Vol. XI 


DECEMBER, 1897. 


No. 12. 






// 









CONTENTS : 

The Mason’s Creed 53* 

the York Rile 53 

Worth While 

Harmony — John Martin 

Art 1'hou a Mason -5 

Tom Ryder’s Child 5o 

Stumpy — Florence Hallowell 54° 

Be a Woman 

A Slight Mistake 543 

Beauty from Use of Hot Milk 54° 

Derivation ol the Word Mason 547 

Lodges in War Times 54 

A S ory With a Moral 55 c 

Opportunities of Life 

t Clergyman's Opinion . . . • 55 1 

Uniformity of 55* 

f he Ritual 

1 he Gavel .... 5o 

Whipped into the Traces 553 

Masonic Secrets 

This is Scottish Rite Masonry 5^5 

City Masonry vs. Country Masonry* 5° 

The 1 rue Masonic 55® 1 

Fr ternity 557 l 

suspension for Non-Payment 537 

Masonic Feeling * • 55 

Wisconsin Ahead 55 

General Gtano Chapter, O. E. S 55* , 

English Masonic Charity 

Ola Ti adi« ions 

Be Patient with the Old 5:>9 

Jew> with Black Skins 5^ 

Love and Foigiveness 5to 

Convicting a Mason 5 1 

\ ii Anecuote ol Lincoln 5° 

Where is My Girl To-night ? 5°* 

The Frightened Dug 5 2 

Excerpts 5 ^ 2 

Editorials, Etc. , 

Selectu n ol Material 5»* | 

Masonic Funerals . ... t 

Lodge Libraries • • 5 4 

1 he Mason’s Son ....... . - ... 534 

Is “The Tvler" Sectarian? ,f 5 

A Nice P«/nt to Decide 5^3 j 

Is Reimbursement Right? ^ 

Other Jurisdictions _ 

Erliioiia! Chips 57* 

Chips from Other Quarries 5T3 

Literary Notes \ 4 

Deaths - 5 5 1 


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THE 







A MONTHLY MASONIC AND FAMILY MAGAZINE. 


Vol. XI. 


DECEMBER, 1897. 


No. 12. 


The Mason’s Creed. 

I boast not the meekness of Moses, 

Nor yet of the patience of Job; 

I sing not of angelic graces, 

Nor charity worn as a robe. 

I owe every mortal a greeting, 

Whatever his color may be. 

I’ll bid him God-speed on his journey, 

Who treads the earth’s surface with me. 

I’ll stretch forth my hand to the orphan, 

And list to the widow’s sad cry; 

I’ll forgive as I would be forgiven 
Were the Lord of the world to pass by. 

It may not be much I can render — 

A cup of cold water, perchance; 

A kindness where others speak harshly, 

Or pass with a soul-chilling glance. 

They say there is good if we seek it. 

That yet there is truth to be found ; 

That somewhere thanksgivings are chanted 
And mercy seen hovering ’round; 

That Bibles are not out of fashion, 

Nor prayers laid aside to be said — 

Like flowers so tenderly scattered — 

O’er graves of our well-beloved dead. 

The multitude surges and jostles, 

While we sit in silence and think; 

Some plunge in the pool of perdition. 

Some pause, half aghast, on the brink. 

If half of the time that is wasted, 

If half of the treasure worse spent, 

Were put to the right kind of purpose — 

What joy through the world would be sent ? 

— A ~ansas Freemason. 

o 

The York Rite. 


“The York Rite is the mother of all 
other Rites. It derives its name from the 
old city of York where, according to tra- 
dition, in the year 926, Prince Edwin held 
the first Grand Lodge, or rather, the first 
General Assembly of Masons in England, 


and established the constitution by which 
the York Rite continues to be governed.” 

This is a most erroneous statement of 
the origin of Freemasonry, and requires 
correction. 

What are the historical facts ? 

1. Prince Edwin is a traditionary or 
mythical personage, and according to tra- 
dition, was made a Mason at Windsor; 
this royal town, therefore, ought ta have 
equal rank, as to antiquity, with the city of 
York. 

2. The first Grand Lodge, or first Gen- 
eral Assembly held at York, in 926, is a 
myth. 

3. The old York Constitutions are apoc- 
ryphal. 

4. There is no historical proof that a 
York Rite ever existed; but if it ever did, 
nobody at present knows what it has been. 
The York Rite, therefore, cannot possibly 
be the mother of all other Rites. 

The existence of .the old York Lodge 
can only be traced back historically to th£ 
year 1662, and is then lost in the obscur- 
ity of the dim past. 

As the establishment of the Premier 
Grand Lodge of England, it was only com- 
posed of a few members. 

Stimulated by the example of the pros- 
perous Grand Lodge of England, estab- 
lished in 1717, it formed itself, eight years 
later, in 1725, into a Grand Lodge, styled 
the “Grand Lodge of all England”; its 
first Grand Master being Christian Bat- 
hurst. The rules of the Grand Lodge of 
York are nineteen in number, and date 
from the year of its establishment. 

Previous to its establishment of a Grand 


532 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


Lodge, its ceremony of initiation was of 
great simplicity, consisting of a prayer, 
an obligation, the communication of a 
word and sign of recognition, and the 
reading of the Old Charges and the Guild 
Legend. There is no evidence whatever 
that the oldYork Lodge ever elaborated a 
system of symbolic degrees of its own, and 
what it practiced as Grand Lodge was con- 
sequently the Rite of the English Grand 
Lodge of three degrees, as has been the 
case of all Grand Lodges ever since, the 
world over. 

The old Lodge of York existed for near- 
ly half a century as a single Lodge only 
— until 1716 — never showing much vital- 
ity, and was even a part of this time dor- 
mant. It then revived for a short period, 
warranted a few Lodges, but never exer- 
cised any influence beyond Yorkshire and 
Lancashire, and all its warrants which have 
been traced lrom the earliest to the latest 
records were authorized to be held in 
these counties only. This Grand Lodge 
eventually sank into its final slumber about 
1760, and, having outlived all its daughter 
Lodges, left no representative of any kind 
to continue its ritual and organization. It 
never chartered any Lodges out of En- 
gland; neither did any of its subordinates 
ever do so. Even at the height of its for- 
tunes the York branch of the society was a 
small one. 

The first Grand Lodge, that of England, 
was founded by four London Lodges in 
1717. James Anderson, a graduate of 
Marichal College, Aberdeen, and who 
was then a Presbyterian minister in Lon- 
don, was selected by the Grand Master 
and the Grand Lodge as the most compe- 
tent person to adjust the Masonry of an- 
cient times upon a modern basis. The old 
Constitutions being found fault with, Bro. 
Anderson, A. M., was ordered to “digest 
the same in new and better method.” The 
Constitutions were old documents, usually 
in roll or scroll form, gathered from ev- 
erywhere, containing the legend of the 
Craft and a code of ancient regulations, 
both of which it was the custom in old 
days to read over to the Operative Ma- 
sons on their first admission into the Lodge. 
By the aid of these MS. Constitutions, An- 
derson compiled the first “Book of Consti- 
tutions,” published in 1723. 

The period from 1717 to 1723 has been 
styled the Epoch of Transition, because 
the system of Masonry we now possess; 
or, in other words, the three degrees of 


pure and ancient Masonry and can, with 
no propriety, be called the York Rite. 

In 1721, a great nobleman, the Duke of 
Montague, was elected Grand Master, and 
the society rose, at a single bound, into 
notice and esteem. This being followed 
up by placing men of the highest eminence 
at the head of the Fraternity, Masonry be- 
came very fashionable, aristocratic and 
high-toned. Inconsequence, many changes 
were made by the Grand Lodge respecting 
the organic life of the Craft, in order to 
adapt it to the new condition, which was 
in strong contrast with its former simplic- 
ity. In opposition, some of the Lodges 
seceded, while others formed themselves 
independently of the Grand Lodge, being 
chiefly composed of the poorer classes, a 
large portion of whom were Irish, who 
had come to the capital seeking employ- 
ment. 

These Lodges, in 1753, organized a 
Grand Lodge of their own, and having re- 
tained more of the ancient customs, styled 
themselves “Ancient Masons according to 
the Old Constitution,” of whom Lawrence 
Dermott was the master spirit, while the 
adherents of the regular Grand Lodge 
went by the name of “Modern Masons.” 
This Grand Lodge of the Ancients showed 
much life and vigor, and soon extended 
its influence and authority into foreign 
countries and into the British colonies of 
America, where they became very popu- 
lar. They erected many Lodges and or- 
ganized several Provincial Grand Lodges, 
as, for instance, in Massachusetts, New 
York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and South 
Carolina. The Lodges working under its 
authority were generally known as “An- 
cient York Lodges,” for the reason that 
the warrants of the Ancients began as fol- 
lows: 

“We, the Grand Lodge of the Most 
Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free 
and Accepted Masons, according to the 
Old Constitution, granted by his Royal 
Highness, Prince Edwin, at York, A. D. 
926, in ample form assembled,” etc. 

Being a rival Grand Lodge, the words, 
“according to the Old Constitution grant- 
ed,” etc., were placed in their warrants 
for effect, and did wonders for the An- 
cients, especially in this country, where, 
to-day, we find a number of brethren still 
laboring under the delusion that they were 
descended from the real “Ancient York 
Masons,” and that the York Rite of three 
degrees, whereas their early Lodges 


THE TRESTLE BOARD 


533 


were constituted by a society that never 
had the remotest connection with the Grand 
Lodge of York; and, as a matter of fact, 
that old Lodge was in abeyance and al- 
most defunct when the Ancients started as 
an independent bodv. The Ancients prac- 
ticed the EnglLh Rite, but slightly modi- 
fied. It is, therefore, the English Rite, 
and not the York Rite, which is the moth- 
er of ail other Rites. 

— E. R . , in Hebrew Standard. 


Worth While. 


It is easy enough to be pleasant, 

When life flows by like a song, 

But the man worth while is one who will smile 
When everything goes quite wrong. 

For the test of the heart is trouble, 

And it always comes with the years, 

And the smile that is worth the praises of earth 
Is the smile that shines through tears. 

It is easy enough to be prudent, 

When nothing tempts you to stray, 

When without or within no vice of sin 
Is luring your soul away. 

But it’s only a negative virtue 
Until it is tried by the fire, 

And the life that is worth the honor of earth 
Is the one that resists desire. 

By the cynic, the sad, the fallen, 

Who had no strength for the strife, 

The world’s highway is cumbered to-day, 
They make up the items of life. 

But the virtue that conquers passion, 

And the sorrow that hides in a smile, 

It is these that are worth the homage of earth, 
For we find them but once in a while. 


Harmony. 


A Paper read before Durant Lodge , No. 
278, at Berkeley , Cal., November yth, 
1897, by IV. Bro. John Martin , Master 
of the Lodge. 

The element of harmony is undoubtedly 
the keystone of the arch of success which 
has crowned the efforts of the Masonic 
Fraternity during its entire career. It has 
been deemed to be the duty of the Senior 
Warden to see that harmony prevailed, 
and yet how powerless he is to accom- 
plish this without the guiding mind of the 
Master and the co operation of the breth- 
ren. I have frequently seen the harmony 
of a Lodge disturbed from many causes, 
all so trifling as not to merit consideration 
from an unbiased mind, and yet so magni- 
fied and intensified by unwise or incon- 
siderate counsel as to cause a temporary 
cessation of that fellowship and good feel- 
ing which so prominently characterizes our 


Institution. These petty difierences, which 
sometimes widen into breaches of friend- 
ship, might all be settled amicably and 
pleasantly, if the parties interested would 
only devote more thought to the feelings 
of others and be willing to conciliate 
rather than aggravate the differences. 

Some may say that this can only be 
done at a sacrifice of self respect. I am 
inclined to believe that this is an excuse 
not founded on merit but on a misconcep- 
tion of manhood. Frequently differences 
arise between brethren from causes which 
should never be permitted to exist. For 
example: One brother is informed by a 
profane that another brother made some 
remarks which might be construed as a 
reflection on his character or motived in a 
business or social matter. 

Frequently, the brother who feels in- 
jured fails to pursue the proper course of 
making personal investigation by seeking 
an interview with the supposed offending 
brother, but unfortunately presumes the 
information to be literally and actually 
correct. He harbors ill feeling against 
the other brother, and mentally resolves 
to oppose any advancement of this brother 
or any measure he proposes. This results 
in a disturbing element, affecting the har- 
mony of the Lodge. At first it is so skill- 
fully operated as to avoid location; but, 
after a time, the supposed grievance be- 
comes so magnified that the brethren be- 
come enabled to locate the cause. Efforts 
are then made to bring about a reconcilia- 
tion. A meeting of the brothers is effect- 
ed, resulting in a true understanding of 
the matter, when it is discovered that there 
was no real cause for ill feeling; and had 
the brother, who erroneously fancied he 
was injured, acted wisely at first, much 
bitterness of feeling would have been 
obviated. 

Personal gossip is one of the greatest 
evils we have to contend with. There is 
no reason for its existence other than the 
nature of our earlier development, fre- 
quently iufluenced by associations and sur- 
roundings. If every brother would resolve 
to avoid this evil, it can be accomplished 
by adopting this rule: “If you can speak 
no good of a person, speak no evil”; and 
should you hear something detrimental to 
a brother, it is your duty to go to him and 
tell him, not in a spirit of malice or in- 
quisitiveness, but one of true brotherly 
love, and if a brother be so approached, 
he will receive it kindly, and enlighten 


534 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


you as to the true nature of affairs. In all 
matters which might arise between mem 
bers of the Craft it should ever be borne 
in mind that we are brethren, one and all, 
“linked together bv an indissoluble chain 
of sincere affection.” 

Brethren should be very considerate of 
the feel ings of others. F requently a broth- 
er attends a meeting, hears something 
spoken which seems unkind, and he be 
comes offended. No offense may have 
been intended, yet this brother goes away 
with his imaginary grievance, and con- 
cludes not to meet again in uncongenial 
company. It might well be argued that 
he should be broad minded, and not mis- 
interpret the statements of others, and 
place a false construction thereon; and yet, 
had the brother been just a little more 
careful in the use of his words, the sup- 
posed offense might not have been taken. 
Weigh your words carefully, and always 
try to remember that others have equally 
as tender feelings as vourself. 

Another element which should be care- 
fully avoided is brought forth in the fol- 
lowing assumed case: Brother A. recom- 
mends Mr. B. to receive the degrees. Mr. 
B.’s application is acted upon, and he is 
rejected. Bro. A. has known Mr. B. from 
childhood, and knows him to be a first- 
class man, and fit to become a member of 
our Fraternity. He takes offense at the 
action of the Lodge, and resolves to pre- 
vent any one else from joining, because he 
feels that he has been wronged. That is 
where the brother errs. Something might 
have occurred to warrant some other broth- 
er in casting a blackball, and justly so, 
and yet Bro. A. might know nothing about 
it. He should, therefore, not condemn, 
but rather be willing to abide by the de- 
cision, for he cannot hope to be able to 
enjoy the exclusive privilege of the Great 
Architect of the universe, to w r hom alone 
can all the acts of man be known. If 
questions arise which require mature and 
careful thought and consideration, it is far 
better to seek counsel in a temperate way, 
instead of giving expression to first im- 
pulses, which may prove wrong after all 
the facts are known. 

Another element to be guarded against 
is jealousy, and who among us is not jeal- 
ous ? Bro. A. wants to be Senior Deacon 
— Bro. B. gets the appointment. Bro. B. 
requests Bro. A to act as a Fellow Craft, 
and Bro. A. thinks it smart to decline, be- 
cause he imagines that the refusal will 


cause pain to Bro. B. How silly ! and 
yet how often it does occur. Now, breth- 
ren, don’t do it. It is unbecoming to your 
manhood. Lay aside all petty jealousies, 
and strive to maintain harmony. 

Frequently we hear brethren discussing 
whether Bro. A. should be advanced from 
the West to the East, or Bro. B. from the 
South to the West, or Bro. C. from Senior 
Deacon to the South. One brother will 
say, “Oh, he can’t do the work right; he 
is thick headed; he is too slow; he cannot 
learn the work” ; and similar remarks. Now, 
brethren, this is entirely wrong. If you 
will stop to think it over you will realize 
that Bro. A., Bro. B. or Bro. C. has la- 
bored diligently during the year; he is 
struggling hard to acquire the ritualistic 
work of the next higher office; and, if en- 
couraged will, no doubt, show such im- 
provement as to put to shame the expres- 
sions above mentioned. Suppose he is 
not so well qualified in the ritualistic work 
as your desire, is it light to jump some 
one over him, or drop him ? Let us see. 
First, let us consider the welfare of the 
Lodge, and, in considering it, w r e must 
necessarily endanger the harmony of the 
Lodge. Some brother is advanced over 
the brother in question. The brother who 
was in line feels aggrieved as also do his 
friends, with the result that di-cord de- 
velops to work out its own salvation after 
many months of harsh feelings and bitter 
reproaches I think the brethren should 
be willing to bear with a brother in the 
performance of his Lodge duties, who 
may not be as well qualified as they de- 
sire, in preference to disturbing the har- 
mony and good fellowship, which should 
ever reign supreme. 

After a brother has reached the exalted 
position of Master, he will realize that the 
least important of the duties of that honor- 
able position is the conferring of degrees. 
The duties of a conscientious Master are 
not confined to presiding in the Lodge, 
and conferring degrees. They are as broad 
in their scope as is the field of human ac- 
tivity. Their exercise has practically no 
bounds. No Master can tell in advance 
what they will demand of him. They 
will take him into homes where grief 
dwells and discord reigns. They make 
him in one case both judge and jury — a 
minister of Masonic justice. In another 
case they clothe him with the mantle of a 
peacemaker endeavoring to heal dissen- 
sions, soothe wounded feelings and bring 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


535 


balm to grief-stricken hearts. I would 
rather see a poor ritualist as Master, pro- 
viding he fulfilled his more important 
duties properly, than to see a perfect ritual- 
ist in the chair who neglected his other 
duties What the brethren should do is 
to be very careful whom they elect to 
office, permitting merit alone to guide 
their selection, and then this hypothetical 
condition will not exist. But having made 
our choice, do all you can in a kind way 
to assist a struggling officer in place of 
gossiping about him, and plotting his re- 
moval with its inharmonious consequences. 
It would be far better for any Lodge to 
have several years of poor ritualistic work 
than give birth to discord, which always 
becomes difficult to remove. A good rit- 
ualist might only be a good parrot — one 
who has the faculty of memorizing literal- 
ly, and yet be utterly devoid of the true 
qualities which make a good Master. 

Now I will say a few words to those 
who aspire to be Master of their Lodge. 
After you reach that pinnacle do not be- 
come self important; do not become dicta- 
torial, merely because you can. Be care- 
ful to consider the welfare of each member 
of your Lodge. Make everybody feel at 
home when they meet, and then you will 
not lack for attendence or appreciation. 
If you find a brother who has lost interest 
in the good work, seek for him and in- 
duce attendance. When he comes, give 
him something to do. He will then feel 
as if he were of some value to the Craft. 
If one of your subordinate officers shows a 
lack of interest or judgment, counsel with 
him, and show him in the kindest manner 
why he should do different. Picture to 
him how grand the result will be if your 
suggestions are carried out. He will sure- 
ly see the force of your argument, and wall 
appreciate the interest you manifest in his 
welfare. 

Hold regular weekly meetings if possi- 
ble, whether you have work or not, and 
-when you meet be sure to see that the 
brethren receive some instruction which 
will make them feel that they have been 
benefited by the meeting. There are so 
many ways of accomplishing this, that I 
leave the suggestion to be carried out as 
the best judgment of the Master will dic- 
tate. Appoint the brethren to write pa- 
pers on Masonic or interesting subjects to 
be read at the meetings, and after this 
feature has been established, you will be 
rewarded by increased interest and attend- 


ance far in excess of your greatest antici- 
pations. Make it a point to hold one or 
two social meetings during th° year when 
your families can attend, and become bet- 
ter acquainted. Then our married breth- 
ren will not meet with opposition at home. 
Let the family read current Masonic litera- 
ture, and therefrom form a true conception 
of our Institution. Then your wife will 
not object to your Lodge attendance, for 
she will appreciate that the object is 
worthy, your surroundings pleasant, your 
associations elevating and your motives 
pure. Thus you will assist in making 
your home cheerful, and your Masonic 
duties will become a pleasure. 

As Master you should see that every 
brother feels at home, and particularly the 
visiting brethren. The Master cannot ac- 
complish very much without the assistance 
and co operation of the brethren; but when 
he shows the necessary interest in the wel- 
fare and progress of the Lodge, it then be- 
comes an easy task to obtain the hearty co- 
operation of the members. 

While advising Masters to be concilia- 
tory, I do not mean to infer that they 
should be without decision of mind and 
purpose. Far from it. The Master should 
be supreme in occupying that position, 
and commanding the respect due to it, 
yet it is wilhin the range of ordinary men 
to fulfill these requirements without any 
display of authority. 

As Masters you should remember that 
the officers of inferior rank are just as am- 
bitious to occupy the Oriental Chair as 
you were when in line for promotion, and 
you should be willing to give way to oth- 
ers without too lengthy a service in that 
capacity. The position is one only of 
honor, yet it imposes serious duties and 
responsibilities which, in time, become 
onerous, and results in carelessness. Hav- 
ing received all the honors, the reward for 
faithful service is not as well appreciated, 
and the Master develops into a piece of 
mechanism. This will result disadvan- 
tageous^ to the Lodge, as you can readily 
appreciate without argument. 

In conclusion, let me ask one and all to 
weigh these matters carefully, and con- 
clude to render every assistance in your 
power to maintain harmony among the 
members of your Lodge. 

o 

No man can take upon himself the vows 
of a Mason who is not a better man for 
living up to those vows. 


536 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


Art Thou a Mason. 

Art thou a Mason ? Ask thyself the truth, 

And search for answer in thy inmost heart: 
Are all thy footsteps such that faltering youth 
Might follow ? Does thy walk impart 
By its uprightness that which Masons love ? 

Hast thou, indeed, full trust in that dear Lord 
Of all, who from His throne above 

Marks thy design upon life’s trestle board ? 

Art thou a Mason ? Has thy Brother’s sign 
Or summons passed thee all unheeded by, 
When sorrow swept him all along life’s line, 

And all the world forgot him ? Did’st thou 
try 

To cheer him then, with all a Brother’s love, 
And holding out thy hand bade him God- 
speed, 

And to the carping world thus show and prove 
The truth and beauty of a Mason’s creed ? 

Art thou a Mason ? Has the widow’s sigh 
Fell on thine ear without responsive thrill 
Of pity ? Hast thou never heard the cry 
Of orphaned children but thy soul would fill 
Itself with recollections of a solemn charge, 

That deep within its chambers fell; 

And, thinking thus, did not thine heart enlarge 
With generous action all thy feelings tell ? 

Art thou a Mason ? Has thy selfish greed 
Made thee forget the brother’s “ Heart of 
Grace,” 

And has thy tongue forgotten all its need 
Of charity thro’ life’s mad rushing race ? 

If so, forbear ! All things ye must not know; 

And it is written in earth’s history 
Some sorrow must ’neath every bosom flow — 
And God alone can the heart’s secret see. 

Art thou a Mason — not alone in name — 

Indeed? This will the Master’s record tell; 
His answer will be praise, or else eternal shame. 
Be thine when ‘ ‘ time shall sound its parting 
knell” 

To summon thee to “stand before the bar”; 

Thy trembling soul shall then rejoice 
If He but say : Thou Craftsman ! from afar 
Thy deeds have saved thee — enter Paradise. 

—J. H. Adams , in Masonic Journal . 

o 

Tom Ryder’s Child. 


Mr. Marsh, when he was sitting in the 
village store with the heels of his well tal- 
lowed boots carefully poised on the edge 
of the corrugated cylinder stove, was a far 
larger man than when he was at home. 
Perhaps it was for that reason that he spent 
so much time in the store. A man likes 
to feel large, and to hawk and expectorate 
in an independent manner. 

When under the protection of his own 
roof this gentleman was very much in the 
shadow of his wife. He never hawked 
and he never expectorated there. He 
shrank up into the smallest possible com- 
pass and seemed to deprecate the fact that 
he was alive at all. If he could have come 


in and gone out at the key hole he* would 
have felt an unutterable relief. As it was, 
he was in constant fear lest he should for- 
get to wipe his feet, or lest he should leave 
a door unlatched. He often told himself 
“he’d ruther be darned any day than to 
forget to wipe his feet twice,” first on the 
husk mat in the sink-room and next on 
the braided mat at the kitchen door. 
When Mr. Marsh said “he’d ruther be 
darned” he meant that he preferred being 
consigned to Hades. He often thought 
it would be a kind of relief to be in that 
place “and done with it.” But he always 
was very meek indeed when he had in- 
dulged in such thoughts. 

Mrs. Marsh was a large, dark mus- 
tached woman, who was believed by some 
to be a good nurse. She certainly had 
the merit of subduing her charges into ab- 
solute quiesence. She boasted that folks 
that “she took care on knew their places 
mighty quick; ’n’ let the Lord do as he 
pleased.” 

She was fond of mentioning the Lord 
at the most unexpected and irritating 
times She had referred to him on so 
many occasions in regard to her husband’s 
bringing in “medder mud” and other 
kinds of soil on the soles of his boots that 
Mr. Marsh was continually harassed byi 
fear lest he might become prejudiced, and 
acquire a habit of thinking disrespectfullly 
of the Lord. If he did acquire such a 
habit, he hoped fervently and in plain 
terms that it might be laid to D’rindy’s 
charge rather than to his. Dorinda was 
his wife’s name; and it was the name given 
to each of five consecutive daughters who 
had been born to Mr. and Mrs. Marsh and 
who had all died when children. 

There were residents in the village who 
always took friends who came from a dis- 
tance to the graveyard to see the “row of 
D’rindies,” as this series of mounds was 
usually termed. 

These continual bereavements were very 
hard to bear during their occurrence, but 
after some years had passed and the 
wounds had scarred, Mrs. Marsh was con- 
scious of a certain distinction coming from 
the fact that she, was in a certain sense, 
owner of that row in the cemetery. She 
had a pride in keeping the small graves 
and their headstones in the very best con- 
dition; or rather she made Mr. Marsh keep 
them so. 

