A Scheme Utopian.

of Prayer " would be . The idea is , to our way of thinking , altogether too Utopian to be seriously entertained ; and it wonld be just as well if the proposer wonld leave to the other Jubilee-mongers the perpetuation of their various

projects rather than persevere in a will o' the wisp such as the p lanting of a sanctum for cosmopolitan devotion on the site of Solomon ' s Temple . It would be a pathetic qnectacle to see the members of Grand Lodge , after the

consecrated stone had " gone the round " of the principal cities in this and other countries , embarking , like Pilgrim Fathers , with the treasure on board , and accompanied by a host of privileged followers , Present and Past Grands , to of

assist a ^ the dedication this King Solomon ' s Temple number two . While , however , the matter is s «& judice it is perhaps unfair to Criticise in detail the wonderful

scheme which Bro . Meiter will endeavour to launch at the next meeting of Grand Lodge , but if it is received with more than a whimsical shrug of the shoulders—even by

ardent loyalists in support of Jubilee celebrations—we shall indeed be surprised .

The Benevolent Institution Festival.

THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION FESTIVAL .

[ pHE Anniversary Festival of this Institntion was celebrated on -L Tnesday , at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , London , under the presidency of Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight . The result , as we say elsewhere , was of the most gratifying

character , while in point of numbers the Festival was more numerously attended than any of its predecessor ? , the Large Hall of the Tavern proving too small to accommodate the many brethren who were present , an " overflow " meeting being thus rendered necessary , for the first time , we believe , in the history of the Masonic Charity

Festivals . The banquet , considering the exceptionally large number who had to be provided for , was very well served , Messrs . Spiers and Pond fully maintaining their own reputation , as well as that of Freemasons' Tavern , in their provision for this part of the evening's programme . At the conclusion of the banquet , and after grace had

been sung , the Chairman proceeded with the customary toasts . In proposing that of the Queen he said , ( he feeling which promoted loyalty in the breasts of Englishmen arose from the firm belief that under a Constitutional monarchy we enjoyed greater liberty than nnder any other Constitution on earth , while

the feeling was intensified by the attachment Englishmen felt towards their Queen . During her long reign she had so discharged her high duties as to win tbe respect and esteem of her people . The toast of the Prince of Wales , the Princess of Wales , and the other members of the Royal Family waa next given . The Prince of Wales ,

said Bro . Beach , has proved himself ready to promote every useful institution that conld conduce to the welfare of the people , and support every charity of the country so far as lay in his power . In these days , when in some countries Freemasons were found to be connected with certain nefarious projects , English Freemasons

might well congratulate themselves that the Prince of Wales had placed himself at their head . The way in which Freemasonry had increased during the period he had presided over them was the best testimony they conld have of the power of his influence . His eldest son , who it was well

known had also been received into Freemasonry , had since undertaken oSce in a Private Lodge , in order to qualify himself for further advancement in the Craft . The Duke of Connaught had also taken considerable interest in the Craft , while it was only necessary to mention fche name of the Princess of Wales fco ensure

a hearty reception to the toast . The toast of the Pro Grand Master followed . It was impossible for the Prince of Wales to be present on every occasion his presence was desired , and it was

therefore necessary he should , have some able coadjutor to occasionally take his place . The Earl of Carnarvon well filled the vacancy , and faithfully discharged any duties required of him . He ( Bro . Beach ) had watched Lord Carnarvon's career with a considerable amount of

interest , becanse he had been instrumental in introducing that brother into the Masonic Order . He was pleased to see ho had acted up to his earliest lessons in Freemasonry . The Deputy Grand Master and the Present and Past Grand Officers were next toasted , Bro . Horace Brooks Marshall Past G . Treasurer responding . The

Chairman now gave " Snccess to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; giving a brief outline of the work it had accomplished in the past , its present bounty and its annual requirements . He then made a forcible appeal for exertions on its behalf in view of the exceptionally large number of applicants , and concluded by commending the

Institntion to the thought , zeal , and liberality of his audience . Bro . Rev . 0 . J . Martyn , one of the Trustees , acknowledged the toast in brief terms , feeling the brethren were anxious to hear the announcement which would follow , from the Secretary , of the various sums contributed . He felt he must , however , express the thanks of

those connected with the Institution to the brother who had that day occupied the chair—who was really his Masonic father , having initiated him ( Bro . Martyn ) , as well as Lord Carnarvon and many others . He also desired to thank tbe many who had contributed to the very handsome total which was about to be announced .

