Graphic M. W. JOHN W. SIMONS P. G. M., MB- Advertisements for the Masonic Temple, to insure their insertion, must be sent in by SIX O’CLOCK P. M. THE STORY OF A WEEK. The ten days previous to our last issue were of such a nature as to require absence from our usual vocations, to involve two thousand miles’ travel, and to be of interest to many brethren; we therefore need not apologize for occupying a brief space with an account of the transactions of that period. To begin at the beginning, we should refer to the fact of the visit of Mr. Bro. Albert Pike, Grand Commander of the Southern Supreme Council, who came here as the guest of Mr. Bro. Charles Boome, 33°, our present representative Deputy Grand Master. Mr. Pike has many warm friends and admirers in this city and vicinity, and in order to afford them an opportunity to visit him while here, Bro. Boome very kindly opened his house and announced that all who wished to call upon and present their good wishes to Gen. Pike, would have an opportunity on the 13th inst. In response to this invitation, there was one of the most notable gatherings within the memory of the present generation. More than two hundred brethren, of all degrees, presented themselves, among whom we may mention Bros. E. L. Thorne, Joseph J. Couch, John W. Simons, Past Grand Masters, a large majority of the local Past and Present Grand Officers, and many brethren who are destined to make their Mark on the future of the craft. The proceedings were entirely informal, but there was an atmosphere of kindly hospitality and welcome, impossible to surpass and difficult to equal. The splendid mansion of Bro. Boome was simply thrown open, and the brethren upon passing the threshold found themselves at once honored guests and at home. No master of ceremonies was needed, for out of all present there was no difficulty in selecting Bro. Pike, whose towering form and silver locks at once designated him as the cynosure of the occasion. With his own peculiar suavity, he exchanged fraternal greetings with all alike, and none left his presence without feeling that he had conferred honor and benefit upon the craft, and that to know him is of itself a Masonic honor. Anon came the invitation of Gen. Boome to "go down stairs," where was found "a spread" that might have made Lucullus turn pale with envy. Being of a naturally modest turn of mind, the Dispatch contented itself with a "bottle and a bird," and then entered upon the philosophical enjoyment of watching the rest and passing with them the pleasant salutations of personal friendship, and thus the hand grasp was given to B. W. Bros. J. E. Simmons, Thomas C. Cassidy, W. F. Costenbader, John Boyd, A. G. Goodall, H. W. P. Hodson, John C. Boak, Geo. W. Skelton, Henry O. Banks, Chas. T. McClenachan, Tony Yeoman, H. G. Carter, Edwin Gates, W. H. White, Robert Macoy, W. T. Woodruff, Jas. E. Morrison, J. M. Hopper, Beuben Biley, J. F. Ferguson, M.D., Win. J. Orr, B.M.C. Graham, E.H.M. Ehlers, and so on through a line of one hundred. Later on the guests meandered up to the library, where they discovered “Beina Victoria and such,” and then gradually they found their way out into the night, each one feeling that he had enjoyed a privilege without a precedent, and that he had learned for the first time the true extent of the Mystic Tie. It affords us great pleasure to acknowledge the kindly feeling extended to us by the host and his honored guest, as well as the brethren generally, and we mark down in the tablets of memory the reminiscences of this evening as among the many pleasant ones of a long life. The next day was fixed for the departure to Milwaukee to attend the annual session of the Supreme Council, and the following brethren put in an appearance from the Northern Supreme Council: John L. Lewis, Daniel Sickels, John W. Simons, Clinton F. Paige, John D. Williams, A.P. Moriarty, John C. Robinson, A.G. Goodall, John H.H. Ward, C.T. McClenachan, Jos. D. Evans, Henry C. Banks, R.M.C. Graham, all of the 33d Degree, and Jacob R. Tel fair, Geo. W. Gilbert and Edward S. Keyser, 32°. The Southern Supreme Council was represented by H. Bro. Albert Pike, 33°, 8. G. Commander; Martin Collins, William M. Ireland, Theo. S. Parvin, and E.T. Carr, 33°. and Noble D. Larner and E. B. McGrotty, 32d. The route selected was by the Pennsylvania Central, so arranged as to arrive at Altoona for breakfast, and thus ascend the mountains by daylight. This particular morning was one of the brightest and most balmy of the season, and to make the trip more agreeable an observatory car was attached to the train. This vehicle is perfectly open at the sides, so that the traveler has an uninterrupted view of the magnificent scene as the train, drawn by two engines, winds its way up the mountain. Crossing the Alleghanies by this route has been so often described