When I have seen that woman striding 
toward the hill slope where the graveyard 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


537 


was, I have wondered if she did not feel 
a satisfaction that there were five mounds 
instead of four; five made a much more 
impressive row. If one of those babies 
had grown it would doubtless have brought 
in a great deal of mud in the spring, snow 
in the winter and road dust in the summer. 
It would have “littered things up jest aw- 
ful,” to use a favorite expression of Mrs. 
Marsh’s. Was it possible that there were 
compensations ? It is a distinction, too, 
to have had a “dretful sight of sickness in 
your family,” to have “notes put up” for 
the sufferer and sufferer’s friends. Do you 
know what it means to have a note put 
up ? It is to arrange that the minister 
shall find, apparently in the hymn-book, 
a scrap of paper asking the prayers of the 
congregation for a family in affliction. 
The name of the person is often given, and 
then there is a rustling, and a turning, and 
a looking at the nearest relative who hap- 
pens to be present. When things by land 
and by sea have been prayed for, when 
people “scattered up and down this sinful 
earth” have been mentioned, then »the 
minister changes his tone to one of more 
feeling, and petitions that this dear sister 
whose child is on a bed of sickness may 
be strengthened to endure, and that, if it 
be so decided that she may be called upon 
to give up that beloved one, she may be 
enabled to bow her head to His great and 
glorious will, and to bless Him, even 
though He slay. 

There is a great sameness about the 
words used in response to this asking for 
prayers, but who shall say that those 
phrases do not sometimes touch healingly 
a sore heart ? 

Reuben Marsh never missed going to 
meeting a single Sunday during all the 
times when his children were pining and 
dying. 

Sometimes he would far rather have 
stopped at home, being possessed of that 
piteous and natural feeling that he, with 
all his strength and vigor, might in some 
way give of fflat strength to the poor little 
thing moaning on the bed. But his wife 
had made him go. She had even found 
time as usual to fasten his collar and but- 
ton on the rusty black necktie. 

And he had always heard those prayers 
in answer to the note he had put up. He 
held himself rigidly upright. His heavy, 
bearded face was impassive to look upon. 
People who looked at him curiously saw 
nothing but the calm, rough face. His 


hands were thrust into the big pockets of 
his loose sack coat; the great knuckly 
fingers writhed and twisted as the prayer 
proceeded. 

Mr. Marsh heard the words going on 
and on over his head. He felt as if he 
were groping in horrible darkness. All 
the time he was saying to himself: “O 
God, let her live! O God, let her live! 
I can’t live if you take this one, too!” 

He thought he could not live. But 
that one, too, was taken, and still the sun 
continued to rise and set on Reuben 
Marsh. And still Mrs. Marsh hectored 
him from morning to night, and occasion- 
ally reminded him of what a mother suf- 
fered in the loss of a child. She said she 
s’posed a father had some feelings, but 
how could a father know a mother’s heart ? 

Evidently there was no answer to this 
question. Certainly Mr. Marsh attempted 
to give none. 

Mrs. Marsh talked a great deal to her 
husband and to the neighbors generally 
about the fact that all her children had 
been born without any constitutions She 
didn’t know why it was, for all her folks 
were made of iron. She often inquired 
how a child with no constitution at all 
could be expected to live. She told 
Reuben it was too much to ask. She gave 
every one to understand that Reuben 
seemed to believe their children ought to 
live, but she knew they couldn’t. 

As the years went by she made Mr. 
Marsh keep those little graves, and their 
headstones, and their lettering of “Dor- 
inda, daughter of Reuben and Dorinda 
Marsh,” more and more “trigged up.” 
When Mr. Marsh was not at home nor at 
the store, it was well known that he must 
be “to the cemetr’y triggin’ up them 
graves.” 

It was one mild day in winter that Mr. 
Marsh put on his overcoat and his rubber 
boots. He said he was going down to the 
store and guessed he should just stop in 
at the graveyard before he came home. 
The hill sloped to the south there, and it 
was warm and sunny, almost like a spring 
day. 

The man had it in his mind that there 
was just a chance that some snowdrops 
might be blossomed, or at least budded. 
But if he should find a bloom he was not 
so crazy, he told himself, as to take it to 
his wife, who would only consider it as 
some kind of “litter.” He should stop 
at the store, as he said, and he should 


538 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


probably see Tom Ryder’s forlorn little 
girl shivering about, and he should give 
the flower to her. Then her small, pinched 
face would suddenly lighten, and she 
would smile in that radiant way that al- 
ways went like a knife to Reuben Marsh’s 
heart. He wondered if any of those 
Dorindies, if any had lived, would have 
had such a face and such a smile as that. 
If they “took after” their mother they 
surely would not. 

Once after Mr. Marsh had seen this 
transformation take place in the face of 
Tom Ryder’s daughter when she had re- 
ceived a kindness, he had ventured to 
speak about her to his wife, with a wild 
hope in the bottom of his heart that they 
might adopt Ryder’s child, for Ryder was 
only a drunken wretch whose wife had 
long since died of a broken heart and too 
much work. 

Mrs. Marsh made it very plain indeed 
to her husband that she had no opinion 
whatever of that nasty Belle Ryder. 

Mr. Marsh had fallen into his ordinary 
home mood of dull, cowed silence. He 
sat with his slippered feet oh their wooden 
cricket, and hung his head, pulling his 
beard slowly and wondering what he was 
living for. 

He supposed men never hated their 
wives. He supposed there was no man 
in the world whose wife was such a good 
cook, who kept her husband’s clothes so 
well mended and so clean as D’rindy did, 
but he said plainly to himself that “he’d 
ruther be flogged than to be where she 
was.” 

Often, as he sat there, pulling his beard 
and watching D’rindy as she made every- 
thing painfully clean, he told himself that 
he must have been even more of a fool 
than most young men to have fallen in 
love with a girl who could turn out to be 
such a woman as that. He also asked of 
his own soul how it would be with him if 
it were possible for a man to hate his wife. 

When he walked slowly through the 
mud of the main street he was conscious 
that there was more than the ordinary bit- 
terness in his heart. He stamped down 
his heavy feet with an air of bravado when 
he reached the store. He took in a large 
quantity of mud, and he talked so loudly 
and spat so emphatically that the store- 
keeper winked at the man next to him, 
and said in a whisper that D’rindy must 
have been carryin’ an uncommon high hand 
with Reuben that day. 


But for all this extra swagger, Mr. 
Marsh was aware that he was greatly de- 
pressed. It did not seem to exhilarate 
him to have his heels on the stove. He 
did not understand himself to day, and he 
left the store much earlier than was his 
custom. One of the men actually got up 
from his broken-backed chair, and went to 
the window to watch the retreating figure. 

“Something or other’s the matter of 
Reub Marsh,” he said pittingly. “I never 
seen him miss his aim a-spittin’ before, ’n’ 
he missed it every time to day.” 

The storekeeper was chopping off a piece 
of tobacco. He nodded his head. He said 
he was sorry for Reub. He s’ posed he was 
goin’ up to them graves now. He hoped 
it wa’n’t wicked, but he did think ’twould 
be jest as well if there was a sixth grave in 
that row, and D’rindy was laying in it. 
For his part he’d like to help trig up 
D’rindv Marsh’s grave, whether ’twas 
wicked or not. 

Then they fell to talking about Tom 
Ryder, and of the fact that he had been 
gone a week, nobody knew where, on a 
worse spree than ever. 

“I guess they’ll have to take the little 
one to the poorhouse this time, and no 
mistake. Somebody ought to speak to 
the selectman, ’n’ have her seen to.” 

Mr. Marsh walked on mechanically up 
the road. He did not know why it was 
that he could not throw off his wife’s influ- 
ence when he had left her, as he was usual- 
ly able to do. 

Some strangely desperate mood was up- 
on him. He put his hand to his head, 
and said if he didn’t know better he should 
think he had been drinking. 

Just before he reached the cemetery he 
passed by the house where the Ryders 
lived, an old place with low eaves that 
looked as if they would always drip with 
unhealthy moisture. Some of the window- 
panes were stuffed with rags, a cat walked 
with ostentatious misery among the pud- 
dles near the front door. 

Mr. Marsh wished he had brought some 
baker’s cookies from the store, but as he 
had nothing he went on staring vainly 
about in the hope of seeing Belle. 

In a few minutes more he was standing 
by the row of graves, and looking sharply 
down at the sodden turf for the snowdrops. 
There were the green leaves. He knelt 
and pushed aside the brown, wet grass. 
His heavy face took on a pathetic look of 
eagerness. No, it was too early; the sun 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


539 


had not been warm enough. There were 
no blossoms — not even buds. 

“It’s too bad — too bad !” he muttered. 
“How she would er liked ’em !” 

He stood up. He brushed a mist from 
his eyes that made the headstones look 
as if they were not straight. 

Something that felt cold and wet, like 
ice, touched the hand that hung down by 
his side. But he did not notice the touch 
until it was repeated this time accompanied 
by a whine. Mr. Marsh roused himself, 
and patted the lean, unhappy looking cur 
that stood beside him. 

“Hullo, Jack,’’ he said, “where’s your 
little mistress?” 

Jack wagged his tail, and made as if he 
would trot back home, but as Mr. Marsh 
did not follow him he returned and licked 
his hand again. He went through all these 
movements so many times that the man at 
last walked after him. the dog continually 
looking behind, until he had led his friend 
to the back door of the Ryder house. 
This door stood open. 

Mr. Marsh had not heard that Tom 
Ryder was “on a spree,” and he expected 
every moment to be greeted by the owner 
of this place, whom he despised and whom 
he always wanted to kick every time he saw 
him. 

Instead of a masculine voice, however, 
a piping, feeble treble sounded from one 
of the front rooms. 

“Oh, Jack, don’t you leave me too ! 
Don’t you go ’n’ leave me too !” 

Reuben Marsh stood suddenly still from 
sheer weakness. His great tender heart 
seemed to choke him. He heard the dog 
whining joyfully and scuttling about the 
room he had entered. He breathed a long 
breath and pushed the door further open, 
apparently taking but one stride from the 
door to a “trundle bed,” which was in a 
corner. On the bed was a child who stared 
wildlv for an instant at this intruder, then 
a flush of joy overspread her face. She 
put out two bony arms to the man bending 
over her. She laughed. 

“I’ve jest be’n prayin’ for a friend,” 
she cried feebly. “I kep’ a prayen’ so 
hard that God had to hear finally.” 

Mr. Marsh gathered the child to his 
breast. His heart glowed. His eyes 
sparkled as he felt the frail form leaning 
confidingly against him. 

He took a frayed blanket from the bed, 
and wrapped her up until she was like a 


mummy. He was smiling all the while he 
was doing this. 

“Where’s your father?” 

“I’d don’t know. He’s been gone ever 
so many days, I guess.” 

“Ain’t you hung-rv?” 

“I was hungry after I et up all there 
was — some bread ’n’ sausage. Then I got 
faint; then I was so awful kind of sick.” 

The child leaned her head on the man’s 
shoulder and shut her eyes. He held her 
yet closer. 

“I’ll take you right home,” he said. 

He stepped out into the mild, damp air. 
He held his head very high, and his eyes 
sparkled more than ever. He walked 
down and into the village street as if he 
had been a soldier coming from a victory. 
He nodded at the few acquaintances he 
saw. and who looked at him wonderingly, 
but he would not stop to speak to any one. 

The storekeeper saw him, and said to a 
customer that there was Reub Marsh with 
Ryder’s little girl, ’n’ he guessed Reub’d 
ketch it when he got home. 

Mr. Marsh still held his head up when 
he entered his own kitchen, tracking in a 
good deal of mud as he did so, for he did 
not pause at ihe husk mat, nor yet at the 
rug by the kitchen door. 

“Bring me a cup of milk with a drop of 
hot water in it,” he said, sitting down in 
the large rocker by the stove. 

Jack had entered also, and he also had 
brought in mud. He sat calmly on his 
dirty haunches on the shiny oilcloth by 
the chair which held Mr. Marsh and his 
mistress. 

Mrs. Marsh stood a moment in bewilder- 
ment; then she brought the milk. 

Her face softened somewhat as she 
looked at the pinched features on her 
husband’s shoulder. 

“She is starving,” said Mr. Marsh, 
shortly. 

“We’ll give her a good meal, ’n’ then 
you c’n take her right back,” remarked 
Mrs. Marsh with her usual decision. She 
added that Reuben could go right over to 
Mr. Wallis, who was one of the selectmen, 
and have the child taken to the poorhouse 
that very night. 

In ten minutes the girl was sound asleep. 
Mr. Marsh laid her on the lounge, and 
covered her with a shawl. He fed Jack, 
who ate very hastily and with the utmost 
greediness, and then curled up on the floor 
by the couch. 

Reuben Marsh rose from his bending 


540 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


position over the lounge. He looked his 
wife squarely in the face, a thing he had 
not done for years. 

She gazed back at him with something 
like consternation slowly growing in her 
mind. * 

“I’m goin’ to do one of two things, 
D’rindy,” he said, very slowly, “and it’s 
for you to say which it’ll be. I’m goin’ 
to keep Tom Ryder’s child, if he don’t 
take her away from me, ’n’ I guess he 
won’t. I’m goin’ to keep her here if you’re 
willin’ ; if you ain’t willin’ I sh’ll go where 
I can keep her. ’N’ she’s goin’ to be 
treated well, too. Now, which shall it be, 
D’rindy ?” 

Mr. Marsh, with that delicious love for 
the child in his heart, looked very big and 
manly. 

Mrs. Marsh mechanically brushed the 
stove hearth with a turkey wing before 
she replied: 

“I rutlier think, Reuben,” she said, 
“you might’s well keep her here.” 

o 

Stumpy. 


BY FLORENCE HALLOWELL HOYT. 


He was only the boy who attended to 
the chores about the hotel, and so he was 
never invited to play croquet or lawn ten- 
nis, or to substitute in the baseball nine; 
and he was laughed at a good deal be- 
cause he had freckles, red hair and wore 
clothes a great deal too small for him. 
His name was Ephraim, but every one 
called him “Stumpy,” for he was short 
and rather stout — every one except Carrie 
Mowbray; that is, Carrie never used his 
nickname. She said she didn’t consider 
it kind. 

“He’d like to be tall, I dare say. So 
would a great many other people,” she 
said to her cousin Belle Towers, one day 
on the porch. 

“But he is hideous, actually hideous,” 
said Belle. 

“Oh, no; you exaggerate. If he didn’t 
have freckles he would hardly be called 
even plain; and the freckles will wear off 
in time.” 

“I doubt it; and then his hair — so red ! 
and he is awkward, too.” 

“He’ll outgrow his awkwardness, and 
he can’t help having red hair. I’ve heard 
you say you’d like to have dark eyes; but 
you’ll never have them. We’re obliged 
to be contented with nature’s decrees usual- 


ly; and you can’t deny that Ephraim looks 
honest. He is amiable, too, and very 
obliging.” 

“To hear you talk, Carrie, one would* 
imagine him a paragon. I suppose you 
found out all these virtues when you were 
talking to him on the beach yesterday.” 

“I was simply asking him about the 
tides.” 

“You could have asked some one else. 
You’ll make him familiar if you talk to 
him, Carrie. I’ve seen that sort of thing 
happen before. I only hope he’ll never 
have the assurance to speak to me.” 

“Oh, he has enough good sense to see 
where he is wanted. He never thrusts 
himself forward in the least — I’ve noticed 
that.” 

“Well, don’t encourage him to talk to 
you. People of that class are very apt to 
presume upon any attention, however triv- 
ial,” and Belle strolled down the steps in 
the direction of the beach, feeling that 
Carrie had justly deserved the rebuke she 
had given her. 

Belle did not intend to be either unkind 
or ungenerous; but, like many other girls, 
she had an exaggerated idea of her own 
importance and the aristocracy of wealth. 
Ephraim found it pretty hard to be at the 
beck and call of everybody at the Beach 
House, and he had to grind his teeth some- 
times to keep from “answering back” when 
his orders came in pre emptory tones from 
some young fellow no older than himself. 

“But I mean to see it through,” he said 
to his sister, as he sat talking to her one 
evening in the doorway of their cottage 
after the labors of the day were over. 
“You know I have always said that a fel- 
low was a coward who’d give a thing up 
just because it proved hard. By next 
summer I can find something else to do, 
and all I’m going through now won’t 
matter. ’ ’ 

“I’m well proud of you, Ephraim,” 
said his sister, as she looked at him with 
tender eyes. “You’re so brave.” 

Ephraim laughed. 

“Don’t be proud until you’ve got some- 
thing to be proud about,” he said. 

Ephraim made it a point to take a 
plunge in the sea every morning on his 
way to the hotel. He was a fine swimmer, 
and thoroughly enjoyed his ten minutes 
in the water. It seemed to tone him up 
for all day. He had always had the sea 
to himself at that hour, for he was an 
early riser from necessity as well as in- 


THE TRESTLE BOARD, 


54i 


clination, but on the morning after his 
talk with Barbara, he had just entered the 
water, and was only a few yards from 
shore, when he heard a shout, and, turn- 
ing around, saw half a dozen of the boys 
from the hotel on the beach. 

“Here, you fellow,” called out Percival 
Peyton, a young man who boasted of his 
blue blood, “come out of that.” 

His tone, more than the command, irri- 
tated Ephraim. He turned about again, 
and siruck out for deep water without 
making any reply. 

“ You insolent young hound, don’t you 
hear me?” called Peyton, the angry blood 
mounting to his face. “Come out of that. 
The fellows want to go in.” 

“ Well, you can come in,” answered 
Ephraim. “I’m not in your way. There’s 
plenty of room.” 

“Yes; what’s the use of making a row ?” 
drawled Frank Chapin. 

“I’m not making a row,” said Peyton, 
“but I never have gone into the water 
with the hotel servants, and I don’t pro- 
pose to do it now. This fellow might as 
well learn his place now as at any time.” 

“Oh, let him alone; Stumpy is a good 
sort,” said Charles Colwell. “He can 
outswim you any day, Peyton.” 

“ Not much,” said Peyton, who con- 
sidered himself the best swimmer on the 
beach. 

“Take a pull together, and decide it,” 
said Colwell. 

“Thank you for the suggestion, but I 
don’t enter any swimming match with a 
fellow not my social equal,” answered 
Peyton, snobbishly. 

Ephraim, by this time, was an eighth 
of a mile from the beach. He remained 
in the water his usual length of time; then 
came ont to find Peyton waiting for him, 
a very dark frown on his handsome face. 
The other boys had all gone into the 
water. 

“I’ll see that you are properly dealt 
with for this impertinence,” he said, as 
Ephraim started toward one of the bath 
houses. “You will hear from this, and 
very shordy, too.” 

Ephraim made no rejoiner, but he 
couldn’t help feeling a little uneasy, and 
almost wished he had obeyed Peyton’s 
order, insulting as it was. The Peytons 
occupied the best rooms at the hotel, and 
had the cream of everything. 

“If it weren’t for Aunt Martha and Bar- 
bara, I wouldn’t care,” the boy reflected. 


“But if I lose my place it’ll come hard on 
them.” 

By the time he was dressed Ephraim 
had decided on the hardest task he had 
ever set himself. He would apologize to 
Percival Peyton. 

He gave himself no time to hesitate, 
but went straight to the point. 

“Mr. Peyton,” he said, “perhaps I was 
wrong not to come out of the water when 
you told me to. I hope you’ll overlook 
it, and not report me to Mr. Springer. I 
can’t afford to lose my place.” 

“You should have thought of that be- 
fore,” rejoined Peyton, haughtily. “One 
of the first duties of a servant is to learn 
his place,” and he turned on his heel, and 
walked away. 

Ephraim went to his duties at the hotel 
feeling as if he hated the cold-blooded 
young aristocrat, and it didn’t improve his 
temper to hear Peyton relating the inci- 
dent to Belle Towers when they were on 
the porch together after breakfast, and 
Ephraim was holding a horse at the block. 
Belle’s rejoiner reached his ears with cruel 
distinctness. 

“The impudence of it,” she said. “It 
all came of Carrie’s talking to him. I 
told her he’d be getting familiar. The 
next thing we’ll know he consider himself 
privileged to go into the water when we 
girls are in. I hope Mr. Springer will 
discharge him.” 

Ephraim’s heart swelled with indigna- 
tion and pain. How these wealthy people 
despised him I His father had been the 
captain of the Life Saving Station, and 
thev had lived in comfort as long as he 
had been spared to them; but he had lost 
his life one bitter night in the performance 
of his arduous duties, and dark days had 
come to the little family. Ephraim, who 
had been attending school regularly, had 
been obliged to put his young shoulder to 
the wheel at once, and had taken any sort 
of work he could find. As he heard the 
conclusion of Belle’s speech he wondered 
what he was going to do in case Mr. 
Springer acted on Percival Peyton s re- 
quest. There was Ben Todd who would 
be only too glad to jump into his place if 
the chance offered. And the chance did 
offer. Just before noon Mr. Springer sent 
for Ephraim, and as soon as the boy saw 
his face he got ready for the blow that he 
knew was about to fall. 

“Complaint of impudence and disobe- 
dience has been lodged against you, War- 


542 


THE TRESTLE BOARD 


ner,” said Mr. Springer, as he turned over 
the leaves of a ledger on his desk. “I can’t 
have any one here who is obnoxious to my 
guests. So I won’t need you after to-day. 
I have engaged Todd to take your place.” 

Ephraim was too much stunned to utter 
a word in response. He simply nodded, 
and left the office. 

Going outside he walked slowly toward 
the rear of the building, trying to think 
how he could break the news to his aunt 
and Barbara. 

Suddenly he heard a cry, and, looking 
toward the beach, saw the people running 
excitedly to and fro. He understood at 
once that some person must be in danger 
of drowning, and, without hesitating a mo- 
ment, he dashed down the board walk, 
throwing off his coat and shoes as he went. 
As he reached the beach he saw Mr. Tow- 
ers, a man of middle age, spring into the 
water; and far out beyond the breakers 
saw the objects of his solicitude — two girls, 
who had ventured too far out, and were 
unable to return against the strong current. 
Another instant and Ephraim had dashed 
into the sea, almost throwing over Percival 
Peyton in his impetuous eagerness to lose 
no time, and, being a strong swimmer, he 
soon overtook and distanced Mr. Towers, 
and, in a few minutes more, succeeded in 
reaching the girl nearest him. It was Belle 
Towers, and she clung to him desperately. 
What cared she now that he was freckled, 
that his hair was red and his gait awk- 
ward ! He was the one plank between 
her and a watery grave, and she held to 
him with wild despair. With great diffi 
cultv Ephraim persuaded her to loosen 
her grasp, and gave her into the care of 
her father, who had now reached them. 

“Take her in; I'll get the other,” he 
said, and struck out to where Carrie Mow- 
bray was struggling .in the water two hun- 
dred yards from shore. She Was just 
about giving up, her strength having al- 
most failed. 

“ Courage,” he cried, “keep up till I 
get there; I’ll save you ” 

His words gave her a fresh strength. 
By a great effort she kept herself from 
sinking, and the next moment Ephraim 
had reached her, and extended one arm 
so that she could grasp it. 

“Cling to my shoulder,” he said. 

Carrie obeyed him, and the gallant fel- 
low turned about for shore. He made 
fair headway for a time, and then, finding 
the great exertion he was putting forth 


was overtaxing his strength, and that the 
girl’s weight was burying him deeper and 
deeper, so that every wave broke over 
their heads, he spoke again: 

“You’ve got to help me, or we’ll'both 
drown,” he said. 

“If you think we can’t reach the shore 
I’ll take my hands off,” answered the 
noble girl. “There is no need that we 
should both go down. Save yourself, and 
never mind me.” 

But plain, poor and awkward as he was, 
Ephraim Warner was not one to desert a 
woman in deadly peril. He had gone out 
to save her, and he proposed to do it or 
die in the attempt. 

“ I won’t leave you,” he said; and 
then, with ready resource, told her to 
grasp one of his shoulders with one hand, 
and use the other as in swimming. “If 
you can do this we’ll get to the shore all 
right,” he added. “We mustn’t drown 
if we can help it. Do your best now.” 

Thus encouraged, Carrie was able to 
follow his directions implicitly, and under 
the changed conditions the intrepid swim- 
mer put forth all his remaining strength, 
and within a few minutes they were with- 
in reach of the assistance of those from 
the shore. 

As they all rose from the water, and 
Mrs. Mowbray staggered forward to fold 
her daughter in her arms, a great shout 
went up from the excited crowd: 

“Three cheers for Ephraim Warner,” 
cried a voice. Instantly it was taken up, 
and cheer after cheer rang out, while 
Ephraim, too weak to utter a word, gazed 
around him for a moment in bewildered 
astonishment, and then, for the first time 
in his life, quietly fainted away. 

vj/ vj^ s|/ vj/ 

That evening, as Ephraim lay on the 
old couch in his aunt’s little sitting-room, 
feeling still the effects of his desperate bat- 
tle with the waves, a shadow darkened the 
doorway, and, looking up, he saw Percival 
Peyton standing there. 

“I’ve come to apologize to you, War- 
ner, for what happened between us this 
morning,” began Peyton. “I thought I 
ought to do it, you see. I’m not given 
much to apologies, but, I hope, I’m not a 
cad. You’re a brave fellow, and I’m 
proud to know you. Shake hands, and 
let’s call it square.” 

Ephraim’s hand went out at once, and 
ten minutes later he found himself promis- 
ing to take a place in the iron works of 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


543 


Peyton & Co., if room could be made for 
him. 

“And I imagine I can fix that all right,” 
young Peyton said, and went away feeling 
that he had shown himself a gentleman. 

This was not all that came to Ephraim 
through his courageous act. The United 
States government, in recognition of his 
bravery, sent him a gold medal, the high- 
est award that can be made, and when he 
put it on for Barbara to admire, she al- 
most cried. 

“You certainly can’t say I haven’t a 
right to be proud of you now, Ephraim,” 
she said. 

“Oh, almost any one would have done 
what I did if he’d known how to swim as 
well,” rejoined honest Ephraim modestly. 

But his eyes shone, nevertheless, as he 
looked at that gold medal which bore tes- 
timony to his bravery. 

o 

Be a Woman. 


Oft I’ve heard a gentle mother, 

As the twilight hours began, 

Pleading with a son on duty, 

Uurging him to be a man. 

But unto her blue-eyed daughter, 

Though with love’s words quite as ready, 

Points she out the only duty, 

“Strive, my dear, to be a lady.” 

What’s a lady ? Is it something 
Made of hoops, and skirts, and airs, 

Used to decorate the parlor, 

Like the fancy rugs and chairs ? 

Is it one that wastes on novels 
Every feeling that is human ? 

If ’tis this to be a lady 

’Tis not this to be a woman. 

Mother, then, unto your daughter 
Speak of something higher far 

Than to be mere fashion’s lady — 

“Woman” is the brightest star. 

If ye, in your strong affection, 

Urge your son to be a true man. 

Urge your daughter no less strongly 
To rise up and be a woman. 

Yes, a woman ! brightest model 
Of that light and perfect beauty. 

There the mind, and soul, and body, 

Bend to work out life’s great duty — 

Be a woman — naught is higher 
On the gilded list of fame; 

On the catalogue of virtue 
There’s no brighter, holier name. 

