Reviews.

" regular" fold , but the secession of anything like a body of brethren , such as the Craft has generally been led to suppose , occurred , is shown not to have taken place . The causes , also , to which this alleged secession has been usually attributed , are shown to have been inoperative to the extent indicated , though Bro . Sadler is evidently willing- to concede that the circumstances which are said to

have influenced the founders of the " Ancient " organisation must have had the effect of emphasising the discontent which prevailed bi-tween them and the regulars , and made their estrangement from each olhermore pronounced . The dissensions which arose in Grand Lodge in consequence of the action of the Duke of Wharton are carefull described , nor do we see any objection to the idea propounded by Bro .

Sadler , that they amounted to a struggle between the operative and aristocratic tlements in theCralt , the Duke of Wharton having enthusiastically supported the former , while the Duke of Montagu , through whose wise and moderate counsels the schism was arrested at the outset , was the chitf exponent of the latter . The " battle of the Stewards ' Privileges" in 1735 , is also described at some length , and

various circumstances are noted which in the author's opinion tend to demonstrate "theimprobability" of that struggle having had "any relation to the supposed secession " though it is not doubted that these and other " innovations and repeated concessions to rank and social distinction were not without their influence on the old-fashioned and more humble members of the community . " There is

also to be considered , this further point on which Bro . Sadler lays considerable stress in his argument namely , that the frequent application of the term " regular " to lodges holding under the Constitution of Grand Lodge implies " ihat from the earliest period lodges were in existence that were considered irregular by the confederation of 1717 , never having accepted a Constitution from that body ,

but which lodges considered'themselves perfectly independent ; " and this view is well supported by vaiious citations from the Grand Lodge minutes , but more particularly by the peiitionsfiom Gibraltar and elsewhere , not one ol which , as is pointed out , is for " the permission to form a new lodge , but lor constituting or legalizing one already established . " This and the other matters referred to in this chapter require

very careful study . Having carried his researches into the minutes of the 1717 Grand Lodge far enough for the purposes of his enquiry , Bro . Sadler passes to an equally careful investigation ot the early "Ancient" archives , and especially of the famous " Register" which lately turned up so mysteriously from some odd corner in the Grand

Lodge strongroom , and whose contents have been described alreaoy in a series of articles which appeared in these columns in the spring of last year and previously . The code of rules framed by the Committee appointed for the purpose at the general assembly held at the Turk ' s Head , in Greek-street , Soho , on 17 th July , 1751 , is given in full , with much else from the same early register ,

together with copious excerpts from the first Minute Book and from different editions of Ahiman Rezon . These excerpts have been judiciously selected and the chapter as a whole is a great success , containing , as it does , ample matter to enable the reader to understand what manner of men the "Ancient" brelhren were , what their organisation , and so far as may properly be gathered from written

matter , what the differences were between them and the "Moderns . " Ero . Sadler also makes tolerably clear the sense in which the term "Ancient" was employed by Dermott in describing the Society of which he was so conspicuous an ornament , so that this chapter , though it contains less running comment than its predecessor , and is devoted to the citation of evidence rather than to its

consideration and digestion , is nevertheless a most readable one . Having devoted a few pages to the consideration of "St . John's Lodges and Jewish Masons , " Bro . Sadler passes to the "Irish Question , " which , however , is of a far more agreeable complexion than those " Irish Questions " with which , as members of the body politic , our readers must be familiar even to weariness , and which

happily , unlike them , has the merit of being " solved . " So Bro . Sadler at least thinks , and there is reason for this view . However , there is so much of importance in this portion of the book that we shall postpone our discussion of its contents and of the rest of the volume

till next week . It is here , indeed , and in what follows that we find Bro . Sadler expressing his theory as to the origin of the " Ancients , " and it is impossible for us to describe that theory sufficiently at the close of what is . already an unusually long survey of the groundwork or basis of his ( To be continued ) ,

TERRA : ON A HtTHSRTO UNSUSPECTED SECOND AXIAL ROTATION OF OUR EARTH . By A . A . ANDERSON , Author of " Twenty-five Years in a Waggon . " London : Reeves & Turner . The title page contains a somewhat extraordinary statement . 1 he author , however , claims to have discovered the existence of such a phenenomen , and in the course of some

