What are the working constitutions of Masonry? If the Grand Lodge is in possession of these constitutional workings, there can be no necessity for a committee of inquiry, for the command of the Grand Lodge ought to be sufficient to enforce the constitutional practice. There are some 350 Colonial Lodges working under English warrants; all the brethren of these lodges fancied that their authority was the Grand Lodge itself, but now it will surprise them to find that the parent stem is no constituted authority, and that it has authorised a committee to inquire into the ceremonies of Masonry now prevailing.

It is an admitted fact, that Masonry of this age is not what Masonry was formerly; indeed, very considerable changes have taken place during the lives of the elder brethren, and unless some check be given to the evasions and innovations, every lodge will have its own especial working, and thus each ledge will shut the door to all the other offsprings of the same parent. The alterations that have been made are not so much in the symbolism as in the tradition; for instance, the pedestal has not yet proceeded to the west-the cable has not been converted into a patent chain cable, nor has the slipper been improved into a wellingtonb oot. No, it is the oral portions of the ceremonies that have been tampered with. Masonry ought to be like the Medeian and Persian laws, unalterable. Masonry formerly was monarchial, but from causes now unknown it is creeping fast into democracy. Every Master of a Lodge in England now believes his own knowledge of the rites and ceremonies of the Order to be equal, if not superior, to the knowledge possessed by the members of the Grand Lodge collectively. Unfortunately, too, there are writers endeavouring to deprecate the Order by attempting to prove that Masonry is not of ancient and sacred origin, but of modern invention. The most endearing influences of Masonry are its solemn ceremonies and its sacred antiquity. Instead of Masonry being derived from the builders of Solomon's Temple, these enemies of the Order eudeavour to prove that one Elias Ashmole, a quack astrologer of the 17th century, was the inventor. Reason naturally asks what object could any one man have in instituting such an Order What could an astrologer mean by the sacred obligations-the pedestal, the cable, and the slipper these have nothing to do with astrology! Had Ashmole been a priest, and had he lived centuries before the age attributed to him, Ash

mole might then have founded the Order, if he were assisted by his clerical brethren, but then there must have been some object in view, some end to be attained. Learned clericals would not have introduced a cable or a slipper as symbols in sacred mysteries, unless there was some occult meaning. Ashmole, if he invented modern ritual Masonry, ought at least to have instructed his pupils from whence these symbols were derived. What an idiot must Ashmole's first apprentice have been to learn by rote the lengthy formula of the first degree, and how overpoweringly ridiculous must the lodge have appeared when Ashmole himself represented the W.M., the Tyler, and all the officers? Masonry was and still is a mighty engine, not easily set in motion, and its movements are slow in proportion to its magnitude-any sudden alteration in its working machinery would throw the ponderous fabric out of gear. Suppose the committee were to consider that the W.M. representing the rising sun was partaking of Sabeism, and were to recommend that in future the Master's symbol should be the moon; that the pedestal should be in the west, and that the slipper should be introduced as a neat walking shoe fitting the foot, why every Mason would laugh at such absurdities, just in the same manner as would an astronomer laugh were queer shaped old Argo Navis converted into a screw steamer. Before leaving Ashmole, let him show himself in his true colours; fortunately, he has written his own memoirs, or rather his own life journal.

"1645, Oct. 16. 4 Hora, 30 minutes post meridian, I was made a Freemason at Warrington in Lancashire.' Is this the man that invented Masonry, that ordained among Masons there should be no ante or post

meridian ?

"1653, May 13. My father told me in syllables the true matter of the philosopher's stone, which he bequeathed to me as a legacy." Has Ashmole bequeathed the philosopher's stone to the Masons?

"1681, April 11. Hung three spiders about my neck, and they drove my ague away." Will any brother with an ague try the same remedy?

"1682, March 10. About 6 post meridian received a summons to appear at a lodge to be held the next day at Masons Hall in London. Went the next day and was admitted into the fellowship of Freemasons; was senior fellow among them, it being 35 years since I was admitted. We all dined at the Half-moon tavern in

Cheapside, at a noble dinner prepared at the charge of journal seems to have thought much more about the the new Accepted Masons." Ashmole, throughout his feasts of the astrologers, and his bodily ailment, and his physic, than he did about any other matter.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES.

BRO. MELVILLE AND THE CONJUNCTION OF THE

PLANETS (page 448).

If Bro. Henry Melville could show, say within 59 minutes of a degree, when the first conjunction of his pretended "Masonic Celestial Mysteries" with historical consistency or astronomical reality will take place, then I might try to answer him within one "minute of a degree" when the "next conjunction of the planets will take place."-W. P. B.