Be a woman — on to duty, 

Raise the world from all that’s low, 

Place high in the social heaven 
Virtue’s fair and radiant bow ! 

Lend thy influence to each effort 
That shall raise our nature human; 

Be not fashion’s gilded lady, 

Be a brave, true, whole-souled woman. 


A Slight Mistake. 


“Marriage is the savingof a young man,” 
said my Aunt Tabitha sententiously. 

I assented, for I find it pays to give a 
ready acquiescence to abstract proposi- 
tions. 

“You must marry,” continued my aunt. 

I hesitated, for to assent to the concrete 
is more dangerous. 

“lam still very young,” I said, meekly. 

My aunt turned to my mother. “Whom 
shall Alfred marry ?” 

My mother shook her head. 

“Somebody nice,” she volunteered. 

“Wnat do you say to Letitia Brown- 
low?” asked my aunt. 

‘ I would prefer to say nothing to Leti- 
tia Brownlow,” I interposed hastily. 

“Oh, Amelia Stafforth ?” 

“Is she not rather” — my mother waved 
one hand — “and Alfred is so slim.” 

“I think she has a very fine figure,” re- 
sponded my aunt. “Or there is Gertrude 
Williams; she will have a fortune if she 
outlives her sisters.” 

“There are only five of them,” I said, 
hopefully. 

“Or Mabel Gordon ?” 

“She has taken a course of cooking les- 
sons,” observed my mother. 

“No, none of these !” I cried, decisively. 

Mv aunt looked offended. 

“Very well, then, choose for yourself,” 
she said, tartly. 

“Perhaps that would help,” I remarked, 
thoughtfully. 

‘ ‘ Y ou will choose somebody nice, ’ ’ won’ t 
you, Alfred?” said my mother. 

“With money,” observed my aunt. 

“Well connected,” emphasizd my moth- 
er. 

“Not too young,” added my aunt. 

“And religious,” begged my mother. 

“There is no objection to her being 
good looking?” I asked, a trifle timidly. 

“No, I think not,” said my aunt, “pro- 
vided she fully understands beauty is but 
skin deep.” 

“I will tell her,” I murmured. 

“Well,” said my aunt, impatiently, after 
a short pause, “whom do you suggest?” 

I thought for a moment. 

“What do you say to Winifred Fraser ?’ ’ 

“That minx !” cried my aunt. 

“Oh, Alfred !” echoed my mother. 

“Why not?” I asked. 

“Such a dreadful family,” said my moth- 
er. 


544 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


“So fast 1” interjected my aunt 

“But have you never noticed the sun on 
her hair?” I asked, innocently. 

My aunt drew herself up. 

“We have not noticed the sun on her 
hair,” she said, with much dignity; “nor 
do we wish to observe the sun on her 
hair.” 

I was justly annoyed. “I really think 
it must be Winifred Fraser, ’ * I said. ‘ ‘She 
is very fond of me — ” 

“How can you be so cruel to me 1” 
cried my mother. “ Have you noticed 
how gray my hair is getting ? You will 
not have me long.” She drew out her 
handkerchief. 

“You will come to a bad end,” said my 
aunt. “I always thought you were de- 
praved. If you marry that painted hussy 
you must not expect my countenance.” 

“Under the circumstances, I will not 
marry Winifred Fraser,” I said, with 
great magnanimity, for I did not particu- 
larly want my aunt’s countenance. 

My aunt sniffed. “You had better no t. ” 

“I merely joked,” I said, soothingly, 
remembering she had not made her will. 

“Indeed !” 

“The truth is” — I dropped my voice — 
“I am in love with some one else.” 

“And you never told me !” said my 
mother, reproachfully. 

“The girl I love is not free.” 

“Married !” cried my aunt. 

“Not married — but engaged.” 

“Who is it?” asked my mother, gently. 

I was silent for a moment, and then I 
sighed. 

“It is Constance Burleigh.” 

“It would have been a most suitable 
match, ’ ’ murmured my mother. 

“Very suitable,” replied my aunt. 

There was a momentary silence, broken 
by my aunt. 

“I did not know Constance was en- 
gaged.” 

“It is a secret; you must not repeat 
what I have told you.” 

“I don’t like these secret engagements,” 
said my aunt, brusquely. “Who toldyou?” 

“She told me herseif.” 

“Who is the man?” 

“I do not think I should repeat his 
name.” 

“I hope Constance is not throwing her- 
self away.” 

I shook my head doubtfully. 

“You know the man ?” 

I nodded. 


“Is he quite — quite — ” 

Again I shook my head doubtfully. 

“What have you heard?” my aunt 
asked, eagerly. 

“I don’t think I ought to repeat these 
things.” 

“You can surely trust your mother,” 
murmured my mother. 

“And my discretion,” said my aunt. 

“Well,” I said, “I have been told he is 
cruel to his mother.” 

“Really !” cried the two ladies in a 
breath. 

“His mother told me so herself.” 

“How sad !” said my mother. 

“And what else ?” asked my aunt. 

“Another relation of his told me he was 
depraved.” 

“Poor, poor Constance !” whispered my 
mother. 

“And would probably end badly.” 

“I expect he drinks,” said my aunt, 
grimly. 

“Does Constance know this?” asked 
my mother. 

“I don’t think so.” 

“You did not tell her?” 

“Of course not.” 

“I consider it your duty to.” 

“I really cannot.” 

“Then I will,” said my aunt, resolutely. 

“What I have said has been in confi- 
dence. ’ ’ 

“I do not care.” 

“I beg you not to do so.” 

“It is my duty. I am too fond of Con- 
stance to allow her to throw herself away 
on this worthless man.” 

I shrugged'my shoulders. “Do as you 
please, but don’t mention my name. By 
the way, Constance said she would prob- 
ably call this afternoon.” 

At that moment the bell rang. 

“That may be she,” said my aunt, fly- 
ing to the window. “It is.” 

I got up slowly, and sauntered into the 
conservatory, which adjoins the drawing- 
room. From behind a friendly palm I 
could see without being seen. I saw my 
aunt look toward my mother. 

“If we open her eyes,” I heard her 
whisper, “it may pave the way for Alfred.” 

My mother said nothing, but I saw the 
same hope shine from her eyes. 

The door opened, ai.d the servant an- 
nounced Constance. She came forward 
with a little eager rush; then stopped 
short, embarrassed by the want of re- 
ciprpcity. 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


545 


“We are glad to see you,” said my 
mother, and kissed her. 

My aunt came forward. “ We were 
just speaking of you,” she said, solemnly. 
“Sit down.” 

Constance looked a little crushed. “I 
thought Alfred would have told you,” she 
murmured. 

“We have heard — ” began my aunt. 

“Hush !” interposed my mother. “Come 
nearer me, Constance. Won’t you take 
off your hat ?” 

Constance came and sat by her side. 
“I was anxious to come and tell you 
that — that — ’ ’ 

“If you are alluding to your engage- 
ment.” said my aunt, somewhat severely, 
“we have already heard of it.” 

“You have heard?” cried Constance. 

“With the deepest sorrow.” 

Constance drew herself up. 

“You do not approve?” she asked, 
proudly. 

“ We love you too much,” said my 
mother, gently. 

Constance looked bewildered. 

“You are too good for the wretch !” 
cried my aunt. 

“What! oh, what do you mean?” ex- 
claimed Constance. 

“If you marry this man,” continued my 
aunt, vigorously, “you will regret it.” 

My mother took her hand. “My sister 
should not tell you this so suddenly.” 

“It is my duty to speak, and I will,” 
cried my aunt. “I will not let Constance 
unite herself to to this man with her eyes 
closed.” 

“What have you against him?” de- 
manded Constance, a red spot beginning 
to burn in each cheek. 

“He drinks,” answered my aunt, almost 
triumphantly. 

Constance sank back in the cushions. 

“I don’t believe it,” she said faintly. 

“He ill-treats his mother — beats her, I 
believe,” continued my aunt. 

“This cannot be true,” cried Constance. 
“Mrs. Granville, tell me.” 

My mother nodded sadly. 

“Alas ! I cannot deny it.” 

Constance arose. “This is awful !” she 
said, holding on to the back of the sofa. 
“I could never have believed it.” She 
put her hand to her forehead. “It is like 
a bad dream.” 

“My poor, dear Constance,” murmured 
my mother, rising and putting her arms 
round her. 


My aunt brought up her artillery. He 
is thoroughly depraved, and will come to 
a bad end. His relations are as one on 
this point.” 

Constance buried her face in my moth- 
er’s bosom. “Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! and I 
loved him so !” she sobbed. 

In the adjoining room I was becoming 
uncomfortable. 

“We thought it right to tell you,” said 
my aunt, moved by her tears, “though 
Alfred begged and implored us not to.” 

“I could never, never have believed it,” 
sobbed Constance. ‘ ‘Poor, poor Mrs. Gran- 
ville ! ’ 

My mother soothed her. 

“How difficult you must have felt it to 
tell me this,” exclaimed Constance, drying 
her tears. “It was so good of you. I will 
not give him another thought. To treat 
his mother so cruelly ! Oh, Mrs. Gran- 
ville, I am so sorry for you !” 

“It is I who am sorry for you,” said 
my mother, doubtfully. 

“And no one would have dreamed it. 
We always thought you were so fond of 
him, and spoiled him utterly. And all 
the time you were hiding your sorrow. 
How noble of you !” 

My mother looked at Aunt Tabitha, 
who returned her stare. 

“Who ever is it ? ’ said Aunt Tabitha, 
whispering. “Find out.” 

“Where did you meet him, dearest?” 
whispered my mother. 

“Meet him? Why, here, of course,” 
said Constance, with opening eyes. 

“Yes, yes, of course,” said my mother] 
mystified. 

“I thought you would be pleased, and 
I hurried across to tell you.” 

“Can Alfred have made a mistake?” 
muttered my aunt, hoarsely. 

The two elder ladies stood still in the 
utmost embarrassment. 

“I shall never be happy again,” said 
Constance, mournfully. 

“Don’t say that,” implored my mother. 
“Perhaps there is a mistake.” 

“How can there be a mistake?” asked 
Constance, raising her head. 

“There can be no mistake,” said my 
aunt, hastily. 

“How could he be cruel to you ?” cried 
Constance, kissing my mother. 

“Cruel to me?” cried my mother. 

“You said he was cruel to you.” 

“Of whom are you speaking?” cried 
both ladies. 


546 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


“Of Alfred, of course.” 

The two elder ladies sat down suddenly. 

“You are not engaged to Alfred ?” they 
gasped simultaneously. 

“To whom else?” said Constance, in 
amazement. 

“There is some misunderstanding,” I 
observed, smoc thly, coming in at the mo- 
ment. 

The three fell upon me together. 

It took at least an hour to explain; yet 
I had said nothing which was not strictly 
true. 

“You will not allow these practical 
jokes when you are married, will you, 
Conny ?” said my mother, fondly. 

“I will not,” replied Constance, tight- 
ening her lips. 

“Marriage is the saving of a young 
man,” repeated my aunt, grimly. 

o 

Beauty from Use of Hot Milk. 


“Why, are you back to town, Marne?” 
said a girl in a stunning Russian blouse]to 
one in a duck suit that had seen hard ser- 
vice as they chanced to meet at a lunch 
counter, says the Sun . 

‘ Why, yes,” answered the one ad- 
dressed as Marne. “Didn’t you know it? 
Got back three days ago. Waiter, bring 
me a large schooner of hot milk, and, 
mind you, I want it red hot; but, whatever 
you do, don’t let it come to a boil. Un- 
derstand ?” 

“Hot milk !” exclaimed she of the Rus- 
sian blouse. “Bah ! How can you drink 
the stuff? Say, Marne, I never saw any- 
body improve as vou have this summer in 
all my life. What have you been doing 
to yourself? Your complexion is as clear 
and smooth and soft as a baby’s, and you 
know, dear, it used to be so sallow and 
shriveled looking and rough. And then, 
too, my girl,” seeing a chance for another 
dig, “you have taken at least ten pounds 
of flesh on your bones. You could almost 
venture to turn out in a low neck, couldn’t 
you ?” 

“My neck and arms were considered the 
prettiest at the hotel where I stopped this 
summer,” answered Marne triumphantly, 
“and I owe it all to this,” pointing to the 
glass of steaming milk that the waiter put 
down in front of her. 

“Hot milk improved your looks like 
that?” cried the girl in the Russian blouse. 
‘ ‘How did you come to know about it ?” 

“Yes; hot milk and plenty of it did it,” 


replied Marne deliberately between sips. 
“A woman who has spent a great many 
years in Paris told me about the hot milk 
cure for ugliness. I tell you, those Paris 
women beat all. They know everything 
that will improve a woman’s looks. An- 
other glass, waiter. This one was exactly 
the right temperature.” 

By this time every woman at the counter 
had neglected the dishes in front of her, 
and was giving the closest attention to the 
girl im the duck suit. She went on. 

“You remember how wrinkled and sal- 
low my face used to be, because you have 
just reminded me of it. And then, every 
now and then, great red blotches would 
appear that almost made me lose my hope 
of heaven. Then I was so thin — more than 
that, positively bony — that every time I 
wanted to wear a gown cut low and with 
elbow sleeves, as my brother says, I simply 
sat down and declined the verb to damn, 
softly to myself, of course, two or three 
times. My complexion grew worse all the 
time, and my figure became more and more 
angular. When I had about reached the 
depths of despair along came this woman 
and told me the secret of how to get beau- 
tiful. She said that hot milk was a sure 
cure for ugliness and a remarkably good 
health and beauty-giving tonic, and told 
me that if I was properly nourished my 
complexion would become clear, and I 
would take on flesh. She advised me to 
begin by drinking four glasses of hot milk 
every day, taking one with each meal and 
one just before going to bed, and also to 
wash my face in hot milk at bedtime. In 
a week I felt like another woman. My 
face felt wonderfully refreshed after wash- 
ing it in hot milk every night, and the 
skin began to grow very white and smooth. 
But I didn’t gain any flesh, so my bene- 
factress, as I call her, advised me to take 
an eggnog made of hot milk the first thing 
when I got up in the morning, another at 
about ii o’clock and another at about 5 in 
the afternoon, as this drink was the best 
fattener in the world. I did so, and this, 
with my four glasses of hot milk, put ten 
pounds on me in the first week. You say 
I’ve gained ten pounds. You missed it by 
just half, for I am twenty pounds heavier 
than I was the last day we met at this 
counter, and my flesh is as solid as an 
athlete’s.” 

“Do you keep up the treatment all the 
while ?” asked the woman with a skin like 
antique parchment, anxiously. 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


547 


“ No, indeed,” answered the newly 
beautiful girl, graciously. ‘ ‘After I gained 
twenty pounds I stopped everything ex- 
cept bathing my face in hot milk at night 
and drinking hot milk with my meals. 
I’m just treating myself to an extra glass 
now because I’ve grown so fond of it. 
Really, I loathe the sight of tea and 
coffee now. When I saw the magical ef- 
fect of the application of hot milk on my 
face I knew what was good for the face 
must be good for the body; so I began to 
give my neck and arms a daily hot milk 
bath. The result more than justified my 
expectations, and I then began to pour a 
little milk into my morning tub. The ef- 
fect in removing fatigue was most wonder- 
ful, and I got so that I took a bath dashed 
with milk whenever I was tired out.” 

“I wish I could take that treatment.” 
said a young girl with a complexion like 
an elderly chorus girl’s early in the morn- 
ing, ‘‘but it is out of the question. Milk 
and cream both make me bilious, and ren- 
der my complexion even worse than it is 
naturally.” 

“Hot milk won’t make you bilious,” 
answered the authority, encouragingly. 
“That’s the beauty about it. People with 
whom cold milk does not agree at all can 
take it hot and grow pretty and fat on it. 
If you don’t like it at first, a pinch of salt 
will make it more palatable, and, some 
say, more digestible, but a person with any 
kind of ramshackle digestive apparatus 
can take hot milk, I claim.” 

“Didn’t those eggnogs between meals 
take away your appetite for substantial 
food, Marne?” asked her chum, ordering 
two cream puffs and a glass of hot milk 
just for a starter. 

“On the contrary, a hot eggnog taken 
a while before each meal and just before 
retiring is an excellent appetizer, and a 
simple drink of hct milk woos a dreamless 
sleep that makes one get up feeling like a 
bird. Really, I could talk for hours 
about the virtues of hot milk for external 
and internal use, for I feel that it has 
snatched me from a living death,” peep- 
ing at herself in a mirror opposite. “It is 
a living death to a woman to have a scrawny 
figure and a horrid complexion, isn’t it?” 
she asked cheerfully, and seven women at 
the counter, in dismal voices, agreed that 
it was more than a living death. 

“Don’t you all think my complexion 
and figure do very well now?” said Marne, 
getting off the stool and pulling her duck 


Eton down over the well-rounded, graceful 
curves of her body. 

“I should say so,” answered the Rus- 
sian blouse girl with impulsive promptness. 
“Your figure looks like a plump partridge 
and your complexion 1 ke a pink peach. 
For my part I begin on the hot milk cure 
this very day, and I think it was awfully 
good of you to tell me about it. Not many 
girls would have done that. They would 
have kept the secret to themselves, and 
declared up and down and criss-crossed 
their hearts on it that they hadn’t done a 
blessed thing to make themselves better 
looking. 

“That’s so,” assented the wrinkled faces 
at the counter with feeling, and they fell 
to eating their now cold luncheons as the 
two chums disappeared arm in arm. 

o 

Derivation of the Word Mason. 

The search for the etymology or deriva- 
tion of the word “Mason” has given rise 
to numerous theories, some of them in- 
genious, but many of them very absurd. 
Thus a writer in the European Magazine , 
for February, 1792, who signs his name as 
George Drake, Lieutenant of Marines, at- 
tempts to trace the Masons to the Druids, 
and derives Mason from May' s on , May's 
being in reference to May day, the great 
festival of the Druids, and on meaning 
men, as in the French on dit for homme dit. 
According to this, May' s o?i therefore 
means the Men of May. But this idea is 
not original with Drake, since the same 
derivation was urged in 1776 by Cleland, 
in his essays on ‘.‘The Way to Things in 
Words,”* and on “The Real Secret of 
Freemasons.” 

Hutchinson, in his search for a deriva- 
tion, seems to have been perplexed with a 
variety of roots that presented themselves, 
and being inclined to believe that the 
name of Mason “has its derivation from a 
language in which it implies some strong 
indication or distinction of the nature of 
the society, and that it has no relation to 
architects,” looks for the root in the Greek 
tongue. Thus he thinks that Mason may 
come from Mao Sao?i, Mao Soon , “I seek 
salvation,” or from Mystes , ‘'an initiate”; 
and that Masonry is only a corruption of 
the Greek word, Mesouraneo , “I am in the 
midst of heaven”; or from Mazourouth , 
“ Mazzoroth,” a constellation mentioned 
by Job (xxxviii: 32), translated “the twelve 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


548 


signs,” in the margin; or from Mysterion, 
“a mystery.” 

Lessing says, in his “ Ernst and Falk,” 
that Mas a, in the Anglo-Saxon, signifies 
“a table,” and that Masonry, consequent- 
ly, may be said to be “a society of the 
table.”' 

Nicolai thinks he finds the root in the 
Low Latin word of the Middle Ages, Ma- 
sonya or Masonia , which signifies an ex- 
clusive society or club, such as that of the 
round-table. 

Charles W. Moore, in the Freemason s 
Monthly Mazazine , of May, 1844, derives 
Mason from Lithotomos , “a stone-cutter.” 
But although fully aware of the elasticity 
of etymological rules, it surpasses our in- 
genuity to get Mason etymologically out 
of Lithotomos. 

Giles F. Gates sought for the derivation 
of Mason in the Greek word Mazones , a 
festival of Dionysius, and he thought this 
was another proof of the lineal descent of 
the Dionysian architects. 

William S. Rockwell, who was accus- 
tomed to find all his Masonry in the 
Egyptian Mysteries, and who was a de- 
voted student of the Egyptian hieroglyphic 
system, derives the word Mason from a 
combination of two phonetic signs, the one 
being mai, and signifying “to love,” and 
the other being son , which means “a broth- 
er.” Hence, he says, “this combination, 
Maison , expresses exactly in sound or 
word Mason, and signifies literally ‘loving 
brother’ ; that is, philadelphus , ‘brother of 
an association,’ and thus corresponds also 
in sense.” 

But all these fanciful etymologies which 
would have terrified Bopp, Grimm or 
Muller, or any student of linguistic rela- 
tions, forcibly reminds us of the French 
epigrammatist, who admitted that alphina 
came from equus , but that, in so coming, 
it had considerably changed its route. 

What is the true derivation of the word 
Mason ? Let us see what the orthoepists, 
who had no Masonic theories, have said 
upon the subject. 

Webster, seeing that in Spanish masa 
means mortar, is inclined to derive Mason 
as denoting one that works in mortar, 
from the root of masa , which, of course, 
gave birth to the Spanish word. 

In Low or Mediaeval Latin, Mason was 
machio or macio , and this Du Cange de- 
lives from the maceria , “a long wall.” 
Others find a derivation in machines , be- 
cause the builders stood upon machines to 


raise their walls. But Richardson takes a 
common-sense view of the subject. He 
siys: ‘‘It appears to be obviously the same 
word as maison i ‘a house,’ or maison ap- 
plies to the person who builds, instead of 
the structure built.” The French Maissoner 
is to build houses, and Massoner is to 
build of stone. The word Mason is ap- 
plied by usage to a builder in stone, and 
Masonry to work in stone. 

Carpenter gives Massom , used in 1225, 
for a building of stone, and Massonus f 
used in 1304, for a Mason; and the Bene- 
dictine editors of Du Cange define Mas - 
soneria as “a building,” the French, Ma - 
connerie , and Maconerius y as Latomus or 
a Mason; both words in manuscript of 

1385- 

As a practical question, the writer is 
compelled to reject all these fanciful de- 
rivations which connect the Masons, ety- 
mologically and historically, with the 
Greeks, the Egyptians or the Druids, and 
to take the word Mason in its ordinary 
signification of a worker in stone, and thus 
indicate the origin of the Order from the 
society of practical and operative builders. 
We need no better root than the Mediaeval 
Latin Maconner y “to build, or Maconetus 
“a builder.” — Notes and Queries . 

o 

Lodges in War Times. 


“If Charter Oak Lodge is in existence 
in New York,” said a man from up the 
State, “it ought to have the furniture of a 
Lodge which was held during the war in 
the field. It was on Folly Island, S. C., 
and had its charter and special dispensa- 
tion from the Grand Lodge of Indiana. 
There were in camp, on the island, the 
Thirteenth Indiana Infantry and the 112th 
and 169th New York Infantry. Soon after- 
ward the First New York Independent 
Engineers moved down, and they built a 
rustic Masonic Temple. The altar and 
chairs and furniture were made of the 
wood of the island, and some of the furni- 
ture made of the natural twist and bend of 
the wood was unique. 

The floor was covered with what is 
known as pine needles, and the mosaic 
carpet was a tent fly, on which squares 
were painted. The globes at the entrance 
of the Temple were fifteen-inch mortar 
shells, and they rested on two sawed-off 
palm trees. I know that all this furniture 
was sent to Charter Oak Lodge in New 
York.” When this was told, a man whose 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


549 


manner and talk located him from the 
South, said: 

“I was present at a meeting of a Grand 
Lodge that was held in the woods of Texas. 
The floor was the sand. There was but 
one globe, and that was the sun. And 
the strangest part of all was that the men 
who formed that communication were Con- 
federates and Federals. I place the Con- 
federates first because they were holding 
the stockade in which several thousand 
Federals were prisoners. It was in the 
Red River country. We had a lot of 
clever Yanks in that stockade, and they 
were nearly all intelligent. Many were of 
the first enlistment. It was funny how the 
stockade, sentry and prisoner, built up a 
brotherhood unlike anything, I reckon, 
that happened during the war. 

“One of the prisoners was a long-haired 
Yank who was noted for playing tricks. 
He was a sort of magician, and used to en- 
tertain the officers of the stockade with his 
performances. One afternoon, after he 
had exhibited his art in handling snakes — 
we had trapped some for him — the com- 
mander of the stockade asked the Yank if 
he could tame any snake and the Yank 
said he could. The commander said he 
would bet him a dinner that he couldn’t, 
and the next day was set for the trial. All 
the officers and men not on duty were 
there, and the Yank appeared, stripped to 
the waist. A big black snake was turned 
out of its captivity. The Yank had a 
forked stick. He fitted the fork over that 
snake, just back of its head, quicker than 
I can tell it, and held the snake in the 
sand until he grabbed it where he had 
fitted the stick, and then he twirled Mr. 
Snake in the air until he was tired out. 
The stockade gave the Yank the rebel yell, 
and the commander shook his hand. As 
I was the commander’s chef I had to pre- 
pare the dinner. It consisted of navy 
beans, fat slices of salt bacon, hardtack, 
two tin cups of whisky and some long 
green smoking tobacco for pipes. The 
dinner was served in the shade of the 
stockade. 

“When it was over that Yank carried 
away with him a pass from the command- 
er. It created a good deal of gossip for a 
while, for it permitted the Yank to pass 
out of the stockade, without guard, when- 
ever he wanted to go. The only promise 
he was asked to make was to be inside by 
sunset. And he never failed. 

“I must tell you of a trick he played 


on some of the guards, and then I will tell 
you how he got the pass. He was on the 
outside of the stockade one morning when 
he saw some of the Johnnies cooking break- 
fast. They had eggs, and eggs were a 
luxury in those days. The Yank stopped 
at the mess, and said that he was very 
fond of eggs. One of the Johnnies re- 
plied, ‘You ought to get some.’ The Yank 
said he thought he would, and that the 
ones he saw would suit. The Johnnies 
said they guessed not. The Yank looked 
on sullenly as the luxuries were being pre- 
pared, and when they were placed on the 
tin, the Yank called out: ‘I like eggs !’ 
and as he said it he pulled a live snake 
from the coffee sack which he wore for a 
shirt, and placed it by the eggs. The 
Johnnies scampered away, and the Yank 
had an egg breakfast. 

“Not long after the incident, we were 
informed, those of us who were up in such 
matters, that a Grand Lodge would be 
held in a specified clump ot woods, be- 
ginning on a certain day. I was a high 
roller in my Lodge at home, and as I was 
close to the commander of the stockade, 
who was away up in Scottish Rite, I had 
important functions in the Lodge of the 
wilderness. Whom should I see most con- 
spicuously seated on a bee gum but our 
Yank snake charmer. He was the most 
efficient man in his place that I ever saw. 
And our commander, who was a judge, 
said that he never met a brighter Mason. 
I also recognized in that Lodge a number 
of our Yank prisoners. I knew then how 
the snake charmer got his pass. And I 
knew why he was so often at the com- 
mander’s quarters, and why they were so 
intimate. That was the only Grand Lodge 
ever held out of doors. 

