Masonic Notes And Queries.

therefore a speculative Mason is the same as an operative , because things that are equal to tiie same are equal to one another ! Or , as we might say , " Philosophers are Architects , Architects are Masons—ergo , Masons are Philosophers . " Then follows a delicate hit at " the Eoyal Ark Mariners , " under the heading "Apologue . " And

again" Speculative Masonry . —JSthics . - ' ' It would be as reasonable to abseribe to a school instituted , in 1717 , for the teaching of Ethics , the origin of that science , as to ascribe to the Grand Lodge of 1717 the origin of Speculative Masonry . " Oras we miht render itperhapsmore popularl

, g , , y , it would be as absurd to ascribe to the projectors of the first Crystal Palace the arts therein represented , as to ascribe to the celebrated Daguerre the origin of photography , the principles of which are coeval with the solar system . "

Philosophy . — Greelc and Roman Architects . " Philosophy was one of the sciences studied by the Greek and Eoman'Architects . NowlPhilosophy is no part of Operative Masonry , but it is an essential part of Speculative Masonry . "

Apologue . " Those who do not dispute a brother ' s assertion that Mcah was the founder of Preemasonry will not , it may be conjectured , think it necessary to dispute his further assertion that Moah first used the Apologue as a pleasant vehicle of the moral doctrine of the Craft ; and that consequently Jotham , in the famous Apologue ( Judges , chap . 9 ) , was not an inventor , but only a successful imitator . "

OLD LODGE EECOEDS . In the interesting notes of Bro . P . S . anent old lodge records , I see frequent allusion to " the commission for five for intrants continued . " Is there any connection between this and the regulation in our Constitution , that only five shall be initiated at each meeting of our lodges?—PEOGEESS .

Masonic Sayings And Doings Abroad.

MASONIC SAYINGS AND DOINGS ABROAD .

On the subject of uniformity of the work of the three symbolic degrees throughout the country , tho Grand Master of Arkansas thus sums up his conclusions : —" Indeed , it is Avonderful to see how nearly Masons of all countries speak the same traditional and unwritten language , and how similar the vows which

they assume . There is also no material want of uniformity in the work and lectures of the Entered Apprentice , PelloAv Craft , and first and third sections of the Master ' s degree . In the dramatic representations of the historical incidents of the second

section of the third degree , and in the rehearsals of the legendary circumstances of the great tragedy on which it is founded , there is a want of uniformity ; but no other unwritten tragedy has been dramatised , and no other unwritten legend repeated , for so many

centuturies , in so many countries , and by so many people , Avith so much substantial uniformity . "

There are now two Masonic lodges in good working order at Salt Lake City , 'TTtak Territory , both under the exclusive control of Gentiles . Mo Mormon can enter the sacred portals , as it would he impossible for their great leader himself to secure an examination , and it may be certain no true Mason would vouch for his morality .

Two Supreme Councils , Scottish Rite , existed in Mexico in April , 1868—One organised in I 860 , at Yera Cruz ; the other in 1865 , at the City . of Mexico-They are now consolidated . In the matter of the Grand Orient of Prance , the

Committee on jurisprudence of the Grand Lodge of California submitted a report , which was adopted , in which they say : — " We have only to refer to our General Eegulation Mo . 6 , our proceedings prior to the adoption of that

regulation , and the report of the Committee on Correspondence submitted at this communication , to show how closely the Grand Orient of Prance has imitated in Louisiana the bad action of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg in Mew York . "

The Grand Lodge then unanimously adopted the following resolution : — " Eesolved , —That all Masonic intercourse between this Grand Lodge and the Grand Orient of Prance is hereby suspended ; and that the lodges and Masons

of this jurisdiction are forbidden to recognise or hold any communication with any brother who hails from or acknowledges allegiance to the Grand Orient of Prance , so long as that body continues its unlawful ancl reprehensible invasion of the jurisdictional rights of the Grand Lodge of Louisiania . "

The Administrative Council of the Swiss Grand Lodge Alpina has thus taken cognizance of the resolution adopted at the meeting of the Grand Orient of France of July Sth , I 860 : — "Masons under obedience to the Grand Orient of Prancerepresented by their delegates in the

conven-, tion of 1869 , affirm that humanity and Masonry are outraged when difference of race , colour , or religion suffice to interdict the entrance of a ' profane' into the Masonic family . " At the request of the said Assembly you have , through my illustrious Grand Master , communicated

this resolution to all Masonic Grand Lodges , announcing to them that the Grand Orient of Prance would cease all intercourse with those who did not adhere to this principle . Por motives which our reply itself will enable you

to appreciate , we have not considered it necessary to introduce your communication into the debates of our Grand Lodge , but we believe we express the

sentiments of the latter in placing before you the light in