BRITANNIA.

It is said the figure of Britannia was introduced into our copper coinage in the reign of Charles II., who was deeply enamoured of the beautiful Miss Stewart (afterwards Duchess of Richmond), and who prevailed on her to sit for the model to Philip Roteri. Is not this explained by Bro. Henry Melville as a Masonic Celestial Mystery ?-REITAM.

LODGES AS SEMINARIES.

What authority is there for asserting that in the beginning of the 17th century, in the time of Inigo Jones, "Masonic lodges were now instituted as seminaries of instruction in the sciences and polite arts, after the model of the Italian schools ?"-W. P. B.

THE GORMAGONS AND THE FREEMASONS.

In " Notes and Queries" for November 20th, Mr. Pinkerton observes-"I consider that the words, AN. REG. may refer to the date of the foundation of the ancient Order (of Gormagons) in the reign of Queen Anne (obt. 1714), some years previous to that of the nearly as ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons, who only date from a meeting held at the Apple Tree tavern, in Charles-street, Covent Garden, in February, 1717."-PICTUS.

MASONIC SCIENCE.

Just at the time when Masonic credulity is strongly attacked in the outer world, its manifestations in the inner world are none the less prominent. Your pages are illuminated with the lucubrations of Bro. Henry Melville, from Tasmania, and your pages have given demonstration that he has many admirers. I have lately learned that this planet of celestial mysteries has got at least one satellite, a Mr. Daniel Smith, who has also come from abroad to give us the results of fourteen years study in the discovery of the primeval alphabet, which deciphered all the undeciphered inscriptions. His pamphlet is prefaced with a woodcut entitled the Key to Freemasonry. Mr. Daniel Smith is not a Freemason, as Bro. Melville is, but he has also unlocked the secrets of Freemasonry, which he does not know, and he affirms that he has the assent and patronage of Bro. Melville. The puzzle to the unbelieving is that Bro. Melville does everything by the stars, and Mr. Daniel Smith by the primæval alphabet. STUDENS.

BRO, HENRY MELVILLE AND REITAM.

I trust ere long to have the pleasure of seeing Bro. Melville-that is, if he will permit me to do so. I am always eager to receive instruction and to obtain knowledge, and in this case I shall be doubly so. In any case, Bro. Melville and myself may agree to differ. -REITAM.

"The Brethren of the Shears and Shopboard are hereby informed that their whimsical kinsmen of the Hod and Trowel, having (on new light received from some worthy Rosicrucians) thought fit to change both their Patron and day, and unexpectedly taken up our usual place of meeting: The Worshipful Society of Free and Accepted Taylors are desired to meet on Monday next, the 27th instant, at the Folly on the Thames, in order to choose a Grand Master and other officers, and to dine. "You are desired to come cloathed and armed with bodkin and thimble."

CALIFORNIAN MASONRY.

PICTUS.

At the last Masonic conference in San Francisco there were representatives of no less than 190 lodges. -ANGLO-AMERICANUS.

SAIGON.

Merchant captains in Cochin China will find a new The officers are Bros. Charvein, Nairac, and Topin. French Lodge at Saigon, called Reveil de l'Orient.

THE DOUBLE-HEADED EAGLE.

The origin of the use of the eagle on national and royal banners may be traced to very early times. It was the ensign of the ancient kings of Persia and Babylon. Although the Romans used other emblems for camp standards, yet in 102 B.C. Darius ordained that the eagle alone should designate the legions as their ensign, and confined the use of the other figures to the cohorts. After the division of the Roman empire, the emperors of the west used a black eagle and those of the east a golden one. Since the time of the Romans almost every state that has assumed the designation of empire has used the eagle as its ensign -par exemple, Austria, Russia, Prussia, France, and Poland. The double-headed eagle signifies a double empire, and is used by the emperors of Austria, who claim to be the successors of the Cæsars of Rome. In this case it is the eagle of the Eastern Empire united with that of the west, typifying the "Holy Roman Empire. Charlemagne was the first to make use of this emblem, for when he became master of the whole of the German empire, he added the second head to the eagle A.D. 802, thus denoting the union, in him, of the empires of Rome and Germany. In the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the double-headed eagle, one half black and the other white, is the jewel of the 30°; all white, of the 32°; and all black denotes the 33° and last degree. Among the eagles of heraldry, the black eagle emblazoned on a field of gold is considered the most noble achievement.-REITAM.