200 pages of closely-prmted matter gives the discovery in detail . We cannot do better than quote the following passages : — "This third motion of the globe , or otherwise the second revolution upon its equatorial axis , is the motive power for altering the world ' s polar axis , and changing entirely in every part the earth ' s figure . Upon this axis the world perlorms one revolution in every

21 , 600 , 000 years , being at the rate of one mile every thousand years , and alters at the same speed the polar axis of the earth . " Geologists maintain that the axis of the earth's rotation has shifted from time to time , and , as a natural result , the poles have wandered to different points on the face of the globe . This , from a geological point of view , is the only explanation of the positive evidences of a

torrid climate which arc obtained within the Arctic circle . Now , astronomers have absolutely denied that any such change has taken place in the location of the axis of rotation , unless an utterly incredible amount of deformation of the oblate spheroidal form of the globe has occurred . Sir William Thomson states that there may have been such physical changes . In fact , such changes were highly

probable ; but though in earlier stages such deformations may have occurred , it is only the alterations that have taken place during the formation of the stratified rocks that can be taken into account with former changes of climate . If it can be shown that such deformations necessary to shift the earth's axis are incredibly enormous in amount , and improbable in their distribution , and not readily demanded by geological evidence , we may reasonably infer that the

Reviews.

change of axis has not affected the climate during geological history . Archibald Geikie follows this line of argument in his text book of geology . But geological evidence does demand that such a change or movement should have taken place , and Mr . Anderson is one of the many , comparatively speaking , who seeks by a new theory to prove

this fact . As far as we can see , the arguments in favour of his theory have been used with equally good effect by other scientific men who have sought to prove that the poles have shifted . Mr . Anderson holds the generally accepted opinion of a fluid interior of the globe ; in fact , it is the foundation of his theory . He supposes that this new

motion gives a motion to the fluid interior , and thus causes the requisite amount of physical deformation necessary to alter the position of the axis . Mr . Anderson is evidently a man who has travelled considerably , and observed Nature with a keen eye ; in proof of this may be cited his chapters

on the coal-bearing strata and the immense antiquity of man on the face of the globe . These chapters , if not original in the strict sense of the word , are very interesting , wellwritten , and to the point . But , as regards the theory of a second axial rotation of the earth , it is apparent that his arguments are by no means conclusive .

SOLDIERS' STORIES AND SAILORS' YARNS . Second edition ; with illustrations by HARRY FURNISS , D . H . FLISTON , and PERCY MACQUOID . London : J . Hogg . This volume comprises a number of stories of a more or less adventurous character , from the pen of officers belonging to the various branches of the service . They are ,

without a single exception , well and racily told , and if one or two are a little deficient in point of interest , the others amply make up for them . " Two days in the Desert " is especially funnily told , and amongst the more exciting yarns " My Swim to the Target " may be put in the first rank .

A NOBLE NAME , AND HOW IT WAS UPHELD . A novel by D . H . BUXTON and W . W . FENN . New and revised edition . John Hogg , London . One can recognise the handiwork of two authors in this novel , and although the styles are cleverly interwoven , yet it is apparent that one is lather below the other bolh in point

of expression and pathos ; taken as a whole , however , the story is well and simply told . The plot is not at all complicated , the two chief characters , Lina and the blind Philip , are in love , ot course ; Lina turns out to be an adopted child ; a stern parent in the shape of Philip ' s father steps in and parts them ; Philip marries beneath him , and

he is deserted by his wife , who dies ; Lina comes to the front again , explanations occur , and the old lovers eventually marry , the stern parent dying on the last page . The small talk , though well written , is not quite smart enough to interest novel readers of the present day , but there is

ample compensation in a few prettily written and pathetic scenes , loving and otherwise . It is scarcely necessary to add that both the above books are printed and got up in the publisher ' s usual effective manner , the illustrations in the first , though a little scarce , being thoroughly good .