“Gentlemen, you couldn’t have made 
that stockade fight one another after that 
if Lee and Grant had gone there in person 
and ordered it. I have heard and read a 
good many stories about when and where 
the war closed. That part of the war 
which had been waged in and about that 
section of which I have told you closed 
when that Grand Lodge met. It was in 
the last few months of the struggle, any- 
way. But I remember when the time came 
to discharge the Yanks our commander 
and that Yank embraced, and, as they 
turned their backs on one another, each 
one put a hand to his eyes. 

“A few years ago I was sitting in the 
corridor of the Auditorium Hotel, in Chi- 


550 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


cago, watching a fashionable crowd file by 
an entrance on its way to the opera. I saw 
one man whose hair was like snow, and 
whose evening dress was correct. I asked 
the clerk if he knew him. 

“‘Yes,’ was the reply. ‘That’s Jo 
Day, one of our regulars and the swell 
tailor of the city; best dressed man in 
town, always; has more suits than any- 
body; changes his dress as many times 
in a day as his wife changes hers; but a 
good fellow all the same.’ 

“Jo Day, ’ I said to myself. ‘The Yank 
snake charmer of the rebel stockade on 
Red River, and the man who helped to 
run the Grand Lodge in the Wilderness.’ ” 
— New York Sun . 

o 

A Story with a Moral. 


“Deacon,” said the man who had been 
his lawyer for years, “I take the liberty 
of an old friend, and advise you not to 
marry Miss Nancy Clawman. It may of- 
fend you, deacon; but I’m too loyal not to 
speak right out. She’s a shrew, a ter- 
migant, a veritable Xantippe. She’d make 
a hell on earth for you.” 

“That mote be. I ain’t expectin’ much 
from her, so she can’t disappoint me much. 
But ’pears to me that fur a man that’s been 
a pillar in the church nigh onter fifty years, 
my burdens has been too light. The river 
of life has been too smooth fur me. I 
ain’t had no serius trials and tribalations. 
I can't see no credit in bein’ a Christian 
under them there circumstances. Ef I kin 
bear up with a partner like Nancy, keepin’ 
faith an’ doin’ my duty, I calkalate I will 
a been tested an’ not found wantin’.” 

“Why, deacon, you have a Mark Tap- 
ley disposition; but I have entered my pro- 
test, and can do no more. If you really 
want to be tried by fire, I can conceive of 
no better opportunity.” 

The deacon had an abundance of such 
advice from well meaning friends, but de- 
spite it all the wedding came off. Then 
ears were pricked and tongues sharpened, 
with a view to startling developments, 
confidently expected. They were sure 
that the deacon would not only be hen- 
pecked, but clawed, jawed and made a 
slave of. But they were disappointed. 

Nancy proved a tender, loving and 
dutiful wife. Her sour visage was trans- 
formed into a pleasant, smiling face. 
Where her voice used to disturb the air 
like a cross cut saw, it was soft and sweet. 


The deacon was surprised if not disap- 
pointed; but it was all explained to him, 
and no one else. 

“Deacon,” said Nancy, “I’m not takiff 
much credit to myself for behavin’, but 
I’ll keep it up to the end. I heered about 
that Xantippe business, and I looked it up. 
You thought you would marry me, and 
then put up with my tantrums. You was 
goin’ to use my shortcomin’s to help you 
to heaven. I was to be the female terror 
and you the wise and patient Socrates. 
Well, deacon, I just fooled you an’ the 
rest of ’em. You can’t make no cross out 
of me, and git the recordin’ angel to give 
you credit for carry in’ me. 

— Detroit Free Press . 

o 

Opportunities of Life. 


“I have been young, and now I am old,” 
said one of the charming middle-aged 
women of the period, in the hearing of a 
Bosto?i Transcript writer, “and I have 
reached that period of my life when I can 
look back and see results, and note how 
seldom those who are born with silver 
spoons in their mouths, as the saying is, 
have the silver fork when they are grown 
up. When I look back and remember 
who were the jeunesse dor ee of my youth — 
the men whose lives and positions above 
all others seemed particularly enviable and 
desirable — and then look about me and 
see how few of those boys have attained 
an honorable and useful middle age, I 
feel that I can preach a sermon to my 
boys and their friends with object lessons 
that ought to make it very impressive. 
Some are poor, having spent health and 
substance, like the prodigal, in riotous 
living. Even those who have not suffered 
in purse or health are a set of discontent- 
ed, blas6, weary worldings, who go over 
the same treadmill of fashionable exist- 
ence year by year without pleasure or 
profit. Another thing I have noticed from 
my vantage-ground of a life-long experi- 
ence is that, if only as a purely worldly 
maxim, honesty is certainly the best 
policy. Many a brilliant man I have 
seen who has destroyed his prospects by 
the crooked ways in which he sought to 
better himself financially, politically, and 
even socially, whereas if he had walked 
honorably before all men he would have 
gained the world’s good opinion, and, in 
many instances, the very things he coveted. 
And finally, there are the young married 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


55 1 


couples of my youth. In nine cases out 
of ten, those of my friends who married 
poor young men, and who gave up lux- 
uries of their homes to prove veritable 
helpmates to the men of their choice, are 
now, almost without exception, prosper- 
ous, and in many cases wealthy, while 
those men and girls who have married for 
money are, as a rule, greatly in want of it. 
‘Be good and you will be happy/ is the 
maxim, and certainly it seems true from a 
materialistic as well as from a religious 
point of view.” 

o 

A Clergyman’s Opinion. 


In a paper entitled “A Voice from the 
Pew,” which he read Monday, November 
8th, before a meeting of the ministers of 
the Christian Church, in this city, Dr. B. 
F. Clark became an accuser, standing in 
judgment against the church. He said to 
his fellow- workers: 

‘‘Gentlemen, it is yours to organize and 
direct the great moral and spiritual forces 
of the world in the accomplishment of 
God’s purposes. Our song of service too 
frequently ends in mere song. All the 
great sociological problems of the world 
should long since have been solved by the 
teachings of our Master. The charity of 
the world does not bear upon its face the 
name of Christ. If charity be left to the 
mere wealthy we shall again witness a 
thraldom of human slavery, our citizens 
divided into the classes and masses — aris- 
tocracy and pauperism. I find fault with 
the ministry in so far as it narrows the 
service of the Lord to the house of the 
Lord. 

“The subserviency of the press, of poli- 
ticians, of great organizations and corpora- 
tions, fully reveals what silent and power- 
ful forces are at work in the world to bring 
the consciences and souls of men under 
the baneful sway of anti-Christ. I charge 
— fearlessly charge — and would to God 
the echo might reverberate throughout 
Christendom — I charge, I say, a divided 
and antagonistic ministry of God’s Word 
with the responsibilitv for the present im- 
potent condition of the church. 

“The organized Christian charities of 
the day are a curse, not only to the cause 
they would serve — the subjects of their 
bounty — but are robbing those who, 
through true Christian charity, would 
plant Christ in the heart of every man. 
The religion of the churches is forever 


changing its creed to accommodate itself 
to a worldly evolution, regardless alike of 
the spiritual needs of men and the eternal 
purpose of God. Every so-called charity 
hospital, every inebriate and Magdalen 
asylum, every reformatory, is a sad com- 
ment upon the state of the church as ad- 
ministered by men. 

“The work that should be done in the 
church of Christ is, to-day, being done in 
the name of organized charity, in the 
name of secular law, in the name of cor- 
rupt society, in the name of worldly 
riches; in short, in the name of every 
device under heaven save in the name of 
Jesus Christ. Until the ministry ceases to 
beat the air, mouth-rant and sensational- 
ize from the pulpit to ticlcle the fancy and 
satisfy the prejudices of the modern pew, 
the meek and lowly Nazarene will not, 
with his humble presence, grace our 
churches. The church, too, largely as- 
sumes the same relations to wealth and 
fashion that is assumed by all supplicants 
at these shrines. The cringing attitude of 
the pulpit toward the pew, its fawning 
sycophancy in the presence of stately 
wealth, pomp and fashion, for fear of 
giving offense to the source of its ma- 
terial supply, results in a prostitution of 
the church of the living God to base and 
ignoble ends.” 

o 

Uniformity of Work. 


We believe that but very few of our 
readers are aware of the vast differences 
that exist between the work in the several 
Jurisdictions of the United States. In 
Pennsylvania the Craftsmen rarely speak 
of themselves as Ancient Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons, or as Free and Accepted 
Masons, but pride themselves upon being 
Ancient York Masons, and the work of 
that Jurisdiction is no more like that of 
any other Jurisdiction in the United States, 
with the exception of that of North Caro- 
lina, than a cycle path is like a corduroy 
road to bike over, and the comparison is 
not in favor of Pennsylvania bv any means. 
Wonderful and striking differences also 
exist between several other Jurisdictions. 
To be sure, the fundamental points are the 
same in all States, but the lectures, the 
work and the manner of conferring the 
degrees is very dissimilar. 

Let us have then, brethren, uniformity 
of work, so that a Mason may go from 
Maine to Oregon or from the Klondike to 


552 


THE TRESTLE BOARD 


Florida and be assured of finding there 
the same work to which he was accus- 
tomed in his dear old mother Lodge, and 
we will warrant that the army of non- 
afiiliated Masons will rapidly be dimin- 
ished. Much good has been accomplished 
through the appointment of custodians of 
the work and grand lecturers in the sever- 
al Jurisdictions. They have worked won- 
ders in perfecting and making the work 
uniform in their own fields of labor, but 
the difficulty will never be entirely over- 
come until we have a General Grand 
Lodge. 

We are more than ever impressed with 
the desirability, amounting almost to an 
absolute necessity, for a General Grand 
Lodge, if for no other reason than that of 
establishing uniformity of work through- 
out the land. Such a body would accom- 
plish for Freemasonry what other General 
Grand Bodies have accomplished for their 
constituents, and all Capitular and Cryptic 
Masons and Knights Templar know that 
that means much. 

— Masonic Record , of St, Paul , Minn, 

o 

The Ritual. 


In 1720 Dr. Anderson and Dr. Desag- 
uliers were instructed by the Grand Lodge 
to prepare a suitable lecture for the de- 
gree. That lecture continued in use until 
1732, when Martin Clare was directed to 
improve the lectures of the three degrees, 
which was done, and the same was in use 
until, by authority Dunkerly, the natural 
son of George II, remodeled them; and 
they were combined afterwards with the 
lectures of Hutchinson, of Durham, about 
1780, who had published, in 1775, his 
‘ ‘Spirit of Masonry. * ’ These lectures were 
used until William Preston compiled his 
celebrated lectures. Preston’ s lectures were 
used by the Grand Lodge of the moderns 
until the union in 1813, when Dr. Hem- 
ming, the G. S. W., was instructed to 
compile new lectures, combining the sys- 
tems of the modern and ancient work. 
This combined system, adopted after 1813, 
we understand, has generally continued, 
with some few changes, until the present 
day, in the United Grand Lodge of En- 
gland. 

The work and lectures of the Ancient 
or Athol Body came to the United States, 
and was used in all the Lodges chartered 
by it. Pennsylvania had a large number 
of such Lodges, and the Athol work and 


lectures prevailed in that State, and, we 
have every reason to believe, continues to- 
be the system now in use with very little 
change, and it is the only State in the 
United States where it is practiced. There, 
we learn, no D. G. is used. 

The Preston ian lectures and work were 
introduced into all the other States where 
Lodges of the moderns had charters. 

When the change was made, in 1813, in* 
England, it did not affect the Lodges in. 
the United States. Webb had taken the 
matter in hand about the close of the last 
century (1797), and had made some alter- 
ations by abridgment in the work. After 
1813 he continued to teach the Prestonian 
work. Jeremy L. Cross became the pupil 
of Webb about 1812-14. Cross was ap- 
pointed General Grand Lecturer of the 
General Grand Chapter of the United 
States, and traveled extensively in the 
south and west, teaching his lectures in the 
three degrees of the Lodge, as well as 
those in the Chapter and the Council of 
the Royal and Select Masons. 

— Square and Compass . 

o 

The Gavel. 


Mackey, in his “Encyclopaedia of Free- 
masonry,” says: “The common gavel is 
one of the working tools of an Entered 
Apprentice. It is made use of by the 
operative Masons to break off the corners 
of the rough ashlar, and thus fit it the bet- 
ter for the builder’s use, and is therefore 
adopted as a symbol in speculative Ma- 
sonry, to admonish us of the duty of di- 
vesting our minds and consciences of all 
the vices and impurities of life, thereby 
fitting our bodies as living stones for that 
spiritual building not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens. 

“It bo r rows its name from its shape, 
being that of the gabel or gavel end of a 
house; and this word again comes from 
the German gipful, a summit, top or peak 
— the idea of a pointed extremity being 
common to all. 

“The true form of the gavel is that of 
the stone-mason’s hammer. It is made 
with a cutting edge, to break off the cor- 
ners of rough stones, an operation which 
could never be effected by the common 
hammer or mallet. The gavel thus shaped 
will give, when looked at in front, the 
exact representation of the gavel or gable 
end of a house, whence, as I have already 
said, the name is derived. 


THE TRESTLE BOARD, 


553 


“The gavel of the Master is also called 
a ‘Hiram, ’ because, like that architect, it 
governs the Craft and keeps order in the 
Lodge, as he did in the temple.’ * 

The gavel is not only one of the work- 
ing tools of an Entered Apprentice Ma- 
son, but in the hand of a Worshipful Mas- 
ter it is an emblem of authority, and is 
properly termed the tongue of the Lodge. 
It is not a plaything, as its use by some 
would lead us to believe, but when proper- 
ly used it speaks with no uncertain sound, 
is understood and obeyed. 

It is unfortunate that the gavel is not 
more fully understood and properly used. 
We have heard a Worshipfnl Master, after 
a long discussion, use his gavel, which 
would have been all right had it ended 
there, but, thinking his own tongue of 
more importance, followed with the ex- 
pression: “I will permit no more remarks 
upon the subject.” This improper use of 
his tongue led to a continued discussion 
and bad feeling when he again attempted 
to stop it with his tongue, for while the 
brethren may have understood and obeyed 
the tongue of the Lodge, they disregarded 
the tongue of the Master, and confusion 
ensued. 

It is improper for the Worshipful Mas- 
ter to use the tongue of the Lodge, and 
then say the Lodge will come to order. 
Is a speaker out of order ? Reasoning 
with him may not convince him of the 
fact; indeed, it may only enable him to 
fortify himself behind a stronger intellect- 
ual breastwork; but let the tongue of the 
Lodge speak, and all his batteries are 
silenced. Has a debate run its length to 
the extent of being tiresome? Stating 
that fact may have little effect upon those 
who are ceaselessly full of utterance; but 
let the tongue of the Lodge speak its 
opinion, and then there is silence. The 
tongue of man may be weak or vicious, 
may be as yielding as the flesh of which it 
is composed; but the tongue of the Lodge 
speaks in the line of duty, with the voice 
of authority, and is as inflexible as a 
mountain of granite. 

It is the duty of a presiding officer of 
any body to have little to say, and say 
that little well. He is in the chair not to 
make speeches himself, but* to moderate 
the speech of others. While the Master 
of a Masonic Lodge is not a mere presid- 
ing officer, but far more than that, he im- 
perils his influence, if not his power, by 
talking too much while presiding over the 


business of the Lodge. While none may 
call him to account in the Lodge, all may 
have their opinion of his weakness. But 
there is no necessity for the Master to con- 
tinually use his tongue, for the reason 
that the Lodge has provided him with a 
tongue that it understands, and what a 
tongue it is ! Is the Lodge in confusion ? 
The Master’s tongue might command, ex- 
hort or entreat, and possibly all in vain, 
but the Lodge’s tongue speaks a language 
that is understood and obeyed. 

It is an unquestioned fact that some 
Masters use the tongue of the Lodge for 
an unjustifiable exhibition of authority, 
while others seem to think that their own 
tongue is the superior article, and others 
appear to be almost entirely unaware of 
its usefulness and power. 

The sooner brethren are fully persuaded 
that Freemasonry is an altogether unique 
institution, in all things a law unto itself, 
the sooner they will appreciate the singular 
beauty of Masonic symbolism, the unex- 
ampled force of Masonic truth, the pecu- 
liar authority of Masonic law and the con- 
trolling power of Masonic usages and cus- 
toms. In no matter is this more apparent 
than in the tongue of the Lodge as con- 
trasted with the human tongue. 

— Keystone . 

o 

Whipped into the Traces. 

The following used to be told by Dr. 
“Rob” Morris in speaking of demitted 
Masons, which will perhaps fit some of 
this class at the present day: 

Once upon a time, when Freemasonry 
w'as many years younger than it is now', 
and this faded right hand of ours pos- 
sessed the strength and fullness of youth, 
we w'ere making a winter’s journey through 
the backw'oods in company with three 
others. One of the four carried the ax, 
one the provisions, the third bedding ma- 
terial, w'hile our portion of duty was to 
carry the cooking apparatus. Thus all 
w r ere loaded, and nothing was left be- 
hind. The weather, cold in the morning, 
set out colder at noon, and miserably 
colder tow'ard night. In point of fact, it 
w*as frigid, and one of the branches of our 
left foot twinges to this hour with the frost 
it imbibed that miserable afternoon. We 
were crossing a prairie, and must needs 
reach timber before we encamped, or per- 
ish. Drowsiness had been on us all day. 
Tow’ard night it changed to lethargy, and 


554 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


then to an overwhelming demand for sleep. 
In vain we argued to each other that the 
man who slept would die; sleep would 
come in spite of logic. One after the 
other lay down, and it was only by main 
strength we could lift them up and move 
them along. At last old gray- haired 

Billy U and his son, Nicholas, keeled 

over together, and fell into so sound a 
slumber that all our words could not 
awaken them, nor could we, encumbered as 
we were, lift them up, much less conduct 
them onward. Here was a quandary. 
The old man had the provisions, without 
which we would have starved, while 
“Nick” had the bedding, without which 

we should have frozen. Henry B , 

our only wide-awake companion at the 
moment, turned to us with the expletive 
such as backwoodsmen and miners alone 
indulged in, and inquired: “What now ?” 
A chorus of wolves hard by echoed his 
words, or, if they didn’t, the northeast 
wind, sharp with icicles, did — What now? 

Folks think fast when they are obliged 
to. We answered by pulling out the 
ramrod from our gun and flogging old 
Billy like smoke. Oh, how we lathered 
him ! Over the legs, around the back — 
sacred to youthful birch — across the head, 
everywhere that we could hit him. We 
woke him up piping mad and ready for a 
fight. We got his fluids in delicious 
motion, and brought him to a lively per- 
pendicular in no time at all. Henry, de- 
lighted at the theory, followed our ex- 
ample with young Nick, and with such 
vigor that the youth showed us the welts 
three weeks afterward, cross- barred and 
indented upon unmentionable portions of 
the frame. Yes, we woke them up and 
drove them along, and got them to the 
timber, and made a roaring fire and cooked 
our supper and ate it, and then all went 
to sleep together. So we saved their 
lives and our own at the same time. Now 
the moral: 

We Masons are upon a journey in 
which the weak and the halt are peculiar- 
ly liable to fall by the way, for the way is 
indeed arduous, the end distant, the re- 
ward far away. Many who have con- 
sented to accompany us upon the journey 
and bear portions of the burdens become 
discouraged either at the opening, or 
when the sun is advanced in the south, or 
when the day is far spent in the west. 
Their withdrawal works a double evil — 
their own and ours — their own because 


they violate obligations and forfeit re- 
wards; ours, because they peril the suc- 
cess of the whole enterprise. Shall we 
suffer them to fall into a sleep at once 
suicidal ? Shall we leave them by the 
wayside, loaded with much upon which 
the conclusion depends? No: let’s whip 
them into the traces. Out with your ram- 
rods (the discipline of the Lodge), and 
trounce the drowsy fraters till their blood 
circulates and they get up ! So shall you 
have your own reward secure, and feel 
happy in that you have won your brothers 
from moral death. 

— Masonic Home Journal. 

The Trestle Board cannot see the 
similarity of the two cases. 

o 

Masonic Secrets. 


The writer has held to the opinion for 
more than half of his Masonic life that it is 
practically untrue to say that “Masonry is 
a secret society,” at least in the general 
acceptation of that term. Its principles 
and its labors are known and recognized 
wherever want and human suffering have 
trailed the earth in tears and anguish, or 
mortality and its literature have blended 
to mould and elevate human action. 

The true type of “a secret society” may 
be found in the Inquisition, in which men, 
women and children were tortured in dun- 
geons, and often executed without know- 
ing so much as the name of their accusers. 
Freemasonry, on the other hand, stands 
out in the broad sunshine, clear and ex- 
pansive as the sky in its publicity, to her- 
ald its principles and erect its temples, 
asylums and homes on the highways of 
life, where they may be seen of all men, 
and its influence and power recognized for 
good all over our beautiful land, and wher- 
ever else “holiness to the Lord” is accentu- 
ated in vespered prayer and hymns of praise 
to God and blessings and words of good 
cheer to the oppressed, wherever found. 
Not only this, but its principles and aims 
are the subject of public discussion as 
voiced by the intelligent, deserving and 
discriminating reporters of the ablest jour- 
nals — the newspapers and magazines — 
published in the world. They devote much 
of their space to the development of Ma- 
sonic literature as well as to preserving its 
historv, and tens of thousands of pages of 
its official transactions are annually sent 
abroad, as on the wings of the wind, 
through every channel and track of civil- 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


555 


ization. Knowing this to be true, we fail 
to discover or understand why Masonry 
should be called “a secret society.” Be- 
lieving in consistency, we have always fa- 
vored the largest, broadest degree of pub- 
licity. We have devoted the best years of 
our life to bringing about this result, in 
explaining through the medium of the pen 
the design, principles, history and ethics 
of Freemasonry, in order that a reason 
might be deduced by the Masonic student 
for his becoming a Mason, as well as to 
convince his neighbors and the world that 
the work of the Fraternity is such as all 
good men should approve and practice. 

Hence, we have favored frequent gath- 
erings of the Fraternity, as they would 
have a tendency to enable its members to 
bring out with them their families, to cul- 
tivate and enjoy its social amenities, which, 
like the column of beauty, would lend a 
peculiar grace to the family circle, and 
plant a crown of light upon its parental 
head. Hence, opportunity should not be 
neglected for the holding of family or 
public festivals, but at all proper times 
encouraged. 

June 24th should especially be observed 
and celebrated, not only to commemorate 
the memory and virtues of St. John the 
Baptist, our patron saint, but to make it a 
day devoted to our wives, daughters, sis- 
ters and mothers, in which to celebrate 
their virtues, which have made their — our 
— homes an ornament and a heavenly 
place, to soften and sweeten with the gar- 
lands of love from their lips and grapes 
from the shoulders of their toil, to m<*ke 
our rugged paths a track of flowers that 
exhale only the beauty and freshness of 
the rose and purity of the lily. These 
festivities should be more than bread and 
wine in a material sense. The Song of 
Solomon — a poem of its class and “type” 
that has no parallel in the oratory of song 
— should have an oracle to retouch his 
dormant lyre and awaken the lofty anthem 
of praises to his “beloved among the lilies, ’ ’ 
the better to give us a conception of their 
wealth in speech and metrical verse; every 
Lodge, and indeed family, its poet lau- 
reate, to breathe in song their virtues and 
keep them green and in bloom while we 
live. It would make them better women 
and the Fraternity a better brotherhood. 

I hope to see at no distant day the ex- 
ception, the rule, so that our public dem- 
onstrations will be greatly multiplied. 
The work that Masonry is doing is a 


work which should, and which the wants 
of humanity require to be done. The 
more, then, we can familiarize the public 
with our organization and our labor, the 
more frequent the occasions at which, so 
to speak, we can consult with and en- 
lighten our friends, the better for them 
and for us. 

We recommend the brethren to im- 
prove every reasonable opportunity to get 
their families and friends together, and 
let them see what manner of men we are, 
and learn that all the secrets there are in 
Masonry, excepting our modes of recog- 
nition, are our deeds of private charity. 

—John R. Anderson , of Leroy , N. Y 

o 

This is Scottish Rite Masonry. 

Albert Pike, the apostle of Scottish Rite 
Masonry in this country, says in “Morals 
and Dogma of Scottish Rite Masonry”: 

“No one Mason has the right to measure 
for another, within the walls of a Masonic 
Temple, the degree of veneration which he 
shall feel for any reformer, or the founder 
of any religion. We teach a belief in no 
particular creed, as we teach unbelief in 
none. Whatever high attributes the found- 
er of the Christian faith may, in our be- 
lief, have had or not have had, none can 
deny that he taught and practiced a pure 
and elevated morality, even to the risk 
and at the ultimate loss of His life. He 
was not only the benefactor of a disinter- 
ested people, but a model for mankind. 
Devotedly he loved the children of Israel. 
To them he came and to them alone he 
preached that gospel, which his disciples 
afterward carried among foreigners. He 
would fain have freed the chosen people 
from their spiritual bondage of ignorance 
and degradation. As a lover of all man- 
kind, laying down his life for the emanci- 
pation of his brethren. He should be to 
all, to Christian, to Jew and to Mohamme- 
dan, an object of gratitude and venera- 
tion. 

“That God is good and merciful, and 
loves and sympathizes with the creatures 
he has made; that his finger is visible in 
all the movements of the moral, intellect- 
ual and material universe; that we are his 
children, the objects of his paternal care 
and regard; that all men are our brothers, 
whose wants we are to supply, their errors 
to pardon, their opinions to tolerate, their 
injuries to forgive; that man has an im- 
mortal soul, a free will, a right to free- 


556 


THE TRESTLE BOARD 


dom of thought and action; that all men 
are equal in God’s sight; that we best 
serve God by humanity, gentleness, meek- 
ness, kindness and the other virtues which 
the low can practice, as well as the lofty; 
this is the ‘new law,* the ‘word/ for which 
the world had waited and pined for so 
long; and every true Knight of the Rose 
Croix will revere the memory of him who 
taught it, and look indulgently even on 
those who assign to him a character far 
above his own conceptions or belief, even 
to the extent of deeming him divine.” 
• o — 

City Masonry vs. Country Masonry. 


