Correspondence.

Correspondence .

| We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play tc all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . !

ELECTION OF W . M . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , ' Though I think it is not only the usual , but also decidedly the proper , course to read out before the election the list of all brethren qualified for the

Master's chair , I do not think that the omission to do so can invalidate the election of a duly qualified brother . See Art . 130 . As to " young members who know nothing of our laws , " 1 would point out to " P . M . " that " ignorantia

legis non excusat ; " that lodges should give each initiate a copy of the Book of Constitutions , but that if this be not done , every brother can easily obtain one , and that a brother who has not done so and feels incompetent to give a conscientious vote may abstain from voting . See Art . 130 . —Yours fraternally , LEX SCRIPTA .

WHO HE IS ! To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The person mentioned by your correspondents as " Prince Eusoof" is unquestionably the " William

Robert Davis" alluded to by P . Z . in your last issue . It was by this name he was initiated and passed in Lodge No . 1422 , Roorkee , in 1873 , raised in No . 18 S , London , in 1882 , and exalted to the R . A . in 1887 . An examination of his Craft and Royal Arch certificates will prove the truth of this statement .

I have for some considerable time past taken a lively interest in the doing of this remarkable person , and have often wondered how much longer his consummate impudence would impose on English credulity and reverence for high-sounding titles . As I now seldom visit lodges , and have not taken an active part in

Masonic matters for some years , I was not aware until recently that he had dubbed himself a " Prince , " although he has long been known to me as one who invariably , and to my thinking somewhat ostentatiously , writes " M . D . " after the name by which he for the time being wishes to be known . Whether he is entitled

to use those letters in their English signification I know not , but he was certainly not an M . D . of London when he first adopted them , and I think I may safely venture to say he is not one now . This is a matter I will gladly leave to be settled by those who are more familiar with the medical profession .

I have now before me a letter dated the 19 th of February last , written by the Master of the lodge to which this eminent person claims to belong . As I do not wish to hurt anyone ' s feelings I shall not quote it at length , but I learn therefrom that Bro . Davis was an apothecary in the 109 th Regiment at the time of his

initiation , that he resigned a few months after having taken his Second Degree , and that he has not since rejoined . Hence he has not the shadow of a right to represent himself , as he evidently does , to be a member of that or any other lodge , having ceased to subscribe for something like 19 years . The writer of

the letter in question was a member of the lodge when Davis was initiated , and moreover was some years before in the same battery of artillery with him , so he is not , therefore , likely to be mistaken . His opinion of his former comrade may be gathered from the concluding words of his letter : " The sooner the ' Nawab' is stopped at his little game the better , I should think . "

With regard to the assumed title " Nawab" ( Noble ) , 1 have it on the highest authority—that of Sirdar Ayoob Khan , the head of the ruling family in Af ghanistan —that no such title as " Nawab '' has been acknowledged in that country for the last 50 years . He also states that he knows of no such person as Mahomed Eusoof .

1 have probably said enough on this subject to convince even "An Admirer of Princes , " but there is just one more point which strikes me as somewhat curious , and that is the apparent indecision on the part of Bro . Davis as to what his name really is . For instance , I have in his own handwriting on a piece of paper some

months old , " Prince Eusoof , M . D ., 3 , Vernon-place , W . C . " Shortly afterwards he appears in the signature book of a lodge as " Prince Eusoofus . " On a neat little visiting card , embellished with a striking portrait of himself , which he very kindly presented me with , he is " Nawab Mahomet M . Eusoof , M . D ., Afghan . "

An advertisement appeared in the Morning Post of February Sth ult ., wherein he is set forth as " Mahomed Eusoof Ali Khan , M . D . of Afghan . " I am under the impression that some years ago I had still another designation , but as I cannot now put my hand on it I will " let it glide . " However , to come to facts which there can be no disputing , only yesterday I had

occasion to visit the Police Court at Bow-street , where , as " Mahomed Khan , M . D ., of 20 , Silver-street , " Bro . Daws appeared in the character of prosecutor in a case of alleged theft , he having a week ago charged a young man whom I understood to be his own brother-in-law with having stolen from him a pair of gloves and a purse containing five sovereigns . " From information received " 1 learned that in the first instance the worthy

Correspondence.

