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England . It was not the same with other countries , where , when certain crises occur , it divides itself into groups , and sometimes by plots seeks to change the institutions of their country ; and they had them in France , the philosophers of the seventeenth century , and in Italy the Carbonari ; but those now they must consider as sheep apart from the Masonic ( lock . Well , even with all those

stumbling blocks they should be proud to belong tj so good and great a society , which was before all others essentially philanthropic and charitable . He had in his possession statistics which would prove the truth of his statement . The document contained the Masonic statistics of the entire world for 1 SS 0 . There were in that year 137 , 065 lodges in the whole world . The lodges had received during

that year contributions to the enormous sum of 160 millions sterling , a sum which was nearly equal to the indemnity which France paid to Prussia after the war of 1 S 70 . That large . sum had been expended in the following manner : 52 millions for correspondence , printing , and the necessary expenses in keeping the property ; 61 millions had been given to poor Masons and their families ; 23 millions to

their widows and orphans ; 9 millions to poor persons unconnected with Masonry ; and 17 millions to the support of schools and asy lums . Those amazing figures should make them proud of belonging to such a society . He congratulated the members of the Great City Lodge for the share they had taken in such undertakings , and with the "Hearty good wishes" he drank" Success and orotner

prosperity to the Great City Lodge . " Uur rrencn , although a member of an English Lodge , sat down amidst great cheering . The VV . M . then gave "The Past Masters of the Lodge , " and in a brief speech extolled their good qualities , for which Bros . Stevens , Headon , Hamer and Freeman , respectively returned thanks . Some other toasts were given , and the entire evening was spent in complete harmony . Bro . Frost rendered his able services at the pianoforte .

EARL OP CARNARVON LODGE ( No . 1642 ) . —On Thursday , the 9 th inst ., tnis popular lodge , which meets at Ladbroke Hall , Grove-road , Notting-hill , had its installation meeting , when there was , as a matter of course , a very considerable gathering . The W . M ., Bro . the Rev . Charles Darby Reade , was well supported by his officers , who were all present . Prior to the installation , the First

and Third Ceremonies had to be worked , for the initiation of Mr . Isaac Williams and the raising of Bro . William Linsdcll . These ceremonies were very ably performed by Bro . Parkhurst , P . M ., who presided for the W . M ., and upon concluding them he announced that , by the wish of the VV . M . elect , and with the permission of Bro . the Rev . C Darby Reade , the VV . M ., the ceremony of installation

would be performed by Bro . Davis , the Preceptor of the Carnarvon Lodge of Instruction , who had rendered valuable service to the lodge , the members of which were pleased to be able to offer him this compliment in return . This announcement was received with Masonic applause , and Bro . Davis thereupon assumed the chair and addressed the brethren .

Bro . Samuel Smout , jun ., was then presented as the W M . elect , and having given his assent to the ancient charges , was obligated as W . M . elect , and afterwards , in presence of a Boaid of Installed Masters , undertook the obligation of W . M . He was then saluted , first by the Installed Masters and then by the brethren in the Three Degrees . Thereafter the officers for the ensuing year

were appointed and invested as follows : Bros , rry , a . VV . ; Bartle , J . W . ; Parker , P . M ., Treas . ; Murlis , P . M ., Sec ; Woodmason , S . D . ; Buckland , J . D . ; Wood , I . G . ; Delevanti , Org . ; Holden , Chap , ( invested by proxy ); Lander , M . C ; Crabbe , Asst . M . C ; Whittaker , W . S . ; Newland , Asst . W . S . ; and Schofield , P . M ., Tyler . When the officers had been dulv invested , and had

assumed their proper positions , the three orations were delivered , those to the Master and to his Wardens being given by Bro . Davis , and that to the brethren in general by Bro . Parkhurst , P . M . When two brethren are engaged as performers of the principal parts in the ceremonies on an occasion like that of Thursday evening , and when both acquit themselves well of their respective tasks , it is bad

