Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

SEIGJITJND SAX . The brethren will be glad to learn that this speculative brother ' s career is not likely to prove successful in America ; for , through the letters published in the ' Freemasons' Magazine , the Masonic journals across the Atlantic have taken him up , and posted the Craft against Ms craft .- A . B .

COMANCHE MASONEY . To those who are fond of speculation , we present the following authentic story , as told by our venerable Bro . Henry King , of Perry , Indiana , relative to Bro . E . W . Taylor , P . G . M , of Texas . —

' Grand Master Taylor was speaking of the fact that among the aborigines of America , there existed individual chiefs , who had an imperfect acquaintance with Masonic mysteries . To illustrate his averment he related the following adventure : —Some time before , himself and one companion went one day some

distance beyond the ' settlement' to hunt buffaloes . They anticipated no danger , and therefore , were completely surprised to find themselves suddenly surrounded and made prisoners by a band of hostile Comanckes . A grand pow-wow was held over the captives , and soon it became evident , from the

movements of the savages , that they had been doomed to the stake . The preparations were nearly completed , before Grand Master Taylor , in his distress bethought himself of the Masonic talisman which he carried with him . ^ With no ' great expectations' to encourage him in its use , he yet determined to try it ; and , acl

cordingy , slowly aud impressively , gave the G . H . S . Instantly one of the chiefs who had been superintending the arrangement of the faggots , sprang to his side , and grasped his hand , and , although unable to Bpenk English , gave him to understand by signs , that his enmity ^ had miraculously been converted into effective friendship . Returning to his companions

, the noble keeper of his troth plead long and earnestly for his white brethren , and finally carried his point . The captives were released , hospitably entertained , and finally started homewards on their own mustangs , which their Indian frater had succeeded in reclaiming for them . " Tho incident is an interesting one , and Bro King vouches for its utter truthfulness . —U . S .

DNALXO AND TEEEMASONEY . I desire to express my opinion that the question as to Freemasonry being Christian , or simply Theistical , when viewed on its universal aspect , is one of vital importance . Bro . H . B . White is an able exponent on the side of tho Christian characterand Dnalxo

, " " appears equally capable of supporting the other side . I , for one , should like to see the subject well considered in " ] N otes and Queries , " and promise , ere long , to write a series of articles on " Freemasonry and Christianit y before and after the Union of A . D . 1 S 13 . " In the present day the Craft should be unsectarian , h before 1813 it not

althoug was . —W . J . HUGHAN . BEO . HYDE C'LAEKE AHT > FBEEMASONY . Whilst sympathising with the remarks by Bro . Hyde Clarke relative to the necessity of collecting more facts respecting Freemasonry before " we build

up theories , " I must at the same time express my regret that so accomplished a Mason as he , should he obliged to refrain directly from the study of Masonry Many brethren look to Bro . Clarke for " facts relating to the Craft , and theories also . In the past , his various contributions have been esteemed and

deservedly valued . Let us hope , then , the future will witness the same result . Masonic investigation may he said to have only lately commenced , and much of the evidence of the nature of the Craft lies buried , in forgotten and neglected records . Let those willing to aid in the study , search for something like data , and not seek to prove vain notions . —W . J . HUGHAN .

A MASON . The name of a Mason is not to he in the contracted implication of a builder of habitations , but figuratively pursuant to the method of the ancient society ou which this institution is founded ; and , taken in this sensea Mason is one whobgradual advances

, , y in the sublime truths , and various arts and sciences which the principles and precepts of Freemasonry tend to inculcate and establish , is raised by regular courses to such a degree of perfection as to be replete with happiness to himself and extensively beneficial to others . —L . M . H .

" OETJX " ON BEO . SLACK ' S LETTEE TO THE PEINCE OT WALES ( p . 109 ) . " Crux " hits the nail on the head when he says : — "Let Bro . Slack defend himself . "—COMIIONSENSE . SCOTTISH MASONIC CHAKTEES , & C

In connexion with the above subject , I consider itto be my duty to give the following valuable extract ( which is the principal contents ) of a letter ( dated Jan . 28 , 1869 ) which I received from Professor Cosmo Innes , V . P . B . S . JE ., & c . He has , indeed , been very kind in affording me this as well as other similar valuable information . —W . P . BTJCIIAN .

" I cannot advise you to put your faith to the document you showed me , either as an original charter or a copy , or a translation of any charter that could ever have existed—either of Malcolm IV ., or of Malcolm Canmoir , or of any other King of Scots . It is simply a forgery or trick , and those who

meddle with it in the way of supporting its authenticity , will not only dirty their hands in the foul mess , but will he well laughed at . " I may say further , that no Mason ' s lodge in the world can have ( or can have had ) a charter from any Malcolm , King of Scots . That is a mere delusion .

" If , indeed , you could connect yourselves with the brotherhood ( Jraternitas ) founded by Bishop Jocelin in your city , and which evidently had an existence and action under William the Lion , it would be a fine pedigree to put forth . _ " Whether your records , or the records of your citwill enable

y , you to do so , I must not pronounce . But , to show you better what I mean , I will enclose a pretty literal translation of William ' s Charter . The Charter standing in the old Register of the Bishopric of Glasgow would make faith in any court of law . "If you won't retort upon me that ' the Sutor shouldn't go beyond his last , ' I will venture a sug-