Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ad00602
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . ST . JOHN'S HILL , BATTERSEA RISE , S . W . PATROXS : — HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OK WALES , K . G ., etc ., M . W . G . M ., PRESIDENT . HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF WALES . A OUARTERLY GENERAL COURT of the GOVERNOR ' S and SUBSCRIBERS of this INSTITUTION will beheld in the HALL of the FREEMASONS' TAVERN , Great Oueen Street , Lincoln's Inn Fields , London , on SATURTJAY , October Sth , 1 SS 1 , at Twelve o'clock precisely , on tbe general business of the Institution , to consider notices of motion as follow , and to elect 15 girls into the Schools by ballot from a list of 24 approved candidates . The Election will commence at One o ' clock ( or after the usual business is over ) , and close at Three o'clock precisely NOTICES OF MOTION . By Bro . JOSHUA NU . V . V , V . Pres . .-"That in the opinion of the House Committee it is desirable to erect a Swimming Bath for the use of tbe Girls , and that application be made to the Quarterly Court to sanction the expenditure of a sum not exceeding ^ 2000 , for tbe above purpose . " By Bro . FRANK RICHARDSON , V . Pat . : "That tbe rank of Hon . Vice-Patron be conferred upon Bro . Charles Hammerton , in recognition of his valuable services to the Institution . " By Bro . ARTHU ' E . GLADWEI . I . : Additional paragraph to Law XVI . "The Secretary for the time being of a Masonic Charitable Association ( such as those usually associated with Lodges of Instruction ) which has paid to the Institution a sum of not less than One Hundred * Guineas , shall , upon proof thereof , be entitled lo tbe honorary rank of a Life Governor , and . to all the privileges of the same , and , further , tbe Secretary of an Association which has paid to the Institution during his Secretaryship a sum of not less than Two Hundred Guineas , shall , upon proof thereof , on his retiring from such ollice , or on the Assoociation ceasing to exist , be entitled to all the privileges of a Life Governor in his own right . " F . R . \ V . HEDGES , Secretary . Offices—5 , Freemasons' Hall , Great Oucen Street , W . C .
Ad00603
TO THE GOVERNORS AND SUBSCRIBERS OK THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . The favour of your Votes and Interest is earnestly solicited on behalf of MARY LOUISA SHF . RINGTON , AGED SEVEN YEARS . Daughter of the late ROP . KUT SIIKRIXGTON , Member of tbe Alexandra Lodge , 1541 , who was well-known in the City as Advertising Manager of the City Press . lie died in September last , at the age of 44 , after a lingering illness . This , with the maintenance of a large family ( seven of whom survive ) , prevented him making any provision for bis widow and children . His Life Insurance was lost through the failure of the Office . Proxies received with thanks by the Widow , 5 , Stuart Terrace , New Southgate .
Ad00604
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS . « . OCTOBER ELECTION , 1 SS 1 . The favour of your Votes and Interest is most earnestly solicited on behalf of CLEOPHAS CKOFTON liliNJAMlNJONKS . His father was initiated in the 1 Icrlford Lodge , No . 403 , 1 SO 6 , and exalted into Royal Arch Masonry in the Mount Zion Chapter , No . 22 , ih'fio , and continued a member of both until his death , which occurred shortly afler bis marriage—tbe mother died in giving birth to tbe candidate . The child is left to the care of relations , who from a succession of misfortunes , are now totally unable to give tbe boy proper education and training . Please note the following facts : — Marriage of Parents , oth August , 1 S 71 . Death of Father , 2 , Stli August , 1 S 71 . Birth of Candidate > ' , ,, <_ ,, Death of Mother 5 ' a ' >' ' ' 7 - The case is strongly recommended by R . W . Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P . G . M . Herts . „ „ Lord Tenteiden , P . G . M . Essex . „ „ F . 11 . Wilson lies , M . D ., D . P . G . M . Herts , Watford . * W „ Stephen Austin , P . M . 4 ° o , P . P . G . Supt . Works , Hertford , „ T . S . Carter , P . M . 403-13 S 5 , P . P . G . J . W ., P . G . II ., Herts , Hertford . * ,, ,, J . K . Cock-., P . M . 40-,-i . i S . i , Tre . is . 403 , P . P . G . J . W ., Herts , Hertford . ¦* Will thankfully receive Proxies .