We have seen and experienced a dem- 
onstration of what might be termed city 
Masonry and country Masonry. In what- 
ever view we may consider it, the verdict 
must be in favor of country Masonry. In 
the cities the principles of Masonry be- 
come contracted; in the country they are 
expanded and normal. In the little coun- 
try hamlet with its Lodge of twenty mem- 
bers, up to our country towns of ten thou- 
sand inhabitants, do we find a spirit in 
Masonry in marked contrast to that in our 
metropolitan cities. In the former, when 
distress or death lays its hands upon a 
member, there is a free and ready response; 
in the latter, such calamities may receive 
a passing notice. The country member 
considers it a duty, and responds with 
pleasure to any call made upon him. The 
city Mason responds with an excuse and 
regret. The country member will labor 
hard all day, and then go and sit beside 
the sick bed of a brother all night, and do 
it without hesitancv and as if a labor of 
love were a pleasure; the city members al- 
ways have plenty of excuses in stock when 
a sick call comes, and a labor of love ap- 
pears as a grievance. In the country, 
when death invades their ranks, the farm- 
er, the merchant, the laborer, the profes- 
sional man lays aside his own duties, and 
assembles in a Lodge of sorrow, feeling 
that above all duties, those we owe to the 
dead and their relatives are foremost to 
every consideration. Seventy- five per cent 
of the membership are in the ranks. When 
death comes into a city Lodge only five to 
ten per cent of the members gather to- 
gether, and the question of a quorum must 
be overlooked. The merchant has his busy 
day, the lawyer an important case, the 
real estate agent a deal to close, the doctor 
a patient at death’s door, and so on the 


cases might be multiplied ad nauseam . 
The attendance of the city members at a 
funeral is a disgrace to the Fraternity. 
Selfishness seems to have supplanted duty, 
and castd taken the place of brotherhood. 

— The Orient 

o 

The True Masonic Work. 


We assemble as Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons. That is a title that is not only sig- 
nificant in meaning, but significant in liv- 
ing. Within the precincts of this lodge 
room, as in all other lodge rooms, we 
hear much about “work” and about Ma- 
sons doing work. I appeal to you, breth- 
ren of this magnificent Lodge and breth- 
ren of the other magnificent Lodges in 
this city, to remember that there are two 
classes of work. Work? What work? 
Some Masons live only in the work of 
words, thinking that in the repetition of 
the manual lies the success of Freema- 
sonry. They make of it a matter of rhe- 
toric in the delivery of mere words in 
this lodge room. Then there are other 
Masons who work through mystery, claim- 
ing that they possess some mysterious 
thing that no other in the world possesses. 
Away with that kind of Freemasonry ! 
Masons of mystery ? No ! The princi- 
ples of Freemasonry are an open book. 
And there are Masons of / many degrees. 
Some of our dear brethren think that it is 
necessary at the earliest moment possible 
to receive all of the degrees in Freema- 
sonry. Brethren, let us remember that 
there is something in each and every de- 
gree which, if we would study it, would 
make us better men and better Masons. 

And so, while we have the work of 
words, of mystery and of degrees, thank 
God there is another kind of work which 
is performed in this lodge room, as I be- 
lieve it to be in most of the lodge rooms 
in this Grand Jurisdiction. That is the 
work of love — of love to God and love to 
man. So I am always glad to be in the 
lodge room, because no lodge room is 
complete without having upon its altar the 
sacred Holy Scriptures. I believe in the 
Holy Scriptures. I believe in God, and 
so do all true Masons. That is the kind 
of work that we ought to engage in — for 
the cause of God, and then for the cause 
of humanity. 

Then, again, the true Mason works to 
give, and not to get. There are so many 
who, when they make inquiry concerning 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


557 


admission into the lodge, ask: “What will 
I get out of it?” Brethren, never bring 
into a lodge the petition of a man who in- 
quires, “.What can I get out of it?” 
Bring petitions into the lodges of men 
who say they come here to see what they 
can give to others. 

Then let us work for growth — growth 
to elevate and educate each other. In my 
judgment, therein lies the success of Free- 
masonry, as the success of any other in- 
stitution, be it social, fraternal or relig- 
ious, and that is to work for God and 
man; to love and help each other; to work 
that we may grow in all that elevates and 
educates . — John W. Vrooman . 

o 

Fraternity. 

The principle of fraternity is taught 
both by natural and revealed law. Our 
reason and conception of the fitness of 
things teach us that men will live more 
happily and cheerfully and more prosper- 
ously if they live in brotherly love. The 
revealed law embodies the principle in the 
injunction, “Love thy neighbor as thy- 
self.” 

Fraternity does not mean that we must 
love all that each one does. A man’s 
course in life may be very evil, and we 
should condemn the evil and assist in 
punishing the wrong-doer. But all con- 
demnation and punishment should have 
for its object as well the good of the guilty 
one as the good of society. We should 
seek, if possible, to elevate and reform 
fallen humanity of every class. Every 
man is your brother, and it is your bound- 
en duty to assist him and aid him in fol- 
lowing the right path, however degraded 
he may have become. 

There have been secret societies that 
have sworn their members to a deathless 
friendship, through weal or woe, without 
regard to whether a brother be right or 
wrong. They were pledged to aid and 
assist each other, if necessary, in escaping 
the penalties of law. But there is no oath 
sufficiently solemn to bind one to such an 
outrageous and horrible compact. In the 
great secret orders of to day that do so 
much toward alleviating human suffering 
and cultivating friendship, the members 
are taught that if one transgresses he must 
atone to the offended law. 

Our compacts of friendship mean that 
we are to love each other in the trials and 
struggles of life, to alleviate the distress 


of one another, to see that each has a fair 
and proper judgment passed upon his con- 
duct. When it has been demonstrated 
that each one has passed the bounds of 
conscientious action, it is our duty no 
longer to support him, but to leave him to 
the avenging fate that he has courted. 

We are commanded to love all men, 
but the bond is stronger when men join 
themselves together in solemn covenant. 
It takes the practice as well as the teach- 
ings of fraternity to make men fraternal. 
In the secret orders, precept and practice 
are daily afforded, and opportunities given 
to elevate and improve the character of 
man. 

o 

Suspension for Non-Payment of 
Dues. 


If Masters and Secretaries of Lodges 
would carry out the law and faithfully dis- 
charge their duties, there would be few 
cases of “ suspension for non-payment of 
dues.” 

I was present, some time ago, at a 
Lodge meeting, when a large number of 
brethren were suspended for failure to pay 
dues. On private inquiry from the Sec- 
retary, I found that not one of them owed 
less than three years’ dues; some as high 
as seven. This was clearly a case in which 
the Lodge was pariiceps cri minis, as the 
lawyers would say. If the Lodge had de- 
manded the dues of each of these brethren 
annually as they became payable, perhaps 
not one of them would have been sus- 
pended, but all would yet remain useful 
members of the Fraternity. 

Very few men would allow themselves 
to be suspended for a few dollars, but 
when the dues are allowed to mount up 
into the twenties or thirties, he finds it in- 
convenient to pay them. He has other 
and more pressing claims which he does 
not like to parade, and so lets the case go 
by default. My advice to Lodges is, and 
has been for years, collect your dues 
promptly. If you know that a brother is 
“hard up,” remit his dues without hu- 
miliating him by requiring him to get up 
and expose his financial standing. Don’t 
extend the time of payment of a poor 
brother. You are only “heaping up wrath 
against a day of wrath.” Freely forgive 
him, and let him commence over again. 
The list of the dead, as annually published 
in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, is 
a sad one; but a longer, if not a sadder, 


558 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


list is that of those suspended for non- 
payment of dues. 

— Allan McDowell , in Constellation. 

o 

Masonic Feeling. 


An intimate relationship exists between 
Freemasons; a feeling of confidence; a 
chord of sympathy; a kind of family kin- 
ship that draws one near to the other, and 
establishes a bond of union strong and 
abiding. It comes from the fact that all 
have dwelt under the same canopy, have 
tasted the sweet waters of the same foun- 
tain, and have a language of their own. 
How beautiful is a relationship so tender, 
a kinship so extensive ! How dreadful 
that this beauty should ever be distorted 
or marred by the unworthy ! How pain- 
ful that the confidence which the secret 
chord of sympathy establishes should be 
abused ! A bad Mason is like the renegade 
son of a noble father. The good name of 
the household is injured by his acts of in- 
subordination and his reckless living. The 
proud father is hurt to the innermost heart, 
and he bows his head in shame, not for 
any action of his own, but that one bear- 
ing his name should bring it into dis- 
repute. Often the gray hairs come too 
early and the broken heart wears out the 
body in its youth. And so the great fam- 
ily of Masonry is hurt when one of its 
members goes astray. — N Y. Dispatch. 

o 

Wisconsin Ahead. 


The Saturday Mail , in a recent number, 
mentions what the Pacific Mason calls a 
remarkable instance of a father and three 
sons being members of a Masonic Lodge 
at Seattle, the Pacific Mason believing that 
the reputation thus attained will spread to 
the four corners of the earth. The names 
of the father and the three sons are then 
given, with a sketch of the life of the 
father. 

The Saturday Mail goes this story two 
better, and reports a case of six members 
of one family belonging to a Lodge at St. 
Martins, New Brunswick, a father and 
five sons. The name of the father is An- 
drew Skillum, who was made a Mason in 
Ireland. The names of the sons are also 
given. In this case, as in the former, 
members of the family assisted in confer- 
ring the degrees upon those who were the 
last to receive them. 

The Tidings now claims that Wiscon- 


sin is still at the front with a more re- 
markable instance than either of the above. 
We allude to the case of the Ringling 
brothers, known all over the .country as 
the proprietors of the great Ringling Cir- 
cus. Seven of these brothers are members 
of Baraboo Lodge, No. 34, of this Juris- 
diction, and after the seven were all mem- 
bers of the Lodge the petition of the father 
was received. The Ringlingbrothers quali- 
fied themselves to confer the degrees, were 
assigned to the several positions in the 
Lodge, received the father into the Lodge, 
and conferred the degrees upon him. 

This remarkable Masonic event was 
duly chronicled in the Tidings at the 
time of the occurrence. We wait now for 
any of our neighboring Jurisdictions to re- 
port an instance which equals it. 

—Freemason. 
o 

General Grand Chapter, O. E. S. 


I have been asked if I considered the 
General Grand Chapter any benefit to the 
Order. From my observation, I have ar- 
rived at the following conclusions: The 
General Grand Chapter is systematically 
extending the Order into every part of the 
United States, and there are inquiries 
from abroad. The ritual adopted by it is 
used in everv State and Territory but one; 
viz.: New York. The secret work is the 
same, thus making a uniform ceremony 
throughout its Jurisdiction. Before this 
was accomplished one Chapter could scarce- 
ly recognize another, the work varying so 
much. The triennial sessions dignify and 
extend the Order, and should be of great 
assistance to its members from the inter- 
change of ideas. The Order of’ the East- 
ern Star has, since the organization of the 
General Grand Chapter, grown from an 
unrecognized handful of determined work- 
ers into the most powerful organization of 
women in the world, and promises to 
double its members in the next three years. 
It is rapidly becoming a recognized aux- 
iliary to Freemasonry. Notwithstanding 
years of prejudice and opposition, it is 
now being acknowledged a valuable as- 
sistant to that noble Order in promulgat- 
ing the principles of brotherly love, relief 
and truth. The Lodges are everywhere 
opening their doors to us; our former op- 
ponents are becoming our warmest advo- 
cates. These I consider are some of the 
results arising from the organization and 
labors of the General Grand Chapter, and 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


559 


we should continue in touch with that 
Grand Body. 

— Lorraine J. Pitkin , G. Sec y. 

o 

English Masonic Charity. 


We have great pleasure in announcing 
that the proceeds arising from the fees 
charged for admission to the Masonic meet- 
ing held to commemorate the Queen’s 
Diamond jubilee, in the Royal Albert 
Hall, South Kensington, on Monday, the 
14th of June, amount to ,£7,025 ns, and 
that this sum is in course of being handed 
over, without any deduction whatever, in 
accordance with the arrangements pro- 
posed by H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, 
the M. W. G. M., and accepted by Grand 
Lodge. Thus the Prince of Wales’ Hos- 
pital Fund is the richer for this meeting 
by ,£3,512 15s 6d, which, with the ,£2,000 
voted by Grand Lodge, represents a Dia- 
mond Jubilee gift to this most deserving 
Fund of upwards of ,£5,500. As regards 
the other half of the proceeds, it will be 
apportioned equally among our three Ma- 
sonic Institutions, and, as in their case 
also, Grand Lodge voted each of them a 
grant of ,£2,000, and each, in due course, 
will receive the very handsome contribu- 
tion of ,£3,170 1 8s 6d in respect of this 
same Diamond Jubilee. The total sum 
presented by the Freemasons of England 
in commemoration of this event thus 
amounts to ,£15,025 ns. 

- London Freemason . 

o 

Old Traditions. 


Rev. Minot Savage, of the Church of 
the Messiah, New York, recently delivered 
a sermon on “Man not Fallen, but Rising.” 
He said: 

“The ancient tradition of man fixes the 
beginning of the race as about 4004 years 
before the birth of Jesus. We, of to-day, 
know that thistles and plants and rocks 
have existed in this world for millions of 
years, and the world is millions of years 
old. We cannot accept as true the ancient 
tradition of Adam and Eve. We cannot 
believe that on the conduct of Adam and 
Eve, two inexperienced and ignorant peo- 
ple, the destiny of you and me and count- 
less millions of people depended. It is 
absurd. It is grotesquely ridiculous to en- 
tertain such a belief. There does not ex- 
ist on the face of the earth the slightest 
reason to believe in the truth of a tradition 


which was the myth of a pagan people, 
and was from them engrafted upon the 
Hebrews. 

“Jesus never referred to this tradition. 
Does it not seem strange that he should 
not, even in the slightest way, have re- 
ferred to it if it were worthy of belief? 
God explained to the modern world through 
his messenger, science, the history of the 
world. Science has taught us we have 
been developed from a lower type of life, 
and we are reaching out for the attainment 
of progress and goodness. 

“Death is essential to the advancement 
of man in another sphere. The ancient 
belief that a man was created to be trans- 
ported to heaven bodily and without death 
were it not for the fall of Adam cannot be 
believed. God did not create the world 
intending to leave death out of the life of 
man. The pagan myth of Adam and Eve 
is utterly untrue. 

“A friend, in speaking to me of this 
sermon I am now delivering, asked me 
how many ministers there are now in New 
York who did not believe to day in the 
story of Adam and Eve. I said I did not 
know, but I believe there are many. How 
many ministers are there in New York to- 
day who dare to get up in their pulpits 
and candidly admit that they have no 
faith in the story of Adam, of Jonah and 
the whale, and of several other traditions 
of the Old Testament ? 

“With the myth of Adam dissipated 
there goes with it other doctrines that 
grew out of it, such as the idea of total 
depravity. 

“What we need is intellectual cultiva- 
tion and brain power to understand the 
kind of world we live in. Man needs to 
be educated, intellectually and morally; to 
be taught the difference between right and 
wrong, and to strike for righteousness.” 

o 

Be Patient with the Old. 


“Why should that old lady care,” I 
heard a girl say the other day, “whether 
or not her hair is turning gray ? What 
possible difference can it make of what 
color is the hair of an old, old woman ? 
Why, she must be almost eighty !” 

In the case in question, the lady criti- 
cised was on the borderland of seventy, 
but to sixteen she might as well have been 
a hundred. Age and youth are relative. 
To the very young, years count for more 
than they do to the older, who have lived 


. 56 ° 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


longer, and have learned that the soul does 
not grow old with the body. I myself 
feel pity for elderly people who are 
ashamed of their age, and are so weak as 
to try to hide it, but I don’t quite like to 
see young girls unsympathetic. Try, if 
you can, to fancy yourselves in the posi- 
tion of some of your elders — of women 
who remember, but do not look forward. 
As you go tripping on, with light steps, 
imagine what it would be to totter a little, 
to see dimly, to hear faintly, to feel wor- 
ried at every little pain and mishap, to 
reach the day when “ the grasshopper is a 
burden.” 

All this should make you very patient 
and gentle with old people. There is 
nothing more beautiful in this world than 
to observe the tenderness of some girls 
toward their aged relatives. Dear grand- 
mother cannot thread her needles so easily 
as she used to do, and is sensitive on the 
subject; and does not like to be too ob- 
viously helped, to have attention called to 
her failing eyesight, which she so much 
regrets, and does not like to admit. There 
are two ways of meeting the difficulty. 
Mattie, a kind hearted girl without much 
tact, will exclaim: “O gran ! what perfect 
nonsense for you to fuss over that needle ! 
You know that you cannot find the hole 
where the thread should go in; your eyes 
are too old. Give me the thing; I’ll thread 
your needles !” The intention is most ex- 
cellent, but the old lady is hurt and stifles 
a sigh. She had young eyes once, and 
she has the same independent spirit still. 
Edith, in the same circumstances, man- 
ages in another fashion. She simply threads 
a dozen needles, and leaves them already 
for grandmamma in her needle-book, say- 
ing, pleasantly, 4 4 It saves so much time, 
dear, in these busy days, to have one’s 
needles all ready and waiting.” 

o 

Jews With Black Skins. 

I have noticed in the press from time to 
time items concerning a blind black Jew 
who is “doing” the United States. He 
must be a bit of a traveler, to judge from 
the various points I have heard from him. 
He has been west, south and north, and 
when last heard from was in Hartford. 
Hebrew is a language in which he seems 
to be at home, and a writing pad is his 
means of communication. 

I presume he is a Falasha or Abyssinian 
Jew, belonging to a people that were saved 


to Judaism from the conversion efforts of 
the missionaries through the Alliance Is- 
raelite Universelle. That association sent 
M. Hallevi among them, established 
schools, and put them in touch with their 
brethren in faith. The connection of the 
Falashas with the main body of the Jews 
through ancestry dates back a long period, 
for they have neither Tallis (prayer cloth), 
nor phylacteries, nor do they celebrate 
either the Feast of Dedication, in honor of 
the Maccabean victory, or even Purim, so 
that it must be back of the Christian era. 

There are other black Jews besides the 
Falashas; the Yemen Jews may be called 
so. There are black Jews — as well as 
white Jews — in Cochin China. There are 
also black Jews in Jamaica. These are 
the children of mixed marriages; i. e ., of 
Jews with the native women, whose chil- 
dren they have acknowledged and legiti- 
mized, and have thus come within the fold 
of, the svnagogue. There are also black 
Jews in India, the Bene Israel, a commun- 
ity in land about Bombay, that has been 
restored to Judaism by the Anglo Jewish 
Association of London. 

* — American Hebrew . 

o 

Love and Forgiveness. 


Though “knowledge vanish,” love shall still re- 
main; 

Yet not in thought alone, but word and deed, 
Doth love forgive, and in our secret need 
Love steals away the sting from every pain. 

Love beareth all, believeth, hopeth all, 

Enduring all, to pass with us to life 
Beyond the grave. Love strengthens in the 
strife 

With evil, ever patient when we fall. 

Love, in our sin and sorrow, still is true, 
Forgiving, seeing in each stricken soul 
God’s image, guiding onward to that goal 
Where we shall find sweet rest. Earth never 
knew 

In full love’s meaning of that word “forgive,” 
Till Love upon the cross in anguish cried: 
“Father, forgive!” Washed by Thy cleans- 
ing tide 

Of mercy and forgiveness, may we live ! 

Love trod with bleeding feet our narrow path, 
’Twas in man’s darkest hour of despair 
Love hung upon the cross and answered 
prayer, 

Living, eternal Love averted wrath ! 

O “Love divine !” live in our souls to-day, 
Teaching our hearts forgiveness, mercy sweet 
Shall strengthen justice, truth be made com- 
plete, 

The sins of penitence be washed away. 

— Martha A. Kidder . 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


561 


Convicting a Mason. 


The difficulty of convicting a Mason of 
any crime against the laws of the Frater- 
nity has much to do with a large number 
of violations of Masonic law which are 
passed by unheeded. An honest Mason 
dislikes to prefer charges against a brother 
who has gone astray, because there are al- 
ways a few members, at least, who in- 
variably prefer to damn the Institution in 
tjie sight of strictly honest breffiren, in or- 
der that no scandal shall be charged against 
it by those who know nothing of its good 
qualities. Such brethren are misguided, 
and really have no right to membership in 
a fraternity of honest men. They enable 
a bad man to control the action of a Lodge 
whenever he wishes to do so, provided he 
is a man of considerable ability. The bug- 
aboo of the conservator of Masonic purity 
is “outside scandal.” He will wallow in 
the pollution of drunkenness, licentious- 
ness and perjury, emptied into the sacred 
precincts of the lodge room in order that 
no scandal shall reach the ears of the out- 
side world. He will vote not guilty on a 
charge not denied by the accused, for rea- 
sons too absurd to be committed to paper, 
and with an air of one who has prevented 
the perpetration of a great wrong, will ac- 
cuse you of being uncharitable and guilty 
of un-Masonic conduct if you utter one 
word in the name of Masonic purity. This 
is why one bad man can control a Lodge. 
Brethren, let us fight for purity, if it re- 
duces our membership one-half — yea, nine- 
tenths . — Missouri Freemason* 

o 

An Anecdote of Lincoln. 


In the course of an article in the St. 
Nicholas , Mary Lillian Herr relates the 
following characteristic anecdote of Lin- 
coln: 

“Once while on his way to Washington, 
as President, the train stopped a little 
time in the town of Alleghany, Pa. 
Around the station a great crowd gath- 
ered, eager to see the new President. 
They shouted and cheered until Lincoln 
had to appear on the rear platform of 
his car. He bowed and smiled, but the 
crowd was so noisy he did not try to 
speak to them. 

“Very near to the platform stood a 
miner, wearing a red shirt and blue over- 
alls, and carrying a dinner pail. Like the 
rest he had stopped, hoping to see Mr. 


Lincoln. The workman was almost a 
giant in size, and towered head and shoul- 
ders above the crowd. 

“No doubt he had heard that Lincoln 
also was very tall, and, encouraged by 
the friendly face, the workman suddenly 
waved his bare arm above his head, and 
called out: 

“ ‘Hi, there, Abe Lincoln ! I’m taller 
than you — yes, a sight taller !’ 

“This loud speech silenced the crowd 
by its boldness, and a laugh arose. But 
Mr. Lincoln, leaning forward, with a 
good-humored smile, said quietly: 

“ ‘My man, I doubt it — in fact, I’m 
sure I am the taller. However, come up 
and let’s measure.’ 

“The crowd made way, and the work- 
man climbed to the platform, and stood 
back to back with the President elect. 
Each put up a hand to see whose head 
overtopped. Evidently Mr. Lincoln was 
the victor, for with a smile of satisfaction 
he turned and offered his hand to his 
beaten rival, saying cordially: 

“‘I thought you were mistaken and I 
was right, but I wished to be sure and 
to have you satisfied. However, we are 
friends anyway, aren’t we?’ 

“Grasping the outstretched hand in a 
vigorous grip, the workman replied: 

‘ ‘ ‘Yes, Abe Lincoln — as long as I live. ’ ’ ’ 
o 

Where Is My Girl To-Night ? 


Passing through many of our principal 
streets at night, sometimes as late as 
eleven o’clock, we are greatly pained at 
the sight of couples of well-dressed girls, 
apparently of good families, ranging in 
age from thirteen to sixteen, hanging lei- 
surely near the corners chatting with half- 
grown boys. We a^k ourselves the ques- 
tion, “Don’t the mothers of these girls 
care?” Do they not often ask the ques- 
tion, “Where is my girl to-night?’’ Un- 
der ordinary circumstances, it is rather a 
difficult job to preserve virtuous and chaste 
womanhood, so many are the temptations 
and dangers, but when girls are permitted 
to sally forth into the streets at night “for 
a good time,” there can be no doubt with 
respect to the result. Mothers will repent 
when it is too late. It is nothing less than 
distressing to witness night after night up- 
on the public streets girls who ought to be 
at home studying their lessons, or in bed 
asleep. There will be a real “hot time” 
for many a mother after a while if they 


552 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


permit their daughters to run at large. 
The girl will certainly get into trouble, 
for she is going the way of it, and when 
the trouble does come it won’t be as pleas- 
ant as it was when she was out hunting for 
it. Our clergy would do the cause of 
public morals and the preservation of 
womanly modesty, virtue and sobriety 
great good by directing the attention of 
mothers to this most important matter. If 
you play with fire you will get burned. 
If we are to have a corrupted and debased 
womanhood, then the race is eternally 
doomed. — Afro-American. 

o 

The Frightened Dog. 


Just as the theaters were out yesterday 
afternoon, a large fox terrier dashed across 
Broadway in front of the Herald Square 
Theater. The dog turned in its tracks 
and began to run around in a circle, yelp- 
ing piteously. Peculiar actions of a dog 
are likely to be misunderstood by ninety- 
nine people out of a hundred in hot weath- 
er, and the fact that this particular dog 
rushed around in circles at once gave rise 
to the belief that the animal was mad. 

Leaving the neighborhood of the theater, 
the dog raced backward and forward and 
across Broadway from Thirty-fifth to 
Thirty-third street, and finally the men 
and boys who congregate at Greeley Square 
started in pursuit, crying, “ Mad dog.” 
This was sufficient to make every one who 
saw the animal believe he was really mad, 
and men and women scattered in a fright. 

When the excitement was at its height, 
after a number of women had run into 
stores to get out of the way, the supposed 
mad dog rushed around under the elevated 
tracks at Thirty- third street and Broadway. 
At this moment a tall, well-dressed wom- 
an, who was coming down Broadway, 
stopped and looked at the scurrying pedes- 
trians and then at the dog. It darted across 
the street toward the place where the wom- 
an was standing, and as it reached the 
sidewalk she calmly stooped down quickly 
and seized it by the back of the neck and 
carried the now whinning animal to the 
uptown elevated railroad station stairs. 

Those who had fled from the dog stared 
at the woman in amazement. All uncon- 
cerned, however, she began so pat the 
head of the terrier and speak to it affec- 
tionately. The spectacle of a woman fond- 
ling a mad dog was such an extraordinary 
one that several hundred persons quickly 


gathered. They attracted Policeman Hauser 
of the West Thirtieth street station, who 
pushed his way through them and saw the 
woman still placidly caressing the dog. 

'‘Everybody seems to think this dog is 
mad,” she said with a laugh, “but I know 
all about dogs. I know from his cries 
that he has evidently lost his master. No 
mad dog ever races around in one spot the 
way I saw him do.” 

By this time the terrier had quieted 
down and was nestling close to its new- 
found friend. Policeman Hauser made an 
investigation, and found the woman’s 
theory of the cause of the dog’s antics cor- 
rect. The dog and his master had been 
separated when the owner boarded a car. 

“The owner of this dog can have him 
by calling at my residence,” she said. “I 
have seen so many dogs killed in summer 
time without just cause that I don’t con- 
sider it any particular honor to have saved 
this terrier from a similar fate. When you 
get to know dogs you learn that really very 
few go mad, but are goaded into a condi- 
tion of hysteria by the behavior of a lot of 
senseless people who would usually drive 
any human being crazy.” 