ON SOME LIMITS OF TRADITION IN MASONRY.

the present state of opinion among some of your readers as to the effects of investigations under the head of "Masonic Archæology." It appears to be the opinion of some that all tradition is opposed, and that historical evidence in chapter or verse is required for every circumstance relating to Masonry. This must be clear that any fact coming within the domain of history must be capable of authentication, like any other fact. When it is alleged that Queen Elizabeth

I am induced to make some remarks on account of

did a certain act at York, or that King Athelstane did this, ought to admit of authentication. Such act interests the whole community. With regard to Queen Elizabeth, if not found in any of the chronicles, it ought to be found in the copious materials of the Record Office. All alleged Masonic charters and documents must be subject to the same tests as all other muniments. It does not, however, follow that every internal fact in relation to Masonry should be found in black and white-this cannot be required. On the other hand, implicit faith cannot be demanded for such traditions, and they are still liable to examination by comparative evidence, internal and external. Internal evidence may in some cases be as decisive as the evidence of a chronicle or a record. There is no call on Masons of the present day to believe anything merely because it has been put in print or in writing by some one of the past or present generation, any more than there is to believe in fabricated AngloSaxon charters of the monks, or in the description of Britain by Richard of Cirencester, now known to be an ingenious forgery of one Bertram in the last century. We may have much good matter left, and better assured after getting rid of fabrications, the continuance of which can only make us ridiculous.-J. U.

were

SECRETO RECEPTIO (p. 420).

A Masonic Student must excuse me for saying that there is no justification for assuming, without evidence, that the Templars could not derive a secret reception, except from the Craft arrangements of operative Masons. Surely he is forgetful of the whole history of the secret receptions of the ancients, it may be said, of all times. Trials of courage and constancy common experiences of chivalry. As to our worthy brother who wrote in "Notes and Queries" that none but a Freemason could understand the archives of the Knights of St. John at Malta, very little consideration is required to show that his enthusiasm for Masonry was greater than his learning and his judgment. Vague assertions of persons not proved to be experts are of no real value. -HISTORICUS.

GORMAGONS AND GREGORIANS.

In "Notes and Queries" of November 20th is a special article by Mr. Pinkerton on Gormagans and Gregorians.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents

INITIATION OF DEACON YORK.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR.

Dear Sir and Brother,-At page 442 I speak of Deacon York being "initiated" in St. John's Lodge in 1842. It would seem, however, that the word "initiated" there means affiliated, as we understand it; consequently, Bro. York was Deacon without being a member of St. John's Lodge. And when he and others became such, then they must, as we would think, have thereby have thrown off their allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, as St. John's did not join the Grand Lodge till 1850. However, the above shows the value of having, verbatim et literatim, copies of minutes, so that should any mistake in mean

ing, or otherwise, ever inadvertently take place, it may be at once deteeted. My footnote on page 463 partly referred to this. Yours fraternally,

W. P. BUCHAN.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR,

Dear Sir and Brother,-I am a reader of your valuable Magazine, but as I only get it in monthly parts, you must pardon me for troubling you with a few remarks on your report of our Provincial Grand Lodge meeting so long after that report appeared in your weekly issue. This report appears in the Magazine for November 6; and at the close of that report you depart from your usual custom and comment upon the time of the year in which our Provincial Grand Lodge meeting is usually held, in a manner that would convey to our brethren in other provinces the idea that the Freemasons of Durham were dissatisfied with the arrangements made for our annual gathering by the esteemed brother who has so long and so ably ruled over this province. At the same time you do not treat the province of Northumberland, which bounds us on the north, and may be expected to experience weather fully as boisterous as we do, to a similar homily, and you have apparently forgotten that the annual meeting of the province immediately adjoining us on the south was held at the same inclement (?) season. Northcountryman, or he would hardly shudder so at Your correspondent cannot possibly be a genuine the thought of a breath of cold wind. July, August, and September are generally unfit months in which to hold these meetings, so many brethren being then from home in search of renewed health; but we know that ling places, and in this month our country magnates in October they have all returned to their usual dwelare generally amongst us, as we usually see a large muster of them at the different October Quarter Sessions, and for some years past the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham has, with one exception (and on that occasion we all thoroughly know the very special reason which caused the departure from the usual custom) been held on the Tuesday immediately following the County Michaelmas Sessions. October is with us very far from being an ungenial month, and it very generally bears a slight resemblance to that charming Indian summer we read so much of in the glowing descriptions of the New World. The sun is not ashamed to shine upon us in all its brightness, and if we are also treated to an east or a northeast wind, it only serves to enhance our enjoyments, and gives a zest and activity to our movements that The meeting in question was in every way a success, you could not expect under a broiling midsummer sun. and although held in the extreme north of the province there was a large attendance of brethren from all parts. We like that part of the year, I can assure you, and are not afraid to travel from one end of the province to the other, even if the weather should be ever so unfavourable, to welcome our respected Provincial Grand Master, and rally under our respective banners in Provincial Grand Lodge.

