The Freemason

KING SOLOMON AND FREEMASONRY . To thc Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Owing to the miscarriage of last week ' s Freemason , 1 was unable to refer to the note of "Masonic Student , " who appears to be ignorant of the fact that the marks as "fresh as paint" were found to be " Phoenician " marks . The discovery of these marks at so early a period of the

excavations raised the hopes of Masons high indeed , they expecting a glorious feast to follow ; but , alas 1 we found those hopes dashed amongst the " hidden mysteries of nature and science . " The proof set up by " Masonic Student " disproves the position he assumes , and the " fact" remains that Masonry , as known at present , has no reference to either King Solomon or Jerusalem . Supposing thc opposite to be correct , how is it that these fco marks stand alone ? They stand alone " and thus bear a silent and unconscious

witness , "—not to Masonry , but to Pliccnicia . It is pleasing to slumber , as we have experienced , under the impression of Scott's delightful legends , but in the present case , where legends arc vaunted " as true and cherished tradition , " and students wrap themselves up in sublime and mystical wisdom , there is little probability "that the whole Crux of Masonic legend will ever be solved . " Antiquity is Masonry ' s pride ; let us therefore search , and search diligently , to establish a granitic basis for our pride . —Yours fraternally .

R . VV . HOLLON , 23 G . [ We do not think Bro . Hollon is right on the point of the marks ! -ED . F . M . ' ]

Reviews.

REVIEWS .

CONSTITUTIONS OF THE ANTIENT FRATERNITY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS . Published , under the authority of the United Grand Lodge , by Bro . Col . SHADWELL II . CLERKE , as Grand Secretary . By a very commendable arrangement a copy of thc revised Book of Constitutions , large size , is now being sent out to thc Worshipful Masters of Lodges ; and in a

short time the revised edition of 1 SS 4 will be for sale to the Craft . Wc think it right to mention the appearance of these revised Constitutions , not only as an " era " in the Masonic history and life of the Grand Lodge of England , but as deserving study and gratitude by all English Masons . There can be no doubt that thc revision is a great improvement on the older forms . We arc inclined to

be " laudatores tempons acti , and to object to a change , and t . i be adverse to alteration . But , as we have often said , thc codification of subjects is better , thc reference is casi cr , and thc study and interpretation of this code of laws , so important for our fraternity , are rendered more facile and simple and satisfactory . One little point , seemingly insignificant in itself , will be a gain to all who

have to refer to declaratory and penal clauses—we mean the numbering of thc " rules , " and the reference to such numbers instead of thc pages in the index . One or two special alterations call for notice . Provincial Masons will be glad to sec that the old vexed questions of duration of Provincial Grand Lodgcs . and their Jaws , & c , is nowsettled . Formerly thc Prov . Grand Lodge ceased with the death of

the Prov . Grand Master ; thc power of the Deputy Prov . Grand Master fell too . Thc provincial bye-laws required , strictl y sneaking , approval and confirmation b y the new Prov . Grand Master , and thc Grand Registrar became "ipso facto " thc Prov . Grand Master " pro tem . " Now all is changed . The powers of the D . Prov . Grand Master do not fall with the decease of the Prov . Grand Master , but

he can convene and rule over the Prov . Grand Lodge until a successor is appointed and installed , and thus the life of the Prov . Grand Lodge does not cease , and its laws arc binding and enduring until altered or repealed . All Pr . st Masters subscribing to lodges in the province arc members of Provincial Grand Lodge . As regards ? ast Masters , the old law is still wisely maintained .

To be Past Master of a lodge tbe brother must have presided one year , though Past Masters in a lodge are able , in the absence of Past Masters of thc lodge , to take thc Master ' schair . Another point is definitely decided . A Warden cannot rightly perform an initiation or confer a degree A very important change has bcen made , which enables the Grand Master , Prov . and District Grand Masters . on petition ,

to grant a dispensation for thc election and installation of Worshipful Master , and cither of which important proceedings may now lawfully be held a week before or a week after the day fixed in the bye-laws for either duty . 'The certificate of the Provincial Grand Secretary in respect of petitions for relief is found to work well , and will be a great help to the Board of Benevolence . The minimum charge

for initiation is now five guineas ; but that is inclusive of registration and certificate fees , which in London amount to £ 1 7 s . Gd . and in the provinces to 17 s ., so that £ 4 Ss . remain for thc lodge , a little increase financially . Lodges still have the needful power to affix a maximum . We are f lad to hail the appearance of our revised Constitutions , lay v . c take the liberty of suggesting that a large paper copy , like that ol the 1 S 15 Constitutions , be also issued ?

