Craft Masonry.

and the brethren realised his work by placing him in the chair of the only Constitutional lodge in the Kingdom . He knew Bro . Robinson would discharge the duties of the lodge in a Constitutional way . The brethren were able that evening to judge how this would be by the master ') ' style in which he did his work . Everything was done well . The initiation ceremony was pronounced in a way that would be thought of by the initiate for

years to come , and never be forgotten . He liked to hear a brother with impressive utterance and manner , and he had listened with great pleasure both to the initiation ceremony and to the way in which the W . M . charged the officers . He was sure they would be good officers . He was a Constitutional brother and he was delighted with the Constitution of Masonry . All the brethren were Constitutional Masons although they were

not members of the Constitutional Lodge . Why did they like the Constitution of Masonry ? Because it was on the broadest basis that any institution could be put upon . All men were level in the lodge ; they met on the level and parted on the square ; there was no rank but that obtained by the brethren in the lodge ; it was most democratic because the Prince was the elected of the Craft . And there was one other elected by the Cralt , the Treasurer .

l'or these reasons they liked the Constitution of Masonry . There was no freer Institution ; it was broad in its constitution and extensive and cosmopolitan in its action ; it embraced all classes , all colours , all creeds , and all climes . Bro . Vogt , I . P . M ., proposed "The W . M . " Hesaiditwas 17 years that evening that Bro . Robinson and himself were initiated in the Constitutional Lodge . Bro . Robinson had endeared himself to all the members and they wished him

a successful yearof office , with health and strength . Bro . Nathan Robinson , W . M ., responding , said it would be the greatest amount of affectation to pretend for one moment that he was not extremely proud of the position that the members of the Constitute nal Lodge had conferred on him . They had all heard , at different times , either in Masonry or outside , a speaker declaring that that was the happiest moment of his life . Well , he had had

so many happy moments in his life that he was almost loth to say that that was the moment , but he could say with the greatest sincerity , that he was never happier . That man was not ( it to live who had not the appreciation of generous-minded men , and he believed he lived in the affections of a great number of people ; in fact , he had had to say on more than one occasion when his health had been drunk that it had been followed by the glorious old refrain ,

" For he s a jolly good fellow . " He had heard that so often that he believed it to be true . But , egotism on one side , he would sav he was proud , and very proud to occupy the chair that had been so ably filled by so many of his predecessors . It was a pleasing recollection to think that 17 years ago that night he and his twin brother were initiated in the good old Constitutional Lodge . He believed that they had three companions — five of

them were initiated on one occasion ; but he and Bro . Vogt were the only two wrecks left of that good old crew . He was very much obliged to Bro Vogt for the kind and generous manner in which he had proposed the toast . Bro . Vogt since they sat down to dinner had taken him into his confidence : he said he had not told him half what he thought about him . In reply , he ( Bro . Robinson ) said he would have that half on another

occasion . Nevertheless , he didthank Bro . Vogt , and he lhanked the brethren one and all for the very cordial manner in which they received the toast . Now , came the plea of all indifferent speakers—time . Time did not permit him to say more , but he could not sit down without informing the brethren that he had broken the record of all past attendances at the lodge . He did not know how many hundred years old the lodge was , but the present was the

largest attendance at the Constitutional Lodge . For the brethren having given him the opportunity of making that proud announcement he again heartily and sincerely thanked them . Bro . Nathan Robinson , W . M ., next proposed " The Initiates . " One of the initiates was bone of his bone , and flesh of his flesh , and if he made as good a Mason as he was a son , the lodge would not be ashamed of him . If he

talked to his son to-morrow , his son might say " Vou gave me a name last night , father . " He would say " No , I shall not call you father , but brother . " His son might call him " Brother Nat , " but , whether he did or not , he should forgive him ; he did not care . He had the greatest possible pleasure in proposing the initiates , and hoped what they had seen that nightof Masonry would lead them to respect and love it . He hoped they would make

good and honoured members of the Society , and in course of time fill the chair , if not with such rotundity as himself , with equal credit to themselves and the lodge . Bro . Robinson , on behalf of himself and Bro . Stewart , said this was a very peculiar occasion on which to speak , it being their lirst entry into Freemasonry ; therefore the brethren could not expect them to say much . Like his father he would say time was pressing ; he was not jokinir , he was not

a good speaker , and he asked the brethren not to expect him to say much . He trusted that he and Bro . Stewart would make themselves good Masons , a credit to the lodge and to the Order generally . Bro . Stewart also replied , and said the impressive ceremony he had gone through he should never forget . He hoped that in time he would be a useful member . Bro . Nathan Robinson , VV . M ., in proposing "The

