Reviews

REVIEWS

THE PHILOSOPHY OF WAR . By J AMES RAM . E . J . Davey , Boy-court , Ludgatc-Hill . We confess to have been slightl y puzzled when we finished reading this little shilling edition . Wo could not quite make out the drift of the " ready writer . " "The Philosophy of War" seems to us , in all deference to Mr . Ram , an entire misnomer , in that war being purely abnormal in itselfalways , it seems to us impossible , " a

, priori , " to predicate of it either a calm philosophy or an abstract " rationale . " We arc nut " peace at any price " men . andnevershallbe . But , equally , we have not the slightest sympathy with what is frequently and somewhat vulgarly , termed "jingoism , " whatever that euphonious expression may really and truly import . We look on war as a sad anil stern necessity , never to be undertaken rashly , wantonly ,

capriciously , or unjustly , and only to be waged in the ever sacred duty of national self-defence , or thc vindication of thc international claims of justice , right , honour and law . Some wars are , in fact , absolutely necessary . Some wars become requisite from the ill-doing , thc baseness , _ the cruelty , the tyranny of others ; but war , however triumphanthowever surrounded by the ep hemeral honours of

, glory , or the gay paraphernalia of martial brilliancy , can never be looked on without sorrow and pain , inasmuch as amid the shouts of victory and the parans of a people we must hear , whether we will or no , the widow ' s sighs , and note the orphan ' s tears . War means great personal sorrow , and wide-spread misery often ; and we must never allow ourselves to be led away by seductive word-painting ,

so as to believe that war is a slight thing , or a trifling matter , to be regarded as an outcome of elaborate heroism , ( by those who know nothing about it ) , on the one hand , or to hc considered as a means of material greatness and national progress on the other . VVe do now talk of efforts of actual defence and patriotic deliverance . Mr . Ram's words are very eloquent , and he states many undeniable

truths , but we cannot agree with him that ail our youth should be trained up as soldiers . Drilling and gymnastics are very good things in season , but there is a medium in all things . There is always a fear ot overdoing everything here , and we , therefore , cannot agree with Mr . Ram in advocating that what is called " Militarism " should be added to our " curriculum " of national elementary

education . For our gallant army and navy too much can never be said , now or at any future time ; and while we agree with Mr . Ram in thinkink the education of our recruits might be more closely attended to , wc must beg to remark that the army has been a shelter and home for many a " rolling stone , " many a " wild offshoot , " many a vagrant and reckless youth , which , if it has not given him , as Mr . Ram says , a marshal ' s bfiton in his knapsack , has taught him and

the invaluable lessons of order , cleanliness , obedience , discipline , and rendered him a more useful member of society than at one time he seemed likely to become . Education is , however , happily progressing amongst all classes . And in the natural course of events , Mr . Ram s idea will probabl y be fulfilled , that the army will also be a means of education as well as of discipline , adding to the value of those excellent services of our army and our navy , for which all Englishmen may well be grateful and proud .

DIOCESAN HISTORIES : YORK . By Canon OKSSDY . Christian Knowledge Society . This is one of that new and interesting class of works which this good , old and useful society has lately put out , and which , not only readable and valuable in themselves , full of information and most carefully compiled , reflect much credit both on their effective writer and the publishing

. society . ' — THE NIHILISTS IN THE HAYFIELD . A Latin poem , by J . S . EVANS . Kegan Paul and Co ., Paternoster-row . Agnostics , Nihilists , and Freethinkers generally , are having rather a hard time of it just now . To say nothing of thc Laureate ' s play , and numerous polemical writings , here we have the very learned Professor of Greek at Durham University giving us , in sonorous hexameters , 545

lines of remarkable power and effective latinity , to discomfort and confound the believer in " nothing at all . " And very ably , indeed , the Professor has done his work , though it is possible , we think , that beyond a select circle , and some few admiring University friends , his reduction of the Nihilist in belief and everything else to something

absolutely less than nothing , will hardly be realized or properly appreciated . We have perused the Professor ' s modern and classical "Pome" wilh very great pleasure and admiration , and we hope that many of our readers whose turn lies in such things will do the same . We have thought it well lo advert to this recent publication for their information , satisfaction and edification .