Ad00605
BOOKS , & c , RECEIVED . "The Broad Arrow . " "The Freemason" ( Sydney ) , "The Australian Freemason , " "The Hull Packet , " "The Jewish Chronicle , " "The Memorbook of Nuremberg , " " Freemaurer-Zi-itung , " "The Sunday Times , " " The Hebrew Leader , " " The Citizen , " " Brighton and Sussex Daily Post , " "El Taller , ' '" St . John Globe , " "La Tolerance , " " i he Mason c Advoi ate , " "The Freemason" New Zealand , "Young England , " "New York Sunday News , " "The North China Herald , " "New York Dispatch , " " Der Long klaemlei , " "Gleanings r . -. jin Popular Authors , " " Ca-sell ' s Illustrated Universal Iliatoiy , " " Allen ' :. , Indian Mail . "
Ar00606
THE FREEMASON . SATURDAY , OCTOIJER I , 1 SS 1 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]
REFERENCES TO FREEMASONRY . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I agree with "Masonic Student" that all references to Freemasonry should be carefully searched and studied . So I give you two to-day , or rather three :
In tbe additional MSS . British Museum , 5 S 76 , p . 177 , we find an entry thus : "See the Freemasons' Calendar , or an Almanac , for the year 1775 . " " L S , 1775—P . M ., " whatever these letters , & c , may mean . Perhaps some one who has the 1775 Calendar will verify any thus alleged reference to Freemasons ; and then tbe writer goes on to say : "
Voltaire in bis 'Addition a L'Histoire Generale , ' speaking of the arts and sciences of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries , makes these remarks among others : ' Point de ville qui neut des confrairies d ' artisans , des bourgeois , des femmes . Les plus cxtravajjantes ceremonies y etoient crigces en mysteres sacres . Et cost de la que vient la
society des Francmacons echapee au temps , qui a detruit routes les autres . '" "There was not a town which had not its confraternity of artizans , of citizens , and of women . The most extravagant ceremonies were there elevated into sacred mysteries ; and it is hence that the Society of Freemasons comes , having escaped thc effects
of Time , which has destroyed all the others . Voltaire has given this very flowing description of a state of things of which I am not aware there is any other proof . That there were confraternities like the "Enfans -de Salomon" and the " Compagnonage" is true , but I think
such a description is too highly-coloured , and tbe origin of Freemasonry is , I think , too , of much earlier date . "Some account of them , " tbe MS . goes on to say , " is in ' Grose ' s Antiquities of England and Wales , ' preface , p . OS . " Can any student throw light upon these passages ? ANTTOUARIUS .
ADMISSION TO PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As many complaints have been made of late by the young brethren that any one might gain admission to our Provincial Grand Lodge meetings and annual festivals
without his being a subscribing member to any lodge , or even a non-Mason , and , from my own observations at the last Provincial Grand Lodge meeting of West Lancashire , held at Chorley , 1 think there is some truth in the statement , it is quite time some more careful attention was given to this subject , if Freemasonry is to flourish . Surely at
such times as these none but subscribing members have a right to be admitted . During their secession from thc Craft all Masonic privileges should be withheld . It seems to be a growing evil , that after a brother has been once admitted into Freemasonry , and got bis certificate , be need not subscribe further , and thinks " Once a Mason always a Mason , " having equal rights with others of the Craft .
If due observance of thc Book of Constitutions by the Master and Wardens of the different lodges was given both at Provincial Grand Lodge and private lodges—for the Master is responsible fur those who seek admittance under his lodge—this circumstance could not take place . Yours faithfully and fraternally , 20 th Sept . II . G .
