Correspondence.

very considerable expense , unless reduced hy a Masonic system of abbreviations , intelligible to the fraternity at large , Avithout compromising the general principles of the Order . The recent Papal allocution makes such a registration the most desirable , as it would prevent in a great

measure , injurious suspicions against our own Masonic Institution , Avhich have never , I may safely assert , engaged in political conspiracies , as I am afraid those on the continent have been accused of , with some show of truth .

But a question arises—are the so-called continental Masons bona , fide brethren , or is their knowledge of the working of the system derived from illegitimate sources in some instances , and then gradually worked up , partly through the adroitness of candidates for affiliation , and the amiable laxity of examiners ?

In order , therefore , to free Masonry in England from the general reproach hurled at it from the Vatican , it would be highly beneficial , and could not be objected to by genuine Masons , to exact in every instance of affiliation the production of a proof of original initiation with reference to duly recognised

authorities abroad , on whose confirmation of the truth , the alien candidate , might be admitted . It may be said that this Avould be equivalent to the introduction of an cxchtsiveness foreign to the radical and Catholic laAvs of our noble Order ; but if so , the

fault is not in the promoters of such a reform , but in those " wolves in sheep ' s clothing , " who may possibly sometimes prey upon the liberality of lodges , and turn to their OAVU personal , or to political ends , advantages which were never intended to he so employed .

In the task of Masonic registration there Avouldno doubt be very considerable obstacles , and some that would be almost insurmountable , if the Avork of compilation were undertaken by anyone not possessed of

the nicest discretion . In some cases an unwise publicity might be the result ; in others , matters of private detail might be injudiciously handled , and so give rise to trouble and expense of an extraneous description . Observant , Masons Avill , I have no doubt , follow the train of thought that compels in these

remarks a certain amount of reticence . If the diploma of a Master only were exacted there would be no cheek on the imposition , Avhich we would rather guard against than complain of , for in truth no case of this description is ever likely to see the light . But prevention being better than cure , it seems to

us that at any rate in the ease of affiliation , tlie initiation papers should be demanded before the admission ot a candidate . Por example , a spurious brother might dexterously effect an impediment in his speech , or some other defect , and so adriotly draw from a negligent and unsuspicious examiner such suggestions as might enable him ( in connection with his previously obtained illegal information ) by analogy , to worm himself into a lodge

as an affiliated member , without any previous initiation . This may seem a bold thing to say , but I would ask , is it impossible' ? A Masonic Gazette might with advantage be established , in Avhich , periodically , should appear all cases of initiation and affiliation ; and if the three national Grand Lodges would support such a scheme there is

no doubt that the best interests of Preemasonry would be very materially advanced in an age of progress , Avhich requires what some term reform , bufc what others more justly describe as the fuller development of latent good , which , as in the case of Preemasonrycontains Avitliin itself the germs of infinite

, expansion , accommodation to all times , and a radical stability , which is above the suspicion of tottering . There is another question to Avhich we would briefly allude , namely , the candidature of women .

I have seen the admission of women mto the learned professions , especially in America , and , with a remarkable , and , I believe , unique instance in England , of female initiation into the mysteries of the Craft . I am not prepared to say that a time is not at hand when the other sex may with advantage be admitted as felloAV-labourers in our lodges , or , at any rate , in lodges of their own formation .

Of course , there are many Avho could urge endless objections to such an innovation ; but where is the stride onwards that has not been opposed ? Married men , no doubt , would object , as a rule , to such a novel proceeding , but the more intelligent would surely discard from their minds such fears of a secret ascendancy . Common sense and daily

experience show us that there are occult laws constantly in operation which correct noiselessly , but effectually , the abuses of systems , and that Ave cannot exclude the competition of labour when the hour predestined

comes . But amongst women there is a very powerful and natural prejudice against our Craft . Its exclusiveness as regards men is , of course , the cause . Women argue , and plausibly , that there cannot be much good Avhere they are shut out from the light of any particular department of knoAvledge .

Amongst themselves , though without a name or charter of incorporation , a very noble species of moral Preemasonry prevails , and which is often displayed by the proudest towards tho humblest , at times when even the most cynical could not suggest a selfish or sinister motive .

We must all have known ( if capable of appreciating ) women of their superior mental cast , and perhaps the very one Avho may be the warmest supporter of the Pope ' s recent allocution , may herself be that one , Avhom of all others , a true Mason would most deserve to see entrusted with the honour and confidence of

our mystic body . I do not say that it would be in all cases advisable to make such an innovation , but there can be little doubt that some Avomen would be found an honour to Masonry , and by their example would give the best aud most practical contradiction to the

fallacious and mischievous insinuations contained in the public document just mentioned . I am , dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternally , SIGMA .