The next toast, the CHAIRMAN observed, was one which held no secondary place in the esteem of the Brethren; he was sure they would drink with much pleasure to "The health of the M. W. the Earl of Zetland, the Grand Master of England."

The CHAIRMAN then called on the Brethren to drink to "The health of the Provincial Grand Master for Hampshire, Rear Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis, bart." He observed that no Mason was more entitled to the thanks and best wishes of the Craft than the gallant Admiral, and heartily wished that he might speedily return to this country, and long live to preside over the ancient Fraternity in this province.

Bro. W. M. MINCHIN, of the Phoenix Lodge, Portsmouth, then proposed the health of "The R. W. D. P. G. Master, C. E. Deacon, Esq.," in a truly Masonic speech of much eloquence, which was enthusiastically

cheered.

The DEPUTY PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER replied-He said he felt that many important duties were confided to him. He despaired of performing those duties as he ought, but would endeavour to do so. He regarded Masonry as a Divine gift, and that their first obligations were due to the Supreme Architect of the universe. It was founded in wisdom, supported by strength, adorned with beauty, and cemented by charity, sincerity, and truth. (Applause.) As its author they must look to the Great Geometrician of the universe, to the Bible as their guide, and salvation as the end. (Applause.) Did not, Brethren, the mystic science convey to you solemn and important truths, tending to improve the understanding, to mend the heart, and to bind you more firmly each to the other? Let them raise up a monument sacred to charity, brotherly love, relief, and truth, so that when this Lodge was dissolved, their jewe's might be safe, and that when that deeply interesting period, when the

of this world shall be levelled in the dust, they might all meet in the Grand Lodge above, where all terrestrial distinctions would be obliterated-where the angels and saints would be their fellow-craft, and the Supreme Architect of the universe their ineffably Great and Glorious Grand Master. He concluded, amid great applause, by thanking the Brethren for their unbounded confidence and great kindness, and wishing that success and prosperity would attend all their public and private undertakings.

The Rev. T. T. HAVERFIELD, P. G. Chaplain, expressed himself happy to respond to the request to propose the next toast, especially one so connected with the great principles of the Order, and the practice of every right feeling Brother. He would not impress on their minds to execute the great virtue of charity, because in addition to its benevolence, it pleased the popular world, but because it was good in itself, and was the incumbent duty of every Mason. He well knew that charity was dear to a Mason's heart; it was, with all whom he knew, not only their precept, but their practice. A tale of distress known to the Masonic circle might fitly be compared to the action of the electric telegraph, which, once communicated to one of the fraternity, did with the speed of lightning reach every heart, producing an instant sympathy, and a ready and effectual relief. The Rev. Gentleman concluded an eloquent address by proposing-"To all poor and distressed Masons, wherever

dispersed over earth or water, a speedy relief to them, and a safe return to their native land."

Bro. RANKIN STEBBING had great pleasure in proposing the next toast. He would crave the kind consideration of the Brethren, because he had been requested to propose the health of the learned and eloquent Brother the P. G. Chaplain. (Applause.) In his presence he would not say what might justly be said of his private virtues or public usefulness, nor allude particularly to the able, powerful, and effective discourse which it had been that day their great privilege to hear, but he would propose the Rev. Brother's health as an ornament to that Order of which so many members had assembled that day-one who had added to the charitable funds of the province on many occasions by his great eloquence and experienced advice, and who was ever ready to carry out the great characteristic of Freemasonry-charity. (Applause.) He felt it was a most gratifying reflection that that day the fund of benevolence of the province had been placed on a firm basis, and was already affording a permanent and much-desired relief. It was to the credit of the Masons of Hampshire that, having first cleared off the heavy debts on the province, they had now a permanent and substantial fund dedicated to charity. In his joy at this success, there was but one alloy, that the Brother through whose exertions principally this great object had been obtained, had not lived to see it fully realised. The success of that measure, now that he was no more, would bring forth a blessing on his memory from every distressed Brother whom misfortune might throw on its bounty, and one universal feeling of admiration from the Brotherhood.* (Hear.) It was a cheering and comfortable reflection for the Masons of Hampshire to know that the poor Brother who, in better and in happier days, sat side by side with them on so many occasions-worshipped in the same temple-laboured for the same good-exercised the same charity-now reduced by unavoidable calamity and misfortune, should by this fund be placed once more beyond the bitter cravings of hunger and the blackness of despair; not only so, but the poor widow, robbed by the iron hand of death of him who was at once her support and protection, and the object of all her affections, now steeped to the lips in misery and want, will, by your aid, be comforted in her afflictions; and although you cannot restore to her the lost Brother, neither turn her sorrow into joy, you will at least secure this blessing-she will not sorrow for food, neither will the anguish of her mind be rendered more and more poignant by the deadly helplessness of starvation. He would go further, and picture to the Brethren the affliction both of mind and body, to which many of the poor and fatherless children would be subjected without their aid,—unfed, unclothed, uneducated,- -a sickly, ignorant, and degraded race would, by their benevolence, become a vigorous and a happy progeny, rising by moral culture to a higher standard, and enlightened by religious aid, a wiser and a better race,— aye, even in their first moments of relief from hunger and misery to plenty and to happiness, they would lift their little hands to heaven and call down blessings on your heads. To refer more particularly to the toast, he would say the Reverend Brother, to whom he had first alluded, had laboured earnestly in this cause, one of the holiest in his charge; he would not refer to all the important objects of his priestly character, but his exertions in the cause of charity, not only for the Craft but for man

VOL. IV.