that we shall hardly be excused for taking up the time of the reader with its repetition, but to one who has never enjoyed the reality we should think it an attraction beyond all compare. The principal point is the Horse-shoe, where the road makes a long and graceful curve, during the passage of which the tourist sees the road yet to be passed, and then that portion he has traversed; and as gradually the elevation increases, and he looks down upon tall trees, the tops of which are many hundred feet below him, he is impressed with the grandeur of the scene as well as with the wondrous engineering skill that laid the tracks on the verge of the precipice, and made it possible for the iron horse to find swift and secure footing where it would seem a bird could hardly fly. Upward and onward we go till at last the train plunges into a tunnel about a mile in length, black as Erebus, and when emerging we are at the summit, and henceforward find our way toward our destination without further novelty. But on the return journey there was a fresh surprise; the day was overcast, and the wind blowing about twenty-five miles an hour, and as we clung to the railing of the open car with the train descending the tortuous path at the rate of a mile in a minute and a half, we could imagine nothing for a comparison except being up in a balloon in a hurricane. The recollection of that exhilarating ride will remain with us for life. Arrived at Milwaukee, we were met at the depot by Mr. H. Bros. Henry L. Palmer, Jedd P. C. Cottrill, Melvin L. Young, Win. T. Palmer, Alvin B. Alden, A. V. H. Carpenter, and John W. Woodhull, and conveyed in carriages under their direction to the Plankinton House, which we take great pleasure in saying is one of the finest hotels west of New York, and where every possible comfort and attention can be had. We speak the sentiment of the entire delegation in acknowledging the courteous attention of Mr. H. B. Sherman, the proprietor. After the customary ablutions and dinner, carriages again appeared, and under guidance of the Milwaukee brethren above named, the party was driven to the interesting points of the city, including Grand Avenue, two hundred feet wide and about two miles in length, adorned with palatial residences surrounded by tasteful lawns and gardens, and notable for the absence of enchants; the waterworks on the bolder of Lake Michigan, and the machinery under the direction of the State Commissioners of Fish Culture. This is a sample of the indefatigable personal attention paid to the visiting brethren during their stay, only ending when we had been safely placed in a Pullman hotel car for the return journey. Mr. Bro. Palmer and his committee will accept our warmest acknowledgments for the kindly attention that contributed so much to the pleasure of the visit. Additionally, the Dispatch desires to record the courtesy of Sir Walter Kempster, formerly of Utica in this State, and now Superintendent of the Wisconsin State Lunatic Asylum, who came eighty miles to shake hands with an old comrade and to send his regards to those at home. The meeting of the Supreme Council was largely attended, all the States in its jurisdiction being represented; the business transacted, however, being only of a routine nature, showing a steady increase in men and means. The 33rd and last degree was conferred on Mr. Brethren Jacob B. Telfair and George W. Gilbert, of this city, and H. Bros. John Hodge, of Lockport; Theodore W. Bolles, of Utica; and Edwin Dates, of Brooklyn, were elected to receive it next year at Philadelphia, to which place the Supreme Council, at the close of its business, adjourned. H. Bro. B. M. C. Grinn was elected Deputy of the Supreme Council for the State of New York. H. Pike held an extraordinary session of the Southern Supreme Council, and conferred the 33rd Degree on H. Bro. Frederic Speed, Deputy for Mississippi, who will accept our congratulations on his promotion. The subsidiary matters of interest were the visit of Oriental Consistory, of Chicago, to Wisconsin Consistory, of Milwaukee, by which they were handsomely entertained at a banquet and a subsequent visit to the Soldiers’ Home, and the annual meeting of the Royal Order of Scotland, the members of which dined together. On both these occasions brief addresses were made by H. Bros. Palmer, Pike, Drummond, McCurdy, Cottrill, Parvin, Woodbury, and Graham. At last came the time for parting, and all must have felt a newly-tempered zeal for an institution that binds in chains of friendship those who might have otherwise been perpetually separated. PEN PICTURES OF LIVING MASONS. HENRY CHAPMAN BANKS, 83°. “ Frutre tie deserere fratrem, fratruin quoqut rara 7. alia est." (fee i'rieud who loveth at all times becomes a rotber in adversity.) “He most lives \Vho thinks most, feels tho noblest, acts the