IF WISHES WERE HORSES BEGGARS WOULD RIDE , by M . SEYMOUR , Illustrated . A STRANGE EXHIBITION , by E . C . RIKARDS , Illustrated . LITTLE NEIGHBOURS IN LONDON , by E . C . RIKARDS , Illustrated .

THE WONDROUS TALE OF COCKY CLUCHY AND CACKLE , by CHARLES WILLIAM HECKETHORN , Illustrated .

All published by John Hogg . These are four very prettily written and illustrated little books for children ; the first three contain stories of everyday child life , the last is a wonderous fairy tale , being a free translation from the German of Brentano . The whole four are tastefully bound and printed , and make a very agreeable addition to children ' s literature .

A PROFESSIONAL SECRET AND OTHER TALES , by W . W . FENN . London : John Hogg . This is one of the usual shilling bookstall volumes . Taken from a literary point of view we cannot say that the tales

possess any particular merit , the composition being rather slipshod , but the stories are fairly interesting , and the situations are of a sufficiently thrilling and fearful character , after the manner of the railway novel of the present day .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

75 G ] WARDENS AND DEGREES . " Lex Scripta " should refer to the Past Grand Registrar's opinion as to the conferring of degrees by Wardens . Unfortunately I have mislaid the memo on the subject , and have not the time just now to wade through all the Pro . ceedings of the Grand Lodge for the last ten years .

Substantially however the R . W . Bro . Mclntyre ' s decision amounts to what the Editor stated in reply to Bro . O . Wood , of Cairo , in the Freemason , November 12 th . So long as an Installed Master is in the Chair ( according to the Book of Constitutions ) any Brother may work any of the Three Degrees , say at the side of the Pedestal , " as the

mouthpiece ot the presiding officer , " whether a Warden or not an officer at all . The conclusion of Rule 141 evidently takes this view of the matter , initiations or degrees being worked by those who have not passed the Chair , provided a duly installed brother presides . The question was referred to by the Board of General Purposes in a report to

the Grand Lodee December , 1 S 65 , and the subsequent action of Grand Lo 3 ge relative to a revision of the Laws will be found to embody the recommendation then made . What is wanted is , either a digest of the decisions of the Board of General Purposes , or a brief , yet withal comprehensive , work explanatory of the Laws and Customs of English Freemasonry , as far as such can be published . W . J . HUGHAN .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft Jlasonrju

LODGE OF ISRAEL ( No . 205 ) . —A regular meeting of this old and prosperous lodge was held at the Cannon-street Hotel , on Tuesday , the 22 nd instant . The large attendance of members included Bros . S . Jacobs , W . M . ; W . Paton , S . W . ; J . B . de Mesquita , J . W . ; A . M . Cohen , P . M ., Treas . ; C . F . Hogard , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br ., Sec . ; Rev . H . M . Haines , Chap . ; J .

Lichtenfeld , D . C ; H . M . Harris , P . M . ; I . P . Cohen , P . M . ; J . A . Gartley , P . M . ; J . Da Silva , P . M . ; H . J . Phillips , P . M . ; C . Bassington , P . M . ; W . Latour , P . M . ; E . Howden , P . M . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . C . James , I . P . M . 15 ; B . Phillips , P . M . 415 ; J . Sax , 1017 ; G . Williams , 15 ; T . Bolton , 15 ; A . H . Forrester , 1766 ; G . Cohen , 1017 ; P . Cavendish , 1512 ; J . Oliver , 879 ;

C . R . Williams , VV . M . 72 ; H . B . Rosenberg , E . Levey , 1766 ; Goldstein , 1766 ; and W . W . Lee , 1897 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . Ballot having been taken for Messrs . G . Litchenfeld , E . Solomons , J . King , J . Marcus , E . Halle , and G . Fredlander , as candidates for initiation , and proving unanimous in their favour , they

were , with the exception of the last named gentleman , impressively initiated into Freemasonry . Ballot was also successfully taken for Bros . L . Lyons , Australian Felix Lodge , 474 ; and A . Barnett , Falkland Lodge , 330 ( Alabama ) , as joining members . Bro . A . Abrahams having been passed to the Second Degree , Bros . E . Jacobs , B . H . Pizer , H . Schneiders , and W . Abrahams were

raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . The whole of the ceiemonies were performed by Bro . S . Jacobs , W . M ., in a manner that reflected the highest credit on a brother who is not only young in years , but also young in Masonry . The elections were then proceeded with , and resulted unanimously as follows : Bros . W . Paton , S . VV ., W . M . elect ; A . M . Cohen , P . M ., Treas . ( re-elected ); and