*The late Provincial Grand Treasurer, Bro. P. M. Trew.

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kind, had justly entitled him to that deep respect which the Brethren entertained towards him; but far beyond that pleasing reflection, he would be cheered through life and comforted in his dying moments by the conviction that, in this respect at least, and, he doubted not, in all, he had not exercised his sacred calling in vain. (Applause.) Bro. S. concluded by proposing "The health of the Grand Chaplain," which was drunk with every demonstration of respect.

The P. G. Chaplain, Bro. the Rev. T. T. HAVERFIELD, in acknowledging the compliment, said that he could not express the deep sense of gratitude he felt for the honour which had been done him, and he only hoped he should continue to merit the good opinion of his Brethren in the Craft. After the able and eloquent speeches which they had heard, but little was left to be said on the subject of Masonry, and he would only make a few observations in allusion to a subject which the P. G. Secretary had introduced-namely, the establishment of a Masonic Benevolent Fund in connexion with the P. G. Lodge of the province, by an esteemed Brother who was now, unhappily, no more. He believed it was not without precedent that such a fund should be established in a province, but, at the same time, it was by no means an universal practice, which might doubtless be attributed to the low state of the funds of the Lodges in many of the provinces. (Hear.) He would, however, take that opportunity of observing that, where the means existed, it would be well for the character of Masonry if the example which had been set by their lamented Brother, in the establishment of a benevolent fund in the province of Hampshire, were generally adopted in all the provinces in the kingdom. (Cheers.) The benefits which would result from it he need not descant upon. While he was on the subject, be would, for a moment, allude to the general fund in connection with the Grand Lodge in London. They all knew that large sums of money were given away with the greatest impartiality, justice, and, he might add, with the tenderest feeling, towards the unhappy objects who were obliged to apply for relief. (Hear.) He had many times attended the Board of Benevolence, and he felt great pleasure in being able to bear testimony to the admirable and praiseworthy manner in which the funds were dispensed. (Hear.) He had never seen Brethren dissatisfied who had applied for relief; but, on the contrary, they had always appeared highly pleased and much consoled by the kind feeling which had been manifested towards them. (Cheers.) It was a credit to Freemasonry— and he was proud to boast of it-that, whilst there were various things of which many individuals disapproved in the general government of the Craft, in that one particular, with reference to the fund of benevolence the brightest jewel in the Masonic crown-(cheers)-there was not an exception to be taken to the manner in which the funds were generally distributed. (Hear.) He would only, in conclusion, say that he was delighted to hear that the fund in their own province was likely to go on and prosper, and he would earnestly urge the several Lodges to support it to the best of their ability. (Cheers.)

The following toasts were afterwards drunk, also with Masonic honours :-

Bro. ARCHIBALD Low returned thanks.

"The P. G. Wardens and Officers." "The Grand Wardens and Officers." "The Masters and Officers of the Lodges in the province." -"The Director of Ceremonies and Stewards."

During the evening, which was passed in a truly Masonic manner, the Brethren of the Royal Sussex Lodge sang Masonic glees. There were likewise some capital songs by Bro. Bruton from London, and Bro. Rout of Portsmouth, and a delightful evening terminated by the D. P. G. M. singing "Faith, Hope, and Charity," composed by Bro. Coupland, and the music by the P. G. Organist, Bro. Klitz.

Grand Chapter of Hampshire.-On the previous evening, a new feature was presented to the Masonic body of the province, by the opening of a Prov. Grand Royal Arch Chapter. It was held at the Chapter-room, Crown Hotel, Gosport, principally, on this occasion, for the installation of officers, by the first Grand Principal, Comp. Charles Ewens Deacon.

PORTSEA.-Royal Sussex Lodge, No. 428.-The Brethren assembled to celebrate the festival of St. John the Baptist, and to present to Bro. Capt. Elliott, (late of the 82nd Regiment,) P. M., and P. P. G. S. D. for Hants, a splendid gold and diamond Past Master's Jewel, bearing the name of the Lodge. The W. M. addressed Bro. Elliott in a manner that conveyed the grateful feelings of the Brethren for their muchesteemed Past Master. After which he presented the Jewel.

Bro. Capt. Elliott, in reply, stated that in accepting so magnificent a mark of their esteem, it was to him the proudest moment of his life; that he should prize it as a testimonial of their kindness and love, and hand it down to his children's children as such. Deeply engraven upon his mind would be the impressions produced that day.

