A New Masonic History.*

of Freemasonry known , " in fac simile , with translation . With a judgment greatly to be commended , Bro . Stillson has selected the first portion ofthe poem ( 86 lines ) , and re-introduced to his readers the fac simile and translation thereof ;

and probably to many this portion of tho " History " will have special attraction . If space permitted we might enlarge our remarks upon tbe works of the two brethren named as amongst the moat useful of the many which zealous members of our Order are now undertaking on

behalf of the best interests of the Craft . But we must proceed ; and , first directing attention to two interesting extracts from the Manuscript relating to the " Four Crowned Martyrs , " and "Instructions for a Parish Priest , " briefly refer to a recent discussion , given in

outline , between Brother Hughan and the recently deceased Brother General Albert Pike , upon the "Regius Manuscript" and Masonic Symbolism . This will afford interest , inasmuch as it evidences disagreement between three well established authorities , Pike , Gonld and-Hughan ,

on the long-disputed question as to the existence of a Symbolic or Speculative Masonry at the date from which the Regius MS . speaks . Tbe two former , Bros . Pike and Gould , favour tho view that there was then a Guild or Fraternity , commemorating the Science , but without

practising tho art of Masonry . This Bro . Hughan controverts , and we arc more disposed towards his arguments than to accept the above mentioned theory . As we have aaid , this controversy cannot fail of interesting such as care to " go back" for antiquity ' s sake . Let each reader

judge for himself . " When doctors diner , who shall decide ? " A reprint of the Matthew Cooke MS . ( beginning of 15 th century ) is taken , with acknowledgment , from " Quatuor Coronatorum Antigrapha , " aud tee characteristics of the two MSS . are commented upon , wifch summary

and conclusions , which complete the Chapter . The Third Chapter affords ua the various . readings of " Old Charges , " and the additional Articles , with notes and comments thereon There is a quantity of " curious and unique" matter in

this chapter , of general interest ; but in view of what is still before us , wc must refer our studious brethren to tho work itself , nnd close this portion of our review by congratulating Bro . Stillson on bnving prepared a compilation at onco voluminous and entertaining .

Wo ratiy take this opportunity of stating that , as a result of inquiries , we leara tbat tho President of tho Fraternity Publishing Company , Bro . L . C . Hascall , was tbo originator of this enterprise , whilst Bro . Stillson

selected fche contributors . Ifc ia also stated that there havo beeu already sold in tho United States of America 12 , 000 copies , aud that a new Edition is in preparation . This speaks well for the appreciation of this great work , many pages of which have yet to como under our notice .

Lord Caning ton has beeu entertained by the Masons of Kimberley , at a banquet attended by over 100 Masons . His Lordship , replying to the toast of his health , referred to the work of federating the Craft iu Australia , and hoped that in duo time South Africa would attain similar results .

Colonel G . M . J . Moore , the popular President of the Madras Municipality , was , on the evening of tho 18 th July , installed with much eclat as District Grand Master of the Freemasons in tho Madras Presidency , vice Lord Connemara . The Lodges throughout the Presidency were represented

on tho occasion , and some brethren from other Provinces were also present . Colonel Moore has been long connected with the District Grand Lodge of Madras , and has been hold in high esteem as Deputy District Grand Master .

Four out of tho six judges of the local High Court , including Sir Arthur Collins , the . Chief Justice , and two out of the three Judges of the Small Cause Court , are active members of Madras Freemasonry .

The Hon . Artillery Company Jand tho Loudon Rifle Bri gade will send teams to Ilford to-day to compete for the Masonic gavels presented by Major George Lambert to the Lodges of the Metropolitan regiments .

Ar00501

FUNERALS properly carried out and personally attended in London and Country , by Bro . G . A . HUTTOIT , 17 ITowoastle Stseet , Strand , w . C Stoaumettta erected . Valuations made ,

The Theatres, &C.

THE THEATRES , & c .

Drury Lane . —The large and enthusiastic audiences that nightly fill the national theatre are quite sufficient proof ttwt Mr . Henry Pettitt's new play , "A Sailor's Knot , " haa met with publio approval . It opens at Wapping Old Stairs during ihe tim _ when George the Third was King , and we soon learn that Jack

Westward has been engaged to Marie Delannay , but the lady , believing him to be dead , transfers her affections to hia foster brother Harry , when of course the missing man returns to claim hia bride . Finding out how matters lay , Jack resigns his sweetheart and goes to sea again . The villain is Andre Delannay , who , desiring Marie and her fortune for himself , causes Harry to be eeiz-d by the

press-gang , and conveyed on board H . M . S . Dauntless , " of which ves . sel Jack is lieutenant . Harry is informed , by Peter Pennyoad , the villain ' s agent , that it waa his foster-brother who caused hia arrest , and a quarrel ensues ; Harry strikes the officer , and is ordered to be flogged , bat after explanation is pardoned . The last act is rather bewildering , for here we find Marie on the point of being married to

