Correspondence.

East of Eouen have addressed no protestation to the head of the Eoman Catholic Church with reference to his recent bull of excommunication representing Preemasonry as a work of darkness . They thought the best reply they could give would consist in the actions of Preemasonry , and thus they have , on the

16 th of November last , solemnly inaugurated a public circulating library , founded under the auspices of the Eouen lodges . In ISM , some brethren established in one of the most densely populated manufacturing quarters of this city ( the Faubourg St . Sever ) a public nursery

( creche ) , in which the babies of workwomen are received gratuitously and nursed during the day . Itwas thought that the building of this institution would be most appropriate and convenient also for the public library , and a committee deputed by the lodges met thereand conducted those preliminary

, labours of which the final organisation of the library was the result . I annex to the present a copy of the statute , rules , and regulations that have been agreed upon . Tou will observe that no payment whatever is claimed for the use of the books , the very liberal original

project having been modified in this most extensively Masonic direction . The managing committee consists exclusively of members of the Craft , and the following is a list of those deputed by the various lodges .- — By the Lodge Les Arts Eeunis—Bros . Dumas , Pranck de Gaudal , Bosc , Leiueux , and Planchon .

By the Lodge La Perseverance Couronnee—Bros . Michel Durand , Gucry , Theodore le Breton , Eondeaux , and Eugene Vienot . By the Lodge Constance Eprouvee—Bros . Lervy , Eichard , and Loroud . By the Lodge La Verite—Bros . Lamory , Lucas ,

Boissel , and Gully . By the Chapter Les Arts Eeunis — Bro . Jules Godefroy . By the Chapter La Perseverance Couronnee—Bros . Blocmanne and Coudy . The following members were appointed officers by

the committee : —Bros . Michel Durand , Juror of the Court of Commerce , Common Councillor , "W . M . of Lodge Perseverance Couronnee , Chairman ; P . Dumas , Freeholder , W . M . of Lodge Les Arts Eeunis , Deputy Chairman ; and Jules Godefroy , Freeholder , Secretary . In conclusion , I am happy to inform you that ,

even "before the committee commenced their labours , they had received considerable support both from Masonic and non-Masonic quarters , and this support has continued ever since . At present those persons Avho cannot afford to purchase books , and are yet anxious to read for their instruction or amusement ,

will find in our library books on history , science , j literature , & c , for gratuitous perusal . The catalogue of this library is nearly completed , and will be issued ; shortly . j Tou are at liberty to use this letter aud its con- j tents for whatever purpose you may think proper , j At all events dear Sir and Brotherthe

, accept , , j assurance of my fraternal sentiments . j Eouen , April , 1806 . EUGENE VIENOT . j [ We warmly thank Bro . Vienot for his letter . Our , ' columns Avill alivays be open to receive communica- ' tions of the same character , bearing witness as they !

Correspondence.

do to the rapidly-increasing development and spread of practical Preemasonry on the Continent of Europe . —ED . P . M . ]

Metropolitan Chapter Of Instruction.

METROPOLITAN CHAPTER OF INSTRUCTION .

TO THE EDITOR OF TIIE FREEMASONS MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —It has long been a matter of regret to zealous Eoyal Arch Masons that the beautiful ritual of the Order is so imperfectly studied by the companions generally , and even by those who aspire to the principal offices of a chapter . One reasonprobablis that instruction in the

cere-, y , monies and lectures of the Eoyal Arch is not so readily attainable as in Craft Masonry , and there may be another reason in the fact , that as yet no chapter of instruction has been established on the model of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , and the companions of the metropolis liai'e therefore no certainty

of hearing the ceremony rehearsed , and the lectures rendered in a correct and thoroughly efficient manner . An attempt is now , hoivever , being made to supply in some measure this obvious Avant . Upwards of sixty Eoyal Arch Masons have resolved to found a truly metropolitan chapter of instruction , and at a

preliminary meeting held on the 10 th ult ., at the George Hotel , Aldermanbury , Comp . T . Beard in the chair , it was agreed to establish it under the sanction of the Eose of Denmark Chapter , No . 975 . Comp . Brett , P . Z ., 177 and 975 ( ivhose fame as a teacher of Eoyal Arch Masonry has reached far and wide ) was unanimouslelected as the first PresidentComp .

y ; Buss , P . Z . 177 , and Treas . 975 , as Treasurer ; and Comp . Little , Z . 975 and S . W . 177 as Hon . Scribe E . As the number of founders is limited to seventy-two , companions ivishiug to assist in the work should apply immediately to Com ]) . J . Brett , 33 , Jewincrescent , E . C , ivho will be happy to furnish any

information that may be required . It only remains to add that the Metropolitan Chapter ivill be opened and consecrated" by Comp . Watson , P . Z .. on the 15 th inst ., at the George Hotel , Aldermanbury , ivhen a goodly number of Eoyal Arch companions will , doubtless , be present . Yours fraternally , SUMMUM BONUM .

Bro. Stephen Barton Wilson.

BRO . STEPHEN BARTON WILSON .

TO THE EDITOR OE THE FREEMASONS MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —We hai * e lost our dear old friend and brother , Stephen Barton "Wilson . ( Peace to his ashes ) . Surely the brethren of the mystic tie will raise some monument to mark their feeling to our faithful teacher . I hope that ei'ery lodge of instruction in which he ivas mentor will

observe the sad occasion , and liberally subscribe to erect a lasting tribute to so good a Mason . Deeply regretting our great loss , in AA'hich thousands ivill join , I remain , dear Sir ancl brother , Tours fraternally , SAMUEL MAY , 101 , & c . 35 , Bow-street , W . C , May 3 rd , 18 GG .