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Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 2 of 2 Article REVIEWS. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
that " a P . M . joining a lodge has not rendered the same services to that lodge as to the lodge in which he served as W . M . " I suggest that a P . M . leaving his lodge to join another should in the latter be received on an equality with its P . M . ' s after a membership of one year ( or two years , if longer probation be preferred ) . 1 think this would meet the
case . No doubt the present discussion will call the attention of the revisers to the subject . Another very important point appears not to be decided by the new Constitutions . It is stated that in the absence of the W . M . a P . M . must occupy his chair , and that this is essential to render the ceremony of conferring a Degree
valid . It has generally been considered that if no competent P . M . be present a Warden may confer a Degree . This point should be definitely decided by the Constitutions . At present all that is laid down is , that in the absence of the VV . M . the Wardens are to issue the summonses for a lodge meeting , and if an Installed Master is present Degrees
may be conferred ; but , if not , then the Wardens can rule the lodge . According to the decision of the Grand Registrar , any brother may confer a Degree , if competent , so long as an installed Master occupies the chair , so that an ordinary Master Mason may thus stand , say , in front , or
by the side of the pedestal , and give the Third Degree to a candidate . Is this really the ruling of the Board of General Purposes ? I am certain very many will be glad to have an authoritative answer to the question . Yours fraternally , H . H .
THE QUEBEC MUDDLE . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As a constant reader of American and Canadian Masonic journals and addresses , I am anxious to say a few words on a subject to which you have frequently alluded in
the Freemason before , and which is apparently much exercising the minds of our good Canadian and American brethren just now . I am the more induced to trouble you , because I saw in your last issue an extract from the Craftsman , a very well conducted Canadian Masonic paper , and we may judge of the
animus of the more extreme of our ! ransatlantic critics and impugners , when we note the tone even of so cautious and creditable a Masonic serial as the Canadian Craftsman . That animus and that tone are just now , for some reason or other , almost truculent , very unjustifiable , and the most foolish threats are frequently fulminated by responsible
authorities and irresponsible writers , which , if carried out logically to the bitter end , must result in long Masonic alienation , grave Masonic severances , and a complete Masonic deadlock . By these Masonic Solons the most violent Masonic measures of isolation , boycotting , excommunication , are openly
recommended as against the English lodges in Canada which still adhere to their mother Grand Lodge , and , above all , against the Grand Lodge of England , —the mother of all Grand Lodges in the world , —and whose course in this , as in all matters , has ever been marked by the great axioms of Masonic justice , legality , and honour , and whose position
is safely based , as ever , on the fundamental principles of Masonic law , precedent , and equity . In order , however , to understand all these matters we must go back a little , premising merely that all this disturbance has originated in respect of a few English lodges , originally chartered by our Grand Lodge , which have
preferred to keep up their connection with their founder , and are supposed thus to militate in some way with , and antagonize certain American principles of Grand Lodge sovereignty andGrand Lodge creation , which are utterly unknown and unrecognized in England . So far back , then , on -he iSth December , 1 S 5 S , in a letter
from our then Grand Secretary , Bro . W . Gray Clarke , the following statement represents the views and positions of the Grand Lodge of England , Irom which it has never swerved . Our brother , the then Grand Secretary , writing about the recognition of the Grand Lodge of Canada , and he goes on to say
this" As , however , there are some fern lodges in Canada West mho have signified their desire to retain their attachment to , and connection with , the Grand Lodge of England , from whence they received their warrant , the Grand Lodge aud Grand Master feel that they are not at liberty to withdraw their protection from such
lodges against their will , and , therefore , claims for them from the Grand Lodge of Canada recognition of their present position with all their Masonic privileges and those of their members respectively . " I forbear from alluding to Bro . Gray Clarke ' s further argument as to the naturalness of such views , but will merely
remark that it never apparently entered into his mind , or that of Grand Master Wilson , in Canada , to question the abstract legality of such claims , or to set up any idea of Masonic illegality in such a position . A very important fact to remember . On thc contrary , Bro . Grand Master Wilson , writing February gth , 1 S 59 , makes use of the following very significant words , after stating that there were only seven
lodges still adhering to England . He goes on thus : " / have ever held , and frequently expressed the opinion , that any subordinate lodges which preferred to continue under these English warrants had a perfect and undoubted right to do so , and were entitled , not only to a recognition from us , but to all their Masonic privileges . "
Original Correspondence.
