Mr. Smith's professional eminence was the result of his high scientific attainments. His skill as an operator was proverbial. His anatomical and medical museum, at the Infirmary, is one of the most valuable in the provinces, and has excited the attention, and been visited by medical practitioners from all parts of the empire.

He was an antiquary of some pretensions, a contributor to the local newspapers, and a constant admirer and supporter of chamber harmony, the drama and dramatic amusements; and it will be readily conceived, that his circle of friends was as extensive in number as it was varied in point of taste. By those to whom he was best known he was most beloved, and there are many who have been in the habit of associating with him at the social board, who will drop a tear to his memory, as they ask, "Where be his gibes now-his jests, his songs, his flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table in a roar?"

In

Mr. Smith was a member of the town council, for the ward of St. Augustine, from the period of the passing of the municipal act. politics he was accounted to belong to the Tory party, but he was totally free from that bitterness and acrimony which, a few years ago at least, characterised a large portion of the members of that body. His position as a charity trustee was peculiarly appropriate, he being a descendant of the benevolent Whitson.

The interment of the remains took place on the 31st of January. The morning was extremely unpropitious, the rain descending very copiously; nevertheless, the weather was unheeded, and for hours before the time announced for the funeral, the streets leading to Park-street were thronged by people hastening thither and to College-green, in order to insure standing-room to witness the procession. The anxiety to be present was not confined to any class or grade of society: the rich, the poor, the wealthy merchant, and the humble artisan,-those of the former who have in times gone by benefited by the application of his skill, as well as of the latter, who have been equally the objects of his anxious solicitude, in that charity which was as dear to him as the apple of his eye,-all, all associated together on this solemn occasion, and felt the bitter pang of regret at the loss of one who was a benefactor to his race-a true philanthropist.

The hearse and carriages having left the private residence of the deceased, in Park-street, were joined at the Institution by the full body of Masons in their respective Lodges, and at the Mayor's Chapel by the charity trustees and children of the city schools. The procession then wended its way in the following order: The Red Maids, (preceeded by a beadle); the City Boys, with their Masters; the Charity Trustees, with their Solicitor and Secretary; the Pupils of the Medical School, headed by two Pages; the Gentlemen of the Medical Profession; the Committee of the Infirmary; the Clerks and Sextons of St. Augustine and Temple; Mutes; the Rev. W. Wilner, minister of St. Augustine, and the Rev. L. R. Cogan, minister of Temple; Dr. Pritchard, Dr. Wallis, R. Lowe, and N. Smith, Esqrs.; Dr. Howell, Dr. Riley, J. Harrison, and W. Morgan, Esqrs.; Carriers, with truncheons; THE BODY, in a hearse-and-four, richly caparisoned with plumes; mourning coach, containing E. Rawlinson, Esq., chief mourner, Brooke Smith, H. Goldwyer, John Taylor, and C. Greig, Esqrs,; THE MASONS in order; The Provincial Grand Lodge of Bristol; P.D.P.G. Master, Brother Husenbeth; The Mayor's state-carriage; the carriages of Dr. Howell, Dr. Davies, Dr. Pritchard, Dr. Porter Dr. Langworthy, and H. Clark, Esq.

The streets through which the procession had to pass were literally crammed with people; it was not a moving mass, for the multitude was so great as to render that next to impossible, so they remained stationary, as by common consent, and formed a wall, as it were, on each side, allowing sufficient space in the centre for those connected with the mournful ceremony to pass through; nearly all the shops on the line of route, as well as several others in different parts of the city, were either wholly or partially closed, and the bells of the different churches tolled their melancholy chimes during the morning, whilst a muffled peal from the venerable tower of "Temple" indicated that there was the spot where the remains of the deceased were to find their last earthly resting-place. The grave was at the north-east corner of the churchyard, and thither the corpse was conveyed. The remainder of the solemn and affecting service for the dead was then read by Mr. Cogan, and the body committed to the earth.

On the return of the Brethren to the Masonic hall, a very impressive address was delivered by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, Bro. Rev. Dr. Irvine, which was listened to with the deepest interest and attention by one of the most numerous and respectable meetings of the Craft which for many years has distinguished that body: great, indeed, would have been our surprise had it not been so. The Brethren met to do honour to one who was esteemed not only as a Brother “most dear”—one, by whose elegance of diction and kindness of demeanour the great principles of Masonry had been so frequently unfolded, but whose undeviating example to "relieve the wants of others" had been so successfully imitated. The arrangements of the hall were perfect, and the mourning with which it was decorated, contrasted with the light which reflected upon its various regalia, produced an effect no less solemn in its appearance than deeply interesting in its results. Amongst the Brethren present we perceived the venerable David Davies, F. C. Husenbeth, R. Cadett Holden, R. B. Callender, R. C. Hanson, C. H. Abott, William Claxton, W. D. Bushell, H. Bushell, Charles Castle, E. J. Staples, T. R. Sanders, F. Leman, Thomas Emery, William Sowell, R. L. Burne, W. Baker, Arthur H. Palmer, &c. &c. &c.

