The International Masonic Gathering.

the splendid hospitality which has graced his entertainment , but also for the opportunity of holding out the hand of friendship to our American brethren , and of assuring them that wiide we in England of course are loyal and true to the governing power of the Grand Lodge to which we owe allegiance , yet we feel that those who have sprung from us , and who so gracefully recognise , as has been clone this evening , the parent authority * which first created the Grand Lodges in America , that they are true ancl worthy

descendants of those who first carried from the old country into plantations , as they were caUed in the olden time , those germs of Masonry which hand in hand with the hearts ancl freedom of Englishmen have contributed to found the great ancl glorious Empire , which I will not prophesy what destiny has in store for it , but at this moment is one of the greatest powers on the face of the globe , not merely in extent , not merelin numbersbut one of the great powers for goodpreserving all

y , , the principles of freedom , asserting in the face of mankind that indomitable love of liberty , that freedom of speech , and which distinguish , ancl I trust ever may distinguish , the Anglo-Saxon race , of which the Anglo-Saxon Masonry is the worthy exponent . With this toast I beg to associate the name of a brother who sits at the other end of the room , who has contributed largely to Masonic history , ancl is one of the great ornaments of the Order—I mean our Bro . Hughan .

Bro . W . J . Hughan , P . G . D ., in reply said : Worshipful Bro . Kenning , I think every brother present this evening will recognise the fact that in my following our eloquent Brother Philbrick , Q . C ., I have a very difficult task to perform . The nature of the toast makes it still more difficult , for that of Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry is one which must make all our hearts bum while we respond . It is a toast so great in itself that I am afraid in responding to it I can scarceldo more than the fact that I

y express agree with every worcl that has been uttered by Bro . Philbrick , and to note that from early * times in this country , and the early times in the new country , we have up to the present a magnificent illustration of Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry . Leaving out of the question the antiquity of Freemasonry in England , I would ask you one minute to go

with me to that of the United States , and remember that from Daniel Coxe's Grand Lodge of 1730 clown to the Grand Lodge of yesterday , or alphabetically from the Grand Lodge of Alabama , clown to that of Wyoming Territory , not forgetting the Grand Lodges of British North America , there have sprung something like the million ancl a half of Freemasons of to-day . I say without any hesitation , and I am sure every brother here will agree with me , that Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry is symbolically a

continuous ancl permanent Atlantic cable , which unites the old world with the new , ancl in fact connects the north pole with the south , warmed from the east ancl fed from the west . May we indeed ah see , that it is only by our remembering the landmarks of Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry that we remain true to our colours . With your permission I will at once construct an Anglo-Saxon Masonic apron . We have in the four prorequisites of Freemasonry the four points of the Parallelogramviz ( 1 ) men ( 2 ) just

, ., , , ( 3 ) upright , and ( 4 ) free : uniting in the promotion of Faith , Hope , ancl Charity , composing the Triangle , all pointing to the Great Architect of the Universe , whom we should all love ancl obey . I have great pleasure in responding this evening to so great a toast as that of the " Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry , " for I am persuaded the more it is studied ancl understood , the more it will be valued , and in proportion as we follow its principles shall we be true to our professions .

Bro . Col . Creaton , P . G ., in proposing " Our English Masonic Charities and Distressed Masons all over the World , " said : Bro . Chairman and Brethren , the . toast which has been placed in my hands requires few words of comment or recommendation m such an assembly as this . The three great Masonic Charities of England seem to mark out for us a line of Masonic duty ancl of Masonic sympathy . They grant annuities to aged ancl anclwidows of ancl

decayed Masons - Masons , they provide a good sound and valuable education for 200 girls and 211 boys . Thus the English Craft taxes itself to the amount of . £ 30 , 000 annually to maintain these excellent chanties . I am quite confident that the American brethren will join us in wishing Success and continued Prosperity to our English Masonic Charities . " I am requested