The Lodge was called from labour to refreshment, when the Brethren sat down to banquet. The evening was spent in the most agreeable manner, and at high twelve the Brethren separated, highly pleased with the day's proceedings.

SCOTLAND.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A SCOTTISH MASON.-We are much indebted for some very ably written observations on the present state of Masonry in Scotland," and in the present number we might have been tempted to give them publicity, had not some remarks of the Earl of Zetland, at the last Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of England, made it more prudent for the present to defer them. Our excellent and able correspondent will at a glance agree with us. SUUM CUIQUE-Again we say, "cavendo tutus."

OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.-In compliance with the request we have withdrawn the "leading article," on soi-disantism.

EDINBURGH.-St. Andrew's Day.-The Grand Lodge of Scotland met in the Waterloo Rooms, for the election of office-bearers for the ensuing year, when the following were duly elected :—His Grace the Duke of Atholl, M. W .G. M. Mason of Scotland; the Right Hon. Lord Frederick Fitzclarence, G. C. H., &c. Past G. M.; John Whyte Melville, Esq., Depute G, M.; the Hon. Augustus Jocelyn, Substitute G. M.; the Hon, the Master of Strathallan, S. G. W.; Colonel Kinloch, K.S. F.,

J.G. W.; Samuel Hay, Esq., G. Treasurer; W. A. Laurie, Esq., W. S., G, Secretary; James Linning Woodman, Esq., C. S., G. Clerk; Sir P. M. Thriepland, Bart., S. G. Deacon; Sir William Miller, Bart., J. G. Deacon; the Rev Alex. Stuart, and the Rev. John Boyle, G Chaplains; William Burn, Esq., and David Bryce, Esq., Architects; Charles Mackay, Esq., G. Jeweller; Robert Gilfillan, Esq., G. Bard; James Robertson, Esq., Director of Ceremonies; Signor Montignani, Director of Music; Wm. Reid, Esq., G. Sword Bearer; Morris Leon, Esq., G. Bible Bearer; A. Menzies and J. Tinsley, G. Marshals; D. Ross and Jas. Mackie G. Tylers. In the evening a large party dined with grand office-bearers in the Waterloo Hotel-His Grace the Duke of Atholl occupied the chair, supported on the right and left by J. Whyte Melville, Esq., the Hon. A. Jocelyn, Sir Wm. Drummond Stuart, Bart., the Hon. the Master of Torphichen; Viscount Suirdale, S. G. W. of the Grand Lodge of Ireland; Bro. Hutt, late Governor of Western Australia ; the Hon. Henry De Burg; Col. Wyllie, Bombay Army; Bro. Graham, of Leitchtown; the Grand Chaplain; Alexander M'Neill, Esq.; D. W. Balfour Ogilvy, Esq., of Tannadice; J. Dick Lauder, Esq., of Fountainhall; A. M'Neill, Esq., W. S.; John Patten, Esq., W. S.; Bro. Beddie, W. S.; Bro. David Campbell, W. S.; Bro. John Archibald Campbell, W. S.; Dr. Somerville; Dr. Thatcher, &c. &c. Colonel Kinlock acted as croupier. The band of the 3rd Dragoon Guards attended.

The Companions of the Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1, of Edinburgh, held their annual meeting on the 23rd September, in the Turf Hotel, Princes-street, when the office-bearers for the ensuing year were elected. -Andrew Murray, Z.; William Donaldson, H.; William Hillhouse, J.; Hector Gavin, First Past Principal; Morris Leon, Scribe E., &c. &c. After the election the Companions sat down to an excellent supper banquet; Comp. A. Murray, First Principal, in the chair. After supper the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given. During the evening many of the Companions favoured the company with songs; and the Companions separated much gratified by the harmony and good feeling which existed.

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GLASGOW.-Mr. Editor,-Sir, I have to beg of you to give a place in your next number to the following reply to an article which appeared in page 242 of the number of the Quarterly for June 30, 1846, headed Glasgow, Masonic Intelligence," where your correspondent takes notice of the last election of Master for the Glasgow Kilwinning Lodge, No. 4, which took place on February 24, 1846, wherein I am accused of malambition, and several other vile and malicious charges, which I shall presently notice. Now, the facts of the case are these-In the month of October, 1845, when it became known that the late R. W. M. intended retiring from the chair of the Lodge at the next election, I, at the request of a number of the Brethren, agreed to accept the chair of my mother Lodge, if elected. This soon became known to all the members who take any interest in the affairs of the Lodge. At that time Professor Ramsay had not been thought of, or at all events had not been spoken to on the subject, nor for a period of three months after. A part of the office-bearers, in opposition to a majority of the members, determined I should not have the honour of R. W. M. conferred upon me, although I had served the Lodge more than nine years, holding, during five years of that period, several of the minor offices, having been then elected