best; Life's out a means unto an end; that end, Beginning, means an end to all things—God.” Mankind is prone to imitation, and in much of life is irresponsible for tho shadows in his ■ character and the train of hie existence. From infancy we catch the ideas and conform to the manners of our parents and friends. As we rose onward in life we follow and copy those whom we respect and esteem as superiors, ven rate as instructors, or love as friends. It works through example gradually and insidu ously, yet powerfully and successfully. The • man is the reflex of his youth’s surroundings. ■ Upon the parents, then, how great tho respon . sibility for the child 1 Henry Chapman Banks is tho son of Daniel Chapman Banks, a divine, and the founder of the First Presbyterian Church at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1804. Daniel’s wife was the daugh -1 tor of Major-General Siiliman, the elder broth . rof the late Professor Benjamin Siiliman of Connecticut. Under the parental training the character of the subject ot our sketch was formed. He was born at Henderson, Ky., July 10th, 1522, and spent bis earlier days in Louis- I ville. At the early age of nineteen (1841) ho 1 graduated at Transylvania University with high ■ onors. The son inherits ambition, energy and prac- ■ inability; is acquisitive, economical and yener -1 itive, although not given to the church, he. is : rank and free. The value of his friendship I nay be weighed by hy firmness of character, which in him is remarkable. There exists in the human mind a sentiment of elevated and instructive admiration for the more stern and positive virtues of our nature, and some of these traits and characteristics we will herein refer to as relating to the subject of our sketch; but a reference to the earlier circumstances of life must be first presented. We therefore return to his intellectual training in the Law School of Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky. In the same class were John Clay, son of the Great Commoner; Beck, of Kentucky; Holt, of Missouri; Ewing, of Ohio; Edward C. Marshall, of California, and others who have won an honorable place in the pages of our common history. Having practiced but a few years at the bar of Kentucky, he came to New York, where, about 1850, he became associated in business with his former schoolmate John Bartow Breckinridge, and has since continued here his professional calling. He was connected with the Law Department of our city some seven years as Assistant Attorney to the Corporation, and in these earlier days took a prominent part in local politics. From early youth he was affiliated with the Old Line Whigs, and was a warm and firm supporter of Henry Clay. Our brother never sought an elective office, but, on the contrary, repeatedly declined political nomination. For a time he was professionally associated with his cousin, the late Gen. Wm. S. Hillyer (of General Grant’s staff during the war of the Rebellion), and their relations continued until the General’s death, in 1874. Our distinguished brother possesses in a very marked degree certain traits which Freemasonry extols—a born keeper of secrets, faithful to duty in every relation in life, never assuming a responsibility he is unable to perform, or once having assumed, neglecting it—never urging others where he dare neither lead nor follow; with self-restraint as great as self-reliance, possessed of an air of ease and carelessness, veiling a life of work and watchfulness, keen and intuitive in thought, scenting the approach of danger, firm and progressive in his views, hearing all sides with patience, while mindful of results. There is about him an air of age and experience that causes one to feel that in his presence grief may rely on consolation, the wayward sound advice, and the ambitious words of wisdom. In him, the noblest acts are those of which the world knows naught, and only those which are kept within the sacred silence of the human heart. The quarry and the workshop are the scenes of deeds, the glory of which pervades the universal air; they are held in equal esteem with those of the Senate Chamber and the battlefield by Him who rules "Not only in Heaven, but in the affairs of men." In 1848, our distinguished brother was made a Mason in St. John’s Lodge, No. 1 (now styled Antiquity, No. 11). In 1850, he joined Anglo-Saxon Lodge, of Brooklyn, with which his membership ceased, by operation of law, upon the establishment of Arcana Lodge, No. 240, in 1852, being one of its charter members. He joined Pacific Lodge, No. 233, in 1857, wherein he was Junior Warden in 1858 and Worshipful Master in 1859, and in which his membership still continues. In 1860-18-18-18, he was District Deputy Grand Master of the First Masonic District of the State of New York, and discharged the duties with signal ability, and