Masonic Portraits (No. 21.) A Pillar Of Masonry.

united humanity in tho truest bonds of brotherhood . We cannot answer these questions here . They can only be solved in the secret recesses of the Lodge , and the tyro who enters the Craft may , perhaps , often find that , although he

has learned much , he has yet everything to learn . Our business now is not with the ethics of Masonry , its mystic ceremonial , or its scientific method of teaching truths which are as old as the universe . Wo have to do with

persons rather than principles in these sketches , but we may , in passing , say that our Portrait Gallery , in the variety of its subjects , is no very imperfect epitome of the Craft generally . Some of the most distinguished members have passed the portals of our studio , and

amongst the rough sketches which hang on our walls will be found the features of brethren who are merely known in limited circles for their practical common sense and steady attention to the business of their Lodges , rather than for any high distinctions which they may have acheived

in the Order . The subject of our present sketch is a working Mason , who has clone much to influence the Craft for good . He has toiled steadily and quietly in the path which has been allotted to him , and without seeking fame he has won the respect of a large circle of the brethren .

He is one of that sturdy class of Englishmen of which we are all so proud , he is a man who minds his business , who has been content to plod on in the straight and narrow path of integrity , and by industry and attention to his daily duties he has , at all events , achieved a position in his

business which is the envy of younger men . He learned early in life that steady industry was of more value than the reversionary interest in a fortune , and understood that energy and integrity were alone sufficient to enable any man to conquer the world . The people who grow rich , and who

are ironically pointed at by idle fools as the lucky persons who have drawn prizes in tho lottery of life , are always the first to confess that there is no secret at all about their success . Men of business are the first to recognise the

omnipotence of labour . Every man may not , indeed , be able to acquire a fortune , but competency is within the reach of all ; and if our young men who lounge about the drinking bars or the music halls could be made to understand how

priceless in the eyes of an employer are those qualities which our brother so early displayed , they would possibly think less of cigars and brandy , of barmaids and the photographs of the last female ornament of the stage , and betake themselves heartily to even uncongenial work . Our

brother commenced his career at a time when people did not mind spending the best portion of tho day in the shop or the counting house . The Saturday half holiday was not then thought of , and the employe remained daily at his post until long after the late dinner

hour of these superfine days . Steady attention to business has , as we have hinted , brought with it its reward , and now , in mature life , with the cares of the world lightened , or wholly removed from his shoulders , he is able to devote himself to Masonic duties , and in some degree

to the business of public life . Our brother was initiated in the year 1859 , in the Globe Lodge ( No . 23 ) , and entered steadily upon his Masonic studies . His rise to distinction was slow but sure , and it was not until the year 1866 that he filled the chair of K . S . He had the honour , in 1863 , of

filling the same position in the Dalhousie Lodge ( No . 8 G 0 ) , where his high character and complete knowledge of ritual were much appreciated . He was the promoter of the Kenington Lodge , and was its first Master , in 1871 . This Lodge , owing in a great measure to his active exertions , has

achieved a great position of prosperity . Our brother ' s great services were substantially acknowledged some time since , when a silver tea service was presented to him by the Lodge . He is , at the present time , its treasurer , and is most constant and assiduous in the performance of

his duties . In 1866 he was Master of the Grand Steward ' s Lodge , a position which few working Masons are fortunate enough to reach . During his Mastership of the Globe Lodge he was Steward of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and in 1867 he held a similar position on behalf

of the Boys ' School . He is a Vice-President of all the Charities , and his wife , who yields to none in her appreciation of Masonry in its practical aspect , is V . P . of tho Boys ' and Girls' Schools . He is an immense favourite with the

scholars of the Boys' School , who hold his name in veneration as a household word . It has been his custom to present the Institution annuall y with the material adjuncts of tlie athletic sports . Bats , balls , wickets , and other articles of value he has generously contributed , with tho view of

Masonic Portraits (No. 21.) A Pillar Of Masonry.

encouraging the lads to perfect themselves in manly pastimes . His generosity , we aro happy to state , has met with fitting ancl graceful acknowledgment , in the shape of an emblazoned testimonial , which was the spontaneous gift of the lads , ancl bears the signatures of thirty-six of

the leading spirits in the school . This little incident speaks volumes in itself . It is given to few of us to win the confidence and the esteem of the young , aud perhaps those alone succeed who aro able to keep the heart fresh and youthful . In social life our brother is one of the most cheerful of

companions . He is hospitable in the best and truest sense of the term , ancl is never happier than when he is surrounded with a select circle of his friends . For some time past he has devoted a portion of his leisure to public affairs , and is a most assiduous worker upon the local governing

body of Lambeth . In this sphere of usefulness he finds much scope for the exercise of his business talents , and his constituents are thoroughly satisfied that their interests are safe in his keeping . Whatever sphere he may fill in

the future , or however high he may yet be destined to riso in Masonry , we aro fully assured that he will always be a warm and steady friend , a kind hearted dispenser of charity , a worthy member of tho community , and a devoted husband .

East, West And South.

EAST , WEST AND SOUTH .

BY A WANDERING FREEMASON . VIII .

THE Duko of Edinburgh stated that it wps not an occasion for toast proposing , but that tho one he had brought forward was exceptional . After it had been duly honoured , however , Ostalaza rose , and introduced one to the health of His Royal Highness , whom he described as a young prince , travelling over the globe for the purpose of

acquiring knowledge which might hereafter be devoted to the general benefit . " Oh , that Spain , " said he , " may some day find such an one to rule over her ! " In pursuance of this idea ( which , it may be remembered , was one mooted by Marshal Prim about this time in Spain ) , tho

Regente , after dinner , begged me to convey to the Duke his fervent aspiration that the crown of that country might be worn by His Royal Highness . The Duke made me no reply upon the subject , except by what may have been a satirical smile : but a compliment of the sort cannot bequite

disagreeable , and I saw them shortly afterwards holding an animated conversation ( in French ) , which terminated in their going out together for a drive round the illuminations of the city . Tho official programme for Monday included

sight-seeing of various kinds , and a grand ball to be given by the Governor at the Opera House ; for Tuesday more sightseeing ; for Wednesday , a review and a ball to be given by the British community .

Monday morning I was able to devote to my usual duties . Among the skippers who deposited their ships ' papers was one whom I will call . Captain " Mahon , " of tho " Idalia , " an old tub recently bought by a British trader of Manila , and registered at Hong Kong . The character of

the owner did not stand high , reports of some smuggling operation in connection with the vessel had preceded her arrival . Captain Mahon complained that a double guard of Carabineros ( Customs Guards ) had been placed on board , and that his movements were watched in a most

unpleasant manner . Knowing the reports in circulation , I could give him no encouragement , though he opened his grievances by making a Masonic sign , having been told , I suppose , that I was a Freemason . He said he was about the oldest pilot on the China coast , and that he had more

than once done good service to our fleet in the last war , that he was the first to undertake the navigation of the Upper Yang-tse , up which he had piloted the vessel of Captain Roderick Dew . For that officer he retained a lively respect and appreciation , claiming him for an especial

patron on the following grounds : " He was a credit to the Service , ancl no mistake . " Says he , "just you mark my words , Mr . Mahon ! if you run H . M . S . aground I'll have you triced up to a grating aud give you three dozen in a

brace of shakes , now mind that ! " Though I did not respond very readily to his fraternal overtures , he favoured me with some of his Masonic experiences , ancl concluded with the mystic knocks , saying , " that will always open the door to a true Mason ! " For the rest of the day I