Suburban Freemasonry.

SUBURBAN FREEMASONRY .

A CONTEMPOBAEY asks how it is that Freemasonry is , so to speak , a dead letter in many of tho outside districts of the metropolis ; dead so far , it explains , as local Lodges aro concerned ? In every suhurb of London , says the writer in the Evening News and Post , there are to be found members of the Craft who , away from home , take a lively and active interest in the doings of Freemasonry ,

but at home they appear to forget it , or at least make no outward show of its practice . Later on the writer hazards the opinion that questions of social distinction will account for the apparent apathy of the inhabitants of a district , and those who have experienced the danism which prevails in some of the outskirts of large towns will agree with the writer

that a possible explanation of the situation is found in this direction . While Freemasonry must he regarded as cosmopolitan , open to men of all ranks and stations in life , there are admittedly distinctions in

its ranks and among its Lodges , just as there aro outside of it , although perhaps not to the same degree ; for whereas in Freemasonry men of all grades in society can and do meet on one common level , no such general association is possible in thc ordinary

affairs of every-day life . In London and the great centres of industry Lodges spring up suitably for the various grades of society , and men of all classes can be introduced into the Craft amid surroundings which place them at their ease , and where they are sure of meeting men of their own station in life . In provincial towns the one Lodge of the place is usually supported by the local tradesmen , who find no difficulty in associating with each other , and are

perhaps joined by one or more of the local dignitaries , men whose position in the neighbourhood brings them into direct communication with the tradesmen in every-day life , and consequently there is no reason why they should not associate in their

pleasures . But m suburban districts the case is very different . Here we may have one of the merchant princes living in quiet retirement , and a few hundred yards further on we may find the struggling clerk or successful mechanic enjoying the beauties of nature and striving , sometimes with

considerable success , to make his humble abode vie in appearance with that of his wealthy neighbour . How is it possible for these two men to associate on one common level ? They may know each other very well , and may be the best of friends , but there are barriers of social distinction between them which it is impossible even for Freemasonrv to surmount .

and it might even be urged that , however much the two men might desire to associate with each other , their respective positions in society would render it almost impossible , by creating feelings which would render them uncomfortable , and make the one feel out of place with the other .

Suburban Freemasonry.

The writer to whom we have referred speaks of the admitted difficulty in the way of creating new Lodges , and urges that even when they are created the membership is often recruited from outside the

district in which they aro established , rather than from tho special locality itself . This is apparent when we take into consideration the way in which summer Lodges have grown into popularity during recent years . We find a Lodge created in some

pleasant outskirt , and prosper there under a local name , the whole of the members having their business in the neighbouring city , and residing perhaps at the other side of the town , journeying to and from tlieir

Lodge meetings en masse , and seldom , if ever , receiving an application for admission to their Lodge from a resident of the district or any one outside their particular circle . The question might be asked , how

is it that local Freemasons do not patronise these Lodges ? Is it that they cannot find a proposer , or is it not rather they do not care to take a prominent part in Freemasonry near home ? Certain it is that local Masons do not support them , and as a consequence local members of the Craft remain unknown to each other when , with a little more intimate association they might enjoy each other's company , and eventually create a greater interest in the Craft in the locality .

As a means of bringing local Craftsmen into touch with each other the establishment of Lodges of Instruction is suggested , it being pointed out that little or no difficulty need be experienced in securing the necessary permit for these assemblies , which , with very little care and attention , may be made very enjoyable and interesting for those who take part in

their weekly meetings . We cordially endorse this advice , and venture to predict that with one or two energetic Craftsmen at its head a Lodge of Instructios can easily be made of considerable service both in the way of extending a knowledge of Freemasonry and , perhaps more important still , as a means of bringing local Craftsmen into communication with each other .

Invasion Of Jurisdiction.

INVASION OF JURISDICTION .

ONE of the most essential and best among the many lessons to be drawn from the symbols of Masonry may be found in the teachings of the " trowel , " an instrnment to be nsed by Freemasons to spread the cement of brotherly lovo and affection ; that cement which , when

properly used , will unite all into one sacred band , or society of friends and brothers , among whom no contention should ever exist , save that noble contention , or rather emulation , of who can best work and best agree . This sentiment ,

" A band of brothers among whom no contention should ever exist , " has been so often reiterated , and so firmly impressed npon onr minds , that we have come to accept it as a truism , an undisputed fact . It is beautiful as a theory , and should be a fact un-