In this published correspondence , which deserves reperusal , he does indeed suggest that the English Grand Lodge should also agree to give up issuing new warrants , and should say to these very lodges , whose legal rights and position he declared to be unquestionable , " that though the continuance of the connexion would give pleasure and
satisfaction , it was for them seriously to consider , whether the best interests of the Order would not be advanced by uniting with their brothers in the Grand Lodge of Canada . " Lord Zetland , G . M ., on the 2 nd of March , 1 S 59 , in Grand Lodge , stated " that he was prepared to advise Grand Lodge to recognize the Grand Lodge of
Canada ; " at the same time he added , " I have thought it my duty to stipulate for the recognition and protection in all their Masonic rights of those brethren in Canada who still hold firm in their allegiance to Grand Lodge . " He further announced that no new warrants would be issued , and that with the cessation of the present Provincial and District
Grand Mastership , the English Masonic rule would cease , and the English Lodges would gradually probably become extinct . Such was the state of affairs for some years . After the Grand Lodge at Quebec was formed out of the Grand Lodge of Canada , a matter to which I need not allude here , the position of the Grand Lodge of Canada ,
and of the Grand Lodge of England , and of the English Lodges in Canada , was challenged by the new body , and was declared to be illegal , unconstitutional , unheard-of . Grand Master Wilson was even blamed for his undue concessions , and open and obscure hints of reprisal were made , and energetic action was menaced to put a stop to
alleged illegalities . But the English Craiut . Lodge 1 may be permitted to say so , isj ' usl exactly where it was in 1 S 59 , when the legality of its position and the rights of its lodges were openly and officially admitted by the then Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada . It is ot course possible for any body of men to repudiate
official engagements ; to renounce an accepted under standing ; to depart from long continued agreements ; but such a course of procedure does not consort with our English notion of strait running and fair play ; neither does it comport with the wonted Masonic formukc of legal action , and an honourable fulfilment of undertakings .
Repudiation is a word very repulsive to the English Masonic mind . But just as Lord Zetland said , so we still do in England . No new warrants have been issued since 1 S 59 , by us ; humanly speaking no fresh Provincial Grand Master will probably be appointed , and we can only leave it to the efflux of time , and the progress of the Grand Lodge
of Quebec itself , to see whether or no the English Lodges find it better for Masonry and themselves to connect themselves with a near Grand Lodge , rather than keep up a connexion with a distant one , that one being their warranting Grand Lodge . Had the Grand Lodge of Quebec approached the
matter in a somewhat different manner , it is just possible that the English Grand Lodge would have felt justified in adopting the original suggestion , in modified phraseology , of Bro . G . M . Wilson ; but now , 1 fear , precious time has been lost , and a golden opportunity has been thrown away . The course of the Grand Lodgeof England has been
characterized from first to last by much dignity and moderation , by much friendliness and Masonic courtesy ; and though it would do a good deal , and go a long way for the sake of Masonic peace , it is the last and worst body in thc world to attempt to menace or to bully . 1 am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , IMPARTIAL .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — " P . M . 1607 " has fallen into an error in his figures . There never have been 225 children in the main building .
It holds 205 only . In addition , there are thirty-five children in the Junior School , and two pupil teachers , and it is possible to get in three more . I remain faithfully and fraternally yours P . G . O .
GIBSON'S INSTRUCTOR . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Please kindly make enquiry in your next issue of the Freemason if any brother has a copy of the " Freemason ' s Companion and General Instructor , " by Peter
Gibson , which he will kindly lend me . or a short time , or sell ; or could any brother inform me where the above can be purchased ? 1 have enclosed a fly-leaf of thc book for your better information of particulars . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , Frampton Villa , JAS . POWELL , Devizcs-road , Swindon . W . M . 1205 .