was made an honorary member of many lodges in his district. From Symbolic Masonry our brother advanced to the Capitular Degrees, in Jerusalem Chapter, No. 8, in 1857; to the Chivalrous Orders in Columbian Commandery, in 1859, when he was subsequently Em. Commander, in which last mentioned year he received the grades of the Ancient Accepted Rite, in New York Lodge of Perfection, New York Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Zeal and Constancy, Chapter of Rose Croix, and Cosmopolitan Consistory, and in August, 1861, he was exalted to the 33rd grade; November 7th, 1861, was elected an Active Member, ad vivam, of the Supreme Council, in which body he was Grand Marshal General of the Holy Empire, up to the year 1867. He was also one of the charter members of the Masonic Veteran Association of the State of New York, in which body, since its organization, he has been chairman of the committee on deceased members. Our brother at present is Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Texas, of the Grand Chapters of Texas and South Carolina; also of the Grand Commandery of Texas, and an active member of the Supreme Council, in which last body he has been chairman of the standing committee on the Reports of Deputies and Councils of Deliberation since 1867. For many incidents in the Masonic record of our distinguished brother, unusual weight is due, and of some, particularly those which may serve to refresh the recollection of older, or which may be matters of information to the younger members of the fraternity, we feel at liberty to speak. Brother Banks was advanced to the station of District Deputy Grand Master, but a few years after the creation of the office; up to the time he filled it, very little importance was attached to it, its prerogatives slumbering in obscurity; he however comprehended them, seized them with the resolution to enforce them, and asserted them to the full limit. His District occupied all that part of Manhattan Island lying north of Grand street, the District of our late Mr. Bobert D. Holmes, 33°, embracing that part of the city lying south of Grand street. Having assumed the office, Brother Banks visited all the lodges including the French, German, and Spanish Lodges within his district, gave system and dignity to the duties of the office, and by the vigor of his administration so honored and exalted the position that it soon came to be regarded as a place requiring high qualifications to reach, and a step toward positions of greater honor. As an active member of the Supreme Council, he became, in the Ancient Accepted Rite, the apostle of peace. From 1807 to 1862, a body known in common parlance as the “Cerneau” Supreme Council, had existed in New York; another, assuming to have been established in 1813, at New York, and subsequently holding its Grand East at Boston, Mass., claimed equal rights. These bodies were necessarily in antagonism. A disposition to harmony at length prevailed, resulting in the appointment of Commissioners empowered to arrange an amicable adjustment of differences and the establishment of a united policy. Illustrious Brothers Banks, Hayes, and Sickels, were appointed plenipotentiaries on the part of the “Cerneau” Supreme Council, and met in Boston, in 1862, Illustrious Brothers Robinson, Lucius R. Page, and Randall (the late Bishop), similarly authorized by members claiming legitimacy there. The result of that convention was the union of the New York Council with the body in Boston, presided over by the late Hon. Edward A. Baymond, 33°, a portion of the original Boston Council had previously left the Haymond party and continued under the leadership of Hon. K. H. Van Beasdale, 33°; but happily, in May, 1867, pacific measures triumphed, and all discordant elements were harmonized by a general Treaty of Union. The present Supreme Council, united and prosperous, is in a measure indebted to the efforts of our distinguished brother and his diplomatic associates, in assisting to “a consummation so devoutly to be wished.” Blessed be the peace makers! The brother, the outline of whose life we herein give, has been thirty years in active harness, and has advanced to the highest rank. To this Masonic veteran, much is due for the harmony that has resulted from the wisdom emanating from the great responsibilities which have been entrusted to him. For more than ten years the subject of this notice has been a constant contributor to the Masonic press, more especially the New York Dispatch. He is a fluent writer, forcible speaker, sound debater, and a good metaphysical reasoner, and one who would readily make himself felt in the halls of legislature. Bro. Banks turns his thoughts within himself and reflects, and thus reposes on sure principles of reason; he is tenacious in thought and feeling to a remarkable degree; unforgivable