taste to make comparisons between the two . Bro . Parkhurst knows his way through all the ceremonies perfectly , and deserves the thanks of the brethren for the careful and excellent manner in which he officiated . What more ran lie said of Bro . Davis ' s work ? Only this—instructors , a » a rul-, though most estimable and worthy men , are for the mn 1 part men who have risen from the ranks before

the ranks h .. ! board schools whose advantages they could avail themselves of , and , consequently , grammar is not very sure ground with them ; and lo an educated ear the beautiful ritual is not infrequently marred by a little flaw in the ungrammalical construction of a sentence . There was nothing of this kind about Bro . Davis , and , besides , his elocution was in really good taste . Without

being a " gusher , " his delivery had plenty of power in it , beyond which there was this best quality of an elocutionist , he gave the impression of having plenty of force in reserve . His delivery is really good , for without any apparent effort , he makes his readers understand the spirit of every sentence he pronounces . After the conclusion of the ceremonies several letters of

congratulation from brethren unavoidably at a distance were read ; also one resignation which was accepted with regret . Bro . Murlis gave notice that at the next meeting he should move that the lodge suhscribe the sum of _ fifty guineas to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution They would then be Life Governors of all the three institutions . Bro . Murlis also announced that the lodge would hold its

seventh annual select private Masonic Ball on the Sth February next . It would be held at the Town Hall , Highstreet , Kensington , and that by permission of Col . Burnaby , the string band of the Royal Horse Guards , conducted by Mr . Charles Godfrey , would be in attendance . The proceeds will be devoted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Bro . tv . urlis , in referring to the subject , expressed a hope that this year they would have as much

as eighty guineas to hand over to the institution , being an advance of 50 per cent , upon what was realised for the same charity last year . Besides the brethren already mentioned , there were present Bros . S . Smout , I . P . M . ; E . M . Lander , P . M . ; A . C . Adkins , S . H . Bennett , J . H . Smith , F . Ernest Pocock , C . B . Broad , W . R . Hatton , H . F . Hart . T . W . Heath , H . Y . Taylor , L . Lientwitz , J . M . Huish , Caleb Manchester , G . W . Wilkinson , VV . II . Handover , VV . Hill Wadham ,

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W . Linsdcll . C . Rowlands , W . Oldrey , Wm . Bmns , Hy . Phillips , Keiiben C . Green , Hy . Holmes , and C H . Foxlands . Amongst the visitors were the following : Bros . VV . Gayton , 174 ; R . S . Hart , 1872 , Prov . G . Steward ; J . Mason , 309 , P . P . S . G . D . ; Geo . Cooper , 13 S 1 ; Henry Hasner , P . M . 1612 ; J . Sutton , 161 ; C . Godfrey , 1 S 91 ; F . G . Baker , P . M . 753 ; Lewis H . Isaacs , P . M . 073 ; J .

H . Pearson , P . M . 1567 ; John W . Morley , 1 S 91 , James Kench . P . M . 53 S ; S . Elboar , P . M . 511 ; A . Hardv , 201 ; G . G . Walker , J . W . 1201 : C . Webster , D . C . 1 G 37 ; L . Bryett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of Wks . ; B . A . Griffin , 975 ; P . Burton , 1 S 2 S ; A . Beasley , P . M . 780 ; Lewis Hall , I . G . iSS ; S . Etherington , 1305 ; Jas . Blyth , P . M . 173 ; A . Hancock , J . W . 1950 ; J . M . Jefferson , 1637 ; H . W . Phillips , P . M . 173 ; C . Marshall , 231 ; and Alfred Lovesay ,

On the completion of all business before the meeting the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren of the lodge and their numerous guests adjourned to the large hall , where dinner , comprising the varions delicacies of the season , was admirably served ; and at the conclusion of the repast the VV . M ., Bro . Samuel Smout , jun ., proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts .

After " The Queen and the Craft " had been dulyhonoured , The W . M . said that the next toast was that of " The M . W . G . M . of England , the Prince of Wales , " and itgave him an exceeding amount of pleasure to propose that toast , as that was the anniversary of the Prince ' s birthday ; and he ( the VV . M . ) considered it a very great honour to have

been installed on the birthday of the M . W . G . M ., which was also the day of installation of the Lord Mayor . He asked them to drink to the health of the M . W . G . M . and many happy returns of the day to him . In proposing the toast "The Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , " the VV . M . said he was sure that none who had attended Grand Lodge could have

failed to observe that their Bro . the Earl of Carnarvon was most admirably qualified for the office which he held . Whenever it was possible the Earl of Carnarvon , in the absenre of H . R . H . the M . W . Grand Master , presided over Grand Lodge , and the thorough way in which he regulated debate and carried on the business excited general admiration . At the Carnarvon Lodge this was a toast

which they were all specially called upon to receive in the heartiest manner , as it was no small honour to have their lodge named after such a Freemason as the Earl of Carnarvon , distinguished as he was , even among the Grand Officers , for the firmness , dignity , and courtesy with which he presided over Grand Lodge . In the interval between this toast and the next Bro .

Heath delighted the brethren with a solo on the cornet , with a piano accompaniment by Bro . Chas . Godfrey . The VV . M . next proposed "The Health of the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past ; " in responding to which Bro . Kench said that he could not say anything which would have the charm of novelty ; he must therefore say

" Beggar that I am , I am even poor in thanks , but yet I thank you . " Bro . the Rev . C . Reade , I . P . M ., said that the brethren all knew that when the I . P . M . took the gavel at the banquet table he was going to propose " The Health of the W . M . " It was a peculiar pleasure to him to be present that evening to propose the toast of the VV . M ., who was the son of their respected Bro . Smout , one of their Past Masters , and he most sincerely congratulated Bro . Smout

upon seeing his son occupy that honourable position . He most sincerely and heartily wished the VV . M . a most successful year of office ; he knew the work and knew most thoroughly how to conduct the lodge . He concluded by wishing the W . M . long life and happiness , and a prosperous year of office . In returning thanks , the W . M . said that he had the

pleasure of being able to say that he had worked his way up through all the offices of the lodge until he had arrived at the highest . He remembered when he received a collar he felt that it was a very great honour to have been made one of the officers , and he looked forward with a great deal of pleasure to the time when he should rise to the position of W . M . He had now attained that position , and he

thanked the brethren for placing him in it . He hoped he should be able to carry out the duties of the office with credit to the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge and with satisfaction to all the brethren . In proposing " The Health of the Initiate , " the VV . M . said that if he would attend their lodge of instruction and study its working , he would not only gain a vast amount

of knowledge but would find also that Freemasonry was not a mere outside show to those who studied it thorough ly ; he hoped that the initiate would not only learn in lodge the principles of Freemasonry , but that he would also reduce them to practice in private life . Bro . Williams briefly returned thanks . The Chairman next proposed " Prosperity to the Masonic

Charities , " coupling with it the name of Bro . J . Mason , who had kindly came as a substitute for Bro . Terry , who was unavoidably absent , performing a Masonic ceremony at Colchester . Bro . Mason returned thanks with very great pleasure on behalf of "The Three Masonic Charities . " He was very pleased to see the toast down in the list as "The Masonic

Charities . " He had no sympathy with those who seemed to desire toconceal the fact that there were Charities by referring to thtm as the Masonic Institutions . They were all Charities—great and nolile ones , if you will , but still Charities . He thought that the three Institutions ought to bless the day that ihe Earl of Carnarvon Lodge was founded and was constituted of such members . When they had given

the fifty guineas , as had been proposed by Bro . Murlis , they would be a beacon to all the land , because the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge would be the first lodge in the country that had voted fifty guineas apiece to the three Masonic Charities . He returned his best thanks on behalf of the Benevolent Institution to Bro . Murlis in particular , and to the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge in general , for their intended kindness . Bro . Mason then referred at some length to both

the Boys' and Girls Schools , and made a strong plead on their behalf for increased liberality on the part of the brethren . Bro . Beasley , whose name had been coupled with the toast of " The Vistors , " in responding , said that the strongest possible testimony to the hospitality of the Carnarvon Lodge was the very general circumstance that one half of those then standing up as visitors had partaken of that hospitality on previous