MASONIC SCHOOL COMPETITION . To thc Editor of the "Freemason . " Hear Sir and Brother , — The second premium of . £ 25 having been awarded us by the Committee for the above , we feel it only fair in
calling your attention to an article which appeared in the Freemason of Saturday last , stating that all the plans sent in far exceeded the amount intended to be spent by the Committee , and that the lowest tender was £ 13 , 000 . By the enclosed report , which accompanied our design , the sum therein stated is £ 11 , 000 , and we have no hesita-
Original Correspondence.
tion in saying that had the sum of , fSooo been given in the instructions as the limit , we should not have exceeded that amount , as our plans included several additions not asked for , but left to the discretion of the architect . Trusting you will give this space in the next issue of your valuable journal . We remain , Sir , yours obediently ,
THOS . KISSASK AND SON . ( " ESPRIT DE CORI-S . " ) 49 , Great Portland-street , August 21 st .
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
JOHN BUNYAN AND THE GIPSIES . By J AMES SIMSON . London : Balliere , Tyndall and Co . New Vork : James Muller . This is a pamphlet by the editor of Walter Simson ' s " History ot the Gipsies , " whicii is put forth partly to allude to the question of John Bunyan ' s gipsy descent and partly to express the writer's doubts , ( which seem to us to
be needless , ) whether Mr . Leland and Mr . Borrow knew anything about the gipsies . Mr . J . Simson has an idea that the gipsies constitute the descendants of that "mixed multitude , ' ^ which went out with Moses from Egypt , and were a Syro-Egyptian tribe , whereas most writers hold them to be a nomad tribe from Hindostan . The gipsies , we believe , always themselves claim Egypt as their
country , and the truth may lie . as it generally does , between the two theories . When they appeared in Europe , about 400 years ago , they were generally called Bohemians , or " Bohemiens , " why we know not ; and they seem to have existed as a " caste " admittedly in England about 360 years . Mr . VV . Simson in his work estimates the number of gipsies in England at 250 , 000 , and in the world at
4 , 00-1 , 000 ,- but in both cases his enthusiasm on the subject has apparently led him into a little pardonable exaggeration . The gipsies are very secret , no doubt , and mysterious alike in their manners , their language , their "inteneur , " as the French say , and some writers have held them to constitute a secret society . They undoubtedly represent an ancient tribe , which has practised chiromancy and
astrology from very early times . Those of us who remember the delight with which in days of yore , alas ! long since fled and gone , we opened George Borrow ' s books on thc gipsy life , and gipsy ways , and gipsy speech , will always feel much interest in that remarkable and peculiar race . Atone time they were cruelly persecuted and sorel y harrassed . l'houghtand civilization have led all reasoning minds now to regard them with interest and consideration .
SCHLESISCHES- LOGEN BLATT . Trewendt and Granier , Breslau . LATOMIA . C . Hesse , Leipsic . By the kind intermediation of Bro . Rud . Maennel , of Halle , we have been favoured with the sight of these two German Masonic serials , the former a weekl y , the latter a fortnightly publication . We have perused them both
with much pleasure . The " standpunkt" and the "ideal" of German and English Freemasonry differ a httle , in that the former is , more sentimental and theoretical than its practical contemporary brotherhood in England , which prefers " facta" to " verba , " the concrete to the abstract , simply morality to abstruse philosophy . It may be that in an honest endeavour to be thoroughly realistic in
practice as in profession , to square its extoeric procedure tvitli its esoteric teaching , we in England sometimes put into the back ground that high and philosophic teaching of true Freemasonry , which undoubtedly exists for all its "sophoi" and " wissenden " and enlightened . Ihere are dangers , however , as we all know , in
trancendental philosophies and mystical researches , and we do not feel quite sure but that our good brethren in Germany would hnd and make Freemasonry altogether stronger and more real for themselves if they devoted themselves as we do , as much to the practical as to the theoretical teaching of I'reemasonry .
