petitions were always entertained with proper attention, so that there the principle was conceded; and that they could relieve only six out of forty applicants for the Annuity Fund at the last election; and all must first be provided for. At that rate, a widow never would have a chance, for twenty male applicants would spring up for every one provided for. He should support the motion.

Bro. R. G. ALSTON, with every possible desire, and deep-felt anxiety, to support the widows of Masons, could not conscientiously do so at the expense of common reason. The Grand Lodge had sanctioned the leading principles of a Benevolent Institution, which the resolution and the amendment would go far to weaken. As soon as time should prove that the public fund would justify annuities for widows, he should be among those who would advocate in such case so proper a course; but he, on the present occasion, should vote both against the amendment and the original motion.

Bro. DR. CRUCEFIX.-It would hardly be expected of him to give a silent vote on this most important subject-important equally as to the dignity of the Grand Lodge, as well as to the just, natural, and honourable claims of the widow. He used the word claims-who had higher, stronger, or more just, on the honesty of the Craft? He regretted to say that when her claims were last brought before the Grand Lodge, they were treated with the most shameless disregard of feeling. Could this fell charge be disputed? What said the opponents of the widow ?— Why this-when we have satisfied the wants of all the brethren, we will then attend to the widow. Matchless effrontery! He could boldly state that even the provinces felt ashamed of the objections; and if care were not taken, a great moral lesson would be read that would prove the truth of his declaration. He felt surprised that a brother hitherto in the van of charity, should have altered his opinion; also that the Grand Registrar should have propounded views at once irrational and inconsistent. He must remind the worthy mover of the resolution that the suggested sum of 3001. in annuities for the widow, was in connection with an improved state of dues, and which was carried by a most unmistakeable majority; and it should be observed, that on the occasion alluded to, Grand Lodge was not taken by surprise, for the notice of motion had regularly passed through the alembic of no less than two years' consideration. True, it was lost on a confirmation by an equally significant majority. How came this?-He would tell them. The Grand Master thought fit, for the first time, to inform the provinces that such a result had been arrived at, and if they did not like it, they might attend the ensuing Grand Lodge. In the mean time the most unconstitutional proceedings took place. The significant hint was taken by provincial grand lodges and private lodges, who interassociated, and certainly there was a sufficient majority to prevent the confirmation of the proposed raising of dues. He feared not the truth-it was right to tell it. But he could conscientiously state, that he believed, on sober reflection, the same parties regretted they had not moved an amendment on the dues, and carried the annuities to widows. He could stand the brunt of an attack in Grand Lodge with greater ease than he could its kindness; and among all his efforts, he reflected on those two evenings with the most perfect satisfaction. The time would come, and perhaps sooner than friends could wish, or opponents hope for, when the persevering conduct of a honest man would be appreciated. Having on previous occasions entered most fully into the claims of the widow, he

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would only now implore of Grand Lodge to support them with spirit and honour, and disenthral themselves from the too obvious charge of selfishness. He should vote for the larger sum.

Bro. BEADEN begged they would not be led away by the eloquent and powerful address of Bro. Crucefix. If it was only a question of relief to widows, he was satisfied that few dissentients could be found; but it was a pure matter of figures, which the last speaker had altogether avoided, and made an appeal on behalf of widows which did his talent and feeling credit; but however those might have the advantage who spoke for the widow, on the other side, those who took a more businesslike, and, he believed, a more correct view, would be borne out by investigation. They had not the money to part with for such a purpose, and if the money was forthcoming, they were bound in honour and justice to devote it to annuities for deserving brethren. He could not forget they were unable to relieve the proper applicants, and their balance in fortunate years, with grants to boot, did not exceed an average of 3007., and they had as yet only a very limited number of annuitants.

The M. W. G. M. was about to address the Grand Lodge. Bro. Philipe wished to know if he was to reply afterwards. The G. M. resumed his seat.

