Correspondence.

made Master Masons , consequently are quite in statu , pupillari , so far as regards Masonry . Fifthly , another point requiring attention at headquarters is this—I have known Masons under suspension by a Prov . G . M ., which has been confirmed

hy Grand Lodge , visit in districts , nay even in lodges , under the same Prov . G . M ., where their suspension was not known , and , on their return to their own town , boast that they had done so . Of this there ought to be no possibility . Ignorance of the fact of suspension has been pleaded by those who admitted

them , notwithstanding the mention of the names in the reports of quarterly communications sent to each lodge . This is not sufficient , however , for , as a matter of fact , these documents are generally laid aside after being cursorily glanced at by one or two members . I conceive that an especial and separate

circular on the subject , with the names of the offenders and the numbers of their lodges , should be furnished to every W . M ., and in like manner the removal of any sentence of suspension which may be forwarded with the quarterly report , thus saving additional postage .

Sixthly , I referred to the light and improper use of Masonic symbols out of lodge . I am aware that the Board of General Purposes presented certain recommendations on the subject at the last meeting of Grand Lodge , which were sent back for

reconsideration . _ I quite agree with those who think that the proposition was of too sweeping a character . Nevertheless , I should be glad to find measures adopted for considerably curtailing the use of our emblems , especially where they are introduced merely

for trade purposes . Seventhly , I have alluded to the small amount of interest taken by the majority of Masons in the knowledge and inculcation ' of the principles of the Craft , in the individual acquirement of an extended acquaintance with them . There cannot be a better of this than that

proof a very small proportion of our brethren join the Royal Arch , though it is in fact but a necessary appendage to and completion of the third degree . I am aware that the additional fee is heavy , the reduction of which is very desirable , and it would probably to some extent increase the number of of

companions the Order . From the experience I have had , and the irregularities with which I have become acquainted , not without in some cases taking measures to put an end to them , I have reason to think that any periodical inspection by authorised and responsible brethren of

the kind I have suggested , would in some districts reveal such a state of things as would greatly surprise the authorities . The recent circular of the M . W . Grand Master is a proof that he is to some extent aware of it . The greater spread of Masonry of late years , while it renders careful supervision more at the

necessary , same time furnishes funds by means of which it may be accomplished . However alive to defects some of the superior members of lodges may be , few have the moral courage , the time , and other requisites to lay formal complaints at head-quarters , andaccording to the old adage" what is bod '

, , everyys business is nobody's . " Though I can hardly hope that these letters , if you kindly insert them , will do much practical good m a direct form , still I feel it a duty to state my con-

Correspondence.

victions , hy which the attention of a few may be directed to the subject , and some check may in individual eases be interposed in consequence of the hints now thrown out . Yours fraternally , P . M .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

TO THE JJPITOK OP THE PEEEJIASOSS MAGAZINE AOT > MASONIC HIEBOB . DEAE SIE AND BROTHER , —In your number for 26 th January last , appeared a letter sigued , J W . D .,. P . M ., " which , perhaps , I ought to have replied to at the time , and to which the exceedingly kind and encouraging letter of your correspondent "W . N .

Kim , " in your last week ' s issue draws attention in such a way as to render further delay in response impossible . " With W . N . Kim I have no patience with the " let well alone " policy , but think it hardly worth while

to occupy time and space in argument , or to adduce illustrations of the effects of such a policy , so apparent must they be to the most unrefleefcive who enjoy or profit by the results of the past twenty years .. Where would these all have been had the policy in

question prevailed ? W . D ., P . M ., says that I suggest " that in a school established for charity alone ,. some boys should , be admitted on payment of from £ 25 to £ 30 per annum . " Correcting the object of the establishment of this school , what I contend for isthat this admission on payment is a most legitimate

, carrying out of that object . "What is Charity ? Trying to assist those who cannot . do any thing to wardsassisting themselves ? Yes , granted ; * but is it not equally charity to lend a helping hand to those who are doing all they can in the way of " self-help ?"

In the matter of education what I have always complained of is , the miserable inefficiency of the middleclass private schools , and while so much is being done in different directions to remedy this acknowledged evil , surely there can be nothing contrary to the spirit , of the founders of this institution in our recognising ,

in our own sphere this educational inadequacy , and with the means at our disposal , doing what we can to supply it . Take the case of a middle-class family of good position , calculate the outlay necessary for maintenance & cand for "keeping " —

, , up appearances , unhappily a positive necessity in this age , —and thea add the expenses of education of , say , four children ,, at an average of £ 30 , and for this what is obtained ? I prefer not characterising the result . Suppose that there are some members of our Order in similar circumstances ( I don't doubt but there are such )

many , would it not be the greatest boon possible , if on payment of such a sum as that stated , they could place their sons in a school , in the management of which they could , have every confidence , in which their sonswould be maintained , clothed , and educated in a manner far superior to that within the of

compass their present attainment ? Difficulties ? Are therenot difficulties in the way of the accomplishment of every work ? But who recognises difficulties except to overcome them ? And in the realisation of such