of the Waterloo hotel, which was deorated for the occasion with a variety of banners, Masonic and military. As an appropriate adjunct to the brilliancy of the coup d'œil, the splendid and interesting picture by Bro. Stewart Watson of the Inauguration of Burns as Poet Laureate to the Canongate Kilwinning Lodge, was placed, that the Brethren generally might judge of its merits, in a conspicuous position over the entrance, and failed not to draw forth the admiration of all present. Altogether the scene presented a very gay and imposing appearance, diversified as it was by the variety of colours of the clothing of the different Lodges, who wear not, as in England, one uniform colour. Blue, red, green, orange, tartan-all vied in giving variety of effect. The proceedings of the evening were conducted with a propriety and tact which reflected the highest credit on the chairman and his supporters. An excellent banquet was prepared by Bro. Rampling, and the usual Masonic toasts and sentiments succeeded, relieved by the special one of Bro. Watson's health, as the author of the original and inimitable painting of Scotia's Bard-a work which will hand down his name to posterity, while the memory of Burns shall survive. Brother Watson returned thanks in a neat and modest reply, and said that the approbation of his Brethren was his best and highest reward; and to gain that, had the picture been there placed before them: he was proud to have succeeded in his design. The health of the P. M., Bro. Marshal, was also included, and allusion made to him as the author of a little work illustrative of the picture. Bro. Edmund Glover, of the TheatreRoyal, was introduced by the Chair as the youngest Mason there present, he having been initiated that day into Masonry. The Master also paid a just and fitting compliment to Colonel Chatterton of the 4th Dragoon Guards, a man and a Brother, not less distinguished for private worth and excellence, than for his public services and gallantry as a soldier. The gallant officer returned thanks, and assured the Brethren that wherever he might be it would be his pride, as he would consider it his duty, to further the interests and objects of Freemasonry to the utmost of his power. The fine band of the Dragoon Regiment was present, and performed many beautiful airs. At high twelve the Lodge was closed; and the united assembly of Lodges separated till their next great annual meeting, the re-union proving that even without the eclât of an array of Grand Officers, Masonic dignity and interest can be sustained.

Royal Order of Robert the Bruce.-Jan. 5.-The Grand Lodge of the Royal Order met at Edinburgh this day, and was duly opened in ancient form by the Grand Officers, George Walker Arnott, of Arlary, the Earl of Strathmore, and Sir John Forbes. There was a numerous and brilliant attendance of Knights, and after the routine business was disposed of, the following noblemen and gentlemen were initiated as Brothers of H. R. M., and afterwards created Knights of R. S. Y. C. S., viz. Viscount Suirdale, Viscount Kirkwall, Thomas Dick Lawder, Esq., Campbell Renton, James Lining Woodman, and George P. Stanhope. Petitions for admission were also received from the following distinguished Brethren, and granted accordingly-viz., the Earl of Desart, Lord Clonbrock, Sir Edward Borough, bart., the Venerable the Archdeacon of Down, Major George L. L. Kaye, the Hon. James Lyon Browne, 64th Regiment, Charles Tankerville Webber, &c.

It is most gratifying to see the steady progress of this really pure and ancient order of Freemasonry, the peculiar property of the British nation. The Grand Lodge ever mindful of promoting the true interests

of the Royal Craft, and of spreading the benign influence of Freemasonry in this its most Christian and truly national degree, has erected Ireland into a separate province, and has appointed the Right Worshipful Brother Captain Laurence, of Lisreaghan, to the dignified post of Provincial Grand Master, where it is hoped, by inculcating, in conjunction with the other Masonic bodies, the great principles of Masonry"Reverence to God, loyalty to the Sovereign, obedience to the laws, and charity to all men," the royal Order may be a means of spreading oil over the troubled waters of political and polemical warfare, the hereditary enemies of this ancient and interesting portion of the British empire. A Provincial Grand Lodge has also been established at Bombay, East Indies, over which presides as Provincial Grand Master, that enlightened Mason and distinguished member of society, Dr. Burnes, K.H. Petitions were also received from Brest in France, praying that the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bretagne may be restored [it having ceased its functions at the period of the Revolution]; also from Joseph John Gourgas, and Giles Fouda Yates, praying for powers to form a Provincial Grand Lodge at New York, for the northern portion of the United States of America.

