Order Of The Secret Monitor.

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON CONCLAVE ( No . 2 ) . —A meeting of this conclave was held on Saturday , the 13 th instant , at the Holborn Restaurant , when there were present Bros . W . J . Spratling , G . R ,, acting S . R . ; Major Geo . Lambert , acting C . ; Dr . C . Gross , G . ; Dr . A . G . Sansom , Treas . ; F . E . Lemon , Sec ; W . H . Kiallmark , V . D . ; A . T . Norton , Guarder ; J . Freeman , Sentinel ; and Dr . I . Zacharie , G . S . R ., P . S . R .

Visitor : Bro . Major Lambert , S . R . 12 . Bro . A . T . Norton was nominated . as Grand Steward in place of Bro . W . H . Kiallmark , who has been appointed to Grand Office . A vote of condolence with the S . R ., Bro . Dr . F . E . Pocock , detained by domestic affliction , was passed . The candidate for the 1 ° being unavoidably detained , Bros . VV . H . Kiallmark , F . E . Lemon , A . T .

Norton , and tbe Sentinel , J . W . Freeman , were duly admitted to the Degree of Prince of the Order . The G . S . R ., after the banquet , called attention to the fact that the Grand Festival is fixed for Wednesday , June 19 th , that the Lord Chancellor , Lord Halsbury , had consented to retain the office of Grand Chancellor for the coming year , and that the ritual of the 2 ° , Prince of the

Order , would be circulated to the Supreme Rulers of conclaves during the coming week . As Princes of the Order only have a right to be present at Grand Conclave ( fixed for 19 th June ) there will probably be a large number of brethren , who , having taken thc i ° , will desire to proceed to the 2 ° as early as possible . The 3 is communicated to none but Supreme Rulers of conclaves and members of the Grand Council .

The Old Masonians' Dinner.

THE OLD MASONIANS' DINNER .

The third annual dinner of the " Old Masonians " was held on Saturday , the 13 th inst ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleetstreet . Bro . A . F . Godson , M . P ., P . G . D ., Deputy Prov . Grand Master of Worcestershire and President for the year occupied the chair . He was supported by Bros . Augustus Harris , P . M . 2127 ; Frederick Binckes , P . G . S . B ., Vice-Patron Royal Masonic Institution for Boys ; Major Geo .

Lambert , P . G . Std . Br . ; Asher Barfield , G . Treas . j J , K . R . Cama , W . W . Morgan , J . G . Stevens . T . J . Railing ( Colchester ) , and others . Messrs . J . Allison , R . S . Chandler , J . S . Francis , R . Banes , W . Lucas , E L . Railing , A . Stephenson , R . T . Gardner , H . Newman , W . J . Packer , E . T . Piatt , S . R . Speight , H . Fordham , H . Simmonds , F . L . Carr , R . H . Williams , A . B . Whiteley ,

L . Wain , W . A . Booser , W . A . Glass , C . H . Uwins , Hon . Treas ., Alfred Watkins , Hon . Sec , and others . After ample justice had been done to the viands , the PRESIDENT proposed "The Queen , Grand Patron Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . " The toast was drunk to the strains of the National Anthem . The CHAIRMAN then gave "The M . W . Grand Master ,

H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G ., President Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , " and in doing so said that they had in H . R . H . a splendid example of how they should do their duty . "The Old Masonians'Association " was next proposed by the PRESIDENT . In doing so he said he would apologise for some brethren who had written to him to express

their sorrow that they were unable to be present , Bro . the Rev . C J . Martyn , P . G . Chap ., and D . P . G . M . Suffolk ; Sir Edmund Lechmere , P . G . M . Worcestershire j and Bro . A . M . Broadley , P . D . D . G . M . Malta , Vice-Patron of the Institution ; the latter of whom sent a telegram stating lhat an attack of influenza compelled him to go home , were among the number who would like to have been

present , but were unable to do so . Proceeding , the President said he had to thank Bro . Binckes for the compliment conveyed through him to become a supporter of the Institution . He was delighted to hear one brother mention to him when the Institution wasstarted that it was intended to take young fellows who were leaving the School in hand and help them on in the world . Those who had

started and had been some years in the world must see the enormous assistance a timely word would jbe to a young lellow on his leaving the School . It did them all the very greatest credit , and if it were continued by themselves it would be a boast of themselves . Speaking on behalf of the House Committee of the Boys' School , he could say that they took the greatest interest in the movement . In

conclusion , he hoped the Old Masonians' Association might live long and prosper . The Honorary Treasurer , Mr . C . HEWARD UWINS , in reply , said that they all knew when the Association was started , that one of a similar kind had been started before , but had failed . That was not a good omen for them . He thanked the President most heartily for the kind way he had spoken of the Association .