Installing Master , " said the brethren of the lodge who had attended the meetings during the past year would realise the truth of what he was about to say , that the I . P . M . had done his work right royally and well , and as one ivho was initiated with him many years ago , he was heartily and sincerely proud of him . Bro . Vogt had told him once or twice since they had been under that hospitable roof that he was quite sensible of shortcomings . He ( Bro . Robinson )

had to say he had never seen the work done from the chair in a more hearty , constitutional , and brotherly manner than by Bro . Vogt , and all members of other lodges who had been present that night agreed that the installation ceremony was done splendidly . In some lodges he had seen the work done indifferently , and yet when the brethren got

round the festive board they said it was done well . That was not the case that night ; the work had been done well ; the I . P . M . had excelled himself . He had much pleasure in placing on his portly form , a handsome Past Master ' s jewel . Long might he live to have it adorn his breast . Bro . Vogt , I . P . M .. replying to the toast , which was very warmly received , said he also could use the words of the W . M ., that this was the proudest moment of his life .

Craft Masonry.

The jewel with which he had been decorated , was one every Mason felt proud of wearing and obtaining . When he looked back on the time when he was initiated with the VV . M ., he never thought at that time he would wear the jewel . The brethren had bern kind enough to say he had done his work as he ought to have done it . He was very thankful to them for their kind expressions . His year had

been one of great trial to him , the greatest any brother could have , but he thanked the brethren sincerely for the kind manner in which they had supported him , and he Imped as long as he lived in England he would be in the Constitutional Lodge , and do all he could for it . Bros . Eccleston Gibb , G . S . Elliott , George Fairchild , and Collard replied to the toast of " The Visitors . "

Bro . J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B ., responded to the toast of " The Charities , " the W . M . having announced that he was Steward for the Benevolent Institution and the Boys' School . Bros . Atkins , P . M ., Treas ., and Farthing , P . M ., Sec , acknowledged the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary . " Bros . Cooper and Webb replied for " The Past Masters , "

and the S . W . responded to the toast of " The Officers . " The Tyler's toast was then given , and the brethren separated . Notwithstanding the large number of brethren who attended , the excellent arrangements of Bros . Atkins , Treas ., and Farthing , Sec , on whom the burden of making them fell , caused a most delightful evening to be spent , and all the brethren expressed unqualified praise .

John Hervey Lodge ( No . 1260 ) . — The February meeting of this lodge was held on the 141 I 1 ult . at Freemasons ' , Hall , when a large number of members and visitors assembled . Among those present were Bros . Fred . Varley , VV . M . j E . G . Packman , S . W . j James Evans , ] . W . ; J . Brockett Sorrell , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Robertson " Reep , Sec ; Major J . Heaton , P . M ., D . C ; W . Henry ,

P . M ., Org . ; F . Dangerfield , P . M . ; G . T . Salmon , P . M . ; H . F . Frost , P . M . ; Charles Varley , Thomas Keftord , Cartlidge , French , Charlton , Hill , Foss , O'Connor , Shuter , W . Evans , G . S . Evans , Blackburne , Aitcheson , McCabe , Manger , Smith , Thornber , Johnson , Andrews , Cameron , Pearce , and J . R . Cox . Bro . Freeman officiated as Tyler . The visitors were Bros . James Terry , P . G . S . B .,

Sec . R . M . B . L ; J . J . Macfadyen , P . M . 1397 ; J Reaworthy , P . M . 172 S ; [ ohn Averv . P . M . 511 j Henry Bell , P . M . 12 S 7 ; Lewes Ferguson , W . M . 1997 ; J . A . Cruikshank , 174 ; J . C . Francis , 2374 ; G . Perrin , 12 SS ; H . Lomer , S 34 ; and others . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last regular meeting and those of a lodge of emergency , held

in January , were read and confirmed . The by-laws were also read , and the ballot taken for a re-joining brother , after which the raising of Bros . George and Walter Evans was performed by Bro . F . Varley , the W . M ., in a very able and impressive manner . Subsequently Bro . Blackburne was passed to the Second Degree by the same hands . The election of W . M . for the ensuing year unanimously

proved in favour of Bro . E . G . Packman , the S . W . ; that of Treasurer in favour of Bro . J . Brockett Sorrell , P . M . ; and Bro . Freeman again was elected to the time-honoured post of Tyler . The Treasurer , in eulogistic terms , moved the presentation of the usual Past Master ' s jewel to the W . M ., remarking on the zeal he had shown for the Craft and for the lodge during his year of ofiice . The comfort of

the brethren had been the subject of his close care , and his crowning act while in the chair was his undertaking a Stewardship to represent the lodge at the next Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . He moved that the jewel should be suitably inscribed to commemorate the Worshipful Master ' s services in the lodge , and the attention displayed to the wants and wishes of the brethren in all things . liro . Major Heaton , P . M ., seconded the

proposition , stating he could verify the proposer ' s statements in every particular . The S . W . then put the motion , which was received with approbation , and carried unanimously . After some further business had been disposed of , the lodge was closed , and the brethren and their visitors adjourned to a very excellent banquet at Freemasons ' Tavern , 42 of those present in lodge remaining for refreshment .