THE GRAND LODGE LIBRARY . 7 " the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Perhaps you will allow me to state , through the medium of your paper , that the following numbers of the
" Freemason's Magazine" are required , in order to render the Grand Lodge series complete : — 1 SO 5—all . 1 SCO—340 , 342 . . 1 S 70—jOS , and all after 573 . 1 S 71—Goi , and all after G 44 . Yours fraternally , R . F . GOULD .
THE BELGIAN FREEMASONS AND MR . BRADLAUGH . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I beg to enclose you a cutting from the National Reformer of tbe iSth ult ., in which it states that a Masonic
lodge , named " Les Amis de la Parfaite Intelligence , of Huy , Belgium , " has sent through their Secretary , and signed by him on behalf of the said lodge , an address of sympathy and confidence to Mr . Bradlaugh , who is an avowed Atheist , in his Parliamentary struggle . Knowing that tbe Order , in the very first instance , is
based upon tbe full acknowledgment of the existence of a Supreme Being , and also that politics are entirely excluded ( or , at least , I was taught so at my initiation ) , I write to ask you to express an opinion through your valuable journal whether this is not utterly at variance with the universal laws and principles . of ancient Freemasonry , and , further ,
Original Correspondence.
whether it would likely to be allowed to emanate from any lodge in Great Britain without some steps or notice bein < r taken by the Grand Lodge ? I enclose my card , trusting you will excuse trouble , and beg to subscribe myself , yours faithfully and fraternally ,
A MASTER MASON . " The Masonic lodge , Les Amis de la Parfaite Intelligence , of Huy , Belgium , sends to Mr . Bradlaugh an address , signed by its Secretary , of sympathy with , and confidence in , him in thc present Parliamentary struggle , and concludes with the declaration : 'That it is contrary
to liberty of conscience that there should exist the legal necessity for the introduction of any supernatural dogma in the sacred formula which binds tbe honour of the public man in the most solemn fashion to preserve the order existing in his country . ' " [ VVe publish this letter somewhat unwillingly . Mr . Bradlaugh having returned his "Certificate" to the late
Grand Secretary , has nothing to do with Masonry , and cannot be recognized as a brother in Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry , and , therefore , we think that neither his name nor discussions about bis proceedings should appear in a Masonic journal . VVe are not surprised at anything the Belgian Freemasons may do , or say . In English Freemasonry any such addresses would be instantly prohibited , and arc "ipso facto " illegal . —En . /•' . M . J
MASONIC UNIFORMS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have been in hopes of seeing in your last our Bro . Thomas Fenn ' s answer to Masonic Student ' s query in yours of 17 th ult ., as to above . 1 hope soon to see his
answer , as the query is an interesting one . The first Volunteer Lodge of Ireland ( G 20 ) , was formed out of the regiment on thirteenth ( 13 th ) of Sejitember , 17 S 3 , and for nearly sixty-one years the members of the lodge wore the regimental uniform , and at present use a substituted one .
On the 23 th of September , 17 S 3 ( being twelve days after the lodge was founded ) , the Junior Warden proposed , " That in future any brother belonging to this lodge who shall on any future night appear in lodge out of uniform ( cither full or undress ) be fined one British shilling , " which , being seconded , the same passed unanimously .
On the 15 th April , 17 S 4 , it appears " Bros . Andrews and Collins fined 1 / 1 each for not appearing in uniform . " Not only bad the brethren lo appear in lodge in uniform , but to attend Grand Lodge and Masonic plays in it also . This regimental uniform was worn until 10 th January , 1 S . 14 , being a period of nearly sixty-one years . On that
day it was resolved , "The dress to be black trowsers and coat , satin faced , and velvet collar , and white vest . " The minutes of 10 th January , 1 S 44 , do not specify what colour the satin facings of the coat is to be ; but the father of thc lodge ( the V . W . Grand Chaplain Macsorby , who was a member of tbe lodge then , and is still ) states that it
was specially arranged at that meeting that the facings were to be the same as the colour of the uniform , and these facings will be worn at tbe centennial of the lodge on 13 th September , 1 SS 3 . The old first volunteer tunic , worn by the grandfather of our worthy Bro . Galloway , P . M . 25 , is now in possession
of the lodge . Can any brother state any other lodges ( save that referred to by "Masonic Student , " and the first Volunteer Lodge of Ireland ) who have worn a regimental or Masonic uniform ? Of course 1 do not mean lodges wearing
simply the blue facings , of which there arc several here as elsewhere . Yours fraternally , JAMES II . NEILSON , P . M . First Volunteer Lodge in Ireland . 32 , Lccson-strcet Lower , Dublin , 27 th September .