Morley ( re-elected ) Tyler . The members of the Committee of the Benevolent Fund for the ensuing year were then re-elected . On the motion of Bro . A . M . Cohen , P . M ., Treas ., a P . M . ' s jewel was unanimously voted to Bro . S . Jabobs , W . M ., in recognition of the admirable manner in which he has carried out the duties of the chair for the past year . The sum of ten guineas was voted

from the lodge funds to be placed on the list of Bro . Paton , W . M . elect , on behalf of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Several propositions having been received , lodge was promptly closed , and the brethren adjourned . Alter a substantial repast , the usual toasts were duly honoured .

"The Health of the W . M . " was given by Bro . A . M , Cohen , P . M ., Treas ., who alluded to the pleasure it afforded him to propose the toast . One of the principal pleasures was that it enabled him in introducing it to the brethren to speak very highly , as the oldest P . M ., of the merits of Bro . S . Jacobs , W . M . That brother was second to none in the Craft , for he had performed the duties oi

the chair remarkably well , although a young Mason . He appealed to the young members of the lodge to emulate Bro . Jacobs , W . M ., for they could not excel him . Their W . M . had had a very prosperous year of office , and had performed a vast amount of work , with the . approbation of the P . M . ' s , and to the satisfaction of the brethren generally . It was a unanimous wish that Bro . Jacobs ,

W . M ., would be spared for many years to come to be with them , and set an example to the younger brethren . Bro . Solomon Jacobs , W . M ., returned thanks for the hearty and kindly manner in which the toast had been proposed and received . It was the last time he should have the pleasure and honour of presiding at their lodge and banquet table , and therefore he could only say be thanked

them most heartily for the assistance they had rendered during the year . Bro . Cohen , P . M ., had told them he had carried out the duties satisfactorily , and he hoped that such was the case . When he first entered the lodge , about seven years ago , and was initiated , he Was considerably impressed by Bro . H . M . Harris , P . M ., who referred to the position he might occupy by diligence and industry . That

made a deep impression on him , and from that time he had worked until he had reached his present post . He should soon , however , retire in favour of one who would equal , and perhaps excel , him ; but , in either case , it would be for the prosperity of the lodge . He very much regretted that the I . P . M . was not present , but , having come up from Liverpool in order to attend that evening , he had been ,

unfortunately , prevented by ill-health . In having such excellent examples as the P . M . ' s who had preceded him in the chair , it was difficult to err , for they were all ready _ to render every assistance in their power . He wished to sincerely thank all the brethren who had extended their generosity and kindness to him during his year of office . " The Initiates" having been given and duly responded

to , " The Visitors" was given by the W . M . Bro . Phillips , P . M . 415 , Poona , Bombay , replied on behalf of the visiting brethren , and remarked that it was the first time he had entered a lodge in England , for he had been absent from the country 18 years , and had been a Mason about 12 years . He had visited many lodges in India , but had never seen the work so well carried out . The

VV . M . and officers had worked perfectly , and he should have great pleasure in reporting to his own lodge the admirable working he had witnessed . The Worshipful Master then said a pleasing duty had devolved upon him . The members would remember that during the early part of the year a sum of 20 guineas was voted to Bro . C . K . HogardP . M ., Sec , in consideration of

, the invaluable services he had rendered to the lodge . The work of Secretary was not easy , especially in a large lodge like their own . The members would testify that every information and assistance , and , in fact , everything the brethren wanted to know , was willingly supplied by oco .

Hogard , and there was no brother who could better supply them , for he seemed to be quite perfect in every point in Masonry . Bro . Hogard was a worthy Secretary , and one who thoroughly knew his work , and took a great interest in their lodge . The members voted him that sum to dispose of as he thought fit , but Bro . Hogard ' s first thoughts were