After grace had been sung , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and then the W . M . gave "Prosperity to the Masonic Charities . " In a brief , but comprehensive , speech , he reminded those present of the duties of Freemasons in the cause of Charity , and pointed out the assistance affoided by the Benevolent Institution , and that that year he intended going up as Steward for that Institution .

1 he toast was drunk with enthusiasm , and it may here be noted that the W . M . ' s list during the evening was swelled by subscriptions amounting to about 50 guineas . Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec R . M . B . L , in responding , congratulated the lodge on its present prosperity , and thanked the brethren for the 111 inner in whicli they had received the toast . In his usual able manner he impressed

upon all the benefits and requirements of the Charities ; and his efforts , as stated , met with a fair recompense by way of kindly appreciation in the shape of subscriptions . Bro . Packman , in responding to the toast of " The Worshipful Master Elect , " expressed his desire to tread in the footsteps of his predecessor , and to carry out his duties in the same able manner , reminding the brethren that the

musical arrangements had been provided solely at the expense of Bro . Varley throughout his year in the chair . In proposing the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " the Worshipful Master said he congratulated the brethren on having two eminent Masons in Bro . J . B . Sorrell , P . M . 17 G , for the former office , and Bro . J . R . Reep , W . M . 1184 , for the latter . They had been most

regular in their attendance at every meeting , and were always doing all in their power for the welfare of the lodge , and it would be difficult to equal those beloved and highly esteemed oliicers , who had done so much for the good of Freemasonry . The toast was heartily received and very ably responded to .

The 1 yler s toast closed the very enjoyable proceedings of the evening . The musical programme was the work of Bro . Haskins , P . G . O . Essex , assisted by Bro . Win . Henry , P . M ., Org ., and the artistes—Misses Hermione Hamilton and Alice Andrews , and Messrs . George Gibbs and A . B . Cole .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Chapitre La France ( No . 2060 ) . —A visit to Ihis chapter is always most interesting , as is a visit to the Loge La France . It is rather a novelty to hear our rituij s rendered in French , but in the chapter the novelty is increased , for here we see our own countrymen at work in another tongue . In attending a meeting of this kind one ' s curiosity is not unmixed with a certain amount of anxiet y as to how some will acquit themselves of their task . This

anxiety sometimes rises to a high pitch at the banquet , when it begins to dawn upon you that you may have lo return thanks for the visitors . However , you soon find out that English speeches are allowed to non-members , and you resume your peace of mind and your dinner . We may say at once that any anxiety we might have had about the officers was soon set at rest , and it became perfectl y apparent that they were as at home in one language as in

the other . The chapter having been opened and the minutes of the last meeting read and conlirmed , the Treasurer ' s accounts were submitted , and proved the chapter in a healthy financial state . Comp . W . Regester , J . elect , was then presented by Comp . F . Richardson , D . of C . .. and duly installed in his chair by Comp . Saillard , who performed the ceremony in perfect style . Comp . Saillard , H . elect , being

already a P . Z ., was conducted to his chair by Comp . Mead , who made him a neat little speech ; and similarly Comp . Mead , Z . elect , received the congratulations and good wishes of Comp . Fenn , the LP . Z . The officers were then invested as follows : Comps . G . H . Hopkinson , P . G . Std . Br ., Treas . ; E . Monteuuis , P . D . G . D . C , Scribe E . ; C . Cassal , Scribe N . j E . Cutler , P . S . ; E . E . Pouard , ist A . S . j C . Filhon , 2 nd A . S . ; Frank Richardson , P . A . G . S ., G . D . C ,