MASONIC IMPOSTORS—A WARNING . To thc Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Kindly give me space to warn my fellow-Craftsmen against tbe fraudulent representations of , I regret to say , one of our Order , whose present practices are . such as to
binder that flow of benevolence which is enjoined on us , at our initiation , to be observed towards those " who claim our assistance . " About a fortnight since I " listened with attention to the complaints" of an applicant who introduced himself as Bro . Charles II . Couch , of Lodge St , Aubyn , 954 , Morice
Town , Dcvonport , a locality with which 1 am closely identified , and where many good friends of mine still reside . Several of these he mentioned in such terms of close connection with them that I could not a moment entertain a doubt of the particulars he gave of bis " temporary necessities . " His story was—that being provided , through the
beneficence of Bro . Metham , the D . P . G . M . of the Province of Devon , whom I personally know , with a free passage to his native town , be required the means of subsistence during his voyage , and to be freed from obligations which might interfere with bis departure . He protested bis ability to repay any advance as soon as be was again " at home . "
lie obtained what he sought for . Not hearing from him , as promised , I wrote to Bro . Vincent Bird , the Treasurer of the Devon Masonic Educational Fund , for information , and this is part of tbe reply I have received : "I am sorry ! to say . Charles Couch was initiated in 954 many years ago , but he has not contributed
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ad00602
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . ST . JOHN'S HILL , BATTERSEA RISE , S . W . PATROXS : — HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OK WALES , K . G ., etc ., M . W . G . M ., PRESIDENT . HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF WALES . A OUARTERLY GENERAL COURT of the GOVERNOR ' S and SUBSCRIBERS of this INSTITUTION will beheld in the HALL of the FREEMASONS' TAVERN , Great Oueen Street , Lincoln's Inn Fields , London , on SATURTJAY , October Sth , 1 SS 1 , at Twelve o'clock precisely , on tbe general business of the Institution , to consider notices of motion as follow , and to elect 15 girls into the Schools by ballot from a list of 24 approved candidates . The Election will commence at One o ' clock ( or after the usual business is over ) , and close at Three o'clock precisely NOTICES OF MOTION . By Bro . JOSHUA NU . V . V , V . Pres . .-"That in the opinion of the House Committee it is desirable to erect a Swimming Bath for the use of tbe Girls , and that application be made to the Quarterly Court to sanction the expenditure of a sum not exceeding ^ 2000 , for tbe above purpose . " By Bro . FRANK RICHARDSON , V . Pat . : "That tbe rank of Hon . Vice-Patron be conferred upon Bro . Charles Hammerton , in recognition of his valuable services to the Institution . " By Bro . ARTHU ' E . GLADWEI . I . : Additional paragraph to Law XVI . "The Secretary for the time being of a Masonic Charitable Association ( such as those usually associated with Lodges of Instruction ) which has paid to the Institution a sum of not less than One Hundred * Guineas , shall , upon proof thereof , be entitled lo tbe honorary rank of a Life Governor , and . to all the privileges of the same , and , further , tbe Secretary of an Association which has paid to the Institution during his Secretaryship a sum of not less than Two Hundred Guineas , shall , upon proof thereof , on his retiring from such ollice , or on the Assoociation ceasing to exist , be entitled to all the privileges of a Life Governor in his own right . " F . R . \ V . HEDGES , Secretary . Offices—5 , Freemasons' Hall , Great Oucen Street , W . C .