THE CATALOGUE OF THE HAMILTON PALACE LIBRARY . Second portion . The Second portion of this remarkable collection will be sold on December nth . It begins with the letter G . and ends with M . ; 2732 lots . It contains , as even a cursory inspection manifests , as is remarked in the catalogue itself , in

works equal in rarity and condition to those comprised the first portion , which sold for £ 31 , 500 . "Among the books are some remarkable specimens of binding , " striking collections of prints , classical writers , voyages and travels , and many very scarce books indeed . We have no doubt lhat this next sale will attract many buyers and spirited competitors .

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Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

77 ] HERMETIC MASONRY . Since I delivered my lecture at Golden-square , I have stumbled upon one or two matters which confirm my statements in my lecture before the Studholme Chapter , Rose Croix . 1 . acroix gives us a curious drawing of Roger Bacon , by Vriese , who lived towards tbe end of the sixteenth century ( Bro . Rylands tells me ) , with the double triangle as

, his sign . And if , as Lacrcix also tells us , —as appeared last wecWin thc Freemason , —the followers of Raymond I . tilly were called "Illuminati , " and were the precursorsof the Rose Croix , it would confirm , to some extent , the old story , ( which many look on as a fable ) , of Christian Rosenkreutz coming from the East . I am now seeking in Kmblematologyand other sources , a more complete proof of

, that curious and common use of certain symbols , alike Masonically and Hermetically , to which I have called attention . These may be , and sometimes are , nodoubt , " undesigned coincidences ; " there maybe , andoftenis , acasuaIuseofsuch thinsrs ; there may be no hidden meaning in the

assumption of certain emblems ; but still the fact is a curious fact , explain it as yo , u may ; and , so far , no attempt has been made to explain it at all . The subject is a very interesting one , and grows on the student of it both in tbe new sources it opens out , and the strange realities it brings to thc surface . A . !•' . A . VV .

7 Sj LES FRERES HOSPITALIERS PONTIFES . in the " Royal Masonic Cyclopardia , " by Kenneth R . H . Mackenzie , 1877 , London , under Ihe article " Brothers of the Bridge , " are the following statements : " The peculiar token of the Order was a pickaxe , worn upon the breast . " Ramsay , in a discourse published in Paris , 1741 , affirms " that this Order united or established communications with

the Knights of St . John of Jerusalem , and afterwards with the Roman builders , and thus would imply a direct connection between them and Freemasonry . " 1 shall be much obliged for a reference to the authority for the statement about the badge of the pickaxe . The " discours " referred to is , I suppose , theone published as having been delivered by the Grand Master cf the French Freemasons . The nearest statement to the one quoted above that I can find

is , after naming the Crusaders : " Quelque terns apres noire Ordre [ the Freemasons ] s ' unit intimement avec les Chevaliers de St . Jean dc Jerusalem . Dus lors nos I-oges portercnt toutes le nom de Loges de St . Jean . " So far as I can discover , the fr ' ercs hospitallers pontiffs are never mentioned in this "discours . " I shall he much obliged for any information on this subject , and if there is any ' real authority for the above statement in this " Royal Cyclopaedia , " I shall be glad to have it . . R .

79 ] MARLOW'S MAURER GESELLEN . Many thanks to Bro . Masonic Student for the offer of a Ecrusal of Dr . J . E . Mallow ' s " Maurer Gesellen . " The 00 k is unknown to me . If Masonic Student supposes it to be a burlesque , he is doubtless correct ; none the less I should like to see it , as we cannot afford to overlook any possible clue to the real value of the German journeyman fraternities . Will he kindly forward it through our Editor . G . VVM . SPETH .