BOOK CATALOGUES . Mr . E . VV . Stibbs , 32 , Museum-street , has put out a catalogue , No . 41 , of very interesting and some curious and important works . We observe several very interesting and valuable works of the Aldinc Press , Greek and Latin Classics , voyages and travels , biography ,

history , poetry , the drama , as well as books on South Africa , specimens of the private presses of Lee Priory and Strawberry Hill , and numerous specimens of the Italian and Spanish languages . There arc many prizes for book collectors too numerous to mention here , but which diligent study of the catalogue is certain to discover , " Vcibuin Sat . "

Once more wc take up the monthly magazines and con them ever , we confess somewhat wearily and a little disappointed . Thc " staying quality " of much of our serial literature is not great , and every now and then there comes over us , patiently plodding or mentally bored , a feeling of " padding , padding , padding , " yes , alas , " toujours perdrix . " " Thc English Illustrated " greets us this month with the ' rcally affecting conclusion of "Julia , " a very prettily

Reviews.

told story with a good sound moral to boot . We are also struck with "Sir Joshua Reynolds , " " An Unsentimental Journey through Cornwall , " " Shakespeare in the Middle Temple ; " and "The Armourer ' s Prentices" progresses " moresuo . " Theartistic character of the magazine isclearly advancing . Itis still , however , not yet up to tbe" Century . " " Longman ' s , " wliich next appears , has a very

sensational and almost painful story , "A Strange Experience . " " Jack ' s Courtship" and " Madam " progress . We cannot say we are struck with the remaining articles . " The Century" is full of effective and interesting matter . We refer specially to the articles " Gustave Courbet , " " Lieutenant-General Sheridan , " "Merinos in America , " " How Edwin Drood was Illustrated , "

" Dante , " " The Cruise of the Alice May , " and "Keats . " "A First Love Letter" is very prettily and touchingly told , and "An Average Man" and " Dr . Sevier " will find readers . Artistically the illustration cannot be surpassed , and they are certainly not equalled by any existing magazine . "Temple Bar" has a very touching story , "Grade , "

and " Phoebe " hasits strong parts . " Peril" and " Zero " are moving on ; the latter especially seems to be portending a sensational ending . " The Ministers of thc Second Empire , " "Mario , " and "Edouard Paillcron" will have much attraction for a large circle of readers . " All the Year Round " is , according to our view , not up

to the mark this month . "Robin a Rec" is a pleasant little sketch , though an oft-told tale . " Between Two Stools " is cleverly conceived and finished . " One Dinner a Week" has a seasonable reminder for us all . "A Drawn Game" is quite of the new style , somewhat spasmodic and full of contrasts . "An Unfinished Task" ends well after all . " Chinese Gordon " will be much welcomed and read .

" The Bibliographer has interesting articles on " Early Manuscripts , " " Some Magical Works , " News and Newspapers , " "A Bibliographical Career . " " The Antiquary" contains " Inter alia , " " History and Development of the House , " " The Prisons of Venice , " " Church Bells of Bedfordshire "—all most readable .

We have thus run over a slight portion of the ground covered b y our serial literature every month , ana when we remember thc "forces" represented in "Blackwood , " " Macmillan , " " Good Words , " " fraser , " "Thc Gentleman ' s , " "The Ouiver , " "The Nineteenth Century , " and " The Fortnighiy , " wc must see how for various digestive powers mental and abundant food is provided by diligent caterers . Let us hope that the assimilating process is alike healthy andnutritous .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

3 oG ] THE ROSICRUCIAN EXHIBITION AT YORK . Thc " Catalogue of Exhibits , " so effectively compiled , demands a few passing words of notice and remembrance . We must all be struck with several items and matters of abiding interest . No . 18 , 24-inch guage and square , 1 G 63 , with names of brethren engraved on it ; No . 37 , old engraved Masonic emblems ; No , 38 , circular marble table , engraved

Masonic emblems ; No . 40 , old tracing cloth , early eighteenth century ; No . 41 , pewter flagon ( Dutch ) of a Masonic Guild , 1 G 94 , emblems on shield , engraved with names of Master , Wardens , and brethren ; photograph of passport granted by Grand Master of Malta ; Mark Mason ' s leather apron , printed from engraved plate , with red border ; ollice jewel of R . W . M ., and ancient head of I . VV . ' s column .