— N. Y. Tribune . 
o 

He who is never dissatisfied with him- 
self or others, and never discontented with 
things around him, can not be expected to* 
make any strenuous efforts at improve- 
ment. He may live out a life of ease and 
serenity, but it will be the ease of torpor 
and the serenity of indolence. 

o 

If you your lips would keep from slips, 

Five things observe with care: 

Of whom you speak, to whom you speak, 
And how, and when and where. 

o 

By thine own soul’s law learn to live, 

And if men thwart thee take no heed, 

And if men hate thee have no care. 

Sing then thy song and do thy deed, 

Hope thou thy hope and pray thy prayer, 

And claim no crown they will not give. 
o 

Lives of poor men oft remind us honest toil 
don’t stand a chance; 

More we work we leave behind us bigger 
patches on our pants — 

On our pants once new and glossy, now patched 
up of different hue, 

All because subscribers linger and won't pay us 
what is due. 

Then let us all be up and doing; send your mite 
however small, 

Or when the snows of winter strike us me shall 
have no pants at all ! 

— After Longfellow — a long way after. 


THE TRESTLE BOARD 


563 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 

A National Masonic and Family Magazine. 

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE 

TRESTLE BOARD ASSOCIATION. 

Terms — $t.oo per year sent in United States, Mexico and 
Canada, and other Countries $1.25 strictly in advance. 
Single copses 10 cents. 

Subscribers not receiving numbers will notify us, and 
they will be supplied free. 

Discontinuances. — Subscribers wishing our magadne 
stopped at the expiration of their subscription, \vill please 
notify us by postal card otherwise we may consider it their 
wish to have it continued. 

How to Remit.— Send Cashier’s Check, Express Or- 
der, Post Office Money Order, Postal Note or Green lack in 
Letter. Receipts will always be sent enclosed in the next 
oumber issued after the receipt of the remittance. 

C. MOODY PLUMMER, Manager. 

Alvin Plummer, Advertising Manager. 

408 California St., San Francisco, California. 

TRAVELING AGENTS. 

Rev. John N. Parker. \Y. O. Sterling. 

R. C. Yarbrough. Samuel Collins. 


For one dollar we will deliver prepaid twenty 
•assorted copies of back issues of The Trestle 
Board magazine. This will give an immense 
amount of good reading for a comparatively 
small sum. Each number is complete in itself. 


Selection of Material. 


We know no reason against, or viola- 
tion of, any “ancient landmark” in the 
substitution of the plan of selectiriz per- 
sons as suitable to become Masons from 
among the profane, instead of receiving 
applications from the good, bad and in- 
different material which now offers, “un- 
biased by friends and uninfluenced by mer- 
cenary motives” and “a desire for more 
knowledge and to be useful to our fellow- 
creatures” only to become elected or 
rejected as the whim or caprice of the 
secret ballot may decide. A good man is 
often rejected and a bad one is elected, 
and the latter are so numerous that, as 
we have heard repeatedly said by active 
brethren, if every member of their Lodge 
should take a demit, not one- quarter of 
the members could regain admission to 
their own Lodge. Now, if such a condi- 
tion exists, a remedy is needed. We can 
conceive of no better way than to select 
and elect those who are worthy and well 
qualified, and those whom we would like 
to have among us, and by no other way. 
There should be the utmost frankness and 
confidence among brethren, and a com- 
mittee of the whole is far better than the 
superficial investigations of committees 
which nowadays require the acuteness and 
experience of a police detective to avert 
imposition. The “higher bodies” have 
virtually adopted the plan of selection, 
for scarcely has a Master Mason been 


raised before he is invited and urged to 
advance further, especially if considered 
an eligible and desirable man. As this 
method is successfully increasing the ratio 
of membership in the higher bodies, we 
do not understand why it should not be 
adopted in the Lodge. We certainly are 
ready to vote viva voce on any proposed 
candidate for admission into our Frater- 
nity, and have confidence that our breth- 
ren would divulge nothing improper to be 
made known to the profane concerning 
any propositions for initiation and mem- 
bership. If such a breach of obligation 
should occur there is the usual recourse of 
penalties as in all other offenses. After 
long and mature reflection and considera- 
tion of the subject we cannot conceive of 
any valid objection to the plan of selection 
unless it is because no opportunity can 
occur to object to a candidate without good 
Masonic reasons . As each Grand Juris- 
diction is supreme by itself, no great det- 
riment can result from a trial of it by 
some State Jurisdiction. 

o 

Masonic Funerals. 


The question was recendy asked the 
Illhiois Freemason : 

“Would a Lodge of Masons be per- 
mitted to pronounce the Masonic burial 
service over a brother whose interment 
was in a Catholic cemetery?” to which it 
replies, “Why not? Masonry asks no 
questions concerning a man’s church or 
creed. There is no reason why Masons 
should not perform the funeral rites over 
a dead brother in a Catholic cemetery any 
more than in a Presbyterian.” 

This reply is correct. We have seen 
and followed the remains of brethren who 
were Catholics to their resting-place, but 
the cemetery was not used exclusively for 
that sect There is no objection to a Ma- 
sonic Lodge depositing the remains of a 
brother with ceremonies in any spot on 
this earth. To the Mason the whole earth 
is consecrated ground, for as from it we 
came, so, also, must we all return. But 
if any Catholic brother Mason desires to 
be buried in ground consecrated by his 
church, he can be so buried only by their 
own ceremonies or by the payment of a 
stipulated sum of money to its priests. 
Although Masons will perform their rites 
of burial over a Catholic brother, the Cath- 
olic church will absolutely refuse to per- 
form their rites over a Masonic Catholic, 


564 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


or admit him into their church with a Ma- 
sonic procession following his remains. 
No other sect in Christendom is so intol- 
erant as to refuse such a favor. A noted 
instance of this intolerance occurred in 
San Francisco, a few months since, where 
three firemen, killed in the discharge of 
duty, all Catholics, but only one a Ma- 
son, were buried at one funeral. The 
Masomc Catholic, with his mourning rela- 
tives and friends, was refused admission 
into the church, and remained in the street 
while “mass” was performed over the re- 
mains of his two brother firemen, and was 
then buried without any ceremony what- 
ever. The Masonic Fraternity were not 
present, as they were not asked. In an 
interview with Archbishop Riordan, sub- 
sequent to this affair, he stated that the 
Catholic church considered the Masonic 
* Fraternity to be a religious sect the same 
as the Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, 
etc.; that a Catholic when he joined the 
Masons was no longer a Catholic, but had 
renounced his allegiance to the Catholic 
church; that as a Mason would not per- 
form the Masonic service over a Catholic, (?) 
so the Catholic could not do so over a 
Mason; and the same, also, with all other 
sects; that his church viewed Masonry dif- 
ferently from all other fraternal societies, 
and had no objections to others as they 
were social and beneficiary societies. The 
Archbishop could not comprehend, in the 
narrowness of his religious sect, how a 
man could be a Mason and a Catholic at 
the same time. Masons can understand, 
for thousands of Catholics are Masons, 
but do not agree with the “church’ ’ on 
this subject. 

Bro. Hugh McCurdy, of Michigan, 
while Master of Corunna Lodge, No. 115, 
in the fall of 1865, buried Captain Henry 
Wallace, a Mason, who died in New Or- 
leans, in his father’s lot in the Catholic 
cemetery at Corunna, and a Methodist 
minister acted as Chaplain, and the priest 
of the parish was present as a spectator. 
The antipathy of the Catholic hierarchy to 
Masonry has increased since 1865, and 
perhaps the same circumstance could not 
transpire now except with greater per- 
suasion in this country. In nearly all 
Catholic countries Masonry exists, and 
against the edict of the papacy, and thou- 
sands of good Masons are to be found. 
This proscriptive policy seems to be pur- 
sued only in this country where the great- 
est freedom is allowed and men can be as 


bigoted and intolerant in religion as they 
please. 

o 

Lodge Libraries. 

The purpose of Masonry has, from time 
immemorial, been the improvement of 
mankind; it matters not whether that im- 
provement is mental, moral or physical. 
A plan for mental improvement can read- 
ily be adopted in any Lodge; that of a 
library containing the works of standard 
authors and also periodicals, books, 
pamphlets, proceedings of Grand Bodies 
and other printed or written matter apper- 
taining to our noble Order, and which 
would have a tendency to produce or in- 
crease a desire among the brethren for a 
better, clearer and deeper knowledge of 
our Institution. 

It is the practice, in many Lodges, on 
the night of stated meetings, to transact 
their business, close the Lodge early and 
go home or elsewhere. How much better 
would it be to have a friendly discussion 
on Masonic topics ! In a conversation with 
a brother, the late P. G. M. Conklin of 
this State, he remarked ‘ ‘that it would be 
a good thing for Masonry in general and 
every Lodge in particular if The Trestle 
Board were read each month in open 
Lodge, and the subjects therein contained 
discussed by the brethren present.” Such 
a plan would certainly create a greater in- 
terest among the members and would give 
to brethren a deeper and more lasting sig- 
nification to each and every portion of the 
work. 

It is a sad, but true, fact that Masons gen- 
erally are exceedingly ignorant of the lit- 
erature of the Order, and, without a thor- 
ough understanding, merely “parrot” the 
ritual. 

o 

The Mason’s Son. 


What is the status of the Mason’s son 
in Masonry ? This is a question that has 
occurred to me many times — before and 
since I became a Mason, for I am a Ma- 
son’s son. While the wife, daughter, 
mother and sister are occasionally invited 
to partake of our hospitalities and enjoy 
our festivities, the sons and brothers are 
forbidden to enter our portals as our 
guests, to see who and what we are; to 
witness some of the ceremonies which 
may be made public, and which are en- 
joyed by our lady relatives. 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


5^5 


We are desirous that our sons and broth- 
ers should become members of our noble 
Institution, and yet we do our utmost to 
prevent them from obtaining the slightest 
conception of what Masonry is. 

We are not permitted to solicit or in- 
fluence, in the least, any one to present 
himself for the mysteries of Masonry, but 
are we forbidden to show those whom we 
know to be good men and true, our sons 
and brothers, with whom we are asso- 
ciating the many evenings we are at the 
Lodge ? 

What Lodges in the interior need most- 
ly, when they don’t have enough work to 
keep their officers posted, is a sort of Ma- 
sonic revival. Notify all the members of 
your Lodge who can be present to attend 
on some stated meeting. After the regu- 
lar business is transacted and the Lodge 
closed, make a committee of the whole, 
put sufficient funds in the hat to foot the 
expense of a little “rooster party.” Ar- 
range the time for the affair, bring out 
your good story-tellers, bring up your 
good singers, bring in your light refresh- 
ments. bring in your speech-makers and 
bring around your sons and brothers. 
Have it understood that it is not “the 
Lodge,” but only “members of the Lodge” 
who get the little affair up, and be sure 
that all the stories and speeches are good 
and wholesome. Care should be exer- 
cised in not having the affair got up with 
too much style, as a bad “impression might 
result.” 

o 

Is “The Tyler” Sectarian? 


The following extracts are to be found 
on the same page in adjoining columns of 
the Tyler , of October 15th. Here is a 
sample of its consistency. Let its own 
readers judge: 

“There is no sectarianism in the Ma- 
sonry that the Tyler advocates.” 

“There is only one religion under the 
canopy of heaven that takes in all men, 
and that is the religion whose Founder 
bore the sins of the world in His own body 
on the tree, ‘who tasted death for every 
man,’ who conquered sin, death, hell, and 
whose invitation from the throne of God — 
the Mason’s God — is, ‘Whosoever will let 
him come and take of the water of life 
freely.’ The Tyler defies the world to 
produce another unsectarian religion.” 

The Tyler misunderstands us. We did 


say that “Masonry will not discard any 
man for his sectarian views.” It does not 
discard the Tyler. Thousands take it 
and read it, notwithstanding it is sectari- 
an. Templarism is not Masonry. Tem- 
plary is sectarianism, as it now requires a 
“firm belief” in the creed of a sect. This 
writer is a sectarian, so far as the promise 
to wield his sword in the defense of the 
Christian religion, but not so far as to pro- 
fess a “firm beliei” in all the conflicting 
dogmas taught by the conflicting sects of 
Christendom. We have our own particu- 
lar “firm beliei” with which we do not 
wish to intrude on any one, for faith is 
soon lost to sight. But Masonry has 
naught to do with Christianity except to 
respect its rights. It is not the promul- 
gator of any sect or theory, but sits apart 
in its own calm dignity, and is at peace 
with all. The Bible is an indispensable 
part of the furniture of a Christian Lodge, 
the Pentateuch of the Hebrew Lodge, the 
Koran of the Mahommedan Lodge, be- 
cause they are one of the Great Lights by 
which each profess to walk, and the sacred 
books of their own religion. We, as Ma- 
sons, have no other concern with their re- 
ligion. A Mason has been obligated on 
Whittaker’s Almanac, and a Mason may 
also be obligated on the Ah i man Rezon 
or the Morals and Dogmas of the Scottish 
Rite. When the Tyler insists that there 
is only one religion under the canopy of 
heaven we can but conclude in all the im- 
partiality we possess that it is somewhat 
sectarian, and especially when it would re- 
quire the test of a “firm belief’ in the 
peculiar faith which but a small fraction 
of humanity accepts. 

o 

A Nice Point to Decide. 


We have recently received a letter from 
one of our friends in Los Angeles, who 
signifies a very hearty disapproval of some 
of the advertisers which appear in The 
Freemason of Los Angeles. We have 
perused Bro. Lloyd’s paper, and fail to 
find the above mentioned brother’s adver- 
tisement appearing therein, and presume 
he pays one dollar per annum as a sub- 
scriber, while each of the objectionable 
advertisers probably pay a greater profit 
each month to Bro. Lloyd than would be 
derived from ten years subscription of 
the above brother. Now, we do not sus- 
tain Bro. Lloyd in accepting wine, beer 
and liquor ads (if he can secure others to 


566 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


take their place), and The Trestle 
Board has never accepted one of them 
yet, but we have seriously questioned in 
our own minds whether it is wrong for us 
to advertise the business of any brother in 
good standing whatever the business may 
be. We are not tipplers, never have been 
and do not expect ever to be, but we are 
temperate in all things, and almost as 
heartily deplore a condition of gormand- 
ization in regard to meat and potatoes as 
we do in wine, beer or whisky. 

o 

Is Reimbursement Right ? 


The Board of Relief of San Francisco, 
composed of the Masters of the sixteen 
Lodges, in their report to the Grand Lodge 
of California for the year ending Septem- 
ber i, 1897, give the following as their ex- 
penditures and reimbursements on account 
of relief with members from the various 
Jurisdictions: 

Alabama. . . 

Arizona .... 

Australia . . . 

Brazil .... 

Canada .... 

China .... 

Colorado. . . . 

Connecticut. . . 

England . \ . 

Florida .... 

Idaho .... 

Illinois 

Indiana .... 

Iowa 

Ireland .... 

Kansas 

Kentucky . . . 

Louisiana. . . 

Maine .... 

Maryland . . . 

Massachusetts. . 

Mexico. . . . 

Michigan. . . . 

Minnesota . . 

Missouri .... 

Montana ... 

New Brunswick , 

New Jersey. . . 

New Mexico. . , 

N. S. Wales . , 

New York . . , 

Nevada .... 

Nova Scotia . . 

N. Carolina. . . 

Ohio 


$ 10 

00 



48 

15 



142 

50 



241 

00 



20 

00 



IO 

00 

10 

00 

18 

00 

85 

00 

21 

00 

35 

00 

423 

45 



24 

25 

11 

50 

75 

50 

48 

10 

185 

10 

108 

50 

40 1 

50 



45 

00 

20 

00 

155 

00 

115 

00 

6 

00 



7 

5o 



16 

00 



70 

00 



12 

00 

14 

00 

236 

75 

30 

00 

92 

00 

67 

80 

191 

50 

63 

00 

522 

75 

146 

75 

29 

75 



37 

00 

37 

00 

475 

00 



109 

25 

105 

50 

40 

75 

15 

00 

12 

50 

7 

00 

519 

10 

166 

75 

i 7 8 

00 

188 

00 

55 

00 



10 

00 

10 

00 

51 

00 

2 

30 


Oregon 

389 00 

32 00 

Pennsylvania . . 

97 00 

50 00 

Peru 


30 00 

Scotland .... 

. 221 35 

46 95 

Spain 

98 50 

6 00 

Texas 

36 75 

69 00 

Utah 

108 00 

82 40 

Vermont .... 

225 00 


Washington . . . 

. 89 10 

7 00 

Wisconsin . . 

94 10 

86 10 

Unclassed . . . 

. 392 05 

7 50 

Totals 

•$6,543 55 

$1,710 15 

Reimbursed . . 

$1,710 15 


Balance . . 

$4,833 40 


From the above 

can be seen the propor- 

tion which each foreign Jurisdiction leaves 


for the Lodges of San Francisco to bear, 
beside that of the membership of their own 
Lodges. 

For other Lodges in California the 
Board of Relief of San Francisco ex- 
pended $3,633.35, and were reimbursed 
$1,318.85, leaving a balance against the 
Lodges of California of $2,314 50. 

During the year the Board of Relief 
have had the charge and responsibility of 
twenty-two funerals of brethren belonging 
in other Jurisdictions, which has been as- 
signed to the various Lodges, and all have 
been conducted with due Masonic honors. 

We present the foregoing facts as per- 
tinent to the Wisconsin Plan of reimburse- 
ment. In an analysis of the statement we 
discover the Jurisdictions where the prop- 
osition is most strongly opposed. 

o 

Other Jurisdictions. 

The Grand Lodge of Arizona held its 
1 6th annual meeting at Bisbee on Tues- 
day, November 9th, 10th and nth, Bro. 
Wm. F. Nichols Grand Master, presiding. 

There are in Arizona fourteen Masonic 
Lodges situated in the towns of Tucson, 
Phoenix, Nogales, Bisbee, Tombstone, 
Clifton, Globe, Jerome, Prescott, Flor- 
ence, Winslow, Flagstaff and Willcox, 
with a membership of probably 1,000, 
made up of the best the country affords. 
Every Lodge had its representatives pres- 
ent. 

Bisbee is situated near the head of a 
canyon on almost the extreme south edge 
of Cochise county, about six miles from 
the Mexican line. It is owned by the 
Copper Queen Company, and is generally 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


567 


understood to be one of the many copper 
camps controlled by Phelps, Dodge & Co., 
of New York. It is reached by its own 
railroad, which connects with the Southern 
Pacific at Benson, about thirty* five or forty 
miles northwest. It is said that there are 
1,000 men on the pay-roll of the com- 
pany. The wages paid are three dollars 
above and three dollars and a half below 
ground, and fortunate, indeed, is the man 
whose name is on the roll of the favored 
thousand. The output of the camp is 
said to be three carloads of refined copper 
per day. The town is scattered up and 
down the canyon for at least a mile, but 
the town proper is centered immediately 
east and south of the big smelting plant. 
The business of the town is carried on 
largely in the canyon, where the stores, 
saloons, restaurants and lodging-houses 
are principally located. On the steep face 
of the mountain, south of the canyon, is 
to be found the principal residence por- 
tion. The main canyon is intersected by 
another a short distance below and almost 
immediatelv opposite the smelters, and is 
known as Brewery Gulch. As this gulch 
afforded a limited quantity of building 
space it has been made use of, and here 
the small merchandising of the commun- 
ity is carried on. There are four or five 
little stores, one or two meat markets, 
Shattuck & Keating’s big saloon, the 
Saddle Rock restaurant and numerous 
private houses. Many of the latter are 
perched high on the sides of the hills, and 
reached only by about an almost perpen- 
dicular climb, but, as a rule, they are well 
and substantially built. On the whole, it 
may be summed up that the mines and 
reduction works of the company occupy 
the north side of the canyon, the resi- 
dences on the south side and the canyon 
proper the business houses. 

The library building is a large and com- 
modious structure of brick and stone. On 
the first floor is the library proper and 
postoffice. The building is lit by elec- 
tricity, is well supplied with tables and 
chairs for the free use of all comers, and 
books, magazines and papers from all 
over the country. On the second floor is 
the town hall, carpeted, comfortably and 
substantially furnished. In this hall union 
services are held each Sunday and upon 
special occasions by the Rev. J. G. Pritch- 
ard, a broad-minded, God- fearing man. 
The fraternal orders of United Workmen, 
Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and other 


kindred organizations make use of the 
hall for lodge purposes. The Masons, 
thanks to the generosity of the Copper 
Queen Company, have one of the very 
handsomest lodge rooms in the territory. 
On a spur of land, at the intersection of 
Brewery Gulch with the main canyon, a 
building site has been blasted out, and a 
large, fine, substantial edifice of brick and 
stone erected thereon. Like the library 
building it is a two-story structure. The 
lower story will be occupied by the offices 
of the company, the upper as a Masonic 
hall to the exclusion of all other orders. 
Like all Masonic Lodges it is built due 
east and west, and is not only substantially 
but elegantly furnished in all the parapher- 
nalia of the Order. The lodge room prop- 
er, independent of two commodious ante- 
rooms, is 40x65 feet, the wainscoting is 
oak finish, the walls white and the ceiling 
blue. The beading on the wall against 
the ceiling is red and blue. In the West, 
behind the Senior Warden, but raised 
sufficiently high as to command a view of 
the lodge, is a recess in which is placed a 
piano. The furniture, including desks, 
altars, etc., are of massive oak. The seats 
are cushioned in dark leather and the floor 
is covered by a carpet in which are wrought 
all the emblems of Masonry. Taken al- 
together, Perfect Ashlar Lodge, No. 12, 
F. & A. M., have one of the finest and 
most elegantly appointed Lodges there is 
in the Territory. 

This communication was a remarkable 
one from the fact that the second day’s 
meeting was held in the Copper Queen 
mine, in a magnificent cave. 

Wednesday morning, at 9 o’clock, 
Grand Master Nichols called the Lodge to 
order preparatory to taking up the line of 
march to “the cave.” Clothed in white 
gloves and aprons the two hundred men 
in line made an imposing appearance as 
they marched from the Lodge to the hoist- 
ing works from which they were to descend 
into the mine and cave. In the line of 
march the Grand Lodge were in the rear, 
but on reaching the works the column 
halted, opened ranks and the Grand Lodge 
passed through, and were, of course, the 
first to enter the mine. They w^ere scien- 
tifically stood on the cage a half dozen at 
a time, when down they w^ent about 200 
feet in a second, to the level by w’hich the 
cave was reached. The distance to the 
cave was substantially a half mile, and 
candles had been placed a few feet apart 


568 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


in the drifts the entire distance. The cave 
lies in a northwesterly direction from where 
the mine is entered, and is said to be about 
900 feet under the surface of the hill in 
which it is situated. It is probably noth- 
ing more than a great bubble in the lime- 
stone formation. So far as can be judged 
by observation, it is probably 250x300 
feet in extent and 65 feet deep in the cen- 
ter, although much of the depth has evi- 
dently been lost by the fall of stalactites, 
some of them weighing tons, and which, 
because of their great weight, had broken 
from the root, others looked as though 
they needed but little encouragement to 
do the same thing. The west end had 
been partially filled and a platform cap- 
able of seating about three hundred people 
erected thereon, and the whole brilliantly 
illuminated by scores of incandescent 
lights. In the letter “G,” which being 
suspended in the east, no fewer than 
thirty-two electric bulbs had been placed. 
On the platform and extending into the 
cave the electric wires had been shaped 
into a square and compass. The extend- 
ed points of the compass were ioo - feet 
apart and the shaft of the square 120 feet 
to the angle. In the formation of this 
mammoth emblem of Masonry fifty- six 
electric lights were used, and numerous 
other lamps were placed elsewhere about 
the cave. An idea of the magnitude of 
this work may be gathered in the fact that 
three and a half miles of wire were used 
in it. Before calling the Lodge to order 
an opportunity was given those present to 
view the enchanted spot, where, far be- 
yond the approach of cowans and eve-' 
droppers, and amidst the magnificent 
splendors of nature’s handiwork, Masons 
met on the level and parted on the square. 

Stalactites from the size of a drop of 
water to that of the giant tusks of some 
antediluvian monster, hang suspended 
from the roof, and beneath the white glare 
of the electric light they danced and shim- 
mered like icicles in the sun. The growth 
of these stataclites are known to be almost 
incomprehensibly slow, and the increase in 
a thousand years may be lost to the sight, 
but they take no heed to the weight of 
time; for, perhaps, thousands of ages the 
cave was but a black and tenantless hole 
wrapped within the mighty ribs of a great 
mountain which was, centuries agone, 
thrice or even ten times its present size 
And all this time the slow oozing of its 
vaporous breath, like frost on glass, had 


transfigured the black unsightly walls. 
Singly and in clusters, some in blue and 
some in white, of all lengths and shapes, 
these stalactites cover the roof, while 
among them, in labyrinthine irregularity, 
glitters the crystal ooze. 

On the north side, almost opposite to 
where the cave was first broken into, the 
lime god has created the fairest creatures 
of his handiwork, and what King Solomon 
wrought in years was here fashioned in a 
single night, but a night that knew no day 
nor the sound of ax, hammer or tool of 
iron till the operative workman, agreeably 
to the designs drawn upon the trestle 
board, revealed its hidden treasures. Here 
are the steps, the pot of incense, the bee- 
hive, the hour-glass and waterfall. The 
steps, whiter than Parian marble, lead up- 
ward and into an inexplored beyond; the 
bee-hives, apparently made from great 
coils of alabaster rope, are from two to 
ten feet in diameter and six feet high. 
East of these is the waterfall stayed mid- 
way in its descent by some hypnotic hand, 
white and awe inspiring in its silent 
grandeur in this seemingly stilled torrent 
of foaming waters that, ere it slept, had 
dashed its spray on hummocks of ice, and 
in a thousand fantastic shapes, sparkled in 
the light. There are curtains and vails 
behind which no man may enter, woven 
white and transparent in the Cimmerian 
darkness. The whole aspect of the cave 
is one of entrancing and bewildering love- 
liness, and he who can gaze without awe 
upon the grand scene has no beauty in 
his soul. 

The Grand Lodge was tyled by a broth- 
er Mason without the door. The neces- 
sary business being transacted, an adjourn- 
ment was had till 2 P. M. 

The following Grand Lodge officers 
were elected: 

Joseph B. Creamer, Phoenix, Grand Master; Anthony A. 
Johns, Prescott, D. G. M.; Charles C. Warner, Bisbee, 
G. S. W.; George Montague, Nogales, G. J. W.; Martin 
W. Kales, Phoenix, G. Treasurer; George J. Roskruge, 
Tucson, G. Secretary; Lowell L. Rogers, Globe, G. Chap- 
lain; Charles D. Belden, Phoenix, G. Orator; Morris Gold- 
water, Prescott. G. Lecturer; James D. Monihon, Phoenix, 
G Marshal; William H. Burbage, G. St. B.; William C. 
Trueman, Florence, G. Sw. B.; James S. Cromb, Clifton, 
G. B. B.; Edgar A. Nichols, Willcox, G. S. D.; James H. 
Pascoe, Globe, G. J. ■>.; James G. Savage, Flagstaff, G. S. 
S ; Walter C. Miller, Jerome, G. J - S.; Benjamin Cook, 
Tombstone, G. Pursuivant; Charles A. Fisk, Globe, G. Or- 
ganist; Frank N. Howell, Globe, G. Tyler. 