We understand that this lamented gentleman has, by his will, bequeathed his valuable museum to the Bristol Infirmary, and has left a sum of £400, the interest to be applied to keeping it in order. The following characteristic anecdote of the deceased we copy from the Times:

With the best wishes for his health and happiness and prosperity through life,
These Five Volumes of "Warren's Collection" are

Presented to

ALFRED BLEECK, Esq.,

On the 44th Anniversary of his Birth-day,

By an Old Associate and Boon Companion in the Saint Austen and Phoenix Glee Societies,

RICHARD SMITH, Surgeon, of Bristol.

Now know ye all men whom it may concern, that these are the conditions of the Gift :1st. That the said worthy Comrado, Alfred Bleeck, Esq., shall not part with them so long as he is able to bear a Bob in a Catch, Glee, or Madrigal. 2nd. That during his ensuing Birth-days he shall, together with the Company then and there assembled, at some convenient time in the evening, drink a bumper, in profound silence, to "The Pious Memory of the Donor." But, after a lapse of two minutes exactly, the Company shall strike up Smart's glee of "With my jug in one hand and my pipe in the other." And, to recal to the memory of auld lang syne,

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

VOL. I.

And never brought to mind."

NON OMNIS MORIAR.

G

The theatre was closed on the nights of the decease and funeral of Bro. Smith.

Bro. Smith was initiated rather late in life; but he made up for this delay, working with freedom, fervency, and zeal. He embraced with warmth the principles and ceremonies of the Craft; six years before his death was invested with the highest honours of the fraternity; and had been a long time Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the district. His last Masonic act was in advocacy of a charitable object. A portrait of him, an excellent likeness by Mr. Branwhite, was two years since placed in the Masonic hall, at the expence of the Craft.

TO THE EDITOR.

THE ASYLUM FOR THE WORTHY AGED AND DECAYED FREEMASON.

SIR AND BROTHER,-It has been very industriously reported, by a certain "Simon Pure," that the originators of the Asylum are but copyists; for that the matter had been long since the subject of deliberation in Grand Lodge, and at the Board of General Purposes. If our detractor is one of those unpretending Masonic patriots who "do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame," let him bear in mind, that -fama volat-his day is past.

Now for a few facts. In 1832, at a meeting of the Nore Committee, held at the Bull's-head, Leadenhall-street, to close accounts after a successful cruise in favour of the Boys' School, whereat were present, among some twenty other Brethren, the late Brothers Col. Forrest, Lythgoe, and Coe; in a conversation with the two former, an outline of a plan for a building to receive as inmates, and protect as Masons, the worthy and aged of our Craft, was suggested. The former agreed in toto, but Bro. Lythgoe thought that a school-house for the boys should be the first object, and an asylum for the aged the second; that, the one object effected, he would cheerfully co-operate for the erection of the other; and, for this purpose, he would subscribe £25 for a building fund, to which he had already several names with a similar amount. At the very next meeting of the Boys' Committee, he advised a conference with the treasurer of the institution. That officer did not himself object, but intimated that the project would not find favour elsewhere. Thus hope was deferred, and even the leviathan Bro. Coe was appalled: his favourite object appeared to be for ever lost. Whoever has been to sea knows well the importance of heaving the lead-frequent soundings always effect practical benefit. It had been often proved at the Board of Benevolence that we had began at the wrong end; which opinion was confirmed by a veteran Mason, who, although he has since submitted to the process of holy-stoning and polishing, as practised by the "afterguard," and of which a proof is evident in his portrait, taken during the operation, still I must regard him, for the candid declaration he made at the time—“ That, desirous as he was the Boys' School should be built, he was yet more anxious that the Asylum should be the first edifice."

To my tale. Wherever the subject of the Asylum was mentioned, all were eyes and ears-no one ever hinted that the object was an old suggestion; and at length a public meeting was decided on. Previous, however, to which, a circular was placed in the hands of one of the originators of the Asylum, dated 1829, and signed, "Gilbert Gilbert," W.M. 317, Lodge of Harmony, Richmond, calling on the Craft to adopt some permanent mode of relief for aged Masons.

On the 8th of April, 1835, at the said Lodge of Harmony, after the removal of the cloth, an advocate of the Asylum requested information regarding this circular, and the progress of its effect. The reply was, that but one answer had been received, and that one unfavourable; that, in consequence, the Lodge had abandoned their well-intended project!

"Then," said the advocate, "I claim to renew it, and shall be proud to enlist you in the cause." A covered plate was sent round the table, and returned to him with nearly ten pounds. For this proof of the adherence of the Lodge to true philanthropy, suitable thanks were returned, and a declaration made, that the devotion of a lifetime should be paid to the undertaking. From that moment the stone was laid. It is proper to observe, that the advocate kept faith with Bro. Gilbert, who, being present when the Grand Lodge sanctioned the Asylum, received a merited compliment on the occasion.