Bro. PHILIPE then very ably reviewed the whole of the arguments that had been used, and said the principle had been before now fully admitted by votes of Grand Lodge, that on confirmation similar motions had been rejected, but there was always a reason for it, which did not now apply. They had an overplus of 300l., of which he proposed to deal with one hundred only, and in which he was fully justified, for by carrying the lesser sum to the satisfaction of all, they would be enabled in time, at least he hoped so, to entertain an improvement to any extent. Bro. Philipe then reviewed the objections of those who disapproved of any present assistance to the widow, and animadverted somewhat caustically on the suggestion to grant them aid when there should be no brethren remaining to require such. His objections to the larger sum were simply that the present balance in hand might not be found to continue as large, and that by postponement, that question hereafter might admit of more conclusive necessity.

The GRAND MASTER opposed, at the present state of the revenue, the granting of any certain or fixed sum to widows-it was an interference with the existing regulations of the Fund of Benevolence. He should not oppose a specific fund for widows, but could not support either the original motion or the amendment.

The amendment was then put-for 32, against 50. Lost by 18. After which the original motion-for 50, against 45. Carried by a majority of 5.

Bro. PHILIPE proposed, that it be referred to the Board of General Purposes to devise a plan to carry the motion into effect. Carried.

AS TO ALTERATION IN THE RITUAL.

Bro. SCARBOROUGH was then called upon to proceed with his motion: he requested that the notice might be read, which was, that a committee of nine members, five of whom to be grand officers, be appointed to consider if any and what alteration might advantageously be made in the ceremonial ritual of Masonry, and was about to address Grand Lodge, (having waited while a conversation was going on between the Grand Master and Grand Officers,) when

The GRAND MASTER submitted to Bro. Scarborough whether, after he had heard what he had to say, he would proceed with his motion; he should, however, in such case, not allow any part of the debate to be reported. He believed Bro. Scarborough's proposition to be, to make alterations in the ritual, particularly in the O. B. He thought that was interfering with the landmarks of the Order; all sects and all persons now could enter without any conscientious misgivings, and it would be quite contrary to the rules of Freemasonry if that were altered-he should strongly oppose it; he would leave it with Bro. Scarborough to proceed if he was so determined.

Bro. SCARBOROUGH was very sorry, and equally surprised, to be met in the way he was; if any argument had been used against what he would have stated, he might have withdrawn his motion, or have been defeated by a vote; but to be put down by a veto, was a course he never for a moment contemplated, nor was it just; he challenged his lordship to show that his motion implied what he had thrown out-he challenged him to say that he had directly or indirectly communicated to the Grand Master his views, or contemplated alterations, and yet it was attempted to put him down before he had had an opportunity of explaining. The words that had fallen from the Grand Master ought never to have been uttered-he was first ear-wigged, and then argued upon it. He had not even mentioned this subject to any one, except in confidence-but of course now he should pause.

Bro. BEADEN rose to order; it was unmasonic to say the Grand Master had been ear-wigged.

Bro. SCARBOROUGH was more in order that any one else; he had given notice in the most general terms, as ambiguous as he could, and yet inferences were drawn of which he knew nothing: he should now withdraw his motion, but not abandon it; he should again bring it forward, but not in the same gentlemanly masonic manner;-in a way that would be tangible, but possibly more unpalatable.

The GRAND MASTER regretted he should have misunderstood the terms of the notice of motion; he had understood that what he stated was the object of Bro. Scarborough; he was sorry if he had failed in catching his precise views, but Bro. Scarborough could proceed. Motion withdrawn.

The GRAND MASTER proposed to receive the scrutineer's report in his private room, it being past eleven o'clock. It was submitted that such a course was illegal; that on the evening of the alarm of fire it was done as an especial matter, and last year the same course had been attempted, but the law was very distinct and clear, that it must be received in Grand Lodge; several suggestions and motions were made, but all found to be irregular and unconstitutional; the law was more particularly pointed out. As some difficulty was experienced in obtaining authentic reports of the last election from the Grand Secretary's office, the Grand Master directed the doors to be locked, and remained seated until half-past twelve, when he received the following report of scruti

* Bro J. F. White was nominated on both lists, hence his position at the head of the poll. The list circulated by the Craft was most triumphantly returned, the lowest number being 113, whereas, with the exception of Bro J. F. White, whose name was on both lists, the highest number on the Grand Officers' list was but 84!

The Grand Master then appointed R. G. Alston (President), Alex. Dobie, Lewis, Cox, Mac Mullen, Jennings, Evans, Parkinson, Patten, Norris, and Goldsworthy, to be his nominated portion of the Board. The Grand Lodge was then closed.