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occasions , and he had no doubt they had determined to come as often as they were invited . This was the third or fourth time he had sat at that hospitable board , and he hoped that it would not be last . Bro . Isaacs and Bro . Godfrey also replied .

Several other toasts , including " The Treasurer , Secretary and Past Masters , " " The Installing Master , " and " The Officers of the Lodge , " were proposed , drunk , and responded to , before " The Tyler ' s " toast closed the proceedings .

ALDERSGATE LODGE ( No . 1657 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Castle and Falcon Hotel , on Monday last . Present : Bros . Alfred Brookman , W . M . ; George Kenning , I . P . M . ; Dr . Samuel Benton , S . W . Samuel White , J . W . ; Rev . Richard Lee , Chap . ; John D . Allcroft , P . M ., Treas . ; Rev . Dr . P . H . Ernest Brette . P . M ., Sec ; E . Y . Jolliffe , S . D . ; Edward Anderton , D . C

lhomas Benskin , D . C . ; Wm . Hy . Froom , Stwd . ; John Larkin , Arthur B . Hudson , Joseph Renals , Dr . Alder Smith , Hy . Matthews , and Joseph Lavender . Visitors : Bros . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., P . G . M . Middx . ; James Rogers , 140 ; J . T . Salmon , 917 ; Z . H . Perkins , 1572 ; Wm . Birdseye , 715 ; Nelson Reed , 1 755 ; W . Medwin , VV . M . 1613 ; E . Brookman , 192 ; and Jas . E . O .

Daly , 26 3 ( l . C ) . The minutes of the meeting held on the 9 th ult . having been read and confirmed , a successful ballot was taken for the following candidates : Mr . VV . W . Thompson , Mr . E . F . Brewster Fuller , and Mr T . G . Vickery , and the two latter gentlemen were duly initiated , Mr . Thompson beinsr

prevented from attending owing to a domestic affliction . Bro . Dr . Samuel Benton , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year , and Bro . John Derby Allcroft , P . M ., unanimously re-elected Treasurer . A banquet afterwards took place , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured .

LIVERPOOL . —Croxteth United Service Lodge ( No . 7 S 6 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , 22 , Hope-street , on Thursday , the 9 th inst . The lodge was opened at six p . m ., by the W . M ., Bro . Charles Wise , supported by the following officers and members : Bros . P . B . Deucher , I . P . M . ; VV . j . Newman , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ; Dr . F . I . Bailev . P . IVL .

P . G . Deacon ; W . F . Smith , S . W . ; P . W . Junker , J . W . ; W . H . Tyerman , Treas . ; E . Allen , J . D . ; J . Gibbs ; Org . ; G . Sherwood , I . G . ; Thomas Sowden , Steward ; Serjt , Nevill , Tyler ; Dr . G . Telford , J . N . P . Newton , D . Chesholme , R . Johnson , and VV . Tomkinson . Visitors : Bros . Thos . Berry , P . M . 155 ; Chas . Forwood , 1713 ; and J . C . Robinson , P . M . 249 ( Freemason ) . After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read

and confirmed , the W . M ., on behalf of the members of the lodge , presented to Bro . P . B . Deucher , I . P . M ., a chaste gold Past Master's jewel , mounted in diamonds , in appreciation of his services as W . M . The lodge having been closed , the brethren retired for refreshment . Upon the removal of the cloth the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to .