Mr . ALFRED WATKINS , the Hon . Secretary , also responded . He read a number of letters from well-known Masons apologising for their absence from the dinner . Their meetings had been very successful . They had had three or four Cinderella dances which had been well attended . They were uniting themselves in foreign parts , as shown by the fact that they had members in America ,

France , and New Zealand . Mr . S . R . SPEIGHT , in proposing "The Vice-Presidents , " said the duties which devolved upon him he found difficult to perform . He coupled the names of Bros . Augustus Harris , Barfield , Binckes , and Morgan with the toast , which was drunk heartily . Bro . * BARL * iELD said it gave him very great pleasure to

return thanks on behalf of the Vice-Presidents . It was his first visit among them , but he hoped it would not be the last . He had not heard very much about them , but he did think that if they were more known they would be more appreciated . As long as the society was well conducted , he was sure they must prosper and flourish . Bro . AUGUSTUS HARRIS also responded . He did not

think he could call them brethren , for it appeared that some were not "brethren" yet ; but he felt sure some would be . He felt very great pleasure in being there that evening . When he received the circular he thought he was to meet " old " Masonians , but on looking round the table he felt they were young Masonians . He had Ihe greatest pleasure in being amongst the boys . He liked

youth , and should like to have , as Faust , perpetual youth ; but not at the same cost . When they remembered the positions they were building up , he felt sure that they were grateful to the Institution and to Masonry , which they all 1 oved so much . They often heard it said— " Masonry , yes —good dinners ; " but believe | him there was something more in Masonry than that . He felt sure that those who

The Old Masonians' Dinner.

were not Masons vet would speedily become Masons , and he also felt sure that when they joined the Craft they would support the Institution to which they owed so much . " Prosperity to the Roval Masonic Institution for Boys " was given by Mr . C H . UWINS . In responding , Bro . BINCKES , Secretary of the Institution , said he hardly knew how to express his sense of

gratitude for the manner in which the toast had been proposed and accepted . At the present time it was the more difficult , because they were waiting for the report of the Committee of Enquiry . Butcome | what might he knew that he had done his duty . He knew of nothing better deserving of support and sympathy than the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . They had now 26 3 sons of Freemasons in the School . On

behalf of those , Masonry held out its helping hand and educated them , not as recipients of Charity , but as sons of those good friends who had helped the Institution in the time of their prosperity . In conclusion he read the following telegram from the Curragh Camp : "Sorry can't get over for the dinner . Capt . W . H . Sparks . " Mr . W . A . GLASS gave "The Chairman , President of

the Association . " In responding , Bro . GODSON said he was sorry to say he had not been able to attend their festive gatherings as often as hc could wish . "The Visitors , " proposed by Mr . R . H . WILLIAMS , was responded toby Bro . Major LAMBERT and Bro . CAM A , who said that his uncle had been unavoidably kept away .

Mr . DUDLEY CAUSTON , during the evening , enlivened the proceedings with some excellent humorous sketches . Messrs . G . Light , F . Isaac , W . M . Collins , and A . B . Whiteley also assisted to amuse the company . The following brethren were enro'led Vice-Presidents , having subscribed three guineas or upwards to the funds of the Association : Brcs . John Mason , P . P . S . G . D . Middx .,

V . P . of the Institution ; VV . Paas , Vice-Pres . of the Institution ; ] . L . Mather , P . G . A . D . C , Vice-Pat . of the Institution ; Rev . C . I . Martyn , P . G . Chap ., D . P . G . M . Suffolk ; A . M . Broadley , P . D . D . G . M . Malta , Vice-Pat . of the Institution ; Au ? us , tus Harris , P . M . 2127 ; D . P . Cama , G . Treas . ; A . R . Motion , P . M . ; F . W . Imbert-Terry , P . M . ; Asher Barfield , G . Treas . j and Major Geo . Lambert , F . S . A ., P . G . Std . Br .

Supper Of The Star Chapter Of Instruction, No. 1275.

SUPPER OF THE STAR CHAPTER OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1275 .