Audio , who however ia unconsciously killed by Jack . Harry ia accused of the crime , and sentenced to be shot , bat saved at the last moment by Jack , who confesses that he committed the deed , while sneering from the effects of a drug . So the play ends by Harry and Marie being united in a Sailor's Snot , and the discomfiture of the villain . The humorous element is sustained by Mr . Harry Nicholls

and Miss Fanny Brough , who lighten the more exciting scenes . Mr . Charles Warner has a part quite to his liking as Jack Westward , and hia foster-brother finds an equally good representative in Mr . Charles Glenney . The very muoh engaged Marie is prettily played by Miss Millward ; Mr . Edmund Gurney is thoroughly artistic as the villain Andre , and with Mr . Julian Cross , as Pennyoad , receives

the virtuous indignation of the audience with composure . Mr . W . Lugg , Mr . Fred Dobell , Mr . MoTicars , and Mr . T . Terries must also be mentioned for their share in the performance . The piece ia magnificently mounted , and placed on the stage in a manner worthy the reputation of the experienced manager , while Mr . John Crook ' s capital nautical music must also bo noted .

Princess ' s . —It was a wise decision of Mr . Sidney Herbert-Basing when he made up his mind to revive that old and well-known Irish drama , " Arrah-na-Pogue , " with the original music , specially composed and selected for Dion Bonoioaalt by Mr . W . C . Lsvoy The incidents of this exciting drama are so well known that it would be waste of time to recapitulate them , but we may say the different

situations are so well worked np that excitement is at fever point throughout the evening . The incidents at the wedding of Stiaun and Arrat * , the trial of Shauu , and his escape from prison , are capitally brought about . The scenery outside the prison , with Sbaun oliinbing the walls , being splendidly managed , and ia truly realistic ; iu abort the play is wonderfully well staged throughout . For the acting ,

with but one or two exceptions , we have nought bat praise . It came as an agreeable surprise to find such a bright , natural , and truly artistic interpretation of tho part of Shauu . the-Poet aa that given by Mr . Wilfred E . Shine , who never for one moment allowed tho play to drag or become dull . With that keen sense of humour so natural with an Irishman , Mr . Shine made his part stand foreuio-t .

The early scenes were taken in a happy-go-lucky vein , but when the pathetic part came the actor was ready , and gave a powerful rendering of the part . We feel sure this presentment will place Mr . Shine among tho leaders of his profession . Mr . Arthur Dacre ' a early scenes , as Beamish McConl , were most artistic , but later on this well known actor seemed somewhat to collapse , and delivered his lines without

expression or feeling . Mr . Henry Neville waa a natural O'Grady , while Mr . Bassett Roe , as Major Coffin , gave one of his artistic and careful interpretations . Mr . Charles Ashford gave a most powerful rendering of tne part of Michael Feeny . Mr . Henry Bedford was amusing as the Sergeant , while Mr . John Carter did all he could with the Secretary . Miss Ella Terries made a big bid for success

when she undertook the difficult part of Arrah ; but happily this lady has scored well . Her pretty presence , sympathetic and winning manner soon gained a place in the hearts of her audience , and if she would only stick to the Irish dialect , and not indulge in sound English , a bigger success than ever would be hers . However , this is a small

fault in snch a capital performance . Miss Julia Warden lacks dignity as Fanny Power , but she nevertheless scores with her audience ; while Mrs . John Carter , as Katty , and Miss Susie Harvey , as Biddy ( with jig ) , are excellent . The play is produced under the direction of Mr . Isaao Cohen , while good mnsio is suppied by the band , under leadership of Mr . Miohaal Connelly .

Olympic . —In spite of its many historical inaccuracies , Mr . G . W . Wills' romantic drama , " A Eoyal Divorce , " is a good acting play ; and , as we are not of those who believe that the stage should hold the mirror up to education as well as natnre , we see no reason why it should not prove successful with Mr . Kelly ' s patrons . It is admirably mounted and well performed , and being associated with

" popular prices of admission , it ought to pay the enterprising manager . The story of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine Bean , harnais is too well known to need recapitulation here •suffice it to say tbat Mr . Wills has adopted the pathetic side of Josephine ' s character , whose only fault appears to be that she was childless , and

her affection for the ambitions Corsioan forms the principal theme of the drama . The piece opens with Bonaparte ' s intention to wed Marie Louise in order to have an heir to his throne and found a dynasty . He therefore directs his minister , Talleyrand , to inform the Empress of his decision , which leads to one of the finest scenes

w the pl » y , Two years later yre find Napoleoa ' a aotamw hava tew * ,