Notes On Literature, Science, And Art.

The Duke of Norfolk died at Arundel Castle on Sunday night , the 25 th ult ., in the forty-sixth year of bis age . He was known in literature as the editor of the Life of Philip Howard , Earl of Arundel ; but , according to the Afhenmim , bis Grace ' s literary exertions were confined to writing his name on the title-page . Mr . Woodward , Her Majesty ' s new librarian , is preparing plans

for the publication of tbe whole of the Stuart Papers in the Queen ' s possession . A new epic poem , The Siege of Candia , by Mr . Richard Harris , has just been published . We have to record the death of a venerable scholar , Christian Karl JosiasBaron von Bvmsen , better known as the Chevalier

, Bunseu . He was born at Corbach , in the small German principality of Waldeck , on the 25 th of August , 1791 . Tbe Germans are preparing for a new expedition to Central Africa , in search of Dr . Vogel . Baron Maroclietti is employed on a colossal allegory for Sardinia , representing Italy Freed .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

[ THE EDITOE does not hold himself responsible for any opinion ¦ entertained by Correspondents . '] EOYAL AECH FREEMASONEY . 10 THE EJDITOE OF THE FSEEIIASOSS 1 IAGAZI 5 E AJSJD MASONIC JSTIHKOK . SIR AND BEOIHEE , —Brotherly love , relief , and truth being the three grand princiles on which Freemasonry is founded

p , and charity being its brightest ornament , it naturally follows , if the Eoyal Arch be tbe completion and perfection of the system , it should embrace these principles in their widest sense , and display that ornament in its fullest splendour . If , on inquiry , Ave find that it fails in any one of these professions , it is our duty to make diligent research , and trace the cause of that failure , so that Ave may earnestly and

promptly apply a remedy . Brotherly love consists in such a firm cement of friendship and mutual interest as shall enable us to disregard that selfish feeling so inherent in our nature , and consider and act as if our fellow-creatures' Avelfare ivas bound up AA'ith our OAVU . Without a doubt , Freemasonry does more to effect this purpose than any other human institution ; and it is equally certain that the Eoyal Arch binds the tie still more closely ; but does it open its portals wide enough for the admission of the brotherhood ?

Belief masthe ever ready to encourage the timid , support the Aveak , and succour the helpless—and numberless are the proofs that this principle is practised in quiet unostentation amongst the Craft , vrhilst those noble institutions for the support of the aged and the maintenance and education of the young are conspicuous monuments of its efficiency ; but does the Boyal Arch perform its part of the

mission , and add the finishing stroke to the noble work ? Truth should not only lend its aid in developing , but in seeking out for objects on Avhich to practise Avith careful and well-directed skill those various duties which elevate the mind and ennoble the creature , Avhile they display the majesty and munificence of the Creator , trying aud adjustingevery movement bone safe and unerring testand

endeay , vouring to assimilate all to the true standard . This , ifc may be presumed , is both inculcated and practised by the Craft , and even still more stringently within , the limited arena of the Eoyal Arch ; but does the latter give encouragement and offer facilities for bringing Avithin its pale a sufficient number of votaries ?

The obstacles Avnich prevent Eoyal Arch Masonry from performing its functions may be classed as follows -. — 1 . That , by being made a separate and independent branch of the system , and by enjoining a lengthy probation and a second ballot , it may deter many worthy and useful brethren from attempting to gain a degree , in AA-hich failure would not only cast a serious reflection , but create a repugnance to the Order generally . 2-. That , by an exorbitant fee of admission , and an additional yearly contribution , many are debarred from

Correspondence.

joining it , and are driven from the Craft from an un-Avillingness to rank inferior to others Avho can afford to purchase the privilege . 3 . That , from the expensive regalia and paraphernalia , as well as the numerous demands made on its funds , consequent on holding separate meetings , the principal part of its fees and subscriptions is absorbed , thus rendering it

unable to administer relief to its needy members , or to assist the Craft in prosecuting its work of charity . 4 That , by exacting separate and additional time for the performance of its rites and ceremonies , ifc precludes many , who , with other engagements of a public or private character , cannot devote " more to Masonry than a regular attendance on lodge and instruction meetings already

entails on them . Labouring under these impediments , and with these difficulties to contend Avith , eau it bo wondered that the Royal Arch fails to perfect the system by developing in a wider sense the principles of the Craft , and adding lustre to its brightest ornament ? The deficiency of chapters attached to lodges—the comparatively scanty number of

members—the lack of benevolence to poor companions—and the insignificance of the subscriptions made by chapters to the charities , may be adduced in illustration of an error in its application , rather than from any want of zeal in its members , or perfect-ability of its principles ; in fact , it may become a epiestion for serious consideration whether the Eoyal Arch , as UOAV administered , does not tend to retard the whole

and weaken , rather than strengthen and perfect , system of Masonry . If it is found to fail in carrying into effect its professions , then it behoves us to prosecute the incpiiry as to the most applicable remedy , whether by widening and facilitating the basis of its operations , or by curtailing its expenditure by bringing it under one and the same system of management with the Craftancl makingit

, ^ really the completion of all that is admirable and beneficial in Freemasonry — available to all tho " brotherhood — and thereby adding a stimulus by which the whole Fraternity may be excited to nobler thoughts and more Avorthy deeds . I am , Sir and Brother , yours truly and fraternally ,

Masonic Halls.

MASONIC HALLS .

TO IJBE EJD 1 T 0 H OT THE JFEEE 3 IAS 0 JXS ilAGAZIXE A : i 3 1 IAS 0 :, IC HIKKOK . DEAE SIE AXD BEOTIIEB , —Your readers may remember that , among the numerous cases in ivhich there ivas some little time ago not only an anxious desire , but an effort , to devote a building exclusively to Masonic purposes ^ Jersey held a conspicuous place , under the auspices of Lodge La Cesaree . You were kind enough on several

occasions to notice our intentions , and the means of carrying them into effect Avhile negociations were pending : and it vra-s with great regret that I ivas obliged at last to announce to you the temporary abandonment of the scheme , though a considerable sum Avas raised for the object } in vieAV , Avhich has been lying at interest from that period , in the hope that it Avould eventuallbecome available .

y The obstacle arose , as AVUS explained at the time , from the peculiar laws of tbe island in reference to the tenure of property , which I am happy to say have recently been someivhat amended , though not to the full extent that migbt be desirable in order to render purchases perfectly safe . On reference to your record of the last meeting of our lodge it Avill be seen that the consideration of the matter has been revived

under circumstances ivhich bid fair to bring it to a favourable conclusion , provided only than no impediment be offered by any one of the trustees of the building to which our attention is being directed . I might , perhaps , rest contented with the notice in the portion of your columns devoted to the proceedings of local lod of the proposition made TO US on Thursday

ges , last ; but knoAving how heartily you concur in the desire to sec the meetings and business of the Craft separated from all tavern influences , it may be useful to call attention to the subject , because , the more it is ventilated , the better it will be for the Order , and each example set by an individual Lodge may prove au additional incentive to others to folloiv it . Excuse me if I remind you that