The first annual supper of the Star Chapter of Instruction was held on Friday , the 5 th inst ., at the Stirling Castle , Church-street , Camberwell . Among those present we noticed Comps . F . Hilton , P . Z ., Preceptor , M . E . Z . ; T . Grummant , P . Z ., H . ; W . Cowley , P . Z ., J . ; C . H . Stone , S . E . ; C . Woods , S . N . ; Addington , M . E . Z . 1275 , P . S . ; Meierhoff , Neeld , P . Z . ; Lyon ,

P . Z . ; Terry , P . Z . ; Patrick , M . E . Z . 1623 ; G . L . Moore , M . E . Z . 169 ; Watts , P . Z . ; C N . M . North , H . Martin , Eckersall , A . C . Wood , Benedetti , S . N . 1275 ; V . T . Murche , R . C . Davis , J . E . Latham , Oldfield , and others . After ample justice had been done to a substantial repast ,

Comp . HILTON ably proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which met with very hearty receptions . Comp . ADDINGTON expressed his pleasure at being Vice-President that evening . He always tried to do his duty , and , although he was not blessed with so good a memory as some of those present , and consequently was unable to render the beautiful ritual in so effective a manner , he

would nevertheless do his best on all occasions . He had met with much success during his year of ofiice in his lodge , and hoped that he would meet with similar success in the chapter . That chapter was very dear to him , and he should always be ready to do anything that would tend towards its success . Comp . HILTON proposed "The Visitors , " coupling the

name of Comp . Watts , P . Z ., who suitably responded . Comp . HILTON proposed "The S . E ., Comp . Stone , " who he said had laboured long and earnestly in the Masonic vineyard , and although he had not met with all the success he deserved ; was esteemed by all who knew how earnestly he tiied to do his duty in everything he undertook . Not only had hc most ably performed the duties of S . E ., but

he also often undertook to do arduous work in any office in the chapter to which he might be called . They looked forward to the time when he would be both a P . M . and a P . Z ., and knew that he would fill every office with success . Comp . C . H . STONE was grateful for the kind appreciation of his labours . He had now reached an office in his lodge , and would try to deserve the warm eulogiums

bestowed upon him . The chapter had prospered during the past year . The average attendance had been 12 . There had never been ! e . s than eight present , and the support they had received from Principals of chapters was great , for their average attendance was five . He felt sure they should go on and prosper , for they had , so far , never had an " off" night , and their number of members reached

already 53 . Comp . HILTON expressed the thanks of the chapter to Comp . Charlie Woods for the trouble he took in reporting the meetings in the Masonic Press , and Comp . WOODS responded . After the toast of "Our Host , Comp . Terry , P . Z ., " coupled also with the name of the indefatigable manager ,

Mr . Ruff , the meeting concluded . _ Songs and recitations were given by Comps . Hilton , Addington , Stone , Murche , Moore , Oldfield , North , Benedetti . and others . Comp . T . GRUMMANT proposed Ihe toast of "Success to the Star Chapter of Instruction , " coupling it with the name of Comp ., F . Hilton , P . Z ., Preceptor . It gave him

great pleasure to be able to propose that toast . This chapter had commenced with small things—the numbers were small , and furniture not of fullest description . Now it held a very respectable position , had a good set of furniture , and was in every way proving a success . The excellent Preceptor was always at his post , ready to impart sound Masonic instruction in a kind , genial manner , that

made everyone attached to him . He was ever ready to push forward those who were diffident , because they were " rusty , " and in every way his zeal was so great that it would be impossible to carry on the chapter without him . Comp . F . HILTON , P . Z ., Preceptor , said that often the expression was used saying that a person had reached the proudest moment in his life . He could say it with al

Supper Of The Star Chapter Of Instruction, No. 1275.

genuineness . When a man reached the chair of his lodge , that was the summit of his Craft career , but to be able to preside over a chapter in which the beautiful Royal Arch ritual was inculcated was a thing no one could lightl y esteem . In the past a number of them had tried hard to rouse enthusiasm in Greenwich , but had not met with great success , so that made them doubtful about the issue

of that new venture . They tried , however , and by the kind assistance of those who were present , and many who were absent ( including Comps . Voisey , Treasurer ; Capt . Vincent , M . E . Z . 1777 , I-I . 1329 ; Whitby , P . Z . ; and others ) , an enthusiastic spirit had been raised , which had carried them safely through . Comp . Grummant , P . Z , had ably assisted in every way that lay in his power , having on

two occasions kindly taken the Preceptor ' s position . He was proud of the numbers present at that supper , and still more proud that , from the records of the Masonic Press , he had found out that only one working chapter of instruction in London could exceed them in numbers , while he fondly hoped the time would soon come when it would be not only the largest in London , but the largest in tho

country . Comp . HILTON , in proposing " The Vice-President , Comp . Addington , " said that they should have followed the custom often observed of asking the one who held the chair in the mother chapter to preside ; but , as that was the first supper , Comp . Addington very kindly stood aside

and allowed him to hold that honourable position . Comp . Addington was a most enthusiastic and good Mason . After passing the chair in his lodge he regularly attended a lodge of instruction , and was ready to take any position that he might be called to—from candidate to Preceptor . He was equally enthusiastic in the Royal Arch , and had endeared himself to all who knew him .