The Grand Chapter then convened in 
its 8th annual convocation, received the 
reports of committees and elected officers 
for the ensuing year; Comp. Morris Gold- 
water, G. H. P., presiding. 

The following officers were installed : 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


569 


J. M. Ormsby, Tucson, G. H. P., J. D. Monihon. Phoenix, 
D. G. H. P.; George Shaw, Tucson. G. K.; F. G. Brecht, 
Prescott, G. S., Geo. J. Roskruge, G. Sec’y; M. W. Kales, 
Phoenix, G. Treasurer. 

The Grand Commandery of Knights 
Templar met in its 4th annual conclave 
on the adjournment of the Grand Lodge 
Wednesday afternoon, Sir John M. Orms- 
by, Grand Commander, presiding; but 
immediately after convening adjourned to 
the cave where they elected officers for 
the ensuing year and transacted other 
business. They were in full regalia. 

The following officers were elected: 

Rickmer N. Fredericks, Prescott, Grand Commander; 
Prosper P. Parker, Phoenix. D. G. C.; Henry D. Under- 
wood, Tucson, G. Geno.; Frederick G. Brecht, Prescott, 
G. C. G ; Charles D. Belden, Phoenix, G. Prelate; Thomas 
Armstroug, Jr., Phoenix, G. S. W.; Kirk L. Hart, Tucson, 
G. J. W.; George H. N. Luhrs, Phoenix, G. Treasurer; 
George J. Roskruge. Tucson, G. Recorder; Anthony A. 
Johns, Prescott, G. Sw. B.; Charles H. Knapp, Phoenix, G. 
St. B.; George M. Williams, Tucson, G. Warder; George 
W. Vickers. Prescott, G. C. of G. 

On Thursday evening, all business hav- 
ing been transacted, a public reception 
was held in the lodge room, after which 
an adjournment was had in the Opera 
House, where a grand banquet was served. 

An individual known as “ Professor 
Treadwell” tied a white handkerchief on 
for an apron, and entered the cave with 
the Masons, but was detected and ejected 
before that body was called to order. 


The following amendments to the By- 
Laws of the Grand Lodge of Missouri 
was proposed at the last annual meeting, 
and was laid over until the next meeting 
in October, 1898, for action thereon: 

“The P. G. Masters, Grand Officers, D. 
D. G. Masters, District Lecturers and one 
representative from each Subordinate Lodge 
shall be paid the sum of two dollars for 
each day they may be in actual attendance 
upon the annual communications of this 
Grand Lodge, and two cents per mile for 
each mile necessarily traveled in going to 
and returning therefrom, provided that no 
representative shall receive either mileage 
or per diem, unless all dues from his 
Lodge to the Grand Lodge have been 
paid, and that no representative shall re- 
ceive more than one-fourth of the sum 
paid as dues by his Lodge for such year, 
and no one shall receive mileage or per 
diem in a double capacity; and provided , 
further, that the dues of fifty cents per 
member, now provided by law for the Ma- 
sonic Home, shall be collected and paid 
over for that purpose, and no part of the 
same shall ever be used for the payment 
of such mileage or per diem, or any ex- 
pense of the Grand Lodge.” 


On the exclusive burial services it is 
proposed to amend the regulations with 
the following addition to the section: 

“A Lodge as such may attend the funer- 
al of a deceased brother and accompany 
the remains being conveyed to the place 
of interment, whether the Lodge or any 
other Masonic body perform the Masonic 
funeral rites at the grave.” 

On physical disqualifications, the fol- 
lowing addition is proposed: 

“Provided that nothing herein contained 
shall be so construed as to render any one 
ineligible to the privileges of Masonry 
who can, by the aid of artificial appli- 
ances, conform to the necessary cere- 
monies.” 

The annual dues to the Grand Lodge in 
Illinois is seventy-five cents, which it is 
proposed to reduce to sixty cents. 

It voted that it (is unwise to adopt any 
form or system of life membership. 

It proposes to reduce mileage to four 
cents a mile. 

There cannot be any discrimination be- 
tween members on account of age. Pov- 
erty is the only ground on which a mem- 
ber may be exempted from dues. 


* The proposition of the Grand Lodge of 
Maine to the several Amerian Grand 
Lodges to uniformly limit the Jurisdiction 
over rejected material to five years, is 
meeting with favor in many of the Grand 
Lodges, and undoubtedly will soon be the 
general law on the question in the United 
States. — Texas Freemason . 


Idaho has adopted, as we think, the 
best plan of obtaining good work in 
Lodges, and the least expensive. The 
Masters of Lodges are congregated in a 
three days school prior to the annual com- 
munication of Grand Lodge under the in- 
struction of the Grand Lecturer. Some- 
thing like this in every Jurisdiction is bet- 
ter than obliging the Grand Lecturer to 
travel around through the Jurisdiction at 
the expense of time and traveling charges. 

There should be a law passed by the 
Grand Lodge of Indian Territory that 
wh^re a non-affiliate has petitioned for 
affiliation and been rejected, to force the 
Lodge to prefer charges against the broth- 
er, and show cause for rejection. Should 
the charges be sustained, expel him from 
the Fraternity, or deal with him just as 


570 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


you would a member of the Lodge, but 
never let him have that demit again. A 
man worthy of a demit is worthy to be a 
member of the Lodge. If he is not worthy 
to be a member of the Lodge he is not 
worthy of the demit, and should be pro- 
hibited from carrying it. — Indian Mason . 


According to the fflinois Freemason's 
report of the proceedings of the Grand 
Chapter, O. E. S., of Illinois, held at Chi- 
cago, were little better than the one of the 
low-down political conventions of the day. 
We refrain from printing details, and only 
caution the ladies not to forget that ladies 
should not forget that they should act as 
ladies, the same as gentlemen should act 
as gentlemen. The cause was too much 
“rings” striving for the “boodle.” 


The Grand Lodge of Georgia is one of 
the most heavily ridden Jurisdictions in 
this country by reason of its pay-roll. 
They pay ten cents per mile, each way, 
besides per diem. On the pay-roll the ac- 
count of the last session was within a fra- 
tion of $14,000. This includes for mile- 
age over $10,000 and per diem largely 
over $3,000. The Grand Lodge increased 
its indebtedness over $2,000 thereby. Mis- 
souri proposes to pay only two cents per 
mile and the per diem and mileage not to 
exceed twenty- five per cent of the dues. 


The Grand Lodge of Arkansas refused 
to amend a by-law, whereby dues are 
charged members suspended for non-pay- 
ment of dues during time of suspension. 
This question was settled in California, 
years ago, that a brother suspended had 
no rights, privileges or benefits from the 
Lodge during such suspension, and, in 
justice, ought not to be required to pay 
something for nothing. 


A Lodge of 80 members in Missouri 
suspended 37 members and remitted the 
dues of 12 more, previous to the last an- 
nual meeting of Grand Lodge. Grand 
Lodge adopted the following amendment: 
“If any Lodge shall collect from a sus- 
pended member the dues, for non pay- 
ment of which he has been suspended, 
such Lodge shall pay to the Grand Lodge 
one dollar for each year’s dues so collect- 
ed, if not previously accounted for to the 
Grand Lodge.” This clause would give 
many other Grand Lodges their honest 
dues, and spoil the tricks of some Lodges. 


That Lodge paid dues on only thirty-one 
members. 


The Grand Lodge of Colorado refused 
to endorse the Wisconsin proposition for 
relief, because it was opposed to the intro- 
duction into the system of Freemasonry of 
any feature that tends in the direction of 
compulsory relief. We would ask whether 
the paying of uniform dues by members of 
Lodges is not the introduction into the 
system of Freemasonry of a feature of 
compulsory relief? We think it is. 

The Grand Master of Kentucky held to 
the view that when a Mason has been 
dimitted for a year, or, at most, two years, 
Lodges should not be allowed to bury him 
Masonically. He would make the Ma- 
sonic Institution a benefit society if he 
could. We are glad to know that his 
ideas do not govern the Instituion whose 
charities know no bounds, and whose re- 
lief extends to the widow and orphan as 
long as it is needed. 

Bro. Eugene B. Dyke, Grand Patron 
O. E. S., of Iowa, died at Charles City 
October 29th, aged 57 years. He was 
Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter, O. 
E. S. from 1882 to 189 V and was a na- 
tive of Oswego county, N. Y. 

The Grand Lodge of Missouri holds that 
the daughter of a Master Mason who, at 
the age of about twenty- one years, marries 
a profane, is entitled to recognition as- 
such as she was before marriage. 

Bro. Gen. John C. Smith, of Chicago, 
has been elected Grand Orator of the 
Grand Lodge of Illinois. 

The Grand Lodge of Georgia has passed 
a resolution that no man who deals in in- 
toxicating liquors shall be eligible to mem- 
bership in any Lodge in that Jurisdiction. 

At the first reunion of the Scottish Rite 
at Butte, Mont., October 28th, twelve pos- 
tulants received the 4th to the 3 2d degrees. 


The Grand Lodge of Minnesota has de- 
clared saloon-keepers and bar-tenders in* 
eligible for the degrees of Masonry. 

The vote to suspend for non-payment of 
dues or other cause, must be by ballot. 

— G. L. of III 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


57i 


At the 36th annual convocation of the Grand 
Chapter R. A. M. of Minnesota, held in St. Paul, 
November 9th, the following officers were in- 
stalled : 

Oscar L. Cutter, Anoka, G. H. P.; Isaac L. Hart, Pipe- 
stone, D. G. H. P.; Josiah A. Peck, Wabasha, G. K.; An- 
drew P. Swanstrom, St. Paul, G. S ; Solon Armstrong, 
Minneapolis, G. Treasurer; Thomas Montgomery, St. Paul, 
G, Secretary; William Lee, Hastings. G. Chaplain; C. H. 
Brinsmaid, Minneapolis, G. C. of H.; E. E. Corliss, Fergus 
Falls G. P. S.; H. E. Blair, Waterville, G. R. A. C.; John 
Fishel, St. Paul, G. M. 3d V.; George Forsyth, Brainerd, 
G. M. 2d V.; C. E. Van Cleve, Minneapolis, G. M. ist V.; 
Jean C. Fischer, St. Paul G. Sentinel; I homas Mont- 
gomery, St. Paul, Chairman of Committee on Correspond- 
ence. 

There are 58 active Chapters, with 4,776 mem- 
bers. The gains and losses for year were as 
follows: Exalted, 275; joined, 41; restored, 17; 
withdrawn, 123; stricken from roll, 121; sus- 
pended, 1; expelled, 3; died, 66. A class of 16 
were consecrated to the Order of Anointed High 
Priests. The dispensation of the new Chapter 
at Ortonville was renewed. Receipts, $3,150.50; 
expended, $3,534.79; in treasury, $7,547-47- . Fif- 
teen districts were created for purpose of visita- 
tion. 


At the 28th annual assembly of the Grand 
Council R. & S. M. of Minnesota, held in St. 
Paul, November 8th, the following officers were 
installed: 

O. J. H. Martin, Minneapolis, Grand Master; John Fishel, 
St. Paul, D. G. M.; George Forsyth, Brainerd, G. P. C. of 
W.; Giles W. Merrill, St. Paul, G. Treasurer; Thomas 
Montgome y. St. Paul, G. Recorder; Lester A. Boyce, Min- 
neapol s, G. C. of G.; Robert T. McAdam, Minneapolis, G. 
C. of Council; John R. Carey, Duluth, G. Chaplain; Jerome 
E. Cooley, Duluth, G. Marshal; E. E. Corliss, Fergus Falls, 
G. Steward: Jean C. Fischer. St. Paul, G. Sentinel; Thomas 
Montgomery, St. Paul, Chairman of the Committee on 
Correspondence. 

There are nine Councils with 737 members. 
Gains, 33; losses, 30. Receipts, $292.40; ex- 
penses, $395.94; in treasury, $1,042.24. Only 
routine business transacted. 


At the 41st annual conclave of the Grand 
Commandery, K. T., held in Chicago, October 
26th and 27th, the following officers were in- 
stalled: 

James P. Sherwin. Chicago, Grand Commander; William 
Jenkins, Chicago. D. G. C.; George W. Curtiss, Peoria, 
G. Geno.; James B. McFatrich. Chicago, G. C. G.; Charles 
P. Kane, Springfield. G. S. W.; Frederic C Winslow, 
Jacksonville, G. J. W.; John H. Witbeck, Chicago, G. 
Treasurer; Gilbert W. Barnard, Chicago, G. Recorder; 
Rev. Thomas A. Parker, Delavan, G. Prelate; Hamer H. 
Green, Bloomington, G. St. B.; Henry C. Cleaveland, Rock 
Island, G. Sw. B.; Holman <t. Purington. Chicago, G. 
Warder; William L. Orr, Chicago, G. C. of G. 

O 

Editorial Chips. 


We have known the time when the 
proper use of an intoxicating beverage 
saved our life, so it is not altogether bad. 
Subscribers should not lead themselves to 
believe that they support a publication, 
for we are ready to enter into a contract to 
publish and circulate from one to an un- 
limited number of copies of an absolutely 
free daily, or any other periodical with 
any responsible person who will guarantee 
sufficient advertising. On the other hand, 
we would not for a moment undertake the 


publication of any kind of a periodical 
with either a limited or an unlimited paid- 
up circulation without advertising patron- 
age. Brother, don t kick, but go to work 
and secure sufficient advertising patronage 
to occupy the space now filled with ob- 
jectionable advertising matter, or put your 
hand down into your pocket, and pay for 
it yourself. You would not decline to- 
give your services to a rum seller for re- 
muneration simply because your pay came 
over the bar for drinks, and you rarely 
vdsit your Lodge that you don’t act friendly 
toward some rum-selling brother, although 
he may be only a druggist. One of the 
largest commercial interests of California 
is based on its wine products. 


The paper on page 533 was read by 
Bro. John Martin, Master of Durant Lodge, 
No. 268, of Berkeley, Cal., before his 
Lodge, on Friday evening, November 5th. 
We commend it to the thoughtful con- 
sideration of the Craft everywhere, for the 
sound Masonic common-sense advice with 
which it teems. It is the uttterance of a 
man in harness, who knows whereof he 
speaks. It concludes the series of papers 
on Masonic subjects that was inaugurated 
in Durant Lodge when Bro. Martin be- 
came its Master. These papers were pre- 
sented by eminent brethren hailing from 
various Lodges around the bay, as well as 
from Durant. Some of them have been 
reproduced in The Trestle Board, and 
have left their influence on the recent Ma- 
sonic legislation in California. Some of 
the changes in the law, made by the Grand 
Lodge, at its last session, can be directly 
traced to them. We commend the prac- 
tice to all Lodges everywhere. It is an 
effective and proper way to educate the 
brethren, by making the Lodge what it 
should be — a school of instruction. 


It is time that Christian civilization and 
enlightenment should recognize the law of 
their Great Light — the Holy Bible— and 
obey one of the Ten Commandments, 
“Thou shalt not kill/’ For it is equally 
a violation of the decalogue for the people 
to authorize the taking of life under the 
guise of law as it is for individuals to do 
so. The whole people are morally violat- 
ors of the sacred command. Human judg- 
ment is liable to err; the Divine, never. 
Man should not take what God has given, 
and He only can restore. Man can de- 
prive of liberty, and can restore it if he 


572 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


has erred in judgment, but he cannot bring 
the dead to life. 


We notice many of the Grand Bodies 
are making use of the printed transactions 
to preserve a remembrance of the features 
of the presiding and prominent members 
of the Craft in their several Jurisdictions. 
This is a much better way than the painted 
daubs we can see in some Jurisdictions 
costing thousands of dollars, which are 
poor representations and are liable to be 
destroyed at one fell swoop of the fire 
fiend. The printed proceedings of the 
Grand Council of Indiana for 1897 contain 
thirty* five one-page portraits of their Grand 
Masters. 


We notice our Masonic contemporaries 
speak very approvingly of the Tactics and 
Monitor for Knights Templar, recently 
published by authority of the Grand Com- 
mandery of California under the super- 
vision of E. Sir Frank Wm. Sumner, P. 
G. C. of California. The price is only 
two dollars, and every Sir Knight should 
have it. Orders sent to our care will be 
promptly filled. 


The printed proceedings of Missouri 
and Illinois never fail to reach us within 
ten days after the close of the annual com- 
munication. They make a volume about 
the same size of that of California. Why 
does not the California printer perform his 
work as quickly. 


Our rule is to accept no advertisement 
not backed by a reputable concern, and 10 
avoid all frauds and objectionable goods 
which tend to lead one into disreputable 
association or bad habits. Consistency is 
a jewel, and we try to be consistent in ad- 
vertising. 

The Trestle Board has now a circu- 
lation worthy the attention of advertisers, 
and from the well know character of the 
Fraternity, it cannot fail to bring good re- 
sults from advertising on its pages. There 
are thousands that read it besides its sub- 
scribers. Try it. 


Do you wish to make a Christmas pres • 
ent to one of your friends who is a Ma- 
son ? If you do, you can find one which 
will remind him of your friendship every 
Monday in the year by sending him The 
Trestle Board, which costs only one 
dollar a year. Try it. 


One of the greatest evils which afflict 
the world, Masonry not excluded, is the 
greed for office. In Masonry it should be 
forbidden by legislation. Nominations 
should be forbidden as well as solicitation. 
Let each brother vote for whom he pleases. 


California and Golden Gate Command- 
eries will have to look after their laurels. 
St. Bernard, at San Diego, are preparing 
to contest for the Grand Trophy at the 
Triennial Conclave at Pittsburg. 

From printed reports we believe that the 
display of the American flag in other Juris- 
dictions is becoming very general. 


Mecca Temple, Mystic Shrine, of New 
York was founded September 26, 1872, 
and has created 3,726 Nobles, and has 
now 2,749 Nobles in good standing. 


The Grand Lodge of California, at its last an- 
nual communication, by its action disapproved 
the draping of the altar with the American flag. 
We do not understand that this will interfere 
with the presence of the American flag in some 
other position in the Lodge, but only in using 
the flag for a covering to the altar. The position 
of Grand Lodge is correct. Personally we gave 
the opinion, when the flag was first so displayed, 
that it did not seem to be an appropriate place 
for it. It should be in the place where it is ac- 
customed to be seen, and in these days when 
patriotism is seemingly at a discount by so large 
a class of our population and fealty to a foreign 
potentate is boldly acknowledged it is eminently 
appropriate that the peculiar emblem of loyalty 
to the country in which we live should be dis- 
played at every public and private gathering of 
people and of Freemasons especially. 


On Tuesday evening, November 23d, Oakland 
Commandery, No. 11, K. T., conferred the Or- 
der of the Red Cross on two candidates. The 
officers of California Commandery, No. 1, were 
present by invitation and officiated in conferring 
the Order, as follows: E. Sir John P. Fraser, Sir 
Frank W. Titus Captain-General, Rev. Dr. Wm. 
E. Smith Prelate, and Sir John Tonningsen Jun- 
ior Warden. The work was most creditably per- 
formed. The attendance was large and the occa- 
sion exceedingly enjoyable. A sumptuous ban- 
quet was spread at which R. E. Grand Com- 
mander Metcalf, Sir E. C. Fraser, Sir Dr. Smith 
and Sir P. E. C. Graves, and others delivered 
addresses. 


Where non-affiliation is compelled by rejec- 
tion the brother should have rights accorded 
him by some well-defined means. The example 
of younger Fraternities may well attract Ma- 
sonic attention. The ancient and honorable In- 
stitution has some landmarks that are liable to 
destroy the much-boasted “progessive science” 
theory. Why not have the “universality” made 
a fact in practice as well as name ? 

Freemason and Fez . 


THE TRESTLE BOARD . 


573 


So, also, says The Trestle Board. Why 
not have universality made a fact ? Why should 
not all good men and true, coming under the 
tongue of good report and well recommended, 
be received and retained , and allowed to prac- 
tice the duties of brotherly love, relief and truth 
through the instrumentality of the Masonic or- 
ganization ? We answer that it cannot be so as 
long as human nature is imperfect and the odious 
secret ballot is retained. We are willing to vote 
viva voce on every application, and stand by our 
vote with reasons therefor. 

Bro. Bun F. Price, P. G. M., of Tennessee 
and editor of the Memphis Appeal, copying the 
decision of the Grand Master of Minnesota, that 
a Mason made in a colored Lodge cannot be 
healed, but must be proposed, pay full fees in 
the regular way in the white body to become 
one among us, says: 

“Good for you, M. W . brother. That is the 
way to talk it. Let us make our Masons regu- 
larly or not at all. But hold, what will The 
Trestle Board say about this ?” etc. 

We have to say about this case that if he had 
been made in a clandestine white Lodge he 
could be healed. But the color of the Lodge 
makes a difference. Vide a Lodge in Los An- 
geles which was healed bodily. There is a dif- 
ference ’twixt tweedledum and tweedledee, Bro. 
Price. 


The Masonic Fraternity and Order of the 
Eastern Star, of this city, wall suffer a severe loss 
this coming week in the departure of Bro. John 
H. Ponder and Sister Louise Ponder, who re- 
turn to San Diego to reside permanently. Mis- 
sion Lodge and Mission Chapter assembled at 
their hall last Thursday evening to bid the 
brother and sister a heart}' God-speed. Bro. 
Ponder w’as w'ell know*n as one of the Mission 
Masonic Quartette, w'hile Sister Ponder w as the 
efficient Conductress of the new Chapter, and 
heartily beloved by even* one of its members. 
Appropriate resolutions were engrossed and 
presented, and while much sorrow was ex- 
pressed at the severing of valued ties, the even- 
ing will be long and pleasantly remembered by 
ail w'ho participated. Bro. and Sister Ponder 
have always evinced a most hearty zeal in the 
two Bodies in w’hich they hold membership, and 
The Trestle Board mingles its sorrow' with 
their other friends, and says: Wher’er they go 
and w'hat’er they do, God bless them. 

The easiest way out of a difficulty is always 
the best. That is the reason why some people 
pay their debts. 

o 

Chips from Other Quarries. 


It has been said that the decrees of 
Masonry are twice-told tales, which be- 
come tiresome and uninteresting; that the 
lessons of the Lodge room are, like the 
alphabet, so well known that we care not 
to hear them repeated. That depends. It 
depends upon how we regard the lessons, 
how we see the signs, and how r we appre- 


ciate the symbols. The ceremonies of the 
degrees are the alphabet of Masonry, and 
that man who can see nothing to interest 
him in the alphabet of language, nothing 
to entrance him in its unlimited scope for 
good and for enjoyment, has not learned 
his letters well, and will tire of the twice- 
told tale of Masonry. 

The alphabet is the foundation of every 
book that was ever written, the index to 
every thought that was ever uttered, the 
avenue for the dissemination of all good 
words. With letters words are formed; 
with words sentences are framed; with sen- 
tences books are made; with books knowl- 
edge is extended; with knowledge power 
is acquired and good is accomplished. 
The alphabet is subject to infinite forma- 
tions into words, ,and thus, though a twice- 
told tale many times over, is nevertheless 
always new. The ceremonies of the Lodge, 
the alphabet of Masonry, is to us precise- 
ly the same. They are the letters that 
form the words that portray the lessons, 
convey the truth and enlighten the mind. 
Every time these ceremonies are beheld, 
every time these lessons are heard, we can 
behold some new beauty. Like the Great 
Light of Masonry, there is a beauty un- 
derlying every word of truth that shines 
brighter and brighter by its often burnish- 
ing. The degrees are wearisome, twice- 
told tales to those only who do not look 
for more in the alphabet than the a b. 
The A B C of education is absolutely 
necessary, but there is the great ocean of 
knowledge and beauty beyond the ABC, 
and we are culpably negligent if we do 
not explore it. — IV. J. Duncan. 

It is humiliating to a Mason who has 
the reputation of his Order at heart, to 
see a brother under the influence of in- 
toxicants. Masons should remember that 
they are violating the laws of their Order 
when they indulge intemperately. It is 
true that Masonry is not a total abstinence 
society. It does not enforce total absti- 
nence, because when a man has undergone 
the scrutiny of the investigating commit- 
tee and passed the unanimous ballot it is 
presumed that he has the manhood to learn 
the first lesson, and will “subdue his pas- 
sions.” Every time a Mason is intoxi- 
cated he has violated the Masonic law, 
and it is the duty of Lodges to enforce 
this law. A man that cannot partake 
moderately should not indulge at all; he 
should abstain altogether, or if he be so 


574 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


weak that he can not do that, after proper 
admonition, the Lodge should deal with 
him. — Tidings from the Craft. 


A few days ago, a Master Mason found, 
in a second-hand store, in one of our Texas 
cities, a ritual of the Mediterranean Pass 
and Knights of Malta. He purchased it 
for ten cents, and turned it over to a 
Knight Templar. To make the matter 
worse, the blanks had been carefully filled 
in, with the explanations of the signs, pass- 
words, etc., making the whole thing in- 
telligible to any reader. 

The Sir Knight who had this book, and 
signed his name pledging his honor to 
turn it over to his successor in office, had 
failed to do so, and it became public 
property. 

At the last session of the Blue Lodge 
Committee on Work, a brother was found 
to have in his possession a monitor in 
which some pencil notations had been 
made. The brother was publicly repri- 
manded by the Committee, and charges 
preferred against him, which resulted in 
his acquittal, as it was shown that the 
notes could not be read so as to be intel- 
ligible to any one. 

Here is food for earnest thought by 
those who favor the printing of rituals. 
In Canada there is a private cipher ritual 
to be possessed only by actual Masters of 
Lodges, yet the writer saw one in Texas, 
and it was so plain that any one with a 
little ritualistic experience in any of the 
modern orders could easily have deciphered 
it. There is but one way to conscientious- 
ly keep the O. B., and properly guard the 
work, and that is to only receive and im- 
part it orally, as our forefathers did be- 
fore us from time immemorial. 

— Masonic fonrnal. 


It is exceedingly pleasant to visit a 
Lodge at a considerable distance from 
one’s home and to receive a cordial wel- 
come from brethren who are strangers. 
Never, perhaps, does the blessed character 
and true power of Freemasonry become 
more evident to a thoughtful brother than 
when he is thus received into a Masonic 
Lodge in some locality remote from his 
residence. He has presented the proper 
credentials that he is a worthy member of 
the Craft, he has given the required evi- 
dence of his Masonic identification, and 
thenceforth he is greeted as a brother, and 
is made to feel that he is among friends. 