and uncompromising with his contestant, carrying conviction through all time; yet this very tenacity of feeling in him is most valuable in binding him to a fixed and determined love or attachment, as evidenced in his unswerving adherence to associates and friends. Bro. Banks possesses sentiment giving birth to poesy, which we may justly call inspiration, and language adapted to the expression of the sentiment; this sentiment, too, is well concentrated. How often have we heard the eloquence of our brother proclaim the defense of ladies in Masonic circles, expressing their feelings as the more exquisitely fine, their generous sympathy as being the more easily awakened by the misadventures of their fellow-creatures of the sterner sex. Should the doors of the great fraternity have a key to open the great arena to those whose hearts are united by the bond of sincere affection, no one would be so swift as a messenger of the mercurial god than him who so frequently, faithfully, and yet so facile in expression, is the exponent of those whose “soft tears of pity bedew the cheek at the tale of woe,” and whose gentle bosoms heave with swelling emotions at the view of human want. Bro. Banks is of that temperament that we would there were more of such; it is of that vital character, that, although it exhibits an apparent restlessness, betokens great vigor and a love of that freshness of exercise which is conducive to constant action, evidencing that ardor and enthusiasm, cheerfulness and geniality, so apparent in him at all times and on all occasions. This vital temperament is marked in his every action as well as in his conformation—of fair height, prominent chest, shoulders broad and round, and being generally well developed — fond of good living, and of a jovial disposition, he is eager and persistent in whatever he sets out to accomplish, and unyielding until the end is unefailing. With clearness of vision, he sets forth, and with certainty of success he approaches, and provides for the result, which, when attained, is clinched and concluded for all time—his legal training has aided in fixing upon him this characteristic. Should we desire to attain a given purpose, upon his judgment and guidance, we would readily rely and trust to a successful issue, whatever length of time might be consumed in the final attainment. He is one who “Ponders boldly” — and believes—“tis a base and unadorned reason to resign. Our right of thought—our last and only place of refuge.” Brother Banks is one who glows with strong affections, and may be said to be oppressed with deep and earnest longings for friendly communion with sympathizing and responding hearts; it would be as impossible for him not to be allied with the Institution of friendship, love and truth, and with the “Sons of Light,” as for him to attempt to rebel and conquer the nature in him born: it is his faith, his pleasure, his life; and that the years may be many in which the fraternity may enjoy his counsels, his loved ones the care of his protective arm, and his friends and brothers the sustaining influence of his advice and cheery sympathy, is the emanation of a natural wish of the legion that know and ardently esteem him. Oxford. PERSONAL. Bowen.—We have been honored by a visit and hand-grip of Mr. Bro. Robert F. Bower, of Iowa, whom we honor because he is a Masonic educator, having one of the largest libraries in the world, and being always ready to communicate its riches to those who seek for more light. We are happy to add that he is in the best of health; and if he lives as long as we wish, he will raise Methuselah, and go ten better. Jao obs.—We learn with great sorrow that Bro. Lionel Jacobs, an old New Yorker, but more recently of Florida, has lost his estimable wife—a lady to whose excellent qualities we can testify. We condole with our esteemed brother, and assure him that the sympathy of his old friends is with him in this affliction. McDermott.—Our old friend Dr. William J. McDermott will accept our regrets at being unable, by reason of other engagements, to be present at the marriage of his daughter Florence to James B. Crosby, Esq. We none the less wish the happy couple every possible joy, and add our paternal “Bless ye, my children.” Hoole.—Our venerable friend the Grand Tyler has just been under the spell of E. Sir Alexander B. Mott, for an affection of the eye. The operation appears to have been eminently successful, upon which we congratulate both the operator and the patient. F. Oscar Woodruff, the general Senior Warden, of Montgomery Lodge, No. 68, has recently added to his picture gallery, a full-length portrait of himself in full Highland costume, such as worn during the warm season. The likeness is said to be very striking. Banks.—H. Henry C. has recently been made a grandfather. Some men have honors thrust upon them. IN MEMORIAM. Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Grand Secretary by’s Office, Freemason’s Hall, Omaha, Sept. 8th, 1878.—Brother Freemasons: Since Wednesday last our Grand Master, Frank Welch, has not been seen of men. Death then took him from our view. He was struck down. With unfinished designs upon his trestle-board, skilled workman as he was. His work was not done; his death was untimely; and his brethren mourn. Today all that remains of him on earth has been taken hence to a distant country for interment. Yet even there the bonois due his life, his integrity, and his many virtues, will be given by our fraternity. And as we did farewell to one so dear to us, we feel that one more tie to earth is loosened, so weary are we of life's grief and sorrow. True, we will resume our labors; will again plod and delve; will soon cease to feel the pang of his loss; but while we live who knew him, his memory will be cherished, his loss will be deplored, his absence will be regretted. For he was good, and true, and noble; upright and steadfast as became a man; kind and charitable as became a Mason; strong and wise as became a leader. He was our Grand Master; and, neglecting none of the duties he owed his family, his neighbor, his country, or his God, he met the many and varied duties of the station with honor to himself and us all. In token of our sorrow, let all our lodges and working tools be draped with mourning until the Festival of St. John the Evangelist; and let it be made of record in each lodge that almost the youngest of our Grand Masters was the first to pass from earth. In the absence of the Grand Master, Wm. B. Bowles, Grand Secretary, EUROPEAN LETTERS FROM ROBERT MORRIS. NO. V. The recent very heavy failure of the old and well-known book firm of Virtue & Co., suggests to mind how extremely unprofitable. has the production of books become in these latter. times. As to Masonic books, the London publishers are issuing nothing new. "Kenning's Cyclopedia of Freemasonry," edited by Brother Woodford (and a really excellent book, though he refers to Dr. Mackey ad nauseam), has a steady sale, but slow. A similar work by Mackeene, published by Bro. John Hogg, makes but moderate headway, and these are about all the Masonic publications the London market at present yields. Dr. Oliver's writings are a heavy stock. But few of what Americans style Manuals, Monitors, etc., are sold here. But while you never see such books in the lodge room as with us, yet no class of Masons are so much indebted to print for the instruction given by the officer to the candidate, as the English. What a comment is all this upon the hopes we held thirty years ago, that "the time would come when every Freemason would have his little library!" Did I tell you of a happy occasion I had while in Edinburgh? It was this. An announcement was made to some fifty of the craft in those words: "Edinburgh, 7th August, 1878. "Dear Sir and Brother: The pleasure of your company is fraternally solicited at Freemason Hall on Friday evening, at eight o'clock, to greet our brother, Dr. Rob Morris." Past Grand Master of Kentucky, and to learn of him his personal researches among the Maples of the Holy Land. Dr. Morris, after a brief sketch of his Masonic travels in the Orient, will communicate, if desired, the beautiful order in Masonry founded upon his own gatherings of ancient tradition. The Palm and Shell. I am, yours maternally, ROBERT S. Brown, Representative of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky near the Grand Lodge of Scotland. In response to this, some thirty of the invited were in attendance, the rest out of town, it being the season when all who can leave for recreation, do so. Among those present were Brother Mann, an old and highly influential member of Grand Lodge; also, Brother Bobson, the Consul for the United States, whose name I found well known throughout Scotland. Letters expressing regret came from the absent. I was introduced by Brother Brown in bestowing terms, and occupied one hour with a sketch of my travels and researches in the East, such as many of your readers have heard at my lips, in the Cooper Institute, the Atheneum, Brooklyn, and elsewhere. This being done, I had the honor of inducting the entire company into the pleasant arena of the “Palm and Shell,” of whose popularity nothing more need be said than. But we have eight thousand members in the Occident and Orient. The whole event was extremely pleasant. Votes of thanks were passed, and complimentary speeches by which those Scotch Masons know how to make their. Visitors feel good. I had also the honor of attending upon a regular meeting of the Grand Masters Council No. 1 of the Cryptic Bite, of which Rev. Brother Portal is Grand Master. This rite (pronounced in this country) was introduced here a few