Ad00603
TO THE GOVERNORS AND SUBSCRIBERS OK THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . The favour of your Votes and Interest is earnestly solicited on behalf of MARY LOUISA SHF . RINGTON , AGED SEVEN YEARS . Daughter of the late ROP . KUT SIIKRIXGTON , Member of tbe Alexandra Lodge , 1541 , who was well-known in the City as Advertising Manager of the City Press . lie died in September last , at the age of 44 , after a lingering illness . This , with the maintenance of a large family ( seven of whom survive ) , prevented him making any provision for bis widow and children . His Life Insurance was lost through the failure of the Office . Proxies received with thanks by the Widow , 5 , Stuart Terrace , New Southgate .
Ad00604
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS . « . OCTOBER ELECTION , 1 SS 1 . The favour of your Votes and Interest is most earnestly solicited on behalf of CLEOPHAS CKOFTON liliNJAMlNJONKS . His father was initiated in the 1 Icrlford Lodge , No . 403 , 1 SO 6 , and exalted into Royal Arch Masonry in the Mount Zion Chapter , No . 22 , ih'fio , and continued a member of both until his death , which occurred shortly afler bis marriage—tbe mother died in giving birth to tbe candidate . The child is left to the care of relations , who from a succession of misfortunes , are now totally unable to give tbe boy proper education and training . Please note the following facts : — Marriage of Parents , oth August , 1 S 71 . Death of Father , 2 , Stli August , 1 S 71 . Birth of Candidate > ' , ,, <_ ,, Death of Mother 5 ' a ' >' ' ' 7 - The case is strongly recommended by R . W . Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P . G . M . Herts . „ „ Lord Tenteiden , P . G . M . Essex . „ „ F . 11 . Wilson lies , M . D ., D . P . G . M . Herts , Watford . * W „ Stephen Austin , P . M . 4 ° o , P . P . G . Supt . Works , Hertford , „ T . S . Carter , P . M . 403-13 S 5 , P . P . G . J . W ., P . G . II ., Herts , Hertford . * ,, ,, J . K . Cock-., P . M . 40-,-i . i S . i , Tre . is . 403 , P . P . G . J . W ., Herts , Hertford . ¦* Will thankfully receive Proxies .
Ad00605
BOOKS , & c , RECEIVED . "The Broad Arrow . " "The Freemason" ( Sydney ) , "The Australian Freemason , " "The Hull Packet , " "The Jewish Chronicle , " "The Memorbook of Nuremberg , " " Freemaurer-Zi-itung , " "The Sunday Times , " " The Hebrew Leader , " " The Citizen , " " Brighton and Sussex Daily Post , " "El Taller , ' '" St . John Globe , " "La Tolerance , " " i he Mason c Advoi ate , " "The Freemason" New Zealand , "Young England , " "New York Sunday News , " "The North China Herald , " "New York Dispatch , " " Der Long klaemlei , " "Gleanings r . -. jin Popular Authors , " " Ca-sell ' s Illustrated Universal Iliatoiy , " " Allen ' :. , Indian Mail . "
Ar00606
THE FREEMASON . SATURDAY , OCTOIJER I , 1 SS 1 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]
REFERENCES TO FREEMASONRY . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I agree with "Masonic Student" that all references to Freemasonry should be carefully searched and studied . So I give you two to-day , or rather three :
In tbe additional MSS . British Museum , 5 S 76 , p . 177 , we find an entry thus : "See the Freemasons' Calendar , or an Almanac , for the year 1775 . " " L S , 1775—P . M ., " whatever these letters , & c , may mean . Perhaps some one who has the 1775 Calendar will verify any thus alleged reference to Freemasons ; and then tbe writer goes on to say : "
Voltaire in bis 'Addition a L'Histoire Generale , ' speaking of the arts and sciences of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries , makes these remarks among others : ' Point de ville qui neut des confrairies d ' artisans , des bourgeois , des femmes . Les plus cxtravajjantes ceremonies y etoient crigces en mysteres sacres . Et cost de la que vient la
society des Francmacons echapee au temps , qui a detruit routes les autres . '" "There was not a town which had not its confraternity of artizans , of citizens , and of women . The most extravagant ceremonies were there elevated into sacred mysteries ; and it is hence that the Society of Freemasons comes , having escaped thc effects
of Time , which has destroyed all the others . Voltaire has given this very flowing description of a state of things of which I am not aware there is any other proof . That there were confraternities like the "Enfans -de Salomon" and the " Compagnonage" is true , but I think
such a description is too highly-coloured , and tbe origin of Freemasonry is , I think , too , of much earlier date . "Some account of them , " tbe MS . goes on to say , " is in ' Grose ' s Antiquities of England and Wales , ' preface , p . OS . " Can any student throw light upon these passages ? ANTTOUARIUS .