Ihe W . M ., in proposing "The Health of the P . M . 's , " spoke of the many excellent qualities of Bro . Doucher , and hoped he would be long spared to remain amongst them . Bro . Deucher , in feeling terms , briefly responded , and thanked the brethren for their very handsome oresent .

"The Health of the Visitors" and "The Officers " having been proposed and suitably responded to , the brethren separated , after having spent a most enjoyable evening . Bros . Sowden , Sherwood , Deucher , Tomkinson , and Allen added greatly to the enjoyment of the brethren by some excellent singing .

PORTSMOUTH . —United Brothers Lodge ( No . 1069 ) . —On Monday , the 13 th inst ., the installation of the W . M . ( Bro . W . E . Atkins ) for the ensuing year , took place at the Royal Southsea Beach Mansions Hotel , when there were present Bros . M . E . Frost , acting W . M . ; 1 . Gieve , acting I . P . M . ; VV . E . Atkins , S . W . ; C . J . E . Mumby , J . W . ; P . H . Good , M . A ., Chap . ; R . J .

Rastnck , Ireas . ; H . Cook , Sec . ; W . J . Dupre , J . D . ; A . G . German , I . G . ; J . Lobb , Stwd . ; H . Cawte , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; G . Bond , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; R . Barnes , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; H . J . Guy , P . M . ; P . J . Hyams , C . H . House , W . Ford , J . Jenkins , C F . Laurence , and P . H . Emanuel ( Freemason ) . Visitors : Bros . J . R . Hayman , W . M . 309 , P . G . Reg . ; J . Laverty , W . M . 1428 , P . A . D . C ; S . S .

Pearce , P . M ., P . G . S . U . j H . Threadingham , P . M . P . P . G . S . of W . j E . Groves , P . M ., P . P . D . C ; VV . H . Sinclair , VV . M . 257 ; A . Holbrook , P . M . 309 ; F . Powell , W . M . 903 ; T . H . Williams , VV . M . 1776 ; W . D . Parkhouse , W . M . 1 S 34 ; T . Page , W . M . 1903 ; E . Hall , S . W . 257 , and VV . M . elect ; A . Jolliffe , J . D . 257 ; C . A . Pates , 1705 ; and R . Fraser , 1705 . Tli * mrnmnnu nf- tncfallafinn ur-ic nam Imnn . . ! . . . ! . . . . . . . . uoj ^^ ui > , u ^ wcij .

, * . . . . .......... w . ...... uv .. llupiGSSlVClV ICIIdered by Bro . M . E . Frost , P . M . The W . M . appointed the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . C . J . E . Mumby , S . W . j H . Cook , J . W . j R . Rastrick , Treas . ; W . J . Dupree , Sec . ; P . H . Good , Chap . ; P . H . Emanuel , S . D . ; A . G . German , J . D . ; P . j . Hyams , D . C ; C . J . Laurence , I . G . ; J . Lobb , and C H . House , Stwds . ; J . Excell , and G . Smith , Tylers .

After the business of the lodge was completed , thirty-one of the brechren adjourned to the banquet-room , and partook of a recherche banquet . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by the W . M ., and in speaking of the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Bro . W . VV . B . Beach , M . P ., remarked that he was a most hard-working Mason , who was always ready to come

forward on every occasion , and spared no expense or time . The Vy . M . diet not think that such a representative could be found in any province or district . Bro . Caivte , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., responded . Bro . H . Threadingham , P . M ., P . P . G . Supt . of Works , in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " said he was not aware until a few minutes before that he would have been called upon to propose the toast of the evening , which , to

his mind , required more eulogium than he could give . That Bro . Atkins would fill the chair with credit to himself and satisfaction of the whole of the brethren there was no possible doubt . He ( the speaker ) had been associated with Bro . Atkins for years , and he prop > esied a bright future for him in Masonry . Bro . Threadingham asked the officers to support the W . M ., as without them the W . M . could not work . He was sure , however , that he need not enlarge on