So ] MASONIC BOOKS . 1 have lately purchased two books . One , a New York reprint in 1 S 55 of Anderson ' s 1723 Constitutions . 1 wish to know whether this is as it professes to be , a facsimile . If so , from the Student ' s point of view , it is of course as

useful to me as a bona fide 1723 Constitutions would be . Further , "Jachin and Boaz , " published by E . Newbury , September 1 st , 1797 . "Anew edition , greatly enlarged and improved . " Ouery , what is the date of the hist edition ? ~ G . VVM . SPETH .

Si ] LEW 1 S-LOUVETEAU . Aly attention having been called in the interim by a friend , to the somewhat peculiar wording of my recent "note" on this subject , 1 think it well , for fear of my words being misread , to say that what I sought and intended to convey was , that I was , I believed , the first of non-existent writers to point out the

strange ignorance of the I ' rench Masonic writers on the subject . 1 alluded to Bro . Gould ' s admirable work in my mention of Felibien . and , though there is a slight difference between us as to the origin of Lewis , he certainly has a right to claim to have pointed out the identity between Louve and Lewis most clearly of all living writers . But I alluded rather to Felihicn ' s fuller explanation , which , as it appeared in the Freemason , showing

the difference between Louve and Louveteaux and the various classes of the work then , is the first technical treatment of the subject that I am aware of . 1 also included in this view the original French Masonic use of " Loufton , " as from Lewis . I see that my words are a little ambiguous , so 1 think it well to say this . 1 am now trying to find out something of our English use of " Lewis , " and shall send a note , 1 hope , on it next week , if possible . MASONIC STUDENT .

Leicestershire And Rutland Masonic Charity Association.

LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION .

The fourth annual report of the Committee of thc above Institution , for the year ending 30 th September , 1 SS 2 , to be submitted for adoption at the General Meeting to be held at Freemasons' Mall , Leicester , on Friday , the 15 th day of December next , is as follows :

The Committee of the above Association have to report that the two half-yearly drawings have taken place as usual , the lirst on December 23 rd , 1 SS 1 , and the second on the 21 st July last , when twenty-three Life Subscriberships werc drawn . The number of Life Subscriberships drawn since the formation of the Association , in 1 S 7 S , is

ninetythree , which represents a considerable permanent accession to the voting strength of the province . The number of members is now 134 . The Committee desire lo draw special attention to the rule which provides that members whose subscriptions foi the current year is unpaid are not eligible to participate in the drawing .

Leicestershire And Rutland Masonic Charity Association.

Several members have during the past year lost their chance of a nomination , owing to their subscriptions being unpaid . It should be remembered that this is not only detrimental to the member himself , but unfair to others , and prejudicial to the Association , as the number of nominations drawn entirely depends on the amount of money in hand . During the year just closed the number of nominations drawn has been less than in either of the preceding

two years , the falling off being due to the neglect of the members in Ihus allowing their subscriptions to get in arrear . All subscriptions are due on ist October in each year , and should be paid to the Treasurer or Secretary , or to the account of the Association at the Leicestershire Bank or any of its branches . The recent elections for the two Masonic Educational Charities merit consideration . At the October election for

the Boys School candidates polling a less number than 24 G 4 votes were unsuccessful , and for the Girls' Institution the lowest successful number was 2212 . Five or six years ago 1000 votes or less would generally be sufficient to ensure the election of a Boy candidate and a very much less number was required for election into the Girls' School . In the face of these facts the necessity for an Association of this description , and for it ' s being heartily and

systematically supported , need hardly be insisted on if local candidates for the future are to stand any chance of election . _ The Committee 1 egret to announce that Bro . S . S . Partridge , owing to the increasing pressure of private business , and of his official duites as Provincial Grand Secretary , has tendered his resignation of the Honorary Secretaryship of the Association . The Committee feel that the thanks of thc Association are due to him for the able manner in

which hchas discharged the duties of his office . They have appointed to the vacancy Bro . M . J . Walker , VV . M . elect , 12 O 5 , who has always shown a warm interest in the success of the Association , and they recommend the confirmation of the appointment at the annual meetinrr next month .