early ei g hteenth century oval silver pierced M . M . ' s jewel ; silver ring , square , and compasses , on oval plate ; doubleglass flask , temp Queen Anne ; Rosicrucian . illustration ( Spectator , May 15 th , 1712 ); old snuff box , with emblems of Rose Croix Degree , about 1700 . I feel sure if Bros . Whytehead and Cumberland will give a full description of these articles in this column or in thc Freemason , tney will

both or either confer a very great pleasure and favour on many others besides MASONIC STUDENT . 307 J I am quite astonished to note thc character and extent of the exhibits at the Masonic Hatl , York , on thc 20 th ult . It is marvellous how such a lot could be collected mainly by one brother in a few weeks , and so well catalogued . 1 consider thc catalogue is a great-boon , and most useful for all of us Masonic Students , as it informs us of the locality and

owners of many great curiosities of thc Craft . 1 sec it is published at one shilling , so if any desire copies they should lose no time in forwarding their application and stamps to Bro . T . B . Whytehead , South Parade , York . I trust there arc still some left for disposal . 1 cannot now stay to give any fair idea of thc nature and extent of the exhibition , but suffice it to say that from the valuable MSS . and books

owned by the " York " Lodge , under the care of their excellent Treasurer , Bro . Todd , to the least important of the treasures sent , the collection evidentl y is by far the best as respects number and value of exhibits ever attempted and obtained in this or any other country . The management has becn perfect . Though thc exhibition was only over late on the 20 th , I had my little lot returned to me on

thc 23 rd . This speaks volumes for the perfect system and dispatch of those at the helm ! I daresay thc Editor of the Freemason , who was one of the exhibitors , will have more to say on the subject , so 1 will conclude by stating it is my intention as soon as possible , to correspond with many of the brethren for more information as to their Masonic curios . VV . J . HUGHAN .

30 S ] MASONIC BOOKS . I recommend all collectors of Masonic books to send to A . CIaudin , 3 , Rue Guenegaud , Paris , for his last catalogue . They will find there several very interesting Masonic works , and at most reasonable prices . BOOKWORM .

" RunuRis , "—WHITE ' S MOC-MMH 1- . R TRUSS is thc most effective invention for thc treatment of Hernia . The use of a steel spring , so hurtful in its ellects , is avoided , a soft bandage being worn round the body , while the requisite resisting power is supplied by the Moc-Main I ' ad and Patent Lever , fitting with so much ease and closeness that it cannot be detected . Send f (>_ descriptive circular , with testimonials and prices , to J . White and Co . ( Limited ) 228 , Piccadilly , London . J _) o not buy of chemists who often sell an IMITATION of our Moc-Main . J . White and Co ! have not aiiyagents , —fAuvr . ]

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The General Committee of this Institution met on Saturday last at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Dr . Ramsay in the chair . There were also present Bros . VV . Roebuck , A . F . Godson , Robert Berridge , Henry W . Hunt , Raynham VV . Stewart , Edgar Bowyer , Rev . Richard Morris , D . D . ( Head t

Master ) , Alfred Williams , Don M . Dewar , Arthur _ . Gladwell , Geo . Cooper , Geo . P . Gillard , Thos . Cubitt , Charles Belton , Richard Tyrrell , H . Hacker , Frederick Adlard , Abner Torkington , VV . Paas , J . L . Mather , C . F . Matier , VV . Maple , H . S . Goodall , W . H . Saunders , John Palmer , George Motion , F . Binckes , Sec , and H . Massey ( Freemason . ) The minutes of thc former monthly meeting were read

and confirmed . On the suggestion of Bro . A . E . GLADWELL and the motion of Bro . RAYNHAM W . STEWART , P . G . D ., a grant ° f £ 5 made to one boy on the last occasion was ordered to be made in money and not in an outfit . The minutes of the House Committee and Audit

Committee were read for further information . Two petitions were examined , and the boys therein named were placed on the list of candidates for the October election . A request by one boy who has obtained a situation for a larger grant than the £ 5 outfit was deterred for from information . In another case £ 10 was granted . The Committee then adjourned .

The Hughan Testimonial.

THE HUGHAN TESTIMONIAL .

