Confirmation Of Benevolent Grants In Grand Lodge.

CONFIRMATION OF BENEVOLENT GRANTS IN GRAND LODGE .

To the Editor ofthe FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Your correspondent " ROUTINE " has evidently adopted tbe course he disapproves of in others , in a letter of his , published in your last issue . That letter is certainly a " feeler , " and I should think was written by him " with the view of

ascertaining if sufficient sympathisers , " to use his own words , are to be found to allow of fche subject being discussed . I will not , however , question fche policy of his procedure . I sympathise with his views , and think that an amendment might advantageously be carried into effect . If the Board of Benevolence recommend a grant which , in the

opinion of any brother is too liberal , I think the proper course would be for tbe objector to put himself in communication with the President of the Board , detailing such special facts as he may know of in connection with the case , and leaving it for the President to decide whether the new information — if anything new be sup .

plied—be of sufficient importance fco affect the decision already arrived at . His verdict , except under the most extreme conditions , should be accepted as final , as the President of the Board might be relied upon to give an equitable decision on the case . This course would prevent even a hint in Grand Lodge of any lack of unanimity

in voting the money , which must always be more cheerfully received if cheerfully given , and I maintain thafc whatever we are able to do in the way of lessening distress should be done in such a

manner as to give tbe fallesfc amount of relief—both to mind and body . With this object alone in view , and not with any desire to diminish the rights of brethren in Grand Lodge , I think the proposal of "ROUTINE" worthy of consideration . Yours , & o . P . G . B .

Installation Meetings, &C.

INSTALLATION MEETINGS , & c .

— : o : — TRANQUILITY LODGE , No . 185 .

AN emergency meeting of this old and prosperous Lodge was held on Monday last , afc the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , when there was a numerous attendance , nnder the presidency of the W . M ., Bro . S . Boas . There were also present Brothers H . Tipper J . W ., J . M . Levy S . D ., W . D . Bayley P . M . Treasurer , A . I . Myers Secretary , W . Thompson Steward ; P . M . ' s S . Barnett ,

John Constable , N . Gluckstein , A . E . Staley , J . D . Barnett , E . Gottheil , and R . Bloomfield , B . F . Potter Tyler , and many other brethren . Amongst the visitors were Bros . G . C . Rivers 452 P . S . W . ( Himalayan Brotherhood ) , B . Groner P . M . 1613 , D . Hills D . C . 754 , A . Eskell 71 , G . P . Hawkes 101 , E . Hamilton 53 , and W . M-rbon

1693 . Lodge having been opened in accordance with ancient , rites to the second degree Bro . H . Mayer was passed . Resuming in the iir .-fc , the ballot was opened for Mr . Saul Nafchau , who had been proposed by Bro . A . Rosenfeld , ancl seconded by Bro . M . Frischer ; and fche voting being unanimous in favour , Mr . Nathan was duly initiated .

The working was excellent throughout , aud reflected fche utmost credit upon the Worshipful Master and his Officers . Some other business was transacted , and at its close tho brethren and visitors adjourned for supper , which was served in admirable manner under the superintendence of Bro . Marchant , who also officiated as

toastmaster . The usual prefatory toasts having been disposed of , the Worshipful Master proposed the health of the Initiate , who had come to them recommended b y brethren who had done a great deal of good for fche Tranquillity Lodge , to which they had brought several initiates . He trusted there

might be many more opportunities for him to submit ; this toast , as without initiates the Lodge could nofc flourish . Bro . S . Nathan , in responding , thanked the brethren most sincerely for the cordiality with which he bad been received , and expressed the hope that he might always experience the same happiness in assembling with them

as he had done on thafc occasion . The W . M . then gave tbe Visitors , remarking that it was always a great pleasure to the members of the Tranquillity Lodge to extend to visiting brethren the hand of fellowship and to greet them with a cordial welcome . The toast was suitably acknowledged by Bros . W . Morton and Groner P . M . 1613 , who