To the next point. It is stated that the subject was mooted in Grand Lodge. A Brother certainly did move, in Grand Lodge, for permanent relief to aged Masons, and the matter was referred to the Board of General Purposes; who, in their report, stated the practicability of the subject; on which, the Board were directed to reconsider their report; they did so reconsider, and in their next report, they stated the impracticability of the subject! This is not the place to enter into an examination of the causes that influenced the Board at the time. But the proofs are in my possession; and, in due season, with much other important matter, must be published. The Brother, who had mooted the subject in Grand Lodge, was so disgusted with the second report of the Board of General Purposes, that he soon after retired from the Grand Lodge; not, however, before he most energetically supported the principle of the Asylum in the Grand Stewards Lodge. It was vainly attempted to re-enlist him in the cause. In him was thus lost a staunch supporter. Into the frivolous objections to the Asylum of some, and the “unmanly and sneering" opposition to it by others, it is not necessary now to enter. The Asylum, like a lusty pedagogue, has so used the ferrule, as to make those who did not wish to learn, read their lesson with some show of decency; and among these, " Detractor" himself, who, when the Master of a Lodge having omitted to attend the class at the Monthly Lodge of Benevolence, must be content to hold out his hand and wince a little at the rod. I conclude, by recommending him when speaking, as he is in the habit of doing, of the Asylum and its supporters, to bear in mind the Horatian maxim

"Virtus, repulso nescia sordido

Intaminatis fulget honoribus."

For myself, as an individual, I would return his invariable discourtesies by as much good-humour as I possess:

"Vous me faites, seigneur,
En m'attaquant, beaucoup d'honneur."

FIDUS.

THE AGED MASONS' ASYLUM.-SIR AND BROTHER,-Permit a very humble Brother to address you on a subject nearest his heart. At this particular moment, the Asylum for Aged Masons requires the truth to be spoken, and by none more especially than by such as myself, whose circumstances having changed, I can more clearly state the relative advantages of an Asylum; not that I look on the annuity system with any disrespect, but merely wish to be understood as proving that it is not equally as advantageous as an Asylum.

After struggling with misfortune for many years, during which myself and wife were seldom in health; always backward in our rent; sometimes seized on for arrears; indifferently clothed, and worse fedI am now, by the generosity of the Governors, an inmate of an Asylum. We have a commodious room, the use of a convenient out-house, a garden to walk in, each one a supply of clothing annually, and eight shillings a week. Single men have six shillings. There is a chapel, and once on Sunday a minister regularly performs divine service; the doors are open every day, and those who may be disposed, are permitted to read some religious books provided for the purpose. There is no religious preference; for during the week several gentlemen of different persuasions visit us. But this is not all-the baker, appointed by order of the committee, taking into account the number to be supplied, not only gives the very best article, but charges a trifle less than market price; we have some advantage, also, in the cheesemongery and vegetable articles, and even the butchers in the neighbourhood are very considerate in their charges, for the small dealings we have with them. Two medical gentlemen in the neighbourhood visit us occasionally, and prescribe from a medicine-chest on the establishment. When I contrast my present condition with the past, how grateful I ought to be that a merciful Providence has deigned to bless me; then, alas! how difficult was it even to obtain medical aid,-not that the gentlemen of that profession are wanting in charity, but the claims on their time are so numerous as to prevent the full exercise of that virtue; and who, but an angel of mercy, can be expected to visit squalid misery in the cellar or the garret? But, sir, there is another evil, which, although not proved in my case, is what I have frequently seen in others, and it is this:-A poor, aged man shall receive his seven, eight, or even ten shillings a-week ; from this he has to pay something as tenant of some wretched garret ; even his rags must be replaced; and what remains to poor exhausted nature?-His only place of dealing, the chandler's shop, for a bit of bread-perhaps a morsel of poor bacon, now and then. Is this all ?—

No.

Even he, poor fellow, may have some companion in misfortune, who, for the time, shares his crust-thus even pauperising poverty in its utmost wretchedness. This is no idle tale; it is a reality continually occurring. Whereas, in an Asylum, the advantages are all enjoyed by the aged for whom they are intended: while the younger branches, thus relieved from the necessity of supporting them, can maintain their families with greater comfort, and witness at the time the improvement in the health and comfort of their parents. It is pleasant, on the stated days, to see the younger folks coming to visit us-instead of the miserable room, all is neatness, order, and comfort. Oh, sir! do not disdain to publish this letter from a very humble Mason, who, being thus happily provided for, prays daily that the blessing of Heaven may attend the Asylum for Aged Masons. A POOR BROTHER.

[The letter of our "Poor Brother," speaks out audilbly. The Asylum of which he is an inmate, is the very model on which that for the Aged Masons should be erected at no distant period.]