A learned foreign author has somewhere: said, " Fromssonry is a moral order, instituted by virtuous men, with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our remembrance the most sublime truths, in the midst of the most innocent and social leasures,—founded on liberality, brotherly ye and charity." We need scarcely ro-mind the brethren that it is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols, As an Ame writer has well observed, Truth is its contre—tho point whence its radii diverge—pointing out to its disciples, a correct knowledge of the Great Architect of the Universe, and the moral laws which he has ordained for their government." Its history and origin are lost in obscurity. Tt has existed from time immemorial and, it is believed, will last until time shall be no more; centuries have flown by, empires have risen and fallen, yet the craft still stands firm "Hlonos midatthe rain of three thousand Unhart, unchanged Freemasonry append Hor towers and monuments may fade away, Hor truth and social love shall never decay."
Charity is not only the foundation of all masonic teaching, but it is also the copestone of that spiritual temple in the erection of which the fraternity are engaged. Of this no stronger proof can be afforded than ti noble work which is being performed by the local Charity fund, in aid of which the ball on Thursday night was As regards standing, 8 of benevolence to-number of lodges and members in good wards t ud orphans of brethren who have passed to the Grand Lodge above Shanghai, as far as Freemasonry is concerned, stands pre-eminent. This, we think, can safely be asserted without ispatagemont to any others. Charity being the prime motive power, the entertainment was a brilliant and 'a splendid success. The Committee, to whom the arrangements were entrusted, appear to have entered heart and soul their work and are deserving of the highest credit for the satisfactory manner in which rything was carried out; not a single mistake or accident of any kind occurred to mar the evening's pleasure. The Invitation Committee consisted of R. W. Bro. CE. Thorne D.G.M., W. Bros. C. Penfold, J. G. Thirkell, F. W. Galles, G. Bafy, E. Lalcaca, Bros. H. 4. Sidford, J. Morris, and J. Findlay. The Stewards were, for the Northern Lodge No. 670 E. C.' W. Bro. R.D. Starkey, Bros. 0. J. Holliday and G. R. Wingrove; for the Uosmopolitan Lodge No 428 5.0., W. Bros. W. Pemberton, J. G. Thirkell and F. T. Williams for Lodge Germ: Bro. E. Burmeister for Zion R. A. Chapter, E. Camp, L. Moore: for Keystone R. A. Chapter, E. Camp. R. J. Sloan, Camps H. 2. Sidford, G.B. Fentum and J. A. Sullivan. The Decoration Committee were W. Bros. Andersen, W. H. Short, T. Kingemill, J.D. Bishop and Bro. G. R. Wingrove, Bro. ©. King proved- an able and energetic Secretary to the General Committee of which R. W. D. G. M. was President, Outside the building, above the porch-way was a design in gas jets, forming a Brunswick star and the motto " Audi, Vide, Toco" in large well-shaped letters; this when lighted had pleasing effect and was prominent object for some distance up and down the Bund, The steps leading up to the entrance were roofed in with bamboo matting covered with various national and mercantile flags and festooned with evergreens. The pathway from the gate, up the steps, to the door was lined on cither side with growing trees giving it the appearance of an imyiu avenue. The room on the left jand side of the entrance was set apart as a gentlemen's cloak room where two energetic members of the Police Force took charge of a complete arock-in-trade of Ulsters, overcoats, hats, caps, ds., de. Opposite to this was the Rofroshment Room where the wine of Moot and Chandon and other exhilarating beverages wor poured out with a liberal hand. Passing through the inner glass door we found the card room on our right hand, where all those to whom the delights of Terpsichore presented no attraction might pass an hour or two with the pleasure afforded by Mrs. Spriggins, Facing us was a small flight of stairs leading down to the upper-room, of which more hereafter, At the foot of the main stair-case was cleverly improvised a small pond, in the centro of which was taised a rockery from which emerged a jot of scented water rising ton height of several feet. The pond was surrounded by flower ing plants and evergreen shrubs making a perfect garden. The walls at the sides and back of the staircase were covered with Knight Templar and Royal Arch banners as well as those. of the District Grand Lodge of Northern China, and the several Lodges, Chapters and Encampments in Shanghai, Surmounting all was the All Eye surrounded by the legend "Extondit palmites sues usque ad maro." At the head of the staircase were several portraits of masonic colebri-Mies, notably one of that bright mason W. Bro. Henry Murray Past, D. G. M. of China, The front hall was aot apart as a ade room. The decorations of this t_and tasteful and consisted of festoons of flowers and overgro anteroom was extemporised into a Indi cloak room and the room on the left of the large hall retained its original uso, viz., a masonic regalia room where members of the craft repaired to assume their distinetive clothing. The largo hall was, of course, the ball room. Here the decorations almost surpass description of ours can convey anything nate ides of the richness and magnificence of the scene which presented itself. On entering, the first object that would na-taraily attract attention was an irradiated ing Hye on a rich background of jotted with white stare which was placed over the organ at the easbond. The walls on either side, to a height of nearl six feot were covered with crimson cloth ornamented with white bands and rosettes, On this were placed squares and compasses, double triangles, triple taus and other masonic emblems formed of gilt and tin foil. Ona ledge above the cloth were ranged pots of geraniums, mignonette, lilies and other flowering plants, Above these at intervals were shields on which wore inscribed the names of the several lodges, chapters &c., in Shanghai and the names the W.M.'s or Principals thereof. Higher istances from one another were on brackets surmounted by globes of various colours, At the ens ther side of the aryan were fixed shields similar to those above ment on one of which wore the words "United Grand Lodge of England H.R.H. The Prince of Wales," and on the other "District Grand Lodge of Northern China G. Thorne." In front of the dais was the W.M."s pedestal on which was placed the Volume of the Sacred Law, square and compasses, and gavel. In the corner at each end of the dais were the Senior and Junior Warden?
fore, there, and everywhere were to be stale properly equipped for "work, seen festoons of flowers and evergreens
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.