in the course of his reply said this was his mother Lodge , and coming back to it , and seeing around him so many familiar faces , was like going back to happy days . He could nofc say anything as to tbe working thafc evening , as he was unable to be present , but he had a vivid recollection of his initiation , and remembered ifc as one of the

happiest days of his life . However , the reputation of the Tranquillity Lodge had spread far and wide , and brethren who had visited it were always delighted with the bounteous hospitality which was shown them . Tbo W . M . rose and said , after three years' absence they had a brother amongst thorn who wad deserving of all honour afc

tho hands of tbe membera of the Tranquillity Lodge . He referred to Bro . John Constable P . M ., who had returned to England on a short visit from the Cape . Ifc was quite unnecessary for him fco dilate upon tho many excellent qualities displayed by ! 5 ro . Constable in the various offices ho had filled in this Lodgo , and especially as its

Treasurer , and Trustee for tho Lodgo and Benevolent Funds . These services so well rendered wero full y known to , and appreciated by , the brethren ; aud had won for him the ostectn and regard of all . As a man , a Mason , and a friend , ho was held in the highest

estimation . They wished him a safe journey when he returned to his present sphere and duties abroad , bnt hoped afc no very distant date again to receive him into their midst . This was the signal for a perfect ovation to Bro . Constable , who in acknowledgment expressed the gratification it afforded him to meet once more with tbe

Installation Meetings, &C.

brethren of the good old Tranquillity Lodge . Were ifc not for the sincerity which always characterised tbe remarks of the Worshipful Master he shonld be disposed to regard thpm as mere platitudes . It was a source of peculiar pleasure to greet the members after so long an absence from this country . Ho regretted the

non-attendance of many old friends who had been prevented through unforeseen circumstances . He trnsted afc their next meeting tho Worshipfnl Master would convey to them his regret afc their absence , and his hope that he might have tho pleasure of meeting them on the occasion of his next visit to England . It had been to

his interest to travel 6 , 000 miles from his native land , and ho was pleased fco say he had been moro successful thero than diving his residence in this country . He hoped he might be even more successful in the future than he had been in the past . The laws of the Craffc prohibited him from entering upon anv dissertation on South

African policy , and he would simply close by again thanking them for tho warmth of their reception , coupled with the hope that afc no distant date he might have the pleasure of again responding to the toast that had been so kindly propospd to them that evening . One or two other complimentary toasts were proposed , and a very pleasant reunion was enlivened wifch some excellent singing .

Capper Lodge, No. 1076.

CAPPER LODGE , No . 1076 .

THE brethren of this sound and substantial Lodge re-assembled , after the summer recess , on Thursday , last week , afc the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , City , when there was a goodlv attendance , under th * proficiency of the Worshipfnl Master , Bro . W . Nevins , who was supported by Bros . VV . Harris S . W ., W . Watkins J . W ., J . Dorton P . M . Treasurer , J . 0 . Pitt Secretary , W . Temple J . D ., S .

Still I . G ., A . B . Tnberville D . C , J . H . Sherwin Organist ; P . M . ' s J . Mitchell , F . B . Brien , T . Vincent , P . McCarthy , and others . Amongst the visitors were Bros . V . Orchard 79 , and Palmer 25 . Lodge having been opened in form and the enstomarv formalities observed , the ballot was taken for Mr . J . Sully , whalebone manufacturer , of

22 St . Jnde-street , Befchnal-green-road , who had been proposed by Bro . P . Aarons and seconded by Bro . Mears S . D . The voting was unanimousl y in favour , and Mr . Sully wa ^ duly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of the Order by the W . M ., who discharged tho dnties most satisfactorily . Brother Ward was thpn raised to

the sublime degree , the ceremony being ra'Tt ° d oufc i n a perfect way , affording tho utmost pleasure to all present . Afc the r ^ uelusion of the bnsiness the brethren sab down fco a sump t uous banquet , which was admirably served under the personal superintend , ence of Bro . Marchant , and the repast was followed bv fche cusfc <> ma y