Magistrate , who was probably not an admirer of Princes , had expressed something like doubt as to the veracity of the prosecutor , and had given directions for enquiries to be made about him , meanwhile remanding the accused for a week on bail . The result was such as might have been anticipated , the decision of the

Magistrate being to the effect that the prosecutor's evidence being utterly unreliable , the prisoner would be discharged , and " discharged " he was . For the benefit of those interested I will state that Bro . Davis has resided at No . 20 , Silver-street , Holborn , for many years past , although for some unexplained reason he seems generally to prefer an address in a more

aristocratic neighbourhood . I will not at present trespass further on your valuable space , but should the necessity arise , I may ask your indulgence on some future occasion to mention one or twn nf-hpr maftpri hpnrinir nn this ; intprpsrinp- snhiert .

With many thanks , in anticipation , for the insertion of this long letter , —I am , yours fraternally , VIGILANT . March 23 rd .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

977 ] THE ANCIENT CRAFT CHARGES . BACON ' S NEW ATLANTIS—1624 . I suggested , in my last memorandum on the Old Charges , that the new theory might throw a light upon Bacon ' s fragment of the New Atlantis , or House of Solomon . A notuninfluential school of foreign writers has asserted that our modern Freemasonry owes its

existence to Bacon ' s hints , carried out by Ashmole and his brother Astrologers and Rosicrucians . It is somewhat curious that this little romance has attracted so little attention from orthodox Masons . Bro . Howard ' s theory , as regards St . Alban ' s being an original Masonic centre , and the recognition of the Lansdown MS ., as a tolerably ancient authority , would

lend a more important aspect to Bacon s New Atlantis , Let us see how facts and dates will accommodate themselves to probability that the incomplete sketch embodies Masonry allegory . Anderson , in 1723 , asserts that there was an old Masonic tradition to the effect that Queen Elizabeth ( about 1561 ) contemplated the suppression of the Masonic assemblies at York . In

spite of all the attacks , often justifiable , made upon Anderson , there is no reason to doubt this much . If such occurrence happened it would lead to enquiry with the law officers of the Crown , and at that period the Secretary of State was a Lincolnshire man , Wm . Cecil , afterwards created Baron Burleigh , who died in 159 8 . It is believed that the Lansdown MS . was

formerly in his possession . The Lord Keeper at the same time was Sir Nicholas Bacon , who died 1578 , when his son Francis was left to his own resources at 18 years of age—the same whom Pope styles " The greatest , wisest , meanest of mankind . " Burghley and Bacon ( the elder ) , married two sisters , and hence Burghley was uncle to Francis , and for 37 years they

were contemporary . Now it was five to six years previous to writing the New Atlantis sketch in 1624 , that Bacon was created Baron Verulam and Viscount St . Albans . Such a man as Bacon would be sure to enquire into the history , and even the legends , of a place from which he took his titles of Verulam and St . Albans , and it is at least no very great stretch of imagination to

suppose that he had seen the Lansdown MS . when it was in possession of his uncle Burghley ; but a mind such as Bacon's would scarcely be satisfied until he had enquired fully into the esoteric side of such a society as that figuring in the Lansdown MS ., if he was aware of the legend . In any case , wc can scarcely fail to see that the unfinished essay reveals a

knowledge on the part of Bacon beyond what is to be found in the mere text of the MS . Charges , and yet it allegorises them in an unmistakable way to all Masons of our time . It is admittedly a fragment compiled after Bacon had been condemned for bribery , and had retired broken-hearted to his books . Through stress of weather a traveller was thrown upon an island called