Meeting of the Supreme Council of the Grand Inspectors- General of the 33rd, Rite Ancien et Accepte, for Scotland.-George Walker Arnott, of Arlary, Sovereign Grand Commander; Thomas Elder M'Ritchie, Lieutenant Grand Commander; William Alexander Laurie, William Dawson M'Ritchie, Archibald Douglass. Captain Laurence, of Lisreaghan, was raised to the dignity of a Sovereign Grand Inspector General. A most interesting communication was received from the Supreme Council of the 33rd of New York, United States of America, acknowledging the receipt of two diplomas from Edinburgh, admitting their Sovereign Grand Commander and Lieutenant Grand Commander, Joseph John Gourgas and Giles Fouda Yates, as members of our Couucil of the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd degrees Rite Ancien et Accepte for Scotland, and cordially acquiescing in the proposed arrangements for a confidential correspondence between the Supreme governing bodies to which they respectively belonged. Communications were also received from the Supreme Council of France. The great object of these high contracting parties being the protection of the Royal craft, and the maintenance of Masonic principles in all their purity and integrity. Afterwards, at a meeting of the Grand Consistory of the 32nd degree, Richard Viscount Suirdale was initiated and proclaimed a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

Prince Masonry.-Several Noblemen and Gentlemen have been received into this exalted Order since Christmas, and will no doubt prove a valuable acquisition to the Metropolitan Chapter-viz. Viscount Kirkwall, and James Carnegy, 92nd Highlanders, Hon. James Lyon Browne, 64th Regiment, George Philip Stanhope, Thomas Dick Lawder, Captain R. Donaldson, 41st Regiment, Sir William Mills, bart., of Glenlaven.

At a meeting of the Lodge Canongate Kilwining, A. D. Campbell, W. M.; Bros. Viscount Suirdale, Captain Laurence, and Geo. P. Stanhope, were admitted as members; the same honour having been previously conferred upon them by the St. Luke's Lodge, and the Royal Arch Chapter, Edinburgh, No. 1.

The Canongate Kilwinning have also paid the high compliment of membership to Bros. the Hon. James Lyon Browne, 64th Regiment, of St. John's Lodge, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Christopher Dillon Bellew, of Mount Bellew, of Lodge 14, Galway.

*

GLASGOW.-Sir Henry Monteith, our Provincial Grand Master, has expressed a wish, in consequence of his advanced age, to resign that office. We have several worthy Brethren in view, but have not yet fixed on any one to recommend as his successor. We have in the province some sixteen Lodges; the Kilwinning, St Mungo, and St. Mark, are foremsot. The Argyle, once the crack Lodge, has been long in a state of dormancy. The Kilwinning has been seized with a severe shock of mal-ambition, inflicted by one of its zealous members. Bro. Ramsay, a popular and accomplished professor of the college, who held the office of Senior Warden under the late Sir D. K. Sandford, consented to be put in nomination for Master; his election was considered certain, when another Brother actually canvassed for the office, and by stirring up votes that were seldom or ever forthcoming, he succeeded in being elected. No complaint can be made against his social character; but if his status did not present some objection, his mode of canvass does present an insuperable one. His opposition to Bro. Ramsay has inflicted so severe an injury on the Lodge, that we fear no exertions on his part can repair. Some members will not seek office, others have withdrawn from the Lodge. Dr. Arnott has withdrawn his name for proposition.

The St. Mungo, under the able presidency of Bro. G. Brodie, is healthy and thriving. The St. Mark is distinguished for the respectability and eminence of its members, who are cordial and affectionate to each other. It is the mother Lodge of that child of genius, the late Edmund Kean, of Sheridan Knowles, and of many other Brethren of the buskin and the sock. Lunardi, of æronautic fame, Lord Paget, and many others of rank and celebrity, belong to it. Its present Master, Brother James Miller, member of the faculty of physicians and surgeons, has commenced a series of pre-lections, embracing the history, nature, and objects of Masonry, short biographical sketches of those who have stood in any prominent or interesting relation with it; also occasional subjects relating to art and science. The success that has hitherto attended his exertions, affords him the strongest encouragement to proceed.

Lodge St. Mark, May 8.—The office-bearers and a goodly number of Brethren dined together in Lodge opened for the purpose of affiliating a worthy and highly distinguished Brother of the Order, Dr. Arnott, from the "north countrie," who is about to take up his residence in Glasgow, in consequence of his appointment to an important chair in its venerable University. The evening was spent in the usual hearty and happy manner, with all that expansion of soul and developement of the best feelings of our nature, so well known to the members of these ancient and honourable associations, and which constitute the peculiar fascination and charm of Masonic assemblies.

May 22.-The annual festival of the Thistle and Rose Lodge took place in Bro. John Gardner's house, 39, Saltmarket-street, when the following were elected to their respective offices.-The R. W. M. John Crawford, was unanimously re-elected; Bro. Railton, Secretary; Bro.

Dr. Arnott, of Arlary, is a most distinguished and zealous Mason; what say ye to the chiel?-he'll work right well.-ED.

M'Canth, Treasurer; and Bro. Gow, Past Master. There were very respectable deputations from the following Lodges, viz., Rutherglen Royal Arch Lodge; Thistle Lodge, Glasgow; Kilwinning Lodge, No. 4; St. Mark's Lodge; St. Patrick's Lodge; and Glasgow and Bridgeton Shamrock and Thistle Lodge. The evening was spent in a very agreeable and harmonious manner, well calculated to enhance the spirit of the Order, and to recommend the principles of Masonry, which are founded upon the practice of social and moral virtue.