years ago by a committee of three from New York, as your readers will recollect. The committee (or commissioners, as New Yorkers love to call themselves) gathered around them an influential body of Masons here, among whom, I may enumerate, Brothers Portal, W. Hyde, Pullen, Binckes, Bosontbrall, etc. They started under large accommodations, fitted up a series of rooms and purchased paraphernalia; but the progress of the rite thus far has been slow. The necessity of accommodating the degrees of Most Excellent Master and Super-Excellency, Master with the proper two of Royal Master and Select Master, has encompassed the workings by making the rituals top-heavy, as one might say. Nevertheless, I saw three gentlemen of good repute passed through the de gross, and found that there is quite a press of applicants. The work was done entirely by communication, and the form of rituals left by the New York committee has been so shortened and emasculated that its own parents will hardly recognize it when they come back on a tour of inspection. I had the pleasure, by the way, of telling them that it was your humble servant that first suggested the word “Cryptic” as a cognomen of these degrees, a word at once adopted and now incorporated into regular Masonic nomenclature. Among the initiates at my visit was Brother Dibdin, grandson of the celebrated ballad-writer dear to every Jack tar. The Cryptic Bite assembles in Bed Lion Square. And so does the Degree of Saint Laurence, which I found worked well under auspices for more flattering than I had any conception of. In fact, I received the degree during my stay here, and need only refer to the names of Binckler, Pullen, Bosenthrall, Philips, Dibdin, etc., to establish the respectability of the system. The members were discussing with considerable earnestness the question whether to place the degree under the palladium of the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters, which in England is a large and most respectable body, or to unite the lodges of St. Lawrence, which are numerous in England, into a grand lodge of their own. The objections to the former proposal are that some of the St. Lawrence members are not Mark Masters, and that thousands of Mark Masters are not members of the St. Lawrence. The objection to the latter proposal is that there are already too many grand lodges and grand organizations in this country, and the members seem loth to increase the list. Would you like to see the very polite letter that Lard Hertford sent me? Here it is. Don't you wish you were one of “the party of five?” "Gratis." "It is contrary to Her Majesty’s command that payment for or in reference to this ticket be made to any person." State Apartments, Windsor Castle. "Admit Robert Morris, LL.D., and party of five. Not transferable. Hertford. "Days of Admission. " Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Hours from 1st April to 31st October, 11 to 4. From 1st Nov. to 31st March. 11 to 3. This ticket available only for one week from the date of issue, viz: Aug. 23, ’78.” This reminds me to give you likewise the note which Mr. Fremantle sent me by which I got into, through, and out of the British Mint. Here it is: “Not transferable and available only at the time specified. “Admit Dr. Morris, of La Grange, Kentucky, and five persons, to view the Royal Mint, on Tuesday, the 13th August, 1878, at the hour of 11:30. The work is suspended from 1 till 2 o’clock. “C. W. Fremantle, “Deputy Master of the Mint. “To the Officers of the Operative Department, Royal Mint. “The names of all the party accompanying the holder of this Order of Admission to be written in a book appointed for the purpose. The person named in the order to be responsible for those accompanying him. The order to be presented in the ball of the Mint Office. No money is on any account to be offered to the Visitors’ Messenger, or to any other person belonging to the establishment, as any person receiving a gratuity from a visitor is liable to be dismissed. Were you ever a poet? and did you ever accidentally find your effusions in active use? and did you not feel good over it? Imagine how I felt when, looking into the rooms of the Sunday School Union, No. 56 Old Bailey street, I saw, in "The Sunday Scholars’ Service of Sacred Song," compiled by W. H. Davies, the motto "Knock, and it shall be opened unto you" inscribed over a wicket gate, and my verses, written in 1865, commencing "O'er the portals of mercy these words are inscribed, "And written in letters of gold; the wayfaring man may behold them afar, And kneel at the heavenly fold, etc." Who wouldn’t be a poet, especially a successful one? How little did the passers-by think, as they looked on your correspondent that morning, that there stood among them—but I must not cook my bonnet too high. Only I wanted you to know what a great man your correspondent is, and encourage him accordingly. As I am giving English forms, here is one to Show the systematic method pursued by lodge secretaries. Being personally invited to visit lodges, I accept the invitation and receive the notice as follows: The Friends in Council Lodge, No. 1383. Brother Col. C. W. Randolph, Workmaster. Dear Sir and Brother: You are requested to attend the duties of the lodge at 33 Golden Square, on Tuesday, the 3rd day of September, 1878, at 4 o’clock punctually. By command of the Workmaster. W. Hyde Pullen, Sec. August 26, 1878, 33 Golden Square, W. Agenda. To read and confirm minutes. To ballot for, as joining members: R. W. Bro. Lieut.