FREDK . BINCKES , P . M ., No . 11 . London , March 1 th , 1857 . * "What is a party but a tody of men who have a policy which they recommend , and who do not shrink from the responsibility of putting that policy into practice ?"

To the Editor of "the Masonic Observer . " Dear Sir and Brother , I am very glad to see , that in your very useful publication , you inculcate the doctrine , that the business transacted in G . L . more especially concerns Country Masons . We are at present shut out in a great measure , by the lateness of the hour at which the meetings are held , which confines the attendance to those only who live in London .

Nowaud then it is true , that the representatives of Country Lodges attend , but their attendance must and will bo fluctuating as long as the late hour for meeting is adhered to . Why cannot G . L . be got together during the hours at which country people transact their usual business , say at two or three o ' clock in the afternoon ? I throw out this hint for you to work upon , And remain , Dear sir and brother , Yours fraternally , March IVh , 1857 . A COUNTRY PAST MASTER .

"L'Empire C'Est La Paix."—Napoleon 111.

"L ' empire c ' est la paix . "—NAPOLEON 111 .

Now may we hope the strife is done , Now may wo hymn a heartfelt praise For Peace proclaimed from the Dais And Concord from the throne . Bear the glad tidings lightly o ' er Atlantic wave , whose billowy breast

Shall waft the peace from east to west , Love linking shore to shore . So , where the passionate cry was loud For all the ill endured so long , Brothers shall say , " We judged him wrong , Who deemed him cold and proud . " It seemed he ruled us at his ease

, All heedless of our suffering state ; Forlorn we seemed and desolate , Nor hoped for days like these . "Now welcome be the peace we sought , And hushed the indignant voice again Wrung from us in our hour of pain , And checked the rebel thought .

" And make we answer from the west , ' Such Power hath a kindly word , That grateful as for Eight conferred , We are for Wrong confest . '"

"Roar You As Gently As Any Sucking Dove."

" Roar you as gently as any sucking dove . "

THE idea we should late have derided ; Brothers all—east and west , south , and north—Must have felt as astonished as 1 did , At the wonders old time can bring forth . Happy families—cat , mouse , and owl—now Hide your heads , yon ' re a regular flam ; Iu Grand Lodge , we may see cheek by jowl now , The lion lie down with the lamb .

Each party , by wondrous attraction , The burden has changed of its songs ; One ceases to lecture on faction , The other is mute on its wrongs . And brethren from silvery Isis , And brethren from seedy old Cam , May enjoy now the peace that so nice is .

While the lion lies down with the lamb . 'Tis a sound that would glad the immortals , The sound of that harmony sweet , Where Boxburghs , and Dobies , and Portals Are blending the roar with the bleat . In these days of impure coalescing , We may hope Unit this union's no sham ,

For Panmure gave his tenderest blessing , As the lion lay down with the lamb . " Which is which ? " My too curious brother , I must answer , whichever yon please ; Six of one , half a dozen of t' other Are proportioned the mane and the fleece . One , with language more pointed than funny , Said , " For my part I do n ' t care a d—n , To see them is worth all the money , " The lion lie down with the lamb . "