BOLETIN MASONICO . Mexico . LA ESCUADRA . Habana . There are two Masonic issues , one a monthly ( Mexico ) , the other a fortnightly journal from Havannali . Though they are full of articles intended for Alexican and Havannah Masons , they we fear , are not likely , however well written , to find many readers in Great Britain . We must make
every allowance for Masonry and Masons in those dark regions of the earth , dark that is , in the prohibition and persecuuonswhich Freemasonry and its professors and members have hitherto undergone . So long as the baneful principles of the Inquisition bore sway , so long and so tar , were freemasons rigorously treated , often cruelly tortured in all Spanish speamng lands . We who have spoken in the flesh with a worth y Spanish Freemason , who escaped
happily , actually through Freemasonry , from the prison of the Inquisition at Madrid , and heard from him the cruelties practised on Juan Van Halen , and many more , we strongly teel that 1 ' reemasonry in all such lands , is in a most abnormal position , and deserves all consideration in its early struggles and developements . We trust that all thc various bodies may gradually settle down to the teaching and practice of true Cosmopolitan Freemasonry .
BIBLIOTHECA SUNDERLANDIANA . FOURTH PARI * . The catalogue of the fourth part of the sale of this remarkable library , from November 6 th to November iGth , is now before us , and contains some very interesting and valuable works , though it may perhaps be a matier ot doubt as to whether , after the recent excitement has subsided , the prices generally will rule as high as formerly . However , " lempus omnia monstrat . " The lots commence at S 157
, "Martinez , " and end at 10 , 900 , "St . Awdiol . " This catalogue contains a large number of editiones principes of : lassical writers , such as Paneygerici Veteres ; Pausanias , Phxdrus , Plato , Plautus , Plinius , Plutarchus , Polybius , Ptolemy , and Quintilianus , and many more . Among the works printed on vellum we observe . Ordonnances de i ' Urdre de la i ' oison d'Or , vers 1511 ; Petrarcha Sonette , & c , Venetisoi ; Picus Mirandula , Bologna 1 . 196 ; De Mortc
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
that " a P . M . joining a lodge has not rendered the same services to that lodge as to the lodge in which he served as W . M . " I suggest that a P . M . leaving his lodge to join another should in the latter be received on an equality with its P . M . ' s after a membership of one year ( or two years , if longer probation be preferred ) . 1 think this would meet the
case . No doubt the present discussion will call the attention of the revisers to the subject . Another very important point appears not to be decided by the new Constitutions . It is stated that in the absence of the W . M . a P . M . must occupy his chair , and that this is essential to render the ceremony of conferring a Degree
valid . It has generally been considered that if no competent P . M . be present a Warden may confer a Degree . This point should be definitely decided by the Constitutions . At present all that is laid down is , that in the absence of the VV . M . the Wardens are to issue the summonses for a lodge meeting , and if an Installed Master is present Degrees
may be conferred ; but , if not , then the Wardens can rule the lodge . According to the decision of the Grand Registrar , any brother may confer a Degree , if competent , so long as an installed Master occupies the chair , so that an ordinary Master Mason may thus stand , say , in front , or
by the side of the pedestal , and give the Third Degree to a candidate . Is this really the ruling of the Board of General Purposes ? I am certain very many will be glad to have an authoritative answer to the question . Yours fraternally , H . H .