ADMISSION TO PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As many complaints have been made of late by the young brethren that any one might gain admission to our Provincial Grand Lodge meetings and annual festivals
without his being a subscribing member to any lodge , or even a non-Mason , and , from my own observations at the last Provincial Grand Lodge meeting of West Lancashire , held at Chorley , 1 think there is some truth in the statement , it is quite time some more careful attention was given to this subject , if Freemasonry is to flourish . Surely at
such times as these none but subscribing members have a right to be admitted . During their secession from thc Craft all Masonic privileges should be withheld . It seems to be a growing evil , that after a brother has been once admitted into Freemasonry , and got bis certificate , be need not subscribe further , and thinks " Once a Mason always a Mason , " having equal rights with others of the Craft .
If due observance of thc Book of Constitutions by the Master and Wardens of the different lodges was given both at Provincial Grand Lodge and private lodges—for the Master is responsible fur those who seek admittance under his lodge—this circumstance could not take place . Yours faithfully and fraternally , 20 th Sept . II . G .
THE GRAND LODGE LIBRARY . 7 " the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Perhaps you will allow me to state , through the medium of your paper , that the following numbers of the
" Freemason's Magazine" are required , in order to render the Grand Lodge series complete : — 1 SO 5—all . 1 SCO—340 , 342 . . 1 S 70—jOS , and all after 573 . 1 S 71—Goi , and all after G 44 . Yours fraternally , R . F . GOULD .
THE BELGIAN FREEMASONS AND MR . BRADLAUGH . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I beg to enclose you a cutting from the National Reformer of tbe iSth ult ., in which it states that a Masonic
lodge , named " Les Amis de la Parfaite Intelligence , of Huy , Belgium , " has sent through their Secretary , and signed by him on behalf of the said lodge , an address of sympathy and confidence to Mr . Bradlaugh , who is an avowed Atheist , in his Parliamentary struggle . Knowing that tbe Order , in the very first instance , is
based upon tbe full acknowledgment of the existence of a Supreme Being , and also that politics are entirely excluded ( or , at least , I was taught so at my initiation ) , I write to ask you to express an opinion through your valuable journal whether this is not utterly at variance with the universal laws and principles . of ancient Freemasonry , and , further ,
Original Correspondence.