The Poet Burns.

THE POET BURNS .

So long a period elapsed between the publication of my last letteron the 12 th January and the reply ofthe worthy author ofthe " History of the Lodge Canongate Kilwinning , No . 2 , " in the Freemason of the 16 th March , that I had come to think our controversy had ended . During this interval I have little doubt that the learned historian has done his best to discover fresh materials to aid him in establishing

the statement he maintains—that Burns was elected and installed into the office of Poet Laureate of the lodge . No additional facts however , have , been adduced ; and from their absence one is entitled to assume that none exist . Bro . Mackenzie asserts that my statements are purely conjectural . On what ground he bases this allegation I am at a loss to conceive . I have set forth well-established

contemporaneous facts and circumstances , in my opinion , clearly showing that the office had no existence until 1835 . Forty-eight years after it is said to have been conferred on Burns , and as no such office existed during the lifetime of the Poet , there is little of " conjecture " in coming to the conclusion that he never held such an office , and that the alleged " inauguration " into that office consequently never

took place . The office could only have been created by a written resolution passed by the lodge creating an additional office bearer , which would have been an alteration on its laws and constitution requiring the approval of Grand Lodge ; and had such a change been made , it would have been recorded not onl y in the minutes of the Lodge No . 2 , but also in the ' minutes of Grand

Lodge itself . The minute book in which that resolution ought to have been found is in existence . It is well and continuously kept , and contains no record either of the creation of the office , of the Poet ' s election to fill such an office , nor of his inauguration into it , nor of Grand Lodge's approval of the step . The minute book of Grand Lodge is also ominously silent on the subject . The Poet's

correspondence at the period has been preserved and published , his journals have been published , his numerous friends have published accounts of their individual intercourse with him , and his own brother has also done so ; but all those sources of information are likewise silent on this matter , and yet it is described as bringing " The Bard of Ayr into view in one of the few situations , in which , during his own lifetime ,

his genius was duly acknowledged ! " These are some of the tacts , which the historian of the lodge describes as " conjectures pure and simple ! " The work , "A Winter with Robert Burns , " written by Mr . James Marshall , was published by the authority of the lodge in iSt 6 as giving "a faithful exposition " of the events it records , and , according to Bro . Mackenzie ' s own

history ( page 119 ) , it is a "truthful compilation , " and " the matter contained in it had been certainly obtained ot based upon the Minutes of the Lodge Canongate Kilwinning ; " and , at page 11 S of the history , it is stated that Bro . Marshall "investigated the subject very thoroughly . " Bro . Marshall is thus an authority on this subject , binding alike on the lodge and on its historian , and I give it as my

authority for saying that the excuse given by the lodge for there being no written _ record of the alleged installation of Burns into the office in question is that it was purposely suppressed . At page 67 of his work Bro . Marshall sets forth that it was the duty of the Grand Secretary and Grand Clerk of Grand Lodge to accompany the Grand Master in visitations

of lodges , and on these occasions " to insart in the books of the lodge visited , a minute of the fact , and this they did as if they copied it from a style book in a regular stick to the form manner . " This meeting being entirely exceptional , Bro . Marshall states lhat a difficulty was experienced by the Grand Secretary in framing a suitable minu ' e , and " that after consultation with the Grand Clerk and with

Secretary Mercer ( the Secretary of the lodge ) as to a style for recording such a fact , it would be finally resolved "by three that the least said ' s soonest mended . " The minute was thus , according to Bro . Marshall , purposely suppressed ; and Bro . Marshall ' s statement , which , as I have shown , is binding both on Bro . Mackenzie and on the lodge , is corroborated by the real fact that the lodge ' s

minute , of what did really take place on the evening on which the alleged "inauguration" occurred , is absolutely silent as to this grand national Masonic demonstration - Had such a demonstration occurred it is impossible to believe that . it could have accidentally escaped notice in the

minutes of the meeting , which are still extant . The next point touched on by Bro . Mackenzie in his last letter is the circumstance of Bro . Charles More having " signed several of the minutes as D . M ., from ist July > 1787 , down to gth June , 1815 . " Whether Bro . More signed these minutes or not , I cannot say . But the state-