Correspondence.

to the Craft , and are thereby capable of securing a proportionate number of rotes , and thus ensuring success to such Candidates as have the good fortune to obtain thensupport ; whilst others , whose claims are equally pressing , but who have notithe same influence , may " Live in hope , " it is true , yet will , assuredly , " die in despar . " It was to afford persons so situated a fan- chance of competing with such influence , that this excellent provision was made .

Since the above observations were written , a motion , having the same tendency , made at the Grand Lodge , on the 6 th instant , has been rejected , on grounds similar to the above . The object of the motion was to increase the number of votes of each Lodge , in consequence of the grant of an additional hundred pounds per annum to the Widows' Fund . Let any brother examine the state of the poll at the last Election for Female Annuitants , and it will be seen that one Candidate polled 1387 votes ; whilst the

collective number of five others were only 161 . One Candidate did not register a single vote ! Surely these facts demonstrate the necessity of retaining the present provisions . To abrogate them would lead to monopoly , and the withdrawal of many subscriptions , and would thereby militate against the interests of the Charity . It is hoped , therefore , that the Committee will not entertain the motion ; but if it should , it will , I presume , be carried to the Grand Lodge . for confirmation , who , doubtlesswill give notice to Lodges and Subscribers qualified to attendin order

, , that they may hare an opportunity of recording their vote for or against the proposed measure . I am , dear Sir and Brother , Faithfully and fraternally yours , Hampstead , June llth , 1855 . SAMUEL ALDRICH .

To the Editor of the Masonic Mirror . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER —Having read the letter of an " Old Past Master , " with your remarks thereon , I am induced to trouble you with a few words . I think every Mason must agree with the " Old Past Master , " that it is much to be deplored that the state of the funds of the "Masonic Benevolent Institution" should be in

such a state as not to allow more than two candidates to be admitted out of thirtyfive . It is too true , and " pity 'tis 'tis true , " but where lies the fault ? why , with ourselves—why don't we all' subscribe constantly instead of only occasionally , when we have a particular candidate to serve ? The subscription for a single vote is but ( as you say ) , five shillings ( little more than a penny a week ) , and were every brother to give this very little help what an altered condition the Funds of the Society would be in , why they would amount to a sum sufficient to admit , if not every candidate , at least than at boast that

many more present . We charity is the foundation of our Order , and how can it be better exercised than in relieving the aged and distressed ? many of whom have seen better days , and are only reduced to their present condition by the unforeseen accidents of life , to which , let us not forget , we are all liable . Then pray , Mr . Editor , continue your endeavours to increase the efficiency of the Institution ; explain clearly the nature of its constitution , let it he generally understood , and urge upon the brotherhood the necessity the duty of supporting itand let the burden

, nay , , of your song be , " Sulscrile , then , brethren , sulscrile then One and All to the "Royal Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and their Widows . " ONE OF THE CRAFT AND A SUBSCRIBER . Dorset , June ,