GRAND CONCLAVE OF ENGLAND AND WALES.

March 30.-Present, the M. E. Grand Master, Sir Knight Col. C. K. K. Tynte. Sir Knights Stuart, D. G. M.; Crucefix, P. G. C. Kent; Tucker, P. G. C. Dorset; Col. Vernon, P. G. C. Staffordshire; Dawes, P. G. C. East Lancashire; Major Robb, P. G. C. Hants; Udall, P. G. Captain; Claydon, G. Chancellor; Wackerbarth, Vice-C.; J. A. D. Cox, Gibbins, Goldsworthy, Dover, and many others.

The Grand Master addressed the encampment on the termination of the third and last year of his public service at some length, and laid down his baton.

It was then moved, seconded, and carried unanimously, that Sir Knt. Col. K. K. Tynte be re-elected Grand Master for the ensuing three years.

The Grand Master acknowledged the compliment.

It was then moved by Sir Knt. Tucker, and carried unanimously, that a vote of thanks to the Grand Master be inscribed on the minutes of the Grand Conclave.

It was next moved by Sir Knt. Crucefix, and seconded by the Deputy Grand Master, that those thanks be transcribed on vellum, under the direction of the committee, and presented to the Most Excellent Grand Commander at the next Grand Conclave.

The following were then elected to serve on the committee: Sir Knts. Udall, Shaw, Gibbins, Wilson, and Auldjo.

The Grand Master appointed, as his four members, Dr. Leeson, Dr. Crucefix, J. A. D. Cox, and Goldsworthy.

Sir Knts. Auldjo and Shaw were appointed Grand Captains.

Sir Knt. Vink was unanimously re-elected Treasurer.

Many other appointments were made.

The Grand Almoner reported the collection for the poor and distressed. The Grand Conclave was then closed, and adjourned to banquet.

The Grand Master presided with his usual courteous affability. Many excellent speeches were made: that by Dr. Crucefix, announcing his contemplated retirement from public duty, was received with great attention and deep sensation. The vocal knights contributed to the happiness of the meeting, and the attention of the Stewards was visibly an improvement in the arrangements.

The balance in the hands of the Grand Treasurer amounted to 1597. 18s. 4d.

Newly appointed Provincial Grand Commanders.

ROYAL FREEMASONS' SCHOOL FOR FEMALE CHILDREN.-One of the most interesting dinners of the season took place on Wednesday evening at the great hall of the Freemasons' Tavern. A very large body of Freemasons were present, under the presidency of their Grand Master, the Earl of Zetland. In the course of the evening, the girls belonging to the school, each two led by a Freemason, walked in procession round the hall. Their appearance and conduct did great credit to those under whose management they are living. It is well known they are the daughters of Masons who have fallen into a state of distress or indigence, and difficult it would be to say how their children would have been educated or supported, had not the charitable and benevolent of their more fortunate brethren held out to them the hand of friendship, and thus afforded them the means of becoming good and useful members of society. This gratifying scene was witnessed with peculiar interest by a large number of the fair sex who occupied the gallery. The girls receive a plain education, and are instructed in the various arts which qualify them for making good servants: and the best principles being inculcated in their minds, the chances are that they fill their stations with that attention to their duties which confers a comfort on those who are fortunate enough to obtain their services. During the time the children were on the platform, the Earl of Zetland made a most feeling address to the company, at the same time stating that he thought the sight before them spoke, in more impressive language than he could use, to the hearts of the whole body. His lordship, among other things, stated that the school was founded in 1788, by Chevalier Ruspini, from a true feeling of benevolence, and for the good of his brethren; but it had happened, by the inscrutable decrees of Providence, that two of his grandchildren were now recipients of the charity. This circumstance, he hoped, would be a lesson to all Masons to lend their aid to this excellent institution; for who could tell that those who came after them might not have occasion to resort to the charity to which their ancestors had been contributors? The school is under the immediate patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Dowager. No less than 1,0307. was subscribed in the room.- -Times, May 10.

Several prizes were delivered to successful candidates, who were suitably addressed by the Grand Master, who also stated that the Rev. Bro. Cox, the Grand Chaplain, would preach a sermon on behalf of the