At a meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday last at Freemasons ' . Tavern , Bro . Tew , G . D ., in the chair , the Hon . Secretaries reported the receipt of a number of additional subscriptions , and it was resolved that communications should be addressed to the Worshipful Masters

asking them to bring the subject of the testimonial before the members oi their respective lodges . Other suggestions were made to promote the object the Committee have in view , and a hope was expressed that a sum somewhat commensurate with Bro . Hughan's services to Freemasonry would be the result .

Dinner To The G Company 21st Middlesex Rifles.

DINNER TO THE G COMPANY 21 st MIDDLESEX RIFLES .

Bro . Capt . Henry Edgar Bowyer , son of Bro . Edgar Bowyer , G . Std . Br ., having recently bcen promoted to the captaincy of his company , signalised the event by entertaining tne officers , non-commissioned officers , and privates of the company , together with a number of his personal

friends , at a dinner in thc Venetian Saloon , Holborn Restaurant , on Saturday evening last . Covers were laid for over 1 G 0 , and nearly that number availed themselves of the hospitable invitation . The chair was occupied by Capt . Bowyer , who was supported on his right and left by Col . Shadwell II . Gierke , Major Foster , Capt . J . S . Collins , Capt . II . B . Deane

Rev . Dr . Maguirc , Rev . J . II . Rose , Bro . the Rev . W . H . VV . Caseley , Lieut . J . A . Mackenzie , H . A . C . ; Bros . Edgar Bowyer , Peter de Lande Long , Robert Grey , Lieut .-Col . J . . Peters , Raynham W . Stewart , John Mcsscnt , George Kcnnine-, James Terry , T . Hastings Miller , C . F . Hogard , Rev . Harbourn , C . I * . Matier , and others . Thc CHAIRMAN in a brief speech gave the toast of

"the Queen and of the Prince of Wales , " both of which , as might have been expected in an assembly of this kind , were responded to most loyally . The Rev . Dr . MAGUIRK proposed ' * The Army , Navy , and Reserve Forces , " apologising as a man of peace for undertaking the duty . In a few eloquent words he spoke of the great deeds of our Army and Navy , and alluded in

feeling terms to the events that had just occurred in the Soudan . Before sitting down he took occasion to congratulate the Chairman on his early but well deserved promotion . As an old resident in Clerkenwell , he had known him and his family for many years , and knew nothing but good of them . Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE Capt . JS . COLLINS ,

, . and Lieut .-Col . PETERS responded . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE next proposed " Prosperity to the 21 st Middlesex Rifle Volunteers , " and in the course of a most interesting speech gave a complete history of thc corps from its formation in 179 S to its disbandment in 1 S 14 , and its resuscitation as a Volunteer Corps in 1 S 59 . As an old soldier Col . Clerke offered them some excellent

advice and concluding by offering Capt . Bowyer his hearty congratulations and best wishes for the prosperity of the company under his command . Capt . COLLINS also responded . Capt . H . H . DEANK then gave " Prosperity and Success to G . Company . " He spoke in the highest praise of thc company and its officers , and congratulated them on having

such an energetic and capable young ollicer as Capt . Bowyer to command them . The CHAIRMAN responded in a very practical speech , in which he dwelt on the merits of the corps , urging each and all to keep up the good name it had acquired , and assuring them that his best energies would be devoted to its advancement and prosperity .

Ihe toast of " Ihe Non-Commissioned Officers , " proposed b y Capt . J . S . COLLINS , and responded to by Colour-Sergeant HAMPSTON , and Ouartermastcr-Sergeant ALDRICH followed ; and the Rev . J . 'Tl . ROSE , inahumorous speech , gave " The Staff of the Regiment , " which was replied to by Capt . J . S . COLLINS . Colour-Sergeant HAMPSTON proposed "The Health of

Bro . Edgar Bowyer , who responded , and then proposed the toast of "The Visitors , " expressing thc great pleasure it afforded him to see many old friends supporting his son on that occasion . This was responded to by Bros . PETER DE LANDE LONG , R . GREY , Lieut .-Col . PETERS , J AMES TERRY , and VV . ROBSON , Esq .

Next came the toast of "The Press , " proposed by Bro . W . H . W . CASELEY , and acknowledged by Bro . W . LAKE ( Freemason ) . "The Ladies , " proposed by Major FOSTER and responded to in a very happy manner by W . HICKS , Esq ., closed a very enjoyable evening . The evening was enlivened by some excellent songs , and the whole proceedings reflected the greatest credit on the org anisers of the feast and on the kindly hospitality ol the host .