IRELAND.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We have received numerous letters on the subject of the construction by the Irish Council of Rites on the non-eligibility of certain Brethren to the honours of the 33rd degree. All we have to say on the matter is, "let the Irish Grand Council look at home." There is an old adage, look ye now, those who have glass houses should not throw stones." We have selected the most telling of our Correspondents' letters.

66

EXTRACTS FROM A CORRESPONDENT whose voluminous communication has (as usual) arrived late; but for the delay of which upon the present occasion, an excuse has been assigned, which not only insures our forgiveness, but claims our fraternal sympathy with a Brother who has suffered many afflictions.

"With respect to the extraordinary proceedings of the Council of Rites, which have been spoken of and threatened, and the proceedings scarce less justifiable or reasonable, although considerably more prudent, which have been actually taken in the case of Bro. Walter Lawrence, jun., I regret that the circumstances which I have mentioned to you in my private letter have prevented me from taking a part in these transactions, or from qualifying myself (by personal attendance in high places.) The facts may be summed up in these few words:-Bro. Walter Lawrence having become entitled to assist in conferring a degree called 'the past Master's degree,' under a warrant from the Grand R. A. Chapter of Scotland, was also entitled to sit as Master of a blue or craft Lodge in Scotland, and, as I understand, having actually so presided, considered that he had obtained the degree of Past-Master in such a manner, as would ensure him to similar privileges in this country. It appears, however, that we, Irish Masons, are wiser than our neighbours, and more cautious of mistake or irregularity, than is the 'canny Scot." It is certainly delightful to me to hear such good report' of my beloved countrymen, but the satisfaction which I experience is in a slight degree diminished by the reflection, that that report rests upon the averment of a portion, however select, of Irish Masons themselves.

It appears, I say, that Brother W. Lawrence, jun., is NOT admitted nor admissible here to a rank and privilege to which he would be entitled

VOL. IV.

K K

in the oldest Lodge in the world,*-mother Kilwinning,—and in the country most celebrated of all the world for its religious preservation of, and adherence to, all systems of relationship between man and man, (Freemasonry amongst the rest), whether natural, religious, political, or educational.

6

How this question might be decided in England I do not enquire ; but I feel assured that, in the Grand Lodge of England, not a single individual would have stepped forward to insinuate a personal charge or complaint against a Brother standing in the position of Bro. Lawrence. Bro. Lawrence is, indeed, prior of Kilmainham,' under a grant from the Chivalric Order of the Temple; and that Order is (I believe), disapproved of, or looked upon with some degree of suspicion or of alarm, by a large, or by a certain portion, (whether large or small,) of the English fraternity. Bro. Lawrence is also Provincial Grand Master for Ireland of the Scottish Royal Order of Robert Bruce, whereof I had the high honour of being the first person who received the mysteries in this country. Bro. Lawrence also received the thirty-third degree in Scotland. But even these grave offences would, I humbly opine, have been pardoned in England. And why are they HERE made the subject of prosecution? Why are futile, frivolous, and ridiculous charges made against Bro. Lawrence? Because those who, in the battle of the higher degrees, were generously allowed by their victorious opponents to walk out of their entrenchments with all the honours of war, are still on the alert, and busily engaged in the manufacture of a wooden horse, by means of which they hope to obtain, through stratagem, a position somewhat similar to that from which they have been already fairly, soundly, (and, shall I not say, fraternally?) beaten in a fair field, or rather, in a field wherein they had every conceivable advantage. stitch in time saves nine,' I, therefore, do not hesitate to expose this trifling rent in our garment, to which a slight but timely application of the needle is necessary in order to prevent future patchwork.

'A

I am the more anxious to leave undone no portion of my duty, whilst permitted to enjoy the highly honorary rank of a correspondent to the F. Q. R., because I feel and KNOW that I possess the key of all those secrets which are rather unmasonically introduced amongst the Craft. Of all my numerous communications to the F. Q. R., NOT ONE has been ever even contradicted, and therefore it is not unreasonable that I should assume to myself that knowledge, discernment, and skill, which, indeed, alone would entitle me to assume the responsibility of announcing facts, or suggesting inferences, to that powerful and independent organ of Masonic opinions. Now I do not hesitate to declare that this present assault, a brutum fulmen as it is, is shot from the same quiver from which so many annoyances have been discharged against every regular system of the higher degrees of Masonry in Ireland, and against every person who did good or honest service in their defence, from the Marquis of Kildare, or Bro. Hercules Ellis, or Bro. Lawrence, down to my humble self.

An address now in the hands of our amiable Brother, George James Baldwin, the creator of Lodge 50, has been prepared for the purpose of testifying the respect of the universal Craft of Ireland to its accomplished member, Bro. W. Lawrence, Jun. It has already received not

* I mean, of course, only the oldest of those whose antiquity has become the subject of scrutiny.