Bro . Terry then read a summary of the subscriptions , of which full details will be found elsewhere . Bro . T . W . Tew , Prov . Grand Master West Yorkshire , gave the toast of the Chairman , who , he believed , had been initiated into Freemasonry as far back as 1848 . Bro . Beach had twice before acted as Chairman on behalf of the Chanties , once

The Benevolent Institution Festival.

for the Girls' School , and once for the Boys ' . He had that day completed the trio , by presiding on behalf of the Benevolent Institution . The magnificent snm contributed by the Chairman's Province was evidence of the energy he had displayed , while the acknowledgments of them all wore due to him for having come forward and filled the

onerous duty of Chairman . Bro . Beach having acknowledged the compliment and expressed his indebtedness to the Stewards and others who had contributed to the success of the Festival , said he felt considerably flattered that such a very handsome list should have been collected nnder his presidency . The Baron de Ferrieres proposed the other

Masonic Charities , to whioh Bro . F . R . W . Hedges , the Secretary of the Girls' School , replied . Bro . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke then gavo the toast of the Stewards , which was acknowledged by Brother Berridge , Hon . Treasnrer to the Board . Bro . Dr . Strong , Hon . Surgeon to the Institution , gave the Ladies , and Bro . Capt . Geo .

Lambert having replied , tho proceedings were brought to a conclusion , the brethren repairing to the Temple , where an excellent concert was given under the direction of Bro . E . M . Lott , Pasfc Grand Organist , who was assisted by a nnmber of distinguished artistes .

Royal Arch.

ROYAL ARCH .

CARNARVON CHAPTER . No . 804 .

THE installation meeting of the above Chapter took place on Tuesday , the 15 th instant , at the Freemasons' Hall , Landporfc , nnder dispensation of the Provincial Grand Superintendent , the usual place of meeting , the Masonio Hall , Havant , being in the hands ofthe builder , for extensive alterations . There was a good attendance of members , and all the Officers were in their places . Two

candidates from the mother Lodge were elected , and the retiring Firsfc Principal Companion Dart , Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer , proceeded with the ceremony of installing the Principals elect , Comps . T . D . Askew as Z ., T . W . Price as J ., and J . Collings as H ., the ceremonies being performed in a very impressive manner . The

following Companions were then invested with the collars of their respective offices : —H . W . Smith Parsons S . E ., C . V . Buck S . N ., F . V . Paxton P . Soj ., E . Boorman First Assistant , A . Marsh 2 nd Assistant , J . W . Hillman P . Z . P . P . G . P . S . Treasurer , J . A . Elverston P . Z . P . P . G . Standard Bearer D . C , J . Prior Organist , 8 . E . Sprigings

Steward . Amongst the other members and Visitors present were Comps . E . E . Street P . Z . P . P . G . Standard Bearer , T . Francis P . Z . P . P . G . Assistant Sojourner , H . P . Emanuel , C . Courtien , C . Hopkins , W . Smith , E . S . Main P . Z . 342 P . P . G . S . N ., J . Westaway J . 342 , J . Lind P . Z . 1428 P . P . G . D . C , J . Jackson Tyler 1428 , and T . H .

Woodrow 1428 . A vote of thanks was tendered to Companion Dart ; three candidates were proposed ; the snm of ten guineas was voted from the Chapter funds to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ,

and the same placed on Comp . Dart s list . Chapter then closed . The Companions adjourned to an excellent repast , provided by the Clab Steward , when tbe nsnal toasts were given and responded to .

The form of installation of principals will be rehearsed on Tuesday , the 1 st March , at the Metropolitan Chapter of Improvement , held afc the " White Hart , " corner of Abchurch Lane and Cannon Street , London , E . G ., to

commence at half past five o'clock . This will not interfere with the usual exaltation ceremony at half past six o ' clock . As a rule business is completed by eight o ' clock each evening , with a view of enabling those residing out of London to catch an early train .

Bro . Joseph Cox , proprietor of the Hackney Express , and member of the Shoreditch Vestry and Board of Guardians , was presented , at the last meeting of the Saint Leonard Lodge , No . 1766 , with a handsome Secretary ' s jewel , in

acknowledgment of services rendered in thafc capacity since fche consecration of the Lodge in 1878 . Bro . Cox was initiated in the New Concord Lodge , No . 813 ( of which he

is still a member ) , in 1872 , and was one of the founders of the Saint Leonard Lodge on its formation at the Shoreditch Town Hall . He was appointed J . W . afc the installation meeting in December last .

We have been requested to state that the Finsbury Park Lodge of Instruction , No . 1288 , now meets at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , on Saturday evenings , at eight o ' clock , instead of Wednesday , as hitherto .

HoLiiOWAT ' s OINTMENT AND PIMS . —Counsel for the Delicate . —Those to whom the changeable temperature is a protracted period of trial should seek the earliest opportunity of removing all obstacles to good health . This cooling Ointment , perseveringly rubbed upon the skin , is the most reliable remedy for overcoming all diseases of the throat and chest . Quinsy , relaxed tonsils , and bronchitis

sore throat , swollen glands , ordinary catarrh , , usually prevailing at this season , may be arrested as soon as discovered , and every symptom banished by HoIIoway ' s simple and effective treatment . His Ointment and Pills are highly commended for the facility with which they successfully contend with mAuenxa ; they allay in an incredjbly short time the distressing fever and teasing cough .