Correspondence.

" Justitia , " stand before the Masonic world as calumniators of my immediate P . M ., my Lodge , and myself ; and my parting advice to them is , that I trust the next time they rush into print they may remember that the " True spirit of Masonry " consists in a close adherence to truth , and that this virtue also regulates the " intercourse of gentlemen . "

Not considering concealment necessary , and again disclaiming the accusation of ruling my Lodge " more by physical energy than by the regard in which I am held , " I beg to remain fraternally yours , Bath , June 9 , 1856 . H . J . Higginson . W . M .. No . 48 .

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIEEOE . SlB . —I shall feel obliged by your inserting the following statements in the next number of your magazine , in reply to those made by " Justitia , " respecting the Prov . G . Treas . of Somerset . ( 1 . ) " The present Prov . G . Treas . has been known to say that there ought to be Lodges for tradesmen , and Lodges for gentlemen ; ( 2 . ) and that one ought not to associate with the other ; ( 3 . ) and yet this same Brother has been heard in his postprandial speeches to dilate at length upon all eanes meeting on the level , " & c . ( 1 . ) The present Prov . G . Treas . has said so , and begs to repeat the statement .

He has said it to Bro . Percy Wells , P . M ., Royal Cumberland Lodge , with whom "Justitia" appears to he intimately connected . There may be general or local reasons for such an opinion . The distinction existed between the Royal Cumberland Lodge and the Lodge of Honour , until Bro . Percy Wells broke through the understanding , or resolution of the former Lodge , on which it w as founded . This distinction , however , as the minutes of both Lodges will abundantly prove , never prevented the most cordial and pleasing intercourse between the two Lodges , until the period when Bro . Percy Wells obtained influence in the Royal Cumberland Lodge , since which time the intercourse between the two Lodges has gradually declined .

( % ) The Prov . G . Treas . denies this statement . What he has said is , that while Brethren of all ranks should meet in Lodge , yet that union constitutes no ground for their associating out of Lodge : a well-bred gentleman would not thrust himself into the society of tradesmen , any more than a respectable tradesman would intrude on the society of gentlemen , merely because both may chance to be Masons . ( 3 . ) The above reasons , however , are not incongruous with the sentiment attributed to the Prov . G . Treas ., for it is pleasant , when circumstances permit it and fit occasions occur , for all ranks to meet " on the level " in promoting a good and useful purpose .

As to the statement respecting the appointment of Prov . Grand Lodge officers , there is a certain approximation to the truth ; but I refrain from detailing the facts , as matter more important demands attention . "Justitia" wishes to eject the present Prov . G . Treas . and appoint to that office a Brother , ( 1 . ) " whose well-known habits of business will enable him to send out a statement of account , without any such glaring errors as mistakes in wording the Dr . and Cr . sides of a cash account ; ( 2 . ) and by taking nearly six months to make out that which a school-boy could do in a few hours 1 "

( 1 . ) It is insinuated that the errors complained of have been committed by the present Prov . G . Treas . He has not , however , yet delivered any account of his own . He has only superintended the printing of the account of the deceased Prov . G . Treas ., his predecessor ; and in so doing adhered verbatim el literatim to the account as passed by Prov . Grand Lodge . Moreover , at the end of that account the Prov . G . Treas . inserted a copy of the minute passed at the Prov . Grand Lodge , which showed that no responsibility attached to him respecting that account .

( ' 2 . ) There was a delay in the delivery to the Lodges of the province of the account above alluded to , but not because it was not made out , but for reasons which do not recpiire to be detailed . ( I . ) " The esteemed Brother who was unsuccessful last year was one of the foremost pioneers in bringing about an investigation into the affairs of the province , ( 2 . ) the present Prov . G . Treas . coming in as it were at the death , ( 3 . ) and by clique influence reaping the reward . " VOL . II . 3 It