Yours fraternally, Sunderland, Dec., 1869.

J. H. C.

THE MASONIC MIRROR.

All communications to be addressed to the EDITOR, at No. 19, Salisbury-street, Strand, London, W.C.

MASONIC MEMS

TYLERS of Lodges, Janitors of Chapters, Equerries of Encampments, &c., in England, Scotland, and Ireland, are requested to forward their names and addresses to the Publisher of THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE, so that a complete Register and Directory may be compiled.

Ar the Eastern Star Lodge of Instruction (No. 95), held at the Royal Hotel, Mile-end-road, E., the fifteen sections will be worked on Monday evening next, the 20th inst., commencing at seven o'clock precisely. Bro. Thomas Austin will preside.

THE M.W.G.M. has granted a warrant for a new lodge to be called ths Great Northern Lodge (No. 1,287), to be held at the Great Northern Hotel, King's Cross. The consecration will take place early in January. Bro. Samuel Webb, P.M. 193, is the W.M. designate.

HAMILTON.-Bro. Robert Nisbet, of Lodge Hamilton (No. 233), has been appointed Senior Warden of the Provincial Grand Lodge for the Middle Ward of Lanarkshire.

Craft Masonry.

ENGLISH CONSTITUTION.

METROPOLITAN.

ROBERT BURNS LODGE (No. 25).-A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday, the 6th inst., at Freemasons' Hall. There were present: Bros. Dicketts, W.M.; Long, S.W.; Adams, J.W.; Long, S.D.; Arnold, J.D.; Wingham, I.G-; and Watson, Dyte, Bley, and Welch, P.M.'s. Bros. Applebee, W.M. 905; H. Warr. P.G.S., and P.M. 23; Warfoot, W.M. 620; Peebles, 905, ; and John Redford, 25, were present as visitors. Bro. Saward, Bro. Peebles (of the De Grey and Ripon Lodge, No. 905), were raised; and Bros. Wynne and Paine were passed to the degree of F.C. Bro. Long was elected W.M. for the ensuing year; Bro. Welch, Treasurer; and Bro. Redford. Tyler, were also re-elected. About fifty of the brethren then sat down to a sumptuous banquet provided by Bro. Gosden. The Secretary, Bro. Lyons, being unable to attend through severe indisposition, the duties were performed by Bro. Dyte, P.M., assisted by Bro. Redford.

OLD CONCORD (No. 72).-A meeting of this lodge took place at Freemasons' Hall, on Tuesday, the 7th inst. There were present Bros. G. King, W.M.; Mastermann, S.W.; Monin, J.W.; J. Holland, S.D.; Lawson, J.D.; Silk, I.G.; Jabez Hogg, P.G.D., Treas,; Sallust, Corben, Dixon, and Jackson, all P.M.'s. Among those present we noticed Bros. Dottridge, Stacey, Hurlston, and about thirty others, including as visitors, Bro. Stacey, of Lodge 180, and Bro. Roberts. The lodge being opened in due form and the minutes read and confirmed, the W.M., in his usual style, raised Bros. Willet and Darby to the sublime degree of M.M. The lodge was then resumed to the first degree, when the ballot was taken for W.M., and proved unanimous in favour of Bro. Monin, J.W.; Bro. J. Hogg, P.M. and P.G.D. was unanimously elected Treas. and Bro. Speight, Tyler. A P.M.'s jewel was voted to Bro. G. King, the retiring W.M., for the very able and efficient conduct, together with the courtesy he had displayed towards the brethren through his year of office. The lodge was then closed, the brethren sat down to a very excellent banquet, and spent a harmonious evening.

POLISH NATIONAL LODGE (No. 534).-The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday, the 9th inst., at Freemasons' Hall. There were present: Bros. W. B. Bagster, W.M.; A. Horton, S.D.; M Drosy, J.D.; J. Boyd, P.M., Treas.; W.

Paas, P.M., Sec.; H. Bagster, S.D.; A. H. Williams, J.D. The visitors present were: Bros. Wood, 145; and Sands, 857. Bro. Dewing was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft.

MERCHANT NAVY LODGE (No. 781).—This lodge met at the Silver Tavern, Burdett-road, Limehouse, on Wednesday, the 8th inst., when there were present-Bros. E. T. Read, W.M.; Helps, S.W.; Bradbury, J.W.; Armstrong, S.D.; Reeves, J.D.; Mynscough, J.G.; Medland, Sec.; and Bros. Wright, Daniell, Killick, Davies, and Bracebridge P.M.'s. Bros. Barnes, P.M. Doric, and Toole, Neptune, No. 22, were present as visitors. Mr. Thomas Wiskin was initiated, and Bro. Godrich passed to the second degree. A committee was appointed to frame laws and report to lodge the best means of establishing a fund of benevolence. The brethren adjourned to refreshment at eight o'clock, and spent two or three hours in social intercourse, the usual loyal and Masonic toasts being given and responded to.