whether it would likely to be allowed to emanate from any lodge in Great Britain without some steps or notice bein < r taken by the Grand Lodge ? I enclose my card , trusting you will excuse trouble , and beg to subscribe myself , yours faithfully and fraternally ,
A MASTER MASON . " The Masonic lodge , Les Amis de la Parfaite Intelligence , of Huy , Belgium , sends to Mr . Bradlaugh an address , signed by its Secretary , of sympathy with , and confidence in , him in thc present Parliamentary struggle , and concludes with the declaration : 'That it is contrary
to liberty of conscience that there should exist the legal necessity for the introduction of any supernatural dogma in the sacred formula which binds tbe honour of the public man in the most solemn fashion to preserve the order existing in his country . ' " [ VVe publish this letter somewhat unwillingly . Mr . Bradlaugh having returned his "Certificate" to the late
Grand Secretary , has nothing to do with Masonry , and cannot be recognized as a brother in Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry , and , therefore , we think that neither his name nor discussions about bis proceedings should appear in a Masonic journal . VVe are not surprised at anything the Belgian Freemasons may do , or say . In English Freemasonry any such addresses would be instantly prohibited , and arc "ipso facto " illegal . —En . /•' . M . J
MASONIC UNIFORMS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have been in hopes of seeing in your last our Bro . Thomas Fenn ' s answer to Masonic Student ' s query in yours of 17 th ult ., as to above . 1 hope soon to see his
answer , as the query is an interesting one . The first Volunteer Lodge of Ireland ( G 20 ) , was formed out of the regiment on thirteenth ( 13 th ) of Sejitember , 17 S 3 , and for nearly sixty-one years the members of the lodge wore the regimental uniform , and at present use a substituted one .
On the 23 th of September , 17 S 3 ( being twelve days after the lodge was founded ) , the Junior Warden proposed , " That in future any brother belonging to this lodge who shall on any future night appear in lodge out of uniform ( cither full or undress ) be fined one British shilling , " which , being seconded , the same passed unanimously .
On the 15 th April , 17 S 4 , it appears " Bros . Andrews and Collins fined 1 / 1 each for not appearing in uniform . " Not only bad the brethren lo appear in lodge in uniform , but to attend Grand Lodge and Masonic plays in it also . This regimental uniform was worn until 10 th January , 1 S . 14 , being a period of nearly sixty-one years . On that
day it was resolved , "The dress to be black trowsers and coat , satin faced , and velvet collar , and white vest . " The minutes of 10 th January , 1 S 44 , do not specify what colour the satin facings of the coat is to be ; but the father of thc lodge ( the V . W . Grand Chaplain Macsorby , who was a member of tbe lodge then , and is still ) states that it
was specially arranged at that meeting that the facings were to be the same as the colour of the uniform , and these facings will be worn at tbe centennial of the lodge on 13 th September , 1 SS 3 . The old first volunteer tunic , worn by the grandfather of our worthy Bro . Galloway , P . M . 25 , is now in possession
of the lodge . Can any brother state any other lodges ( save that referred to by "Masonic Student , " and the first Volunteer Lodge of Ireland ) who have worn a regimental or Masonic uniform ? Of course 1 do not mean lodges wearing
simply the blue facings , of which there arc several here as elsewhere . Yours fraternally , JAMES II . NEILSON , P . M . First Volunteer Lodge in Ireland . 32 , Lccson-strcet Lower , Dublin , 27 th September .
MASONIC IMPOSTORS—A WARNING . To thc Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Kindly give me space to warn my fellow-Craftsmen against tbe fraudulent representations of , I regret to say , one of our Order , whose present practices are . such as to
binder that flow of benevolence which is enjoined on us , at our initiation , to be observed towards those " who claim our assistance . " About a fortnight since I " listened with attention to the complaints" of an applicant who introduced himself as Bro . Charles II . Couch , of Lodge St , Aubyn , 954 , Morice
Town , Dcvonport , a locality with which 1 am closely identified , and where many good friends of mine still reside . Several of these he mentioned in such terms of close connection with them that I could not a moment entertain a doubt of the particulars he gave of bis " temporary necessities . " His story was—that being provided , through the
beneficence of Bro . Metham , the D . P . G . M . of the Province of Devon , whom I personally know , with a free passage to his native town , be required the means of subsistence during his voyage , and to be freed from obligations which might interfere with bis departure . He protested bis ability to repay any advance as soon as be was again " at home . "
lie obtained what he sought for . Not hearing from him , as promised , I wrote to Bro . Vincent Bird , the Treasurer of the Devon Masonic Educational Fund , for information , and this is part of tbe reply I have received : "I am sorry ! to say . Charles Couch was initiated in 954 many years ago , but he has not contributed