THE QUEBEC MUDDLE . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As a constant reader of American and Canadian Masonic journals and addresses , I am anxious to say a few words on a subject to which you have frequently alluded in
the Freemason before , and which is apparently much exercising the minds of our good Canadian and American brethren just now . I am the more induced to trouble you , because I saw in your last issue an extract from the Craftsman , a very well conducted Canadian Masonic paper , and we may judge of the
animus of the more extreme of our ! ransatlantic critics and impugners , when we note the tone even of so cautious and creditable a Masonic serial as the Canadian Craftsman . That animus and that tone are just now , for some reason or other , almost truculent , very unjustifiable , and the most foolish threats are frequently fulminated by responsible
authorities and irresponsible writers , which , if carried out logically to the bitter end , must result in long Masonic alienation , grave Masonic severances , and a complete Masonic deadlock . By these Masonic Solons the most violent Masonic measures of isolation , boycotting , excommunication , are openly
recommended as against the English lodges in Canada which still adhere to their mother Grand Lodge , and , above all , against the Grand Lodge of England , —the mother of all Grand Lodges in the world , —and whose course in this , as in all matters , has ever been marked by the great axioms of Masonic justice , legality , and honour , and whose position
is safely based , as ever , on the fundamental principles of Masonic law , precedent , and equity . In order , however , to understand all these matters we must go back a little , premising merely that all this disturbance has originated in respect of a few English lodges , originally chartered by our Grand Lodge , which have
preferred to keep up their connection with their founder , and are supposed thus to militate in some way with , and antagonize certain American principles of Grand Lodge sovereignty andGrand Lodge creation , which are utterly unknown and unrecognized in England . So far back , then , on -he iSth December , 1 S 5 S , in a letter
from our then Grand Secretary , Bro . W . Gray Clarke , the following statement represents the views and positions of the Grand Lodge of England , Irom which it has never swerved . Our brother , the then Grand Secretary , writing about the recognition of the Grand Lodge of Canada , and he goes on to say
this" As , however , there are some fern lodges in Canada West mho have signified their desire to retain their attachment to , and connection with , the Grand Lodge of England , from whence they received their warrant , the Grand Lodge aud Grand Master feel that they are not at liberty to withdraw their protection from such
lodges against their will , and , therefore , claims for them from the Grand Lodge of Canada recognition of their present position with all their Masonic privileges and those of their members respectively . " I forbear from alluding to Bro . Gray Clarke ' s further argument as to the naturalness of such views , but will merely
remark that it never apparently entered into his mind , or that of Grand Master Wilson , in Canada , to question the abstract legality of such claims , or to set up any idea of Masonic illegality in such a position . A very important fact to remember . On thc contrary , Bro . Grand Master Wilson , writing February gth , 1 S 59 , makes use of the following very significant words , after stating that there were only seven
lodges still adhering to England . He goes on thus : " / have ever held , and frequently expressed the opinion , that any subordinate lodges which preferred to continue under these English warrants had a perfect and undoubted right to do so , and were entitled , not only to a recognition from us , but to all their Masonic privileges . "
Original Correspondence.
In this published correspondence , which deserves reperusal , he does indeed suggest that the English Grand Lodge should also agree to give up issuing new warrants , and should say to these very lodges , whose legal rights and position he declared to be unquestionable , " that though the continuance of the connexion would give pleasure and
satisfaction , it was for them seriously to consider , whether the best interests of the Order would not be advanced by uniting with their brothers in the Grand Lodge of Canada . " Lord Zetland , G . M ., on the 2 nd of March , 1 S 59 , in Grand Lodge , stated " that he was prepared to advise Grand Lodge to recognize the Grand Lodge of
Canada ; " at the same time he added , " I have thought it my duty to stipulate for the recognition and protection in all their Masonic rights of those brethren in Canada who still hold firm in their allegiance to Grand Lodge . " He further announced that no new warrants would be issued , and that with the cessation of the present Provincial and District
Grand Mastership , the English Masonic rule would cease , and the English Lodges would gradually probably become extinct . Such was the state of affairs for some years . After the Grand Lodge at Quebec was formed out of the Grand Lodge of Canada , a matter to which I need not allude here , the position of the Grand Lodge of Canada ,
and of the Grand Lodge of England , and of the English Lodges in Canada , was challenged by the new body , and was declared to be illegal , unconstitutional , unheard-of . Grand Master Wilson was even blamed for his undue concessions , and open and obscure hints of reprisal were made , and energetic action was menaced to put a stop to
alleged illegalities . But the English Craiut . Lodge 1 may be permitted to say so , isj ' usl exactly where it was in 1 S 59 , when the legality of its position and the rights of its lodges were openly and officially admitted by the then Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada . It is ot course possible for any body of men to repudiate
official engagements ; to renounce an accepted under standing ; to depart from long continued agreements ; but such a course of procedure does not consort with our English notion of strait running and fair play ; neither does it comport with the wonted Masonic formukc of legal action , and an honourable fulfilment of undertakings .