Bensalem , which was itself known to mankind , but it held a college established for 1900 years known only to the initiated , called the House of Solomon or the College of the Six Days' Works . They had found in the sea a cedar chest , out of which sprang a green palm branch , and the books comprising the Bible . It was a scientific and philosophic school composed of fellows or brethren ,

and novices or apprentices , all of whom took an oath of secrecy , in which was an exception , that some of them " we reveal sometimes to the State and some not . " The Elder , King , and Lawgiver will not consent that the secrets of the island be betrayed to strangers , but it is said to have been visited 37 years previously . I think , on mature consideration , that we must come

to the conclusion that the New Atlantis embodies , in a hidden vein , the ideas of a great mind upon our Charges and their attendant ceremonies , and that the sketch was intended to show , in a covert way , how the value of the then association or brotherhood of Freemasonry might be enhanced by converting it into a

great literary system . I do not propose to trouble you further upon these old Charges , but some brother may perhaps discover more in this data than I can . Solomon's Temple was dedicated 1004 n . c . ; if we deduct that from about 1900 years it leaves us A . D 896 or the time of Alfred , but might give us Edward and Edwin . If we calculate from 1624 it gives 27 G

Masonic Notes And Queries.

B . C ., or the period of Euclid and the Ptoloineys Probably nothing serious is intended by this data , or by the statement that 37 years previously the Island of Bensalem had entertained a visitor , if we knew that Bacon actually allegorised his own reception , we might draw conclusions . JOHN YARKER .

Reviews.

Reviews .

FREEMASONS' CALENDAR FOR THE PROVINCE OF NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FOR THE YEAR iS . The Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . Arthur Stubbs , has made a capital editor , and has the satisfaction of knowing that there is no province better supplied than his own as respects such a useful and official little volume . In fact , we could not suggest a more useful guide for the Masters of lodges in particular , and the local Craft generally , than this

ably edited and well-arranged directory , which reflects great credit on the Prov . Grand Secretary . There are now 16 lodges in Notts and 725 members . It is a curious coincidence that last year there were the same number of brethren though but 15 lodges . _ The eight Royal Arch chapters have 237 companions registered , being an increase on iSgi , According to Bro . Hughan ' s very interesting calculations in his article on the " Freemasons' Calendar , 1893 " (

Freemason 16 th January ) , there are m England two and half times as many lodges as there are chapters , so that the number in Notts is beyond the average . He also estimates the average to each chapter to be 34 companions , so that Notts in that respect is not quite up to that figure , but , considering the large number of chapters in proportion to the size of the province , Royal Arch Masonry must be very popular in that county , though not more than it deserves to

be . There are three Mark lodges , one Knights Templar preceptory , and two Rose Croix chapters , with 112 , IS , and 34 members respectively . The names of all these members , with those of all the lodges and chapters , are duly arranged and printed under their several Masonic bodies . We are glad to see our advice has been taken to give the total votes under the several Institutions in the table , which is neatly and accurately compiled . There are but 7 S 2 votes , which leaves much to be desired .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

anKSMBtt ^ pSS

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . City of London Lodge ( No . 901 ) . —This flourishing lodge held its installation meeting at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . G ., on Monday last , when there was a very large attendance to witness the installation of Bro . Edwin Venner , VV . M . elect , by Bro . G . J . C . Rubardt , VV . M ., whose father occupied the chair of this lodge 12 years ago . Present : Bros . G . J . C . Rubardt ,

VV . M . ; J . Hoddinott , I . P . M . ; E . Venner , S . W . ; G . 11 . Gross , J . W . ; J . Hughes , P . M ., P . P . D . G . D . C . Surrey , Treas . ; C . Beaumont , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Essex , Sec ; R . Gillard , S . D . ; F . Eade , D . C . ; VV . Venner , I . G . j A . Ginger , P . M ., Stwd . ; Dr . Haskins , Org . ; David Hughes , P . M ., P . P . D . G . D . C . Surrey ; VV . R . Haylock , P . M . ; H . McClelland , P . M . ; J . Laurence , P . M . ; 11 . Harbord , P . M . ; R . Pittam Stevens , P . M . ; T . W . Venner ,