Loyal and Masomc toast " . The health of the W . M . was received with special enthusiasm , and abundant testimony was borne to fche valuable services Bro . Nevins has rendered to tbo Lodge during his term of office . The W . M ., in responding for th > kindly rnnnntT in which the toast had been receiver ! assured tho brethren nf the r 1 ¦ p

interest he felt in the wrdfirn nf the Capper Lnd n a"d ' i- -V * for its continued prosperity . B'" Brfen , in 'cspnndi ' n < fr ..- f , »¦ P ; . st Masters , congratulated the brt-thro" upon their meeting for the list time this session , and upon the good fellnwsh ' p wh ' ch h »* trusted would be maintained in the future as ifc had been in the past . Bros .

McCarthy , Mitchell , Vinr-ent , and Dorton also responded in si . itab ' n terms . The health o '* the Initiato was well received , a » d Brn . Sdly replied in a few happily chosen remarks . He thanked his proposer and seconder for their kindness in nominating him as a member of the Craffc , and hoped he should prove a credit fco ifc . Tbe Vinnors

were next cordially welcomed b y the W . M ., who said the br 'thron of the Capper Lodge wero always glad and proud of the presence of visitors from other Lodges . The health of the Officers of the Lodge followed , tbe W . M . expressing his pleasure and satisfaction at being surrounded bv snch an efficient bodv of co-workers . Their Senior

Deacon , Bro . Mears , was laid on a bed of sickness and nnable to attend this evening , but they all hoped the G . A . O . T . U . would speedily restore him to health and enable him to resume his Masonic and other duties . The toast was suitably replied to by the Officers

present , all of whom spoke in terms of the highest pra'se of fche brethren who had passed the chair , and whose example they should endeavour to emulate . The proceedings were agreeably enlivened by some excellent singing .

Sphinx Lodge, No. 1329.

SPHINX LODGE , No . 1329 .

A REGULAR meeting of tb « above Lodge waa held on Safcurdav , 19 fch inst ., nt the Masonic Hall , C-imbnrweH N"w-road . The Officers present were Bros . J . J . B-inton W . M ., G . W Marsdnn rl . 'V .. ? .. J . Voisey J . W ., J . 0 . R-vn . Ids sen . Treasurer , Chas . Wi .-. Secretary , D . B . Merer I . i * ., F . W . M . Smith Org-i-d ^ t , and 0 a-Gooding Steward ; P . M . ' .- < B . 11 . Bryant and A . Middlomass ; Bros .

J . 0 . Bradley , R . Elgar , C . F . Cockle , J . Arlidge , E . J . Jon-s . \ l . Irvine , aud T . E . Heller , and fcho following Visitors : Br- 'S . James Glauville W . M . 217 , M . Whyatfc S . W . 5 , and F . Williams 1 . 01 . The Lodge having been opened , the minutes of fh ¦ preceding rneeoiug were read and confirmed . Tho brethren then proceeded to

elect the W . M . for the ensuing year , when ib was announced thab the unanimous choice of fcho Lodgo had fallen on their esteemed S . W . Bro . Marsden , who was congratulated b y tho W . il . Bro . J . C . Reynolds \\ T . 9 for the sixteenth timo re-elected Treasurer , aud Bro . Harrison was re-elected Tyler . After an Audit Committee had boyn

appointed tho next business was to consider a notice of motion having reference to Byo Law 18 . For somo timo paat this has baen more or less a " burning question , " inasmuch as ifc somewhat created a distinction between fche Past Masters of fche Lodgo aud tha P .-ist ,

Musters in tho Lodge . For instance , tho former were to be simrnoned to attcud the Audit Committee , while the latter we e not . This question was fully threshed out on this occasion ; the remls being that the bye Law remains in force , whereby the Pasfc