Repudiation is a word very repulsive to the English Masonic mind . But just as Lord Zetland said , so we still do in England . No new warrants have been issued since 1 S 59 , by us ; humanly speaking no fresh Provincial Grand Master will probably be appointed , and we can only leave it to the efflux of time , and the progress of the Grand Lodge
of Quebec itself , to see whether or no the English Lodges find it better for Masonry and themselves to connect themselves with a near Grand Lodge , rather than keep up a connexion with a distant one , that one being their warranting Grand Lodge . Had the Grand Lodge of Quebec approached the
matter in a somewhat different manner , it is just possible that the English Grand Lodge would have felt justified in adopting the original suggestion , in modified phraseology , of Bro . G . M . Wilson ; but now , 1 fear , precious time has been lost , and a golden opportunity has been thrown away . The course of the Grand Lodgeof England has been
characterized from first to last by much dignity and moderation , by much friendliness and Masonic courtesy ; and though it would do a good deal , and go a long way for the sake of Masonic peace , it is the last and worst body in thc world to attempt to menace or to bully . 1 am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , IMPARTIAL .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — " P . M . 1607 " has fallen into an error in his figures . There never have been 225 children in the main building .
It holds 205 only . In addition , there are thirty-five children in the Junior School , and two pupil teachers , and it is possible to get in three more . I remain faithfully and fraternally yours P . G . O .
GIBSON'S INSTRUCTOR . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Please kindly make enquiry in your next issue of the Freemason if any brother has a copy of the " Freemason ' s Companion and General Instructor , " by Peter
Gibson , which he will kindly lend me . or a short time , or sell ; or could any brother inform me where the above can be purchased ? 1 have enclosed a fly-leaf of thc book for your better information of particulars . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , Frampton Villa , JAS . POWELL , Devizcs-road , Swindon . W . M . 1205 .
MASONIC SCHOOL COMPETITION . To thc Editor of the "Freemason . " Hear Sir and Brother , — The second premium of . £ 25 having been awarded us by the Committee for the above , we feel it only fair in
calling your attention to an article which appeared in the Freemason of Saturday last , stating that all the plans sent in far exceeded the amount intended to be spent by the Committee , and that the lowest tender was £ 13 , 000 . By the enclosed report , which accompanied our design , the sum therein stated is £ 11 , 000 , and we have no hesita-
Original Correspondence.
tion in saying that had the sum of , fSooo been given in the instructions as the limit , we should not have exceeded that amount , as our plans included several additions not asked for , but left to the discretion of the architect . Trusting you will give this space in the next issue of your valuable journal . We remain , Sir , yours obediently ,
THOS . KISSASK AND SON . ( " ESPRIT DE CORI-S . " ) 49 , Great Portland-street , August 21 st .
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
JOHN BUNYAN AND THE GIPSIES . By J AMES SIMSON . London : Balliere , Tyndall and Co . New Vork : James Muller . This is a pamphlet by the editor of Walter Simson ' s " History ot the Gipsies , " whicii is put forth partly to allude to the question of John Bunyan ' s gipsy descent and partly to express the writer's doubts , ( which seem to us to
be needless , ) whether Mr . Leland and Mr . Borrow knew anything about the gipsies . Mr . J . Simson has an idea that the gipsies constitute the descendants of that "mixed multitude , ' ^ which went out with Moses from Egypt , and were a Syro-Egyptian tribe , whereas most writers hold them to be a nomad tribe from Hindostan . The gipsies , we believe , always themselves claim Egypt as their
country , and the truth may lie . as it generally does , between the two theories . When they appeared in Europe , about 400 years ago , they were generally called Bohemians , or " Bohemiens , " why we know not ; and they seem to have existed as a " caste " admittedly in England about 360 years . Mr . VV . Simson in his work estimates the number of gipsies in England at 250 , 000 , and in the world at
4 , 00-1 , 000 ,- but in both cases his enthusiasm on the subject has apparently led him into a little pardonable exaggeration . The gipsies are very secret , no doubt , and mysterious alike in their manners , their language , their "inteneur , " as the French say , and some writers have held them to constitute a secret society . They undoubtedly represent an ancient tribe , which has practised chiromancy and
astrology from very early times . Those of us who remember the delight with which in days of yore , alas ! long since fled and gone , we opened George Borrow ' s books on thc gipsy life , and gipsy ways , and gipsy speech , will always feel much interest in that remarkable and peculiar race . Atone time they were cruelly persecuted and sorel y harrassed . l'houghtand civilization have led all reasoning minds now to regard them with interest and consideration .