D . of C . ; and H . Evenden , P . Z ., Janitor . It will be perceived that curiously enough exactly one-halt of the officers are French and the other English . Chapter having been closed , the companions adjourned to refreshment , when a well-selected menu was put before them . And now came the grand crux , the speeches . Comp . Mead , the M . E . Z ., came out of the ordeal with flying

colours . He had no less than five speeches and one answer to make , but he proved himself equal to the task , and was afterwards heartily congratulated on his success . La premiere sante a cte celle de la Reine et de l'Arche Royale . Le T . E . Z . a prononcc les paroles suivantes : La fidelite a la Reine et le respect pour l'Arche Royale nous inspirent la pensee de les unir pour la premiere Santrj d ' obligation . Rien de plus convenable , car la Reine

personnifie l'Arche Royale entre la deuxieme et la dixierae decade du Siecle—le trait d ' union entre le premier Grand Zorobabel apies 1 'union , son Oncle le Duke of Sussex , et le present Grand Zorobabel son fils , le Prince de Galles , Compagnons levez-vous pour boire a la Sante de la Reine et ;' i la prosperitc de l'Arche Royale . Ensuire est venue la sante de la France et de son President que le T . E . Z . a proposue en ces termes :

Compagnons — Suivant immediatement le Toast de la Reine , nos pensces se tournent naturellement vers la Sante du Pi evident Carnot , la tete du pays pour lequel nous avons tous le plus profond ineiet . Elu peut-utre , grace u l ' envie d ' autres concurrents considcrcs comme Candidats plus probables , il s ' est montre un President parfait . C'est un plaisir de l'honorer non seulement pour son inerite personnel , mais comme le

reprcsentant d ' un pays joint au notre par une mer ( quelque fois une mer troublce ) et lie a nous par l'inteiet commun . Dans cette reunion nous avons encore un plus grand interet , celui d ' etre Compagnons d'un Chapitre portant le nom de la France , sous deux drapeaux . Compagnons , levezvous pour boire avec enthousiasme ( particulicrement les Compagnons Anglais ) it \ a Sante du President Carnot . Le Comp . II . Hue , P . Z ., P . D . G . D . C , a propose la santo du G . Z . son Altesse Royale le Prince de Galles , disant

qu ' il rtait fier d ' avoir i-tc chargr d ' une santo aussi importante , en rcalitc la plus importante de toutes , puisque c ' c : ait celle de notre Maitre a , tous , de notre Grand ' L Malgrc son importance , ou plutut a cause de son importance , cette sante ctait da plus facile it proposer , car notre G . Z . ctait si profondement respectc , venerc et aimc de tous les Macons , qu'il n'avait pas besoin de leur cire recommande par des paroles cloquentes , son nom seul suffisait pour exciter I'enthousiasme de tous les

Compagnons . C'est au Comp . St . Clair , P . Z ., que fut confie : la sante des Grands Officiers . II fit un eloge llatteur , mais mcritc , des trois Grands Principaux et , tort adroitement , attira l'attention des Comps . sur ce fait que , parmi tous les Grands Officiers presents au banquet , ii y en avait six nui ctdient membres du chapitre ; quant aux autres il leu ' souhaitait la bienvenue du fond du cccur , au nom in chapitre heureux et tier d ' avoir a . sa table d ' aussi illustres

invites . In reply to this toast , Comp . Sir R . Hanson begged to apologise for being the lirst to speak in English . Had the company been entirely French , he would have ventured his response in that language , feeling sure of their indulgence , but experience had taught him that his own countrymen were the severest critics . He remembered that on one occasion , when Lord Mayor , he had to receive theOrp heons

at the Albert Hall , and had prepared a very pretty speech to greet them , but when he got there , not only were the audience all English , but mostly ladies into the bargain , and then his heart failed him . He pocketed his notes and burst forth in his mother tongue . He begged to thank Comp-St . Clair and all the companions for the hearty manner in which the toast of the Grand Officers had been proposed and received . He did not wish to forestall those who would

have to respond to the visitors , by any remarks on the good work and genial hospitality , and would simply say , U * Grand Oliicers had spent a most enjoyable evening . Le Comp . Thos . Fenn , en proposant Ia sante des Vtif cipaux , lit remarquer que deux des trois ctaient Ang laise que l'autre ctait Francais , et pourtant les trois ne faisaiei " qu ' un . Oui oserait pi ' ctendre apriis cela que l ' accord entre Franiiis ' et Anglais ctait impossible . ' Ouel bel excii'P

nous ' avions la de la sincere amitic qui devrait toujour * exister entre les deux nations ' . Re / cnant it ses ... Ponc' paux , le P . Z . Immcdiat nous rappela que seul le CowPj Saillard avait cu un travail ii fairc dans le Temple et < J . s'en ctait acquittc d'une fac ; on magistrate , qui P "" ' . ., de beaux travaux pour plus tard . —Le Comp . Rcfi ? avait deja fait ses preuves en remplissant , l'anniie dernitjr > les fonctionsdifricilesdc P . SOjournant et lc chapitre for " *