The general meeting and drawing for Life Subscriberships takes place on Friday , 15 th December next . Names of new members will be received by the Secretary , from whom any information can be obtained . G . TOLLER , Junr ., P . G . S . B ., D . P . G . M ., FYeemasons' Hall , Leicester , Chairman . 2 nd November .

Banquet And Presentation To Bro. The Earl Of Lathom, R.W.D.G.M.

BANQUET AND PRESENTATION TO BRO . THE EARL OF LATHOM , R . W . D . G . M .

The most brilliant gathering ever held in Ormskirk took place on Thursday evening , the iOth inst ., when there was a grand banquet and presentation of an address and piece of plate to Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M . of England , Provincial Grand Master of West

Lancashire . The inhabitants of Ormskirk and district have desired fcrsome time to show their appreciation of the honour conferred upon his lordship b y her Majesty in creating him Earl of Lathom ; and at a meeting held in October it was decided to ask his lordship to receive an address and attend a banquet . His lordship having consented , it was further resolved to present him with a casket , or other suitable article , in addition to the address . The

banquet took place at thc Wheat Sheaf Hotel . Mr . C . P . Symonds , J . P ., presided , and he was supported b y the Earl of Lathom , Lieut . Lionel Wilbraham , Rev . Canon Sheldon , R . P . Wood , Esq ., J . P . ; J . Prescott , Esq ., J . P . ; VV . Lax , Esq ., C . Hill , Esq ., and others . The usual loyal and patriotic toasts liaving been duly honoured , Mr . LAX proposed " The Health of the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , " which was received with ringing cheers .

Mr . Lax was seconded by the Rev . Canon SHELDON , Vicar of Ormskirk ; the Rev . J . A . HICKLEY ( Roman Catholic ); and the Rev . J . S . DRUMMOND ( Congregationalist ); and each spoke of his lordship ' s kind genial manner , which had endeared him to all . The Rev . Canon SHELDON made the presentation of an address , a silver tankard , and two goblets , and said

Lord Lathom was a true friend and nei ghbour in every sense of the word . He was a neighbour and friend ever ready to build a church or attend a large meeting , or do a good service in any way . Bro . the Earl of LATHOM expressed his gratitude for the kindly words spoken of him , and his heartfelt appreciation of the sentiments of the address . For the handsome and valuable present he most cordially thanked them . His

lordship said it was indeed a proud moment for him to receive such a token of the good wishes and kindl y sympathy of his neighbours and friends , and the day would be remembered by him with the profoundest feelings of gratitude for the remainder of his life . The elevation in the peerage , on which he had been so kindly congratulated , was granted to him by the Oueen on the recommendation of

the Earl of Beaconsfield , who , more than any man hc ever knew , loved to reward services rendered , however silently or humbly they were offered . He might say as much as this without being supposed , he hoped , to wish to drag in political allusion , merely as a tribute lo a great man whom he was proud lo call friend , and because he liked to explain that , since Lord Beaconsfield thought he deserved

such an honour , he accepted it gratefully and without hesitation . It was some twelve years since he undertook the duties of whip in the House of Lords—a silent but , he might say , not an unimportant post . He felt that , since he was not endowed with that all-powerful gift , eloquence , he could best serve his country by undertaking those duties in which he had striven to give satisfaction , beinir onlv too

thankful if he could think that he had in some small measure succeeded in this object . Lord Lathom then remarked that , contrary to the idea that prevails amongst some , the ofiice he held was not a paid one . There was onl y one drawback to it , and that was that it prevented him living in the country as much as he could wish . His lordship concluded by saying that his motto through life had been to do

well and thoroughly all that he had undertaken , and he had tried to act up to this ; and if he had in the smallest degree succeeded he was amply repaid . Lord Lathom further said that he had always had kindly advisers around him , and he took that opportunity of heartily thanking those

who had helped him and kept him in the right path . He had ever received a hearty welcome from the inhabitants of Ormskirk , and as long as he lived he would do the best he could for them , and endeavour to be worthy of their esteem . Several other toasts were proposed .