Stwd . ; G . A . Linstead , M . T . Tuck , G . Inglish , A . South , and others . Visitors : Bros . J . Cooper , P . M . 5 ?; A . II . Hockins , P . M . 221 ; C . Wise , P . M . 115 S ; A . T . Smith , P . M . 9 69 ; T . Sergeant , P . M . 19 S 3 ; J . Brindley James , VV . M . 1441 ; D . Rose , P . M . 73 ; T . Neal , D . C . 134 S ; W . Elliott , J . W . 1 G 93 ; J . Potter , S . D . 1 C 93 ; II . Avery , P . P . G . Reg . Kent ; J . C . Radley , J . D . 1329 ; H . Times , LG . 1 C 5 ; VV . T . Tuckwell , 1922 ; L . Doerr , VV . M .

1475 ; C . T . Fleck , P . M . 172 ; M . Mendelsohn , S . W 2123 ; J . Spencer , P . M . 73 ; VV . T . P . Montgomery , P . M . 1475 ; J . Finch , P . P . J . G . W . Berks ; G . A . 'Taylor , P . M . 217 ; C . A . Harris , P . M . 1 399 ; T . Glass , Prov . G . Std . Br . lersey ; E . A . G . Smith , W . M . 177 ; T . li . Richards , P . M . S 13 ; H . Holmes , P . P . G . D . Herts ; W , St . J . Dray , J . D . 1 S 77 ; T . B . Lingcolt , P . M . 55 ; " . Goodwin , S . W . 1475 ; J . S . Percival , J . D . 22 O 4 ; . )• ' ' '

Shepherd , 172 ; VV . \ V . Lee , S . W . 23 S 1 ; and many others . Lodge was opened , and routine business transacted , after which Bro . Edwin Venner was presented as VV . M . elect , and duly installed into the chair b y Bro . G . J . C . Rubardt . 'The following oliicers were then invested ; Bros . G . | . C . Rubardt , I . P . M . ; G . M . Gross , S . W . ; R . Gillard , J . U ' . ; J . Hughes , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Hatton , Sec ; I- ' . Hade , S . D . ; VV . Venner , I . D . ; P . C . Rorrers , I . G . ; T . W-

Venner , D . C ; A . Ginger , P . M ., G . A . Linstead , M . 1 . Tuck , G . Inglish , and A . South , Stewards ; and Turbclield , Tyler . 'The delivery of the usual addresses by Uro . Rubardt , I . P . M ., concluded the installation ceremony , during which the duties of D . C . were efficiently performed by Bro . D . Hughes , P . M ., P . P . D . G . D . C . Surrey . Messrs . Sanders and Cohn , having been approved by ballot , were initiated in an able manner by the W . M . Bro . J . Hughes ,

P . M ., 'Treas ., then said they had all heard with great regret the decision of Bro . C . Beaumont , P . M ., to retire from the ofiice of Secretary , although the Past Masters had foreseen this event for some time past . This was , therefore , a ( ittinjf opportunity to suggest that something in the way ol compliment should be paid him , although what he was about w suggest was not to be regarded in any way as recompense for his years of hard work , for that was beyond their now "'

He ( Bro . Hughes , P . M . ) therefore proposed that "'« Beaumont , P . M ., should be offered the position of honorary member of the lodge . Those who belonged to large ano influential lodges knew that the ofiice of Secretary w 3 S , " , sinecure , and the brethren tit the City ot London l . 'A ^ would atrree that a erpnt dpnl nf Ihp min-pss of this l ° 4 h

in recent years was to be attributed to Bro . Beaumont , I j The I . P . M . seconded the motion , which was carricu unanimously , and Bro . C . Beaumont , P . M ., in ack " ?" | J ledging the compliment , thanked the members for W hearty vote , and Bro . J . Hughes , P . M ., 'Treasurer , lot " very kind expressions he had used .