-Col. Harvey Juckett Duncan, Pt.D.G.M.; British Burmah, E. I. U. Service Club. Pro posed by Bro. H. D. Sandeman, P. D. G. M., Bombay; seconded by Bro. Cob Shadwell a Clerke, G. S. D. and P. M. To Raise, if present: Bro. the Hon. William S. B. Hanbury and Bro. W. Fitzpatrick Cui- lie an. D To Pass, if present: Bro. Major T. Spey Carl- y yon and Bro. Captain Hamilton Gray. Also, by n request of the W. Mister of the United Service Lodge, No. 1361, to Class Jiro. Herman. Billini-; Sim, of No. 1361. To transact any other business that may come before the lodge. Now, when I tell you that a similar paper is prepared for every meeting and sent to every member, you will see how careful these people are not to do anything in the dark. The lodge rooms are very small—fifty persons inconveniently crowd them—and but slightly furnished, the pedestal (as they term the altar) stands directly at the Master’s feet, so that he does not necessarily leave his station to attend to any of his official duties. There is no Treasurer’s station, but the Secretary sits in the northeast, near the place where Americans place the Treasurer. No books are visible in the room. The degrees are conferred expeditiously, quietly, and with so little dramatic force that it may be asked, why the necessity of lodge rooms, officers, etc.? Among the Oriental Arabs there is, in their primitive method of work, almost as much dramatic action as in an English lodge. Yet a spirit of order and decorum rules the proceedings, and the impression is universal. SORROW. Seldom has the craft been called to mourn the death of a more devoted member than the late Louis McLeish, whose remains were placed in Cypress Hills Cemetery last Tuesday by the brethren of Albion Lodge No. 26, Bro. McLeish, though but thirty-nine years of age at the time of his death, had long been an active business man, and at one time was very prosperous, but of late years one misfortune has succeeded another. So that he leaves a widow and seven helpless children to the care and solicitude of the craft. They will not shrink from the duty. HONOR. At a recent meeting of City Lodge, No. 408, W. Alexander Mack presiding, and in the presence of a large gathering of the brethren, Judge A. J. Dittenhootter presented to M. W. Bro. E. E. Thorne, a certificate of honorary membership in the following words: Most Worshipful Sir, I am about to discharge a very grateful and acceptable duty. Like the thorn living in the perfume of the rose, you have, from the moment of your entry into Masonry, been rewarded with the fragrance and beauty of Masonic honors for services worthily performed, and it has been the lesson of your Masonic life, while pricking open, as with a thorn, Masonic bubbles and shams, to spur us all on to the performance of the real Masonic duties. And tonight, as the highest measure of its recognition for these services, City Lodge, No. 408, is pleased to add your name to the roll of honorary membership. This mark of favor, the highest within the gift of the lodge, bestowed within the last twenty-two years of its organic existence only on three other worthy brethren, was unanimously and enthusiastically awarded to you, Most Worshipful Sir, not so much because you always lent you aid and counsel to its able and worthy Master, not only because the lodge enjoyed, while you were Grand Master of this State, your regard and constant solicitude, not even because you gave prestige and brilliancy to a former festive occasion, when you presented to one of the few invested with the honor a like certificate of membership, but chiefly because your name is inseparable. ably associated with the noblest charities of the order. Twenty-four years ago you appeared as an Entered Apprentice in Lafayette Lodge, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and, like the illustrious Frenchman whose name dignifies that lodge, leaving behind you the scenes of your early Masonic triumphs, you came to New York, and fighting as a subaltern in the ranks, you achieved, because you earned the highest Masonic honors in this State, until, in the year 1874, and again in 1875, you were elected Grand Master. 