This is the expression of genuine Free- 
masonry — the manifestation of that fra- 
ternal spirit without which our Institution 
would be shorn of one of its most dis- 
tinguishing qualities. — N. Y Dispatch . 


Selling intoxicating liquors without li- 
cense is a violation of the law of the land; 
such violation involves moral turpitude. 
What is the difference between selling 
liquor without license or with license ? If 
selling without license involves 4 ‘moral 
turpitude,” does not selling for intoxicat- 
ing purposes likewise involve “ moral tur- 
pitude” ? Therefore, a man who sells 
liquor with or without license is guilty of 
an act of turpitude that should condemn 
him in the eyes of an institution whose 
first cardinal virtue is temperance; the in- 
stitution being one that we style a beautiful 
system of morals. — fohn D. Vincil, of Mo. 

If you wish to appear agreeable in so- 
ciety you must consent to be taught many 
things which you know already. 

It is not always wise to boast too much 
of ancestry; even a frog forgets that he 
was a jpollywog. 


The man who never gives away any- 
thing cheats himself. 


We best serve ourselves when we best 
serve others. 


The real coward is the one who is afraid 
to do right. 

o 

Literary Notes. 


We have received printed copies of the 

proceedings of the following Grand Bodies for which the 
Secretaries have our thanks: Grand Lodges of Colorado,. 
Idaho, Delaware; Grand Chapters, R A. M., of Montana, 
Indiana, Ohio; Grand Councils, R. & S. M., of Indiana and 
Maine; Grand Commanderv, K. T., of New York; Grand 
Priory, K. T., of Canada; Report on Correspondence of 
the Grand Commandery of Illllnois; Grand Cbnpter, O. E„ 
S. of Missouri. 

O 

Deaths. 

In San Frar.cisco, November 3d, Charles G. Athearn, a: 
native of West Tisbury Mass., a member of California 
Lodge, No. t, aged 71 years, S months. 

At Butte. Montana, September 25th, James Monteath, a 
native of Dundee, Scotland, a member of Butte Lodge, F. 
& A. M., aged 67 years. 

In San Francisco, November 15th, John Scott, a native 
of Ohio, a member of Mountain Shade Lodge, No. 18, at 
Downieville, Cal., aged 67 years. 8 months, 14 days. His 
funeral was attended by Go'den Gate Lodge, No. 30. 

In San Francisco, November »8th, William A. McAfee, a 
member of Oriental Lodge, No. 144, aged 40 years, 7 
months. 

In San Francisco, November 20th, John McCord, a na- 
tive of Canada, a member of King Solomon’s Lodge, No-. 
260, aged 50 years. 


A MONTHLY MASONIC AND FAMILY MAGAZINE. 


VOLUME XI. 


SAN FRANCISCO & 


BOSTON. 


Published by The Trestle Board Association. 
C. Moody Plummer, Manager. 


CONTENTS: 


JANUARY. 

The International Anti* Masonic Congress at 
Trent, Sept. 26-30, 1896 — Dr. E. Ringer . . . * . 
Around Cape Horn— 1849-50— Edw. M. Brown . 
The Influence of Animals on Civilization .... 

“ Look Well to Your Ballot.” 

Bible Treasures Traced 

An Embarrassing Incident 

The Editor’s House 

The Big Man and His Mother 

The Boy Who Wouldn’t 

The Little Listening Ears 

Declining a Treat 

King Solomon and the Blacksmith 

A Practical Judge 

What We Are Coming To 

“ A Man is a Man Whether Naked or Clad.” . . 

The Under Dog in the Fight 

Homely Advice 

What is It? 

A Creed and Not a Creed 

“My First Impressions of Masonry.” 

Why the Eastern Star is Beneficial to Women . . 

The Eastern Star 

The Super-Excellent Degree 

Young Blood 

Religion in Rome 

Non-Sectarianism 

Shall Masonry Honor Liquor Dealers? 

But One Eye 

Don’t Be a Snob 

When I’m Dead 

Editorials, Etc. 

Grand Consistory of California 

Lodge Debts 

Editorial Chips 

Elections in San Francisco 

Chips from Other Quarries 

Literary Notes 

Deaths 


7 

14 

19 

20 

21 

25 

28 

28 

30 

30 

30 

31 

31 

32 
32 
32 
32 

32 

33 

34 

34 

35 


36 

36 


37 

38 


39 

39 

39 


40 

40 

41 

45 

46 
48 
48 


FEBRUARY. 

Some Footprints of Masonry — C. L. Kimball . . . 
Jesus and the Apostles— Prof. Joseph R. Buchanan 

How Few May Open a Lodge? 

Ancient Chapter of New York 

Prehistoric Freemasonry 

An Ancient Manuscript 

Freemasonry and the State 

Life Membership 

Difficulties of Masonic Journalism 

Cheerfulness 

Capitular Masonry in Pennsylvania 

Will Masonry Continue Perpetual ? 

Women and Freemasonry 

The Plain Speaking Man 

The Admission of Visitors . . 

Gratitude and Ingratitude 

Arbitrary and Unjust . 

An Indian is Grand Master 

How to Prolong Life 

Masonry Conaones No Crime 

Where Lies the Blame ? 

Is it a Disgrace to Work ? 

Keeping a Wife Young 

Christian and Jew 


49 

52 

*8 

60 

61 

63 

63 

64 

65 


66 

67 

68 


69 

70 

71 

72 

73 

73 

74 

75 


76 

76 

77 
77 


An Incident of the War 

Prerequisites for Templary . ’ * ’ 

Sub Rosa 

By-Laws of Masonry of the Last Century * .* . 1 

He Was Willing to Pay 

Rev. Sam Jones Becomes a Templar 

Uncle Phil’s Story * 

Mud Hole Debate * *..*!.* 

Compulsory Membership ! ! ! ! 

The Masons Produced His Will 

Charity Misplaced " 

Origin of Masonry Among Colored Masons in the 

United States 

Bearing the Sheaves \ ’ * 

There’s More of Good than 111 

Trust One Another ’ 

Now! ; ; ; 

Oh, Masonry! *..*..".!!!!! 

A Veteran’s Visit to California Lodge, No. 1 ! . 
Editorials, Etc. 

Iowa Lodges and San Francisco Board of Relief. 

Exclusion of Unaffiliates 

Postal Mismanagement 

Editorial Chips ’ 

Election of Officers . . . j 

Chips from Other Quarries * 

Literary Notes ] 

Deaths 


78 

78* 


79 

79 

79 

80 

81 

82 

84 
85- 

85 


86 


87 

87 


8S 

88 

88 

88 


90 

91 

91 

92 
94 
94 


96 

96. 


MARCH. 

The Druses of Syria and Their Relation to Free- 
masonry — Rev. Haskett Smith 97 

Marquis Du Savignac 106- 

The Difference no 

A Gold Medal 112 

A Boy Wanted 113 

‘‘The True ‘Bill.’ ” 113 

Courtesy to Strangers 114 

Practical Harmony 115 

Get the Work Lawfully 116- 

A Romanist Who Tells the Truth 116 

Mason’s Wives vs. The Order . . . . 117 

Purgatory in a Convent 117 

Bigotry and Intolerance in Templary 118 

The Cohesiveness of Freemasonry 119 

A Need for Masonic Discipline . 119 

A Mason Swindler Comes to Grief 120 

Echoes of The War 120 

Polly and The Tramp 121 

Expulsion for Non-Pa\ment of Dues . 122 

Cremation and Freemasonry — F. H. E. O’Donnell, 123. 

The Ritual in California 125 

Masonic Clubs and Libraries 127 

Editorials, Etc. 

Non-Affiliated ‘‘Bums” 130 

Physical Qualifications 131 

Masonic Clubs 131 

‘‘To the Shame of Non-Affiliates.” 132 

Discussing the Ballot 133 

The Iowa Ox Was Gored 134 

Rejections for Membership 134 

Dm ant Lodge, No. 268 of Berkeley, Cal 135 

Editorial Chips 136 

Chips from Other Quarries 139 

Literary Notes 144 

Deaths 144 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


APRIL. 


The Use and Abuse of the Secret Ballot — James B. 

Merritt 

A Conception of Masonry — G. T. Richards .... 
Masonry and Religion — Richard Saxe Jones. . . 

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite 

Masonry’s Faith and leaching — W.O. Bennett . . 

A Fraternal Warning 

A Study in Faces 

An Unexpected Guest 

Gettin’ Shet of Mary* Mason 

The Word that Stings 

A Matter of Instinct 

Man’s Inhumanity to Man Makes Counties Millions 

Mourn 

The Experience of a Cuban Mason 

Punctum Saliens 

Ancient York Masons 

Life Membership 

Freemasons in Utter Darkness 

Number of the Prophets 

What Others Think of Us . . * * * 

Cannot Suspend for N. P. D 

ChuTch and the Lodge 

To all Freemasons of Both Hemispheres 

Editorials, Etc. 

Selection^of Material 

Lodge Relief 

Templar’s Creed 

Harmony Between Brethren 

Masonic Standing 

Editorial Chips 

Literary Notes 

Deaths 


145 

148 

152 

160 

163 
*5 
165 
167 
171 

174 

175 

178 

180 

181 

1S2 

J c 3 

I S3 

184 

1 6 4 

185 
185 
1S5 


156 

157 

158 
iSS 
189 
189 
m 
194 


MAY. 

Is Cremation Un-Masonic— John Williams 

Devil Worship in France . . 

Class Lodges 

The Dignity of Freemasonry 

Negro Masonry 

The Devil’s Half Acre 

Can You Prove Yourself? . . . 

Caricature in Church 

The Un-Masonic Tongue 

The Superannuated Brother 

The Mysterious Lodger 

The. Boy Was Better 

Defects of the Postal System 

Editorials, Etc 

The Fruits of Non- Affiliation 

Physical Qualifications 

Grand Chapter R. A. M. of California 

Grand Council R. & S. M. of California 

Grand Commandery K. T. of California 

Grand Bodies of Maine 

The Misuse of the White Ball 

Elections in Commanderies in California . . . . 

Editorial Crips 

Chips from Other Quarries 

Literary Notes 

Deaths 


195 

20S 

212 

213 

214 

21 5 

216 

217 

219 

220 

221 
225 
227 


230 

231 

2 a 

232 
232 
232 
232 

234 

235 

240 

242 

242 


JUZE. 

Memoriabilia of the Order of Knights of the Red 

Cross of Rome and Constantine 

In How Far are the Semites Semites? 

The Urgent Need of Our Pacific Coast States . , 

For the Good of Masonry 

Her Goodness 

An Unanswered Query 

Mrs. P/s Deed of Mercy 

Firefly 

Making Masons at Sight 

Masonry among Savage Tribes 

Masonic Story-Tellers 

Tendency of Masonic Relief 

The Early Rituals 

Affiliation 

Returning Reason 

Physical Perfection. . . . • 

Liberal Legislation in Washington 

Congress of Grand Lodges ........ . . 

The United States Flag 

Life Membership 

Masonry Among the Indians 

But One Eye. 

An Ancient Manuscript 

Make Lodge Meetings Inte:esting 

Testimony of Sir Wm. Follett 

It Is Not Right 

Attacking Freemasonry 


243 

247 

250 

252 

254 

256 

259 

262 

264 
26 s 

266 

267 

265 
26S 
269 

269 

270 

270 

271 

271 

272 

273 

273 

274 

275 
275 

2; 6 


Masonic (?) Justice. ...... 27 S 

Retrograding ... ...... 276 

Masonic Charity in England 276 

Cipher Rituals 277 

A Good Movement. But — . . .......... 277 

March up to the Line, and Give Your Answer . . 277 

Whose Fault Is It? . 27S 

Why Americans Die Young 279 

Why Albert Pike Left the Southern Cause .... 279 

Editorials, Etc. 

Sectarianizing Masonry 2S0 

Chinese and Negro Masoniy 2S0 

Expense an Obstacle to Growth . . 280 

Commandery’ Elections in California 281 

Church and State 281 

Editorial Chips 2S1 

Chips from Other Quarries 2S3. 

Literary Notes 290 

Deaths 290 


JULY. 

True Masonic r harity — Wm. H. Waste 291 

“Mystic Banquet” at Oakland, Cal., April 15, 1897 295 
Alleged Cannibals of the Gulf of California .... 298 

The Four Seasons 30 o 

Old Hawkins’ Conversion . 301 

A “Genius” Is He 305 

•‘Chestnuts’’ 307 

A Poetical Wife 308 

Dollytnore’s Aunt ^io 

No Honorable Discharge 312 

Masonic Incide >ts in Civil War X13 

Operative and Speculative Masonry 316 

Saved bv a Card 317 

The Ballot 318 

Was General Grant a Freemason ? 319 

What about the Social Problem? 321 

Burning the Candle 322 

L’Etoile Polaire, of New Orleans 323 

The Greatest Masonic Study 324 

An Incident of the Secret Ballot 325 

The Youngest Freemason 325 

Who Killed the Lodge 326 

“Our Father” . . 326 

A Few Years from Now 326 

Borriogoola Gba 326 

Editorials, Etc. 

‘Religious” Bigotry’ 327 

Renewing the Crusades 327 

Another View of Masonic Law 328 

Dealing with Non-Affiliates 328 

Editorial Chips 329 

Elections in California 336 

Chips from Other Quarries 33S 

Literary Notes 338 

Deaths 33S 


AUGUST. 

Knight Kadosh 

Knight Tempiarism 

Diana Vaughan is a Myth 

His Wife’s Chum 

Mrs. Maberly’s Neighbor 

Good Weight 

Murdering Wagner 

Masonry a la Lease 

Woman and Masonry ..***.. 
Making Too Much of Masonry . . . 

Making a Mason at Sight 

Taxation of Church Property. . . . 

They Are Not Masons 

What Masonry Once Was. . . . . . 
The Wisconsin Proposition in Iowa 

Masonic Insurance 

Tobacco and Tobacco Using 

“You Are Too Old” 

Worthy of All Imitation 

Nathaniel Greene Curtis 

Bro. Charles Fred. Crocker, 33 0 . . 
Do We Meet Him on the Level . . 

“So Mote It Be” 

March of the Masons . 

Rural Pleasures ........ 

Editorials, Etc. 

Right to Visit in Missouri 

Observance of St.John’s Day . . . 

Editorial Chips 

Elections in California 

Chips from Other Quarries. .... 

Literary Notes . . . 

Deaths 


339 

544 

545 
349 
351 

is* 

• 359 
362 

• 363 

364 
36 s 

• 3*6 

• 366 
367 

• 367 

• 369 

• 37° 

• 371 
373 
376- 
379 

• 379 
379 
379 

3S° 
3&> 
381 
. 382 

382* 

• 386 
3 S6 


IV. 


THE TRESTLE BOARD. 


SEPTEMBER. 

The Source of Masonic Symbolism . . 

Old Friends 

General Albert Pike 

The Hand of a Friend 

Washington’s Oath as a Freemason . . 

Now 

The Doctrine of Exclusive Jurisdiction 

Kiss Her and Tell Her So 

Triumphant Woman 

Speak Nae 111 

Fresh Air Mission 

What Mi>»ht be Done 

An Indian Legend 

A Mysterious Theft 

Contentment 

Look Out Father 

A Serpent Under the Bed 

Rev. W. E. Smith at Ferndale 

Widow of a Mason 

Freemasonry and Religion 

[Masonic Veterans 

Masonry Exemplified 

A Queer Little Hen 

Woman and Masonry 

Tears Were Forbidden 

His First Case 

Freemasonrv as a Secret Society . . . 
The Sign of Distress Recognized. . . 

A Chapter of Masonic History 

Editorials, Etc. 

Business in Masonrv 

Sectarianizing Masonry 

What is Religion 

Dangers of Masonic Railroading . . . 

Masonry and Masons 

No Fee or Ballot for Membership . . . 

Sectarianism is Not Religion 

Right of Masonic Intercourse 

Dues and Contributions 

Can Paya*'d Won’t Pay 

Scottish Rite in California 

Editorial Chips 

Local Cnips 

Chips From Other Quarries 

Literary Notes 

[Deaths 


387 

V90 

390 

393 

393 

395 

395 

397 

397 

399 

399 

401 

401 

402 


403 

403 

405 


406 


407 

407 

408 


409 


410 


410 


412 


413 

414 

414 

415 


416 

417 

418 

418 

419 

419 

420 

420 

421 

421 

422 
422 
425 
427 
434 
434 


OCTOBER. 


A Brotherly Hand 

Masonic and Other Oaths and Affirmations. 

So Little 

The Coming Revival 

Don’t Look for Flaws 

Masonic Charity in an Old-Time Way . . . 

My Experience 

Adoptive Masonry 

“As Ye Would” 

Trusting in Providence 

An Unwarranted Bargain 

To the Craftsmen of Mississippi 

For the Little Ones 

The Manufacture of Gold 

What Was His Creed? 

Whittaker’s Almanac 

An Alaska Masonic Funeral 

Remedy for Non-Affiliation 

What is Pyschometry ? 

Mercenary Masonry 

The Payment of Dues 

The Mason’s Church 

The Ante- Room 

The Old Indian’s Rebuke 

The Order of Knights of Pythias 

The Dog in the Chapter 

The Wrong Idea 

Liquor Drinking and the Bicycle 

Editorials, Etc. 

Our Duty to Visitors 

The Salvation Army 

Negro Masonry 

Editorial Chips 

Alaska Correspondence 

Minnesota Correspondence 

Chips from Other Quarries 

Premiums for 1898 **.... 

[Literary Notes 

Deaths 


435 

436 
438 
438 
442 
442 
445 
445 
447 
447 
449 
452 
452 
452 
455 

455 

456 

457 

458 

459 
459 
461 

461 

462 

462 

463 

463 

464 

464 

465 

466 

467 

471 

472 

473 
482 
482 
482 


NOVEMBER* 

A Creed 483 

A Relic of Anti-Masonic Times 4*4 

O Mother Lodge 485 

Robert Morris, L. L. D 486 

The Religious Element in Royal Arch Masonry. . . 487 

Masonry’s Correct Title 489 

Royal Arch Masonry 490 

Truths Well Stated 491 

Charity Between Lodges 4*1 

N. P. D * * 492 

Reidersof Masonic Publications 493 

General Grand Chapter 494 

Un-Ma~>onic Methods 494 

Avouchment 495 

Alvah Russell Conklin 49^ 

Frederick the G eat and the Freemasons 498 

Interview with a Mosquito 498 

Accepting a Bribe 500 

Two Views 504 

Mrs. Seabury’s Trial 504 

A Masonic Story , 509 

Saved by a Slave 509 

Government Ownership of Railroads 510 

A Parable for Those Who Need It 510 

Two Old Cat 511 

Editorials, Etc. 

Examinations of Visitors 512 

Georgia Law 513 

Making Masons at Sight 513 

Sectarian Tc mplary 514 

National Grand Lodge 514 

Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coas. 515 

Masonry in Peru . . . t 516 

Grand Lodge of California 516 

The Eastern Star of California 517 

Ballot in the Eastern Star 518 

Editorial Chips 519 

Other Jurisdictions 522 

Chips from Other Quarries 524 

Literary Notes . , . . 530 

Deaths 530 


DECEMBER. 

The Mason’s Creed 

The York Rite 

Worth While 

Harmony -—John Martin 

Art Thou a Mason 

Tom Ryder’s Child 

Stumpy— Florence Hallowell . . . . 

Be a Woman 

A Slight Mistake 

Beauty from Use of Hot Milk . . . 
Derivation of the Word Mason. . . 

Lodges in War Times 

A Story with a Moral 

Opportunities of Life 

A Clergyman’s Opinion 

Uniformity of Work 

The Ritual 

The Gavel 

Whipped into the Traces 

Masonic Secrets 

This is Scottish Rite Masonry. . . . 
City Masonry vs. Country Masonry 

The True Masonic Work 

Fraternity 

Suspension for Non-Payment. . . . 

Masonic Feeling 

Wisconsin Ahead 

General Grand Chapter, O. E. S. . . 

English Masonic Charity 

Old Traditions 

Be Patient with the Old 

Jews with Black Skins 

Love and Forgiveness 

Convicting a Mason 

An Anecdote of Lincoln 

Where is My Girl To-night ?. . . . 

The Frightened Dog 

Excerpts 

Editorials, Etc 

Selection of Material 

Masonic Funerals 

Lodge Libraries 

The Mason’s Son 

Is “The Tyler” Sectarian 

A Nice Point to Decide 

Is Reimbursement Right? 

Other Jurisdictions 

Editorial Chips 

Chips from Other Quarries 

Literary Notes 

Deaths 


53i 

53i 

533 

533 

536 

536 

540 

543 

543 

546 

547 

548 
550 

550 

551 

551 

552 

552 

553 

554 

555 

55 l 

556 

557 

557 

558 
558 

558 
5 r 9 

559 

559 

560 

560 

561 
5*i 

Sg 1 

162 

563 

5 £ 3 

5*4 

564 

£ 

566 

566 

57i 

573 

574 
574 


California Safe Deposit and Trust Company. 

Corner California and Montgomery Streets. 


Capital fully paid, - $1,000,000.00 


Transacts a general Banking business and allows interest on deposits payable on demand or after notice. 
Acts as Executor, Administrator and Trustee under wills or in any other trust capacity. Wills drawn by the 
Company’s Attorneys **nd are taken care of without charge. 

SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES to rent at prices from $5 per annum upward according to size, and valuables of all 
kinds are stored at low rates. 

D1 RECTORS— J. D. Fry, Henrv Wi liams. I. G. Wickersham, Jacob C. Johnson. James Treadwell, F W 
Loueee Henry F. Fodmann, R. B. Wallace, R D. Fry, A. D. Sharon and J. Drlzell Brown. 

OFFICERS— J. D. Fry, President; Henry Williams, Vice President, R. D. Fry, Second Vice Presi lent, 
J. Dalzell Brown, Secretary and Treasurer; E. E. Shotwell, Ass’t Sec'y; Gunnison, Booth A Bartnett, Attorneys 

SHIP us yourT 


Dressed and Live TURKEYS 

HIGHEST PRICES. QUICKEST SALES. 
PROMPTEST RETURNS 
Incorporated. Capital Stock, $^5,000. 

TRY US. 

POULTRYMAN’S UNION, 
Co-Operative Commission Merchants, 

425 1-2 Front St., San ► rancisco. 

MANN & COMPANY, 

Book Binders, 

535 Clay Street, 

SAN FRANCISCO. 


BLAKE, MOFFITT & TOWNE, 

Importers and Dealers in 

Book, News, Writing, and Wrapping Papers, Card 
Stock, Straw and Binder’s Board, 
Manufacturers of Patent Machine Made Paper Bags 
512 to 516 Sacramento St.. San Francisco. 


SCHAEZLEIN & BURRIDGE, 
Gold and Silversmiths, 

Masonic Jewels per set of nine pieces, (California 
regulation,) heavy Silver plated ana finely engraven, 
$20,00; with hangers $25,00. 

The same in Sterling Silver, in leather case, from 
$40,00 to $50,00. 

Past Master Presentation Jewels, finely enameled and 
engraved, from $12,00 to $75.00. 

Order Eastern Star Jeweis, per set of fourteen pieces, 
from $21,00 to $^0,00. 

Past Master Jewels for Presentation, in five different 
styles, from $14.00 to $20 00. 

Knights Templar Crosses, in all sizes, from $6,00 t 3 
$18,00. 

No. 3 Hardie Place, 

Off Kearny Street, between Sutter and Bush Streets 

San Francisco. 

CHARLES S. TILTON, 

ENGINEER & SURVEYOR. 

Twenty-five years experience in the City and County 
Surveyor's office. „ 

Charges Moderate and all Work Warranted. 

420 Montgomery* St., San Francisco. 



Tours in the Rocky Mountains. 

The “Scenic Line of the World,” the 
Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, ofters 
to tourists in Colorado, Utah and New 
Mexico the choicests resorts, and to the 
trans continental traveler the grandest 
scenery. The direct line to Cripple 
Creek, the greatest gold camp on earth. 
Double daily train service with through 
Pullman sleepers and tourists’ cars be- 
tween Denver and San Francisco and 
Los Angeles. 

Write S. K. Hooper, G. P. & T. A., 
Denver, Colorado, or W. J. Shotwell, 
General Agent, 314 California St., San 
Francisco, for descriptive pamphlets. 



A. L. OTT, 


Manufacturing Jeweler 

and Diamond Setter. 


Dealer in Diamond and Precious Stones. 

Z. Presentation Jewels and Badges made to Order. Old Jewelry made into Latest Styie. Repairing Neatly Done. 

1 21 Post Street, over O'Conner, Moffat & Co., San Francisco, Cal. 


TJf JT OAT1TTA KNIGHTS TrMPLAR, ETC., CARDS, BADGES, INVITATIONS, 

IYI A J N I I v PROGRAMS AND MENUS. 

-A. A.WV/ M. xlV) The largest manufactory in the United States. 

Having the cuts and dies for all the different bodies of Masonry, 
vre can furnish, same on any kind of stationery at low rates. 

WALTER N. 


If you wish a Menu for a special occasion write us 
particulars and we will send an appropriate sample. 
Telephone, Main 330 



535 Clay st. 
San Francisco 
California 



D*. Ed. E Hill, President. 

Capt. Olivfr ELDRir GE, . . Vice-President. 
Wm Corbin, Secretary and General Manager. 

CONTINENTAL 

BUILDING & LOAN ASS’N 



-OF CALIFORNIA 


ESTABLISHED IN 1 889. 

Home Office : 222 Sansome St, San Francisco, Cal. 


Subscribed Capital Over $ 6,000,000.00 
Paid in Capital - - 750 , 000.00 

Profits and Reserve Pund 80,000,00 
Monthly Income , over - 50 , 000.00 

Report of Business done in month of October , 1897. 

Loans made 52 

Amount loaned $5 r >3 2 5 00 

Building loans 20 

Shares issued during same period, installment, 2988 
Full paid 7 per cent guaranteed certificates of 

deposit, 70 

^ Total, 3058 

Association on the Pacific Coast. 

When you write, please mention The Trestle Board. 




Preeminently the Sewing Machine 
for Family Use. 

Send for Catalogue. 

J. W. EVANS, Agent, 

1021 Market St., San Francisco. 



A Homeopathic treatment for the 
cure of the tobacco habit. One course 
of treatment, lasting about ten days, is 
guaranteed to remove the craving and 
produce a positive aversion to the use 
of tobacco. 

Contabaco is perfectly harmless and 
is devoid of all the obnoxious and dis 
agreeable features common to nearly 
all other methods of treatment for the 
cnre of the tobacco habit. 

One complete course of treatment 
with full directions, nicely packed in a 
vest-pocket case, may be obtained from 
your druggist or will be sent to any ad- 
dress, postpaid, on receipt of $1.00. 

Manufactured only 
by 

The Contabaco Company, 

San Francisco, Cal.