RANELAGH LODGE (No. 834).—This lodge meet at the Royal Sussex Hotel, Hammersmith, on the 14th inst. There were present Bros. R. S. Lines, W.M.; W. Adamson, S.W.; T. Worthington, J.W.; J. Thompson, P.M. Sec.; A. C. Bean, P.M. Treas. Messrs. Hobbs, Winter, and Pilbeam were initiated and Bro. Wells was passed, Brethren retired to banquet, 35 sat down to unexceptionable provision. Bro. Capt. Taylor and Bro. Lidyard became joining members. This was the first meeting of this lodge since its removal to the Royal Sussex Hotel, a fine house presenting unusually great advantages. The lodge was now dressed in crape and mourning in memory of their late Treasurer, Bro. J. J. Hurst.

HORNSEY LODGE (No. 890).-The regular meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton's Hotel, on Friday, the 3rd inst. The following were present:-Bros. Job Austin, Senior P.M., P.G. Org., Essex; H. T. Webb, P.M., Treas.; W. W. Smith, S.W.; T. Garner, J.W.; H. Macpherson S.D.; A. A. Drew, J.D.; J. C. Gaut, I.G.; G. K. Lemann, Steward. The visitors were Bros. Patten, P.G.S.B.; Binckes, P.A.G.P.; J. Brett, A.G.P.; Daw, 7; Dellegana, 12; Stead, 21; Bonsey, W.M. 79; C. Nash, S.D. 79; J. Nash, J.D.; Rose, W,M. 73; Prideaux, P.M. 165; Frith, 205; Schultz, 21; Jones, 22; Bird, 177; Harrison, P.M. 206; Murdoch, 188. Mr. F. Atkins was initiated, after which the installatiou of Bro. W. W. Smith, S.W. and W.M. elect, into the chair of K.S., took place, the ceremony being performed by Bro. J. Austin, Senior P.M. and Secretary of the lodge. Bro. H. Webb offered himself as a Steward to represent the lodge at the annual festival of the Girls' School, when Bro. Woods gave notice of motion that he should be supported with ten guineas to head the list. The business concluded, the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet.

MONTEFIORE LODGE (No. 1,017).-The installation meeting of this select lodge was held on Wednesday, the 8th inst., at the Freemasons' Hall. Bro. the Rev. M. B. Levy, W.M., opened the lodge punctually at 3.30 p.m., asssisted by his officers, Bros. S. Pollitzer, S.W. and W.M. elect; S. D. Phillips, J.W.; Braham, S.D.; Blom, J.D.; J. L. Rosenthal, I.G.; P.M.'s S. V. Abrahams, Eskell, De Solla, and Brandon; E. P. Albert, P.M. and Sec.; and L. Jacobs, Treas. The minutes of the last lodge were read and confirmed. Bro. Beck received his second degree, and Messrs. Knight, Zweigler, and Julius Spier were ably and impressively initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry, the ballot having been unanimous in their favour. The Grand Secretary, Bro. John Hervey, was announced, and received with every mark of respect by the W.M. and brethren. Bro. S. V. Abrahams, I.P.M., then presented Bro. S. Pollitzer, S.W. and W.M. elect, to the W.M., the Rev. Bro. M. B. Levey, to receive at his hands the benefit of installation. The usual charges having been read over to him, the brethren retired, and a board of Installed Masters was formed of about 15. When the brethren were again admitted, Bro. Pollitzer was proclaimed W.M. of the Montefiore Lodge, and saluted in the three degrees The charges were delivered, and the entire ceremony performed. by Bro. the Rev. M. B. Levy in a highly impressive manner, worthy of the solemn and important occasion, and it afforded the many P.M.'s and the brethren very much pleasure in listening to the beautiful rendering of the various orations. The officers were then appointed as follows:-Bros. Phillips, S W.; Braham, J.W.; Blom, S.D.; Rosenthall, J.D.; Ehrman, I.G.; De Solla, Dir. of Cers.; E. P. Albert, P.M. and Sec. (reinvested); and L. Jacobs, Treas. (reinvested). Bro. S. V. Abrahams, P.M., then, in a most eloquent speech, in which he dilated upon the many excellent qualities of the retiring W.M., Bro. the Rev