SCHLESISCHES- LOGEN BLATT . Trewendt and Granier , Breslau . LATOMIA . C . Hesse , Leipsic . By the kind intermediation of Bro . Rud . Maennel , of Halle , we have been favoured with the sight of these two German Masonic serials , the former a weekl y , the latter a fortnightly publication . We have perused them both
with much pleasure . The " standpunkt" and the "ideal" of German and English Freemasonry differ a httle , in that the former is , more sentimental and theoretical than its practical contemporary brotherhood in England , which prefers " facta" to " verba , " the concrete to the abstract , simply morality to abstruse philosophy . It may be that in an honest endeavour to be thoroughly realistic in
practice as in profession , to square its extoeric procedure tvitli its esoteric teaching , we in England sometimes put into the back ground that high and philosophic teaching of true Freemasonry , which undoubtedly exists for all its "sophoi" and " wissenden " and enlightened . Ihere are dangers , however , as we all know , in
trancendental philosophies and mystical researches , and we do not feel quite sure but that our good brethren in Germany would hnd and make Freemasonry altogether stronger and more real for themselves if they devoted themselves as we do , as much to the practical as to the theoretical teaching of I'reemasonry .
BOLETIN MASONICO . Mexico . LA ESCUADRA . Habana . There are two Masonic issues , one a monthly ( Mexico ) , the other a fortnightly journal from Havannali . Though they are full of articles intended for Alexican and Havannah Masons , they we fear , are not likely , however well written , to find many readers in Great Britain . We must make
every allowance for Masonry and Masons in those dark regions of the earth , dark that is , in the prohibition and persecuuonswhich Freemasonry and its professors and members have hitherto undergone . So long as the baneful principles of the Inquisition bore sway , so long and so tar , were freemasons rigorously treated , often cruelly tortured in all Spanish speamng lands . We who have spoken in the flesh with a worth y Spanish Freemason , who escaped
happily , actually through Freemasonry , from the prison of the Inquisition at Madrid , and heard from him the cruelties practised on Juan Van Halen , and many more , we strongly teel that 1 ' reemasonry in all such lands , is in a most abnormal position , and deserves all consideration in its early struggles and developements . We trust that all thc various bodies may gradually settle down to the teaching and practice of true Cosmopolitan Freemasonry .
BIBLIOTHECA SUNDERLANDIANA . FOURTH PARI * . The catalogue of the fourth part of the sale of this remarkable library , from November 6 th to November iGth , is now before us , and contains some very interesting and valuable works , though it may perhaps be a matier ot doubt as to whether , after the recent excitement has subsided , the prices generally will rule as high as formerly . However , " lempus omnia monstrat . " The lots commence at S 157
, "Martinez , " and end at 10 , 900 , "St . Awdiol . " This catalogue contains a large number of editiones principes of : lassical writers , such as Paneygerici Veteres ; Pausanias , Phxdrus , Plato , Plautus , Plinius , Plutarchus , Polybius , Ptolemy , and Quintilianus , and many more . Among the works printed on vellum we observe . Ordonnances de i ' Urdre de la i ' oison d'Or , vers 1511 ; Petrarcha Sonette , & c , Venetisoi ; Picus Mirandula , Bologna 1 . 196 ; De Mortc