Address To Our Readers.

ADDRESS TO OUR READERS .

THE FREEMASONS9MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR .

The first half of the year 1865 has sped , and we are called upon once more to address our readers . The last six months has been marked by but few events of Masonic importance ; but it is gratifying to know that everything is prospering , and that the Order continues to grow alike in numbers and in strength , whilst our Charities are rivalling in magnitude the most important in the kingdom .

Before , however , we discourse on Masonic events , we will , as has been our wont , take a brief view of what has been , and is , passing around us in the outer world . Her Majesty , though not yet re-assuming her full sway in Court circles , nor mixing as much with the public as was her custom before her great affliction , has so far returned to the world as to hold several " Courts , " which have been fully attended by the nobility—whilst her place at the " drawing rooms " has been most gracefully filled by

the Princess of Wales , the Princess of Hesse , and the Princess Eleanor . The Prince of Wales has been busy not only with Court ceremonials , but with the laying of foundation stones , opening exhibitions , inaugurating new buildings , and similar occupations , thus appropriately filling the void which was left by the decease of his father .

Peace still reigns in Europe , though it is clear that uneasy must be many a head that wears a continental crown . We trust , however , all may end well . In America , the war which appeared , when we last addressed our readers , as likely to rival in duration any of those of ancient times , has been brought to a sudden close , from the sheer inability of one of the parties to continue the contest , having been overwhelmed on every side by superior numbers . We wish

we could say , however , that the Union was restored , and " fraternity " once more prevailed amongst our cousins ; but that we cannot do . Rancour and revenge at present appear to be the predominant feeling animating the conquerors , which it must be admitted has been not unnaturally increased by the brutal murder of the head of the State , in the very hour of victory . We trust , however , that justice and mercy will go hand in hand , and that all parties will do their utmost to efface , as far as possible , the

memories of the past . In the meantime , through the confederation of our North American colonies , which will take place , though at present the details are far from perfected , another mighty nation is arising , of which England may well be proud . At home , prosperity appears to be increasing , and almost as we write , we hear that the Lancashire Relief Committee has adjourned sine die—a sure and gratifying proof that the cotton difficult y has succumbed to the patience and perseverance of the people to whom be all honour , for the display they have made of these noble qualities .

Returning to the Craft , we have to express our regret that the dark cloud of affliction at present rests on the house of our Noble Grand Master , but we hope that his lordship already sees the silver lining through the memory for her who has passed away ; and the solace and balm derivable from a reliance on the goodness of Him whom we all acknowledge as the Great Architect of the Universe , and Disposer of all events .