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Board , it is but just that they should have a voice m its appointment—so say the Constitutions . Why then we again ask is London to govern the country ? There is every reason why it should not , but there is also a very sound reason why it does . So long as country Masons are forced to come to London to record their votes , those who live in London will enjoy a preponderance of power

and influence , to which they are not entitled , either by their numbers , or their respectability . What is wanted in order that the Constitutions may be carried out is only this—that the poll should be carried to the voters , and not the voters forced to come to the poll at an expense which , in effect , acts as a prohibition . In

other words , the Provinces have a ri ght to demand that the machinery which is applied to the election of every Board of Directors in England , as well as to their own charities , should be applied to the election of the Directors of the Craft ; that voting papers should be issued , subject to any restrictions that may be thought

necessary for clue security ; and then , and not till then , will the Brethren in the Provinces , who compose the vast majority of Grand Lodge , have that voice in the appointment of their own rulers , which the Book of Constitutions gives them .

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IT is a lamentable consideration that in this mundane state of existence , profession and practice so seldom go hand in hand . Moralists and Divines exquisitel y dilate and eloquently preach on the value of purity , and the beauty of holiness , their own lives and conversations not always bearing the test to which they call upon

others to submit . Statesmen wax fervid in their denunciations of corruption , not caring to remember the " secret service" organization , which they direct and control ; and Grand Officers in accents of woe , mourn over the existence of " party , " or in terms of the loudest indignation violently condemn it , conveniently

ignoring their participation in the conclaves and councils , in which their " party " schemes are hatched and their " party" designs matured . The pulpit , the schools , and the senate , we have used only as illustrations—our business is with the Grand Officers , or rather those of them who are closely banded together , with a view per fas et nefas to support the present dynasty , and to compel so far as they can , the Craft to bow the knee to whatever idol it may please them to set up .

The meeting lately held at Bro . ROXBURGH ' , having for its object the election to the Board of General Purposes of such brethren only , as have found favour iu the eyes of the executive either by unflinching support of , or tacit acquiescence iu , their entire policy , is referred to in another part of our impression . How the list prepared at that meetingdul " reduced" bthe

, y , y skilful manipulation of the GRAND REGISTRAR , has been printed and circulated under the auspices of those who have so energetically denounced the use of party lists , is already known . How the redoubted " head and front " of the august body under consideration , iu tones bland and smooth , never loses an opportunity in G . L . of

expressing his regret at the unseemly dissensions which agitate and disturb us , and his earnest trust , that " b \ - gones may be by-goues , " but whose peripatetic diatribes against all and every who dare to dissent from his views are the sure accompaniments of his domestic professions , is equally familiar to all . The sensitiveness of the GRAND REGISTRAR at having the propriety of his

conduct even questioned , affords a pleasing contrast to the unscrupulous manner in which he is in the habit of hazarding assertions and imputing motives . Our present purpose however is briefly to lay before the Craft one or two instances which have come to our knowledge , of the comparatively private exercise of that

Masonic kindness and charity , which our brethren of the dais affect so much to admire . The first we shall adduce , will prove that even from a private chapter the Nemesis of revenge cannot be excluded . Two years ago , Comp . B INCKES joined the Chapter , No . 259 , at Romford , and duly filled the office of Prin . Soj ., with

the understanding that in May , 1859 , he should duly succeed to the third chair . Comp . J . ADLARD presided over this Chapter as Z . during the past year , Comp . W . P . SCOTT ( a Grand officer of both Craft and Arch Masonry ) occupying the second chair . Some few weeks prior to the regular meeting , Comp . SCOTT caused an

intimation to be conveyed to Comp . BINCKES , that his election to the third chair would he opposed , alleging as the reason his disapprobation of Bro . BINCKES ' conduct in G . L ., thus testifying that ability or fitness in any other point of view , is not sufficient qualification for

office , but that m the event of a Bro . or Comp . venturing to differ on broad questions of Masonic policy with those whose influence is paramount in the Lodge or Chapter of which he is a member , he forfeits all right to that preferment which he naturally thinks himself entitled to expect . Comp . BINCKES not caring to contest a point with those capable of entertaining feelings so

petty and unfraternal , of course resigned , leaving the Comps . of this snug coterie at leisure to denounce unopposed , the " factious" conduct in G . L . of those who presume to think for themselves , and to act independently . The next instance of this high and holfeeling is still

y worse . It is an unquestioned fact , that with very few exceptions , the magnates of G . L . rarely are visible at the meetings of the Charity Committees . They can attend , however , when a " party" purpose has to be served . Witness the meeting of the Boys' School General Committeeon Saturday 4 th June . The House

, , Committee for the ensuing year had to be elected . Amongst the Candidates were Bros . JNO . BARNES and GEO . BARRETT , two brethren whose exertions in support of the various Masonic Charities . , we venture to affirm , will compare favourably with any of the wearers of those honors , from a share in which they have been excluded .

To recount their labours—the time they have bestowed —the money they have contributed—would exceed our limits , and is unnecessary because the facts are within the knowledge of all . But their " offence is rank " inasmuch as they have dared to oppose the ruling powers